NHL Best Bets for Tuesday (11/19)
Kenneth Le
Multiple times each week, Brad Evans, in this space, will ramble on about whatever random, likely tequila-influenced fantasy football/betting thoughts are coursing through his often moronic mind. Today’s topic: The ever-tantalizing Josh Gordon.
We all house a particular set of fetishes and affinities. Cookie dough ice cream. Comfortable sleeping positions. Whatever random categories you can think of on PornHub. Tequila.
SO. MUCH. TEQUILA.
When it comes to fantasy, Josh Gordon is an equally magnetic obsession, at least for this easily seduced pinhead.
Through the trials, tribulations and suspensions, his loyalists continue to drink from the same well, no matter how tainted. Memories of his 2013 campaign, arguably the most dominant season ever registered by an age-21 wide receiver in NFL history, sit fresh on the mind. Not only did he accumulate an 87-1,646-9 output over just 14 games — a Herculean accomplishment when considering Jason Campbell, Brandon Weeden and Brian Hoyer chucked wobbly torpedoes his way — he set a string of yardage records that still stand to this day:
- First player in NFL history to record 200 receiving yards in two consecutive games
- Most consecutive games, 200 yards receiving: 2 (November 24, 2013, 237 yards; December 1, 2013, 261 yards)
- Most receiving yards, two-game span: 498 yards
- Most receiving yards, three-game span: 649 yards
- Most receiving yards, four-game span: 774 yards
His unforgettable numbers from seven years ago are the beckoning, they’re the siren’s song. It’s why Gordon devotees, though shrinking in number, continue to fawn over the receiver’s services year after year. After all, he is No. 14 all-time in yards per catch (17.2), ranking behind some of the virtual game’s greatest producers — DeAndre Hopkins, Tyreek Hill, Julio Jones, Michael Thomas, Odell Beckham and Antonio Brown.
Similar to the last name mentioned, Gordon carries weighty baggage, but expected to have his reinstatement papers approved and reportedly in a healthy mental state after experiencing a relapse triggered by his brother’s untimely death last year, this is likely his last opportunity to prove to himself, the league and fantasy fans, he still possesses the godlike skills his cultists faithfully believe haven’t faded.
Their loyalty could be rewarded. On 43 targets split between the Patriots and Seahawks last fall, Gordon was a model of efficiency. He averaged 15.8 yards per catch, posted a laudable 5.7 yards after contact per reception and tallied a 103.4 passer rating when targeted.
Rumors have circulated a return to Seattle is most likely for the well-traveled receiver, but Washington, Tampa, Green Bay and Deebo Samuel-less San Francisco are other potential destinations. Landing in a spot with minimal competition for target share and a competent QB is, of course, most desirable.
In ridiculous shape — he showcases stomach muscles previously unknown to the human species — and ready for redemption, he’s a dirt cheap best ball or deep-league buy available in the eleventh hour (240.7 ADP, WR107). At that price, there’s zero downside.
Gordon, who’s run out of second chances, may just have some flash left.
