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Wide Receivers Best-Ball Rankings and Analysis (Part 2)

Many of you who participate in best-ball leagues are planning to continue your involvement until the end of peak draft season. That is why the NFL team at RotoBaller will provide the resources you need to prepare for every remaining 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 4-9.

You can find part one with a full breakdown of tiers 1-3 here.

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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 4

Julio JonesCooper KuppD.J. MooreTyler LockettDiontae Johnson Adam Thielen 

If you are apprehensive regarding Jones’ remaining ability to function as a WR2, it will be helpful to know that he would have finished sixth in receiving yards (1,371), and 11th in receptions (91) if he had sustained last year’s per-game averages throughout a 16-game schedule (5.7 receptions/85.7 yards). Prior to last season’s seven-game absence (hamstring), Jones had also accumulated 970 targets (161.6 per year), and 9,388 yards (1,564.6 per year).

After 10 years with Atlanta, he has resurfaced in Tennessee and will be operating within a passing attack that is lacking dynamic receiving weaponry beyond Jones and A.J. Brown. He will justify the current investment of a Round 5 selection (ADP 55/WR22) if he can evade lingering health issues.

Kupp led the Rams in receptions (92/6.1 per game), and receiving yards (974/64.9 per game) during 2020, while finishing third among all wide receivers in yards after catch (525). But his yardage declined by 197 yards when contrasted with 2019 (1,161), while his touchdown total also dropped significantly (3/10). However, LA’s decision to upgrade at quarterback should propel Kupp to output that exceeds last year’s yardage and touchdown totals.

The Rams discarded Jared Goff, in order to secure Matthew Stafford, and the disparity between both signal-callers was discussed here. Stafford will launch downfield throws with greater frequency and accuracy than Goff, and Kupp is capable of achieving separation if he is deployed on deeper routes. He will also provide Stafford with a reliable inside presence.

Moore is just 24-years old but has already eclipsed 1,100 yards twice during his career.  That includes the 1,193 (79.5 per game) that he accumulated during 2020. That was his first year in Carolina’s reconstructed offense under Matt Rhule and Joe Brady. Moore also attained career-best numbers in yards per target (10.1), yards per reception (18.1), and aDOT (average depth of target-13.2), after averaging 9.2 yards per target, 13.9 yards per reception, and 10.1 aDOT in 2018-2019. His yards before catch per reception average also climbed to 12.3, after he had averaged 7.9 during his first two seasons. The departure of Curtis Samuel could compel Brady to deploy Moore on shorter routes, while he will join Christian McCaffrey and Robby Anderson as the primary weapons in Carolina's aerial attack.

Lockett has averaged 7.6 targets, 5.7 receptions, and 66 yards per game since 2019 while accumulating 18 touchdowns during that span. That includes his usage and production from Weeks 1-9 last season when he was 10th in targets (70/8.8 per game), eighth in receptions (53/6.6 per game), and fourth in touchdowns (7). The Seahawks’ increased reliance on their ground game limited Lockett to 6.9 targets, 5.0 receptions, and 49.9 yards per game from Weeks 10-16. However, Lockett is entrenched as Seattle’s WR2 behind Metcalf, with no discernible competitors to usurp his role. He can also function as a WR2 for fantasy managers if Pete Carroll will allow Russell Wilson to locate his most proficient weapons with frequency in offensive coordinator Shane Waldron’s re-designed attack.

Johnson has led Pittsburgh in point per game scoring during 2019 and 2020, while also pacing the Steelers in targets during both seasons (92/144). He has also averaged 7.6 targets per game during the process, while only four receivers surpassed his average throughout 2020 (9.6). That average rose to a league-high 11.4 from Weeks 7-16, as Johnson also led the NFL with 114 targets during that span.

