👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


2017 Standard Ranking Analysis - Wide Receiver

With the NFL season just around the corner, it's time to check in with the Rotoballer experts and see what they're thinking about at the wide receiver position. Whether you're getting ready for a last minute draft or trying to figure out your lineup for Week 1, we're here to help.

The wide receiver position looks strong this year, especially with the NFL trending more and more toward being a pass first league. With the running back position becoming less reliable as well--teams are running less and also running with more player rotations--there's been an uptick in receivers at the top of the draft. Remember those days when everyone just told you to go running back in round one? Yeah, things have changed.

Our experts have ranked the players at the receiver position and placed them in tiers that correspond to their relative values. I'm here to breakdown those choices and tell you why you should listen to them--and maybe to occasionally tell you when not to.

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! Sign Up Now!

 

Standard Wide Receiver Tiered Rankings

Tier 1

1) Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers
2) Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons
3) Odell Beckham Jr., New York Giants
4) Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
5) Jordy Nelson, Green Bay Packers

The Steelers feature one of the league's most explosive offenses. Running back Le'Veon Bell is a consensus top two player at his position. His presence makes the dangerous and very talented Antonio Brown even more dangerous--teams have to focus on stopping both players, which in turns leads to them both getting good opportunities. Brown's only major issue is that he could struggle if (or, you know, when since it always seems to happen) quarterback Ben Roethlisberger misses time.

Julio Jones, Odell Beckham Jr., and Mike Evans are all among the most talented players in the NFL. Beckham is currently a little banged up, but all three are very safe picks. Jones has the advantage because he has the best quarterback of the group. Jordy Nelson is the top receiver on a team that has Aaron Rodgers. Even if he's older than these other guys and not exactly as skilled, he'll have tons of chances to put up points.

 

Tier 2

1) A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals
2) Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints
3) Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys
4) Amari Cooper, Oakland Raiders
5) Brandin Cooks, New England Patriots

A.J. Green has Tier 1 talent but the fact he only played ten games last year downgrades him a little bit. He should rebound in 2017 and put up big numbers. Remember all those years when it was tough to trust a Saints receiver because you'd never know which one would go off which week? That's changed. Michael Thomas is going to have a really, really strong season. He'll be consistent on a week-to-week basis. The Willie Snead suspension will only up his stock. Dez Bryant, like Green, is hugely talented. But there's a bit of an inconsistent streak there that knocks him down a few spots.

Amari Cooper can disappear at times because he's got the best WR2 of anyone in the first two tiers, Michael Crabtree. He's a very good player who will have a lot of good games, but there will be times when Crabtree grabs the spotlight. Brandin Cooks is going to really enjoy playing with Tom Brady. I don't think we're talking Randy Moss in New England-type stuff, but he'll have himself a very nice season.

 

Tier 3

1) Doug Baldwin, Seattle Seahawks
2) T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts
3) DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans
4) Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos
5) Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers
6) Alshon Jeffery, Philadelphia Eagles

Doug Baldwin has finished the last two years as a top ten wide receiver. Seattle's backfield is not very good, which means that they'll be throwing the ball a good amount. Baldwin should be in line to finish in the top ten again. T.Y. Hilton's potential depends a lot on Andrew Luck. If Luck returns soon, Hilton has top ten potential. If he doesn't, he likely ends up more in the 15-20 range. I know that the number one receiver on teams with bad quarterbacks often excel, but this is a team who will be starting Scott Tolzien. They aren't doing much offensively without Luck.

DeAndre Hopkins looks like he's developed some chemistry with quarterback Tom Savage. If that happens, he'll rebound from last season's debacle. The good news for Demaryius Thomas is that the curse that destroyed Hopkins, Brock Osweiler, probably won't see the field for the Denver Broncos this year. Thomas feels like he's been a solid player forever and that shouldn't change.

A healthy Keenan Allen would be scary for opposing defenses. A healthy Keenan Allen. We'll see. Alshon Jeffery has a chance to succeed in Philadelphia with quarterback Carson Wentz. He also has a chance to fail there. A lot depends on Wentz's development. I like Jeffery at this value, though I could see a case for pushing him down a little.

 

Tier 4

1) Terrelle Pryor, Washington Redskins
2) Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs
3) Michael Crabtree, Oakland Raiders
4) Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers
5) Allen Robinson, Jacksonville Jaguars

The tier of flawed but intriguing players. Pryor was very good with Cleveland last year, but he's still fairly new to the position after entering the NFL as a quarterback. We'll see how he adjusts to a new offensive scheme. Tyreek Hill has to prove he can do more than gimmick play. Can he run great routes? Can he be the number one receiver on a team? Will that adjustment end up taking away the other parts of his game--the end arounds, the electrifying punt returns?

Crabtree and Adams are both number two receivers on strong offenses, which means there will be games where they go off and games where they don't see enough targets. Allen Robinson is coming off a very disappointing season and will have Blake Bortles as his quarterback again. He seems equally as likely to either rebound or continue his downward slide. He's a good risk to take, but he's definitely a risk.

 

Tier 5

1) Golden Tate, Detroit Lions
2) Martavis Bryant, Pittsburgh Steelers
3) Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals
4) Sammy Watkins, Los Angeles Rams
5) Kelvin Benjamin, Carolina Panthers
6) Brandon Marshall, New York Giants

I was really high on Golden Tate throughout mock draft season and then ended up owning no shares of him. I think partially that's from the uncertainty with the Lions offense--it seems like all the skill positions are in flux. Tate's a solid own, but he might not see too many red zone targets.

Martavis Bryant and Brandon Marshall are both WR2s on teams with top tier number one receivers. I'm not super high on either player this year when there are number one receivers below them. Larry Fitzgerald isn't the same player he once was, but he's still a very solid option. Sammy Watkins moving to the Rams hurts his value. There's upside, but I don't love him. Kelvin Benjamin is apparently in great shape and is ready to go. Keep your eye on him.

 

Tier 6

1) Jarvis Landry, Miami Dolphins
2) Emmanuel Sanders, Denver Broncos
3) Devante Parker, Miami Dolphins
4) Willie Snead, New Orleans Saints
5) Jamison Crowder, Washington Redskins
6) Stefon Diggs, Minnesota Vikings
7) DeSean Jackson, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

This tier has a lot of players whose value in Standard doesn't match their PPR value--Landry, Sanders, Crowder, and Diggs will see the ball a lot, but they'll be working the short routes more than some owners will want to see. Still, they're all solid plays whose floors are high enough to negate some of the lowered upside.

This tier also has two players who play in Florida and will try to stretch the field to be effective--Parker and Jackson. They'll have their games, but they'll also post a few duds. Willie Snead will miss three games after a DUI suspension. Once he's back, he'll put up solid numbers.

 

Tier 7

1) Chris Hogan, New England Patriots
2) Donte Moncrief, Indianapolis Colts
3) Pierre Garcon, San Francisco 49ers
4) Jeremy Maclin, Baltimore Ravens

I'm in full wait-and-see mode on Hogan right now. It's very likely he takes most of the snaps that the injured Julian Edelman would have taken, but it's not guaranteed. Thursday night's game against Kansas City should clarify some things.

Moncrief benefits from having Andrew Luck as his quarterback. He is playable when Luck is healthy and avoidable as long as the Colts are using Tolzien. Garcon and Maclin both have a little wear on the tires and are hoping that changes of scenery can help revitalize their careers. I think they both have a good shot at having solid 2017s.

 

Tier 8

1) Mike Wallace, Baltimore Ravens
2) Eric Decker, Tennessee Titans
3) Tyrell Williams, Los Angeles Chargers
4) Kenny Britt, Cleveland Browns
5) Jordan Matthews, Buffalo Bills
6) John Brown, Arizona Cardinals
7) Zay Jones, Buffalo Bills

We've reached the point where you shouldn't be trusting these players in your lineup. Not yet, at least. There are reasons that each player could outperform their current position, but I'd wait a little bit. Will Mike Wallace emerge as the Ravens top threat? Will Decker and Marcus Mariota develop chemistry? Was Tyrell Williams a fluke in 2016? Is Kenny Britt good? Will there be enough targets in Arizona for Brown? And the Bills--will they even throw the football a single time? (Kidding, but they will be running the ball a lot.)

 

Notable Players Below Tier 8

Kevin White, Chicago Bears (Tier 9) could have a solid season if he finally establishes himself as the Bears top receiver. Someone has to catch the ball in Chicago, right?

Corey Davis, Tennessee Titans (Tier 9) and Rishard Matthews, Tennessee Titans (Tier 9) could be good plays if the Titans passing game continues to improve. Davis is young and has a lot of upside. Matthews is coming off a really good 2016 season.

Robby Anderson, New York Jets (Tier 11) is in a similar position as Kevin White--bad team, someone has to get targets.

 

Updated Tiered Rankings and Analysis


Check out all of RotoBaller's fantasy football rankings. Staff rankings are updated regularly for all positions and include standard formats, PPR scoring, tiered rankings and dynasty leagues.




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Will Smith

Scratched With Neck Stiffness, Expected to Return on Sunday
Kenneth Gainwell

Standing Out at OTAs
Bhayshul Tuten

"Picking Up Steam," More in-Tune With New Scheme
Auston Matthews

Maple Leafs Confident of Keeping Auston Matthews
Andrei Vasilevskiy

Wins Second Vezina Trophy
Brayden McNabb

Uncertain for Game 3 Against Hurricanes
Jadarian Price

Is Jadarian Price Still Undervalued in Dynasty Formats?
Isaiah Bond

Is Isaiah Bond Still Worthy of a Dynasty Roster Spot?
Michael Pittman Jr.

