Willie Snead

Fantasy Upside
After Lamar Jackson took over as the starting quarterback midway through the season, Willie Snead was really the only Ravens receiver to get consistent targets. Throughout the year, he averaged 6.7 targets and after Jackson took over, had less than his average in only three games. Snead has big-play potential dating back to his days with the Saints, and he’s the most natural fit in the slot among the Ravens’ current receivers. If Snead wins that job, he might lead the team in receptions.

Fantasy Downside
Despite getting steady work throughout the year, Snead wound up with only 651 yards and a single touchdown, which he scored in his first game of the season. Also, receiving production might be limited in Baltimore, as Jackson never attempted more than 25 passes in a game last year, and his completion percentage was only 58.2%. Plus, rookies Marquise Brown and Miles Boykin are lurking on the depth chart, and veteran Chris Moore might be in play for the slot job as well.

2019 Bottom Line
Snead might be worth a gamble late in PPR formats, but it’s hard to get too excited about any of the Ravens’ receivers considering how little they threw the ball with Jackson behind center a year ago. The team brought in Mark Ingram and should continue to run a ball-control offense, using Jackson’s legs instead of his arm. No significant draft capital should be spent on Snead.

Week 11 vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Willie Snead hasn’t put up big numbers, but he’s quietly led the team in targets in each of his past two games. He’s now averaging 7.7 targets per game this year. Snead is still not producing at a high level – only one touchdown this season and no game over 60 yards receiving – but he’s getting looks and his playmaking ability makes him a threat to score anytime he touches the ball.

This week, Snead has some boom-bust potential in a great matchup against the Bengals, who allow 42.7 fantasy points per game to opposing wide receiver this year. Snead is super risky as the third option on the depth chart in an offense that’s trending downward, but his targets and matchup is interesting enough for swing-for-the-fences lineups this week.

Week 7 vs. New Orleans Saints

Willie Snead is super risky to trust in any given week, but he has some upside against the Saints, who only have one good cornerback and are allowing the most fantasy points per game to the wide receiver position in the entire league this season. Snead has big-play ability and he's facing his former team, so he may show up big. Classic boom/bust situation.