The Blueprint is my weekly column and basically everything that I use to build out the most accurate rankings I can. There will be an RB column, this WR column and a combination column on the onesie positions. You will find film notes and endless charts. Maybe enough charts to stress test the Yahoo website. I kid.
It’s impossible to get every ranking thoroughly by Thursday Night Football, so be sure to keep checking in on these columns through Sunday morning. As always, my full rankings at every position are available.
Advertisement
1. Puka Nacua (at LV) – 99.5 proj. receiving yards
Nacua isn’t at 100% health to me based on his play speed right now, but it really does not matter — I can’t stress that enough. Last week’s dud should be fully ignored with news that Davante Adams (hamstring) is out for about 10 weeks. Nacua played three games without Adams last year, and he averaged 24.6 half PPR points on 19.6 expected half PPR points, both the highest since 2025. His 12.3 targets and 116 YPG are easily WR1 overall, too.
The Rams aren’t firing on all cylinders right now (looking at you, Matthew Stafford), and it’s almost all because they’re 16th in passing explosive play rate after being first last year. Stafford isn’t targeting the deep part of the field as often, nor with the same efficiency. If that just means more underneath targets to Nacua, that’s totally okay for fantasy. It’s just something to track when watching the Rams try to dig out of this 2-4 hole.
The Raiders rank 12th in half PPR points allowed to opposing WR rooms, though they sit fifth in points allowed to deep WRs, where Nacua has recorded 13 targets. The Rams are 4.5-point road favorites with an implied total of 26 points (fifth).
Advertisement
2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (vs. KC) – 89.5 proj. receiving yards
Smith-Njigba will get home whether his QB is playing well or not. If he is, JSN is scoring TDs. If he isn’t, then JSN is getting more targets. Last week’s 21.5 expected half PPR points on 16 targets is the perfect example of just that. He’s the WR1 on WR3 usage this season and is essentially matchup-proof with his RB room looking like one of the worst in the league.
He draws the league’s toughest WR matchup against a Chiefs defense allowing the 32nd-most half PPR points to the position, including 32nd rankings across all depth zones. I have those bucketed as under 10 air yards (shallow), 5-20 air yards (intermediate) and 15+ air yards (deep). To be fair, KC has only faced the Chargers, Raiders, Dolphins, Colts and Broncos. JSN will battle with top-10 overall pick CB1 Mansoor Delane and underrated CB2 Nohl Williams. Neither are Pro Bowl talents quite yet, so the advantage remains with JSN. Seattle enters as 2.5-point home favorites with an implied team total of 22.5 points (16th).
3. Amon-Ra St. Brown (vs. GB) – 79.5 proj. receiving yards
Advertisement
It’s rare to call St. Brown a buy-low regression candidate, but that’s what he is right now coming off three straight off games. He’s still the WR10 on WR2 overall usage this past month and is the WR5 on WR1 usage across the entire season. Nothing notable happened during these forgettable outings, still registering a 30% target share over the month.
(Photo by Hayden Winks/Yahoo Sports)
The Packers rank 19th against fantasy WRs overall, but they allow the second-most points per game on underneath throws to WRs where St. Brown commands a 65% WR target share. Green Bay crowds the line and forces quick-hitting passes often, playing into Amon-Ra’s strengths. Playing as 3-point home favorites, Detroit carries a week-high implied team total of 27.75 points (first). Drake London had 194 yards against Green Bay earlier this month in a similar role.
