Introduction
As we head into Week 8 of the fantasy football season, managers face critical decisions on which wide receivers to start. Arizona Cardinals' Michael Wilson and Carolina Panthers' Jalen Coker both had disappointing outings in Week 7. Here’s a comparison to help you determine the better option for your lineup.
Michael Wilson's Situation
This season, Michael Wilson has struggled to find his rhythm, particularly following the trade of Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Houston Texans. Wilson's performance since the trade has not met expectations; in two games, he has recorded only eight receptions for 87 yards with no touchdowns, despite being targeted 15 times.
In his last two games, Wilson faced tough pass defenses in the Los Angeles Rams and Denver Broncos. Fortunately, he will encounter the Dallas Cowboys in Week 8, who have allowed the 13th most passing yards per game this season. Furthermore, they rank among the top teams for fantasy points given up to opposing receivers—seventh in standard leagues and tenth in PPR leagues. Recent matchups indicate that wide receivers facing the Cowboys have averaged 56.3 receiving yards and 5.3 receptions, with two of those players finding the end zone.
Wilson comes into this week with some injury concerns, having been limited in practice due to a rib issue. However, he managed to play 90% of snaps in his last game, indicating he has the capability to perform despite the setback.
Jalen Coker's Performance
On the other side, Jalen Coker had a rough Week 7 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, registering just one catch for nine yards on four targets. This lack of production raises concerns heading into his matchup against the Green Bay Packers, who have proven to be a challenging adversary.
The Packers have been effective at limiting passing yardage, allowing the ninth-fewest passing yards per game. However, they have struggled in terms of points allowed to wide receivers, giving up the sixth-most PPR and the tenth-most standard fantasy points. Recent data reveals that WR2s against Green Bay averaged 65 receiving yards and 5.7 receptions, which is a glimmer of hope for Coker.
Decision Time: Start or Sit?
When weighing the options for Week 8, fantasy managers should lean towards starting Michael Wilson over Jalen Coker. Wilson not only has a more favorable matchup but also plays a key role as the Cardinals’ WR1, which suggests he will receive a higher volume of targets.
Arizona ranks first in the NFL for passing attempts, averaging 40.4 passes per game, with an astonishing 43.7 attempts over the last three contests. This uptick in volume indicates that Wilson is likely to be more involved in the game plan, compared to Coker, who currently faces uncertainty after his lackluster performance.
Conclusion
Ultimately, while both players present merit as fantasy starters, Michael Wilson's situation and matchup provide a more promising path for fantasy success in Week 8. Fantasy managers should opt for Wilson while keeping Coker on their bench for this week.