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.
Welcome back to The WR2 Radar! This week, we’re highlighting wide receivers who might not be the top guys on their teams but can still bring the points. With the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys on bye, you’ll need to find replacements for D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Tolbert and Rome Odunze. Don’t stress; I’ve got plenty of options, some of which might still be on waivers in your league.
On a personal note, I was supposed to attend the When We Were Young festival in Vegas this weekend. Cobra Starship is reuniting, and I’ve actually freestyled with them on stage many times (like here, and here and even here). Seeing bands like Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance, Four Year Strong and New Found Glory would have been rad. But my best friend Marisa is getting married to Wellington on Sunday, so plans changed.
She ensured her wedding didn’t conflict with a Cowboys game (smart), but I’m a little bummed about my concert. You might feel the same about your lineup with players out or banged up.
I’m bringing some When We Were Young vibes into this week’s picks to keep things fun, although I’m scared it will just make me feel more emo. I’ve got WR2s who can fill the void for your team, whether you’re scrambling due to injuries or byes. We’re all leaning into the emo feels—because if you’re missing your star WR, it’s perfectly okay to be in your feelings about it.
Shoutout to Marisa and Wellington—congrats, you two! Now, let’s dive into this week’s WR2 options and get your team back on track.
~ Check out our Week 7 Fantasy Football Rankings ~
WR2s with WR1 Potential This Week
I did not want to revisit too many wide receivers I highlighted this season. However, check if Jameson Williams, Wan’Dale Robinson, Darnell Mooney, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Christian Kirk or Xavier Worthy are available. These players are rostered in most leagues, but you may find them out there.
Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers
Rostered in 28.2% of ESPN Leagues
The first wide receiver I am highlighting this week is Xavier Legette of the Carolina Panthers. Nate Polvogt mentioned him in his Week 7 Waiver Wire article, and for good reason.
In Week 6, Legette hauled in three of his four targets for 23 yards and found the end zone during the Panthers’ 38-20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. He scored in two of the past three games, showing some promise for fantasy managers.
Xavier Legette hit the giddy up celly after his TD. 🔥
(via NFL, FOX)pic.twitter.com/WsS9pVS74R
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) October 13, 2024
The rookie takes on the Washington Commanders in Week 7. Washington has been one of those teams that makes life easy for opposing wideouts, surrendering the fifth-most fantasy points to the position. They have allowed 78 receptions on 115 targets this season and given up more than 120 yards to wide receivers five times.
In Week 3, the Cincinnati Bengals’ wide receivers racked up 209 yards, while the Baltimore Ravens’ wideouts put up 228 yards last week. Legette already has two double-digit fantasy games and is primed for another strong performance—because when you are up against Washington, it is All Downhill From Here.
Darius Slayton, New York Giants
Rostered in 14.4% of ESPN Leagues
Darius Slayton of the New York Giants has stepped up impressively in Malik Nabers‘ absence due to a concussion. While Nabers practiced this week and could potentially play, Slayton and Wan’Dale Robinson are wide receivers worth getting into your lineup.
Slayton is managing a groin injury and was limited in Wednesday’s practice, but he should be ready for Week 7. But we all expected Michael Pittman Jr. to land on injured reserve (IR), only for him to play and score a touchdown.
Darius Slayton in September:
10 catches for 122 yards
Slayton today:
8 catches for 122 yardspic.twitter.com/uTMPK4QneB
— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) October 6, 2024
With Nabers navigating the league’s concussion protocol, checking all three wide receivers’ statuses on Sunday is crucial since they are all dealing with injuries. If Nabers does not play, Slayton’s chances increase significantly. The same applies if Robinson is sidelined.
The Giants face the Philadelphia Eagles this week, who allow the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. Wide receivers have scored seven touchdowns against the Eagles through the air, plus an additional touchdown on the ground. This week may feel like The Middle, but Slayton can potentially help turn your lineup around.
Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens
Rostered in 6.6% of ESPN Leagues
A dependable WR2 option has emerged in Rashod Bateman of the Baltimore Ravens, who has posted three double-digit point-per-reception (PPR) scores this season.
This Week 7 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sets the stage for him to shine, as the Bucs allow the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. Bateman is not a player to start every week, but this matchup calls for his inclusion in your lineup.
