Wide Receiver Best-Ball Tiered Rankings and Analysis

The Best-Ball draft process continues to escalate, at a time in which owners are searching for any form of fantasy football that can be embraced. The enticement of being able to build a roster that will not require in-season management also adds incentive to participate in this format.

The team at RotoBaller has just updated our tiered rankings that will help you prepare for your upcoming drafts. That includes our Best Ball rankings, which provide you with a valuable resource toward building league-winning rosters during 2020. We are also delivering a detailed analysis of these rankings, to boost your chances of fulfilling your championship aspirations even further.

This breakdown will focus on wide receivers, which are essential components as you assemble your rosters. These players maintain a consistent presence throughout our rankings, as 22 receivers are included in our top 50, while 45 of these players are contained within our top 100. We will continue to update rankings in every format throughout the offseason and you can find the latest rankings here.

WR Best-Ball Rankings

Tier 1

Michael Thomas, Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, Chris Godwin, Julio Jones, DeAndre Hopkins

Thomas ascended to the top of nearly every major receiving category during 2019, while generating more fantasy points than any other wide receiver. He established career highs in targets (185), receptions (149), and receiving yards (1,735), captured double-digit target totals in a league-best 12 different contests and averaged 11.6 per game. Thomas also led the league in 100-yard performances (10), red-zone targets (26), and team target share (33), while also finishing third in percentage share of team’s air yards (41.34). Thomas seized his place at the pinnacle of his position during his exceptional season and is the first wide receiver to target during your drafts.

Hill returned from a debilitating shoulder issue in Week 6 and proceeded to finish sixth among all receivers with 844 receiving yards during his final 11 games. He was also third in touchdowns (7), 15^th in targets (87), and 12^th in receptions (56) during that span, while also accumulating 1,120 air yards. Hill still managed to lead the high-powered Chiefs in touchdowns, receptions and receiving yards despite his four-game absence, while cementing his status as a first-round selection. He is a candidate to collect 126+ targets while exceeding his previous career bests in receptions (87), and receiving yards (1,479) if he operates with Patrick Mahomes for 16 games.

Adams was languishing at WR56 in scoring through Week 9 after a protracted turf toe issue sidelined him from Weeks 5-8. He had also failed to eclipse 56 yards in three of his first five games and had not generated a touchdown through Week 11. But Adams captured 11.5 targets per game from Weeks 10-17 and was second overall in targets from Weeks 12-16 (57). He was also third in receptions (37) and tied for second in touchdowns (4) during that sequence while averaging 73.4 yards per game. Adams firmly re-established his place among the high-end WR1s once his health was restored, and remains a legitimate first-round selection.

Godwin soared to elite status during 2019, with a breakout season that matched even the most optimistic preseason projections. His massive statistical climb placed him at WR2 in scoring despite a two-game absence in Weeks 16-17 (hamstring), while he finished third in receiving yards (1,333), and fourth in touchdowns (9). Godwin was also first in receptions of 20+ yards (25) and led his position in Football Outsiders' DVOA (Defense-adjusted Value Over Average). His speed and athleticism will help him remain proficient during Tampa Bay’s transition to Tom Brady under center. It will also keep him embedded within high-end WR1 status this season.

Jones has stockpiled nearly 970 targets, 623 receptions, and 9,388 yards since 2014 while averaging 162 targets, 104 receptions and 1,565 yards per year. That has propelled him to top seven finishes in scoring during each of those six seasons. His ability to sustain high-quality numbers continued during 2019, when he led the league in air yards (1,911) and was second in targets (157), and receiving yards (1,394). Jones also led the league in targets, receptions, and yardage from Weeks 15-17, while Calvin Ridley was sidelined (abdomen). He will provide a steady WR1 presence even though Ridley appears primed to deliver a breakout season.

Hopkins was a mainstay in each major category during his seven seasons with Houston. That includes finishing among the top five in PPR scoring during four of the past five seasons while averaging 162 targets, 105 receptions, 1,372 yards from 2017-2019. He has also averaged 166 targets per season since 2015 while performing without any lingering injuries. Last season he also finished among the top five in targets and receptions while finishing second in percentage share of team’s air yards (29.2), and broken tackles (9). Even if he experiences a slight reduction in target share while operating in Arizona’s offense, Hopkins remains a top-five receiver to target during your drafts.

