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.

It’s taking me a hot minute to decide how to approach this “The WR2 Radar” series. I’ve been all over the place with it, but I’m giving you the crucial WR2 information you need to know. I like the way I’m setting it up this week. Let me know how you feel about the format.

If you look at wide receiver numbers from the first two weeks of the season, you will see a few WR2s on their teams that are putting up WR1 numbers. Some of these No. 2 options have scored more fantasy points than their WR1 counterparts.

In half-point per reception (half-PPR) leagues, Chris Godwin ranks as WR1 with 39.5 total points over two weeks. The Buccaneers’ actual depth chart WR1 is Mike Evans, who shows up as WR20 and 26.3 total fantasy points.

Alec Pierce is currently sitting at WR5 in half-PPR leagues. The Colts’ wideout has been on a tear with Michael Pittman Jr. not producing and Josh Downs out. Downs is set to return to the Indianapolis lineup, so I’m still tempering my expectations. I do not buy into Pierce, still.

In case you were wondering what some of the most talented wide receivers are doing in terms of fantasy football numbers, let’s take a look at where they stand in half-PPR leagues. DK Metcalf (WR15), CeeDee Lamb (WR16), Tyreek Hill (WR18), Mike Evans (WR20), Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR29), Garrett Wilson (WR37), Drake London (WR38), Chris Olave (WR51), Michael Pittman Jr. (WR69), Terry McLaurin (WR70), and Amari Cooper (WR88) are some of the wide receivers who have not lived up to their draft capital after two weeks.

Looking at matchups for Week 3, I will give you some options to fill in if you need more depth. I’ll also touch on injury situations you should be monitoring. Let’s get into it.

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WR2s with WR1 Potential This Week

Rashid Shaheed, New Orleans Saints

Rostered in 81.4% of ESPN Leagues (if he’s available, change that NOW!)

This week, Rashid Shaheed has big-play potential, making him a strong fantasy option. The Weber State alum has posted seven receptions for 169 yards and two touchdowns this season. He takes advantage of defenses that focus on top wideout Chris Olave.

The wideout’s chemistry with quarterback Derek Carr remains essential to this offense. The 26-year-old has proven to be a red zone threat and someone Carr feels comfortable getting the ball to.

(PS: Carr is having a rad season, by the way. I just wanted to throw that in since I’ve always been a big Derek Carr proponent. Even when he beats my Cowboys.)  

The Saints are at home, facing the Philadelphia Eagles this week. The Eagles have conceded the third-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. They also allowed one rushing score and four receiving touchdowns to wide receivers in the last two weeks.

Start Him Over: Diontae Johnson (CAR), Terry McLaurin (WAS)

Jalen Nailor, Minnesota Vikings

Rostered in 2.2% of ESPN Leagues (bold pickup, worth stashing if Jefferson AND Addison play)

Consider starting Jalen Nailor this week, especially if Justin Jefferson and/or Jordan Addison can’t suit up. Nailor filled in as the WR2 for the Vikings in Week 2. The Michigan State product became the team’s WR1 after Jefferson left the game with a quad injury.

In Week 2, Nailor grabbed three of four targets for 54 yards and a touchdown. He was a significant factor for the Vikings in their 23-17 win over the 49ers. Nailor has found the end zone in both games this year.

Nailor will be the second target for quarterback Sam Darnold if Jefferson or Addison can’t go. This week, the Vikings face the Houston Texans, a stout team against the pass last season. In two games this season, the Texans have given up 330 yards and two receiving touchdowns to wide receivers. (If one or both of Jefferson and Addison play in Week 3, I’d be more likely to flex Nailor).

Start Him Over: Whatever LAR WR you’re thinking of starting (because you’ll probably pick incorrectly)

Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions

Rostered in 86.3% of ESPN Leagues (if he’s magically out there, put him in your starting lineup)

Detroit’s No. 2 receiver role behind Amon-Ra St. Brown looks to be solidified by Jameson Williams. With Sam LaPorta taking more of a backseat in the passing game, Jamo is stepping up as the second option. Oh, and HE IS FAAAAST!

In Week 1, he racked up five catches for 121 yards and a touchdown. The following week, he brought in five of his 11 targets for 79 yards while adding 15 rushing yards in the loss to the Bucs.

This week’s game finds Williams facing the Arizona Cardinals. The Arizona defense has conceded the ninth-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. They’ve also given up two receiving touchdowns to wideouts already. With a favorable matchup, Williams is set to find the end zone again in Week 3.

Start Him Over: Michael Pittman Jr. (IND), George Pickens (PIT)

Jerry Jeudy, Cleveland Browns

Rostered in 66.8% of ESPN Leagues (he’s been Deshaun Watson’s favorite target)

Am I starting Cleveland Browns’ Jerry Jeudy over his teammate Amari Cooper this week? Yes, yes, I am. Jeudy has performed better than Amari Cooper, the WR1 on the Browns’ offense.

In Week 1’s loss to the Cowboys, Jeudy saw eight targets, catching three passes for 25 yards and a touchdown. Then, in Week 2, Jeudy stepped up again with five receptions on six targets for 73 yards in the win over the Jaguars. Deshaun Watson’s game hasn’t been stellar, but Jeudy looks like his guy.

Jeudy leads the Browns in targets this season with 14. With tight end David Njoku set to miss his second game in a row, Jeudy’s workload could grow. This week, Jeudy takes on the defense of the New York Giants, which has had difficulty stopping teams in third-down situations. If the Browns succeed on the ground, it should open things up for Jeudy to keep producing in the passing game.

Start Him Over: Courtland Sutton (DEN), Amari Cooper (CLE)

 

Major Injuries Of Note

Minnesota Vikings Wide Receiver Situation

Jordan Addison missed Week 2 with an ankle injury, and Justin Jefferson left early with a bruised quadriceps. Jalen Nailor has played in Weeks 1 and 2 and scored a touchdown in each game.

Nailor becomes a must-start if Jefferson and Addison are both out or limited. Make sure to monitor their statuses closely before setting your lineup.

Los Angeles Rams Wide Receiver Situation

Cooper Kupp could land on injured reserve with an ankle injury, and Puka Nacua is already there with a knee injury. The Rams’ receiving corps includes Demarcus Robinson, Tyler Johnson, Tutu Atwell, and Jordan Whittington.

Robinson, Johnson, Atwell, and Whittington are all healthy, but it’s difficult to predict who will step up as the top receiving option. If you have a roster clogger you can drop to pick up one of these guys to roll the dice on; I never say no to shooting your shot. I would wait to start any of these guys until the situation is clearer.

Deebo Samuel Sr., San Francisco 49ers

Running back Christian McCaffrey has been out to start the season, and now Deebo Samuel is missing time due to a strained calf. Head coach Kyle Shanahan said the wideout should miss a few games.

Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings, Jacob Cowing, Chris Conley, and Ronnie Bell are healthy wide receivers on the roster. Now Aiyuk has a chance to step up after posting just six receptions for 71 yards through two weeks. Additionally, rookie wideout Ricky Pearsall is on the non-football injury (NFI) list after he was shot during a robbery attempt in the preseason.

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.