We’re heading into Week 11, and fantasy managers are feeling the heat! With the Arizona Cardinals, Carolina Panthers, New York Giants, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers all on bye, the pressure is on to fill those wide receiver spots. This season has already seen a slew of injuries at the position, leaving many scrambling to find viable options. But don’t worry; there’s hope on the waiver wire!
Luckily, there are some solid wide receiver options available in most leagues. Among them are two promising rookies who seem ready to break out in the second half of the season, alongside a veteran who may finally be hitting his stride. These players could not only help you this week but also prove to be valuable assets for the remainder of the season. All availability numbers come from ESPN.
Ricky Pearsall, 49ers, 75% Available
Pearsall has been making waves as he solidifies his role as the third receiver and primary slot option for the 49ers, right behind Deebo Samuel and Jauan Jennings. In Week 10, he played 64% of the team’s offensive snaps, racking up 6 targets, 4 catches, 73 yards, and a touchdown against the Buccaneers. This performance netted him an impressive 17.3 points in PPR leagues!
What’s even more exciting is Pearsall’s journey. After being shot in an attempted robbery during the preseason, he’s worked hard to get back into the mix. The 49ers clearly have faith in him, having invested an early pick in the draft. Over the last two games, he’s accumulated 9 targets and has only played 11 fewer snaps than Samuel. Plus, he even had a carry two weeks ago!
This week, the 49ers are set to face the Seahawks, who have allowed the 10th-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. While players like Jennings, Samuel, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey may overshadow him, Pearsall’s potential and growing involvement in the offense make him a player you can’t ignore.
Rashod Bateman, Ravens, 86% Available
When the Ravens made a trade for Diontae Johnson, many thought it would spell disaster for Bateman’s fantasy prospects. Instead, he just had his second-best performance of the season! Bateman turned 8 targets into 6 catches for 54 yards and a touchdown, earning 17.4 points in PPR leagues. Talk about stepping up!
Bateman’s snap count is also encouraging. He played in 78% of the Ravens’ offensive plays in Week 10, while Johnson was on the field for just 8%. Whether Johnson is still finding his footing in the Ravens’ system or it’s something else entirely, it’s clear that Bateman has secured his position as the WR2 in Baltimore. Over the last two weeks, he has garnered a 23.1% target share and a 23.3% first-read share.
This week, Bateman faces a tough Steelers defense that ranks among the hardest against wide receivers, allowing the ninth-fewest points to the position. However, with the Steelers being tougher against the run, the Ravens might be forced to air it out more. This makes Bateman a solid option for anyone in need of a flex play.
Adonai Mitchell, Colts, 91% Available
With Michael Pittman sidelined last week, Mitchell seized the opportunity, playing in 94% of the Colts’ snaps. He finished with 6 catches on 6 targets for 71 yards, marking his highest snap share of the season and earning 13.1 points in PPR leagues. Overall, he had a 17.1% target share in Week 10.
Mitchell’s value is closely tied to Pittman’s availability. If Pittman is out again, Mitchell becomes an intriguing streaming option. But if Pittman plays, starting Mitchell might not be the best idea.
This week, the Colts are up against a Jets defense that has been tough on wide receivers this season, but they were just burned by the Cardinals. After facing the Jets, the Colts will take on the Lions and Patriots, both of whom have been more generous in allowing points to wide receivers. Regardless of Pittman’s status, Mitchell is worth picking up—whether to play or to stash for later.
Final Thoughts
As we navigate through the challenges of Week 11, these three wide receivers—Ricky Pearsall, Rashod Bateman, and Adonai Mitchell—are all worthy of consideration. They each bring unique strengths to the table and could provide the boost your fantasy team needs during this bye week chaos.
Whether you’re looking for a potential starter or a strategic stash for the future, keep an eye on these players. The fantasy landscape can change quickly, and being proactive on the waiver wire could make all the difference in your league. So, are you ready to make your move?
