It’s a reach, but Dolphins receiver Davone Bess a decent flex vs. Eagles

OK, this is a MASSIVE reach, but Miami Dolphins receiver Davone Bess, in PPR leagues, could come through big for you today against the visiting Philadelphia Eagles.

The Eagles have allowed at least one passing touchdown to a receiver in every game since Week 8 and have allowed at least one receiver to get 95 or more yards in all but last week’s game against Seattle in that same time frame.

One place in particular Philadelphia is getting eaten up is against opposing teams’ slot receivers — Bess’s position. Since Week 9, the Eagles have allowed Earl Bennett (5-95-1 on five targets), Victor Cruz (6-128-1 on 10 targets) and Wes Welker (8-115-2 on 12 targets) to go off from the slot.

Assuming Nnamdi Asomugha is on Miami’s No. 1 WR Brandon Marshall, and Brian Hartline’s outside on the other side, Bess should have room to roam. Asomugha has been is usual stingy self, allowing just 18 catches for 266 yards and to scores this season. And outside of New England’s Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez (10-for-121 and a score combined), the Eagles have allowed just 10 catches for 104 and a score over the last five weeks. So Dolphins TE Anthony Fasano’s chances for success may be limited, too.

According to Pro Football Focus, Bess has caught 30 of his 53 targets while in the slot this season. His 30 catches tie him for 10th most out of the slot, while his 331 yards are also 10^th best.

Bess’s two touchdowns have both come inside the red zone — a 12-yarder last week vs. the Raiders and a 4-yarder against the Bills in Week 11. The Eagles are the worst in the league in red-zone defense, allowing teams to score 70.59 percent of the time they are inside the 20. Miami is 10^th in red-zone scoring the last three weeks, crossing the goal line 58.33 percent of the time its inside the 20.

In a game that could actually see a decent amount of points scored, and despite a resurgence at QB with Matt Moore, Miami may see it’s No. 1 receiver shut down, Bess is a viable flex play, particularly in PPR leagues.

By Corby A. Yarbrough @Corby_Yarbrough on Twitter