Russell Gage (WR, ATL) - Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups

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ANALYSIS: For one reason or another, Russell Gage seems to have found his place in Atlanta’s offense. More than anything, Sanu’s trade opened the door to an extended usage and in the games that’s been the case he has been able to put up good numbers. Just his past weekend, Gage was targeted six times and caught five of those throws for 49 yards making it to 10.6 fantasy points on the day. Not great, but enough for a flex play in deeper leagues indeed.

Gage’s upside is clearly tied to his usage. In every game he has been targeted six or more times (five of 15 this year) he has been able to score at least 8.3 FP and in four of those five games he reached at least 10.6 while having back-to-back 15-plus points performances in Weeks 12 and 13 against Tampa Bay and New Orleans. Those two matches were his bests on the year, as he finished with 8/76/0 and 5/52/1 lines. Gage has caught four or more passes in six of his last eight games and logged more than 30 yards in five of those.

Atlanta’s season is over as it has nothing more to do, but the Falcons will be closing it out against Tampa Bay next weekend and the Bucs have the worst defense against WRs in the league. Gage also had a great game against Tampa earlier in the season, and he’s now more than locked into the team’s offense so he’ll keep seeing his average six targets at least. Gage makes for a great option to play at the flex spot in deeper leagues, even more in those handing extra points for receptions as he’s caught five-plus passes in four of his last five games.