Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson was a popular mid-round fantasy football draft pick this year after his impressive rookie season. Unfortunately, he hasn’t played this year because of a hamstring injury.
The former North Dakota State star had 41 receptions on 66 targets for 611 receiving yards and seven touchdowns last season. He also was a factor in the run game, totaling seven rushing attempts for 80 yards and two touchdowns. After averaging 10.3 half-PPR fantasy points per game last year, what can fantasy players expect from Watson in 2023?
Looking to make a trade in your fantasy league? Having trouble deciding who to start and who to sit? Check out PFN’s Free Fantasy Football Trade Analyzer and Start/Sit Optimizer to help you make the right decision!
Is Christian Watson Playing This Week?
Earlier this week, the second-year wide receiver said he planned on playing in Week 4 against the Detroit Lions. However, the Packers listed the young receiver as questionable on their final weekly injury report. The former North Dakota State star was listed as questionable on Green Bay’s final injury report for the fourth consecutive week.
Yet, there is a belief that Watson could play Thursday night against the division rivals. Some reports suggested he could have played in Week 3. However, the team wanted him ready for the critical matchup against the Lions and decided to make him inactive last week against the New Orleans Saints.
Hopefully, the second-year receiver can make his season debut tonight. However, fantasy players should consider other options if Watson plays. Green Bay could put him on a snap count in his first game back from the injury. The last thing anyone wants is for the receiver to reaggravate the hamstring injury and miss more time.
Furthermore, the Packers’ offense has been clicking without Watson. Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks have stepped up for Jordan Love. The young wide receiver trio have combined to average 8.7 receptions for 120.7 receiving yards and two touchdowns per game this season.
Green Bay could lean on those three wide receivers rather than giving Watson a full set of snaps in his first game back from the injury.
Fantasy Options if Watson Is Out This Week?
If the Packers are without Watson again this week, Doubs is a solid option for fantasy players. Doubs has averaged 12.1 half-PPR fantasy points per game this season, scoring 15.5 or more twice. He also leads the team in receiving touchdowns (three).
MORE: Fantasy News Tracker
Meanwhile, the Lions surrendered 153 receiving yards, 1.5 touchdowns, and 31.8 fantasy points per game to wide receivers before facing a dysfunctional Atlanta Falcons passing attack last week.
Furthermore, Detroit could be without several starters on defense. Cornerback Emmanuel Moseley and safety Kerby Joseph are questionable to play with injuries. If both can’t play, Doubs has a top-20 upside this week.
Another potential option for fantasy players is Joshua Palmer. The Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver was a popular addition this week after the team lost Mike Williams to a season-ending knee injury. However, Palmer is still available in over 68% of ESPN leagues and 43% of Yahoo leagues.
The veteran wide receiver scored 12.6 half-point PPR fantasy points in Week 3, catching four passes for 66 receiving yards and a touchdown. He will have a larger role in the offense with Williams injured.
More importantly, Palmer faces the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. The Raiders have surrendered 1.7 receiving touchdowns and 30.2 fantasy points per game to wide receivers this season.