by Kacey Kasem
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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.
Wide receivers can surprise you during the fantasy playoffs, for better or worse. Sometimes, they deliver breakout performances when you need them most; other times, they fall flat.
I’m feeling that firsthand during my home league playoffs this week. Facing my sister, I’m grateful for Cooper Kupp’s zero points last night, but it’s a reminder of how much variance wideouts can bring.
Let’s talk about a few WR2 or flex options that could help you pull off a playoff win in Week 15.
WR2s with WR1 Potential This Week
Joshua Palmer, Los Angeles Chargers
Rostered in 9.1% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 11.7% of Sleeper Leagues
Much of the attention in the Los Angeles Chargers passing attack has been on Quentin Johnston, but Joshua Palmer deserves some recognition.
In Week 14, the Tennessee product led the team with six catches on nine targets for 78 yards in a close loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Palmer benefited from Ladd McConkey’s absence due to a knee injury, stepping into a more significant role for Justin Herbert. Across 12 games, the 25-year-old has accumulated 30 receptions for 492 yards and a touchdown, averaging 7.27 PPR points per game.
3rd & 21? No problem.
Justin Herbert finds Joshua Palmer for the TD#BoltUp pic.twitter.com/vpIZ014Tp4
— Chargers Central (@BoltCentral) November 3, 2024
Palmer’s Week 15 value depends heavily on McConkey’s status. The fourth-year player could see significant chances to shine if McConkey remains sidelined versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Tampa Bay’s defense has given up the 10th-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season and has struggled to contain opposing passing attacks. Palmer is a situational play, but if you are in a deeper league or short on options, he could provide sneaky upside.
Ray-Ray McCloud III, Atlanta Falcons
Rostered in 14.8% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 29% of Sleeper Leagues
Ray-Ray McCloud III has quietly emerged as a key contributor in the Atlanta Falcons offense over the last two games.
In Week 14, the 28-year-old hauled in eight of his 11 targets for 98 yards and added a short rush and a kickoff return. McCloud has now posted back-to-back games with 90 or more receiving yards, leading the team in both receptions and targets last week.
Ray Ray McCloud dances down the sideline for 60 yards!
📺: #LACvsATL on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/LAPgHaDMtY— NFL (@NFL) December 1, 2024
The Falcons face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 15, a matchup that bodes well for McCloud’s fantasy prospects. The Raiders have allowed eight touchdowns to wide receivers over their last six games and rank fifth in fantasy points given up to the position over the past month.
McCloud’s growing role in the offense and favorable matchup makes him a solid plug-and-play option for those in need of wide receiver depth.
Wan’Dale Robinson, New York Giants
Rostered in 39% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 44% of Sleeper Leagues
Wan’Dale Robinson is back on the radar this week, but with a word of caution. The New York Giants’ quarterback situation is a mess, with Tommy DeVito getting the start and Drew Lock now in a walking boot.
Despite the chaos under center, the third-year player remains intriguing due to his high target volume. In Week 14, he led the team with 11 targets, grabbing four for 38 yards in a 14-11 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
TOUCHDOWN WAN’DALE ROBINSON pic.twitter.com/QGVMfpxHQH
— Marshall Green (@MarshallGreen_) October 6, 2024
Robinson has 102 targets this season, surpassing his total from last year, with a 23.6% target share. His red zone involvement is notable, with 12 red zone targets and seven receptions inside the 20-yard line. However, the Kentucky alum’s catchable target rate of 71.6% highlights the struggles of the Giants’ passing game.
The Week 15 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens presents both opportunity and risk. While the Ravens have permitted the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers on the season, they have been better in their last three games. Robinson’s volume makes him a viable desperation play, but you have to temper expectations.
Michael Wilson, Arizona Cardinals
Rostered in 10% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 15% of Sleeper Leagues
The Arizona Cardinals’ passing game could see a shift this week. Christian Gonzalez will likely shadow Marvin Harrison Jr. Kyler Murray may need to look beyond his rookie wideout for production, and Michael Wilson stands to benefit.
Tight end Trey McBride, one of Murray’s favorite targets, is dealing with a knee injury and has been limited in practice, which could open up even more possibilities for Wilson.
that’s a Michael Wilson touchdown for ya!!! pic.twitter.com/OakXWTy7b0
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 8, 2024
The 24-year-old wideout has put together strong back-to-back performances, including 57 yards and a touchdown on just three targets in Week 14. With four touchdowns on the season and a knack for showing up in promising matchups, Wilson has proven to be a feasible option when given the chance.
The Cardinals battle the New England Patriots in Week 15, a defense that has conceded five touchdowns to wide receivers over the last three games. If you are searching for wide receiver insurance, Wilson is a high-upside play who could pay off in the fantasy playoffs.
Kacey Kasem is a contributing badass for Optimus Fantasy. For more from Kacey, follow her on X @TheKaceyKasem.
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.
