Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden has seen an incremental upward trajectory over the past several weeks for the Packers and for fantasy managers. Golden is coming off his best week yet, with a season-high six targets, plus five receptions for 58 yards. He's also starting to see the field regularly with route shares of 82 percent and 72 percent in his last two games. In addition, Golden's first-read target shares have increased substantially, going from three total first-read targets in the first two weeks of the season to nine in the next two contests. Interestingly, Golden was used much more in the slot in Week 4, flipping his role with Dontayvion Wicks, who had been used in the slot more since Jayden Reed (clavicle, foot) was injured. That could prove to be a launching point to get Golden in more jet motion and use him in space for YAC opportunities. After the Packers' bye in Week 5, Green Bay hosts the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 6. With the continued upward climb of Golden, he's a big-time upside flex play for fantasy managers this week.
Oct 7, 2025 3:45 PM EST
Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden had the most productive game of his young career in Week 4 against the Dallas Cowboys, recording five catches for 58 yards on six targets. Through four games, Golden has 11 catches for 126 yards on 14 targets. The 22-year-old has seen his usage and snap count go up since the Packers lost wideout Jayden Reed (collarbone, foot) to injury in Week 2. However, Green Bay could be getting Christian Watson (knee) back from a knee injury that sidelined him for the first four weeks of the season shortly after the team's Week 5 bye. Golden has plenty of upside, but he will likely remain difficult for fantasy managers to trust given Green Bay's crowded wide receiver room. Golden's next chance to make an impact will be in Week 6 when the Packers take on the Cincinnati Bengals.
Oct 4, 2025 12:11 PM EST
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden looks to continue his forward momentum in terms of utilization when the Packers head to Dallas to take on the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football in Week 4. Golden's first three games in the NFL have drawn mixed reviews from fantasy managers who drafted him in the middle rounds. Through three games, Golden has a combined eight targets, six receptions, and 68 receiving yards, with most of that coming in his best game to date in Week 3, where he caught four balls for 52 yards. He ran routes on 84 percent of quarterback Jordan Love's dropbacks and earned 22 percent of the first-read targets as well. To say Golden has been a disappointment is fair, but his role is growing. Golden could keep his ramp-up going in a great matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 4, but we need to remember that Golden has a shockingly low fantasy floor. That said, Golden is an upside flex play for fantasy managers in Week 4.
Sep 26, 2025 5:08 PM EST
It has been a slow burn for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden, as his first three games in the NFL have drawn mixed reviews from fantasy managers who drafted him in the middle rounds. Through three games, Golden has a combined eight targets, six receptions, and 68 receiving yards, with most of that coming in his best game to date in Week 3, where he caught four balls for 52 yards. He ran routes on 84 percent of quarterback Jordan Love's dropbacks and earned 22 percent of the first-read targets as well. To say Golden has been a disappointment is fair, but his role is growing. Golden could keep his ramp-up going in a great matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 4, but we need to remember that Golden has a shockingly low fantasy floor. That said, Golden is an upside flex play for fantasy managers in Week 4 in the hopes that the downfield work and the Cowboys' porous defense converge to result in Golden's breakout game.
Sep 23, 2025 4:20 PM EST
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden looks to take advantage of some injury-related shakeup in the receiving room as the Packers head to Cleveland to face the Browns in Week 3. Through two games, Golden hasn't done much to satisfy the hype of fantasy managers, with just two receptions for 16 yards in his first two NFL games. That said, Golden has been the recipient of several deep throws from quarterback Jordan Love that have just missed being huge plays. We'd be talking about Golden much favorably if those plays had gone the other way. For Week 3, Golden could get on track to deliver some fantasy value as the target tree shortens up a bit with Jayden Reed (clavicle, foot) out and Tucker Kraft (knee) banged up. Golden is still a risky boom-or-bust flex play this week for fantasy purposes.
Sep 19, 2025 5:44 PM EST
ESPN NFL Nation Green Bay Packers reporter Rob Demovsky reports that more opportunities could come soon for Packers rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden. Either way, the first-round pick isn't down despite a slow start, saying, "It's two games," Golden said. "I'm not pressing for anything." All in all, this is encouraging news for a rookie wide receiver trying to find his way into an offense that likes to spread the ball around to multiple players and lean on its run game with Josh Jacobs. Golden went from 48 percent of snaps played in Week 1 to 59 percent in Week 2, while seeing two targets in each contest. Of those four total targets, he has only been able to haul in two of them for eight yards. That being said, both of his targets in Week 2 were on the verge of being explosive plays. Nonetheless, his production thus far makes him a risky fantasy option until we see it in action. Currently, fantasy managers should consider him a WR3 with upside in most formats, given his first-round pedigree and the fact that he's on a good offense.
