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Wide Receiver Best-Ball Rankings and Analysis

Many of you are now dedicating your focus toward draft preparation and roster construction during these final weeks of the offseason. That includes anyone who is involved in the best-ball format. Multiple factors are incorporated into your preparations before you enter each draft room, which will expedite the eventual decision-making process for every selection. It is beneficial to make sure that your plan will accommodate all aspects of your league’s scoring, while also addressing any other nuances that might be unique to that league.

But it is also critical that you remain flexible so that you can instantly adjust your thinking if unexpected opportunities develop at any point during each draft. This is particularly true for the best-ball format, which does not provide the option of in-season roster management. That’s why the team at RotoBaller is providing the resources that you need to help you prepare for every draft in this popular format. 

We will also deliver breakdowns of the latest tiered rankings following every update. That includes my two-part series that will examine the wide receiver position. This article will place the spotlight on Tiers 1-3, and you can find all of the latest rankings here.

Editor's Note: Our incredible team of writers received five total writing awards and 13 award nominations by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association, tops in the industry! Congrats to all the award winners and nominees including Best NFL Series, MLB Series, NBA Writer, PGA Writer and Player Notes writer of the year. Be sure to follow their analysis, rankings and advice all year long, and win big with RotoBaller! Read More!

 

WR Best-Ball Rankings

Position Rank Position Tier Player Name Overall Rank Overall Tier
1 1 Davante Adams 6 1
2 1 Tyreek Hill 7 1
3 1 Stefon Diggs 12 2
4 2 Calvin Ridley 15 2
5 2 D.K. Metcalf 16 2
6 2 DeAndre Hopkins 17 2
7 2 Justin Jefferson 18 2
8 2 A.J. Brown 21 3
9 3 Allen Robinson II 25 3
10 3 Terry McLaurin 26 3
11 3 Keenan Allen 27 3
12 3 CeeDee Lamb 30 4
13 3 Mike Evans 32 4
14 3 Chris Godwin 33 4
15 3 Robert Woods 37 4
16 3 Amari Cooper 38 4
17 4 Julio Jones 42 4
18 4 Cooper Kupp 43 4
19 4 D.J. Moore 44 4
20 4 Tyler Lockett 45 4
21 4 Diontae Johnson 48 4
22 4 Adam Thielen 49 4
23 5 Kenny Golladay 56 5
24 5 Brandon Aiyuk 57 5
25 5 Ja'Marr Chase 58 6
26 5 Odell Beckham Jr. 59 6
27 5 Tee Higgins 60 6
28 6 Robby Anderson 67 6
29 6 Jerry Jeudy 68 6
30 6 Courtland Sutton 69 6
31 6 Tyler Boyd 70 6
32 6 Deebo Samuel 71 6
33 6 D.J. Chark Jr. 73 6
34 6 Will Fuller V 74 7
35 6 Chase Claypool 75 7
36 6 JuJu Smith-Schuster 76 7
37 7 Curtis Samuel 82 7
38 7 DeVonta Smith 85 7
39 7 Brandin Cooks 86 7
40 7 Laviska Shenault Jr. 91 8
41 7 Michael Gallup 93 8
42 7 Michael Pittman Jr. 95 8
43 7 Jarvis Landry 96 8
44 7 Marquise Brown 98 8
45 8 Mike Williams 105 9
46 8 Antonio Brown 108 9
47 8 Corey Davis 109 9
48 8 DeVante Parker 110 9
49 8 Michael Thomas 112 10
50 8 Darnell Mooney 114 10
51 8 Jaylen Waddle 118 10
52 8 Marvin Jones Jr. 119 10
53 9 Henry Ruggs III 125 10
54 9 Elijah Moore 126 10
55 9 T.Y. Hilton 132 10
56 9 Mecole Hardman 135 11
57 9 Jalen Reagor 137 11
58 9 Nelson Agholor 138 11
59 9 Rashod Bateman 140 11
60 9 Russell Gage 143 11
61 9 Sterling Shepard 144 11
62 9 Amon-Ra St. Brown 150 12
63 10 Rondale Moore 157 12
64 10 Parris Campbell 159 13
65 10 Jamison Crowder 160 13
66 10 John Brown 162 13
67 10 Cole Beasley 165 13
68 10 Demarcus Robinson 167 13
69 10 Christian Kirk 170 13
70 10 Van Jefferson 171 13
71 10 Emmanuel Sanders 175 13
72 10 Bryan Edwards 176 13
73 10 A.J. Green 180 14
74 10 Darius Slayton 183 14
75 10 Jakobi Meyers 184 14
76 11 Dyami Brown 189 14
77 11 Denzel Mims 193 14
78 11 Marquez Callaway 195 14
79 11 Gabriel Davis 198 14
80 11 Tre'Quan Smith 201 14
81 11 Allen Lazard 202 15
82 11 Breshad Perriman 203 15
83 11 Kadarius Toney 209 15
84 11 Anthony Miller 215 15
85 11 Sammy Watkins 217 15
86 11 Josh Reynolds 219 15
87 11 Preston Williams 225 16
88 11 James Washington 229 16
89 11 KJ Hamler 234 16
90 11 Travis Fulgham 238 16
91 11 Terrace Marshall Jr. 244 16
92 12 Donovan Peoples-Jones 250 17
93 12 Marquez Valdes-Scantling 251 17
94 12 Quintez Cephus 254 17

