Last Updated: October 21st at 4:19pm ET
We can be looser with the WR spots in our lineups, showing profit with lower-owned plays (vs. RBs) and cheaper salaries (vs. RBs). You can read more about that in this Winning Milly Maker Trends article.
Still, volume is what we’re looking for – even at the cheap end.
Each week, I’ll discuss my favorite main slate wideouts at $5000 or cheaper on DraftKings and $5500 or cheaper on FanDuel who we project for 5+ targets.
Note that this is not a full look at all cheap WR options. Be sure to consult our Projections, Top Plays (released Friday night) and Silva’s Matchups for more context on the position as a whole.
DRAFTKINGS BELOW $5000
1. Tee Higgins, CIN at BAL, $4900 DK, $6100 FD
The Bengals have had all three of their WRs healthy for four games this year. In those games, Tee leads the team in target share at a very solid 22.5%. His aDOT is down to just 8.82 yards which is a concern, but the talent/price/volume projection here is really strong. Note that the Ravens have been very good against WRs, ranking 2nd (behind only BUF) in our DvP rankings. Tyler Boyd (6.7 projected targets) is also in play at $4700, likely at less ownership.
Projected targets: 7.7
2. Darnell Mooney, CHI at TB, $4600 DK, $5900 FD
The Bucs massively inflate opponent passing volume thanks to their rush defense and Tom Brady’s ability to light up the scoreboard. We have Justin Fields projected for 31 pass attempts in this game, well over his previous career-high of 27. Mooney quietly has an elite target share with Fields – but the overall pie has been so small. In games Fields does throw 30-40 times, Mooney is a blowup candidate.
Projected targets: 7.9
3. Jamison Crowder, NYJ at NE, $4900 DK, $5800 FD
Crowder is very good at earning targets. He missed the first three weeks of this season, but immediately stepped in for 15 targets in two games before the bye. Last season, he averaged 7.4 targets per game. The Jets have shown zero interest in giving Elijah Moore slot snaps over Crowder.
Projected targets: 6.8
4. Robby Anderson, CAR at NYG, $4800 DK, $5500 FD
Guys capable of earning 11 targets with a deep aDOT don’t grow on trees. So even though Robby is playing at a league-worst level and Sam Darnold is struggling, I’m keeping the light on. Note that Robby is in the Buy Low Model this week and the Giants are 22nd in our DvP ratings vs. WRs.
Projected targets: 7.1
5. Rashod Bateman, BAL vs. CIN, $3400 DK, $5300 FD
We’re not expecting Sammy Watkins (thigh) to play. Bateman’s NFL debut was reasonably impressive as he earned six targets on 22 routes. There’s more than enough talent here to get Bateman in mini-stacks with Bengals players or skinny stacks with Lamar.
Projected targets: 5.5
WORTH WATCHING
Hunter Renfrow, $4800 DK — Ceiling is obviously low due to short-area role. But we are projecting 7.0 targets here, a big number for this tag. The Eagles can be attacked over the middle, where Renfrow and Darren Waller eat.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, $4100 DK — With the Lions decimated by WR injuries, St. Brown has emerged as a version of their alpha. We have him projected for 6.6 targets here but the ceiling is capped a bit. His aDOT is just 7.78 yards.
Mecole Hardman, $4300 DK — Tyreek Hill’s quad continues to be an issue. Hardman of course has some standalone value, but if Hill aggravates it’s wheels up. We have Hardman for 5.9 targets assuming mostly full health for Tyreek.