Rashod Bateman's route-running is filthy.
Watch especially on the first and fourth at how hard it is to press him and stick at the top of his route. #SeparationKing pic.twitter.com/JyfI45vdiB
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) October 14, 2024
The Buccaneers have conceded six touchdowns to wideouts this season, with four coming from the Atlanta Falcons in a single game. Additionally, they surrendered 237 yards to the Detroit Lions’ wideouts and 392 yards to the Falcons.
With Lamar Jackson likely to have a strong performance through the air, this Week 7 contest could become a high-scoring affair. As you navigate your lineup decisions, remember that Bateman may be the answer to your emo roster. Dance, Dance, because Bateman has the potential to lift your team this week with a strong showing against the Buccaneers.
Troy Franklin, Denver Broncos
Rostered in 0.6% of ESPN Leagues
Troy Franklin is stepping up for the Denver Broncos, hauling in two of three targets for 31 yards and a touchdown in a tough loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. He played 65 percent of the offensive snaps, displaying his increasing role in the offense. With his college quarterback, Bo Nix, now throwing him the ball, that link could lead to more opportunities in the coming weeks.
This Week 7 matchup against the New Orleans Saints presents Franklin’s chance to break out. The Saints’ defense surrenders the ninth-most fantasy points to wide receivers and has given up double-digit fantasy points to this position in every game this season. Their worst performance came in Week 6 when they let the Buccaneers’ wideouts catch 17 passes for 221 yards and two TDs.
Bo Nix finds rookie WR Troy Franklin in the back of the end zone for his first career touchdown receptionpic.twitter.com/FHQC1q4qqh
— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) October 13, 2024
While Franklin’s volume is a concern, his performance against the Chargers indicates he can capitalize on the chances he receives. If he keeps impressing, he could become a Guilty Pleasure for fantasy managers looking for a spark in their lineups.
As Nate mentioned in his waiver wire article, keep an eye on DeVaughn Vele. Vele could also be in line for a bright performance alongside (or instead of) Franklin this week.
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.
Welcome back to The WR2 Radar! This week, we’re highlighting wide receivers who might not be the top guys on their teams but can still bring the points. With the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys on bye, you’ll need to find replacements for D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, CeeDee Lamb, Jalen Tolbert and Rome Odunze. Don’t stress; I’ve got plenty of options, some of which might still be on waivers in your league.
On a personal note, I was supposed to attend the When We Were Young festival in Vegas this weekend. Cobra Starship is reuniting, and I’ve actually freestyled with them on stage many times (like here, and here and even here). Seeing bands like Fall Out Boy, My Chemical Romance, Four Year Strong and New Found Glory would have been rad. But my best friend Marisa is getting married to Wellington on Sunday, so plans changed.
She ensured her wedding didn’t conflict with a Cowboys game (smart), but I’m a little bummed about my concert. You might feel the same about your lineup with players out or banged up.
I’m bringing some When We Were Young vibes into this week’s picks to keep things fun, although I’m scared it will just make me feel more emo. I’ve got WR2s who can fill the void for your team, whether you’re scrambling due to injuries or byes. We’re all leaning into the emo feels—because if you’re missing your star WR, it’s perfectly okay to be in your feelings about it.
Shoutout to Marisa and Wellington—congrats, you two! Now, let’s dive into this week’s WR2 options and get your team back on track.
~ Check out our Week 7 Fantasy Football Rankings ~
WR2s with WR1 Potential This Week
I did not want to revisit too many wide receivers I highlighted this season. However, check if Jameson Williams, Wan’Dale Robinson, Darnell Mooney, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Christian Kirk or Xavier Worthy are available. These players are rostered in most leagues, but you may find them out there.
Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers
Rostered in 28.2% of ESPN Leagues
The first wide receiver I am highlighting this week is Xavier Legette of the Carolina Panthers. Nate Polvogt mentioned him in his Week 7 Waiver Wire article, and for good reason.
In Week 6, Legette hauled in three of his four targets for 23 yards and found the end zone during the Panthers’ 38-20 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. He scored in two of the past three games, showing some promise for fantasy managers.
