Golden Tate Fantasy Football Week 6 Projection

By Ryan Ball @RyanBall89 on October 8, 2014

In 2013, Calvin Johnson missed one game against the Green Bay Packers. The Detroit Lions looked lost without their top 6-foot-5 target; the offense was anemic all day. Thankfully for Lions fans, this issue was addressed and a solid No. 2 receiver was brought in to assist quarterback Matt Stafford.

Golden Tate is on pace for a career year. At the rate he’s going, he would demolish both his career-highs in receptions and yardage, earning 90 catches and over 1,400 yards. Sunday against the Buffalo Bills, despite a losing effort by his team, Tate showed he has the ability to step in for a currently hobbled Calvin Johnson; grabbing nine receptions for 134 yards (season-highs in both categories). He also scored his first touchdown of the 2014 campaign on a quick slant in the first half.

Johnson’s status for Sunday is questionable. He hasn’t practiced at all this week, according to the Detroit Free Press, and spends most of his time in the training room working on fixing his high-ankle sprain. This means if you have Tate, play him, especially in PPR leagues. Tate hasn’t had fewer than five receptions in any game this year and leads the team in targets (41).

The Minnesota Vikings have a painfully average pass defense, which Tate should be able to exploit. The Vikings currently allow the ninth most fantasy football points to opposing wide receivers and are giving up about two touchdowns a game. If Calvin Johnson is limited or held out from the contest, Tate should be able to step into his role gracefully. Even with only a single touchdown so far this year, his targets and yards after the catch are enough evidence to think those will grow with time. He’s at the very least worth considering for a flex spot against the Vikings in Week 6.

Golden Tate Projection: seven receptions for 92 yards and one touchdown.

Ryan Ball is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @RyanBall89.