by Kacey Kasem
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Due to constant production and strong offensive situations, some NFL WR2s are taken due to their WR1 fantasy football numbers. Players such as Jaylen Waddle, DeVonta Smith, and Tee Higgins are WR2s on their NFL teams. Still, they often put up WR1 numbers in fantasy football, making their fantasy WR rankings an unfair barometer.
In my series this season, I’ll examine weekly matchups to determine if an NFL WR2 can outperform a WR1 on another team. It is important to look beyond the label of “WR1.” Considering factors such as matchups, injuries, and team dynamics, I’ll find what No. 2 options are worth putting in your lineup.
Because the season has yet to start, I want to look at fantasy drafts to see what NFL WR2s are worth considering if you’re looking for WR1 numbers. I also want to explain why WR2s sometimes give your fantasy football roster WR1 numbers.
Why WR2s Can Be Better Options
Defensive schemes and matchups can elevate a WR2 to WR1 status. For example, a well-performing cornerback might shadow a WR1, leaving the WR2 with a better matchup. Injuries are another reason some WR2s can put up WR1 numbers in fantasy. If the WR1 on a team goes down, the WR2 would see more production.
At the same time, if the quarterback or offensive line is hurting, it could be bad news for that team’s receiving corps. Pivoting to a WR2 on another team that can give you WR1 points might be the plan.
Game scripts also play a factor in determining whether or not you should start a WR2 to gain WR1 fantasy points. For instance, if a team is down, they may throw the ball more to try and catch up. Looking at the opponent’s offense and defense situations is key to figuring out what wide receiver to start.
Target share is the percentage of a team’s total passing targets that a certain player gains. A WR2 with a high target share is worth rostering because, you know, with targets come catches.
Receptions, yards, and touchdowns all translate to fantasy football points. Many teams spread the ball around and have high passing volume. The WR2s on these teams can still receive a significant portion of targets. In turn, these wide receivers can produce WR1-like fantasy numbers.
NFL WR2s
Jaylen Waddle (Miami Dolphins)
2023 PPR Points Per Game: 14.2
2023 Highest Scoring Game: 28.2 (Week 15)
Jaylen Waddle’s impressive target share throughout his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins gives this WR2 a boost in fantasy. Despite being behind star wideout Tyreek Hill, Waddle still commands plenty of targets.
Last season, according to Fantasy Points Data, Waddle possessed a 22% target share. The 2022 season saw him have a 20.0% target share when Hill joined the team. In his rookie season (2021), he gained a 23.6% target share.
JAYLEN WADDLE!!!!! pic.twitter.com/SubkmXMsyM
— Anand Nanduri (@NanduriNFL) December 17, 2023
He has shown he can maintain a large target share, even with Hill on the field. Waddle produces high yards per reception, averaging 18.1 yards in 2023.
Waddle has value, even as his team’s WR2, as he can post WR1 numbers. Look for matchups where he capitalizes on defenses focusing on Hill.
DeVonta Smith (Philadelphia Eagles)
2023 PPR Points Per Game: 14.2
2023 Highest Scoring Game: 24.6 (Week 13)
Though he is the WR2 behind A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith has value. The value comes from his consistent production, precise route-running, and a major role in a high-powered Philly offense.
In the 2023 season, Smith registered 1,066 receiving yards. Additionally, he scored seven touchdowns. Smith saw a target share of 20.9% last year. He can put up WR1 numbers, even if he is the second option on the team.
JALEN HURTS ➕ DEVONTA SMITH pic.twitter.com/qid2deOF63
— Fantasy Life (@MBFantasyLife) November 5, 2023
The Eagles’ offense is led by quarterback Jalen Hurts, one of the most dynamic QBs in the league.
Brown additionally draws attention from defenses and frees up Smith, making it easier for him to see targets. All of those factors help propel Smith into fantasy WR1 territory.
Tee Higgins (Cincinnati Bengals)
2023 PPR Points Per Game: 11.5
2023 Highest Scoring Game: 28.9 (Week 2)
A common trend here is taking WR2s on teams with a star WR1 who can take attention off the other receivers. Tee Higgins is a talented WR2 for the Cincinnati Bengals that plays alongside Ja’Marr Chase. Higgins benefits from less defensive focus, meaning he is a good start in favorable matchups.
Another theme we’re noticing is these WR2s worth rostering in fantasy football are all on teams with high-octane offenses. Joe Burrow leads the Bengals and gets Higgins involved often.
