As the fantasy soccer season draws to a close, many players may find themselves unprepared after a bye week, especially with the latest injury reports revealing a couple of key absences.
This week, Marvin Harrison Jr. underwent surgery for his appendix, and with Terry McLaurin and Chris Godwin still sidelined, fantasy managers are once again scrambling for backup options.
With just a handful of games left in the regular season, every win counts. Identifying a reliable deep receiver could be crucial for securing a playoff spot or, well, experiencing the disappointment of finishing near the bottom.
Looking for possible solutions, Arizona seems to be a good place to start. The Cardinals are reeling after losing Harrison, their top receiver, while Jacoby Brissett takes the reins.
The 49ers’ pass defense isn’t the strongest, sitting at 25th in DVOA and allowing a fair number of passing touchdowns. Brissett will likely need to rely heavily on Trey McBride, plus Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch need to elevate their game to help clinch a victory.
Wilson has been logging substantial playing time and has garnered 11 targets over the last two games, which puts him in a prime position to emerge as a leading option.
He’s not just a one-trick pony; he can run vertically and navigate the field effectively. On the other hand, Dortch could be useful as a backup, especially in formats that prioritize PPR scoring.
While neither player may reach the heights that Harrison showed promise of, they could still make a difference, particularly since the 49ers are allowing a respectable passer rating to opposing quarterbacks. Brissett will need to keep both receivers busy.
If these players aren’t available, other options might be harder to find. In a game against the struggling Bengals, Calvin Austin III from the Steelers could be a solid add. He’s solidified his position as the second receiver on the team, with recent consistent looks from Aaron Rodgers.
Austin has faced some challenges in syncing up with the quarterback, but if the game turns competitive, he has the potential to break free for significant yardage.
And for those who want to look a bit further ahead, keep an eye on Chicago’s Luther Baden III. He’s been sidelined, but now that he’s healthy, he’s poised for potential breakout performance.
Olamide Zaccheaus has been struggling, making six drops over the last two games. It’s possible the Bears might seek new talent in his position.
Being resourceful in finding receiver help is a hallmark of a successful fantasy manager. While it’s easy to focus on recent stats, the true winners are those who can anticipate future opportunities.
Considering current injuries and trends, these four receivers might just pave the way for a successful playoff run.
