There will always be an abundance of injuries that change the week-to-week fantasy football dynamic, but as we approach the Week 8 waiver wire, there are a number of wide receivers who are flying under the radar, especially in shallower leagues.
If you are fighting for a playoff spot, it is time to stop waiting on unproductive veterans and start adding some rookie wideouts who continue to be on an upward trajectory.
The biggest complaint about investing in the Chiefs receiving corps is that Patrick Mahomes spreads the ball around too much to produce an impact fantasy receiver.
Though that certainly has been the case since the 2022 trade of Tyreek Hill, we are starting to see significantly more consistency between Mahomes and Rashee Rice.
The rookie receiver has gone from a 30 percent snap share to a 60 percent mark. After Sunday’s five-catch, 60-yard performance, which included his third touchdown of the season, it is clear he and Mahomes are on the same page.
In fact, Rice sits behind only Travis Kelce on the team-targets leaderboard, and you can expect his role to continue increasing as the season rolls on.
We are seeing something similar in Indianapolis, as Josh Downs seems to have the attention of his new quarterback Gardner Minshew. The rookie standout is averaging a 70 percent snap share, and though he still might not be on the field as much as Alec Pierce, Downs has easily surpassed him in targets.
Over the past three weeks, Downs has seen 20 targets to just 11 for Pierce, has touchdowns in each of his past two and just racked up his first 100-yard game. With Anthony Richardson lost for the season, Minshew is staying right where he is, and Downs is going to reap the benefits.
When you’re scratching and clawing for fantasy wins, you have to accept the fact that not every veteran on your roster is worthy of a starting spot. Rice and Downs are perfect examples of under-the-radar players who can be starting every week, and more are on the way.
Betting on the NFL?
If you’re sitting atop your standings and looking to strengthen your roster, put in waiver claims or start making trade offers for these kids.
Howard Bender is the head of content at FantasyAlarm.com. Follow him on X @rotobuzzguy and catch him on the award-winning “Fantasy Alarm Radio Show” on the SiriusXM fantasy sports channel weekdays from 6-8 p.m. Go to Fantasy-Alarm.com for all your fantasy football advice.
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