Tier 2

Amari Cooper, Mike Evans, Kenny Golladay, D.J. Moore, Odell Beckham Jr., JuJu Smith-Schuster, Adam Thielen, Cooper Kupp

Cooper finished 2019 at WR10 in PPR scoring, along with a collection of other accomplishments - 18^th in targets (119/7.4 per game), 15^th in receptions (79), seventh in receiving yards (1,189), and seventh in touchdowns (8). He also tied for 10th with 17 receptions of 20+ yards, and sixth with six receptions of 40+ yards. But his season-long achievements conceal his inconsistency, as he produced 80+ yards in nine different contests, but failed to surpass 49 yards in his other seven matchups. The disparity in his home/away splits was also sizable - 52/27 receptions, 869/320 receiving yards, 190/64 yards-after-catch and 16.7/11.9 yards per catch. But his weeks with disappointing production will be less problematic in the best ball format.

Evans has now captured 118+ targets, 67+ receptions, and 1,000+ yards in each of his six seasons while averaging 139 targets/77 receptions and 1,210 yards during that sequence. Evans was third in standard scoring and was leading the league in air yards (1,779) before experiencing a hamstring injury in Week 14. He was also seventh in targets, third in red-zone targets (17), and sixth in targeted air yards (15.3) before that issue occurred. Evans’ average depth of target was 4.7 yards higher than Godwin’s (15.2/10.5) which could be a factor with a 43-year old quarterback spearheading the Buccaneers' aerial assault. But he remains a borderline WR1.

Golladay finished a career-best ninth in PPR scoring, while leading the league in receiving touchdowns (11), and finishing sixth in receiving yards (1,190). Golladay was also second overall in receptions of 20+ yards (22) and tied for fourth with five 100-yard performances. Golladay also finished third overall with 1,745 air yards, was sixth in targeted air yards (15.4), within a Detroit passing attack that finished 28th in completion percentage. In addition to compiling career highs with his yardage and touchdown totals, he also established a career-best average of 18.3 yards per catch. He will operate as Detroit’s primary receiving option. while approaching WR1 territory for his owners.

Moore will turn 23 this month but has already delivered a breakout season. He was WR8 in PPR scoring from Weeks 1-15, before a concussion sidelined him in Weeks 16-17. He led all receivers in targets (75) and receiving yards (711) from Weeks 9-15, and was second in receptions during that span (48). He also finished inside the top 10 for each category despite the shortened season. Any concerns about Moore’s transition to a new quarterback should dissipate with the reminder that he was highly successful despite operating with Kyle Allen during 12 of his matchups. He retains the versatility to accrue significant target and yardage totals again this season.

Smith-Schuster was an early Round 2 selection during 2019 drafts, after finishing fourth in targets (166) fifth in receptions (111) and fifth in receiving yards (1,426) during 2018. But the horrific season that ensued included four missed games, and a devastating statistical plunge (69 targets/42 receptions/552 yards). His current ADP (34) reflects the optimism that he will experience a considerable upturn in his numbers. But the return of Ben Roethlisberger does not automatically guarantee that to occur. Diontae Johnson led all rookies in receptions last season (59) while James Washington and Eric Ebron lurk as additional threats to constrain Smith-Schuster’s usage and output.

A lingering sports hernia and Cleveland’s collection of coaching and player deficiencies contributed to Beckham’s uninspiring first season as a Brown. His 64.7 yards per game average established a new career-low, while his 74 receptions, four touchdowns and 7.8 yards per target average represented the second-lowest numbers of his career. But there are reasons for optimism in 2020, after he performed in 16 games, gathered 133 targets and eclipsed 1,000 yards for the fifth time in six seasons. He also finished fifth in air yards (1,720), and percentage share of team’s air yards (39), and was second in offensive snaps (1,021).

Thielen’s diminished usage (48 targets/4.8 per game) and output (30 receptions/418 yards) during 2019 were a byproduct of his protracted hamstring injury and Minnesota’s unyielding commitment to the run (29.2 attempts per game). He still manufactured 6 touchdowns, and 8 receptions of 20+ despite missing six contests. Thielen has recovered from last season’s health issue and is primed to function as the Vikings’ primary receiving weapon. He should also capture a significant percentage of the 94 targets that were distributed to Stefon Diggs last season.

Kupp evaded significant health problems throughout 2019 while finishing among the top 11 in targets (134), receptions (94) and receiving yards (1,161). He also finished fourth in PPR scoring, and third in receptions of 20+ yards (21). Kupp entered Week 6 as the league leader in targets (63/12.6 per game), while also averaging 8.2 receptions/101 yards per game. But those averages declined from Weeks 6-17 (6.5 targets 4.8 receptions/59.6 yards per game) while he trailed Robert Woods in each category. He was also third behind Woods and Tyler Higbee in targets, receptions and receiving yards from 12-17, and might not match the expectations of his current ADP (28).