Weeks 7-16 Targets/Gm Targets Receptions Yards
Diontae Johnson 11.4 114 70 680
Davante Adams 11.3 113 86 1075
Stefon Diggs 11 99 78 904
Keenan Allen 10.8 97 66 636
Tyreek Hill 10.8 97 62 892
JuJu Smith-Schuster 9.2 92 68 572
DeAndre Hopkins 9.9 89 64 771
Robert Woods 9 81 59 571
D.K. Metcalf 8.1 81 58 786
Marvin Jones 8 80 54 652
Tyler Lockett 8 80 58 622
Allen Robinson 8.9 80 60 739
Cooper Kupp 8.8 79 61 600
Robby Anderson 8.7 78 52 490
Justin Jefferson 8.6 77 51 730
Chase Claypool 7.4 74 40 437
Calvin Ridley 9.3 74 47 776
Jerry Jeudy 7.3 73 30 450
Jakobi Meyers 7.3 73 52 654
A.J. Brown 7.1 71 43 745
Brandon Aiyuk 10.1 71 46 583

Johnson was also one of just three receivers to collect at least 10 targets in 10 different matchups. Neither the combined presence of Chase Claypool and JuJu Smith-Schuster nor the looming involvement of Najee Harris should deter managers from selecting Johnson at his ADP (56/WR22).

Thielen finished at WR10 in scoring during 2020 and was ranked inside Football Outsiders’ top 10 in DYAR (Defense-Adjusted Yards Above Replacement). However, his 16.9 point per game average was fueled by his career-high 14 touchdowns.

Thielen capitalized on his usage inside the 20, as he finished third among all receivers in red zone targets (20). He was also third with 13 targets inside the 10, which is also where 10 of Thielen’s touchdowns were generated. It is difficult to ignore the lurking reality of touchdown regression. But Kirk Cousins should continue to locate Thielen near the goal line, while Thielen operates as Minnesota’s clear WR2. All of which provides incentive to secure Thielen during Round 5 of your drafts.

 

Tier 5

Kenny Golladay, Brandon AiyukJa'Marr Chase, Odell Beckham Jr., Tee Higgins

Golladay was being drafted as a WR1 during 2020 best-ball drafts (ADP 35/WR10). But enthusiasm for selecting Golladay had waned considerably during this year’s draft process (85/WR34) even before he encountered a hamstring issue. There are multiple reasons for concern surrounding Golladay’s ability to thrive in his new environment. His output will be largely dependent on Daniel Jones' ability to launch accurate throws to Golladay downfield, as Golladay enters Week 1 with an aDOT (average depth of target) of 13.9 during his career. Inadequacies along the offensive line and the alarming concept of Jason Garrett designing the Giants’ attack provide your rationale for avoiding Golladay until after Round 8.

Aiyuk paced the 49ers in multiple categories as a rookie (96 targets/60 receptions/748 receiving yards/ 5 receiving touchdowns), while averaging 8 targets, 5 receptions, and 62.3 yards per game. Those averages rose to 9.1 targets, 5.7 receptions, and 71.2 yards per game from Weeks 3-15, while he led all receivers in targets per game from Weeks 8-15 (12.4). There has been conjecture that Aiyuk could disappoint managers, due to concern that his favorable usage was generated while George Kittle and Deebo Samuel were sidelined. However, having the entire trio or receiving weapons in the lineup will also reduce the resources that are focused on neutralizing Aiyuk, as opposing defenses are required to account for all three players.

Chase led all wide receivers in yardage (1,780/127.1 per game), and touchdowns (20) during his sophomore year at LSU (2019). That propelled him to the prestigious Fred Biletnikoff Award, which is presented to the country's best receiver. Now, his Round 1 selection by Cincinnati has reunited Chase with Joe Burrow, who launched the passes that Chase captured during his exceptional season.

Managers have been incentivized to target him in Round 6 of current drafts (ADP 53/WR22), and Chase could easily emerge as the Bengals' most productive receiver. However, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd are proven weapons who will remain heavily involved in the Bengals’ aerial attack.

Four years of recurrent absence and sporadic production have extracted much of the passion for selecting Beckham, as the three-time Pro-Bowler remains available until Round 6 of current drafts. He has been sidelined during 25 matchups since 2017, while his per game averages during that span (8.7 targets/5.2 receptions/69.4) have also declined considerably when compared to his averages from 2014-2016 (10.6 targets/6.7 receptions/96 yards). Beckham’s return could fuel a slight increase in Baker Mayfield’s passing attempts, But Beckham’s usage and output will not approach the levels that managers embraced during his first three seasons.

