by Kacey Kasem

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Published On: November 7th, 2024

Every week, Kacey Kasem will bring you WR2s primed to exceed their slot in the weekly WR fantasy rankings and could help bolster your chances at fantasy football glory.

Thanks for checking out The WR2 Radar each week! Writing this series has been one of my favorite parts of the season.

I love diving into these articles and finding those under-the-radar wide receivers who can make a real impact. It has been a blast uncovering potential game-changers with you.

Another highlight has been the Optimus Fantasy Show. Each Thursday, I team up with Nate Polvogt to discuss sleepers and hidden wide receiver gems. We talk sits and starts in general, so it’s a worthwhile show to check out. If you haven’t tuned in, you’re missing out! We go live around 5 p.m. Eastern (ish).

A low point, though, has been my team, the Dallas Cowboys. Watching them has been rough, as always. Dak Prescott is out, CeeDee Lamb is banged up, and I just can’t stand this team right now. Just felt like venting here a bit. But that’s really enough of that.

You know what I don’t hate? Sleeper wideouts who can put up big numbers. Let’s jump into Week 10 and find those hidden gems to boost your lineup!

 

WR2s with WR1 Potential This Week

Ray-Ray McCloud, Atlanta Falcons

Rostered in 14.2% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 23% of Sleeper Leagues

With the potential absence or limited action of Drake London in Week 10, Ray-Ray McCloud finds himself in a prime position to step up for the Atlanta Falcons.

During the Falcons’ Week 9 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, London went down with a hip injury after catching a touchdown from Kirk Cousins. This leaves London’s status for the upcoming game uncertain. If London is sidelined or restricted, McCloud will likely see a larger role in an offense that already relies heavily on Darnell Mooney and Kyle Pitts.

The 28-year-old has proven to be a reliable option when called upon. He has recorded 32 catches for 305 yards and a touchdown this season. His most recent performance in the 27-21 win against the Cowboys saw him catch all three of his targets for 28 yards and a touchdown, marking just the second of his career.

On top of that, McCloud added a 7-yard carry, showcasing his versatility. With a potential increase in snaps and targets this week, he could be a sneaky flex play for those in deeper leagues.

The Clemson alum faces off against the New Orleans Saints in Week 10. The Saints have allowed an average of 28.2 fantasy points per game to wide receivers. With the New Orleans defense giving up plenty of production to pass catchers, the wideout provides value to fantasy teams looking for an under-the-radar start. Keep an eye on London’s injury status, as it could be McCloud’s time to shine in Week 10.

Parker Washington, Jacksonville Jaguars

Rostered in 3.3% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 16% of Sleeper Leagues

Christian Kirk was placed on injured reserve due to a broken collarbone. Now, Parker Washington has been thrust into a significant role with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Over the past two games, the second-year player has emerged as the second-most targeted receiver on the team. He trails only tight end, Evan Engram. Washington’s growing involvement in the offense makes him an intriguing option for fantasy managers looking for a potential breakout candidate, especially in light of Kirk’s season-ending injury.

Washington has seen his route share increase. In the most recent game, he recorded a 91.4% route share, signaling his importance in the Jaguars’ passing attack.

In Week 10, he faces a Minnesota Vikings defense that has struggled against wide receivers all season. The Vikings have surrendered the second-most fantasy points per game to the position.

The Penn State product is in a prime spot to see consistent targets. The potential for a pass-heavy game script bolsters the wideout’s appeal. He led the Jaguars’ wide receivers in yards last week, further solidifying his growing role.

In addition to Kirk’s absence, Gabe Davis’s injury boosts Washington’s appeal even more. Davis was limited in practice on Wednesday and could potentially miss Sunday’s game.

If Davis is sidelined, Washington will step in as the WR2 behind the dynamic Brian Thomas Jr. With a favorable contest and a solidified role, the 22-year-old is a nice play with high upside in Week 10. Of note, quarterback Trevor Lawrence is unlikely to play against the Vikings in this matchup. Mac Jones will get the start, with C.J. Beathard backing up Jones.

Josh Palmer, Los Angeles Chargers

Rostered in 19% of Sleeper Leagues
Rostered in 9.9% of ESPN Leagues

Joshua Palmer has been a steady contributor for the Los Angeles Chargers. His recent performance has made him an intriguing option for fantasy managers in deeper leagues.

