Gabriel Davis showed flashes during his rookie season, compiling a year-end stat line of 35 catches, 599 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns, which made him an intriguing sleeper entering the 2021 season. However, the offseason addition of Emmanuel Sanders pushed Davis to the Bills’ bench where he has had an underwhelming sophomore season up to this point.
That changed last Sunday in a major way. Davis became an every-down starter with Sanders sidelined. He showcased the big-play ability that had fantasy managers salivating last season (and questioning Davis’ part-time role this season), scoring 25.5 PPR points on only seven targets, and torched a feisty Panthers’ defense.
While it may appear that Davis’ big game was a flash in the pan, his underlying utilization statistics suggest he’s locked in as the complementary option to Stefon Diggs. Davis’ 63 snaps led all Bills’ receivers, he tied Diggs with 34 routes run and tied Cole Beasley with seven targets. Speaking of Beasley, he was placed on the COVID reserve list on Tuesday, and will not play in this week’s game due to his unvaccinated status.
Therefore, even if Sanders returns this week (limited participant in Wednesday’s practice), Davis is still locked into an every-down role. The only issue is the matchup with the Patriots, whose defense allows the 4th fewest fantasy points to receivers. Additionally, the Patriot’s secondary was sensational last week, forcing Carson Wentz into a horrifying five completions for 57 yards passing IN THE ENTIRE GAME.
On the bright side, Josh Allen is quite a bit better than Wentz and the Bills are hungry to prove their Monday night loss to the Patriots in tundra-like conditions was a fluke. Even better, Bill Belichick will likely have J.C. Jackson, the Patriot’s top corner, shadow Diggs to attempt to take away the Bills’ top offensive weapon. In turn, Allen should look Davis’ way throughout the day.
The Patriots matchup is concerning, but Davis’ expanded role and proven playmaking ability make it difficult to keep him on fantasy benches. He has a nose for the endzone and will get targets in an explosive Bills offense. Davis is a high-upside play that could be the difference in a playoff matchup. He also retains a respectable floor however long Beasley and/or Sanders remain out.
The Wolf has Davis as his WR30 (+3 vs ECR) on his Week 16 Fantasy Rankings and is still available in 80 percent of leagues as of Wednesday night. To make things even more enticing, Davis gets the Falcons in the fantasy championship next week.
