Josh Gordon Fantasy Outlook: Is New Chiefs WR a Waiver Wire Must-Add?

Josh Gordon Fantasy Outlook: Is New Chiefs WR a Waiver Wire Must-Add?

Getty Is new Chiefs WR Josh Gordon a viable fantasy option?

It’s that time of the year again. The leaves are changing colors, pumpkin spice is in the air, and a freshly reinstated Josh Gordon is tantalizing fantasy football owners. In reality, the former first-team All-Pro hasn’t been fantasy relevant since his abbreviated run in New England with Tom Brady and hasn’t been a bonafide fantasy star since way back in 2013. However, the now 30-year-old Gordon continues to find a way into the fantasy spotlight.

Had the former Fan Controlled Football league star (not a typo) signed essentially anywhere else, he’d likely remain a fantasy afterthought. Instead, fantasy owners’ ears perked up at ESPN’s Adam Schefter’s report that Gordon is expected to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs.

Taking into consideration that Gordon is likely to be eligible to play as soon as Week 4, will be catching passes from Patrick Mahomes and has a reasonable path to the Chiefs WR2 gig opposite of Tyreek Hill, there’s reason to be optimistic. However, will that optimism turn into fantasy gold?

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Gordon’s Fantasy Outlook With the Chiefs

First things first, while Gordon may be eligible to suit up as soon as this coming weekend, there’s a good chance that doesn’t actually come to fruition. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport has reported that the Chiefs will be initially signing Gordon to their practice squad with the idea that they’ll elevate him when he “gets up to speed.”

So, should you scoop Gordon, be prepared for the possibility that he’ll be occupying a bench spot for a few weeks. Still, figuring he gets added to K.C.’s 53-man roster sooner rather than later, there are things to like from a fantasy perspective.

The most obvious is who he’ll be catching passes from. Mahomes once made Demarcus Robinson a fantasy sensation, so you’d think he could work his magic with a guy like Gordon — even at his regressed state. Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce will continue to eat up targets in the Chiefs passing game. However, their presence should allow plenty of 1-on-1 looks for Gordon in the passing game.

As for who Gordon will be competing with for the leftover targets, Robinson, Mecole Hardman and Byron Pringle are all quality players, but by no means surefire roadblocks. The biggest problem is not the talents ahead of Gordon on the depth chart, but rather the opportunities. The three receivers listed above have seen a total of 33 targets come their way over the first three weeks of play — a median of 10 targets apiece. In other words, the Chiefs love to spread the ball around and switch up their third option on a weekly basis. Chances are Gordon is no longer the player to change that offensive philosophy.

Is Gordon Worth an Add?

Absolutely, as long as you’re operating under the idea that he’s nothing more than a flyer. The fact of the matter is, there are a handful of pass-catchers frequenting the majority of free agency pools that you’d be better off adding.

Cordarrelle Patterson (WR/RB eligibility on most platforms – 65%), Jakobi Meyers (58%), Emmanuel Sanders (25%), Curtis Samuel (eligible to return from IR this week – 34%) and Tim Patrick (22%) are just a handful of receivers rostered in 65% or less of Yahoo Leagues who should be prioritized as waiver wire additions over Gordon.

Still, when you have a chance to add a player who once led the league in receiving yards — at a reasonable price — you take a swing. With that said, he hasn’t averaged more than 11.6 points per game since that season, which was eight years ago. For reference, there are 46 receivers who are currently averaging 11.7 points per game or greater in PPR scoring formats this season.

Making a low-bid play for Gordon is the route to go, in hopes he can revitalize his career to 75% of what he once was. Combine that with a quarterback who averaged more than 39 pass attempts per game last season, and you could find yourself a flex streamer based on matchups.

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