Wide receivers are one of the most critical components, and a core building block, for all fantasy football teams. This is especially true in PPR formats, where fantasy owners are rewarded for every catch that a wide receiver makes. We are here to help you plan your wide receiver draft strategy, and to target the right players on each NFL team.
Below are our 2015 fantasy football wide receiver depth charts as of Week 12 of the NFL and fantasy football season. For each team you will find the primary wide receiver (WR1), the secondary wide receiver (WR2), the third wide receiver (WR3), and dynasty values. Players listed under "Dynasty Value" have added value in dynasty/keeper league formats and can be targeted on draft day.
It’s important to stay on top of the wide receiver situations and any depth chart changes throughout each week of the fantasy football season, so be sure to check back regularly. By staying on top of all the depth charts changes, preseason position battles, and in-season injuries, you can draft the right receivers, adjust your rosters off the waiver wire, find sleepers, potential breakouts, and dominate your fantasy football leagues.
All WR1/WR2/WR3 listings are based off current Fantasy Football projections, not NFL depth chart values. Players listed under "Dynasty Value" have increased value in a Dynasty league.
AFC EAST: Fantasy Football Wide Receiver (WR) Depth Charts
Baller Stability Rating | Team Name |
Primary Wide Receiver (WR1) | Second Wide Receiver (WR2) | WR3 & Longshots | Dynasty Value |
Questionable | Patriots | Brandon LaFell | Danny Amendola | Aaron Dobson | N/A |
Solid | Jets | Brandon Marshall | Eric Decker | Jeremy Kerley | N/A |
Solid | Bills | Sammy Watkins | Robert Woods | Chris Hogan | Sammy Watkins |
Solid | Dolphins | Jarvis Landry | Rishard Matthews | Kenny Stills | DeVante Parker |
With Julian Edelman out 6-8 weeks, the onus will fall on Brandon LaFell and Danny Amendola to pick up the slack. Amendola played well in the slot role against Buffalo on Monday night, but as is customary he was injured in the process. Should he miss time, it would be LaFell and Aaron Dobson picking up the slack.
It's the Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker show in New York (ahem, New Jersey), as both received 10 or more targets again last week. Both can be considered top-25 wide receivers every week, with Decker being a bit more reliant on the end zone for fantasy value.
Sammy Watkins was targeted less than both Robert Woods and Chris Hogan against the Patriots, but his first catch was a spectacular one-handed grab. While he's still the clear top talent, as long as Tyrod Taylor is playing poorly or injured, Watkins can't be relied on as anything more than a desperation flex, just like Woods and Hogan.
Jarvis Landry is the target-hog in Miami, and will be a surefire WR2 all season. He could be higher, but he simply doesn't get in the end zone--plus it's tough to rack up fantasy points when the Dolphins are only running 41 (!) offensive plays in the game, as they did this past week.
AFC WEST: Fantasy Football Wide Receivers (WR) Depth Charts
Baller Stability Rating | Team Name |
Primary Wide Receiver (WR1) | Second Wide Receiver (WR2) | WR3 & Longshots | Dynasty Value |
Solid | Broncos | Demaryius Thomas | Emmanuel Sanders | Andre Caldwell | Cody Latimer |
Solid | Chiefs | Jeremy Maclin | De'Anthony Thomas | Albert Wilson | Chris Conley |
Solid | Raiders | Amari Cooper | Michael Crabtree | Andre Holmes | Amari Cooper |
Solid | Chargers | Stevie Johnson | Malcolm Floyd (INJ) | Dontrelle Inman | Keenan Allen |
While the Denver pecking order is fairly solid, their fantasy production going forward remains to be seen. Brock Osweiler looked great taking over for Peyton Manning, and should continue to improve the value of all Denver pass-catchers. The WR target volume may go down as Gary Kubiak implements his full running back and tight end-friendly offense, but Thomas and Sanders will still find a way to eat most weeks.
No one outside of Jeremy Maclin is startable on the Chiefs, and even he is a shaky WR2 with the conservative Alex Smith under center.