In Week 9, Palmer hauled in two of his four targets for 63 yards and a score in the Chargers’ 27-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns. His 28-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter displayed his knack for big plays.

He does not consistently see the target volume you would ideally want from a wide receiver. Still, the Tennessee product has proven that he can make significant plays and find the end zone, making him a boom-or-bust option.

This week, the 25-year-old faces the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee has conceded the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers. The Titans have also given up some decent fantasy production to wideouts in certain matchups over the season.

Tennessee has surrendered just five touchdowns to the position all season. Their 82 receptions allowed to wide receivers ranks as the seventh-fewest in the league.

The Titans have also limited receiving yards. They have given up only 870 yards to wide receivers, the second-fewest in the NFL.

While Palmer’s up-and-down nature makes him a difficult start this week. He can still be a solid flex option if you are in a pinch. If you have a roster clogger to drop, adding Palmer could be wise. This is especially true if you are looking for a high-upside, low-floor play.

Khalil Shakir, Buffalo Bills

Rostered in 86% of Sleeper Leagues
Rostered in 72.9% of ESPN Leagues

In Week 9, Khalil Shakir took full advantage of an opportunity with Amari Cooper sidelined due to a wrist injury. Leading the Buffalo Bills in receptions during their 30-27 win over the Miami Dolphins, the 24-year-old also finished second in receiving yards with 50.

Cooper is currently day-to-day, and Keon Coleman is dealing with his own wrist injury. Shakir has now stepped up as a necessary contributor in the Bills’ passing game.

The Boise State alum faces the Indianapolis Colts in Week 10. Their defense has struggled against wide receivers this season. The Colts have allowed the 12th-most fantasy points to the position and have given up nine receiving touchdowns.

Additionally, they rank among the worst in the league for receiving yards allowed, sitting at ninth-most. They have surrendered the second-most rushing yards to wideouts.

Shakir should be a strong start in Week 10. He holds an increased role and is facing a defense that has shown vulnerability to wide receivers. The receiver has immense potential for solid fantasy numbers, making him a great addition to your lineup.

Kacey Kasem is a contributing badass for Optimus Fantasy. For more from Kacey, follow her on X @TheKaceyKasem.

November 7th, 2024

by Kacey Kasem

Share

Every week, Kacey Kasem will bring you WR2s primed to exceed their slot in the weekly WR fantasy rankings and could help bolster your chances at fantasy football glory.

Thanks for checking out The WR2 Radar each week! Writing this series has been one of my favorite parts of the season.

I love diving into these articles and finding those under-the-radar wide receivers who can make a real impact. It has been a blast uncovering potential game-changers with you.

Another highlight has been the Optimus Fantasy Show. Each Thursday, I team up with Nate Polvogt to discuss sleepers and hidden wide receiver gems. We talk sits and starts in general, so it’s a worthwhile show to check out. If you haven’t tuned in, you’re missing out! We go live around 5 p.m. Eastern (ish).

A low point, though, has been my team, the Dallas Cowboys. Watching them has been rough, as always. Dak Prescott is out, CeeDee Lamb is banged up, and I just can’t stand this team right now. Just felt like venting here a bit. But that’s really enough of that.

You know what I don’t hate? Sleeper wideouts who can put up big numbers. Let’s jump into Week 10 and find those hidden gems to boost your lineup!

 

WR2s with WR1 Potential This Week

Ray-Ray McCloud, Atlanta Falcons

Rostered in 14.2% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 23% of Sleeper Leagues

With the potential absence or limited action of Drake London in Week 10, Ray-Ray McCloud finds himself in a prime position to step up for the Atlanta Falcons.

During the Falcons’ Week 9 victory over the Dallas Cowboys, London went down with a hip injury after catching a touchdown from Kirk Cousins. This leaves London’s status for the upcoming game uncertain. If London is sidelined or restricted, McCloud will likely see a larger role in an offense that already relies heavily on Darnell Mooney and Kyle Pitts.

The 28-year-old has proven to be a reliable option when called upon. He has recorded 32 catches for 305 yards and a touchdown this season. His most recent performance in the 27-21 win against the Cowboys saw him catch all three of his targets for 28 yards and a touchdown, marking just the second of his career.

On top of that, McCloud added a 7-yard carry, showcasing his versatility. With a potential increase in snaps and targets this week, he could be a sneaky flex play for those in deeper leagues.

