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.

As we head into Week 5, some rising wide receivers have shown they are set to put up WR1 numbers in fantasy football. These are players with all the opportunities to dominate, and I will explain why they should be on your radar. From target volume to favorable matchups, these wideouts are primed for success.

After the season’s first four weeks, let’s look at the top 12 wide receivers in point-per-reception (PPR) leagues.

You will see some familiar names and a few surprises: Malik Nabers (WR1), Nico Collins (WR2), Justin Jefferson (WR3), Jayden Reed (WR4), Chris Godwin (WR5), Jauan Jennings (WR6), DK Metcalf (WR7), Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR8), Stefon Diggs (WR9), Ja’Marr Chase (WR10), and CeeDee Lamb / Rashee Rice (tied for WR11). But remember, early-season rankings are no guarantee of where these players will finish.

Last season, Jefferson was the WR1 through four weeks, but injuries caused him to finish as WR33. Lamb started as WR13 but surged to end the season as WR5. D.J. Moore was WR15 early on but rose to WR6 by the conclusion of the year. In 2020, Davante Adams was WR30 through four games but ended as WR1, while A.J. Brown started as WR124 due to missing time with an injury. He still wrapped up that year as WR12.

If your fantasy team is struggling, do not panic. Additionally, some players thriving might not stay at the top. Who will fall out of the top 12, and who will climb into it? Let’s dive into this week’s WR2 Radar and explore which wide receivers are poised to take off in the coming weeks.

 

WR2s with WR1 Potential This Week

Wan’Dale Robinson, New York Giants

Check your leagues to see if Wan’Dale Robinson of the New York Giants is available. He is currently rostered in just 53.5 percent of ESPN fantasy leagues. Robinson is a WR2 who can put up WR1 numbers.

If Malik Nabers misses time due to concussion protocol, Robinson’s volume will increase even more. He has already seen 38 targets this season, including 11 catches for 71 yards on Thursday night. His target share makes him a strong start, especially in PPR formats.

With the fourth-most targets in the NFL, Robinson is thriving on volume. The Kentucky product is a solid bet for Week 5 and beyond if you need a dependable producer.

Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers

Xavier Legette is another wide receiver who could deliver WR1 numbers this week. With Andy Dalton under center and Adam Thielen on injured reserve, Legette’s stock is rising. Now filling the WR2 role behind Diontae Johnson, he has a clear path to more opportunities.

This week’s matchup against the Chicago Bears may be challenging, but Week 6 brings a game against the Atlanta Falcons, followed by a great matchup with the Washington Commanders. The Commanders are currently allowing the most fantasy points to wide receivers.

Legette’s speed and growing target share make him an intriguing option. He had 10 targets last week, second only to Johnson, and has shown strong chemistry with Dalton.

Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts

Josh Downs of the Indianapolis Colts is another wide receiver who should put up WR1 numbers this week. Downs boomed in Week 4, racking up eight catches for 82 yards and a touchdown in the win over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now fully healthy after missing time due to an ankle injury, he is starting to show his potential.

He caught his touchdown from quarterback Joe Flacco, who could get the start again with Anthony Richardson dealing with a hip injury. Even if Richardson plays, Downs is still a solid option. His matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars is ideal, as they concede the fifth-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers.

Downs has big-play potential and tied Michael Pittman Jr. for the team lead in targets last week with nine. I warned you about Alec Pierce being a trap, and now Downs is proving to be the real WR2 in this offense.

Jalen Tolbert, Dallas Cowboys

I wrote about Brandin Cooks before the season started, as I felt he could be a key factor in the Dallas Cowboys offense. Jalen Tolbert is now the Dallas wide receiver I want to talk about. He is currently rostered in just 6.3 percent of ESPN fantasy football leagues.

With Cooks sidelined due to a knee infection, Tolbert will slide nicely into the WR2 role. This week, he faces a tough Pittsburgh Steelers defense, allowing only 174.5 passing yards per game. Still, he should see plenty of work in Dallas’ high-powered offense.

So far this season, Tolbert has caught 13 passes for 160 yards and one score on 19 targets. He is poised for more opportunities as a third-year receiver working with Dak Prescott. Keep an eye on him, especially with Cooks out.

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.