 

Tier 1

Davante AdamsTyreek Hill,  Stefon Diggs  

Adams has re-reemerged as the first wide receiver to be selected during the majority of drafts. This has transpired following a long-awaited conclusion to the uncertainty surrounding the status of Aaron Rodgers. The fractured relationship between Rodgers and the Packers had fueled a drop in Adams’ ADP (20/WR3). But Rodgers’ arrival at training camp restored Adams’ ADP to the middle of Round 1 (7). Adams generated the highest per games averages among all receivers in targets (10.6), receptions (8.2), and yardage (98.1), during 2020. He also finished at WR1 in scoring despite missing two matchups (hamstring).

Adams also generated an NFL-best 18 touchdowns and led all receivers in Football Outsiders’ DYAR (Defense-Adjusted Yards Above Replacement). Adams will be an elite point producer, who provides managers with a viable alternative to the relentless selection of running backs in Round 1.

Hill joins Adams as the only receivers with Round 1 ADPs (10), as managers remain willing to invest in his exceptional talent and the prospects of extensive targeting from Patrick Mahomes. Hill finished at WR2 in 2020, while collecting a career-high 15 touchdowns. He also finished seventh in receiving yards (1,276/85.1 per game), fourth in air yards (1,708), and eighth in percentage share of air yards (35.9), while operating with unwavering home-run capabilities. The departure of Sammy Watkins has created an uninspiring depth chart below Hill (Mecole Hardman/Byron Pringle/Demarcus Robinson). This will allow Hill to join Travis Kelce in absorbing a massive target share while operating with the potential to explode for significant yardage on every route.

Diggs averaged 7.6 targets, 5.2 receptions, and 66 yards per game from 2015-2019. But those averages rose to 10.4 targets, 7.9 receptions, and 95.9 yards per game during his first season with Josh Allen. Diggs also led the NFL in all three categories (166 targets/127 receptions/1,535 yards), while also finishing second in first downs (73), and yards before catch (1,071). He also finished at WR3 in scoring, and should flourish once again as Buffalo’s WR1. He will operate with Allen for a second season, while functioning within an attack that led the NFL in first-down pass percentage (50.4%). This cements him in our first tier, and delivers your incentive to select him at the beginning of Round 2.

 

Tier 2

Calvin RidleyD.K. Metcalf DeAndre HopkinsJustin Jefferson, A.J. Brown

Ridley assembled the most prolific numbers of his career in 2020 and is now primed to commandeer his place among the league’s elite receivers. He soared to WR5 in scoring during his third season and easily led the league in air yards (2,018). Ridley also paced his position in yards before catch (1,099), and generated the most games with 100+ yards (8). Ridley also finished among the top seven in targets (143/9.5 per game), receiving yards (1,374/91.6 per game), and first down receptions (65), while his usage and output rose during the seven-game absence of Julio Jones (11.3 targets/7.1 receptions/109.3 yards per game).

Week Targets Rec Yards
3 13 5 110
5 10 8 136
12 9 6 50
14 12 8 124
15 14 10 163
16 9 5 130
17 12 8 52
Total 79 50 765
Per Game 11.3 7.1 109.3

Jones’ departure has cleared a pathway for Ridley to easily surpass last season’s target share (25.1%). That will propel him among the league leaders in every major receiving category.

There are no lingering questions regarding Metcalf’s home-run potential every time he progresses through a route. Nor is there any doubt that Metcalf is operating with a quarterback who can capitalize on his uncommon size, speed, and explosiveness. His production will be impacted if Pete Carroll restricts the Seahawks from fully unleashing their passing attack. This will determine whether Metcalf's numbers resemble his results from Weeks 1-9 (8 touchdowns/8.5 targets/98.5 yards/123.6 air yards per game), or are more closely aligned with his diminished usage and production from Weeks 10-16 (2 touchdowns/7.6 targets/64.4 yards/97.4 air yards per game). However, there have been encouraging signs that Carroll will not place constraints on coordinator Shane Waldron’s restructured attack. Metcalf’s ability to prevail against overmatched defenders should also encourage you to bypass concerns about Carroll, while elevating Metcalf among your top five receiving options.