Tier 3

Allen Robinson, Courtland Sutton, Keenan Allen, A.J. Brown

Robinson returned to the top 7 in scoring for the first time since 2015, while soaring to third overall in targets (154). His usage launched him to third among all receivers in team target share (27.1), which also propelled the 26-year old Robinson to sixth with a career-best 98 receptions. He also placed 13^th in receiving yards (1,147), sixth in air yards (1,680), and fifth in percentage share of teams’ air yards (38.5). Robinson remains embedded as the Bears’ primary receiving option regardless of whether he is collecting passes from Nick Foles or Mitchell Trubisky.

Sutton led the NFL in percentage share of team’s air yards (42.93) during his breakout season, while also finishing 15th in targets (125), 16^th in air yards (1,436), and 17th in receiving yards (1,112), After operating with Joe Flacco and Brandon Allen from Weeks (1-11), Sutton finished 12th in targets (38/8 per game) with Drew Lock spearheading Denver’s offense from Weeks 13-17. But he was only 24th in receptions (4.4 per game) and 25th in receiving yards (56 per game) during that sequence. Sutton won’t face the same amount of double coverage if the Broncos draft a top receiving prospect.

After experiencing a sequence of health issues that sidelined him for 25 contests from 2014-2016, Allen has not missed a game during the last three seasons. He has also averaged 148 targets, 101 receptions and 1,263 yards per season during that span. This includes his usage and output from 2019 (149 targets/104 receptions/1,199 yards) which propelled him to WR6 in PPR scoring. However, his ability to sustain those numbers is now in question due to the switch from Philip Rivers to Tyrod Taylor. His ADP (40) indicates that savvy owners are avoiding Allen at his customary location (Rounds 2/3).

Brown was averaging 3.8 targets, 2.3 receptions and 45.5 yards-per-game from Weeks 1-6 when Marcus Mariota was under center for Tennessee. But after Ryan Tannehill became the Titans’ starting signal-caller, Brown averaged 6.1 targets, 3.8 receptions, and 77.8 yards-per-game, while also generating six touchdowns. Brown also led all wide receivers in yardage (605) and touchdowns (5) from Weeks 12-17, and his late-season output vaulted him to the lead in fantasy scoring among all rookies. He also attained the NFL’s highest yards-per-target average (12.5) and has already commandeered Tennessee’ WR1 responsibilities.  Continued development as a receiver will propel his output even higher.

Tier 4

Calvin Ridley, T.Y. Hilton, D.K. Metcalf, Robert Woods, Michael Gallup, D.J. Chark, Terry McLaurin, Stefon Diggs, DeVante Parker, A.J. Green, Tyler Lockett

Ridley became a clear beneficiary when Mohamed Sanu was dispatched to New England, as he experienced a rise in targets, receptions, and yardage per game (6.2/8.2 targets, 4.1/5.6 receptions, 53.2/82.1 yards). That pace equated to 131 targets, 91 receptions, and 1,314 yards over 16 games. He was also 20th in targets (93), 19th in receptions (63), 22nd in receiving yards (866), and seventh in touchdowns (7) before an abdominal injury ended his season after Week 14. He also finished fifth in Football Outsiders' DYAR (Defense-adjusted Yards Above Replacement) and is the preeminent breakout candidate for 2020.

Hilton averaged 131 targets, 76 receptions, and 1,206 yards from 2013-2018. But a troublesome calf sidelined Hilton for six games in 2019, as he registered career lows in each of those categories (68 targets/45 receptions/501 yards). His 6-year average of 15.9 yards per reception also dropped to 11.1, while his 9.2 yards per target average fell to 7.4. It will be difficult for Hilton to match his pre-2019 numbers even though Jacoby Brissett will no longer guide the offense.

Metcalf’s 2019 results surpassed the projections of observers who questioned both his reliability and his collegiate route tree. He became the only rookie to reach 100 targets, led newcomers in red zone targets (18), and finished third in receiving yards (900) and touchdowns (7). His immense talent should fuel further on-field growth while launching his usage and output beyond the numbers that he attained last season. He could also surpass teammate Tyler Lockett in target share and targeted air yards.

Woods led the Rams in team percentage of air yards (23.5) and target share (22.5). He also finished eighth overall in targets, while accumulating five more than Kupp (139/134). Kupp’s league leadership in this category from Weeks 1-5 was mentioned previously. But Woods paced the Rams from Weeks 6-17 and vaulted to third among all receivers from Weeks 12-17 behind only Thomas and Adams. Woods also generated 1,100+ yards for a second consecutive year (1,134), tied for fourth in offensive snaps (1,009) and delivers enticing value at his ADP (60).

Gallup’s late-season statistical momentum vaulted him to eighth among all receivers in targets (67) and fifth in receiving yards (653) from Weeks 10-17. That helped him place 18th in targets per game (8.1) and 1,107 receiving yards (1,107) for the season. He was also eighth in receptions of 20-plus yards (18) and 19th in air yards (1,405), despite missing two matchups (knee). He should achieve weekly WR2 status, which will supply outstanding value at his current ADP (72).

