The wide receiver position is where things could begin to get crazy. Unlike the running back position where there is a clear leader in each backfield, some teams could have three or four viable candidates each week. Of course, there are other teams that barely have any useful options at the position but you can go in multiple directions here. Do you spend up and take the true number one receiver? Or do you go for reliability in volume or touchdown and big-play upside?
Ideally, you would look for a balance of each of those characteristics but how you chose to construct your roster at the other positions will play a role in what direction you ultimately go in. Looking for values, and you will see that some are available, is key here. This is in addition to the standard practices of reviewing past performance, looking at the game script, and digging into the opposing defence among other things. With respect to the opposing defence and one on one matchups against opposing cornerbacks, this is something that will come into clearer focus as the season progresses.
For those who have yet to subscribe, what are you waiting for? Until then you will get one free pick to whet your appetite. At this point in the season, it appears that Justin Herbert has established Keenan Allen ($6,200 DK, $7,400 FD) as his favorite target. Allen has seen 10 or more targets in four of six games so far and has gained 95 or more yards receiving in three of those six. The Chargers are facing one of the better passing defences in the league going against the Broncos this week, but the Broncos have given up 100 plus receiving yards to receivers in half their games, and I can see a path to Allen getting there this week.
Subscribers can now expect to get six more picks as we take a closer look at some more wide receivers at varying price points who deserve our attention this week along with a few from whom we should keep our distance. And not all will break the bank either which will leave plenty of room for help at other positions. So, keep on going and take a look at what we have to offer.
With Odell Beckham Jr. out, Jarvis Landry ($5,600 DK, $5,800 FD) should see an increased target share this week. Landry is already the most targeted receiver on the Browns, but this should increase how often Baker Mayfield looks to him. The Browns have also started to get more creative with Landry’s usage, he had two rushing attempts and a pass attempt last week. I see Landry as a solid cash-game play, due to the solid floor in receptions, but I do see some upside for him as his targets could easily exceed ten this week.
The rookie, Tee Higgins ($5,600 DK, $6,000 FD) has established himself as a presence in the slot of the Bengals over the last few weeks. Higgins has been on the field for 80 percent or more of the Bengals snaps for the last four weeks which has resulted in no less than 60 yards in receiving and a touchdown, not to mention his seven-yard rushing touchdown he has last week. With A.J. Greenand Tyler Boyd getting the majority of attention from the Bengals opponents, opportunities should continue to be there for Higgins to have big games.
Nelson Agholor ($4,700 DK, $5,000 FD) as he is currently priced makes him a nice pick this week. He has some risk associated with him due to an inconsistent target share, but it’s difficult to imagine Agholor not being productive going against a porous Browns passing defence. The Raiders are not flush with pass options, so I would expect Agholor’s target share to look more like it did last week(nine targets) than the previous two weeks(six targets combined) which could lead to another 100 yard receiving game for him.
In some ways avoiding the Seahawks is difficult in DFS, especially in a week like this one where many of the top receiving targets are out. DK Metcalf ($7,500 DK, $7,800 FD) should be the guy you pick if you can only take one, and with the Seahawks taking on the 49ers this week, it would be hard to recommend more than one. Metcalf saw a reduced target share last week, which resulting in him having his first sub-90 receiving yard game. I don’t see that becoming a trend for him especially in a week where the Seahawks could be looking for big plays going up against a stout pass defence. If you’re going to use Metcalf it should only be in GPP contests.
On paper and based on his price Cole Beasley ($5,300 DK, $5,300 FD) should be a solid option this week. The Patriots will likely focus on slowing down Josh Allen on the ground and taking away Stefon Diggs. This should leave Beasley available in the passing game for shorter passes. If he sees closer to ten targets this week, and I think you could, you should see another big day from Beasley as I expect we will see Allen on the move pretty consistently.
Our last receiver of the week is A.J. Brown ($6,900 DK, $7,500 FD) of the Titans. Brown has averaged 97 yards and a touchdown over the last three weeks and solidified himself as a player who can make big plays. Coming off a 153-yard receiving day and a touchdown last week against the Steelers, Brown will see the weak passing defence of the Bengals this week. The only real risk I see presented to Brown and the Titans is if they get a big lead early and move away from the passing game, however with the Bengals’ ability to score, it is unlikely that the Titans take their foot off the gas especially coming off a loss in the division last week.