4. Ja’Marr Chase (at BAL) – 79.5 proj. receiving yards
5. Christian Watson (at DET) – 79.5 proj. receiving yards
(Chart by Hayden Winks/Yahoo Sports)
6. Matthew Golden (at DET) – 69.5 proj. receiving yards
(Photo by Hayden Winks/Yahoo Sports)
7. CeeDee Lamb (at PHI) – 79.5 proj. receiving yards
(Photo by Hayden Winks/Yahoo Sports)
8. Drake London (vs. SF) – 79.5 proj. receiving yards
Advertisement
9. Chris Olave (vs. PIT) – 79.5 proj. receiving yards
10. Justin Jefferson (vs. IND) – 69.5 proj. receiving yards
11. Zay Flowers (vs. CIN) – 69.5 proj. receiving yards
12. Nico Collins (vs. NYG) – 69.5 proj. receiving yards
13. Malik Nabers (at HOU) – 69.5 proj. receiving yards
Nabers was making the occasional highlight play in September and set a career high in targets in Week 5, but the film was the best of the year in Week 6. Nabers is BACK back. His acceleration and adjustment on his post route were amazing. He also broke tackles underneath and was able to stay on his feet despite being re-routed on other reps, showing that his balance and confidence are in a better spot. Despite the slow start and brutally honest commentary, Nabers is the WR14 on WR7 usage, as one of the biggest hits in Round 3-4 this year. J.J. McCarthy immediately targeting him downfield in chase mode was encouraging for Nabers’ odds of holding onto WR1 value long term.
Advertisement
14. DeVonta Smith (vs. DAL) – 69.5 proj. receiving yards
(Chart by Hayden Winks/Yahoo Sports)
15. Tetairoa McMillan (vs. TB) – 69.5 proj. receiving yards
(Photo by Hayden Winks/Yahoo Sports)
16. Jalen Coker (vs. TB) – 69.5 proj. receiving yards
(Chart by Hayden Winks/Yahoo Sports)
17. Tee Higgins (at BAL) – 69.5 proj. receiving yards
Fresh off a bye, Higgins should be ready to go after a minor injury scare heading into Week 5, which ended up being his worst game and usage of the last 10 games, at least. Higgins has been the WR20 on WR20 usage this season, including that dud. That is his floor baseline, as he’s had stretches with Joe Burrow inside the top 10 before. The Bengals offense is back to the shotgun spread style after failing to gain ground in a more balanced, under-center style. That’s good for Higgins’ outlook, most likely.
Advertisement
Cincinnati travels to face a Baltimore defense ranking 14th in half PPR points allowed to WRs at 27.4 per game. The Ravens have conceded substantial production to opposing boundary targets, including Drake London’s seven catches for 118 yards in Week 5 and Carnell Tate’s 145 yards on nine receptions in Week 4. For Higgins, whose 72% WR target share on throws between 5-15 air yards leads his distribution, Baltimore ranks seventh-worst in half PPR points allowed to this intermediate zone (16.4 per game). The Bengals are 2.5-point road underdogs with an implied total of 23.5 points (15th).
18. A.J. Brown (at CHI) – 69.5 proj. receiving yards
Brown had one of the worst games by any player all season. He couldn’t catch the ball, adjust his body on potential splash plays and then even muffed an onside kick with time ticking down.
He ultimately turned 15.5 expected half PPR points (WR12) to just 4.2 half PPR points (WR60) with three receptions for 27 yards on 10 targets. Brown’s ankle injury didn’t seem to make him look that much slower in a straight line, but the plays at the margins and his ability to settle down in zone or at the top of his route did seem notably worse. Does that get completely fixed with another week of rest? Typically not. The good news is he did have 99 air yards, a 33% target share and didn’t suffer a setback. Meanwhile, Romeo Doubs (shoulder) is now on IR. The Patriots will need Brown to play better moving forward. I wouldn’t brace for prime AJB any time soon. He doesn’t need to be that to be a boom-bust fantasy WR2/3, however.
Advertisement
Chicago represents a favorable overall matchup, ranking 13th in half PPR points allowed per game to opposing wide receivers. The Bears have been particularly vulnerable against downfield shots, ranking third in half PPR points allowed on throws over 15 air yards. The Patriots are listed as 3-point road underdogs with an implied team total of 23.75 points (15th).
19. George Pickens (at PHI) – 69.5 proj. receiving yards
Pickens sits as the WR18 in half PPR per-game scoring on WR9 expected-points usage over his last four contests with CeeDee Lamb healthy. That’s a slight notch down from his 2025 numbers with Lamb, but nothing to fret over. A 22% target share in this offense with his talent will end up paying off long term.
