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With Jones out, Douglas steps into fantasy spotlight

Remember back in late August, those happy times when you spent a late second-round pick or an early third rounder on either Roddy White or Julio Jones? Joyful times indeed, as you then possessed one of the two core pieces of a vertical Falcons offense that averaged 313.0 passing yards per game last year (third), and they combined for 2,549 receiving yards with 17 touchdowns. That’s why they were both top 30 picks on average in ESPN leagues, and easily considered WR1’s worthy of such a high investment.

Now? White has only been physically present, and Jones’ season could be over.

Yes, just like that the current leader in receptions (41) and receiving yards (580, and at a rather incredible average of 116.0 per game) is likely done for year after suffering a foot injury last night, according to Jay Glazer. Jones had 65.5 fantasy points overall through five games this season, including three +100 yard games (he came one yard shy of a fourth last night on eight receptions). That already gives you an idea of how deep the hurt is here, as at a pace of 13.1 points per game, Jones was clipping merrily along as the sixth best fantasy player at his position ahead Brandon Marshall, A.J. Green, and yes, even Calvin Johnson, all of whom also required a substantial draft investment, and were usually off the board even before our boy Julio.

Alright, so that’s the damage. How do you repair the gushing geyser now in your fantasy lineup? Once you stop reading these words, make a claim on Harry Douglas. He’s typically the Falcons’ No. 3 receiver who plays in the slot, and in a still limited role he’s done a fine job replacing the production lost through White’s hobbling. Back in Week 1 with White at the height of his limping, Douglas turned six targets into 93 yards, including a 50-yard reception. He’ll now ascend to start alongside White, if he’s healthy (big gulps and slow breathing is recommended right now). The other dominoes on the Falcons' roster are Tony Gonzalez's targets and production increasing, and Drew Davis becomes a deep league sleeper/flex play.

Beyond Douglas on the waiver wire right now, Keenan Allen is barely owned, and he’s collected 195 receiving yards over the past two weeks, and 17.5 fantasy points during the midnight madness Sunday in Oakland. Ditto for Terrence Williams, the Cowboys wideout who’s blazing led to an 82-yard touchdown  during the Denver-Dallas pyrotechnics, and he finished with 115 yards overall. If Miles Austin remains out – and he hasn’t practiced since Week 3 – Williams will continue to be targeted frequently, leading to the opportunity for buckets of yards after the catch with his speed.

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