In The Blitz, RotoViz writers react to the latest news and help you place it within the context of our 2020 research and recommendations.
The reigning Super Bowl MVP could not be stopped on Sunday afternoon. Patrick Mahomes threw for over 400 yards and tossed five touchdown passes to four different players. On an offense with as much talent as any football team, a young, second-year wide receiver took advantage of an opening on the depth chart and had himself an excellent game.
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman caught seven of his nine targets for 96 yards and a touchdown in Week 9 against the New York Jets. Hardman had a career day and saw an uptick in snaps with Sammy Watkins (hamstring) remaining sidelined. Watkins has a chance to return in Week 9, and that would limit Hardman’s value. Even if Watkins is out, Hardman still has plenty of teammates to compete with for targets, and that makes him a boom or bust player every week. Hardman should be viewed as a WR4/WR5 option in weekly leagues. Hardman will face off against the Panthers in Week 9.
Promising Second-Year Prospect
Hardman was a bit of a surprise second-round pick in 2019. Viewed as Tyreek Hill-lite, the speedy wideout brought an underwhelming college production profile (which included no breakout season) and little else. However, he surprised many during last season by topping double-digit fantasy points in eight different games.
Known for his big-play ability, Hardman posted a high-efficiency metric that often signifies good things to come for young wide receivers.