This matchup will be a challenge, however. Pickens rarely moves off of the boundary X-receiver spot, meaning he’ll face off with superstar CB1 Quinyon Mitchell for most of this game. The rest of the secondary has been far more vulnerable, so the game plan could be to sacrifice Pickens more than normal. He was held to 30 scoreless yards against Philly in Week 1 of last year, then popped off for a WR4 overall finish in Week 12. This boom-bust nature of his talent and this matchup is summed up by that. Dallas enters as 4.5-point road favorites with an implied team total of 24.5 points (eighth).
Advertisement
20. Garrett Wilson (vs. MIA) – 59.5 proj. receiving yards
Wilson has been the WR18 on WR25 usage this season, but it’s been highly inconsistent week over week. The return of Omar Cooper Jr., Kenyon Sadiq, and Mason Taylor figure to work against his top-15 standing moving forward. Because the Jets don’t move him in the slot that often, Wilson will see opposing top corners, like he did last week with Christian Gonzalez (WR45 on WR40 usage). Even then, Wilson had a healthy 31% target share.
Miami is not good defensively, but it’s allowed the 2nd-fewest fantasy points to WRs because of game script, a struggling run defense, and a struggling defense to TEs. They held their own against the Bengals’ top-2 WRs in Week 5 before their bye week and did the same against Rashee Rice (WR25) and Mike Evans (WR43) before that. New York carries a 22.0-point implied team total (18th) as 4.5-point home favorites. Wilson is a mid-range WR2.
21. DK Metcalf (at NO) – 59.5 proj. receiving yards
Advertisement
Metcalf has posted WR30 half PPR per-game production on WR25 expected-points usage over his past four contests. He closed that stretch with his biggest volume spike of the campaign in Week 6 against Tampa Bay, setting season highs with 11 catches on 15 targets for 93 yards and 21.6 expected points (WR3). He still commands an explosive role downfield, logging a 33% target share on looks beyond 15 air yards, while averaging 90.3 air yards per game. The Steelers being fourth in neutral pass rate helps his cause.
The Saints offer an appealing spot on deep targets, ranking seventh in half PPR points allowed per game to WRs on plays with air yards over 15, while checking in at 15th overall against WRs all across the field (26.4 points per game). New Orleans has been tested heavily by outside targets recently, ceding 165 yards to Malik Nabers (WR2), 68 yards with a score to Justin Jefferson (WR15), 96 yards to Drake London and even a WR22 finish to Jahan Dotson in their recent games. Pittsburgh heads into the matchup as 3.5-point road favorites carrying an implied team total of 24 points (11th).
22. Emeka Egbuka (at CAR)
It sounds like Baker Mayfield (thumb) has enough strength to grip the ball and will attempt to play. He’s rushed back from injuries before with little success, so there’s still reason for QB concern. The offense has also been pretty stubborn with their pistol usage, and it’s cost them. Egbuka, however, does seem to be the absolute focal point of the pass game on film. He is given free releases and underneath looks, on top of being their best intermediate and deep threat with Chris Godwin on his last legs. He’s a buy low, as the WR35 on WR12 usage over his past 4 games. It’s probably best to throw out his first game or so due to his preseason injury. A fantasy WR2 finish from this point forward would be unsurprising. Last week’s 19.7 expected half PPR points (WR6) are a signal that big days are ahead.
Advertisement
The Panthers defense is missing their top-2 boundary CBs, and they’re backups are ones to pick on. Carolina is also stout up front now that they’re healthy and settled down. Over the past two weeks without their top corners, Carolina has allowed DeVonta Smith to be the WR8 and Jameson Williams to have a season-best WR19 finish. Tampa Bay is slated as 3.5-point road underdogs with an implied team total of 20.5 points (20th). It’s an underrated decent spot.
