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WR/CB Matchups - Week 12

gordon_josh_g_mp_576Every week there are a few matchups that catch my attention. I use PFF’s advanced statistics to give an in-depth look at possible fantasy starters and duds. This week I focus on four matchups that I think could provide interesting results. This week I focus on arguably the two best cornerbacks in football, an ex-fantasy stud, and 2013’s best receiver.

Josh Gordon vs. Robert McClain

Josh Gordon finally makes his first appearance of 2014. I decided to add him to this article in case you stashed him this entire season and aren’t sure if he deserves a start. Since this is his first game back I don’t have any advanced stats to share about his season. In 2013 however, he was a monster. He was arguably the best receiver in all of football and would have been one of the first five receivers off the board had he not been suspended. He averaged 11.05 yards per attempt last season with backup quality play at quarterback. Hopefully he has realized how close his football career was to ending and he won’t be making negative headlines anymore.

Normally Gordon would be matched up against Robert Alford, but he suffered a broken wrist last game and is unavailable. Alford had been getting torched this year and it is honestly probably for the best he won’t have to face Gordon. Robert McClain stepped right in for Alford and proceeded to get beat by Cam Newton and the Panthers. McClain was targeted four times and allowed four catches for 74 yards and a touchdown. If he is asked to cover Gordon on an island… good luck.

Bottom Line: This is Gordon’s first game back and fantasy owners are skeptical on whether or not to immediately start him. If you hung on to him for 11 weeks, what are you waiting for? Most fantasy playoffs start week 14… so I ask again… what are you waiting for? It would not surprise me to see Desmond Trufant shadow Gordon in this game. If he doesn’t? Gordon goes off. If he does? Gordon will still have a good game. I am recommending starting Gordon in his first week back.

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