Should I Drop Jayden Reed? Fantasy Football Outlook for Week 13

It was positively, unbelievably wonderful to have Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jayden Reed on fantasy football rosters. For about four weeks, that is. Since then, he's been massively underwhelming compared to the expectations those first few big games set for fantasy managers. 

Aside from a six catch, 113 yard performance in Week 9, Reed has disappointed since his 33.1 and 27.1 point outings in Weeks 1 and 4. He's now had five games scoring single-digit PPR fantasy points, and some of those dud games weren't even due to injuries.

So is it okay to drop Reed from your rosters?

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Should I Drop Jayden Reed in Fantasy Football?

Probably not. At least, not yet. The problem isn't Reed or even quarterback Jordan Love, it's the offensive system they're in. Packers head coach Matt LaFleur prefers to spread the ball around to his receiver to maximize the stress he puts on opposing defenses. Playing time isn't helpful, either.

Jayden Reed the last 3 weeks:

14 catches
196 yards
1 TDpic.twitter.com/iq8caKkl6T

— Jacob 🏈🎄❄️ (@NotionsOfJacob) November 12, 2023

By the end of 2023, he was seen as a massive breakout candidate for 2024. He proved that he can be an excellent fantasy football option on the field. The problem is that this seems to have happened simply due to the injury issues WR Christian Watson suffered last season.

When Watson is on the field, Reed's production dips significantly. He's also seen less of a rushing floor than he had last year. To make matters worse, the second-year pro rarely sees more than 75% of snaps in a game. He saw just 50% in Week 12. He's not on the field enough to produce consistently great numbers for fantasy without ridiculous efficiency.

The Packers are ranked 27/32 teams in red zone offense, scoring a TD on <48% of their drives that reach the RZ.

Jayden Reed went for 171 total yards and 2 TDs in their season opener.

Despite his impressive debut, Reed has seen 7+ targets in just 1 game this season and has 4… pic.twitter.com/66sqhcODqR

— TheSportingMuse (@KYJ2479) November 20, 2024

His usage has been puzzling. He's got ridiculous speed and is electric with the ball in his hands, but he was only targeted twice in Week 11 and three times in Week 12. When the team has a lead built up, they've run plenty of 12 personnel to aid the run game and help block for running back Josh Jacobs.

We saw plenty last week, as GB blew out the San Francisco 49ers easily. The problem? Reed usually only plays in 11 personnel sets. 12 personnel = two tight ends and two WRs. 11 personnel = 3 WRs. Usually, it's Watson and Doubs on the field for the 12 personnel plays, while Reed wastes away on the sideline.

Who Should I Pickup in Week 13 Fantasy Football?

Waivers are tough at this time of year, but Denver Broncos rookie WR Devaughn Vele had a six catch, 80 yard performance on nine targets last Sunday. He's a solid pickup. He could be pushing for DEN's WR2 position in a surging offense that's been impressive the past few weeks.

Carolina Panthers wideout Adam Thielen (hamstring) impressed against the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 12. He's rostered in 44% of leagues, but should probably not be on waivers in a majority of them. He's a good pickup.

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