by Kacey Kasem

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Published On: December 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.

The weather in Dallas has finally hit that crisp stage where beanies and hoodies become everyday staples. It’s the kind of chill that calls for fireplaces and hot drinks, and it puts me in a good mood.

Sure, it’s not snowing or freezing like other parts of the country, but 35 degrees feels plenty cold when you’re in Texas. That said, in true Texas fashion, the high on Monday is forecasted to hit 68. Fantasy football can be just as unpredictable, but I’m here to make sense of it.

When the air turns colder, it’s a reminder that fantasy playoffs are just around the corner. It’s the time of year when you start looking for any edge to secure a spot or make that final push.

That edge might come from an under-the-radar wide receiver who’s been quietly gaining momentum or has a matchup too good to ignore. Let’s dive into a few WR2s and flex plays who could help you win your week.

WR2s with WR1 Potential This Week

~ Check Out Our Week 14 Fantasy Football Rankings ~

Tre Tucker, Las Vegas Raiders

Rostered in 9.1% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 12% of Sleeper Leagues

One of my favorite players to write about, Jakobi Meyers, has been fantastic for the Las Vegas Raiders lately, but Tre Tucker is making a case to join your radar.

Tucker had a standout game in Week 12, catching seven of eight targets for 82 yards. Although the second-year player was quieter in Week 13 with just one target, he turned it into a 58-yard touchdown, the longest reception of his career.

The Raiders face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week, a defense that has given up the sixth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers this season. Over the last four weeks, the Bucs have conceded the 10th-most points to the position. If you need a deep flex option, Tucker could be your guy, especially with his ability to deliver explosive plays.

Parker Washington, Jacksonville Jaguars

Rostered in 4.3% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 14% of Sleeper Leagues

Parker Washington is coming off a breakout Week 13 performance where he racked up 103 yards and a touchdown on six catches. Injuries to key wideouts like Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis have thrust the Penn State product into a more significant role, and his 12 targets last week were a team-high.

While the Jacksonville Jaguars offense now runs through backup quarterback Mac Jones, Washington’s growing role in the passing game keeps him relevant. The Jaguars face the Tennessee Titans this week, a defense that has allowed the 11th-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers over the last four weeks.

Additionally, the Titans have surrendered five touchdowns to wideouts in that span, signaling a trend you want to exploit. Monitor Washington’s status, as he is dealing with a shoulder injury, but if he is active, the wideout is a solid flex play with upside.

Andrei Iosivas, Cincinnati Bengals

Rostered in 2.5% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 6% of Sleeper Leagues

The Cincinnati Bengals’ offense has been leaning on Andrei Iosivas in red-zone situations, and his five touchdowns this season are proof. He caught three of four targets for 35 yards and a score in Week 13, showing his ability to capitalize on limited opportunities.

The 25-year-old’s fantasy value is tied to his touchdown upside, but he might find the end zone in a battle with the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas has struggled against slot receivers this season—players like Malik Nabers, Noah Brown, A.J. Brown and Darnell Mooney saw at least seven targets when facing Dallas.

Iosivas’s limited target share makes him a bit of a gamble, but his knack for scoring keeps him in the conversation as a sneaky flex option.

Calvin Austin, Pittsburgh Steelers

Rostered in 1.6% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 7% of Sleeper Leagues

I called Calvin Austin “Fool’s Gold,” but the past two weeks suggest he might be the real deal. He has scored touchdowns in back-to-back games, including a 16.8 PPR point performance in Week 12 versus the Cleveland Browns.

While a concussion limited him in Week 13, he has been practicing and is trending toward playing against the Cleveland Browns this Sunday.

The Browns have surrendered 14 receiving touchdowns to wideouts this season and are ninth in fantasy points given up to the position. If the second-year player suits up, he is worth considering as a flex play with the potential to hit paydirt.

However, if he is ruled out, do not pivot to another Pittsburgh Steeler wideout on waivers. Austin’s unique role makes him the best depth option for fantasy managers desperate for help.

