Week 8 vs. Browns
The catch numbers might not be what you're accustomed to from Antonio Brown, but the production has been solid thanks to six TD catches. He also put together back-to-back 100-yard games going into the bye, so he and Ben Roethlisberger are starting to click. He'll likely draw Denzel Ward in coverage, but Brown caught five of seven targets for 50 yards with Ward in coverage in the opener when he posted nine receptions for 93 yards and a score. Brown should be good to go again this week.
Week 6 at Cincinnati Bengals
Antonio Brown posted his first 100-yard game this season on six catches, also scoring twice last week, as he and Ben Roethlisberger finally seemed to get on the same page in the second half against Atlanta. Brown should remain a strong start this week as the Bengals are middle of the pack against opposing wideouts, but have been burned by the better groups they have played. The Bengals have traditionally done a good job of limiting his damage, but did allow him eight receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown the last time they met.
Week 5 vs. Atlanta Falcons
For most receivers, a line of 5-62-1 would be a decent day. For Antonio Brown, it's another bad game. Such is life when you've raised the bar as high as he has. He's off to a slow start in terms of yardage, but the catches are where they usually are. And he's scored in three of four games. The problem hasn't been with Brown, it's been with Ben Roethlisberger, who's missed Brown on a number of occasions. Better days are ahead and could start this week against a soft Atlanta defense.
Week 4 vs. Baltimore Ravens
Antonio Brown had six receptions for 50 yards and a touchdown last week and is averaging 8.6 yards per catch this season. But he continues to get plenty of targets. He faces a Baltimore defense that gave up four touchdowns to Cincinnati receivers in the air two weeks ago, including three to A.J. Green. Then there's this: In the three games Brown has faced the Ravens without Jimmy Smith, he's caught 32 passes for 453 yards and two scores. Brown is about to go off.
Week 3 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Antonio Brown posted a stat line of 9-67-0 but did so on 17 targets in a game in which the Chiefs double- and triple-teamed him, leaving him frustrated. He has 33 targets through two games and Tampa Bay is allowing opposing receivers to catch a ridiculous 73 percent of passes this season. Brown should rebound quite nicely from a pedestrian Week 2.
Week 2 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Ho-hum, Antonio Brown caught nine passes for 93 yards and a touchdown last week against the Browns—a game that would be great for most receivers but was just another day at the office for him. The Chiefs allowed 16 receptions for 198 yards and 2 touchdowns to Chargers receivers last week. They could have given up even more if not for some bad drops. Brown should have monster numbers this week.
Week 1 at Cleveland Browns
In his past eight games against Cleveland, Antonio Brown has averaged eight receptions for 124 yards and scored five touchdowns. You selected him as your No. 1 receiver and he should perform like one, especially against a soft Cleveland CB group. With LeVeon Bell out, Brown should become even more of a focal point in the Pittsburgh offense. He should be started in all formats.
Fantasy Upside
Antonio Brown has produced five straight years of 100 or more catches. Would you like to bet against him making it six in a row? He's the best receiver in the NFL and in fantasy. He missed two games with a calf injury last season and still led the league in receiving yards while posting 101 catches and nine scores.
Fantasy Downside
He's 30 now. Is that a downside? Is there a downside to owning Antonio Brown?
2018 Bottom Line
Brown is the surest of the sure things among non-quarterbacks in the league right now. You can mark him down for 100+ catches, 1,400+ yards, and double-digit touchdowns. He did what he did last season despite facing a who's who of top cornerbacks. That won't be the case this season. He's a top-five pick in any format.
Divisional Round vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
Antonio Brown will be back in the lineup for the Steelers this week after sitting out the final two games of the regular season. Despite only playing 14 games, he led the NFL in receiving yards (1,533). Included in that was a 10-catch, 157-yard effort on 19 targets against the Jaguars in Week 5. Brown won't be as big a part of the offense this week, but he should still produce enough to be a top WR option.
Week 15 vs. New England Patriots
Antonio Brown didn't score last week, ending a three-game streak in which he produced 6 scores. But hey, he did catch 11 passes for 213 yards, so you can live with it. The Patriots are coming off a game in which they allowed 3 touchdown receptions to Miami's receivers, none of whom are anywhere close to Brown's talent. He's a must-start this week.
