Over the last 5+ years, we have seen a decline in the “Hero RB” strategy and a move towards the “Zero RB” strategy. Subsequently, the wide receiver position has never held more value than it does today, especially in PPR leagues. For example, nine of the top fifteen highest-ranked players on FantasyPros are all wideouts. Can Jayden Reed and Jordan Addison creep up towards them?
We all know guys like Jefferson, Chase, St. Brown, etc, are all going to produce at a high level, but fantasy football drafts are all about prioritizing value. Selecting mid to late-round receivers with high upside is the best way to maximize value and gives fantasy football owners a better chance of walking away the winner instead of the sacko.
Sophomore Slump or Superstar Jump
Jayden Reed – Green Bay Packers
Jayden Reed was an absolute stud down the stretch of last season, and I think only 2023 Reed fantasy owners understand that. As a rookie, Reed averaged a WHOPPING 17.37 PPR points during his final 8 games of the regular season. To put that into perspective, Puka Nacua finished as wide receiver #4 last season and he averaged 17.55 points per game.
Reed was on a top-5 pace to finish 2023 and that cannot be ignored. Christian Watson was banged up all of 2023, but do you know who else was? The triple crown winner is Cooper Kupp. The only difference separating Puka Nacua and Jayden Reed heading into 2024 is their ADPs.
Puka Nacua is getting drafted 65 spots ahead of Jayden Reed in dynasty leagues and that is criminal in my opinion. Puka is awesome, but not awesome enough to take him in the first round and pass on a guy at the in the 7th round with similar upside. Bank on Reed to finish as a top 20 receiver and have superstar upside in 2024.
Jordan Addison – Minnesota Vikings
Jordan Addison showed flashes of excellence in 2023 despite having a brigade of different arms throwing to him. The absence of Justin Jefferson put a heavy workload on the rookie’s shoulders, and he produced. Addison Racked up 70 catches, 911 yards, and 10 touchdowns as a rookie, and he even had 2 weeks of being the #1 receiver in all of fantasy football.
Those numbers ranked him 23rd amongst wideouts in PPR leagues. However, the skies look greyer for Addison heading into 2024 with the return of Jefferson and the uncertainty of JJ McCarthy to this point. In dynasty leagues, Addison’s ADP is roughly 42.5 which puts him before the names of Davante Adams and Deebo Samuel. Oh yeah, and he is being taken 12 spots ahead of Reed.
I get it, it’s a dynasty, but the only fantasy owners who should be drafting Addison at pick 42 are Vikings homers. He is a very talented player, the situation just does not bear fruits for Addison in 2024 and that’s why he will be a sophomore slump.
Final Thoughts
I think both Jayden Reed and Jordan Addison are fantastic football players. The exception is that Reed has the opportunity in 2024 to cement himself as the Packers #1 option, and Addison is always going to play second fiddle in Minnesota.
Don’t be surprised if Reed finishes near the top 10 mark for all wideouts in fantasy football, and the best part is that it isn’t even a risk. Pick up Jayden Reed in 7th round of your fantasy football drafts and do not look back, you won’t regret it!
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