The first round of the fantasy football playoffs is coming to a close. Ideally, we don’t need to be starting players from the waiver wire, but until the season ends, we should always try to improve our teams. How much of a priority is Jahan Dotson for fantasy managers to add off the waiver wire ahead of Week 16?
Jahan Dotson Is Now the Commanders’ WR2
It’s been a strange rookie season for Dotson. He stormed out of the gate and looked to be one of the rare rookie wide receivers that smash from day one.
Then, injuries reared their ugly head. Dotson missed Weeks 5-9. When he returned, he was a part-time player. From Weeks 10-12, Dotson saw a grand total of four targets while playing about 60% of the snaps. It was unclear whether Dotson would ever be more than that for the remainder of his rookie season.
Two weeks ago, we saw signs of life. Dotson saw nine targets against the Giants in their first meeting prior to the Commanders’ Week 14 bye. He caught five of them for 54 yards and a touchdown. It was his 79% snap share that intrigued me the most.
MORE: Week 16 Fantasy Waiver Wire Targets
I had Dotson as a waiver wire pickup heading into Week 14. I wasn’t sure Dotson was back to being the clear WR2, but the way to succeed in fantasy football is to be proactive, not reactive. If you picked up Doston ahead of Week 14 (or Week 15), and you’re still alive, you have a weekly startable option.
In Week 15, Dotson proved Week 13 was no fluke. He once again played 79% of the snaps and was the clear WR2 behind Terry McLaurin. Dotson ran just one fewer route and matched McLaurin with six targets, catching four for 105 yards and a touchdown.
Curtis Samuel’s role continues to decline while Dotson’s role continues to increase. The rookie first-rounder was drafted to be the team’s WR2 of the future. It appears the future is now.
How Aggressively Should Fantasy Managers Pursue Dotson Off the Waiver Wire?
It’s Week 16. The fantasy semifinals. You’ve got two weeks left. There’s no sense in pulling punches at this point. If you need a wide receiver, go get Dotson. If you don’t need a wide receiver, go get Doston so no one else can have him.
At this point in the season, FAAB recommendations are largely meaningless. Most teams have very little left, so it’s really a matter of how much you need a guy. There’s only one week remaining after this one. You’re not saving your FAAB for anything.
Dotson closes out the fantasy season against the 49ers and Browns. Both of those games could be ones in which the Commanders need to throw a bit more than usual, making Dotson a startable WR3, at worst.
If Dotson is the best player available, which he very well might be, do whatever it takes. There’s no point in saving your budget if there’s a player you can either use or prevent your final two opponents from using.
If you play in a league that still uses the continual rolling list waiver priority system, use your highest priority if you need to.