Hopkins’ transition to Arizona did not prevent him from assembling another prolific season in 2020. He has now accumulated over 1,200+ targets, and 10,000+ yards during his career, while averaging 10.2 targets, 6.3 receptions, and 83.7 yards per game since 2014. That includes last year’s per-game averages (10 targets/7.2 receptions/87.9 yards) when Hopkins led all receivers in first downs (75) while finishing second in target share (29.4%), receptions (115), and receiving yards (1,407). 

Weeks 1-17 First Downs
DeAndre Hopkins 75
Stefon Diggs 73
Davante Adams 73
Allen Robinson 68
Calvin Ridley 65
D.K. Metcalf 63
Keenan Allen 61
Justin Jefferson 58
Tyreek Hill 57
Tyler Lockett 57
Mike Evans 55
A.J. Brown 55
Amari Cooper 54
Cole Beasley 53
D. J. Moore 53
Tee Higgins 52
Adam Thielen 52
Marvin Jones 52
Terry McLaurin 51
Brandin Cooks 51

 

Weeks 1-17 Target Share
Davante Adams 34.1
DeAndre Hopkins 29.4
Stefon Diggs 29.3
Keenan Allen 26.7
A.J. Brown 26.2
Robby Anderson 25.9
Justin Jefferson 25.8
Terry McLaurin 25.5
Allen Robinson 25.4
Calvin Ridley 25.2
Marquise Brown 25.2
Jamison Crowder 25
Tyler Lockett 24.6
Adam Thielen 24.4
D.J. Moore 24.3
Jarvis Landry 24.3
D.K. Metcalf 24
Brandin Cooks 23.9
Cooper Kupp 23.7

Hopkins will operate as the foundation of Arizona’s passing attack, while the additions of A. J. Green and explosive rookie Rondale Moore should redirect resources that would have been focused on neutralizing Hopkins. He remains embedded among the league’s top six receivers and should be targeted in Round 2 of your drafts.  

Jefferson was not selected until Round 13 of 2020’s best-ball drafts and entered Week 3 with just 6 targets, 5 receptions, and 70 yards. But he averaged 8.5 targets, 5.9 receptions, and 95 yards per game from Weeks 3-17. That vaulted him to the league lead in receiving yardage (1,330), while he also finished eighth in both targets (112), and receptions (83). He was also fifth in air yards (1,368), and seventh in both target share (27.2%), and percentage share of air yards, (41.6%). Jefferson also established a new rookie record with 1,400 yards for the season.

Minnesota will maintain a commitment to the run while Mike Zimmer is the head coach. However, Jefferson will operate as the Vikings’ WR1 and is a top-seven selection at his position.

Brown has generated 2,126 yards (1,075/1,051), and 19 touchdowns (11/8), during his first two seasons, while averaging 6.3 targets, 4.1 receptions, and 70.9 yards per game. The addition of Jones will prevent Brown from collecting the monstrous target total that had originally been projected. But Brown’s production should keep him entrenched among the WR1s. Jones will confiscate a sizable percentage of opportunities if he eludes lingering injuries. But he will also force opposing coordinators to divert defenders from their coverage of Brown. This should instill confidence in targeting Brown during Round 2 of your drafts.

 

Tier 3

Allen RobinsonTerry McLaurinKeenan AllenCeeDee Lamb, Mike EvansChris Godwin, Robert WoodsAmari Cooper

Only two wide receivers collected more targets than Robinson last season (151/9.4 per game), while his role as Chicago's primary receiving weapon was completely unchallenged. This elevated him to fourth in receptions (102/6.4 per game), first downs (68), and red zone targets (18). The impending development of Darnell Mooney during his second season will not prevent Robinson from capturing another mammoth target share. However, the eventual infusion of Justin Fields under center will be the most significant factor that alters the equation for Chicago’s attack. This will remove Robinson’s career-long hurdle of performing with a procession of substandard quarterbacks. It could also reduce the number of opportunities that are dispersed to Chicago’s receiving options, after the Bears finished sixth in pass play percentage during 2020 (62.3%).

McLaurin has led Washington in targets, receptions, and receiving yards, air yards, and percentage share of air yards during each of his first two seasons while averaging 7.8 targets 5.0 receptions, 70.2 yards, and 90.1 air yards per game during that span. That includes his averages during 2020 (8.9 targets/ 5.8 receptions/74.5 yards/87.3 air yards per game) when he generated career-highs in each category (134 targets/87 receptions/1,118 yards/1,310 air yards). He also performed in a Washington offense that ranked 30th in yards per attempt (5.8), and dead last in yards per completion (8.9). However, the emergence of Ryan Fitzpatrick allows McLaurin to operate with the most aggressive quarterback of his career. This should propel him to the periphery of WR1 status.

