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:
- While Tyreek Hill is the clear number one dynasty option, Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, and AJ Brown are all competing with one another to be the next “WR1”. Brown might be the best of the three, but Jefferson and Lamb are a year younger and already are offering as much, if not more short-term value.
- The Bengals have two top-2o receivers in Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. It’s going to be exciting to see that tandem with Joe Burrow moving forward.
- Don’t let the injury to Michael Thomas make you forget about his consistent fantasy production pre-2020. He’s likely to resume his role as a true #1 receiver near the top of the league in targets, and now is the perfect time to buy-low on him. Cooper Kupp and Keenan Allen might be better trade targets if you’re trying to win this year, though at a higher price.
- Mike Williams is still only 26-years-old and is now thriving in an ideal role as the Chargers’ X receiver with more route diversity. For the sake of his fantasy value, let’s hope he re-signs with Los Angeles, though he’s a top-25 receiver in both redraft and dynasty right now. Trade for him before it’s too late.
- Click here for more information on the rookie wide receiver class. The main change since then is the rise of Rondale Moore. He’ll be volatile since he may never be a true “100% routes run” type of player, yet he’s going to consistently be schemed touches and will have plenty of spike weeks because of his ridiculous production after the catch.
- I have no idea what to make of Brandon Aiyuk’s dynasty value. That being said, this might be a good time to buy-low on him.
- Marquise Brown is another riser up this list, and I’d like to remind you he’s only 24-years-old and was already showing signs of breaking out at the end of last year.
- Henry Ruggs III also appears to be seeing an improved role in his second year, while the long-term fit with Darnell Mooney and Justin Fields is enticing. Those two have passed Jalen Reagor, Mecole Hardman, and other volatile complementary receivers.
- Van Jefferson has been running routes at a near 100% rate for the Rams, and I’d consider him a sleeper moving forward. Josh Palmer, Bryan Edwards, Dyami Brown, and Nico Collins are other “dart throw” trade targets at the moment.
- After a productive rookie season, I’d be fine buying low on Denzel Mims. He’s currently not active on game days, though he has shown some proof of being a viable fantasy option and the price to acquire him is likely so low.