It has been an up-and-down season for the 2022 rookie class of wide receivers. Garrett Wilson, Drake London, and Jahan Dotson started off on fire, but none of them rank inside my top 30 wide receivers this week. Chris Olave is currently the top rookie at WR17, but he's also currently in concussion protocols. Romeo Doubs and George Pickens have each shown flashes but look to be caught in muddy target situations. There's still very much to like about this group, and I'm optimistic almost across the board. And in Week 5 another rookie emerged who just might be the best rookie option in Week 6.
Alec Pierce caught eight of nine targets against the Broncos for 81 yards. It was his second game in a row with at least 12 PPR Fantasy points, and Matt Ryan raved about the rookie. While we don't really believe Pierce will threaten Michael Pittman's role as WR1, the pass volume in Indianapolis has surged to a level where he may not have to.
Matt Ryan has now thrown at least 37 passes in four of five games this season. To put that in perspective, last year Carson Wentz attempted 37 passes or more passes four times all last season. If this volume continues, there's plenty of room for Pierce to see seven or eight targets a game and deliver WR3 production. Especially on a week with Davante Adams, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Brandin Cooks on a bye, Pierce's emergence is a welcome sight. He's a high-end No. 3 wide receiver this week. He'll be the same moving forward if the volume holds up.
Pierce has topped 12 PPR Fantasy points in each of his last two games and he still hasn't played 60% of the snaps in a game yet. Expect his role to grow after Matt Ryan gushed about him.
Slayton looks like the No. 1 wide receiver for the Giants and faces an excellent matchup in Week 6 against the Ravens. My only hesitation is that the Giants are not throwing the ball very much at all and it doesn't feel great to trust Daniel Jones.
As for now we expect Isaiah McKenzie to man the slot role in Buffalo, but Shakir is nipping at his heels. If McKenzie is hurt again or Shakir steals the job, you'll have a weekly flex on your hands.
I expect a coming-out party from Aaron Rodgers and the Packers this weekend, and Lazard is the most likely receiver on the team to have a multi-touchdown outing.