Fantasy Fallout: Alshon Jeffery's fantasy value depends on your playoff chances

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Here are the fantasy implications of Chicago Bears WR Alshon Jeffery being suspended four games for violating the NFL's P.E.D. policy.

Despite a poor performance in Week 10 (four catches for 47 yards), things were looking up for Jeffery. Chicago QB Jay Cutler was back in the fold, he had seen 32 targets in three previous games, and caught his first score of the season in Week 8.

In light of his suspension, though, Jeffery's fantasy season is effectively over for many owners. This four-game suspension will see Jeffery eligible to return in Week 15 against Green Bay. Unless you're in the playoff hunt, Jeffery's fantasy season is set to provide you with just 630 yards and one score - hardly the return you wanted on a second-round pick.

What to do if you're in playoff contention

For those positioned to make the playoffs despite Jeffery's suspension, he remains a must-hold candidate. Jeffery will undoubtedly assume his WR1 status in Chicago upon his return and still possesses the ability to post 100+ yard games.

It's painful to see your top-flight receiver sidelined during such a crucial period of the season, but the waiver wire won't provide any options with a floor and ceiling combination like that of Jeffery. Simply bench Jeffery and accept the poor hand he's once again dealt you.

What to do if you're out of playoff contention

If you're on the outside looking in, but not yet given up, the answer isn't as clear. Losing four games from a WR1 like Jeffery could be the nail in your fantasy season's coffin if you're unable to find weekly replacements going forward. In this situation, try to trade Jeffery to a playoff contender in exchange for a mid-tier player that offers you immediate functionality.

While it's an obvious sell-low window for Jeffery now, if you need immediate help to make the playoffs, you likely have no other option. A few options to consider are Baltimore WR Mike Wallace, Cleveland WR Corey Coleman, or Green Bay WR Davante Adams.

The impact in Chicago

With Kevin White on injured reserve and now Jeffery indisposed, the Bears receiving corps is a shambles. Cutler has not looked particularly sharp and losing his top option will limit him even further.

This should mean a resurgence for WR Cameron Meredith who has followed up his monster Week 6 performance, where he made 11 catches on 15 targets, with only three catches on six targets in his following three games. Cutler doesn’t have much choice, and Meredith has shown more big game ability than Eddie Royal, who has missed time to injury and was only targeted once in Week 10.

Target Meredith over Royal on the waiver wire, but the real beneficiary in the Bears’ passing game has to be TE Zach Miller. He’s been more consistent a target this season than either of the two wideouts even if he doesn’t have the same explosiveness to his game.

The problem is he’s not readily available on waivers, so Miller owners should be cautiously optimistic, especially with some cushy matchups on the horizon while Jeffery is out. Expect Miller to break out of his TD slump soon.

Waiver wire targets a-plenty

Here are some waiver wire possibilities to get you through the next four Jeffery-free weeks:

Kenny Britt, Rams: Fantasy owners remain slow to come around on Britt, who has racked up nearly 700 receiving yards on the season and has reached the 100-yard plateau in two of his last four games. The targets are consistent, and so is the production; he may not score a bunch of touchdowns, but he'll provide a nice floor in all fantasy formats.

DeVante Parker, Dolphins: We know, we know ... you've been fooled by him before. But with the Dolphins' vastly improved running game keeping opposing defenses honest, Parker is once again on the fantasy radar. He remains a boom-or-bust proposition, but given what you were getting out of Jeffery, can you really be that picky?

Jamison Crowder, Redskins: People fled the Crowder bandwagon after he put up just 110 yards in a three-week span from Oct. 2-16, but here are his lines over the last three games: 7-108, 9-107-1, 4-37-1. That's some elite fantasy production in an offense that will continue to chuck it with emphasis. He's an every-week play.