

Considering we hardly know anything about Love, it’s difficult to project him as anything other than a mediocre quarterback, which is a bad sign for Watson. If we expand those bounds to QBs outside the top 20 in EPA per play, just four receivers have finished in the top-15 in the last four seasons-Mclaurin in 2022, Diontae Johnson in 2021, Robert Woods in 2020, and Allen Robinson in 2019. Of the top 15 fantasy receivers last season, only two ( Tyler Lockett and Terry McLaurin) had a QB that was outside the top 10 in EPA per play. It is very rare that a receiver is able to consistently produce with subpar quarterback play. However, whether or not that volume will be valuable is a different question. There is no doubt that Watson will see volume this season-the people behind him on the depth chart include Romeo Doubs, Samori Toure, and Dontayvion Wicks. Dillon-Green Bay was 18th in the league in neutral-down pass frequency with Rodgers last season. The Packers will also place a large emphasis on the run game, as they continue to employ the two-headed monster of Aaron Jones and A.J. He has made just one start in his three-year career thus far and has thrown only 83 passes in total. Quite frankly, we have no idea how good Love is as a player. With Aaron Rodgers now in New York, Jordan Love will be the starting QB in Green Bay. The Packers’ Offense in 2023Īnother variable surrounding Watson’s situation is the Packers' offense. So, even though Watson used his physical tools to succeed in his rookie year, I’m concerned that he won’t be able to separate against the elite cornerbacks who will now be guarding him. He also had an 11.6% drop rate, which was the second worst among all receivers. Watson struggled as a route runner in 2022-according to ReceptionPerception, Watson was in the 33rd percentile in success rate against man coverage, and the 37th percentile in success rate against zone. While Watson certainly had a promising rookie season, it remains unclear if he can be the WR1 in an offense. However, he was rather touchdown-dependent-during that timespan, he only eclipsed five receptions once.

Watson took a leap during the second half of the season and was actually the WR7 from Week 10 onwards. Watson primarily operated as a deep threat for the Packers last season with an average target distance of 13.8 yards, which was 12th in the entire NFL. He finished the season as the overall WR34 in fantasy, putting up 10.3 fantasy points per game. He racked up 611 receiving yards, which was fifth among all rookies, and led the Packers with nine total touchdowns (7 receiving, 2 rushing). Here’s a look at why fantasy managers should pump the brakes on Watson as a breakout candidate in 2023.Ĭlick here for more 2023 Player Profiles!Īfter being selected in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Watson had a solid rookie campaign last year.

As a result, Watson has skyrocketed up fantasy football draft boards this season and is currently being selected as the overall WR19 per Underdog ADP. That’s because relatively unknown second-year wideout Christian Watson suddenly finds himself as Green Bay's #1 receiving option.

If someone were to look at the expected top receivers on NFL teams this year, they would probably be quite surprised at the Packers. BetMGM + 4for4 Sub Deal (Free Betting Subscription).No House Advantage + 4for4 Sub Deal (Free Subscription).VividPicks + 4for4 Sub Deal (Free Subscription).
