Unlocking AJ Green's Fantasy Football Value: A Comprehensive Guide
Hello, fantasy football enthusiasts! It's that time of the year again when we're all scouring the internet for every scrap of information to gain an edge in our leagues. Today, we're diving deep into the fantasy value of none other than AJ Green, the Cincinnati Bengals' star wide receiver. So, buckle up, grab your notepads, and let's get started! Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and aj green fantasy value.
AJ Green: The Fantasy Football Veteran
AJ Green has been a staple in fantasy football lineups since his rookie season in 2011. But with an injury-plagued 2018 season behind him, is he still worth a high draft pick in 2019?
AJ Green has been a fantasy football force for nearly a decade, and for good reason. The 6'4", 207-pound receiver has consistently put up impressive numbers, tallying over 1,000 receiving yards in six of his first seven seasons. He's a physical specimen at the wide receiver position, with a rare combination of size, speed, and agility that allows him to dominate both in the air and after the catch.
However, the 2018 season was a tough one for Green and his fantasy owners. He played in just nine games due to a toe injury, finishing the season with a measly 46 receptions for 694 yards and six touchdowns. Despite the disappointing year, Green's fantasy value remains high due to his immense talent and the potential for a bounce-back season.
The Andy Dalton Factor
AJ Green's fantasy production is heavily tied to the performance of his quarterback, Andy Dalton. So, what can we expect from Dalton in 2019?
Andy Dalton has been the starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals since 2011, and he's had a mixed bag of a career. He's thrown for over 30,000 yards and 200 touchdowns in his nine seasons, but he's also had his fair share of struggles, including a 2-14 season in 2019.
Despite Dalton's inconsistent play, he's consistently been a top-20 fantasy quarterback when Green has been on the field. In the eight seasons they've played together, Dalton has thrown for over 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns in six of them. With Green healthy and on the field, there's no reason to believe Dalton can't return to his 2013-2015 form, when he was a top-10 fantasy quarterback.
AJ Green's Injury History
AJ Green has had his fair share of injuries throughout his career. So, how concerned should fantasy owners be about his health going into 2019?
Injuries have been a significant factor in AJ Green's fantasy production over the years. He's missed at least one game due to injury in five of his eight seasons, including the entire 2019 season due to a torn ACL. However, it's worth noting that Green has always bounced back from injuries and returned to form once he's been healthy.
Green's injury history includes:
A torn labrum in his left shoulder in 2014 that caused him to miss seven games. A hamstring injury in 2016 that limited him to 10 games. A groin injury in 2017 that caused him to miss six games. A toe injury in 2018 that limited him to nine games.
While Green's injury history is certainly concerning, it's essential to remember that he's still just 31 years old and has shown no signs of slowing down when he's on the field. Fantasy owners should monitor his health throughout the offseason and training camp, but there's no reason to believe he won't be ready to go come Week 1.
AJ Green's Target Share
AJ Green has consistently seen a high volume of targets throughout his career. But with Tyler Boyd and John Ross emerging as threats in the Bengals' offense, could Green's target share decrease in 2019?
One of the reasons AJ Green has been such a consistent fantasy producer is his high target share. He's averaged 142 targets per season throughout his career, including a high of 187 targets in 2015. However, with Tyler Boyd and John Ross emerging as legitimate weapons in the Bengals' offense, there's a chance Green's target share could decrease in 2019.
In 2018, Green saw a career-low 10.1 targets per game when he was on the field. Meanwhile, Boyd saw 8.9 targets per game and caught 76 passes for 1,028 yards and seven touchdowns. Ross, on the other hand, saw just 4.4 targets per game but caught 21 passes for 483 yards and three touchdowns in his rookie season.
While it's possible that Green's target share could decrease in 2019, it's essential to remember that he's still the clear-cut No. 1 receiver on the Bengals' roster. He's also shown an ability to win one-on-one matchups and make contested catches, which should lead to plenty of red-zone opportunities.
AJ Green's ADP and Draft Strategy
AJ Green's fantasy value is heavily tied to his draft position. So, where should fantasy owners be targeting him in 2019 drafts?
As of now, AJ Green is being drafted as the WR10 in standard leagues and the WR11 in PPR leagues, according to Fantasy Football Calculator. His average draft position (ADP) is around the third round, which is a significant drop from his previous ADP of WR7 in 2018.
While Green's ADP is certainly inflated due to his injury history and the emergence of other receivers in the Bengals' offense, he's still a top-10 talent at the wide receiver position. Fantasy owners should consider drafting Green in the late second or early third round, depending on their league's format and scoring settings.
If Green is available in the fourth round or later, he's an absolute steal and should be considered a top-10 value at his position. However, fantasy owners should be prepared to pivot if Green is taken earlier than expected or if his injury concerns become too significant.
Conclusion: AJ Green's Fantasy Football Value in 2019
AJ Green has been a fantasy football force for nearly a decade, but his injury history and the emergence of other weapons in the Bengals' offense have some owners concerned about his 2019 value. However, with his immense talent and the potential for a bounce-back season, Green remains a top-10 fantasy wide receiver and a valuable asset in all formats.
In conclusion, AJ Green's fantasy value in 2019 is heavily tied to his health and his target share in the Bengals' offense. If he can stay on the field and maintain a high target share, he has the potential to finish as a top-five fantasy wide receiver. However, if his injury concerns become too significant or his target share decreases, his fantasy value could take a hit.
Fantasy owners should monitor Green's health and target share throughout the offseason and training camp, but there's no reason to believe he won't be a valuable asset in 2019. With his immense talent and the potential for a bounce-back season, Green remains a top-10 fantasy wide receiver and a valuable asset in all formats.
So, there you have it, folks! Our comprehensive guide to unlocking AJ Green's fantasy football value in 2019. We hope this article has provided you with the information and insight you need to make informed decisions in your fantasy football drafts. Good luck, and happy drafting!