Travis Benjamin

Week 7 at St. Louis

One of 2015’s breakout performers, Travis Benjamin was very impressive in Week 6, catching nine passes for 117 yards against Denver. Benjamin is one of the few players who has been able to get anything going against the Broncos. And the showing offers further proof that Travis has emerged as much more than an occasional big play threat.

However, his big play past could emerge this weekend in the Gateway City. Although St. Louis has surrendered just five touchdowns in five games, they gave up two long touchdowns to Green Bay in Week 5 prior to their bye, with James Jones scoring on a 65-yard play and Ty Montgomery walking in uncovered from 31 yards out. It remains to be seen if Benjamin will put together a monster showing in St. Louis, but he certainly needs to be in your lineup.

Week 5 at Baltimore

After finding the end zone the first three weeks of the season, Travis Benjamin was unable to make a trip there in Week 4. However, his early season heroics have earned him a bigger role in the Cleveland offense. Travis was targeted ten times last Sunday and he hauled in six passes for 79 yards. A performance like that reduces Benjamin’s bust factor going forward, especially considering he was also targeted 10 times in Week 3.

Baltimore’s pass defense is far from flawless when it comes to stopping opposing receivers. Cincinnati’s A.J. Green ran wild on them in Week 3, and other receivers such as Amari Cooper have enjoyed success. They have yielded seven touchdowns. One thing the Ravens have been able to do is stop tight ends, which may lead to more targets for Cleveland’s backs and receivers. Benjamin is firmly in the WR3 mix.

Week 5 vs Oakland

Undoubtedly, the most surprising fantasy player of the season so far has been Travis Benjamin. After catching a 54-yard touchdown pass in Week 1, Travis went nuts in Week 2, with touchdown receptions of 60 and 50 yards. He also returned a punt for a touchdown.

Is Benjamin for real, or is this early season growth spurt a mirage? Going into this season, Benjamin had career totals of 41 receptions for 717 yards and five touchdowns. He has totally come out of nowhere, and owners who raced to the waiver wire to claim him this week can expect more big plays as the season goes on. However, in a conservative offense, Benjamin’s boom can go bust at any time, especially considering he will not get the volume other receivers will. He is a deep threat and little else. As a result, Travis should not be viewed as a starter this week.