At each position this week, the absence of byes creates a depth that is nearly overwhelming, forcing the ranking of starters as backups. However, the wide receivers offer some relief compared to last week. This week’s early forecasts suggest that Wan’Dale Robinson, Troy Franklin, Justin Jefferson, Courtland Sutton, and Zay Flowers are projected as top 24 wide receivers. Although they may rank better as WR3s, this is our current situation. The failure of Rome Odunze, Stefon Diggs, and Jameson Williams to make the top 24 largely contributes to this circumstance, which is chiefly influenced by injuries.

One player of interest among the borderline WR2s is Michael Pittman. This season, he ranks as WR11, averaging 14.88 PPR points per game—indicating he shouldn’t be benched. Nonetheless, he is heavily reliant on touchdowns, having recorded only 46 receiving yards over his past two games combined. Notably, he has fallen below 50 receiving yards in over half of his games. Pittman will go up against a Texans defense, which has allowed just 25 PPR FPPG to opposing receivers, the second-best score in the league. They have permitted only four receivers to score touchdowns in their last nine contests. In a three-receiver league, starting Pittman may be a necessity, yet alternatives should be sought.

Here’s the remainder of the Week 13 WR Preview:
Numbers to Know:

• 2,029 – Jaxon Smith-Njigba is on track for 2,029 receiving yards this season, which would set a record.
• 21.9 – Since CeeDee Lamb’s return, George Pickens has been the WR4 in Fantasy, averaging 20 FPPG, while Lamb is WR14.
• 8.3 – Since Week 5’s bye week for the Bears, Rome Odunze has only twice exceeded 8.3 PPR Fantasy points.
• 25 – In his first game back from injury, Chris Godwin played just 25 offensive snaps; anticipate a gradual increase in the coming weeks.
• 0 – For the second time in five games, Jameson Williams scored zero Fantasy points, while averaging 20 FPPG in the three intervening games—making him a quintessential boom/bust WR3.
• 30% – Since Malik Nabers’ injury, Wan’Dale Robinson has a 30% target share, ranking fifth among wide receivers.
• 18 – This year, Davante Adams has accumulated 18 targets within the 10-yard line; no one else exceeds 12.
• 19.8% – In the three games where Brock Purdy, Jauan Jennings, and Ricky Pearsall are all active, Jennings has a 19.8% target share, while Pearsall holds 14.3%.

Waiver Wire Targets:

• Andrei Iosivas (CIN)
• Darnell Mooney (ATL)
• John Metchie III (NYJ)
• Chimere Dike (TEN)
• Luther Burden III (CHI)

Top DFS Play: Jaxon Smith-Njigba - Considered a key player this week based on stats and matchups.