TAP FOR 6 MONTHS OF PREMIUM FREE 💰
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


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

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.

Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. 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.




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Graham Pauley

Defense Gives him an Advantage at 3B
Braxton Garrett

on Track to be a Full-Go in Camp
Max Meyer

Expected to be Full-Go for Spring Training
Cleveland Browns

Jim Schwartz Resigns as Browns Defensive Coordinator
Malik Nabers

Says his Rehab has Been "Phenomenal"
CFB

Oklahoma Hiring Former NFL Defensive Lineman DeShawn Williams to Analyst Role
San Diego Padres

Padres Sign Leandro Cedeno to Minor-League Contract
A.J. Ewing

a Name to Watch in Mets Pipeline
Cooper Ingle

to Contend for Early MLB Debut?
Luis Pena

Expected to Begin Season at High-A?
Dominick Barlow

Lands Standard Contract With 76ers
Carlos Lagrange

Earns Ticket to MLB Spring Training
Jalen Suggs

Records First Career Triple-Double vs. Nets
Sean Sullivan

to Attend Big-League Camp
Isaiah Jackson

Not Available Friday vs. Kings
CFB

Jahmal Edrine Charged with Sexual Assault, No Longer Enrolled at Virginia
Jared Thomas

Earns Invite to Spring Training
Jakob Chychrun

Makes Big Impact in Thursday's Win
Kristaps Porzingis

Unlikely to Debut Saturday vs. Lakers
Ivica Zubac

Not Ready for Indiana Debut on Friday
Brandon Bussi

Shuts Out Rangers With 16 Saves
Grayson Allen

Exits Early vs. Warriors
Carlos Estévez

Carlos Estevez Poised for Regression After Career Season
Anze Kopitar

Reaches 1,300 Career Points
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Exits Early with Hamstring Soreness
Matt Olson