The prospects of Chase constructing a high-productive rookie season has not deterred managers from selecting Higgins during Round 5 in current drafts (ADPs 57). Higgins did average 7.1 targets, 4.8 receptions, and 69.9 yards per game with Burrow spearheading Cincinnati’s offense last season. Higgins’ per game averages would have resulted in season-long totals of 114 targets, 77 receptions, and 1,118 yards if those averages would have been sustained over 16 matchups. He should approach low-end WR2 status for managers, with the potential to exceed Chase’s eventual totals in targets and fantasy points.

 

Tier 6

Robby Anderson, Jerry JeudyCourtland SuttonTyler Boyd Deebo SamuelD.J. CharkWill Fuller Chase ClaypoolJuJu Smith-Schuster 

Anderson was fifth overall in targets, and third in both receptions, and receiving yardage entering Week 10, and he ultimately established new career highs in each category during his first season as a Panther (136 targets/8.5 per game), receptions (95 receptions/5.9 per game), receiving yards (1,096 yards /68.5 per game).

Weeks 1-9 Rec Yards Targets Targ/Gm
Stefon Diggs 63 813 91 10.1
Keenan Allen 62 651 86 10.8
Robby Anderson 60 751 80 8.9
DeAndre Hopkins 60 734 76 9.5
Amari Cooper 59 655 83 9.2
Allen Robinson 57 712 86 9.6
Tyler Boyd 54 584 68 8.5
Tyler Lockett 53 615 70 8.8
Davante Adams 53 675 69 11.5
Terry McLaurin 50 692 77 9.6
Cooper Kupp 48 527 71 8.9
Tyreek Hill 44 650 72 8
CeeDee Lamb 44 595 68 7.6
Calvin Ridley 43 657 68 8.5
D.K. Metcalf 43 788 68 8.5

 

Wide Receiver YAC YAC/REC
Davante Adams 597 5.2
DeAndre Hopkins 534 4.6
Cooper Kupp 525 5.7
Robby Anderson 497 5.2
Robert Woods 494 5.5
Terry McLaurin 478 5.5
Justin Jefferson 453 5.1
Keenan Allen 437 4.4
Tyreek Hill 434 5
A.J. Brown 432 6.2

Anderson's expanded route tree under Matt Rhule and Joe Brady also propelled him to fourth in yards after catch (497). He will retain his critical role in Carolina’s passing attack, while benefitting from the impending reunion with Sam Darnold.

Jeudy’s rookie season contained a perplexing number of drops (12), and an unsightly 46% catch rate. However, those results were mixed with encouraging signs that Jeudy will eventually match the expectations of his Round 1 pedigree.

He also finished sixth overall in air yards (1,541), and 14th in yards before catch per reception. He is an exceptional route runner, and possesses the talent to ascend into stardom - if he operates with effective quarterback play.

Sutton seized Denver’s WR1 responsibilities in 2019, while finishing 15th in targets (125/7.8 per game) and eclipsing 1,100 yards (1,112/69.5 per game). He also finished second in percentage share of air yards (43.3%). But his 2020 regular season ended abruptly after just 31 snaps (ACL). He now re-emerges in a Bronco passing attack that contains the immensely talented Jeudy and an underwhelming situation at quarterback. This provides the rationale to consider other options prior to his Round 8 ADP.

Boyd was on pace to assemble 139 targets (8.7 per game), and 1,136 yards (71 per game) before Burrow’s aforementioned knee issue. He was also 11th in targets (87), and 16th in yardage (710) entering Week 12, but his numbers plunged during six games with Brandon Allen and Ryan Finley under center. Boyd remains a dependable slot weapon. But his numbers will be constrained from sharing targets with Chase and Higgins.

Samuel was a logical candidate to function as San Francisco’s WR1 last season, based on his robust finish from Weeks 10-16 during 2019 (6.3 targets/4.3 receptions/67.6 yards per game). But multiple health issues (foot/hamstring) limited him to just seven matchups in 2020. This extended his history of health issues both collegiately and with the 49ers. Samuel can join Aiyuk in providing managers with a viable WR3 if he can elude further injuries.

