For fantasy, wide receiver production is about earning targets and then maximizing them. Simply looking at the players who are given the most targets can give you a good idea of which players are thriving in a more stable fashion, but determining those that are earning the valuable targets is critical. For instance, certain wide receivers are more likely to see more targets in the red zone (touchdown upside), while others bring big-play ability with field-stretching ability or production at the catch. At the wide receiver position, I’m mainly evaluating a player’s ability to earn favorable targets moving forward. The most talented players, theoretically, are the most likely to produce regardless of what their situation is, and also are the most likely to get that favorable role.
Before we get to the rankings, let’s go over some of the key points to touch on:
- Ja’Marr Chase is one of the biggest risers on this list. He’s the #3 receiver in fantasy points heading into Week 10, is averaging 2.69 yards/route run, and is still just 21-years-old. That sounds like a top-five dynasty receiver to me.
- Meanwhile, Calvin Ridley, who currently has stepped away from football due to personal reasons, falls down the list, especially as other receivers have established themselves this year.
- Another big riser? Marquise Brown. The 24-year-old has taken a major step forward in his third season, ranking as the #5 overall receiver in fantasy points. This comes after a strong finish to last year, and he now has a 16-game sample of being a true WR1. It’s time to give him the credit he deserves.
- Young receivers Michael Pittman Jr. and Jaylen Waddle rise up the rankings given their production thus far. Pittman’s usage in the red zone feels sustainable moving forward, while Waddle was the 6th overall pick for a reason and is the featured asset in Miami’s offense.
- Brandon Aiyuk has now been back to a full-time player over the past two games, and is someone you should definitely buy-low on before it’s too late.
- Rashod Bateman and Ka’Darius Toney are rookie risers after strong starts to their respective careers.
- Darnell Mooney and Christian Kirk are both under appreciated 24-year-old deep threats having breakout seasons. Kirk is posting career-high numbers heading into free agency, while Mooney has become the preferred target of Justin Fields in Chicago.
- After a disappointing season, Laviska Shenault Jr. falls down this list, as does Tyler Boyd. To operate consistently as a receiver, you really need to have a higher average depth of target than they’ve had this year.
- With Odell Beckham Jr. out of the picture, now is Donovan Peoples-Jones’ time to shine. The 22-year-old will never be a target machine, but he’s a true deep threat (career 17.4 average depth of target) with clear upside moving forward.
- Tyler Johnson, Dyami Brown, Nico Collins, and Josh Palmer are all young receivers worth stashing on your bench with hopes of an improved situation next year.