Carries High Floor at First Base
Mark Stone

Becomes First Vegas Player With 100 Multi-Point Games
David Bednar

Poised to Remain Elite Closer in New York
Daniil Tarasov

Injured in Battle of Florida
Brent Suter

Angels Closing in on Contract with Brent Suter
Andrei Kuzmenko

Hurt Versus Vegas
Ty France

Linked to Three Suitors Ahead of Spring Training
John Carlson

Suffers Lower-Body Injury
Kyle Finnegan

Not Expected to See Many Save Opportunities?
Arizona Diamondbacks

Diamondbacks Acquire Infielder Jose Mejia From Baltimore
Arizona Diamondbacks

Wellington Aracena Traded to Diamondbacks
Javier Báez

Javier Baez Suspended From WBC After Positive Marijuana Test
Matthew Stafford

Named 2025 NFL MVP, Will Return in 2026
Jaxon Smith-Njigba

Takes Home Offensive Player of the Year Honors
Brendan Rodgers

Red Sox Sign Brendan Rodgers to Minor-League Deal
Michael Harris II

Remains an Everyday Contributor After Joining 20/20 Club
Christian McCaffrey

Named Comeback Player of the Year
Bobby Portis

Questionable to Play Friday
Tetairoa McMillan

Named Offensive Rookie of the Year
Myles Garrett

Unanimously Wins Defensive Player of the Year Award
Nikola Vučević

Nikola Vucevic Set for Celtics Debut Friday
Joel Embiid

Good to Go Against Lakers
Andrew Nembhard

Ready to Return Friday
Pascal Siakam

Available Friday
Ty Jerome

to Sit Out Friday's Action
Deni Avdija

Considered Questionable for Friday's Matchup
De'Anthony Melton

Will Play Against Suns
Jalen Duren

Exits Early Thursday
Darius Garland

Unavailable Friday Night
Domantas Sabonis

Iffy for Friday
Josh Okogie

Tari Eason Out Thursday
Kelly Olynyk

Luke Kornet Out, Kelly Olynyk In Thursday
Julius Randle

Still Dealing With Thumb Issue, Questionable for Friday
Brad Marchand

Evan Rodrigues Among Panthers Absentees Thursday
Calum Ritchie

Rejoins Islanders Lineup as Second-Line Center
Zach Benson

Sits Out Second Straight Game
Pierre-Luc Dubois

Available Against Predators
Rickard Rakell

Out Thursday
Brayden Point

Won't Play in Olympics
Jonathan Huberdeau

to Have Season-Ending Hip Surgery
CFB

Houston, Vanderbilt, Tennessee Land Top-Three QBs in 2026 Class
Joe Mixon

Committed to Playing in 2026
CFB

Michigan Signs Top-15 Recruiting Class Despite Coaching Change
CFB

USC Finishes with No. 1 Signing Class in 2026
Valeri Nichushkin

Sets Up Three Goals Wednesday
CFB

Trinidad Chambliss Denied Medical Redshirt Waiver By NCAA
Ryan O'Reilly

Delivers Three Assists in Overtime Loss
Matt Boldy

Records Historically Fast Hat Trick Wednesday
Jet Greaves

Gives Blue Jackets Second Straight Shutout
Wyatt Kaiser

Hurt Against Blue Jackets
Sandis Vilmanis

Injured in Wednesday's Win
Jack Hughes

Out Thursday
CFB

Sam Leavitt to be Limited In Spring Practice
Jordan Love

Avoids Offseason Surgery
Matt Fitzpatrick

Back in Action at WM Phoenix Open
Sahith Theegala

Riding Hot Start Into WM Phoenix Open
J.J. Spaun

Looks to Regain Form at WM Phoenix Open
Viktor Hovland

a Volatile Option at WM Phoenix Open
Rasmus Hojgaard

Aims to Build on Solid Start to 2026
Brian Harman

Looks to Find Form at WM Phoenix Open
Daniel Berger

Has the Tools to Go One Step Higher at Scottsdale
Max Greyserman

Searching for Consistency at WM Phoenix Open
Jake Knapp

Wants Revenge at WM Phoenix Open
CFB

Joey Aguilar Granted Temporary Restraining Order Against NCAA
Joel Dahmen

Carrying Momentum Into WM Phoenix Open
Corey Conners

Unlikely to Contend at Scottsdale
Sepp Straka

Seeks a Rebound After The American Express
Jordan Spieth

Healthy Heading to WM Phoenix Open
Keith Mitchell

Building Momentum for Event in Scottsdale
Tom Hoge

The Tom Hoge Roller Coaster Heads to Scottsdale for WM Phoenix Open
Rickie Fowler

Worth a Look at WM Phoenix Open
Xander Schauffele

Making Second Appearance at Phoenix Open
Collin Morikawa

Needs a Bounce-Back at Waste Management Phoenix Open
Hideki Matsuyama

Has a Shot to Challenge at the Waste Management Phoenix Open
Max Homa

Playing Well Heading to Waste Management Phoenix Open
Ben Griffin

Will Need to Find Approach Game to Compete in Phoenix
Michael Penix Jr.

Matt Ryan Not Committing to Michael Penix Jr. as the Starting QB
NASCAR

Billy Horschel Unlikely to Right the Ship in Phoenix
Matthew Stafford

Doesn't Need Offseason Back Surgery
CFB

Joey Aguilar Files New Lawsuit Against NCAA Seeking Sixth Year of Eligibility
Davante Adams

Expected to Return to Rams in 2026
Los Angeles Rams

Rams Sign Sean McVay, Les Snead to Contract Extensions
Diego Lopes

Outclassed At UFC 325
Alexander Volkanovski

Dominates Diego Lopes
Dan Hooker

Stopped In The Second Round
Benoît Saint Denis

Benoit Saint Denis Extends His Win Streak
Rafael Fiziev

Suffers Second-Round TKO Loss
MMA

Maurício Ruffy Gets Back In The Win Column
San Francisco 49ers

49ers Set to Name Raheem Morris Their Defensive Coordinator
Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders Close to Naming Klint Kubiak the Next Head Coach
Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals Finalizing Deal to Make Mike LaFleur the Next Head Coach
CFB

Gus Malzahn Retiring from Coaching
Breece Hall

Jets Want to Re-Sign Breece Hall, Could Use Franchise Tag
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF