Fantasy Football Week 7 Projection: Cecil Shorts III

By Chipper Bounds @iCAB_Sports on October 18, 2014

After returning from a hamstring injury last week against the Tennessee Titans, Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Cecil Shorts III had a huge game in a losing effort.

Shorts emerged as quarterback Blake Bortles’ favorite target as he finished the game with 10 receptions for 103 yards on 16 targets. This Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, Shorts should continue to see plenty of targets from Bortles and the Browns are currently ranked 23rd in the NFL in pass defense. Through three games this season, Shorts has 30 targets, so it is perfectly logical to expect him to receive 10+ targets this Sunday against the Browns.

Even with rookies Allen Hurns, Allen Robinson and Marqise Lee on the team, Shorts is still the best offensive weapon on the Jaguars. The bad news, however, is that Shorts will likely be guarded by Browns cornerback Joe Haden, who is one of the best corners in the league.

Fantasy football owners have to be careful with Shorts though, as he has had injuries with issues in the past. However, after a full week of participation in practice, it looks as though Shorts will be fully healthy this week.

With running back Toby Gerhart still out with a foot injury, rookie Storm Johnson will get the start. Head coach Gus Bradley will most likely not want to rely too heavily on Johnson, meaning that the majority of the Jaguars’ offense will have to come through the air; this is good news for Shorts owners.

Even with Haden guarding him, Shorts should have a big game against an otherwise mediocre Browns defense.

Fantasy Football Week 7 Projection: Nine receptions for 76 yards and a touchdown