Dynasty Outlook Clouded by Long-Term QB Uncertainty
Stefon Diggs

Win-Now Dynasty Managers Have a Buy-Low Window on Stefon Diggs
Will Howard

Is it Time for Dynasty Managers to Drop Will Howard?
DK Metcalf

Dynasty Stock is Declining Rapidly Entering 2026
Hunter Greene

Could Return Before the All-Star Break
Isaac TeSlaa

How Will Isaac TeSlaa Follow Up on a Strong 2025 Finish?
Troy Franklin

a Dynasty Hold with Potentially Rough Times Ahead
Trevor Lawrence

Is Trevor Lawrence Finally Becoming the Can't-Miss Player That Was Promised?
Courtland Sutton

an Undervalued Dynasty Depth Piece
KC Concepcion

Versatility Could Provide an Early Dynasty Floor
Dylan Harper

Remains a Bright Spot for San Antonio
De'Aaron Fox

Shoots Well in a Loss to the Knicks
Victor Wembanyama

Scores 29 Points in Game 2 Loss
OG Anunoby

Anchors Knicks' Defense in Finals Game 2
Mikal Bridges

Helps Knicks Secure a Game 2 Victory
Karl-Anthony Towns

Records Another Finals Double-Double
Jalen Brunson

Overcomes Cold Night to Seal Game 2
Michael Harris II

Dealing With Back Tightness, Not Believed to be Serious
Byron Buxton

Suffers Shoulder Contusion After Colliding With the Wall
Sacramento Kings

Kings Want to Trade Their Larger Contracts
Chicago Bulls

Darius Acuff Jr. Works Out for Bulls
Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Could Get Traded
MIN

Marcus Johansson Returning to Europe
Thomas White

Likely to Miss Rest of Season With Shoulder Capsular Sprain
Mitchell Robinson

is Upgraded to Available for Game 2
Cole Caufield

Earns Lady Byng Trophy
Nick Suzuki

Lands Selke Trophy
Deebo Samuel Sr.

Does Deebo Samuel Sr. Carry Buy-Low Appeal for Win-Now Dynasty Managers?
Elic Ayomanor

Is Elic Ayomanor Still Worthy of a Dynasty Roster Spot?
Jose Altuve

Astros Reinstate Jose Altuve From the Injured List
Tyler Warren

Does Tyler Warren Have Dynasty TE1 Upside?
Jonathon Brooks

Entering 2026 as a Buy-Low Dynasty Candidate?
Tyler Allgeier

Remains a Dynasty Buy-Low Candidate
Quentin Johnston

Is Quentin Johnston Undervalued by Dynasty Managers?
CFB

Reed Harris Hoping to Fill Void in Arizona State Receiving Room
CFB

Nick Marsh Gearing Up for Breakout
CFB

Drew Mestemaker Looking to Catapult Oklahoma State Offense in 2026
CFB

Rocco Becht Brings Experience to New-Look Nittany Lions
CFB

Can Trey White, Adam Trick Keep Texas Tech's Defensive Front Elite?
CFB

Devon Dampier is Key to Success for Morgan Scalley in Year 1
Aaron Judge

Yankees Officially Place Aaron Judge on Injured List With Fractured Rib
Francisco Lindor

Expected to Return in "About a Couple Weeks"
J.J. McCarthy

Fighting Uphill Battle to Win Starting QB Job?
Brian Thomas Jr.