Chark vaulted onto the landscape in 2019 (118 targets/7.9 per game), (1,008 yards/67.2 per game), (8  touchdowns. But he experienced a universal decline in his numbers during 2020 (93 targets/7.2 per game), (53 receptions/4.1 per game), (706 yards/54.3 per game), (8 touchdowns. The Jaguars offense will improve with Trevor Lawrence under center. But there is no guarantee that Chark will lead the Jaguars in targets, as Laviska Shenault Jr.Marvin Jones Jr.. and explosive rookie Travis Etienne will all siphon opportunities.

Fuller was constructing the best season of his career during 2020, before he became affixed to the sideline during Houston’s final six matchups (PED suspension). He had already exceeded his previous career-highs in receptions (53/4.8 per game), receiving yardage (879/79.9 per game), and first down receptions (38). He will resurface in Miami’s passing attack while sharing targets with Jaylen Waddle, DeVante Parker and tight end Mike Gesicki.

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Claypool was one of five rookies to eclipse 100 targets last season (109/6.8 per game), His 16.7% target share was also seventh among newcomers, although it was also just third on his own team (Diontae Johnson 22.9%/JuJu Smith-Schuster 19.7%). Claypool did lead Pittsburgh's trio of receiving weapons in aDOT (average depth of target - 13.2), and he remains an emerging talent. But the Steelers will not ask Ben Roethlisberger to launch 41 attempts per game again this season.

Smith-Schuster was 15th in targets (128/8 per game), fourth in red zone targets (19), and eighth in touchdowns (9). But his aDOT (average depth of target- 5.5), yards per reception (8.6), and yards per target average (6.5) were the lowest of his career. Smith-Schuster will encounter competition for targets from Johnson and Claypool once again. The arrival of Najee Harris also assures that the Steelers will increase their reliance on the ground game.

 

Tier 7

Curtis SamuelDeVonta SmithBrandin Cooks Laviska Shenault Jr.Michael GallupMichael Pittman Jr., Jarvis LandryMarquise Brown 

Joe Brady's decision to increase Samuel's routes from the slot (65.7%/7.3 aDOT) helped Samuel assemble to career-best numbers (77 receptions/5.1 per game), (851 receiving yards/56.7 per game) last season with Carolina. Managers should hope that Samuel's reunion with Washington's offensive coordinator Scott Turner will compel Turner to adopt Brady's strategic approach.

The MCL sprain that Smith encountered delayed his involvement in team activities. But he is a dependable and fluid receiver, who will deliver respectable numbers while collecting passes from Jalen Hurts.

Any reluctance toward including members of Houston’s talent-deficient offense is justified. However, Cooks will commandeer an enormous target share and has eclipsed 1,000 yards with four different franchises.

It is easy to envision the versatile Shenault finishing the year as Jacksonville’s most productive receiver. He led the Jaguars in receptions as a rookie (58/4.1 per game), and delivers enticing playmaking potential.

Gallup possesses the attributes to become a highly-productive weapon, and would elicit far more conversation if he were not contending with Lamb, and Cooper for opportunities.

Pittman’s production during 2020 failed to reach the level that was achieved by other members of his rookie class, But he should overtake T.Y. Hilton as the team leader in targets.

Landry averaged 7.6 targets, 5.4 receptions, and 59.1 yards per game during Beckham’s nine-game absence. Both receivers will function as Baker Mayfield’s primary receiving weapons.

Brown's hamstring injury has resulted in a protracted absence from camp. Increased competition for targets will also make it difficult for Brown to match his 2020 usage and output (6.3 targets/3.6 receptions/48.1 yards per game),

 

Tiers 8-9

Mike Williams, Antonio BrownCorey DavisDeVante ParkerMichael ThomasDarnell MooneyJaylen WaddleMarvin Jones Jr.Henry Ruggs IIIElijah Moore,  T.Y. Hilton, Mecole HardmanJalen ReagorNelson AgholorRashod Bateman, Russell GageSterling Shepard, Amon-Ra St. Brown 

The wide receivers in these tiers are located between WR45 and WR62 in our rankings. Various factors could develop before Week 1 that would alter the value of these players.



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