Week 14 at New England Patriots
Sammy Watkins finished with zero receptions last week on three targets as his poor season continues. In standard scoring, Watkins scored more fantasy points in Week 1 than he has from Week 2 through Week 13. And to make matters worse, he'll face a Patriots defense this week who are allowing the fewest fantasy points to receivers. Watkins is hard to trust as a reliable option at this point in the season, especially against New England.
Week 13 vs. Oakland Raiders
Sammy Watkins was unable to take advantage of Tyreek Hill missing time in Week 11, and finished just 2-26 as his poor season continues. Watkins finished with 37.8 fantasy points (standard scoring) in Week 1, and has scored a combined 33.2 fantasy points in the games since. He hasn't scored since his Week 1 outburst and hasn't topped 65 yards in that span. He gets a favorable matchup against the Raiders this week, but he finished just 6-49 in his last game against them, a game in which Patrick Mahomes threw for over 400 yards. Watkins isn't much more than a WR3 at this point.
Week 11 at Los Angeles Chargers
Sammy Watkins saw nine targets, converting them into five receptions for 39 yards. Not a terrible day, but not exactly a great day either. Especially when Patrick Mahomes threw for 446 yards on 50 attempts. The Chiefs have so many weapons on offense that games like this should be expected. Other players make plays and it leaves little room for everyone to have a great game. Still, Watkins is a valuable asset in a high-powered offense and should still be viewed in low-end WR2 territory this week against the Chargers.
Week 10 at Tennessee Titans
Sammy Watkins finished 7-63 on 10 targets last week. He still has not scored a touchdown since Week 1, however, as his odd season continues. In the five games outside of Week 1 where Watkins has started and finished, he's averaged 55 receiving yards per game. You can expect similar numbers this week in a decent matchup against the Titans, making Watkins a WR3 for Week 10.
Week 9 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Sammy Watkins turned in a respectable 5-45 off of eight targets last week. Watkins clearly reached his peak in Week 1 with his ridiculous game, but he's been reliable in the games that have followed despite a QB change, dealing with injury and the emergence of Demarcus Robinson and Mecole Hardman. Expect Watkins to have a similar game as last week as he faces a favorable Vikings defense this week. You should view him as a lower-end WR3.
Week 8 vs. Green Bay Packers
Sammy Watkins was absent again last week as he deals with a hamstring injury. But he's been a full participant in practice so far this week, so he should return to the lineup. It's tough to predict what Watkins' role will be, though. The Chiefs have a log jam of talent at the receiver position with Watkins, Demarcus Robinson and Mecole Hardman below Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce. Plus, this is a tough matchup with a backup QB in Matt Moore. Don't expect an elite performance from Watkins this week as he should be viewed more as a WR4.
Week 7 at Denver Broncos
UPDATE: Watkins has been ruled out this week.
Sammy Watkins may return this week as he's been limited in practice so far. His health status is worth monitoring, however, as he was inactive in Week 6 and Kansas City plays on Thursday in Week 7. And a hamstring injury is something that can linger, so there's a strong chance he sits out. If he does play, he'll get a tough matchup against the Broncos who are allowing the fewest fantasy points to receivers this season. We like Watkins as a WR3 option, assuming he's healthy.
Week 5 vs. Indianapolis Colts
The Chiefs have had a different leading receiver each week, but Sammy Watkins has remained fairly consistent. He had a huge game in Week 1, but since then he's finished 6-49, 5-64 and 3-54. Nothing eye-popping, but solid production. Tyreek Hill has been back to practice in a limited fashion, so his return would make things interesting for Watkins. For now though, we expect Hill to be inactive. So with a decent matchup against the Colts in Week 5, Watkins should continue to put up similar numbers as he's done all season. We like him as a WR2 with upside.
Week 4 at Detroit Lions
Sammy Watkins had a productive outing in Week 3, finishing 5-64 on eight targets. He obviously had a huge Week 1, but he hasn't gone away after that. He's continuing to be involved in the offense as Tyreek Hill is sidelined with an injury. We like him again this week in a solid matchup against the Lions. With Patrick Mahomes playing indoors, we're expecting a big game, and Watkins will obviously benefit from that. We like Watkins as a lower-end WR1 play.
Week 3 at Baltimore Ravens
Sammy Watkins wowed everyone in Week 1, finishing with a 9-198-3 stat line, but came crashing down in Week 2, finishing 6-49. The low production was especially disappointing considering Patrick Mahomes finished with over 400 passing yards. The good news to takeaway, though, is Watkins finished with a team-high 13 targets. So he's not being ignored, he just didn't take full advantage.
He should be fine moving forward as Tyreek Hill continues to miss games. He gets a bit of a tough matchup this week against the Ravens, but it's not something to worry too much about. We like Watkins as a strong WR1 against Baltimore in Week 3.
