We are just past the midpoint of the fantasy football regular season, and we need to make sure we are properly preparing for the playoffs.
One area that can help you stay on that track is the rookie wide receiver market.
Many rookie receivers take time to develop.
Not everyone can be Brian Thomas Jr.
Last season, Rashee Rice started off slowly but was dominant in the latter part of the season, just in time for the fantasy playoffs.
The year before that it was Garrett Wilson and Drake London.
In 2024, most people will turn to Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers because they are the marquee names, but there are other rookies who won’t cost you an arm and a leg in trades or, if available, FAAB acquisition.
It starts with the opportunity for Tampa Bay’s Jalen McMillan.
With Chris Godwin out for the season with a dislocated ankle and Mike Evans unlikely to play again until Week 11, McMillan stands the greatest chance to rise up the ranks of must-start players.
He will compete with Trey Palmer and Sterling Shepard for targets.
But it was McMillan who the team turned to in Week 7.
He played 60 percent of the snaps and led the group with eight targets.
He is versatile enough to play both the outside and the slot, a job typically held by Godwin.
Expect a significant boost in value that will carry through the rest of the season.
We also can look at Ricky Pearsall in San Francisco. Brandon Aiyuk is done for the season with a torn ACL, and though Jauan Jennings normally would be “next man up,” he is out for a second straight week with a hip injury. Pearsall is worth the start in this matchup against Dallas, then following the bye week, expect him to carve out a bigger role for himself. It would make sense for the 49ers to use Pearsall on all downs and have Jennings come in as the third option in 11 personnel.
There are plenty of rookie options to check out for the upcoming playoff run.
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Troy Franklin is getting more work in Denver, and Roman Wilson could see increased action now that he’s healthy and the Steelers have a legitimate passer.
Targeting rookies who fly under the radar could be the best way to fortify your roster depth.
It can be both economical and explosive, exactly what you need for a championship run.
Howard Bender is the head of content at FantasyAlarm.com. Follow him on X @rotobuzzguy and catch him on the award-winning “Fantasy Alarm Radio Show” on the SiriusXM fantasy sports channel weekdays from 6-8 p.m. Go to FantasyAlarm.com for all your fantasy football news and advice.