Mike Williams status update

Thursday Night Football has been a rough one for Chargers WR Mike Williams. He has not been targeted a single time, and his only entry in the first half stat book is a tackle after a Philip Rivers interception. Suffice to say, this is not ideal. But he is not injured, so we’ll see if he breaks out in the second half.

UPDATE: Mike Williams caught a pass! He caught a pass from Philip Rivers for 45 yards late in the third quarter. It was his second target of the quarter.

Mike Williams was a touchdown magnet last season, as he and Phillip Rivers connect ten times for scores. So far this season, he’s connected for a total of zero scores. He was bound to regress this, but Williams is a prime touchdown maker due to his size and skill-set, and he is due.

Last week against the Packers, Williams caught 3-of-4 passes for 111 yards, the first 100-yard game of his career. He’s turned into one of the better deep threats in the league, averaging 18.3 yards per catch, so his low target numbers aren’t a big concern. Last week he hauled in 56- and 46-yard receptions and still couldn’t get in the end zone.

Fantasy football analysis: Los Angeles Chargers WR Mike Williams

In Week 10, he will get his best matchup of the year, as he takes on a Raiders defense that has given up the most wide receiver yards per game at 198.6. Oakland has also allowed the most 20+ yard receptions this season, with a gaudy 46. Just last week, both Marvin Jones and Kenny Golladay stomped them for 120+ yards and a touchdown each.

There is always risk when dealing with a deep threat like Williams has been this season, but there isn’t a better matchup for a deep threat than the Raiders. Add in the 49 point over/under and spread of 1, and this game is right in Williams’ wheelhouse.

Traditional Fantasy Start/Sit Recommendation

Start.

DraftKings DFS Recommendation

I wish that this game was on the main slate, as Williams’ $4,500 price tag is right in this DraftKings player’s wheelhouse. I plan on making a few Thursday-Monday lineups to get some exposure.

The TNF Showdown has him at $7,400. That price is also great value for his upside, and I plan on using him as a staple.