WR:
Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens
He was pretty much non-existent in fantasy through the first 4 weeks of the season; however, in weeks 5, 6, and 7, Bateman has been very solid and has moved into the flex conversation in 12, 14, and definitely 16-team leagues. He has at least 4 catches in each of the past 3 weeks, but what stands out to me is that his yardage total has gone up each week, and he has scored 2 TD during that time as well. The Ravens look to be unstoppable, and Lamar Jackson looks like he is on his way to another MVP season, so having pieces of the offense is ideal. This week, the Ravens face the Browns, who rank 27th in fantasy against WRs.
Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Bucs
This could be a huge week for the rookie. With Chris Godwin out for the year and Mike Evans dealing with a bad hamstring, he could find himself as the WR1 in this weeks matchup against the Falcons. The Falcons are going to put up points in this game, just like they did the first time these two teams met this season. Whether that means the Bucs are airing it out to keep pace or putting up passing numbers in garbage time is yet to be decided, but there should be anywhere from 7-10 targets for McMillan this week, especially when you consider that he saw 8 last week while Godwin was still healthy.
HOUSTON, TX – DECEMBER 24: Cedric Tillman #19 of the Cleveland Browns runs across the field during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 24, 2023 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
Cedric Tillman, Cleveland Browns
Tillman hadn’t seen more than 2 targets in any game this season before week 7. Following the Amari Cooper trade, though, his target share was expected to be on the rise. I don’t think many people realized just how much, though. He saw 12 targets last week, three different QBs, and this week, he will be catching passes from the best of that bunch. With Winston under center, you can expect all the Browns pass catchers to improve, but Tillman is the guy with the most upside who is not on many rosters yet. The Ravens rank 30th in fantasy football against the WR position.
TE:
Will Dissly, Los Angeles Chargers
I think many fantasy managers want to see a repeat performance from Dissly before buying into his monster week 7 performance, and I can understand why. He hadn’t topped 4 catches or 29 yards in any game through the first five games of the season, and suddenly, he comes away with an 8 catch, 81-yard performance. Also, keep in mind that the Chargers threw the ball a season-high 39 times in week 7, possibly trying to get away from being so run-heavy. If that trend continues at all, Dissly could remain one of the top targeted players in the offense, and the Saints, who he faces this week, rank 28th in the NFL against the pass.
TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 5: Rachaad White #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is congratulated by Cade Otton #88 and Robert Hainsey after his touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on December 5, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
Cade Otton, Tampa Bay Bucs
At least until Mike Evans is back, Otton could very well be the number one or number two target in the Bucs passing game. He and Rachaad White are the guys who should see the biggest bump in value. Otton saw a season-high 10 targets last week following the injury to Evans and made a season-high 8 catches for a season-high 100 yards. The Bucs play a huge game this week against the Falcons, who are their top competition in the NFC South, so Otton is going to be relied upon heavily.
