Should I Drop Curtis Samuel? Fantasy Football Outlook

Washington Commanders wide receiver Curtis Samuel started the 2022 season on fire. The veteran receiver averaged 17.3 half-point PPR fantasy points per game over the first two weeks this season.

More importantly, the former Ohio State Buckeye averaged nine targets per game over the first five games of the year, seeing at least seven targets in every matchup. Furthermore, he averaged 11.8 half-point PPR fantasy points per game during that span despite scoring only two touchdowns.

Unfortunately, Samuel’s fantasy production has dropped over the past several weeks. Given the lack of production, should fantasy players drop the veteran wide receiver?

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Should I Drop Curtis Samuel?

Over the first six games of the season, Carson Wentz started for the Commanders. During those six games, Samuel averaged 8.3 targets and 10.1 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Furthermore, the veteran receiver saw at least five targets in every contest.

However, Taylor Heinicke has started the past six games for Washington. The former Ohio State receiver has averaged only 3.7 targets and 8.5 half-point PPR fantasy points per game with the new quarterback. More importantly, Samuel saw four or fewer targets in all but one of those games.

Moreover, the veteran wide receiver has seen his targets decrease over the past few weeks. Samuel had two targets in Week 11 against the Houston Texans. Last week he saw zero targets despite a fantasy-friendly matchup against the Atlanta Falcons.

While Samuel started the year on fire, now is the time for fantasy players to cut bait and drop him.

What Wide Receiver Should I Add Off The Waiver Wire?

Fantasy players should drop Samuel and add Zay Jones off the waiver wire. The Jacksonville Jaguar wide receiver is available in over 50% of ESPN leagues.

Last week, the veteran wide receiver was unstoppable against the Baltimore Ravens. Jones caught 11 of 14 targets for 145 receiving yards and scored 22 half-point PPR fantasy points in the win.

More importantly, the former East Carolina star receiver is averaging 7.9 targets per game this year, a career-high. Furthermore, he has seen eight or more targets in 60% of his games this season, including two straight contests.

Over the past two games, Jones has averaged 9.5 receptions on 12 targets for 106.5 receiving yards and 16.4 half-point PPR fantasy points per game.

Meanwhile, Jones has an excellent matchup against the Detroit Lions this week. They have surrendered 32.4 fantasy points per game to wide receivers this season, the fourth-most in the NFL.

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