The wide receiver landscape this season is wide open. In Week 7, we saw some relatively unknown wideouts put up bigger fantasy numbers than the marquee names. As these new names emerge, fantasy owners should take note and advantage while they can. On the other hand, some receivers seem to be nose diving and now is the time to look for deals before they lose all their value.
Here are the receivers worth snatching up while they are on the rise and the WR owners should look to deal in Week 8.
Buy Low
Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers
The Green Bay Packers offense has looked very unusual the past few weeks, but that has worked in Adams’ favor. The third-year WR led all receivers in receptions, targets, and yards with 132 yards and two touchdowns on 13 catches in Week 7. All this after sustaining a concussion the week prior.
Adams has been a little streaky this year, however his monster outings in Week 5 and Week 7 alone make him worth pursuing. As he builds a connection with Aaron Rodgers and the Packers face some weak defenses in the coming weeks, Adams has a chance to be a breakout wideout this season.
Current standard fantasy average: 7.6 points
Yahoo! fantasy ownership: 19 percent
Next four games: at ATL, IND, at TEN, at WAS
Brandon LaFell, Cincinnati Bengals
There is no doubt A.J. Green is still the main target in Cincinnati, however in the last few weeks LaFell is finding the end zone more often. LaFell has four touchdowns in the last three games and is the only other WR with multiple targets in every game this season.
As defenses focus on shutting down Green, LaFell should continue to see a steady amount production. The seventh-year veteran has potential in the bye week stretch.
Current standard fantasy average: 7.8 points
Yahoo! fantasy ownership: 12 percent
Next four games: WAS, BYE, at NYG, BUF
Sell High
DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans
Hopkins is having a lackluster start to the year compared to his breakout 2015 season. The Pro Bowler is getting shutdown by opposing defenses and has struggled to connect with quarterback, Brock Osweiler.
Hopkins is averaging under 60 yards per game and has found the end zone just three times this season.
Still, Hopkins is probably one of the most talented receivers in the league and should eventually find his rhythm. On the stretch of his name alone, owners should be able to deal Hopkins for another high-yielding utility player.
Current standard fantasy average: 8.9 points
Yahoo! fantasy ownership: 100 percent
Next four games: at DET, BYE, at JAX, at OAK
Jeremy Maclin, Kansas City Chiefs
Maclin has one touchdown all season in an offense known for overlooking the wide receiver role in general. The Chiefs have a run-first offense and tend to utilize running backs and tight ends heavily in the passing game.
Maclin is still the top target in Kansas City, but in the past couple weeks rookie Tyreek Hill has been getting more usage in an already limited position.
The Chiefs face some weak secondaries in the next couple of weeks, which is a selling point. Now would be a good time to see what you can get for Maclin before the rookie Hill threatens his role even further.
Current standard fantasy average: 7 points
Yahoo! fantasy ownership: 96 percent
Next four games: at IND, JAX, at CAR, TB