Chark wasn’t selected until Round 20 in the majority of 2019 best ball drafts but soared to ninth in touchdowns (8), 21st in targets (118), and 19^th in receptions (73). He was also 11th in percentage share of team’s air yards (33.1), 17th in air yards (1,413), and tied for 10th with 17 receptions of 20+ yards. Dede Westbrook, Keelan Cole and Chris Conley currently comprise the depth chart below Chark, who should operate as the Jaguars’ leading receiver once again.

McLaurin was second among rookies in scoring (WR24), receptions (58), and yards-per-game average (65.6) during 2019. He was also sixth overall in percentage share of team’s air yards (37.09), and 10th in yards-per-target average (9.9).  Health issues (hamstring/concussion) sidelined him for two matchups and kept him from the surpassing 1,000 yards (919). But he is entrenched as Washington’s primary receiving weapon.

Diggs accrued 450 targets, 313 receptions, and 3,903 yards during his final four seasons with Minnesota. Diggs also finished second in yards per target (12.0), second in percentage share of team’s air yards (41.5), and fourth in yards per reception (17.9) during 2019. But his disenchantment with the Vikings necessitated his migration to Buffalo. He now becomes the Bills’ WR1 but will have difficulty matching his averages from 2017-2018 (122 targets/83 receptions/1,076 yards).

Parker experienced a career renaissance during his fifth season, after averaging 5.4 targets, 3.1 receptions, and 41.8 yards per game from 2015-2018. But those averages soared to 8 targets, 4.5 receptions and 75.1 yards per game in 2019, as Parker finished among the top 20 in each category – including fourth in yardage. Parker averaged 9.5 targets/5.5 receptions/100 yards per game from Weeks 10-17 after Preston Williams suffered a knee injury. But Parker has emerged as a viable target in Round 6.

From 2011-2017, Green stockpiled 8,213 yards, 947 targets, 556 receptions, and 57 touchdowns. He also collected 100+ targets in all seven seasons, while eclipsing 1,000 yards six times. However, a season-ending hamstring injury that he encountered in Week 11 of 2016 initiated a four-year sequence in which he has missed 29 games – including all of 2019. Now, he is healthy and is expected to resurface in Cincinnati’s renovated passing attack.

Lockett was ninth in targets (72/8 per game). fourth in receptions (59/6.5 per game), and yardage (767/85.2 per game) entering Week 10. But those averages dropped to 5.7 targets/3.3 receptions/44 yards per game from Weeks 11-17. He can function as a weekly WR3, but the emergence of Metcalf will keep him from surpassing his 2019 production.

Tier 5

Deebo Samuel, Julian Edelman, Tyler Boyd, Jarvis Landry, Mike Williams, Jerry Jeudy

Samuel is currently San Francisco’s WR1 after finishing 12^th in receiving yards from Weeks 10-17 (575). Edelman will be 34 in May. But he remains the Patriots’ top receiving weapons after finishing fourth in targets (153/9.6 per game).

Only six receivers accrued more targets than Boyd (148/9.3 per game) although the expected return of Green will impact his opportunities.

Landry established a new career-high in receiving yards (1,174), registered the second-highest yards-per-target average of career (8.5), and collected more targets (138), and receptions (83) than Beckham.

Williams continued his ascension from a forgettable 2017 season (23 targets/11 receptions/95 yards) to eclipse 1,000 yards and lead the league in targeted air yards (17.4).

Jeudy’s ranking could be altered following the NFL draft. But the explosive 6’1” rookie possesses the route running acumen to launch his road to stardom this season.

Tier 6

John Brown, Robby Anderson, Emmanuel Sanders, Christian Kirk, Darius Slayton

Brown achieved career highs in targets (115), receptions (72), and receiving yards (1,060) while finishing eighth in percentage share of team’s air yards (36.1). But he will not match those numbers with Diggs commandeering a sizable percentage of opportunities.

Anderson would be far more enticing had he resurfaced in a more favorable environment, while Kirk’s appeal has also declined following Bill O’Brien’s mind-blowing trade of DeAndre Hopkins. Sanders became one of free agency’s’ biggest winners by relocating in New Orleans - where he instantly becomes the Saints’ WR2.

Slayton led all rookies in targeted air yards (14.5) and tied for first in touchdowns with eight. He also finished fifth among newcomers with 12 receptions of 20+ yards, while averaging 7.3 targets/63 yards per game from Weeks 6-14.

Tiers 7 and lower

The receivers that are contained in Tiers 7-8 can be located from WR41-WR55 in our rankings. However, a sizable number of factors can emerge in upcoming weeks which would alter their value.

More Best-Ball League Strategy