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.
Hello, wide receiver fans! Did you make it into the semi-finals this week? I hope you are one step closer to a championship win if you’re here. I am in two of my playoffs. The Queen’s Classic (Optimus Fantasy’s own Jen Polvogt is also in the semis) and my home league (where I’m projected to lose, but we all know those projections don’t matter).
This article series is here to help you find wide receivers who are under the radar each week. Some of my picks from this season have helped, either for the entire season or in spot-start situations. This article series has featured such players as Jalen Tolbert, Darnell Mooney, Jalen Nailor, Jalen McMillan, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Jalen Coker. A lot of Jalens were featured.
Let’s look at some of my favorite underrated wide receivers for Week 16. These players are still available on plenty of waivers but could become much-needed stars when you need it most. They also make for excellent depth pieces if you have a roster-clogger you’re planning on dropping.
WR2s with WR1 Potential This Week
Jalen Coker, Carolina Panthers
Rostered in 3.8% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 12% of Sleeper Leagues
I haven’t gone back to count, but I am sure I have talked about Jalen Coker almost every week. It might be an over-exaggeration, but I have talked about him a ton this season.
In his first game after missing three contests, the rookie had a brilliant Week 15. Facing off with the Panthers, he saw six targets, catching four for 110 yards and a score. Coker ended that contest with 21 PPR points. Fellow rookie Xavier Legette injured his hip, and is doubtful to play on Sunday.
Bryce Young on his 83-yard TD pass to Jalen Coker:
“Jalen just did a great job of just feeling himself open. Kind of breaking off his route a little bit, just going to grass, and we’re on the same page when it came to that.”
It checks out. Coker – smart player for his age. pic.twitter.com/vcI4tIhKEW
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) December 16, 2024
You might want to lower your expectations for the WR this week as he battles the Cardinals. Arizona has conceded the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing WRs over the last four weeks. Still, with Legette out of the lineup, Coker will see more opportunities to post high fantasy numbers.
If you’re wondering if you should start the 23-year-old this week, he is a good play if you have no other options. He will make for a solid flex, but if you need to use him as a WR2 or WR3, he should be a decent starter.
Is anyone still concerned with Jalen Coker’s speed? #Pantherspic.twitter.com/xS0Dg04fE9
— Dan Tonna (@dan_tonna) December 16, 2024
Keep an eye on injury reports; he is listed as questionable with a quad injury. If Coker does not get the green light, David Moore should see more work, but he is also questionable.
Championship Week Contest: Coker faces the Buccaneers in Week 17
Tim Patrick, Detroit Lions
Rostered in 4% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 9% of Sleeper Leagues
I keep forgetting Tim Patrick is no longer with Denver. He’s trying to make me remember over the last two weeks. The wideout has seen seven or more targets in each of those contests. The Utah product is the WR16 over that span. It is a short sample size, but he has been getting more involved towards the end of the season.
In his most recent game, Patrick hauled in four balls on eight targets, tallying 30 yards and a touchdown in a loss to the Bills. In that contest, he posted 13 PPR points. The previous week, versus the Packers, Patrick tallied 22.3 PPR points.
Tim Patrick went more than 1,000 days without scoring a touchdown.
He’s got three in the last two games.pic.twitter.com/jURUzaHHvW
— Richard Silva (@rich_silva18) December 15, 2024
This trend is probably one you want to chase. But do you want to chase it when the Lions take on the Bears this week? This season, Chicago has allowed opposing wide receivers the second-fewest fantasy points per game.
That does not bode well for those managers depending on Patrick to put up huge numbers. A positive is that the Bears are tied for the second-most passing touchdowns given up to the position over the last four weeks.
Tim Patrick touchdown 💨
Lions fans chanted “MVP!” for Jared Goff pic.twitter.com/d3LJrDcNkL
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) December 15, 2024
So, are we starting Patrick in this crucial week? He is a start in deeper leagues or for rosters that need WR or flex help. For those who can afford to stash him this week, he can give you added wide receiver help for your championship game.
Championship Week Contest: Patrick faces the 49ers in Week 17
Calvin Austin III, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
Rostered in 3.4% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 13% of Sleeper Leagues
Calvin Austin III, again? George Pickens is out for another contest in Week 16 with a hamstring injury. With Pickens sidelined, Austin III becomes an intriguing option.
With Pickens not playing in Week 15, Austin caught all five of his five targets for 65 yards in a loss to the Eagles. It was a season-high in receptions by the wideout and the team-high for the day.
The more I watch Calvin Austin make significant plays. The more you see him open. The more I think about Sauce Gardener saying he’s the hardest guy he’s ever had to cover in college.
