Fantasy Football Player Notes

Christian Watson has been one of the best storylines this season. The hyper-athletic receiver has progressed into a WR1 and had a great start to the year. Last week, he had his first "down" performance. For whatever reason, the Packers decided to rely on the short game, rarely letting Jordan Love air it out. Still, Watson caught all three of his targets for 47 yards. This week, he faces the Bears defense that was projected to be one of the worst in the league. However, they have only allowed 28 points over the last three games. They are also allowing the third-fewest passing yards per game. Watson is always a threat to break a big play and is in the red zone, making him a great WR2 or fringe WR1.

Matthew Golden continues with his sophomore breakout season as the WR16 in fantasy points per game. Among 77 qualifying receivers, Golden is 19th in separation and 30th in route win rate. Golden leads the team with a 22.7% target share and 27% first-read share with 2.03 YPRR, five red zone targets, and seven deep targets. This week, Golden faces a Chicago pass defense that has the fifth-highest single high rate (62.9%). Against single high, Golden has seen a strong 25% target per route run rate but his YPRR has slipped to 1.27. That's not great at all, but he should still see the volume this week with that strong target per route run rate. Golden and Christian are the team's top targets against single high. Golden should have a strong week against a secondary that has allowed the second-most yards per target and fantasy points per opportunity to perimeter wide receivers.

With Chris Brooks out this week, MarShawn Lloyd becomes an interesting desperation flex play. Last week, he led the backfield with a 54.5% snap share and 46.7% route share (16.7% target share). Yes, he was second among the group with a 28% rushing share, but that could change this week. Lloyd's 1.40 yards after contact per attempt isn't great, but he has only seen 1.30 yards before contact per attempt behind Green Bay's horrendous offensive line. Lloyd also has a solid 20% missed tackle rate, which is quite strong, and he posted 2.57 YPRR last week with that season-high 46.7% route share. Lloyd could surprise this week. The Bears' run defense has been awful, allowing the eighth-highest explosive run rate, the highest rushing success rate, and the third-most yards before contact per attempt.