Who Should I Start? Christian Watson or Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Wednesday, November 4, 9:15 AM

Green Bay Packers wide receiver Christian Watson (rib) is practicing on Wednesday despite having suffered a broken rib in last Thursday night's win over the Carolina Panthers, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN. Watson had to be taken to a local hospital during Thursday's game after spitting up blood, but he returned to the game after being cleared by doctors and finished with eight receptions on 10 targets for 113 yards in the 27-19 victory. Passing-game coordinator Jason Vrable said on Monday that Watson is sore but is "doing great" heading into the team's Week 9 matchup on the road against the New England Patriots this Sunday. The 27-year-old will probably be playing through pain and will not be at 100% this weekend, but he should be active and will continue to be a must-start for fantasy football purposes. Watson has been a top-five fantasy receiver in 2026 as a big-play threat in the Packers' aggressive downfield passing attack. He has caught 42 of his 66 targets for 708 yards and six touchdowns already through the first eight weeks.