DeMario Douglas Waiver Wire Fantasy Outlook Week 7: Should I add Patriots WR?

DeMario Douglas is not someone who comes to mind when thinking about top wide receiver prospects in the NFL. The New England Patriots have historically struggled to draft and develop players at that position (with the possible exception of 2009 seventh-rounder Julian Edelman), but he is among the “poster boys” of their 2020s offensive struggles.

And yet, amidst the shocking tribulations of his more accomplished counterparts within the AFC East, he suddenly finds himself with a chance of at least having a decent season…

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DeMario Douglas fantasy outlook: Is he a good waiver wire pickup in Week 7?

The first thing to note about DeMario Douglas is that he has not started most of the Patriots’ games in 2024. Instead, that responsibility has fallen onto the shoulders of KJ Osborn and Ja’Lynn Polk.

In his limited role, he has had 24 catches for 245 yards and a touchdown. These are not the best numbers, but they are also not the worst, considering the quality of the quarterbacks he has had to work with.

Against the Jacksonville Jaguars, his performance should figure to be a mixed one. While Duval has some quality weapons in the secondary, like safety Andre Cisco, they have yet to display the big-game mentality that led them to the AFC Divisional Round in 2022.

On the other hand, the Jaguars boast three front and midline players who can kill the pass, denying Douglas a chance to make plays before they can even happen. Defensive ends Josh-Hines Allen and Travon Walker are well-known to be sack machines, dominating opposing linemen and getting to the quarterback. Meanwhile, linebacker Devin Lloyd is more of a run-stopper but can be called upon to stop short-range receptions when the situation demands it.

The Patriots-Jaguars game should be a rather low-scoring contest that will see both teams leaning off the run. That means limited pass-catching opportunities, and when they do arrive, they will most likely be to tight ends Hunter Henry/Austin Hooper and Evan Engram/Brenton Strange to exploit mismatches against secondaries.

With all that said, it is best to leave DeMario Douglas off the waiver wire come Sunday.