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

December 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.

The weather in Dallas has finally hit that crisp stage where beanies and hoodies become everyday staples. It’s the kind of chill that calls for fireplaces and hot drinks, and it puts me in a good mood.

Sure, it’s not snowing or freezing like other parts of the country, but 35 degrees feels plenty cold when you’re in Texas. That said, in true Texas fashion, the high on Monday is forecasted to hit 68. Fantasy football can be just as unpredictable, but I’m here to make sense of it.

When the air turns colder, it’s a reminder that fantasy playoffs are just around the corner. It’s the time of year when you start looking for any edge to secure a spot or make that final push.

That edge might come from an under-the-radar wide receiver who’s been quietly gaining momentum or has a matchup too good to ignore. Let’s dive into a few WR2s and flex plays who could help you win your week.

WR2s with WR1 Potential This Week

~ Check Out Our Week 14 Fantasy Football Rankings ~

Tre Tucker, Las Vegas Raiders

Rostered in 9.1% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 12% of Sleeper Leagues

One of my favorite players to write about, Jakobi Meyers, has been fantastic for the Las Vegas Raiders lately, but Tre Tucker is making a case to join your radar.

Tucker had a standout game in Week 12, catching seven of eight targets for 82 yards. Although the second-year player was quieter in Week 13 with just one target, he turned it into a 58-yard touchdown, the longest reception of his career.

The Raiders face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this week, a defense that has given up the sixth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers this season. Over the last four weeks, the Bucs have conceded the 10th-most points to the position. If you need a deep flex option, Tucker could be your guy, especially with his ability to deliver explosive plays.

Parker Washington, Jacksonville Jaguars

Rostered in 4.3% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 14% of Sleeper Leagues

Parker Washington is coming off a breakout Week 13 performance where he racked up 103 yards and a touchdown on six catches. Injuries to key wideouts like Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis have thrust the Penn State product into a more significant role, and his 12 targets last week were a team-high.

While the Jacksonville Jaguars offense now runs through backup quarterback Mac Jones, Washington’s growing role in the passing game keeps him relevant. The Jaguars face the Tennessee Titans this week, a defense that has allowed the 11th-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers over the last four weeks.

Additionally, the Titans have surrendered five touchdowns to wideouts in that span, signaling a trend you want to exploit. Monitor Washington’s status, as he is dealing with a shoulder injury, but if he is active, the wideout is a solid flex play with upside.

Andrei Iosivas, Cincinnati Bengals

Rostered in 2.5% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 6% of Sleeper Leagues

The Cincinnati Bengals’ offense has been leaning on Andrei Iosivas in red-zone situations, and his five touchdowns this season are proof. He caught three of four targets for 35 yards and a score in Week 13, showing his ability to capitalize on limited opportunities.

The 25-year-old’s fantasy value is tied to his touchdown upside, but he might find the end zone in a battle with the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas has struggled against slot receivers this season—players like Malik Nabers, Noah Brown, A.J. Brown and Darnell Mooney saw at least seven targets when facing Dallas.

Iosivas’s limited target share makes him a bit of a gamble, but his knack for scoring keeps him in the conversation as a sneaky flex option.

Calvin Austin, Pittsburgh Steelers

Rostered in 1.6% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 7% of Sleeper Leagues

I called Calvin Austin “Fool’s Gold,” but the past two weeks suggest he might be the real deal. He has scored touchdowns in back-to-back games, including a 16.8 PPR point performance in Week 12 versus the Cleveland Browns.

While a concussion limited him in Week 13, he has been practicing and is trending toward playing against the Cleveland Browns this Sunday.

The Browns have surrendered 14 receiving touchdowns to wideouts this season and are ninth in fantasy points given up to the position. If the second-year player suits up, he is worth considering as a flex play with the potential to hit paydirt.

However, if he is ruled out, do not pivot to another Pittsburgh Steeler wideout on waivers. Austin’s unique role makes him the best depth option for fantasy managers desperate for help.

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

By Published On: December 7th, 2024

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