Sep 19, 2025 9:26 AM EST
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden came into the 2025 season with a lot of hype, being the first wide receiver drafted by the team in the first round since Javon Walker in 2002. Through two games, Golden hasn't done much to satisfy the hype of fantasy managers, with just two receptions for 16 yards combined in his first two NFL games. That said, Golden has been the recipient of several deep throws from quarterback Jordan Love that have just missed being huge plays. We'd be talking about Golden much favorably if those plays had gone the other way. Still, fantasy managers won't get points for almost scoring or almost catching the ball. One good sign for Golden is that his routes per dropback have risen from 57 percent in Week 1 to 68 percent in Week 2, so the Packers are getting him on the field a bit more. In Week 3, the Packers head east to play the Cleveland Browns, where Golden could get on track to deliver some fantasy value. However, until we see it, he's got to be left on fantasy benches in the majority of fantasy formats.
Sep 16, 2025 12:23 PM EST
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden (ankle) was a limited participant on Monday with an ankle injury, but put in two full practices to come off the injury report as the Packers host the Commanders in Week 2. Golden caught both of his targets for 16 yards on a day where the Packers' passing game wasn't too busy in their 27-13 victory over the Lions. Quarterback Jordan Love only needed 22 pass attempts to dispatch Detroit, and it was more of the same dating back to the post-bye Packers from 2024 as they opted to run the ball more than pass. The lack of passing volume from Green Bay hampers the upside of some of the passing game's weapons, like Golden. That said, Golden does have massive upside in this offense, and the Packers spent a first-round pick on his services, so Golden's offensive involvement will increase game by game. For fantasy, consider Golden an upside-laden flex play for Week 2.
Sep 10, 2025 5:23 PM EST
Green Bay Packers rookie first-round wide receiver Matthew Golden (ankle) was upgraded from a limited practice participant on Monday's estimated injury report to full on Tuesday. Meanwhile, fellow wideout Dontayvion Wicks (calf) was listed as limited for a second straight day. The 22-year-old appears to be dealing with a minor ankle issue after the team's Week 1 win over the Detroit Lions, but he should be able to play on a short week on Thursday night in his second NFL game against the Washington Commanders. Golden got nothing but rave reviews during training camp and the preseason, only to disappoint in his debut on Sunday against Detroit. The Texas product caught both of his targets for only 16 yards. Despite his quiet debut, Golden should be considered an upside WR4/flex option against the Commanders in prime time on Thursday.
Sep 9, 2025 6:38 PM EST
Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden has done nothing but impress since the team selected him in the first round out of Texas in April. "Phenomenal," one team source said of Golden's presence. "Makes a wow play every day." The 22-year-old is already listed as a starter on Green Bay's depth chart, and the Packers "aren't hiding their affection for him." Although the Packers will use plenty of two-tight end sets, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler writes that Golden's "talent looks undeniable." With Jayden Reed (foot) up in the air to play in Week 1 against the division-rival Detroit Lions this Sunday, Golden could be a big part of Green Bay's passing attack right away, putting him in the WR3/flex conversation immediately in fantasy. Dontayvion Wicks and Savion Williams have also been banged up, giving Golden a clear path to opportunity.
Sep 4, 2025 1:08 PM EST
Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden is listed as a starter on the team's depth chart, according to Zach Jacobson of 247 Sports. Golden was selected in the opening round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Texas. Throughout camp, Golden has received positive buzz and has already begun to establish a strong connection with quarterback Jordan Love. In addition, wide receivers Jayden Reed (foot) and Dontayvion Wicks (calf) have been dealing with lingering injuries, which have provided Golden ample opportunities with the starting lineup. Golden appears to have impressed the coaching staff enough to earn a spot with the first team. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Reed's and Wicks's status leading up to Week 1. If either wideout is unable to play, Golden could be in store for a massive target share in their season opener against the Detroit Lions.
Sep 2, 2025 4:35 PM EST
Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden had a "tremendous camp," according to Jeff Howe of The Athletic. Additionally, Howe writes that it "might not be all that shocking if (Golden) quickly becomes quarterback Jordan Love's go-to wide receiver." Golden may see even more opportunities early in 2025 with fellow Packers wideouts Christian Watson (knee) starting the year on the Reserve/Physically Unable to Perform list and Jayden Reed (foot) battling a Jones fracture in his left foot. Golden is the first wide receiver the Packers have selected in the first round since 2002, so the organization clearly believes in his talent. The 22-year-old profiles as a high-upside WR3/4 in redraft fantasy leagues.
Aug 29, 2025 10:31 AM EST
Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden could be in store for an increase in opportunities in the Green Bay passing attack. According to Jason Wilde, Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed (foot) is dealing with a Jones fracture in his left foot. While this injury is quite common in athletics, it often requires surgery. However, Reed is opting to play through it and plans to be ready for the season opener. However, Reed could be given a strict snaps count to improve his health and could even be at high risk of suffering a setback. If this occurs, Golden could be given ample opportunities, operating as the clear WR1 in the offense. The Packers selected Golden in the first round of April's draft out of Texas. During his final season in college, he totaled a career-best 987 with an SEC-leading nine touchdowns. Given his potential opportunities, Golden is worth viewing as a high-end WR3 in all formats.
