Should I Start Christian Watson?

Wednesday, September 23, 12:40 PM

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson enters Thursday's Week 3 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons as a high-end WR2 with legitimate WR1 upside. Watson caught four of a team-high 11 targets for 41 yards against the Jets, including a three-yard fourth-quarter touchdown that helped fuel Green Bay's comeback. He now has 10 receptions for 188 yards and three touchdowns on 19 targets through two games, pairing big-play ability with heavy involvement. Jayden Reed (neck) has been ruled out, leaving Watson and Matthew Golden atop Green Bay's wide receiver rotation. Protection remains a concern with left guard Aaron Banks (knee/toe) also ruled out, although Anthony Belton (elbow) will play at right tackle. Atlanta enters short-handed as well, with top cornerback A.J. Terrell (groin) on injured reserve and edge rusher Samson Ebukam (hamstring) out. Carolina threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns against the Falcons last week. RotoBaller ranks Watson WR11 and considers him a borderline WR1 for Thursday. Fantasy managers should start him confidently as a strong WR2 with the target volume and scoring upside to finish inside the top 12.