Box Score Mining: ATL V. JAC pre

My apologies to Towers of Power. I have been trashing him for two of his sleeper picks, Matt Jones (WR and soon to be TE eligible -Jax) and Michael Jenkins (WR-WR wasteland... I mean ATL). They are looking great during their most recent preseason game against each other. I wouldn’t put stock in their performances if they did their damage during the third quarter against the second team defenses, but I like what I saw against the first stringers.

Matt Jones- He is every bit a beast that Towers said he was. I never disagreed with that. I just didn’t see him factoring heavily in Leftwich’s preferences. He saw a number of looks his way and Atlanta couldn’t keep him in check. The big Jacksonville scoring drive was mostly as a result of Jones’ one-hand grab after streaking down the field. The players guarding him would have needed a ladder to have a shot at defending the play. Leftwich now has a reliable safety valve in the very least when Jimmy Smith and Reggie Williams are tied up. Their is no arguing with his red zone prowess.

Fantasy Impact- I would seriously consider adding Matt Jones in a league with 10 or more teams as a sleeper in anticipation of him gaining TE eligibility. The TE second tier is so bunched that Jones could be a significant upgrade or at least a serviceable plug and play at the position.

Michael Jenkins- I still believe that there are a few places in the league that receivers go to become irrelevant in the fantasy world. Atlanta has been one whenever Vick is behind center. I doubt that Vick will be able to completely reverse his tendencies to use his legs at the first sign of tight coverage, but if he increases his passing then Jenkins looks like a formidable target. The wide receiver caught both touchdowns for the Falcons and is taking advantage of his time in the first receiver chair.

Fantasy Impact- I would watch Jenkins through the first game with my cursor hovering over the add link in leagues that have 14 teams or less. If he shows what he’s showing today I would want to be first in line for his services. In leagues with more than 14 teams, Jenkins would be a medium risk/medium reward add right now. If you have any low ceiling WR in one of those larger leagues (like a Travis Taylor, or Marty Booker) it might be worth the chance at 900 yards and 7 TDs.