The Browns have been one of the season’s biggest surprises, with their rookie wide receivers playing a starring role. But in Week 5 against the Jets, KC Concepcion took a big hit and left with an injury, opening more opportunities for Denzel Boston.
Will Concepcion miss time? If so, is Boston a must-add Week 6 waiver wire pickup? Boston has a high ceiling and plenty of upside, but can you count on him in the coming weeks?
Let’s dive in and look at the latest on Concepcion’s injury and Boston’s fantasy football outlook.
KC Concepcion Injury Update
Concepcion was the Browns’ first-round pick in this year’s draft after starring at Texas A&M. Boston was a second-round pick out of Washington, and both receivers have played notable roles early on.
In Week 5, Concepcion caught a five-yard pass on his first target, then took a vicious hit from Minkah Fitzpatrick on his second.
He was ruled out almost immediately and is in the NFL concussion protocol heading into Week 6. He could miss a game or two, depending on his recovery.
Denzel Boston Fantasy Football Outlook
After Concepcion’s early exit, Boston finished the game against the Jets with three catches on seven targets for 46 yards and his third touchdown of the season.
Boston is tied with Concepcion for the team lead with 29 targets, and with tight end Harold Fannin Jr. with three receiving touchdowns. Boston leads the team in receiving yards with 330.
Even before Concepcion’s injury, Boston was the Browns’ top downfield threat. He has a team-high aDOT of 16.5 yards and ranks ninth in the NFL with 175 routes run.
As the team’s top deep threat, Boston is a solid waiver-wire target this week in a potentially expanded role. He’s already owned in many competitive leagues, but if he’s available on waivers or you can get him at a discount in a trade, he’s a great option to add with a chance to break out in the next few weeks.
In Week 6, the Browns host the Ravens, who have allowed the seventh-most fantasy points to wide receivers this season. Then Cleveland hits the road for favorable matchups against the Titans, Steelers and Saints. The Browns come home in Week 10 for another friendly matchup against the Texans before their bye week.
The Bottom Line: Add Denzel Boston in All Formats
If you can add Boston ahead of Week 6 — whether from waivers or in a trade — the rookie looks poised for big things, especially if Concepcion is forced to miss time after taking that brutal hit. Boston is currently priced at $5,500 in DraftKings DFS fantasy football contests like the NFL $2.75M Fantasy Football Millionaire [$1M to 1st, $100K Leaderboard Eligible]. With the Ravens offering such a favorable matchup for receivers, Boston could be an excellent value play with a high ceiling in tournament lineups.
