Introduction to Fantasy Football
Fantasy football championships aren’t won on draft day. They are won in-season and in the trenches. Savvy waiver wire work, staying on top of the latest NFL news, and studying the daily practice reports are paramount to your success. If you aren’t, you could be missing out on vital information such as the newly emerging wide receiver values that just popped up for Week 9.
Emerging Wide Receiver Values
When word broke that the Jaguars were placing wide receiver Travis Hunter on injured reserve, your first move should have been a visit to your waiver wire to add Parker Washington. Depending on your roster construction, who’s on your bench, and how deep of a league you play in, he should return strong value, especially this week facing the Las Vegas Raiders. Washington has routinely been involved in the Jaguars’ offensive scheme, but as we’ve seen head coach Liam Coen do in the past, his focus is on funneling targets to two primary receivers.
Parker Washington’s Role
For the next few weeks, Washington should slide right into that Godwin-like role Hunter had before the injury. He should see an 85 percent snap share with plenty of outside work, but once they move into three-receiver sets, he should move into the slot, where he’s already seen 26.5 percent of his snaps. The Raiders rank 17th in DVOA (defensive value over average) against the pass and 18th against the opposing No. 2 receiver, allowing an average of 60 yards per game.
Another Emerging Star: Tory Horton
Another story that seemingly flew under the radar was that Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp was downgraded to limited after Thursday’s practice. He was already dealing with a heel injury, but now the team is listing a hamstring injury as well. Say hello to your newest fantasy friend, Tory Horton. Already playing a 45 percent snap share to spell the aging Kupp, Horton has shown an explosiveness offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak craves.
Tory Horton’s Potential
He has the speed to stretch the field vertically as well as the skills to work out of the slot and add yards after the catch on slants and crossing routes. Now he gets the Washington secondary, which ranks 20th in DVOA against the pass and 17th against the opposing No. 2 wideout, also allowing an average of 60 receiving yards per game. Rostered in fewer than 5 percent of leagues across Yahoo and ESPN, he should be an immediate add.
Betting on the NFL
Even if you opt not to start either wide receiver this week, they should be added in your leagues as they certainly hold future value. Washington will be a focal point for at least the next four weeks in Jacksonville and Horton could actually supplant a declining Kupp in Seattle on a more long-term basis. Both players were barely an afterthought in most seasonal drafts and now each of them can help win a championship.
Conclusion
In conclusion, staying on top of the latest NFL news and making savvy waiver wire moves is crucial to winning a fantasy football championship. Parker Washington and Tory Horton are two emerging wide receivers who can provide significant value to your team. With their increasing roles and favorable matchups, they are must-adds in most leagues. By keeping an eye on these players and making informed decisions, you can gain an edge over your opponents and bring home a championship.