Looks like Tee Higgins is coming back.
With a healthy Burrow in 2024, will Higgins finally hit his ceiling?
I think so…pic.twitter.com/06J7lXzPeF
— Snoog’s Dynasty Society (@FFSnoog) February 13, 2024
Higgins can make big plays in the end zone and is great at catching contested balls. His high touchdown potential also adds to his value.
Last season, Higgins tallied 42 receptions for 656 yards and five scores. His production was down from previous years. He previously had two 1,000-yard seasons (2021 and 2022). His 2023 campaign was derailed by injury, contributing to his lower-than-average numbers.
Chris Godwin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
2023 PPR Points Per Game: 12.3
2023 Highest Scoring Game: 25.5 (Week 15)
Behind Mike Evans on the depth chart, Chris Godwin has shown his ability to produce WR1 numbers in fantasy football over the years. Godwin is a player who has precise route-running and plays a significant role in Tampa Bay’s offense.
In 2023, Godwin snagged 83 receptions on 129 targets for 1,024 receiving yards. He saw a high volume of targets and had a 22.7% target share.
In ESPN’s draft trends…
-Mike Evans (WR14)
-Chris Godwin (WR32)From Week 14 through the Buccaneers’ playoff loss in the Divisional Round, Godwin had a higher target share than Evans.
Godwin is undervalued right now:pic.twitter.com/MVH55drCeZ
— Moody (@EricNMoody) July 2, 2024
Godwin only scored twice through the air and once on the ground in 2023. You’ll need to depend on his yardage and receptions when viewing him as someone who can put up WR1 numbers.
Evans often sees attention as the primary deep threat in the Buccaneers’ offense. Godwin can dominate in the short to intermediate areas of the field. Constantly being involved in the offense, Godwin has the potential to deliver WR1-level games.
I’ll return next week to prepare you for the football season. What an exciting time to be alive! I can’t wait to dive into WR2 matchups. Who are some of your favorite NFL WR2s for fantasy football?
For more from Kacey Kasem, following her on X (formerly Twitter) @thekaceykasem & find The WR2 Radar right here on Optimus Fantasy every week!
by Kacey Kasem
Share
Due to constant production and strong offensive situations, some NFL WR2s are taken due to their WR1 fantasy football numbers. Players such as Jaylen Waddle, DeVonta Smith, and Tee Higgins are WR2s on their NFL teams. Still, they often put up WR1 numbers in fantasy football, making their fantasy WR rankings an unfair barometer.
In my series this season, I’ll examine weekly matchups to determine if an NFL WR2 can outperform a WR1 on another team. It is important to look beyond the label of “WR1.” Considering factors such as matchups, injuries, and team dynamics, I’ll find what No. 2 options are worth putting in your lineup.
Because the season has yet to start, I want to look at fantasy drafts to see what NFL WR2s are worth considering if you’re looking for WR1 numbers. I also want to explain why WR2s sometimes give your fantasy football roster WR1 numbers.
Why WR2s Can Be Better Options
Defensive schemes and matchups can elevate a WR2 to WR1 status. For example, a well-performing cornerback might shadow a WR1, leaving the WR2 with a better matchup. Injuries are another reason some WR2s can put up WR1 numbers in fantasy. If the WR1 on a team goes down, the WR2 would see more production.
At the same time, if the quarterback or offensive line is hurting, it could be bad news for that team’s receiving corps. Pivoting to a WR2 on another team that can give you WR1 points might be the plan.
Game scripts also play a factor in determining whether or not you should start a WR2 to gain WR1 fantasy points. For instance, if a team is down, they may throw the ball more to try and catch up. Looking at the opponent’s offense and defense situations is key to figuring out what wide receiver to start.
Target share is the percentage of a team’s total passing targets that a certain player gains. A WR2 with a high target share is worth rostering because, you know, with targets come catches.
Receptions, yards, and touchdowns all translate to fantasy football points. Many teams spread the ball around and have high passing volume. The WR2s on these teams can still receive a significant portion of targets. In turn, these wide receivers can produce WR1-like fantasy numbers.
NFL WR2s
Jaylen Waddle (Miami Dolphins)
2023 PPR Points Per Game: 14.2
2023 Highest Scoring Game: 28.2 (Week 15)
Jaylen Waddle’s impressive target share throughout his NFL career with the Miami Dolphins gives this WR2 a boost in fantasy. Despite being behind star wideout Tyreek Hill, Waddle still commands plenty of targets.