Aug 28, 2025 4:25 PM EST
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden hauled in a 39-yard strike on two targets from starting quarterback Malik Willis in the Packers' 20-7 victory over the Seattle Seahawks at Lambeau Field. Golden, the Packers' first-round pick this past April, had to adjust and come back to the ball a little bit, but made a nice adjustment downfield to secure the longest reception of the day for both teams. The Packers' intent on selecting Golden in the first round signals a big role for the talented rookie out of Texas, and fantasy managers agree. Golden has been a mid-round upside staple in an offense that looks to generate more offense through the air this season than last season's iteration. Could Golden be the next fantasy find like last season's Ladd McConkey and Brian Thomas Jr.? Golden certainly has that level of upside as a WR3 in fantasy drafts.
Aug 23, 2025 7:56 PM EST
Zach Kruse of The Packers Wire writes that he hasn't heard the entirety of the Green Bay Packers organization "talk about a rookie like they have with wide receiver Matthew Golden in a long time." Kruse says that everytime someone is asked about Golden, it's some variation of, "Yeah, he's good, and he's only scratching the surface of his potential." It's looking more and more like the 22-year-old from Texas will be a key contributor through the air for the Packers offense right away in 2025. There will be more opportunity with Christian Watson (knee) expected to begin the year on the PUP list, and Jayden Reed (foot) could also be up in the air for Week 1. Golden has been practicing with the first-team offense since early in training camp and has gained valuable chemistry with quarterback Jordan Love. The speedy rookie is already in the conversation as a weekly WR4/flex in 2025.
Aug 13, 2025 2:19 PM EST
Andy Herman of 105.7 The Fan, Milwaukee, notes that Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden made a few highlight receptions in Monday's practice, catching difficult passes "with ease." The former Texas Longhorn has garnered a good amount of praise during the lead-up to the regular season, and the news of fellow wideout Jayden Reed's (foot) injury makes this wide receiver room that much more up for grabs. The rookie offers Green Bay an explosive, field-flipping element they've desired for some time now. If he can seize his opportunity early on, Golden should be in store for a useful fantasy season. He's going just inside the top 100 currently in drafts, slotted directly in front of Reed at No. 98 in overall ADP. That disparity will grow if the latter's ailment lingers.
Aug 11, 2025 3:44 PM EST
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Matthew Golden got his first snaps in the team's first preseason game on Saturday night against the New York Jets. Golden caught Jordan Love's only completed pass on a seven-yard slant in the team's second offensive series. Later in the drive, Golden was targeted again by Love but the play was nullified by a defensive penalty. That lone catch would be the only contribution Golden would make as his night was done following the second series. Drafted with the 23rd overall pick, Golden was the Packers' first wide receiver selected in the first round since Javon Walker in 2002. Golden brings some much-needed juice to the Packers and looks to carve an early niche in this receiver corps. Given the ambiguous nature of the current crop of Packers' pass-catchers. Golden has massive upside for fantasy as a WR4 option in fantasy drafts.
Aug 10, 2025 12:24 AM EST
Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur said that rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden has "some of the most natural hands" that he's ever been around and that Golden has been "outstanding" in training camp, according to Zach Jacobson of 247Sports. The Packers used a first-round pick on Golden in the 2025 draft. He's part of a deep wide receiver room in Green Bay that includes established contributors like Jayden Reed and Romeo Doubs, but lacks a true superstar WR1. Reed (foot) was also seen wearing a walking boot during the team's preseason game on Saturday, although he's considered to be day-to-day with a sprained foot. Based on how LaFleur is speaking about Golden, it appears the 22-year-old could be in line for a large role in the Green Bay offense early in his rookie season.
Aug 9, 2025 11:39 PM EST
Green Bay Packers rookie first-round wide receiver Matthew Golden continues to run with the first-team offense in two-receiver sets in training camp practices. Jayden Reed and Dontayvion Wicks have been sidelined at camp with minor injuries, but Golden's presence in two-receiver sets is notable nonetheless, especially with Christian Watson (knee) expected to begin the season on the Physically Unable to Perform list. It's still a crowded receiver room in Green Bay with Reed, Wicks and Romeo Doubs, but the 22-year-old Golden brings 4.29-second 40-yard dash speed to an offense with a young and ascending quarterback in Jordan Love at the helm. At the very least in his rookie season, Golden should serve as the team's primary deep threat until Watson returns, making him an intriguing WR4/flex candidate right away.
Aug 5, 2025 1:12 PM EST
Green Bay Packers rookie wide receiver Matthew Golden has looked the part so far in training camp, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. Golden's hands (he's not a body-catcher) and his determination to be great have stood out so far, per Fowler. A person with the team pointed out Golden hadn't dropped a pass through the first week-plus of camp and he connected on a 60-yard deep pass earlier in the week. The 22-year-old first-rounder is competing for playing time right away in his first year in the NFL in what is now a crowded receiver room in Green Bay. But with Christian Watson (knee) likely to miss a good chunk of the 2025 season, Golden should have a key role in the Packers' passing attack this season. Golden's speed should serve him well and at least make him worth a WR4/5 flier later in fantasy drafts this fall.
Aug 4, 2025 12:22 PM EST
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