Is Deion Branch being underrated this week? (1 Viewer)

[Kleck.]

I'm seeing a mix of rankings from various sites, most in the #20-#25 range and one at #39.

Branch has what looks like a great matchup against the 49ers, and with Jackson out you would believe he should take on more of the go-to role. In week 11 Branch put up 7-113-1 against them, but that was with Wallace throwing the ball and Alexander's first game back. Hasselbeck seems to be all over the place in the rankings. I've seen a high of #4 and a low of #18.

What's the consenses here? #20-#25 range for Branch seem right to most?

Edit: I wasn't aware of the weather when thinking about this last night. 20-25 might be too high.

 

[Wingnut]

80-100 with a TD and a possibility of a 2nd.

JMHO (Branch owner. I gotta stay positive)

 

[CapnJB]

I think it's all going to depend on what the weather does.

In the early afternoon, the winds are expected to gust in the 15- to 25-mph range. They will pick up to about 35 mph by late afternoon.

Tonight and early Friday morning, southwesterly gusts up to 50 mph are expected to blow across the region, the National Weather Service said

 

[tombonneau]

I think part of the reluctance to rank him high is bc he has been mia the last few weeks, not to mention the fact that last week it was Hackett getting the extra looks.

Throw Engram back into the mix, and Branch is no sure go-to guy.

I have both him & Djax, thinking Branch was the rare WR handcuff, but doesnt for sure look that way.

I'm going with Cotchery this week, so have the luxury to sit back and see what a Djax-less passing game looks like. If you can afford to do the same, I'd advise it.

If Branch is clear go-to guy, I'd potentially start him in Wk 16 if I advance, but wont' chance it this week.

 

[Resident A]

Branch has benefitted from D-Jax drawing the main coverage. He has never been good enough to be true #1 WR. I think he will struggle in this role tonight.

I would expect about 4-5 catches for 65 yards, weather permitting. Bad weather may actually help his stats, he excels at taking short passes & running in the open field.

 

[GOroute]

100% chance of rain plus winds from 15 to 50mph. no thx

 

[mr. furley]

100% chance of rain plus winds from 15 to 50mph. no thx

please please please let this happen. please.

 

[North]

Trust me when I say the weather out here sucks (not too bad this morning). Tonight they are calling for some BAD stuff so I would avoid Branch as I don't think he will see too many balls being aired out.

Alexander and Gore on the other hand are solid plays.

Go Ravens

 

[Hellfire Snail]

I'm rolling with Branch. If he doesn't put up many numbers I don't think it will be because of the weather. Teams have played in bad weather before and thrown the ball.