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.

Welcome to a new installment of The WR2 Radar, where I spotlight wide receivers who may not be the WR1 on their NFL teams but have the potential to put up big numbers in your fantasy lineup. We discuss these types of players and their ability to be league winners each season. Having a robust bench with these guys on your roster can make all the difference, especially with bye weeks on the horizon.

With those bye weeks approaching, you will need all the help you can get. And speaking of help, y’all, I just got a new dog named Cooper. He is a pitbull mix, and while they say he is two, I swear this dude has to be younger than that.

Goodness, our dog Ty, a 5-year-old Staffie, is going crazy. They play 99 percent of the day and then crash for a much-needed nap. So yes, this article was written while I was trying to control the chaos. There are lots of zoomies and a lot of “you are being too loud” happening here.

I can only imagine how this will play out when I livestream on Thursdays with Nate Polvogt. Expect plenty of barking, play growls, and noise in the background (okay, I’ll mute). Just like in fantasy football, the unexpected can throw off your game plan, but you adapt and keep pushing through.

So, let us dive into the WR2s you need to consider starting this week. These players will help fill the gaps and provide you with the boost you need as the season unfolds.

 

WR2s with WR1 Potential This Week

Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers

In Week 4, the New England Patriots face a tough test against the San Francisco 49ers’ passing game. The Patriots have conceded the seventh-most fantasy points to the position, giving up 512 yards and three touchdowns on 51 completions this season.

Jauan Jennings is coming off a huge Week 3 performance with 11 catches, 175 yards, and three touchdowns against a Los Angeles Rams defense that has also been vulnerable to wideouts. Jennings could see a significant role this week with Deebo Samuel still sidelined by a calf strain.

The 49ers’ offense has been hit hard by injuries, with Christian McCaffrey hurt and both Samuel and George Kittle missing Week 3. Jennings stepped up in their absence and should benefit from the added opportunities.

Given the favorable matchup and the absence of key players, Jennings is in a prime spot for another big game in Week 4. He is a must-start against the Patriots’ struggling secondary.

Calvin Austin Pittsburgh Steelers

Calvin Austin had a solid Week 3, grabbing four receptions on five targets for 95 yards and a touchdown in the win over the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite the big game, managing expectations for him moving forward is essential.

Austin tied for second on the team with five targets, sharing that total with Pat Freiermuth, Najee Harris, and Cordarrelle Patterson. His opportunities may be limited in such a lackluster offense.

This week, Austin faces the Indianapolis Colts, a defense giving up the fourth-most fantasy points to wide receivers. The Colts have already allowed four receiving touchdowns to wideouts this season.

While Austin is not a reliable option week to week, this is another matchup where he could score. Keep him in mind as a potential play in Week 4.

Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas Raiders

Jakobi Meyers continues to impress, and I have been excited about him for a while now. In Week 3, he hauled in seven receptions on nine targets for 62 yards and a touchdown. Meyers tied Davante Adams and Tre Tucker for the team lead in targets against the Carolina Panthers.

On the other hand, Brock Bowers only saw four targets in that game. It was Meyers’ second time this season topping 60 receiving yards, showing his consistency in the Raiders’ offense.

In Week 4, Meyers will face the Cleveland Browns, who give up the 12th-most fantasy points to wide receivers. The Browns have surrendered three receiving touchdowns to wideouts so far.

Meyers is in a great spot to add to that total. His steady involvement makes him poised for another solid game this week.

Darnell Mooney, Atlanta Falcons

After solid performances in the last two games, Darnell Mooney is proving to be a reliable target in the Atlanta Falcons offense. In Week 3, he caught all eight of his targets for 66 yards, solidifying his role as the No. 2 option for Kirk Cousins with Kyle Pitts taking a backseat.

Mooney and the Falcons will face a tough New Orleans Saints secondary this week. However, despite the challenge, there is some upside for Mooney.

The Saints have permitted the fourth-most targets to wide receivers this season, a trend that could benefit Mooney. While they are middle-of-the-pack in fantasy points allowed, Mooney’s involvement puts him in a good spot.

With his consistent target share and the Saints’ tendency to give up looks to wideouts, Mooney is set up to continue his productive stretch in Week 4.

Michael Wilson, Arizona Cardinals

In the Arizona Cardinals’ receiving corps, Marvin Harrison Jr. is the clear number one, but the No. 2 role remains up for grabs. Michael Wilson entered Week 3 with only four targets but saw a significant increase, with nine targets against the Detroit Lions. He caught eight passes for 64 yards, showing his potential as a dependable option.

Wilson may see even more opportunities in the coming weeks, with Trey McBride exiting last week’s game with a concussion. The situation could solidify his role as a key contributor in the passing game.

This week, Wilson faces a favorable matchup against the Washington Commanders, who concede the most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Washington also surrenders the most touchdowns to wideouts and has allowed the fifth-most receptions at 44.

Given the Commanders’ struggles, Wilson has a prime opportunity to build on his recent success. He could be in line for another effective game in Week 4.

For more from Kacey Kasem, follow her on X (formerly Twitter) @thekaceykasem & find The WR2 Radar on Optimus Fantasy every week. Find Kacey live with Nate Polvogt every Thursday! Subscribe on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok.