Philadelphia Eagles - Fantasy News

Super Bowl 52 DFS Picks: Alshon Jeffrey

by Aaron Bowers

1/30/18

NFL

Philadelphia Eagles

Alshon Jeffery

In his first season in Philadelphia, Alshon Jeffery re-established himself as one of the top receivers in the NFL. He played all 16 games for the first time since 2014 and scored nine touchdowns during the regular season. In two playoff games against the Falcons and Vikings, Jeffery caught nine of 10 targets for 145 yards and two touchdowns.

Jeffery’s play this year has already earned him a new contract and a trip to the Super Bowl for the Eagles for the first time since 2005. He’ll look to finish the season on a high note by shredding the New England Patriots in the Big Game.

Why Should I Start Alshon Jeffery?

As previously mentioned, Jeffery has played well of late. He’s eclipsed 8.0 DFP in three of the four games that Nick Foles has started and is the most-targeted wide receiver on the team over that span. Jeffery is one of the best red zone receivers in the NFL. He’s one of only five players with double-digit receiving touchdowns this year in the regular season and postseason combined. His 6-foot-3 frame makes him a matchup nightmare against most corners, and he has great hands and footwork in the end zone.

In addition, despite having two big-name corners in Stephon Gilmore and Malcolm Butler, New England has been one of the worst defenses in the NFL all season. Its pass-rush will be non-existent against a Philadelphia offensive line that may be the best in football, giving Foles time and space to pick apart the secondary.

Lastly, for what it’s worth, Vegas thinks this will be a high-scoring affair that New England will win. Consequently, Philadelphia may find itself in situations in which it is down by multiple scores and needs to throw the ball a lot to keep up. It’s certainly possible that Jeffery racks up a lot of DFP in garbage time.

Why Should I Bench Alshon Jeffery?

For as good as Foles looked against Minnesota, it’s safe to say he won’t be replicating that effort, even against a beatable Patriots defense. Foles, Jeffery and most of the rest of this team have never played on this stage, something that can’t be taken for granted when considering their potential fantasy performance. We’ve seen lesser players than Foles and Jeffery look overwhelmed by the moment in their first Super Bowl appearance.

The cornerback-receiver matchup is concerning for Jeffery as well. Winning mostly with his size, Jeffery doesn’t get a lot of separation in man coverage. That’s normally not a problem, but most NFL teams can’t match up Jeffery with a 6-foot tall corner like the Patriots can with Gilmore. Against the Raiders oversized and under-talented corners in Week 16, Jeffery was completely shut out. Something similar could happen this week if the Patriots elect to stick to their guns and play man coverage on the outside.

Should I Make Alshon Jeffery a Super Bowl LII Fantasy Starter?

No. Jeffery has scored more than 10.5 DFP only twice since Week 14 and will be playing on the biggest stage against corners that can man him up. Philadelphia’s best bet to move the ball and win this game is with run-pass options that emphasize Zach Ertz, Nelson Agholor and Jay Ajayi in the middle of the field. Doug Pederson would be foolish to challenge Butler and Gilmore on the outside with such favorable matchups elsewhere.

Super Bowl LII Fantasy Prediction: Alshon Jeffery Under 10.5 DFPs