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Leonard Hankerson: Better Fantasy Option than Roddy White?

By Matthew Schoettler

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With Roddy White‘s continued struggles, does Leonard Hankerson warrant fantasy attention for the remainder of 2015?

Leonard Hankerson continues to show that he is Matt Ryan‘s number two receiver, out-targeting and out-catching Roddy White in nearly every game this season. White outperformed Hankerson in game one this season – four catches for 84 yards compared to two catches for 16 yards; however, outside of game one, Hankerson blows away White in every receiving category.

-= Related: Julio Jones: Bounce Back Game Vs. Washington? =-

Through four weeks, Matt Ryan targeted Leonard Hankerson 28 times, compared to White’s lackluster 13 targets. Moreover, Roddy White amassed a whopping two catches on five targets in his last three games combined, further showing that Hankerson is Ryan’s more favorable receiver. Hankerson is trending in a more positive direction; while, White digresses into the fantasy abyss.

This season, Leonard Hankerson catches nearly 61 percent of his targets (17 catches on 28 targets), a sustainable number. By averaging seven targets per contest and a nice 14.2 yards per reception, Hankerson presents a nice option in deeper leagues across the board; since, Matt Ryan loves to air-it-out. Also, Julio Jones garners attention from multiple defenders, likely leaving Hankerson open on more plays. 

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Although the Atlanta Falcons are a more balanced team (running/passing) than in year’s prior, Matt Ryan seems unfazed, throwing for no fewer than 256 yards in any game. The passing game continues to thrive in Atlanta, especially with having a superstar like Julio Jones.

Leonard Hankerson comes off of his best performance as an Atlanta Falcon, notching 103 yards on six catches, with a touchdown. Notably, Hankerson spent time in Kyle Shanahan’s offense while the two were with the Washington Redskins, so it is no surprise how quickly he excelled in Atlanta’s offense. Per ESPN, Hankerson is owned in just over 50 percent of leagues, compared to Roddy White’s 51 percent.

Through four games this season, Leonard Hankerson averages nine fantasy points per contest, vaulting him into the top-3o wide receiver conversation. If Hankerson is available on your fantasy league’s waiver-wire, look to add him if you are in need of a wide receiver. The Atlanta Falcons love to pass the ball, and expect Hankerson to continue to see his fair share of targets.

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Leonard Hankerson could be a breakout candidate this season, because Matt Ryan is the best quarterback he has worked with in his career. Also, Hankerson possesses big-play potential, catching a pass for at least 20 yards in each of his last three games. With Roddy White unhappy about his role in the offense, expect Matt Ryan to throw to White more than in previous games.

It is doubtful White returns to his old form; on the other hand, Hankerson continues to trend in a more positive direction, pushing for fantasy relevance. If you are an owner of Roddy White, look to drop him for Leonard Hankerson, because Hankerson usurped White as Matt Ryan’s second-favorite wide receiver on the Atlanta Falcons’ roster. Not to mention, there are murmurs of a Roddy White trade in the mix…

Next: Roddy White Frustrated with Role, Potential Trade Brewing?

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