A.J. Brown is the clear number one WR in Philadelphia and is expected to have a big game every week, while Smith tends to be inconsistent and a matchup-dependent play from week to week. This week, he is a must-play against a Jaguars defense that ranks 31st in the NFL against the pass.
Start: Malik Nabers, New York Giants
It’s been a rough few weeks for Nabers, who had been fantastic prior to the concussion. He was a letdown two weeks ago in his return but flashed Monday against a very tough Steelers defense (10th against WR). Since his return, Nabers has seen 21 targets, resulting in 10 receptions for 112 yards. Not league-winning numbers, but it shows Daniel Jones’ commitment to the best wide receiver on their roster. Monday marked the fourth time this season that Nabers collected at least 12 targets (18, 12, 15, 13), and I expect it to continue as long as Jones and Nabers are battery mates. It’s a tougher matchup than it looks – Washington (ranked 20th against WRs this season) hasn’t given up more than 17.0 WR points just once over the last month (Week 6 against Baltimore). But volume speaks volumes in fantasy. Nabers has it (elite route participation (97.9%) + target share (36.5%) to go along with 645 air yards (6th), and will have it some more Sunday against the Commanders.
Start: Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints
Olave had just found his footing when Derek Carr went down with the oblique injury in Week 5, putting up 11.0 points in three straight. In the two games that followed – one target against Tampa Bay and a missed game against the Broncos due to injury. Sunday, however, Olave flashed to the tune of 14 targets, eight receptions, and 107 yards, good for a top-20 finish. And I could go on about which backup is better for Olave, but I don’t have to – Carr is expected back this week. With the return of DC, this entire offense gets a bump (naturally). Oh, and did you see who their opponent is this week? These Saints absolutely destroyed the Panthers in Week 1, and not much has changed for Carolina since. It sounds like Bryce Young is back as the starter, and they just traded Diontae Johnson, which means New Orleans will have the ball plenty this week. I love the spot for Olave.
Sit: Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals
MHJ burned me last week, and to be clear, he has the ability to do so again this week, but allow me to make the case against him in Week 9. I think MHJ has HOF potential; I really do. But he’s still a rookie and has some growth opportunities. Additionally, his QB isn’t who we thought he was. OK, he isn’t who I thought he was (but I know it wasn’t just me). Sure, there have been games where Murray and MHJ were vibing – Week 2 against the Rams (WR1 finish) and this past Sunday against the Dolphins (WR5). But that’s really it. MHJ’s other finishes – 105, 20, 23, 58, 125, and 61. I don’t like the volatility that seems to be plaguing him in 2024. I can’t think that gets better against a Bears defense that has been very good against WRs on the season (9th). And for the record, I’ll never be ready to talk about what happened Sunday – I can’t even write about it yet. Factor that gut-wrenching ending in, and you’ll most likely have a motivated defensive backfield that shows up in Arizona this week.
Sit: Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Bucs
Even though he will be acting as the number one WR this week due to the Chris Godwin and Mike Evans injuries, McMillan is not someone you should be looking to start. He is an inexperienced receiver who is going up against one of the best defensive units in the NFL. The Chiefs rank 2nd in the NFL in total yards allowed and are a top 5 scoring defense.