Xavier Legette hit the giddy up celly after his TD. 🔥
(via NFL, FOX)pic.twitter.com/WsS9pVS74R
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) October 13, 2024
The rookie takes on the Washington Commanders in Week 7. Washington has been one of those teams that makes life easy for opposing wideouts, surrendering the fifth-most fantasy points to the position. They have allowed 78 receptions on 115 targets this season and given up more than 120 yards to wide receivers five times.
In Week 3, the Cincinnati Bengals’ wide receivers racked up 209 yards, while the Baltimore Ravens’ wideouts put up 228 yards last week. Legette already has two double-digit fantasy games and is primed for another strong performance—because when you are up against Washington, it is All Downhill From Here.
Darius Slayton, New York Giants
Rostered in 14.4% of ESPN Leagues
Darius Slayton of the New York Giants has stepped up impressively in Malik Nabers‘ absence due to a concussion. While Nabers practiced this week and could potentially play, Slayton and Wan’Dale Robinson are wide receivers worth getting into your lineup.
Slayton is managing a groin injury and was limited in Wednesday’s practice, but he should be ready for Week 7. But we all expected Michael Pittman Jr. to land on injured reserve (IR), only for him to play and score a touchdown.
Darius Slayton in September:
10 catches for 122 yards
Slayton today:
8 catches for 122 yardspic.twitter.com/uTMPK4QneB
— Underdog NFL (@Underdog__NFL) October 6, 2024
With Nabers navigating the league’s concussion protocol, checking all three wide receivers’ statuses on Sunday is crucial since they are all dealing with injuries. If Nabers does not play, Slayton’s chances increase significantly. The same applies if Robinson is sidelined.
The Giants face the Philadelphia Eagles this week, who allow the sixth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. Wide receivers have scored seven touchdowns against the Eagles through the air, plus an additional touchdown on the ground. This week may feel like The Middle, but Slayton can potentially help turn your lineup around.
Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens
Rostered in 6.6% of ESPN Leagues
A dependable WR2 option has emerged in Rashod Bateman of the Baltimore Ravens, who has posted three double-digit point-per-reception (PPR) scores this season.
This Week 7 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sets the stage for him to shine, as the Bucs allow the seventh-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers. Bateman is not a player to start every week, but this matchup calls for his inclusion in your lineup.
Rashod Bateman's route-running is filthy.
Watch especially on the first and fourth at how hard it is to press him and stick at the top of his route. #SeparationKing pic.twitter.com/JyfI45vdiB
— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) October 14, 2024
The Buccaneers have conceded six touchdowns to wideouts this season, with four coming from the Atlanta Falcons in a single game. Additionally, they surrendered 237 yards to the Detroit Lions’ wideouts and 392 yards to the Falcons.
With Lamar Jackson likely to have a strong performance through the air, this Week 7 contest could become a high-scoring affair. As you navigate your lineup decisions, remember that Bateman may be the answer to your emo roster. Dance, Dance, because Bateman has the potential to lift your team this week with a strong showing against the Buccaneers.
Troy Franklin, Denver Broncos
Rostered in 0.6% of ESPN Leagues
Troy Franklin is stepping up for the Denver Broncos, hauling in two of three targets for 31 yards and a touchdown in a tough loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. He played 65 percent of the offensive snaps, displaying his increasing role in the offense. With his college quarterback, Bo Nix, now throwing him the ball, that link could lead to more opportunities in the coming weeks.
This Week 7 matchup against the New Orleans Saints presents Franklin’s chance to break out. The Saints’ defense surrenders the ninth-most fantasy points to wide receivers and has given up double-digit fantasy points to this position in every game this season. Their worst performance came in Week 6 when they let the Buccaneers’ wideouts catch 17 passes for 221 yards and two TDs.
Bo Nix finds rookie WR Troy Franklin in the back of the end zone for his first career touchdown receptionpic.twitter.com/FHQC1q4qqh
— MileHighReport (@MileHighReport) October 13, 2024
While Franklin’s volume is a concern, his performance against the Chargers indicates he can capitalize on the chances he receives. If he keeps impressing, he could become a Guilty Pleasure for fantasy managers looking for a spark in their lineups.
As Nate mentioned in his waiver wire article, keep an eye on DeVaughn Vele. Vele could also be in line for a bright performance alongside (or instead of) Franklin this week.
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