ETR’s Cheap WR Volume: Week 10

Last Updated: October 9th at 11:30 PM EST

Welcome back to the Cheap WR Volume column, your one-stop shop for all of our favorite discounted wideouts. Realistically, this list can be used for cash games or tournaments as we can be looser with the WR spots in our lineups, showing profit with lower-owned plays (vs. RBs) and cheaper salaries (vs. RBs). I’ll try to be sure to contextualize the plays we expect to be popular both as cash-game “locks” and tournament options, as well as hit on some deeper cuts.

There are many paths to increased volume for cheap WRs throughout the season, especially early on. Volume is what we’re looking for — even at the cheap end. The surest path to fantasy points is simply opportunity, and this article will explore projected opportunities for these cheap wide receivers.

Each week, I’ll discuss my favorite main-slate wideouts at under $5,000 on DraftKings and $5,500 or cheaper on FanDuel who we project for 5+ targets. Please note that this is not a full look at all cheap WR options, just the ones we deem worth mentioning. Be sure to consult our Projections (DraftKings, FanDuel), Top Plays (released Friday night), and Silva’s Matchups for more context on the position as a whole.

DraftKings & FanDuel

Christian Watson ($4,900 DK, $5,700 FD) – It’s been rough sledding for the theoretical high-ceiling Watson, who has only averaged 5.2 targets per game over his five contests in 2023. He has in no way been helped by a Packers offense that has looked largely incompetent, particularly when it comes to Jordan Love’s capabilities. Yet, still, the talent is tantalizing and Watson faces a Steelers team that has given up some huge games to the likes of Brandon Aiyuk, Davante Adams, and Puka Nacua.

Projected Targets: 5.5

Quentin Johnston ($4,100 DK, $5,900 FD) – The Chargers remain without both Josh Palmer (I.R.) and Mike Williams (out for the season), which has forced the first-round rookie Johnston onto the field for a nearly every-down 2-WR set role. He played on 84.2% of snaps in a tough Week 9 matchup with the Jets, and although he only came away with three targets for a 12% share, we’ll bank on opportunity here in a home matchup with the Lions that features the highest O/U on the main slate.

Projected Targets: 5.2

Jaxon Smith-Njigba ($4,100 DK, $5,600 FD) – JSN has quietly put together three straight weeks of double-digit DraftKings points, while also leading all Seahawks in targets last week (a robust 33.3% share). Aside from Week 7 when DK Metcalf was sidelined, Smith-Njigba saw the most work outside of the slot last week with 38.7% of his routes run from out wide. The Seattle passing game is in a potential explosion spot this week at home versus a Commanders team that has been continuously gashed through the air.

Projected Targets: 5.3