Another week, another win for the New England Patriots. Schedule talk be damned, this is a very good team. The Drake Maye-Stefon Diggs connection has been at the heart of their offense, and after another big week for Diggs against the Jets, can we consider New England’s star wideout a PPR WR1 going forward? Let’s break it down, starting with the matchup next week against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Analysis
In their Thursday Night Football matchup with the Jets, Diggs turned 11 targets into nine catches for 105 yards. It was his fifth straight week with 10+ PPR points in typical PPR formats. Diggs has provided an exceptionally high floor while adding a lot of touchdown appeal. Now that he’s on the same page with MVP candidate Maye, the results have been excellent. It’s no coincidence that his production continues to rise as the season goes on.
Diggs’ efficiency has been present throughout the season. Now that the volume is increasing with his efficiency remaining steady, it’s time for some conversations about his status. You likely took him as a WR2 or a high-end flex play in your preseason fantasy drafts. But as the playoffs loom with most trade deadlines taking place, it’s important to take stock of your team. I’m here to make the case that Diggs is a PPR WR1 from here on out.
Let’s put aside his efficiency for a moment and look at the matchups. Next week, Diggs and the Pats face a Bengals secondary that is bottom-two in passing yards allowed, passing touchdowns allowed, and yards allowed per pass attempt. Then it’s on to a Giants defense that is bottom-10 in yards allowed before the bye week. This takes us right up into the fantasy football playoffs.
In Week 15, typically the first week of the playoffs, Diggs gets the Bills. They’ve had a solid secondary, but the wideout hung 10 catches for 146 yards on them in the first matchup. Then it’s the Ravens, another bottom-10 secondary, before facing the Jets during championship week. Every matchup down the stretch run is a plus.
On the volume and efficiency alone, Diggs has a WR1 case. With a cake schedule on tap, he’s a firm WR1 for the rest of the season. If you’re a Diggs owner, evaluate your roster accordingly. As for those who don’t roster him and can still make trades, consider grabbing him at the deadline.
