The Philadelphia Eagles are already off to a turbulent start to their 2024 season. After coming off one of the most confusing and frustrating collapses in recent NFL history last year—in which they went from starting 10-1 to ending 11-6 and getting knocked out in the first round of the playoffs—there are plenty of questions to be answered regarding the team.
At the top of this list will be how to generate offense without A.J. Brown. The three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver will miss his second consecutive game with a hamstring injury that he suffered late last week.
Brown’s absence was greatly felt in the previous loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The Eagles tallied just 179 passing yards compared to the 266 they reached in the opening week and the 225.5 the team averaged last year.
Philadelphia will need to find a better way to replace Brown’s production in the coming week. One name to keep an eye on is Jahan Dotson. The Eagles made a surprising move shortly before the start of the season to add Dotson to their dynamic receiving group through a trade with the Washington Commanders. Through the opening two games, he has tallied just one catch for six yards, but could this be the week he breaks out?
Jahan Dotson Fantasy Football Outlook
When looking at the Eagles’ official depth chart, Jahan Dotson is listed as the third wide receiver. Despite this, he logged just 42% of offensive snaps in the opening week. Without Brown available last week, Dotson was on the field for 79% of offensive snaps, yet recorded just one reception for six yards on the only target thrown his way.
In the two seasons he spent with the Washington Commanders, Dotson had 1,041 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns. It was a surprise when he was traded to a divisional rival just 15 days before the Eagles’ opening game.
Every player takes a different amount of time for things to click when being introduced to a new offense. Unfortunately for Dotson and the Eagles, it does not look like this process has been rapid.
When looking at the rest of the pass-catchers, there is a concerning list of names who have made more of an impact on the Eagles’ passing game. DeVonta Smith, A.J. Brown, Dallas Goedert, Saquon Barkley, Britain Covey, and Grant Calcaterra have all recorded more receptions. Kenneth Gainwell also has one catch on the year but took it for more yards than Dotson.
If you are in a pinch and need to take a chance, there are worse options than Jahan Dotson. The Saints will be leaning on their high-powered offense that has tallied an NFL-best 91 points through the opening two weeks. Expect the Eagles’ defense to struggle to slow them down and for the offense to be forced to rely on its aerial attack to keep up. This should create more opportunities for the wide receiver group and the Eagles should at least be looking to see what they have in their new addition. However, there is nothing to suggest Dotson will be able to make a Week 3 impact to this point.
When he fully grasps the offense and is getting a more even target share, there may be a place for Dotson in fantasy football lineups. But his lack of opportunity has been discouraging at this point. He could break out still this season, but for the time being, leave Dotson on your bench until he proves he can positively contribute.
Place your NFL bets at DraftKings Sportsbook or by downloading the DraftKings Sportsbook app.
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is seanbarnard) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
