Inside the Iggles
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Jordan Matthews Will Help You Win Your Fantasy Football League

By Matt Giraldi

Dec 20, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jordan Matthews (81) catches a 78 yard touchdown reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Cardinals won 40-17. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jordan Matthews (81) catches a 78 yard touchdown reception against the Arizona Cardinals during the second half at Lincoln Financial Field. The Cardinals won 40-17. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 20, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jordan Matthews (81) reaches for a touchdown as Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr (39) defends in the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Dallas defeated Philadelphia 20-10. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jordan Matthews (81) reaches for a touchdown as Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr (39) defends in the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Dallas defeated Philadelphia 20-10. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports /

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jordan Matthews is primed to have a huge season in 2016, and should be on everyone’s radar that plays fantasy football.

Fantasy football players are a fickle bunch. Prior to the start of last season, Jordan Matthews was revered as a breakout candidate that would lead astute fantasy owners to a championship. Despite Matthews’ turbulent start of the season, which featured a bevy of dropped passes, his end of the season numbers improved across the board. So why were so many people disappointed with his performance?

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We have to start with Matthews’ rookie season. In 2014, Matthews had between 98 and 105 targets, depending on the source. Rotoviz.com stated that Matthews had 98 targets. Pro-Football Reference and Yahoo! Sports credit Matthews 103 targets. I know, you’re thinking Rotoviz is a fantasy blowhard site that over-exaggerates statistics. Unfortunately, ESPN has 105 targets listed for Matthews during his rookie season.

While targets are a statistic that can vary from website to website, Matthews’ 67 receptions for 872 yards is a fact…unless it’s not. Those receptions all came as a slot receiver, a topic that has been brought into focus recently by Eagles head coach Doug Pederson. This is particularly prevalent because Matthews struggled outside, but continued his success in the slot last season.

This offseason the Eagles have added additional wide receivers. Reuben Randle has arrived after spending his first four seasons with the New York Giants. The Eagles also added Chris Givens from the (then) St. Louis Rams and Baltimore Ravens. Neither receiver should threaten Matthews’ role in the slot, and Randle has stated he is open to playing wherever the offense needs him.

"“I can do a little bit of both, but most of my career, I’ve been an outside guy,” Randle said. “That’s where I’m most comfortable at. If I’m asked to go inside, I’ll be able to do that as well.”"

Next: What's Jordan Matthews' upside?

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