23. Luther Burden III (vs. NE) – 59.5 proj. receiving yards
It’s hard to get the right split for the Bears due to injuries and role changes. Burden is the WR23 on WR11 usage over the last month of the season, largely with backup QBs. In his last five games with Caleb Williams, he’s the WR60 on WR34 usage.
(Photo by Hayden Winks/Yahoo Sports)
The reality is Burden is an explosive player with size to be a red-zone factor, but the Bears are keeping him sidelined often when they use heavy personnel. He turned 20 routes into eight targets and catches last week, including two screens and a shallow drag route. When he’s on the field, the ball does go his way often, so he doesn’t have to be a full-time player to be an upside WR2/3 in fantasy. A 23% target share over the past month is enough to start.
Advertisement
New England ranks 18th against fantasy WRs, allowing 25.8 half PPR points per game on the season. Opposing slot and intermediate targets have found regular production against the Patriots, as Omar Cooper Jr. (WR6), Khalil Shakir (7-82-0), Keon Coleman (WR9) and Jakobi Meyers (WR16) have done well while working away from Patriots superstar CB1 Christian Gonzalez. The Bears carry a 26.75-point implied team total (third) as 3-point home favorites, and Luther’s matchup is amongst the cleanest.
24. Jameson Williams (vs. GB) – 59.5 proj. receiving yards
Jamo is coming off his best fantasy outing of the season, scoring two touchdowns on four targets against Arizona in Week 5. Over his last four games, he sits at WR33 in per-game half PPR production on WR48 usage. Williams handled an average of 5.0 targets and 88 air yards per game across that span, with target shares ranging between 11% and 16%. Those are low enough to be perpetually worried about his weekly floor, but Jamo can run pure on deep targets at any time. The biggest difference between 2025 and 2026 is fewer shallow and intermediate passes, likely because Sam LaPorta is healthy and balling out. Jamo is far more of a boom-bust WR3 than a must-play WR2.
The Packers rank 19th in half PPR points allowed to WRs this season. Green Bay has been stingy against deep passing, ranking 27th in points allowed on targets over 15 air yards, which tests Williams’ downfield profile. Offenses facing the Packers have the lowest yards per reception right now. Detroit enters this matchup as 3-point home favorites with a slate-leading team total of 27.75 points (first). Even with the schematic and spreadsheet issues mentioned here, the Lions are still too explosive at home to fully fade Jamo.
Advertisement
25. Michael Wilson (vs. DEN) – 49.5 proj. receiving yards
There’s nothing to freak about here. Wilson had back-to-back duds without Marvin Harrison Jr., but those aren’t correlated. He still ran a route on 33-of-36 dropbacks last week, handled two screens and was just missed on two end zone shots. He’s running the same routes from different spots in the formation and will have bigger games at any time. He’s the WR28 on WR5 usage this month with some bad luck and bad QB play mixed in. The Cardinals are a tough watch when throwing the ball beyond 10 yards right now, but Wilson is a buy low with Jalen Brooks and Kendrick Bourne not moving the needle as the WRs next to him.
The Broncos aren’t expected to have Pat Surtain (ankle) back for another week, and that swings Wilson’s outlook majorly. Denver is a top-10 defense against fantasy WRs this year, but they were exposed by Jaxon Smith-Njigba (134 yards) last week without their DPOY candidate. Arizona opens as 4.5-point home underdogs with an implied total of 19.5 points (24th).
26. Jaylen Waddle (at ARI) – 49.5 proj. receiving yards
Advertisement
The season is not going the way it should. He’s not seeing the screens or deep shots that were projected for him heading into the season, and over the past two weeks, the Broncos’ neutral pass rate has gone from the highest in the NFL to 43% and 40%, well below average.
(Chart by Hayden Winks/Yahoo Sports)
If that sticks, there’s another hurdle to clear. Hopefully Bo Nix took the extended week to learn that he has to start throwing some of these hi/low concepts to the deeper part of the field, and hopefully Sean Payton starts spamming more to Waddle. For now, Waddle is a concept of upside. He’s the WR48 on WR36 usage this season, noting a schedule against the Chiefs, Jaguars, Rams, 49ers, Chargers, and Seahawks to open the year was the hardest in the NFL. That’s your (our) cope.
