Unpacking The Packers WRs For The Fantasy Football Playoffs

This past Sunday, for the first time all season, the Green Bay Packers trotted out their five preferred wide receivers: Christian Watson, Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Matthew Golden, and Dontayvion Wicks. With the exception of Reed, who was injured in Week 2, we’ve seen each of these wideouts have their time to shine.

So, what should we expect to see over the final month from Green Bay’s passing attack?

Why Christian Watson Offers The Most Upside

After tearing his ACL in the 2024 season finale, Watson began the year on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list before returning in Week 8. Something of a one-trick pony as a downfield threat before the injury, Watson has played his best ball over the last seven weeks. So much so that, with four games remaining, he has a chance to set career highs in yards and touchdowns -- and maybe even receptions.

We’ve seen Watson get more opportunities on underneath and intermediate throws, and he’s continued working downfield as well. It was all on display versus Chicago, catching a 23-yarder in the end zone early, and then a 41-yard catch-and-run on a short inside route where he left the defensive back in the dust. Watson has moved into low-end WR2 territory for the stretch run, though he isn’t the safest of options.

Jayden Reed Is The Wild Card

Reed returned in Week 14 after missing 10 games with shoulder and foot injuries. Even after the long absence, he still played 25 of 52 offensive snaps, third behind Watson (44) and Doubs (42). For those who might’ve forgotten, Reed was Green Bay’s leading receiver a season ago, finishing with 1,020 combined yards and seven touchdowns. You saw flashes of his dual-threat ability against Chicago, with 31 yards receiving and 22 yards as a runner.

The emergence of Watson as a featured weapon should allow Reed to spend most of his time in the slot, which is a more natural position for him. With Tucker Kraft (knee) lost for the year, Reed becomes the most capable option for quick hitters and yards after catch (YAC). As he gets back up to speed, the Michigan State product should see his involvement increase. Reed is a decent flex option that’s capable of outperforming that designation. If he’s somehow still on waivers, quickly move to acquire him.

Romeo Doubs, You're The Odd Man Out

The only one of the five receivers to play in every game, Doubs leads the team in receptions (45), yards (542), and targets (73), and he’s second to Kraft in touchdowns (5). He’s also more explosive than you might think with eight of his 45 catches going from 20 yards or more. Much of his damage came before Watson returned to full health, though. Over the last five weeks, Doubs has totaled just 101 yards and one score.

We know Jordan Love trusts him, but that hasn’t translated to many opportunities since early November. Doubs is roster depth, and he isn’t worth going out of your way to retain outside of deeper leagues.

Matthew Golden and Dontayvion Wicks Are The Best Of The Rest

It’s been a tough rookie year for Golden, who drew heaps of praise for his work in camp. Injuries likely played a part -- he has missed three games -- but since putting up a 3-86-0 line in Week 6, Golden has just 74 yards in five games.

Wicks looked like the best receiver on the field on Thanksgiving in Detroit, catching six passes for 94 yards and a pair of touchdowns, not to mention the game-clincher on fourth down. He followed that up by playing just five snaps (the same as Golden) versus Chicago.

At this point, it looks like it’d take an injury to thrust one of these receivers back into a meaningful role. Wicks is probably closer to fantasy relevance in such a scenario. Given the option, roster Wicks ahead of Golden.

Green Bay's Remaining Schedule

• Week 15: at Denver Broncos (tough)
• Week 16: at Chicago Bears (easy)
• Week 17: vs. Baltimore Ravens (moderate)
• Week 18: at Minnesota Vikings (tough)