The Raiders offense is fantasy-relevant for the first time in recent memory, and as long as Derek Carr is playing well both Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree are low-end WR2s. While many expected the rookie Cooper to be the clear top option, this has evolved into more of a 1A/1B situation, with Crabtree being the much more productive of the two recently.
With Keenan Allen lost for the year to a lacerated kidney, everyone on the Chargers depth chart moves up a spot, with Dontrelle Inman likely sliding into three-wide sets with Johnson and Floyd. This is one of the most pass-heavy offenses in football, and Johnson should have WR2 value. I don't feel confident enough in anyone else on this surprisingly bad football team.
AFC NORTH: Fantasy Football Wide Receivers (WR) Depth Charts
Baller Stability Rating | Team Name |
Primary Wide Receiver (WR1) | Second Wide Receiver (WR2) | WR3 & Longshots | Dynasty Value |
Solid | Ravens | Kamar Aiken | Chris Givens | Marlon Brown | Breshad Perriman |
Solid | Steelers | Antonio Brown | Martavis Bryant | Darrius Heyward-Bey | Martavis Bryant |
Solid | Bengals | A.J. Green | Marvin Jones | Mohamed Sanu | N/A |
Solid | Browns | Travis Benjamin | Andrew Hawkins | Brian Hartline/Taylor Gabriel | N/A |
Like with Keenan Allen in San Diego, the loss of Steve Smith for the year means that everyone else on the Ravens depth chart moves up a spot. Kamar Aiken has led the Ravens in targets in back-to-back weeks, and if that kind of usage remains consistent he could develop into a low-end WR2. Chris Givens is talented enough as a deep threat to merit an add-and-stash in leagues with 12 or more teams.
Ben Roethlisberger was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week in a game he didn't even start in Week 10. As long as Big Ben is on the field he's a QB1, Antonio Brown is THE WR1, and Martavis Bryant is a WR3 with upside, even against the Seahawks this week.
Andy Dalton played quite well in Week 11 considering he was going up against the vaunted Arizona secondary, but he'll face another tough test in Week 12 against the St. Louis Rams. These days it's a coin-flip as to which Andy will show up, and unfortunately his receivers' fortunes are tied to his play.
I'm not comfortable starting any Cleveland receiver but Travis Benjamin, and even he is merely a flex in the right format. Josh McCown has been declared the starter for the rest of the season, and I actually believe that's a good thing for all Cleveland receivers. Benjamin should be a low-end WR2 the rest of the way.
AFC SOUTH: Fantasy Football Wide Receivers (WR) Depth Charts
Baller Stability Rating | Team Name |
Primary Wide Receiver (WR1) | Second Wide Receiver (WR2) | WR3 & Longshots | Dynasty Value |
Solid | Colts | T.Y. Hilton | Donte Moncrief | Andre Johnson | Phillip Dorsett, Donte Moncrief |
Solid | Texans | DeAndre Hopkins | Cecil Shorts III | Nate Washington | Jaelen Strong |
Volatile | Titans | Kendall Wright (INJ) | Dorial Green-Beckham | Justin Hunter | Dorial Green-Beckham, Kendall Wright |
Questionable | Jaguars | Allen Robinson | Allen Hurns | Bryan Walters | Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns, Marqise Lee |
With Andrew Luck out for at least a month with a lacerated kidney, it becomes hard to trust any Colt receiver. Matt Hasselbeck has been serviceable as a backup, but he doesn't sling it around enough to trust anybody on this team as more than a WR3. Hilton is the only startable option at this point in time, as Frank Gore should do most of the work on offense.
DeAndre Hopkins is a top-three fantasy wide receiver thanks to his position in the highest-volume passing attack in the NFL and insane skills. With Brian Hoyer back against a porous Saints defense, Hopkins may very well be the WR1 this week. Cecil Shorts is the only other receiver you'll consider as a flex option.
The Titans depth chart is worth keeping an eye on. Kendall Wright may return this week, but if he doesn't it'll be on Justin Hunter, Dorial Green-Beckham and Dexter McCluster to carry the passing game. I don't think any are worth starting until we get some more clarity as to who Marcus Mariota trusts.