The Cardinals present an accommodating matchup, ranking 3rd in half PPR points allowed to WRs. Arizona has specifically struggled against intermediate passing, allowing the 4th-most half PPR points per game on targets between 5 and 20 air yards. Let’s actually throw the ball there, Bo!!! Denver heads into the road contest as 4.5-point road favorites with a 24.0-point implied total (12th). This really needs to be a bounce back spot for the entire offense.
Advertisement
27. Germie Bernard (at NO) – 49.5 proj. receiving yards
In two games without Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson, Bernard has been the WR9 and WR3 overall on WR19 and WR9 usage, respectively. Both of those games were similar. Aaron Rodgers has found him underneath and over the middle on quick-hitting in-cuts, plus a wild amount of screens/RPOs, to utilize his versatility and toughness. He’s playing in the slot and at flanker, while DK Metcalf runs the vertical routes from the X position. It’s a good spot for Bernard to pad the box score in. The Steelers are fourth in dropbacks per game (42.0).
Rodgers seems to be very satisfied with the Bernard results, saying, “There comes a time when the confidence starts to match the potential and I think we’re reaching that time with Germie. Very proud of him.”
28. Carnell Tate (vs. CLE) – 49.5 proj. receiving yards
Advertisement
Week 6 was Tate’s best film of the year. His highlight play was a jump ball where he perfectly timed a high-point grab with full extension in traffic. He also had an out route TD and a toe-tapping scramble drill first down. Some of his plays are a bit too out of structure to fully trust, but Tate is the WR31 on WR26 usage this month on WR19 targets per game (8.3). Cam Ward’s inaccuracies and the Titans’ lowly team totals put a lid on his ultimate ceiling as a fantasy WR3. For Titans fans, of which there are many, Tate is looking like a Round 1 hit as the long-term top target. He can be used all across the formation, too.
29. Tre Tucker (vs. LAR) – 39.5 proj. receiving yards
Tucker was the WR1 overall on WR20 usage in Week 6, scoring two touchdowns in totally different ways. Tucker flew by two DBs on a post route 50 yards down the field and had an out route at the pylon in the red zone versus zone coverage. Both throws were A+ from Kirk Cousins. Tucker was also the WR7 overall in Week 2 in a game without Brock Bowers, so the big play upside is pretty obvious in this explosive Klint Kubiak offense. Cousins’ willingness to toss it up is great for his WR3/4 dart throw value. He’s the WR22 on WR33 usage this year. I appreciate his film, primarily his speed and breaks as a lesser prime Tank Dell.
(Photo by Hayden Winks/Yahoo Sports)
Unfortunately for Tucker, the Rams have allowed the fewest points to WRs on passes 15+ yards downfield. Almost all of their allowed production has been within 15 yards. We’ll see if Trent McDuffie and Jaylon Watson can suit up later in the week. For now, the Raiders’ 22.5-point team total (13th) is likely going to be driven by Brock Bowers and the run game.
Advertisement
30. Xavier Worthy (at SEA) – 49.5 proj. receiving yards
Worthy was the WR25 on WR48 usage in Week 6 out of the bye with Rashee Rice (hamstring) and Tyquan Thornton (IR) out of the lineup. Worthy took on a version of the Rice role, operating on a 4.7 average depth of target. These shallow routes were best against zone coverage and with a mesh concept against man. He made a nice diving play and looked comfortable in this role, while Jalen Royals and Andrew Armstrong ran wind sprints at WR next to him. If Rice is out again, Worthy is a must-play WR3 with upside. Even if Rice returns, Worthy is climbing the pecking order, as Rice’s film hasn’t been overly impressive before his injury.
