The witching hour of fantasy football has arrived!
With only three more games left in the regular season for most leagues, it’s now or never for managers to secure a playoff spot, improve their standings in the playoffs, or even try to avoid last place and the penalty that comes with it.
Getting a win this week won’t be easy with six teams on a bye, the Bengals, Bills, Falcons, Jaguars, Jets, and Saints. Streaming options will play a key role in achieving your goal, and with so many top receivers out this week because of the bye, the waiver wire will be a hot spot as we head to the home stretch.
Below are three wide receivers who could help your team this week and are available in most leagues. All availability data comes from ESPN. Let’s get into it.
Wide Receiver Gems for Your Fantasy Team
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Tennessee Titans, 98% available
Westbrook-Ikhine, or NWI as most call him, caught a stunning 98-yard TD against the Vikings in Week 11 and now has a touchdown in five of his last six games. While he’s averaging only 4.2 targets per game during this stretch, that number has ticked up to 4.8 since DeAndre Hopkins was traded. He’s also been on the field for at least 85% of the Titans’ plays over the last four games, even outsnapping the presumed No. 1 Calvin Ridley.
This week, he faces a Texans defense that is allowing an average of 23.9 fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers, the seventh-most in the NFL. Quarterback Will Levis just had one of his best games of the season, throwing for 295 yards, and the Titans only ran the ball 12 times to their running backs against the Vikings. Expect NWI to be a top pick-up this week with so many teams on bye and a favorable matchup ahead.
Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers, 51% available
Watson finally appeared healthy in Week 11, and his playing time reflected that improvement. He was on the field for 67% of the Packers’ offensive plays, his highest amount since Week 8, and he recorded 4 catches for an impressive 150 yards against the Bears, marking his highest yardage total of the year.
Over the last three weeks, Watson has seen 17 targets, and his 104 air yards in Week 11 ranked among the Top 15 in the NFL. He’s also been receiving around 20% of the team’s targets in the last two games.
The Packers are set to face the 49ers this week, who are giving up 19.7 points per game to opposing wideouts. They might also be without Nick Bosa, who injured his hip in the Niners’ Week 11 loss to the Seahawks. The Seahawks managed to score all 20 of their points with Bosa out of the lineup.
Regardless, Watson is a solid add if he’s available in your league.
Kendrick Bourne, New England Patriots, 98% available
Bourne may not be the deep threat some teams are looking for, but for PPR leagues, he holds significant value for those in need of consistent production.
He had 5 catches for 70 yards and a touchdown against the Rams and has now accumulated 11 targets across his last two games. Although he only played 47% of the Patriots’ offensive snaps, he accounted for 13.2% of the Patriots’ targets during that time. Before getting hurt, he was on the field for 78% of the team’s offensive plays in Weeks 8-9.
While the Dolphins aren’t the best matchup for Patriots wide receivers, giving up just 16.4 fantasy points per game to opposing wideouts (the second-fewest in the NFL), they could build a big lead. This scenario would force the Patriots to throw the ball more, which could elevate Bourne’s value significantly.
As we dive deeper into the fantasy football season, it’s crucial to make strategic moves. With the playoffs looming, every decision counts. Whether you’re looking to fill gaps due to bye weeks or seeking that hidden gem on the waiver wire, these wide receivers could provide the boost your team needs. Don’t wait too long; the clock is ticking, and your fantasy glory awaits!