Allen Robinson is the most talented receiver in Jacksonville, and I still think he's their WR1, but Allen Hurns has been surprisingly great so far this season. Hurns' touchdown streak was finally snapped last week, but I like both of the Allens' chances against a soft San Diego secondary this week. Robinson is a low-end WR1 and Hurns a low-end WR2.
NFC EAST: Fantasy Football Wide Receivers (WR) Depth Charts
Baller Stability Rating | Team Name |
Primary Wide Receiver (WR1) | Second Wide Receiver (WR2) | WR3 & Longshots | Dynasty Value |
Solid | Giants | Odell Beckham | Rueben Randle | Dwayne Harris | Odell Beckham Jr. |
Solid | Eagles | Jordan Matthews | Riley Cooper | Josh Huff | Josh Huff, Nelson Agholor, Jordan Matthews |
Solid | Cowboys | Dez Bryant | Terrance Williams | Cole Beasley | Dez Bryant |
Questionable | Redskins | Desean Jackson | Pierre Garcon | Jamison Crowder | N/A |
Victor Cruz is officially done for the season, and in his absence it appears Dwayne Harris has become Eli Manning's number three receiver. Beckham is a clear WR1, while Randle is a flex option at best.
I don't even know what to write about the Eagles offense. I thought the switch to Mark Sanchez would benefit Jordan Matthews, but he was just as disappointing last week as he's been all season. I'm not starting any Eagles until I see the offense get back on track, which will be a tall order against the Lions on Thanksgiving.
Tony Romo and Dez Bryant are both back and ready to help the Cowboys make a run. With Romo's return Dez becomes a locked-in WR1 once again and Williams becomes an interesting flex option.
Kirk Cousins came crashing back to Earth against the Panthers last week, but he should be able to hang with the Giants on Sunday. DeSean Jackson looked much better against the very good Carolina secondary, but Garcon and Crowder weren't able to get much going. I like Jackson as a boom-or-bust WR2 and Garcon and Crowder as desperation flex options.
NFC WEST: Fantasy Football Wide Receivers (WR) Depth Charts
Baller Stability Rating | Team Name |
Primary Wide Receiver (WR1) | Second Wide Receiver (WR2) | WR3 & Longshots | Dynasty Value |
Solid | 49ers | Anquan Boldin | Torrey Smith | Quinton Patton | N/A |
Solid | Seahawks | Doug Baldwin | Tyler Lockett | Jermaine Kearse | Tyler Lockett |
Solid | Cardinals | Larry Fitzgerald | Michael Floyd | John Brown | John Brown |
Questionable | Rams | Tavon Austin | Wes Welker | Kenny Britt | N/A |
Blaine Gabbert was shockingly good against the Seahawks last week, but I think that had more to do with the fall of the Legion of Boom than it did Gabbert's actual skill. The Arizona Cardinals should put Gabbert in his place this week, and once again it's hard to trust anyone outside of Anquan Boldin. who'll be a WR3.
The Seahawks still don't throw enough for me to trust any wide receiver on a weekly basis. If I'm picking one it's Doug Baldwin. He'll see his four or five targets every week and should finish the year with five or six touchdowns, making him an average flex play. Tyler Lockett was the favored red zone weapon in Week 11, and two of his four catches went for scores. Until we see that consistently, I'm leaving him and all other Seattle receivers on the pine.
Larry Fitzgerald is still the top dog in Arizona, but after him it's gotten a bit cloudy. John Brown and Michael Floyd have been battling hamstring injuries, and in Floyd's absence it was actually J.J. Nelson who stepped up for Carson Palmer to the tune of four catches for 142 yards and a touchdown. When everyone is healthy it's still Fitzgerald as the number one, Floyd and Brown as a 2A/2B, and then everyone else.