31. Denzel Boston (at TEN) – 49.5 proj. receiving yards
Boston is clearly very good, but he’s also attached to an unpredictable pass game and running the most challenging routes available. It’s infrequent that Deshaun Watson is throwing the ball over the middle, so Boston is more boom-bust than we’d hoped after WR19 and WR11 finishes to start his career. Since then, Boston is the WR51 on WR46 usage. Neither split is the most accurate one. Boston’s season-long WR25 on WR35 usage split is the one that’s most reflective of his skill and role. He’s had a 19% target share this month and will be the leading red zone option whenever they get down there. He’s a boom-bust WR3, just one on the Browns.
Advertisement
The Titans rank 10th in half PPR points allowed to opposing WRs, and they had to bench highly-paid CB1 Alontae Taylor last week after they tried him as a boundary corner. Tennessee sits 6th against intermediate passes (air yards 5 to 20) to WRs, an area where Boston has seen 20 of his targets this season. Cleveland enters this road contest as 1.5-point road favorites with an implied team total of 19.5 points (24th).
32. Devaughn Vele (vs. PIT) – 39.5 proj. receiving yards
Vele has predictably stalled in tough recent matchups, specifically against the Vikings in Week 5. Last week’s WR52 on WR44 finish was largely due to the Saints jumping out to a staggering lead against the GIants. More normal game script has led to much better days. This season, Vele is the WR33 on WR27 usage, a range he also played within to close last season. Vele has drawn at least 6 targets in every game this month on a solid 20% target share. We’ll get one last game as a fill-in WR3 before Jordyn Tyson (hamstring) likely returns in Week 9.
Pittsburgh poses a stingy matchup, sitting 27th in half PPR points allowed to wideouts at 23.1 per game. The Steelers have been especially tough in the intermediate range where Vele earns 60% of his looks, ranking 28th against passes between 5 and 20 air yards. New Orleans is listed as 3.5-point home underdogs with an implied team total of 20.5 points (20th). It’s not the best environment for a ceiling game.
Advertisement
33. Omar Cooper Jr. (vs. MIA)
Cooper returned from an ankle injury and immediately was the WR6 on WR30 usage in Week 6. He turned seven targets into 103 yards and even had a scramble drill red-zone TD called back due to penalty. The Jets designed a 48-yard TD on a rollout with Cooper running the first-read post, a la 2024-25 Bo Nix. He also had a screen and a few other underneath targets to round out his outing.
Cooper played 13 of 19 snaps outside of 3-WR sets and played in the slot on 64% of his 3-WR sets. That’s a great role, at least until Adonai Mitchell (finger) returns, but when a first-round player gets going, they typically don’t lose their job. Cooper is an upside WR4 and must-add in all leagues.
34. Malik Washington (at NYJ) – 39.5 proj. receiving yards
Advertisement
35. Ja’Kobi Lane (vs. CIN)
36. Jordan Addison (vs. IND) – 39.5 proj. receiving yards
There really isn’t any information from 2026 that is useful for Addison’s future production. It’s been too many games with Carson Wentz or without Justin Jefferson. Fresh off a bye, the normal starting lineup should be back. Multiple seasons ago when the offense was firing with Kirk Cousins and Sam Darnold, Addison was a top-30 finisher in two-straight seasons. It’s been far quieter of late, but if Kyler Murray can find his grove, there’s potentially more startability with Addison than many expect. It’d be nice to see signs of life with that before thrusting into lineups this week, but he at least has a top-10 finish under his belt this year (without Jettas).
This week brings the Colts, who rank 20th in half PPR points allowed to opposing WRs at 25.6 per game. Indianapolis has held receiver rooms in check lately, but that was entirely schedule related (TEN, PIT, WAS, and HOU without Nico Collins). Sauce Gardner is unlikely to play, and the rest of the defense is really underwhelming. It’s not a surprise to see the Vikings sit as 6-point home favorites with an implied team total of 24.0 points (10th). Addison is a sneaky FLEX play during byes.
