Fantasy football decisions can make or break a matchup, especially when wide receivers are concerned. This week brings a few intriguing lineup calls that could swing momentum in either direction.
Some players find themselves in ideal spots with opportunity knocking, while others face tougher matchups that may limit production. It’s time to dig into which names deserve a start — and which might be better left on the bench.
Start ‘Em: Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings (vs. CHI)
The sample size is small, but it hasn’t been great for Jordan Addison, going from Carson Wentz to JJ McCarthy. Addison averaged 16.0 fantasy points per game across his four contests with Wentz. In two with McCarthy, he’s managed 14.9 fantasy points…total.
The sample size is small, though. Plus, we saw encouraging signs against the Baltimore Ravens. Addison only had three catches for 35 yards, but he commanded 11 targets. His catch rate won’t often be below 30%.
The Bears allow the third-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers. In Week 1, these teams played to a 27-24 shootout with McCarthy orchestrating a thrilling fourth-quarter comeback. Perhaps we’ll see more sustained fireworks in this one, allowing Addison to post WR2 numbers for the first time with McCarthy under center.
Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers (at NYG)
Initially, this was Romeo Doubs. Then, he picked up a chest injury late in the Packers’ Monday night loss to the Eagles and did not return. It doesn’t seem like an overly serious injury, but with one less day to recover, Doubs is probably on the wrong side of questionable for Week 11.
This puts Christian Watson in the WR1 role for the Packers. And let’s be honest here, he’s their most talented receiver anyway.
Watson led the Packers in receiving last week with just two catches for 45 yards. He continues to make plays downfield, and the Giants allow the seventh-most fantasy points per game to wide receivers.
Jordan Love hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass since Week 8. You have to think that head coach Matt LaFleur wants to get his quarterback’s confidence up. This is a perfect bounce back spot against a bad defense in a game the Packers should win easily.
Sit ‘Em: Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs (at DEN)
The interesting part about Xavier Worthy’s season is that he’s actually played more snaps with Rashee Rice than while the Kansas City Chiefs’ WR1 was suspended. Worthy’s snap share has been around 83% each of his past two games, a number he didn’t hit once over the first seven weeks of the season. Unfortunately, the production hasn’t followed.
Worthy has just a single game with more than 11.1 fantasy points all season. Since Rice returned, the sophomore speedster has given fantasy managers games of 7.8, 10.3, and 6.0. Patrick Mahomes has been unable to connect with Worthy downfield, which is what it will likely take for him to pay off in fantasy.
This week, it will be a tall task to overcome a Denver Broncos defense that allows the second-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers.
While we have seen some receivers break through against the Broncos, if a Chief is to do it, it will likely be Rice. Worthy is likely headed toward another underwhelming outing this week.
Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars (vs. LAC)
Brian Thomas Jr. did not play last week due to a high ankle sprain. Adam Schefter reported that it was a low-grade sprain early in the week and that Thomas had a chance to play. Although BTJ didn’t practice at all last week, if he had a chance to play, it stands to reason he has a chance to play this week.
Even if Thomas does return, though, fantasy managers may not want to put him back into lineups.
Thomas has been incredibly disappointing this season. He has just one game with more than 12.0 fantasy points all season. He’s looked tentative and nothing like the explosive playmaker we saw as a rookie.
This week, Thomas would be asked to overcome a Chargers defense allowing the third-fewest fantasy points per game to wide receivers. They just held DK Metcalf to 35 yards in a game where the Steelers trailed throughout.
Trevor Lawrence will likely opt to throw short stuff to Parker Washington, rather than challenge the Chargers’ cornerbacks. If Thomas plays for the Jaguars, he does not necessarily play for you.
