Week 12 NFL Advanced Analytics Superstars
Wide Receiver: Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons
Julio Jones, WR, Atlanta Falcons
12 Receptions, 253 Yards, 15 Targets, 2 Touchdowns
1 Rush, 15 yards
Performance Score: 100
Every so often, the Atlanta Falcons realize that Julio Jones is the most physically gifted wide receiver on the planet and decide to feature him in the passing game. Sunday was one of those days.
Against an undermanned and overmatched Tampa Bay Buccaneers secondary, Jones went off for 253 yards and 2 touchdowns on 12 receptions. He notched a perfect 100 Performance Score and his only multi-touchdown game of the season. He added a 15-yard run on an end-around for good measure as the Falcons coasted to an easy victory over their division rival.
Tampa Bay defensive coordinator Mike Smith may have drafted Jones, but he seemingly was unaware that single covering him with backup defensive backs for much of the game was a bad idea. The star wide receiver consistently abused second-year corner Ryan Smith and rookie safety Justin Evans. Jones' 1,039 receiving yards are now the second-best number in the NFL.
While weekly consistency has evaded Jones throughout much of his career, his ability to produce blow-up games like this make him a must-start player heading into the fantasy playoffs.
Best of the Rest
Receivers | Rec | Rec Yards | Tgts | Rec TDs | Performance |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Keenan Allen | 11 | 172 | 14 | 1 | 99 |
Antonio Brown | 10 | 169 | 12 | 2 | 99 |
Jamison Crowder | 7 | 141 | 10 | 1 | 99 |
Robby Anderson | 6 | 146 | 10 | 2 | 97 |
Marvin Jones | 6 | 109 | 9 | 2 | 94 |