Allen is currently being selected in Round 3 of most drafts (ADP 30/WR9). But managers could be even more galvanized to seize the eight-year veteran if he had not encountered a hamstring issue in Week 14. Allen was averaging 11.1 targets per game during his first 13 matchups, which had vaulted him to the league lead in overall targets (144).

He was also second in receptions (99/7.6 per game) and would have accumulated 178 targets, 122 receptions, and 1,200 yards if he had maintained his pace. The 29-year old could surpass the expectations of his ADP during his second year with Justin Herbert, while he functions as the premier receiving option in an emerging offense.

Lamb is being selected as a WR1 (WR10), while his ADP has soared to the threshold of Round 2. This currently places him 14 slots ahead of teammate Amari Cooper (28/42), which underscores the surging optimism that exists for the talented second-year receiver. He had quickly ascended to sixth in receiving yards with Dak Prescott under center (433/86.6 per game) and was 10th in targets (40/8 per game), ninth in receptions (29/5.8 per game), and second in receptions of 20+ yards (9) during that sequence (Weeks 1-5). Lamb would have accumulated 128 targets, 93 receptions, and 1,386 yards if he had maintained that pace, and is capable of fulfilling all lofty expectations when Prescott is spearheading the Cowboys' attack.

Evans performed in all 16 regular season matchups during 2020 and was the only Buccaneer to eclipse 100 targets (109), and 1,000 yards (1,006/62.9 per game). Evans also averaged 7.9 targets, 5.0 receptions, and 79.1 yards per game with Antonio Brown running routes for Tampa Bay (Weeks 9-17), while leading the team in targets (63/20.5% share), and receiving yardage (633), during that sequence.

Weeks 9-17 Targets Targ/Gm Red Zone Yards Air Yards TD
Mike Evans 63 7.9 12 633 794 6
Antonio Brown 62 7.8 6 483 549 4
Chris Godwin 55 6.9 4 561 652 5

He also led all receivers in receptions of 20+ yards during those eight matchups (14), was third in red zone targets (12), 11th overall in yardage (633/79.1 per game), and tied for fourth in touchdowns (6). Evans also led the Buccaneers in point per game scoring while Tom Brady was distributing passes to all three receivers (17.4). Evans will share opportunities with Brown and Chris Godwin once again, which impacts the statistical ceiling of each receiver. But he can still operate as a WR2 for anyone who secures him during Round 4 of their drafts.

Godwin contended with multiple health issues (hamstring/finger/concussion) which cemented him to the sideline during four contests. He was also performing in an offense that experienced a sizable transformation with the arrival of Brady, and the addition of Brown. Godwin was averaging 7.3 targets, 6.3 receptions, and 69.8 yards per game from Weeks 1-8, and averaged 6.9 targets, 5.0 receptions, and 70.1 yards per game after Brown emerged with the Buccaneers. Godwin’s target share will be impacted by Brady’s distribution of passes to Brown and Evans. But Godwin finished at WR15 in points per game scoring after Brown was infused into the attack, and could exceed last year’s production during a second season with Brady. That elevates him among your viable options during Round 5 of all drafts.

Woods has secured 129+ targets for three consecutive seasons (129/139/130) while averaging 8.5 targets, 5.7 receptions, and 70 yards per game during that span. He has also served as a reliable resource for the Rams and will join Cooper Kupp in operating as the primary options within LA’s revamped passing attack. Woods will benefit from a significant upgrade in talent under center. Matthew Stafford finished seventh in both intended air yards (4,609/8.7 per attempt), and completed air yards (2,343/6.9 per completion) during 2020, while the now-departed Jared Goff was 21st (3,406/6.2 per attempt) and 19th (1,800/4.9 per completion) respectively. Stafford’s arrival should sustain Woods’ consistent targeting while also expanding his yardage total. 

Cooper re-emerged at training camp following his lingering recovery from ankle surgery. Now, any remaining concern surrounding his prospects of delivering WR1 output has shifted to the status of Prescott’s shoulder. Cooper is positioned to rekindle the statistical momentum that he generated early last season if Prescott is under center, Cooper was WR1 entering Week 5, before Prescott’s extended absence (ankle) torpedoed Cooper’s prolific start. Cooper was also averaging 9.3 receptions, 100.3 yards, and a league-high 12.8 targets per game in those contests, but those averages plunged dropped to 6.8 targets, 4.8 receptions, and 62.7 yards per game during Prescott’s extended absence. Cooper should outperform his ADP if Prescott remains on the field. 



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