Wide receivers can surprise you during the fantasy playoffs, for better or worse. Sometimes, they deliver breakout performances when you need them most; other times, they fall flat.
I’m feeling that firsthand during my home league playoffs this week. Facing my sister, I’m grateful for Cooper Kupp’s zero points last night, but it’s a reminder of how much variance wideouts can bring.
Let’s talk about a few WR2 or flex options that could help you pull off a playoff win in Week 15.
WR2s with WR1 Potential This Week
Joshua Palmer, Los Angeles Chargers
Rostered in 9.1% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 11.7% of Sleeper Leagues
Much of the attention in the Los Angeles Chargers passing attack has been on Quentin Johnston, but Joshua Palmer deserves some recognition.
In Week 14, the Tennessee product led the team with six catches on nine targets for 78 yards in a close loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Palmer benefited from Ladd McConkey’s absence due to a knee injury, stepping into a more significant role for Justin Herbert. Across 12 games, the 25-year-old has accumulated 30 receptions for 492 yards and a touchdown, averaging 7.27 PPR points per game.
3rd & 21? No problem.
Justin Herbert finds Joshua Palmer for the TD#BoltUp pic.twitter.com/vpIZ014Tp4
— Chargers Central (@BoltCentral) November 3, 2024
Palmer’s Week 15 value depends heavily on McConkey’s status. The fourth-year player could see significant chances to shine if McConkey remains sidelined versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Tampa Bay’s defense has given up the 10th-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season and has struggled to contain opposing passing attacks. Palmer is a situational play, but if you are in a deeper league or short on options, he could provide sneaky upside.
Ray-Ray McCloud III, Atlanta Falcons
Rostered in 14.8% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 29% of Sleeper Leagues
Ray-Ray McCloud III has quietly emerged as a key contributor in the Atlanta Falcons offense over the last two games.
In Week 14, the 28-year-old hauled in eight of his 11 targets for 98 yards and added a short rush and a kickoff return. McCloud has now posted back-to-back games with 90 or more receiving yards, leading the team in both receptions and targets last week.
Ray Ray McCloud dances down the sideline for 60 yards!
📺: #LACvsATL on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/LAPgHaDMtY— NFL (@NFL) December 1, 2024
The Falcons face the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 15, a matchup that bodes well for McCloud’s fantasy prospects. The Raiders have allowed eight touchdowns to wide receivers over their last six games and rank fifth in fantasy points given up to the position over the past month.
McCloud’s growing role in the offense and favorable matchup makes him a solid plug-and-play option for those in need of wide receiver depth.
Wan’Dale Robinson, New York Giants
Rostered in 39% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 44% of Sleeper Leagues
Wan’Dale Robinson is back on the radar this week, but with a word of caution. The New York Giants’ quarterback situation is a mess, with Tommy DeVito getting the start and Drew Lock now in a walking boot.
Despite the chaos under center, the third-year player remains intriguing due to his high target volume. In Week 14, he led the team with 11 targets, grabbing four for 38 yards in a 14-11 loss to the New Orleans Saints.
TOUCHDOWN WAN’DALE ROBINSON pic.twitter.com/QGVMfpxHQH
— Marshall Green (@MarshallGreen_) October 6, 2024
Robinson has 102 targets this season, surpassing his total from last year, with a 23.6% target share. His red zone involvement is notable, with 12 red zone targets and seven receptions inside the 20-yard line. However, the Kentucky alum’s catchable target rate of 71.6% highlights the struggles of the Giants’ passing game.
The Week 15 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens presents both opportunity and risk. While the Ravens have permitted the second-most fantasy points to wide receivers on the season, they have been better in their last three games. Robinson’s volume makes him a viable desperation play, but you have to temper expectations.
Michael Wilson, Arizona Cardinals
Rostered in 10% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 15% of Sleeper Leagues
The Arizona Cardinals’ passing game could see a shift this week. Christian Gonzalez will likely shadow Marvin Harrison Jr. Kyler Murray may need to look beyond his rookie wideout for production, and Michael Wilson stands to benefit.
Tight end Trey McBride, one of Murray’s favorite targets, is dealing with a knee injury and has been limited in practice, which could open up even more possibilities for Wilson.
that’s a Michael Wilson touchdown for ya!!! pic.twitter.com/OakXWTy7b0
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 8, 2024
The 24-year-old wideout has put together strong back-to-back performances, including 57 yards and a touchdown on just three targets in Week 14. With four touchdowns on the season and a knack for showing up in promising matchups, Wilson has proven to be a feasible option when given the chance.
The Cardinals battle the New England Patriots in Week 15, a defense that has conceded five touchdowns to wide receivers over the last three games. If you are searching for wide receiver insurance, Wilson is a high-upside play who could pay off in the fantasy playoffs.
Kacey Kasem is a contributing badass for Optimus Fantasy. For more from Kacey, follow her on X @TheKaceyKasem.
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