Todd Gurley is the focal point of the Rams offense, but Tavon Austin is not without value. He's actually second on the Rams in rushing yards, and is their clear top fantasy receiver. With Case Keenum replacing Nick Foles at quarterback, it's tough to know what to expect from any of this passing game. Keenum didn't look good at all, and suffered a concussion in the Rams' Week 11 loss. This offense is a mess, and doesn't have anyone start-worthy outside of Gurley.
NFC NORTH: Fantasy Football Wide Receivers (WR) Depth Charts
Baller Stability Rating | Team Name |
Primary Wide Receiver (WR1) | Second Wide Receiver (WR2) | WR3 & Longshots | Dynasty Value |
Solid | Packers | Randall Cobb | Davante Adams | James Jones | Davante Adams, Ty Montgomery |
Solid | Lions | Calvin Johnson | Golden Tate | Lance Moore | N/A |
Solid | Bears | Alshon Jeffery (INJ) | Eddie Royal (INJ) | Marquess Wilson | Kevin White |
Questionable | Vikings | Stefon Diggs | Mike Wallace | Jarius Wright | N/A |
Randall Cobb has disappointed in recent weeks, but he's still a major buy-low candidate for me. The Packers offense has been a mess, but with Eddie Lacy providing a much-needed spark in the Packers' Week 11 victory over division rival Minnesota, the winds may change soon. They'll get the Bears on Thanksgiving night, and I think this is where we finally see Aaron Rodgers come alive again. It sort of has to be, right?
Just when I had literally written off Golden Tate, he went out and put up a decent game against the Raiders. I'm not buying him or any other part of the Detroit offense not named Megatron. Running back Theo Riddick has arguably been the second-most reliable pass-catcher this season, and it should remain that way moving forward.
Jay Cutler and Alshon Jeffery are a lethal tandem, but that can only be the case when Alshon is on the field. He's had the 'Q' painted on his forehead all season, and it's exasperating to say the least. In his absence Marquess Wilson has shown he can step up, but I don't feel comfortable starting anyone but Jeffery against the Packers this week.
Stefon Diggs has had three down games in a row now, but he's still the top dog in Minnesota. Teddy Bridgewater simply can't be relied on as a passer, and Adrian Peterson's production over the last month certainly isn't giving the Vikings any reason to throw more. Diggs is a WR3 and nobody else needs to be rostered.
NFC SOUTH: Fantasy Football Wide Receivers (WR)
Baller Stability Rating | Team Name |
Primary Wide Receiver (WR1) | Second Wide Receiver (WR2) | WR3 & Longshots | Dynasty Value |
Questionable | Saints | Brandin Cooks | Willie Snead | Marques Colston | Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead |
Questionable | Falcons | Julio Jones | Leonard Hankerson | Roddy White | N/A |
Volatile | Panthers | Ted Ginn Jr. | Jerricho Cotchery | Devin Funchess | Devin Funchess, Kelvin Benjamin |
Solid | Buccaneers | Mike Evans | Vincent Jackson (INJ) | Donteea Dye | Mike Evans |
In the high-flying Saints air attack, Brandin Cooks has evolved into a low-end WR1. Willie Snead played decoy in Week 10, but he should be back as a flex consideration this week when the Saints visit the Houston Texans.
The Falcons situation is simple--there's Julio Jones, and that's pretty much it. Tight end Jacob Tamme was the second option while Leonard Hankerson was out, and Roddy White is a mere afterthought at this point. Hankerson should be fully healthy now, but he's a deep-league flex option at best.
The Panthers are winning thanks in large part to Cam Newton and Greg Olsen--actually, it's almost exclusively those two doing the work in the passing game. Ginn is a desperation DFS play or long-season stash, but Devin Funchess has been better in the last three weeks. He could be primed for a breakout down the stretch, and it may be time to start considering him as a flex option--the Panthers drafted him for a reason.
Mike Evans is back to being a bona fide WR1, and should continue to be for the foreseeable future. Vincent Jackson surprised everyone by returning last week, and didn't waste any time getting back into things with a 4-56-1 stat line. He's a solid WR3 when Jameis Winston is playing well, and he certainly has been lately.
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