Ever since Brandon Lloyd began his career in San Francisco in 2003, it seems he has been on the cusp of greatness — the NFL’s version of Matthew Perry.
After a stint as the funniest character on the long-running sitcom “Friends,” it seemed Perry was about to hit superstardom. Then came an alternating run of second-bill roles, such as in “The Whole Nine Yards,” and disastrous projects, like “Fools Rush In.”
From the start of his NFL career, Lloyd has wowed with his physical skills, able to leap defenders and make gravity-defying, sometimes one-handed grabs, only to be followed by weeks, if not months or seasons, of invisibility.
Perry popped up occasionally, with guest-starring roles on shows like “Scrubs” and short-lived leading roles such as “Studio 60 on the Sunset Strip.” Lloyd, after working (or not working) his way out of San Fran, had what amounted to cameo performances for Washington and Chicago before eventually landing in Denver.
As soon as it looked like his Mile High casting was another bomb, Lloyd had his “Friends” moment, leading the league in receiving just two seasons ago. But then his Broncos tenure flamed out as quickly as “Mr. Sunshine.”
After playing the first four games this year with the Broncos, he was traded
to St. Louis. Though the move was thought to have minimal fantasy impact, considering the injury-riddled state of the Rams’ roster and health concerns around quarterback Sam Bradford, now, it seems, there is a bit of sunshine on Lloyd once again.
Backup QB A.J. Feeley warmed up quickly to Lloyd, targeting him 25 times in two games — of which Lloyd hauled in 12 catches for 127 yards and a score. With running back Steven Jackson healthy and Bradford questionable to return, Lloyd’s prospects should get even better. That includes this week, against a Cardinals defense giving up an average of 278 yards a game through the air.
If only Perry’s prospects were as promising.
dloftis@nypost.com
BIG WEEKS
Eli Manning, QB
Giants, at Patriots
Even if top WR Hakeem Nicks is out, expect Manning to rack up some yards and scores vs. the sorry Pats secondary, to the benefit of WRs Victor Cruz and Mario Manningham.
Kevin Faulk, RB
Patriots, vs. Giants
Faulk is a better pass-catcher than starter BenJarvus Green-Ellis. We expect to see the Pats keep him in the backfield, offering blocking help, then releasing to the flat, where he will rack up some receiving yards.
Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR
Raiders, vs. Broncos
The Broncos are middle of the pack in average pass yards allowed (250), but they have just three INTs to offset 14 TD passes allowed. We’re not confident enough yet to recommend QB Carson Palmer, but we would consider playing what should be his favorite target.
Matt Cassel, QB
Chiefs, vs. Dolphins
Miami has had trouble stopping teams through the air — 14 TDs to two INTs, 271 passing yards a game. Although, don’t be shocked if the Dolphins actually win the game.
SMALL WEAKS
Stevie Johnson, WR
Bills, vs. Jets
Will be shadowed by cornerback Darrelle Revis most, if not all, of the afternoon. We will take Revis in that battle.
Rashard Mendenhall, RB
Steelers, vs. Ravens
The Ravens have allowed just two rushing TDs all season (second only to the 49ers) and a paltry 89.1 rushing yards a game (third in the league).
Matt Schaub, QB
Texans, vs. Browns
Cleveland ranks second in the league in pass defense. With top target Andre Johnson (hamstring) out, the Texans’ best weapon is RB Arian Foster, who should find easier treading against a run defense that ranks 26th.
Chris Johnson, RB, Titans, vs. Bengals
Still waiting for CJ2K to break out. Facing the league’s second-ranked run defense, we figure to be waiting at least one more week. Consider Johnson a spot-starter at this point.
Jets, DEF, at Bills
If your league scores for points allowed, then the Jets could struggle this week. We expect both teams to be able to move the ball, and returner Brad Smith will be looking to break one on special teams against his old squad.