Fantasy Football Player Notes

Christian Watson got the bag this offseason and should be considered the clear WR1 for the Green Bay Packers. Watson deserved the pay day as a he proved that he can handle this role last year. Last season, in Weeks 8-18, he was the WR21 in fantasy points per game with an 18.2% target share, 61.1 receiving yards per game, 2.67 yards per route run, a 23.9% first-read share, and 0.122 first downs per route run (per Fantasy Points Data). His target share and first-read share should go up this season with Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks gone and Watson likely getting promoted into a full-time role. Last year, he was also held back by a 68% route share (56th out of 109 qualifying receivers). The increase in usage and playing time should make his ultra-efficiency per route even more deadly in 2026. Last year, among those 109 qualifying receivers, Watson ranked fourth in yards per route run, tenth in first downs per route run, and sixth in fantasy points per route run. Watson is a strong WR2 with upside for more in 2026.

Jayden Reed's 2025 season was largely lost to injuries, but Green Bay's offseason actions suggest the Packers still believe in his long-term upside. The explosive slot receiver received a lucrative extension while the team moved on from other veteran wideouts, potentially opening the door for a more stable every-down role. Reed's route participation and deployment remain the key questions for fantasy purposes, though his efficiency and playmaking ability have never been in doubt. in the games where Reed played at least 38% of the snaps, he had no fewer than three receptions in any contest during the regular season (8.8 PPG). At his current draft cost, Reed profiles as an appealing post-hype sleeper with room for a major rebound.

Matthew Golden's rookie season was mostly quiet from a fantasy perspective, but the underlying context suggests better days are ahead. Green Bay has significant vacated targets entering 2026, and Golden's lack of production was driven more by inconsistent playing time than poor efficiency. The former first-round pick flashed his upside late in the year and remains an intriguing fit alongside Jordan Love thanks to his speed and big-play ability. If his route participation climbs in Year 2, Golden has clear breakout potential in an evolving Packers offense.