There were a lot of fantasy wide receiver misses in Week 15. Justin Jefferson was just the WR27; it’s been three months since he had a splash game. Ja’Marr Chase was hurt and limped to a WR36 finish. None of the signature wideouts produced in the Seattle-Philadelphia game (focusing only on the top four; Jaxon Smith-Njigba had the winning score in the final minute, which saved his day).
Calvin Ridley, Garrett Wilson, Drake London, Tyler Lockett and Odell Beckham Jr. all finished outside the top 50 at the position. Yes.
But every week has a few recipient stars, and I thought we might want to look at last week’s hits and see if their story for Week 16 might apply to someone else. Stay with me, let’s see what we find. We’ll throw in some tight opinions at no extra cost.
Chris Godwin was WR13; volume overcomes touchdown allergy
Week 16 filing: Garrett Wilson vs. Washington
It has been a frustrating season for Wilson’s managers, who saw their dreams evaporate when Aaron Rodgers was injured in the fourth break of the year. But Wilson continues to absorb targets (he’s had 35 looks in the last four weeks, eighth in the league), and the secondary Washington escort is happy to guide you where you need to go. Did you see Cooper Kupp’s non-coverage? on his lung score from last week? Maybe Wilson can finally post a breakout game.
Terry McLaurin was WR3; his backup QB saved him
Week 16 filing: Drake London vs. Indianapolis
We’re not asking too much of Taylor Heinicke this week; just be a little better than Desmond Ridder. It’s a reasonable bar to clear. Heinicke and London have only played one full game together this year, but it was a respectable 5-55-0 on seven goals. That’s a good over-under for week 16, and I think London can beat the forecast. He’s back in the game as a decent WR3.
Davante Adams was WR11, his first big game in a month; Thanks, Chargers
Week 16 request: Stefon Diggs in Los Angeles
Diggs’ slump was mostly about timing, as he’s faced four subpar matchups (and absorbed his bye) over the last six weeks. But Diggs has faced five green matchups this year (top 10 in fantasy points allowed) and he’s been hit in every case; his worst game of the five was an acceptable 9-70-0 line against Tampa. Buffalo has the floor on Saturday night in prime time, and it’s going to be brilliant.
Amari Cooper was WR10; Joe Flacco is good enough
Week 16 filing: Justin Jefferson vs. Detroit (Nick Mullens is good enough)
Of course, Jefferson is too good to be benched, so this recommendation is mainly for your peace of mind (same goes for Diggs above). The last time Jefferson drew the Lions, this time last year, he exploded for 11 catches and 223 yards. Four of his six games in Detroit went for 124 yards or more, and the Lions’ secondary is still a mess. And take heart from backup QB Nick Mullens, who played well in the loss at Cincinnati. He’s had some time to get reps at Jefferson; we should see some results this week.
Jaylen Waddle became WR2; big play with number 1 missing (Tyreek Hill)
Week 16 request: Tee Higgins in Pittsburgh (Role expands with Ja’Marr Chase missing)
Higgins was a surprise pick in Week 15 (WR4) as the Bengals offense stays afloat even when Jake Browning starts. It’s only the third positive game for Higgins this year, in what has been an injury-free season; bad timing for his contract year. But now Chase is injured and the Steelers’ secondary player is available; Michael Pittman Jr. torched these guys last week before his own injury. I’m ready to proactively start Higgins.
Sam LaPorta was TE1; four rookie tight ends in the top eight
Week 16 request: Tucker Kraft at Carolina
We’re cheating a little because Kraft was one of the four newbies who crashed the party last week. Maybe he was the best rookie tight end in Green Bay all along, not Luke Musgrave. The Panthers defense has been sparse in volume, but is only average in efficiency; most teams can attack Carolina, they just choose not to. With cluster injuries hitting Green Bay’s receiver room, Kraft can build on his success over the past two weeks (8-121-1). He is included in a modest 10% of Yahoo leagues.
Trey McBride had a 10-102 game against the mighty Niners; There are holes in the zone
Week 16 request: TE Isaiah Probably in San Francisco
You probably don’t need a lot of encouragement to play Likely, who has been the TE3 and TE4 the most consistent part of Baltimore’s pass-catching collective over the past two weeks. But let’s make sure you don’t let the name of San Francisco throw you off the scent. The Niners will likely focus on making sure Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr. not crushing them with big plays, and that’s good preparation for Likely to find space underneath, just like McBride did.