Advertisement
37. Rome Odunze (vs. NE) – 49.5 proj. receiving yards
Odunze ran a route on 44 of 45 dropbacks last week, but he’s being given the most difficult assignments and the fewest underneath routes. He’s been the WR61 on WR34 usage over the past month after graduating from a part-time role due to injury. It’s no longer about playing time — it’s now about actually catching his targets. In his last five games with Caleb Williams active, dating back to their playoff games, Odunze is the WR75 on WR61 usage. He’s dropped some passes and ran plenty of clear-out routes. His upside remains immense in an explosive offense with his size and athleticism, but it’s become impossible to predict. He’s cleared 7.0 half PPR points in 1-of-10 recent games. He’s a boom-bust WR4.
The matchup is difficult. Patriots superstar CB1 Christian Gonzalez figures to battle Odunze on the perimeter for much of this game, and the type of receivers who’ve given the Patriots trouble are more of the flanker/slot types. The Bears carry an implied team total of 26.75 points (third) as 3-point home favorites, so Odunze can still get home with a score or a big play.
38. DeMario Douglas (at CHI) – 39.5 proj. receiving yards
Douglas has been on a heater over the past two weeks, finishing as the WR7 and WR10 with explosives galore. His speed as a vertical slot works well with Drake Maye, so the heater could continue despite being in a part-time role. Last week, routes were AJ Brown (34/35), Douglas (26), vertical X Kyle Williams (21) and dirty-work Efton Chism III (10). They won’t have Romeo Doubs (IR) or Mack Hollins (IR), so Douglas should be a top-four player in targets on Thursday Night Football. He’s the WR29 on WR44 usage over the past month. His 11.2 expected half PPR points (WR24) were a season-high last week.
His matchup became more difficult with SCB Kyler Gordon back on the Bears. They’ve been middle of the pack against fantasy WRs this year (13th), but they’re without their top edge rusher due to suspension and have been beating up on a fairly weak schedule so far. The Bears have been weakest defending deep passes, allowing the third-most fantasy points to WRs on throws over 15 air yards. Douglas can work the deep field as a change-up. The Patriots travel as 3-point road underdogs with an implied team total of 23.75 points (13th).
39. Keenan Allen (at MIN) – 39.5 proj. receiving yards
40. Josh Downs (at MIN) – 39.5 proj. receiving yards
Never again.
41. KC Concepcion (at TEN) – 39.5 proj. receiving yards
(Photo by Hayden Winks/Yahoo Sports)
42. Wan’Dale Robinson (vs. CLE) – 39.5 proj. receiving yards
43. Chris Godwin (at CAR) – 39.5 proj. receiving yards
44. Christian Kirk (at ATL)
45. Courtland Sutton (at ARI) – 39.5 proj. receiving yards
46. Kendrick Bourne (vs. DEN) – 39.5 proj. receiving yards
47. Kalif Raymond (vs. NE) – 24.5 proj. receiving yards
48. Jaylin Noel (vs. NYG) – 24.5 proj. receiving yards
Noel is a very fun vertical slot, and the results speak for themselves. He’s the WR26 on WR75 usage this month, thanks to countless downfield and end zone plays. CJ Stroud is excellent throwing with touch in the areas built for Noel, so this could be a highly efficient duo moving forward. The usage remains the usage. He’s only averaging 3.5 targets per game this month, and that’s before Marvin Harrison Jr. and Tank Dell ramp up. Noel won’t play in 3-WR sets, and Nico Collins will always be the clear-cut alpha. As much as I love Noel’s game, he’s a pretty obvious sell high.
He faces a Giants secondary that ranks 16th in half PPR points allowed to WRs at 26.0 per game. New York has been stingy against downfield passes, ranking 30th against throws over 15 air yards, but sits 12th against intermediate targets between 5 and 20 yards. The Texans are 9.5-point home favorites sporting an implied team total of 26.5 points (3rd).
49. Jordan Watkins (at ATL) – 24.5 proj. receiving yards
Watkins was a full-time player last week, and without Mike Evans, someone in the 49ers WR room will be forced to step up. Christian Kirk coming off IR is my favorite for that, but Watkins will be out there next to him.
50. Dontayvion Wicks (vs. DAL)
