Kenny Stills made the most of his increased opportunities in Week 8. As the New Orleans Saints struggled through some uncharacteristic mistakes, Stills appeared to be the bright spot for the team against the Buffalo Bills. After injuries and a strong performance, Stills has become one of the top waiver wire options in Week 9.
It has been tough to predict the moves of quarterback Drew Brees. Throughout the season, nine different receivers have caught touchdown passes for the Saints. Jimmy Graham is of course the leader of the pack as the tight end has turned into one of Brees' favorite targets this year. However, a foot injury is plaguing the offensive threat, causing other players to step up.
Enter Stills, the explosive rookie who proved to be a true vertical threat after putting up two scores against the Bills. On the season, Stills only has 13 catches, but momentum is in his favor. In the past two games, he has six catches for three touchdowns. Against the Bills he put up 129 yards and two touchdowns on just three catches. The fifth round pick combined his top-end speed with great eyes for the ball to show why he was one of Oklahoma's best receivers during college.
Stills is averaging 25.2 yards per catch which leads the NFL through eight weeks. While Graham is certainly a big-play type of receiver, Stills is showing that he is no slouch. The only issue with the rookie could be an unexpected disappearing act which has plagued New Orleans this season. Stills put up big numbers in Week 8 because Marques Colston was nowhere to be found in the endzone. However, the rookie should be on fantasy owner's radars for the remainder of the year no matter what.
Stills overcame the return of Lance Moore, something that was expected to impact his performance. When Graham returns fully healthy, defenses will be forced to double-team him or at least put their best secondary defender on him. That will leave Stills with more and more opportunities. Brees rewards wide receivers who make the most of their targets. Stills is doing that.
The Saints will face the New York Jets on Sunday. Opponents are averaging 254.8 yards in receiving against the New York secondary. With Brees under center, Still should be poised for another monster performance.
