Gaining Relevance: Hakeem Nicks

It feels like every week I'm saying I told you so. On one hand I feel like a jerk saying it. On the other... I am a jerk. But, I'm the jerk who told you to get Miles Austin while you still could.

This week let's stay in the NFC East and talk about another up and coming young receiver: Hakeem Nicks.

The Giants first round pick out of North Carolina had big shoes to fill. At first the focus on the Giants rookie class was on Nicks, but as camp started up a lot of the focus shifted to the Giants third round pick, Ramses Barden. Barden was all of the sudden the one people felt might make an impact and Nicks sort of shifted to the background after having a mediocre camp.

As the season began the Giants started getting production from Steve Smith and Mario Manningham and really nothing from Nicks. Nicks had 2 catches for 18 yards in his first 3 games.

Since then, however, the Giants have been getting Nicks more involved in the offense. Manningham had been the definitive number 2 target behind Steve Smith, but in the recent weeks Manningham has been sick with a case of the dropsies. He's been dropping or bobbling every thing in sight, including a certain TD last week. Even some of the plays he's made have come on bobbles that he just simply recovered. His struggles have opened the door for Nicks.

In his past 4 games, Nicks has 14 catches for 297 yards and 4 touchdowns. That includes a touchdown in four straight games. Granted last weeks TD was a bit fluke, but four straight games with a TD is nothing to sneeze at. If that doesn't impress you, consider that he's the first Hakeem that comes up when conducting a Google search. That's an honor!

I expect to see Nicks remain a part of the Giants offense and continue to give you solid fantasy production. Consider him a matchups play or 3rd receiver in 10 team leagues and a borderline every week guy at this point in deeper leagues (depending on your depth at the position, of course).

Nicks is owned in 53% of ESPN leagues.

PCB Scout

Questions? Comments? Random nonsense? Email me: pcbscout(at)gmail.com

WR Watch: Week 5

Miles Austin - Cowboys: 10 catches - 250 yards 2 touchdowns
The preseason sleeper woke up and had a career game against the Chiefs.  He should move in as Romo's second favorite receiver which means more targets, though don't expect many more 10 catch games.

Chris Henry - Bengals: 3 catches - 91 yards
He has been a non-factor thus far, but finally showed up with a big 73 yard catch.  There are too many targets in Cincinnati, but at least keep an eye on Henry.

Mike Wallace - Steelers: 2 catches - 52 yards 1 touchdown
It is hard to get excited about a Steeler #3 wideout, but he is putting up decent numbers.

Eddie Royal - Broncos: 10 catches - 90 yards
He finally came up big in PPR leagues, but his value is steal shaky with a conservative Bronco offense and a slightly above average Orton throwing to him.  Nevertheless, he has been cut and is worth a look if you can snag him.

Donnie Avery - Rams: 5 catches - 87 yards 1 touchdown
Avery is the real-deal, but the Rams aren't.  Still, they can improve a bit as the season progresses and Avery will be the man in St. Louis.

Hakeem Nicks - Giants: 4 catches - 49 yards 1 touchdown
Nicks has the knack for finding the end zone, but with Manningham and Smith playing well, starting him would be a roll of the dice unless a starter is injured.

Jeremy Maclin - Eagles: 6 catches - 142 yards with 2 touchdowns
He showed his big-play ability by scoring on deep passes of 51 and 40 yards while starting in place of Kevin Curtis.  Good bye Kevin Curtis.

Austin Collie - Colts: 8 catches - 97 yards 2 TD's
He's has surpassed Garcon in fantasy value and could keep Gonzales out of the starting line if he continues to play well.

Josh Morgan - 49ers: 4 catches passes 78 yards
Back-to-back solid games for Morgan makes him a viable low-end fantasy receiver.