Last season, according to Fantasy Points Data, Waddle possessed a 22% target share. The 2022 season saw him have a 20.0% target share when Hill joined the team. In his rookie season (2021), he gained a 23.6% target share.
JAYLEN WADDLE!!!!! pic.twitter.com/SubkmXMsyM
— Anand Nanduri (@NanduriNFL) December 17, 2023
He has shown he can maintain a large target share, even with Hill on the field. Waddle produces high yards per reception, averaging 18.1 yards in 2023.
Waddle has value, even as his team’s WR2, as he can post WR1 numbers. Look for matchups where he capitalizes on defenses focusing on Hill.
DeVonta Smith (Philadelphia Eagles)
2023 PPR Points Per Game: 14.2
2023 Highest Scoring Game: 24.6 (Week 13)
Though he is the WR2 behind A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith has value. The value comes from his consistent production, precise route-running, and a major role in a high-powered Philly offense.
In the 2023 season, Smith registered 1,066 receiving yards. Additionally, he scored seven touchdowns. Smith saw a target share of 20.9% last year. He can put up WR1 numbers, even if he is the second option on the team.
JALEN HURTS ➕ DEVONTA SMITH pic.twitter.com/qid2deOF63
— Fantasy Life (@MBFantasyLife) November 5, 2023
The Eagles’ offense is led by quarterback Jalen Hurts, one of the most dynamic QBs in the league.
Brown additionally draws attention from defenses and frees up Smith, making it easier for him to see targets. All of those factors help propel Smith into fantasy WR1 territory.
Tee Higgins (Cincinnati Bengals)
2023 PPR Points Per Game: 11.5
2023 Highest Scoring Game: 28.9 (Week 2)
A common trend here is taking WR2s on teams with a star WR1 who can take attention off the other receivers. Tee Higgins is a talented WR2 for the Cincinnati Bengals that plays alongside Ja’Marr Chase. Higgins benefits from less defensive focus, meaning he is a good start in favorable matchups.
Another theme we’re noticing is these WR2s worth rostering in fantasy football are all on teams with high-octane offenses. Joe Burrow leads the Bengals and gets Higgins involved often.
Looks like Tee Higgins is coming back.
With a healthy Burrow in 2024, will Higgins finally hit his ceiling?
I think so…pic.twitter.com/06J7lXzPeF
— Snoog’s Dynasty Society (@FFSnoog) February 13, 2024
Higgins can make big plays in the end zone and is great at catching contested balls. His high touchdown potential also adds to his value.
Last season, Higgins tallied 42 receptions for 656 yards and five scores. His production was down from previous years. He previously had two 1,000-yard seasons (2021 and 2022). His 2023 campaign was derailed by injury, contributing to his lower-than-average numbers.
Chris Godwin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
2023 PPR Points Per Game: 12.3
2023 Highest Scoring Game: 25.5 (Week 15)
Behind Mike Evans on the depth chart, Chris Godwin has shown his ability to produce WR1 numbers in fantasy football over the years. Godwin is a player who has precise route-running and plays a significant role in Tampa Bay’s offense.
In 2023, Godwin snagged 83 receptions on 129 targets for 1,024 receiving yards. He saw a high volume of targets and had a 22.7% target share.
In ESPN’s draft trends…
-Mike Evans (WR14)
-Chris Godwin (WR32)From Week 14 through the Buccaneers’ playoff loss in the Divisional Round, Godwin had a higher target share than Evans.
Godwin is undervalued right now:pic.twitter.com/MVH55drCeZ
— Moody (@EricNMoody) July 2, 2024
Godwin only scored twice through the air and once on the ground in 2023. You’ll need to depend on his yardage and receptions when viewing him as someone who can put up WR1 numbers.
Evans often sees attention as the primary deep threat in the Buccaneers’ offense. Godwin can dominate in the short to intermediate areas of the field. Constantly being involved in the offense, Godwin has the potential to deliver WR1-level games.
I’ll return next week to prepare you for the football season. What an exciting time to be alive! I can’t wait to dive into WR2 matchups. Who are some of your favorite NFL WR2s for fantasy football?
For more from Kacey Kasem, following her on X (formerly Twitter) @thekaceykasem & find The WR2 Radar right here on Optimus Fantasy every week!
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