The Clemson alum faces off against the New Orleans Saints in Week 10. The Saints have allowed an average of 28.2 fantasy points per game to wide receivers. With the New Orleans defense giving up plenty of production to pass catchers, the wideout provides value to fantasy teams looking for an under-the-radar start. Keep an eye on London’s injury status, as it could be McCloud’s time to shine in Week 10.

Parker Washington, Jacksonville Jaguars

Rostered in 3.3% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 16% of Sleeper Leagues

Christian Kirk was placed on injured reserve due to a broken collarbone. Now, Parker Washington has been thrust into a significant role with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Over the past two games, the second-year player has emerged as the second-most targeted receiver on the team. He trails only tight end, Evan Engram. Washington’s growing involvement in the offense makes him an intriguing option for fantasy managers looking for a potential breakout candidate, especially in light of Kirk’s season-ending injury.

Washington has seen his route share increase. In the most recent game, he recorded a 91.4% route share, signaling his importance in the Jaguars’ passing attack.

In Week 10, he faces a Minnesota Vikings defense that has struggled against wide receivers all season. The Vikings have surrendered the second-most fantasy points per game to the position.

The Penn State product is in a prime spot to see consistent targets. The potential for a pass-heavy game script bolsters the wideout’s appeal. He led the Jaguars’ wide receivers in yards last week, further solidifying his growing role.

In addition to Kirk’s absence, Gabe Davis’s injury boosts Washington’s appeal even more. Davis was limited in practice on Wednesday and could potentially miss Sunday’s game.

If Davis is sidelined, Washington will step in as the WR2 behind the dynamic Brian Thomas Jr. With a favorable contest and a solidified role, the 22-year-old is a nice play with high upside in Week 10. Of note, quarterback Trevor Lawrence is unlikely to play against the Vikings in this matchup. Mac Jones will get the start, with C.J. Beathard backing up Jones.

Josh Palmer, Los Angeles Chargers

Rostered in 19% of Sleeper Leagues
Rostered in 9.9% of ESPN Leagues

Joshua Palmer has been a steady contributor for the Los Angeles Chargers. His recent performance has made him an intriguing option for fantasy managers in deeper leagues.

In Week 9, Palmer hauled in two of his four targets for 63 yards and a score in the Chargers’ 27-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns. His 28-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter displayed his knack for big plays.

He does not consistently see the target volume you would ideally want from a wide receiver. Still, the Tennessee product has proven that he can make significant plays and find the end zone, making him a boom-or-bust option.

This week, the 25-year-old faces the Tennessee Titans. Tennessee has conceded the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers. The Titans have also given up some decent fantasy production to wideouts in certain matchups over the season.

Tennessee has surrendered just five touchdowns to the position all season. Their 82 receptions allowed to wide receivers ranks as the seventh-fewest in the league.

The Titans have also limited receiving yards. They have given up only 870 yards to wide receivers, the second-fewest in the NFL.

While Palmer’s up-and-down nature makes him a difficult start this week. He can still be a solid flex option if you are in a pinch. If you have a roster clogger to drop, adding Palmer could be wise. This is especially true if you are looking for a high-upside, low-floor play.

Khalil Shakir, Buffalo Bills

Rostered in 86% of Sleeper Leagues
Rostered in 72.9% of ESPN Leagues

In Week 9, Khalil Shakir took full advantage of an opportunity with Amari Cooper sidelined due to a wrist injury. Leading the Buffalo Bills in receptions during their 30-27 win over the Miami Dolphins, the 24-year-old also finished second in receiving yards with 50.

Cooper is currently day-to-day, and Keon Coleman is dealing with his own wrist injury. Shakir has now stepped up as a necessary contributor in the Bills’ passing game.

The Boise State alum faces the Indianapolis Colts in Week 10. Their defense has struggled against wide receivers this season. The Colts have allowed the 12th-most fantasy points to the position and have given up nine receiving touchdowns.

Additionally, they rank among the worst in the league for receiving yards allowed, sitting at ninth-most. They have surrendered the second-most rushing yards to wideouts.

Shakir should be a strong start in Week 10. He holds an increased role and is facing a defense that has shown vulnerability to wide receivers. The receiver has immense potential for solid fantasy numbers, making him a great addition to your lineup.

Kacey Kasem is a contributing badass for Optimus Fantasy. For more from Kacey, follow her on X @TheKaceyKasem.

By Published On: November 7th, 2024

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