Becoming a weapon for the Steelers. pic.twitter.com/7doGYwCUQr
— Kevin Adams (@KevinAdams26) December 3, 2024
In Week 16, the Steelers travel to take on the Ravens. This season, the Ravens have surrendered the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing WR and are tied for the third-most receiving touchdowns allowed to the position with 17.
Baltimore has also given up the fourth-most targets, receptions, and yards to wideouts. In four of the last six games, opposing receiver groups have seen more than 23 targets versus the defense.
CALVIN. AUSTIN.
pic.twitter.com/gm1MyoC89D— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) November 22, 2024
If you are considering starting Austin this week, he is only a desperation start for those needing assistance at WR. Over the last month, the Ravens have yielded the fewest fantasy points per game to the position. But if you need WR help and he is the best player available on your waivers, plugging him in this week is not the worst idea.
Championship Week Contest: Austin faces the Chiefs in Week 17
Malik Washington, Miami Dolphins
Rostered in 10% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 15% of Sleeper Leagues
Let’s talk about Malik Washington and the boost he gets this weekend with Jaylen Waddle doubtful (knee). The Dolphins clash with the 49ers in Week 16.
Looking at what Washington did last week, the receiver ended his day with five receptions on six targets and 52 yards in a loss to the Texans. With Odell Beckham Jr. finally getting the boot, Washington took over as the team’s WR3.
Malik Washington with his first career TD! pic.twitter.com/EYpK0sW3AX
— Dolphin Nation (@Dolphin_Nation) November 12, 2024
The rookie’s receiving total led the team, as Tyreek Hill had 36 yards and Jonnu Smith tallied 48. Waddle injured his knee in the first half of the game, opening up more involvement for the wideout.
Taking on the 49ers this week will be a challenge, as their defense has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers. They have allowed 11 receiving scores to wideouts, with four coming in the last four games.
It’s Malik Washington!
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) November 12, 2024
Washington is a nice addition to your lineup if you want a flexworthy option in a deeper league. Waddle managers might want to pick him up for security as well. It is a difficult matchup for the wide receiver, so only plug him in if you are in need of a wide receiver.
Championship Week Contest: Washington faces the Browns in Week 17
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.
Hello, wide receiver fans! Did you make it into the semi-finals this week? I hope you are one step closer to a championship win if you’re here. I am in two of my playoffs. The Queen’s Classic (Optimus Fantasy’s own Jen Polvogt is also in the semis) and my home league (where I’m projected to lose, but we all know those projections don’t matter).
This article series is here to help you find wide receivers who are under the radar each week. Some of my picks from this season have helped, either for the entire season or in spot-start situations. This article series has featured such players as Jalen Tolbert, Darnell Mooney, Jalen Nailor, Jalen McMillan, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Jalen Coker. A lot of Jalens were featured.
Let’s look at some of my favorite underrated wide receivers for Week 16. These players are still available on plenty of waivers but could become much-needed stars when you need it most. They also make for excellent depth pieces if you have a roster-clogger you’re planning on dropping.
WR2s with WR1 Potential This Week
Jalen Coker, Carolina Panthers
Rostered in 3.8% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 12% of Sleeper Leagues
I haven’t gone back to count, but I am sure I have talked about Jalen Coker almost every week. It might be an over-exaggeration, but I have talked about him a ton this season.
In his first game after missing three contests, the rookie had a brilliant Week 15. Facing off with the Panthers, he saw six targets, catching four for 110 yards and a score. Coker ended that contest with 21 PPR points. Fellow rookie Xavier Legette injured his hip, and is doubtful to play on Sunday.
Bryce Young on his 83-yard TD pass to Jalen Coker:
“Jalen just did a great job of just feeling himself open. Kind of breaking off his route a little bit, just going to grass, and we’re on the same page when it came to that.”
It checks out. Coker – smart player for his age. pic.twitter.com/vcI4tIhKEW
— Jared Feinberg (@JRodNFLDraft) December 16, 2024
You might want to lower your expectations for the WR this week as he battles the Cardinals. Arizona has conceded the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing WRs over the last four weeks. Still, with Legette out of the lineup, Coker will see more opportunities to post high fantasy numbers.
If you’re wondering if you should start the 23-year-old this week, he is a good play if you have no other options. He will make for a solid flex, but if you need to use him as a WR2 or WR3, he should be a decent starter.
Is anyone still concerned with Jalen Coker’s speed? #Pantherspic.twitter.com/xS0Dg04fE9
— Dan Tonna (@dan_tonna) December 16, 2024
Keep an eye on injury reports; he is listed as questionable with a quad injury. If Coker does not get the green light, David Moore should see more work, but he is also questionable.
Championship Week Contest: Coker faces the Buccaneers in Week 17
Tim Patrick, Detroit Lions
Rostered in 4% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 9% of Sleeper Leagues
I keep forgetting Tim Patrick is no longer with Denver. He’s trying to make me remember over the last two weeks. The wideout has seen seven or more targets in each of those contests. The Utah product is the WR16 over that span. It is a short sample size, but he has been getting more involved towards the end of the season.
In his most recent game, Patrick hauled in four balls on eight targets, tallying 30 yards and a touchdown in a loss to the Bills. In that contest, he posted 13 PPR points. The previous week, versus the Packers, Patrick tallied 22.3 PPR points.
Tim Patrick went more than 1,000 days without scoring a touchdown.
He’s got three in the last two games.pic.twitter.com/jURUzaHHvW
— Richard Silva (@rich_silva18) December 15, 2024
This trend is probably one you want to chase. But do you want to chase it when the Lions take on the Bears this week? This season, Chicago has allowed opposing wide receivers the second-fewest fantasy points per game.
That does not bode well for those managers depending on Patrick to put up huge numbers. A positive is that the Bears are tied for the second-most passing touchdowns given up to the position over the last four weeks.
Tim Patrick touchdown 💨
Lions fans chanted “MVP!” for Jared Goff pic.twitter.com/d3LJrDcNkL
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) December 15, 2024
So, are we starting Patrick in this crucial week? He is a start in deeper leagues or for rosters that need WR or flex help. For those who can afford to stash him this week, he can give you added wide receiver help for your championship game.
Championship Week Contest: Patrick faces the 49ers in Week 17
Calvin Austin III, WR, Pittsburgh Steelers
Rostered in 3.4% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 13% of Sleeper Leagues
Calvin Austin III, again? George Pickens is out for another contest in Week 16 with a hamstring injury. With Pickens sidelined, Austin III becomes an intriguing option.
With Pickens not playing in Week 15, Austin caught all five of his five targets for 65 yards in a loss to the Eagles. It was a season-high in receptions by the wideout and the team-high for the day.
The more I watch Calvin Austin make significant plays. The more you see him open. The more I think about Sauce Gardener saying he’s the hardest guy he’s ever had to cover in college.
Becoming a weapon for the Steelers. pic.twitter.com/7doGYwCUQr
— Kevin Adams (@KevinAdams26) December 3, 2024
In Week 16, the Steelers travel to take on the Ravens. This season, the Ravens have surrendered the second-most fantasy points per game to opposing WR and are tied for the third-most receiving touchdowns allowed to the position with 17.
Baltimore has also given up the fourth-most targets, receptions, and yards to wideouts. In four of the last six games, opposing receiver groups have seen more than 23 targets versus the defense.
CALVIN. AUSTIN.
pic.twitter.com/gm1MyoC89D— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) November 22, 2024
If you are considering starting Austin this week, he is only a desperation start for those needing assistance at WR. Over the last month, the Ravens have yielded the fewest fantasy points per game to the position. But if you need WR help and he is the best player available on your waivers, plugging him in this week is not the worst idea.
Championship Week Contest: Austin faces the Chiefs in Week 17
Malik Washington, Miami Dolphins
Rostered in 10% of ESPN Leagues
Rostered in 15% of Sleeper Leagues
Let’s talk about Malik Washington and the boost he gets this weekend with Jaylen Waddle doubtful (knee). The Dolphins clash with the 49ers in Week 16.
Looking at what Washington did last week, the receiver ended his day with five receptions on six targets and 52 yards in a loss to the Texans. With Odell Beckham Jr. finally getting the boot, Washington took over as the team’s WR3.
Malik Washington with his first career TD! pic.twitter.com/EYpK0sW3AX
— Dolphin Nation (@Dolphin_Nation) November 12, 2024
The rookie’s receiving total led the team, as Tyreek Hill had 36 yards and Jonnu Smith tallied 48. Waddle injured his knee in the first half of the game, opening up more involvement for the wideout.
Taking on the 49ers this week will be a challenge, as their defense has allowed the fourth-fewest fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers. They have allowed 11 receiving scores to wideouts, with four coming in the last four games.
It’s Malik Washington!
— Joe Schad (@schadjoe) November 12, 2024
Washington is a nice addition to your lineup if you want a flexworthy option in a deeper league. Waddle managers might want to pick him up for security as well. It is a difficult matchup for the wide receiver, so only plug him in if you are in need of a wide receiver.
Championship Week Contest: Washington faces the Browns in Week 17
Kacey Kasem is a contributing badass for Optimus Fantasy. For more from Kacey, follow her on X @TheKaceyKasem.
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Hey folks! We cannot understate the importance of being in on Week 12 waiver wire players early while the free agency acquisition budget (FAAB) price is cheapest (or free!), so you can add them to your roster. This is not just for adding them to your roster so your league mates don’t get them first;
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. Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and I’m all about savoring the season before the Christmas rush kicks in. I’m not one of those people who