Improving his Chemistry With QB
Corey Seager

Rangers Activate Corey Seager From the Injured List
Gabriel Bonfim

Set For UFC Vegas 118 Main Event
Belal Muhammad

In Dire Need Of Win
Edmen Shahbazyan

An Underdog At UFC Vegas 118
Shayne Gostisbehere

Dishes Out Two Power-Play Assists in Comeback Win
Brendan Allen

Looks For His Third Win In A Row
Seth Jarvis

Ties Finals With Power-Play Goal
Mark Stone

Scores Sixth Playoff Goal in Overtime Defeat
Tom Nolan

Searches For His Fifth Consecutive Win
Mitch Marner

Records Two Assists in Game 2 Loss
Farés Ziam

Fares Ziam A Favorite At UFC Vegas 118
Brett Howden

Matches Franchise Record With Another Productive Outing
Brayden McNabb

Hospitalized After Taking Puck to Face
Aaron Judge

Diagnosed with Stress Fracture, Out 4-6 Weeks
Shohei Ohtani

has "Small" Blister, a "Non-Issue" for his Pitching Starts
Brent Rooker

Out on Thursday Due to Knee Soreness
Frederik Andersen

Hurricanes Retain Confidence in Frederik Andersen
Vincent Trocheck

Maple Leafs Interested in Vincent Trocheck
Dylan Larkin

Requests Trade From Red Wings
Corey Seager

Expected to Return This Weekend
Lucas Erceg

Royals to Mix and Match in Ninth With Lucas Erceg Struggling
Jonathan Toews

Expected to Retire
Anders Lee

Set to Hit Open Market
TB

Jon Cooper Wins First Jack Adams Trophy
De'Aaron Fox

Struggles Again Wednesday Night
Dylan Harper

Turns Heads in Finals Opener
Stephon Castle

Close to Double-Double in Game 1 Loss to Knicks
Victor Wembanyama

Notches 26 Points in Finals Debut
Josh Hart

Grabs 15 Rebounds in Game 1 Win Over Spurs
Karl-Anthony Towns

Opens Finals With Double-Double
Jalen Brunson

Scores Game-High 30 Points in Finals Opener
Aaron Judge

to Undergo Additional Imaging
Ketel Marte

Out on Wednesday With Back, Hamstring Injuries
Mitchell Robinson

is Available for Game 1 on Wednesday
Kawhi Leonard

Unlikely to be Traded
Chicago Bulls

Bulls Host Potential Lottery Picks for Workout
Corbin Burnes

has Teres Major Strain, Unlikely to Return Until September
Rickie Fowler

Looks To Continue Resurgent Season At Memorial
CFB

Can Eric Singleton Jr. Fully Break Out at Third School?
CFB

Katin Houser Steps into QB1 Role for Illinois
CFB

Savion Hiter an Immediate Impact Freshman for Michigan
CFB

Isaiah Horton Set to Take Over KC Concepcion's Role
CFB

UCLA Transfer Karson Gordon Signs with Austin Peay
CFB

Will Muschamp Bringing New Intensity to Texas Practices
Gary Woodland

Brings Boom-or-Bust Potential to Memorial
Jordan Spieth

Still Searching for a Breakthrough
Alex Smalley

Brings Elite Form to Memorial Tournament
Justin Rose

Looks to Recapture Memorial Tournament Success
Cameron Young

Looks to Get Back to His Contending Ways at Murifield Village
Chris Gotterup

Needs to Find Fairways at Muirfield Village
Si Woo Kim

Looks to Stay Hot at Memorial Tournament
Matt Fitzpatrick

Positioned for Success at Muirfield Village
Jalen Chatfield

Records Two Assists in Tuesday's Loss
Keegan Bradley

Looking for Another Strong Finish at Muirfield
Nikolaj Ehlers

Nets Two Goals in Game 1 Loss to Golden Knights
Shea Theodore

Notches Three Points in Game 1 Win
Justin Thomas

is an Exciting Play This Week in Ohio
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Win Memorial Tournament for Third Consecutive Year
Rory McIlroy

Looking for Better Performance at Muirfield Village
Drake Baldwin

Could Return During Braves Next Homestand
Garrett Crochet

Diagnosed With Low-Grade Lat Strain
Russell Henley

Coming to Ohio on the Heels of Latest Victory
Tommy Fleetwood

Looking for Better Iron Play at Memorial Tournament
Patrick Cantlay

Looks to Continue Dominance at Muirfield Village
Ludvig Aberg

a Great Fit for Muirfield Village
Aaron Judge

Out on Tuesday With Rib/Shoulder Injury
Josh Hader

Set to Return from Injured List on Tuesday
CFB

SEC Coach Calls Buster Faulkner a "Home-Run Hire"
CFB

Auburn a Sleeper in the SEC Under Alex Golesh?
CFB

Noah Fifita Primed for Strong 2026 Campaign
CFB

Oregon Assistant Coach Charged with DUII, Reckless Driving
CFB

Tight End Nick Pollack Commits to Clemson
Akshay Bhatia

Needs the Driver to be True in Ohio
Aaron Rai

Primed to take on the Memorial Tournament
J.J. Spaun

Rebounded at Charles Schwab Challenge
Xander Schauffele

One to Watch This Week in Ohio
Deiveson Figueiredo

Suffers Second-Round Submission Loss
Song Yadong

Gets Second-Round Submission Win
Zhang Mingyang

Suffers Back-To-Back Losses
Alonzo Menifield

Gets Back In The Win Column
Tallison Teixeira

Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Sergei Pavlovich

Scores First-Round Knockout Win
Cameron Smotherman

Suffers Third Loss In A Row
Kai Asakura

Earns His First UFC Win
Denny Hamlin

Earns the first Nashville Cup Series Victory of his Career on Sunday
Christopher Bell

Finishes as the Runner-Up at Nashville
Chase Briscoe

Earns First Career Podium Finish at Nashville
Ryan Blaney

Scores A Solid Top-10 Finish at Nashville
Kyle Larson

Top-10 Streak at Nashville Ends after Late Flat Tire Spin
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF