RADIO
The initial weeks of the offseason are now behind us and player movement that transpired during the process of free agency has provided some players with pathways toward expanded production in their new environments. We have yet to witness a trade that approaches the magnitude of last year’s blockbuster deals involving Davante Adams, Tyreek Hill, A.J. Brown, and Amari Cooper.
However, D.J. Moore and Brandin Cooks are beneficiaries of trades that have positioned them to thrive in their new landing spots. The uncertain status of other players has also been clarified through contract extensions or the deployment of franchise tags. These developments have also accelerated participation in best ball drafts as fantasy managers embrace the opportunity to assemble rosters following the inevitable rises and declines in these players' ADPs.
These alterations within the fantasy landscape have also been infused into the tiered rankings at RotoBaller, and this article will examine wide receivers who are contained in tiers 1-3. We will continually update our rankings in every format throughout the offseason and you can find the latest fantasy football rankings here.
Editor's Note: Our incredible team of writers won two writing awards and received 12 award nominations by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association. A big congrats to our very own Byron Lindeque (Golf) and Jordan McAbee (NASCAR) for both winning Writer Of The Year awards! Be sure to follow RotoBaller's analysis and advice all year long, and win more. Win More With RotoBaller!
Wide Receiver Best-Ball Rankings
Tier 1
Justin Jefferson, Ja'Marr Chase, Tyreek Hill, Cooper Kupp
Anyone who seized Jefferson near the onset of their 2022 drafts reaped astronomical benefits, as he led all wide receivers with an average of 17.9 points per game. Jefferson also paced the league in targets (184/10.8 per game), receptions (128/7.5 per game), receiving yards (1,809/106.4 per game), games with 100+ yards (10), yards after catch (627), red zone targets (29), and routes run (668).
| Wide Receiver | Yards | Yards/Gm | Years |
| Justin Jefferson | 4.825 | 96.5 | 2020-2022 |
| Randy Moss | 4.163 | 86.7 | 1998-200 |
| Odell Beckham Jr. | 4,122 | 95.9 | 2014-2016 |
| A.J. Green | 3,833 | 81.6 | 2011-2013 |
| Michael Thomas | 3,787 | 80.6 | 2016-2018 |
| Torry Holt | 3,786 | 78.9 | 1999-2001 |
| Mike Evans | 3,578 | 77.8 | 2014-2016 |
| Jerry Rice | 3,575 | 81.3 | 1985-1987 |
| DeAndre Hopkins | 3,533 | 73.6 | 2013-2015 |
| Wide Receiver | Rec | Rec/Gm | Years |
| Justin Jefferson | 324 | 6.5 | 2020-2022 |
| Michael Thomas | 321 | 6.8 | 2016-2018 |
| Odell Beckham Jr. | 288 | 6.7 | 2014-2016 |
| A.J. Green | 260 | 5.5 | 2011-2013 |
| CeeDee Lamb | 260 | 5.3 | 2020-2022 |
| Anquan Boldin | 259 | 6.5 | 2003-2005 |
| DeAndre Hopkins | 239 | 5 | 2013-2015 |
| Mike Evans | 238 | 5.2 | 2014-2016 |
| Larry Fitzgerald | 230 | 5.1 | 2004-2006 |
Jefferson has already stockpiled 476 targets (9.5 per game) since he entered the league in 2020, while also generating the most receiving yards (4,825/96.5 per game), and securing an NFL record for most receptions by a player in his first three years (324/6.5 per game). He is positioned to usher fantasy managers toward league-winning point totals, and there should be no hesitation in selecting him first overall during upcoming drafts.
Chase’s overall numbers were impacted by a four-game absence (hip) but he remained a highly-productive resource for both Cincinnati and fantasy managers when he was running routes with the Bengals. Chase had generated a league-high six touchdowns before being sidelined from Weeks 8-12 and was pacing the league in routes run (327), and red zone targets (14). He was also second in targets (74/10.6 per game), fourth in receptions (47/6.7 per game), and sixth in receiving yards (605/86.4 per game).
In honor of the Chosen One’s birthday, let’s take a look at his top plays from the 2022 season.
More highlights ➡️ https://t.co/KpeqK4RKUm pic.twitter.com/nq8pXaiVSl
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) March 1, 2023
He also led the league with an average of 12.2 targets per game from Weeks 13-18 and finished fourth in targets (61), fifth in yards per game (88.2), and sixth in both receptions (40/8 per game), and routes run (192). Chase is entrenched among the NFL’s top wide three receivers and should be targeted early in Round 1 of all drafts.
The career-best numbers that Hill assembled during his first season in Miami sustained his presence within the elite tier of wide receivers. His impressive results were also delivered following initial concerns regarding his ability to replicate the numbers that he had assembled with Patrick Mahomes from 2018-2021 (520 targets/8.7 per game), (343 receptions/5.7 per game), (4,854 yards/81 per game).
📺: Watch #GBvsMIA on @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/DC6f5Vhquq
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) December 25, 2022
Hill continued to flourish after being jettisoned to the Dolphins while finishing third in targets (170/10.0 per game), second in both receptions (119/7.0 per game), and receiving yards (1,710/100.6 per game), and third with an average of 16.6 points per game. Hill also led all receivers in yards per route run (3.42) and yards before catch (1,228) and was third in targets per route run (34.0%). Hill will function as a high-end WR1 for fantasy managers while operating as the primary receiving option in Mike McDaniel’s aerial attack.
| Weeks 1-9 | Targets | Targ/Gm | Rec | Rec/Gm |
| Tyreek Hill | 100 | 11.1 | 76 | 8.4 |
| Cooper Kupp | 93 | 11.6 | 72 | 9 |
| Davante Adams | 85 | 10.6 | 48 | 6 |
| Justin Jefferson | 84 | 10.5 | 59 | 7.4 |
| Stefon Diggs | 83 | 10.4 | 60 | 7.5 |
| Diontae Johnson | 76 | 9.5 | 43 | 5.4 |
| Michael Pittman | 76 | 9.5 | 54 | 6.8 |
| Ja'Marr Chase | 74 | 10.6 | 47 | 6.7 |
| CeeDee Lamb | 73 | 9.1 | 42 | 5.3 |
| Chris Olave | 72 | 9 | 43 | 5.4 |
Kupp was leading all wide receivers in points per game (20.3), target share (33.3%), targets per game (11.6), and targets per route run (37.7%) from Weeks 1-9, and was second in targets (93), and yards per route run (3.29), before the high ankle sprain that he sustained in Week 10 ended his season.
| Weeks 1-9 | TPRR% | YPRR |
| Cooper Kupp | 37.7 | 3.29 |
| Tyreek Hill | 34 | 3.76 |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | 32.4 | 2.19 |
| Davante Adams | 32.1 | 2.48 |
| CeeDee Lamb | 31.9 | 2.43 |
| Chris Olave | 31.7 | 2.72 |
| Jakobi Meyers | 29.5 | 2.6 |
| Deebo Samuel | 29 | 2.08 |
| Amari Cooper | 28.7 | 2.4 |
| A.J. Brown | 27.4 | 2.85 |
| Stefon Diggs | 27.1 | 2.8 |
That prevented him from replicating the historic results that he delivered during 2021 when he led the NFL in targets (191/11.2 per game), receptions (145/8.5 per game), receiving yards (1,947/114.5 per game), and receiving touchdowns (16). However, Kupp will recapture his place among the league leaders in multiple categories once again. That should incentivize you to secure him among the first five selections of your drafts.
Tier 2
Stefon Diggs, CeeDee Lamb, A.J. Brown, Davante Adams, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jaylen Waddle
Diggs has now averaged 161 targets/113 receptions/1,396 receiving yards during his three years with Buffalo while also securing averages of 9.9 targets/6.9 receptions/85.5 yards per game during that span. He has also finished among the top five in targets during each of those seasons after finishing fifth in 2022 (154/9.6 per game). Diggs also finished third in receptions (108/6.8 per game), fifth in receiving yards (1,429/89.3 per game), and eclipsed 100 yards in seven different matchups.
Diggs was also second in routes run (627), and touchdowns (11), while finishing fourth in red zone targets (23), and points per game scoring (15.7). Diggs will remain Josh Allen’s most critical receiving weapon regardless of any additions that the Bills might make to their depth chart and can be targeted late in Round 1 of your upcoming drafts.
The surprising trade that dispensed Cooper to Cleveland broadened Lamb’s runway toward extensive targeting as he operated in an unchallenged role as the Cowboys’ primary receiving option. This propelled Lamb to career highs in multiple categories while finishing fourth overall in targets (156/9.2 per game) and capturing 11+ in eight different contests.
8️⃣8️⃣ doing 8️⃣8️⃣ things 👀 @dak & @DezBryant are feeling this @_CeeDeeThree TD grab!#DALvsNYG | 📺: @ABC + @ESPNNFL pic.twitter.com/ujvSC9l4op
— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) September 27, 2022
Lamb was also fourth in touchdowns (9), and receptions (107/6.3 per game), sixth in receiving yards (1,359/79.9 per game), seventh in yards before catch (873), ninth in both yards after catch (486), and 10th in targets per route run (28.6%). The arrival of Brandin Cooks will not alter Lamb’s status as the Cowboys’ unquestioned WR1. That supplies your motivation to seize him late in Round 1 of your next draft.
Several wide receivers from the 2019 class were seeking new contracts during the 2022 offseason. However, Brown’s request eventually fueled a trade to Philadelphia, which was followed by his four-year, $100 million extension. Brown responded by thriving during his first season with the Eagles, while finishing sixth with an average of 15 points per game. He also finished sixth with a 29% target share, captured a career-high 145 targets (8.5 per game), and eclipsed 8+ in 10 different contests.
Brown also soared to second in yards per route run (2.96), third in air yards share (40.8%), and was fourth in receiving yards (1,496/88 per game), and air yards (1,754). Brown and DeVonta Smith have both proven that they can flourish as a highly-productive tandem while operating as Jalen Hurts’ top two receiving weapons. This will sustain Brown’s extensive usage and prolific output while preserving his presence as a viable selection in Round 2.
Adams retained his place among the elite receivers during his first year as a Raider even though his reunion with Derek Carr contained unexpected disappointments. Adams attained a league-high 32.2% target share (32.2%) while vaulting to second with a career-best 180 targets (10.6 per game), and also finishing second with an average of 16.8 points per game.
Honestly, is Davante human?
📺 FOX | @tae15adams pic.twitter.com/BnU94F9WcI
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) January 2, 2023
Adams also led all wide receivers in receiving touchdowns (14), and air yards (2,129), and was third in receiving yards (1,516/89.2) with the second-highest total of his career. Adams was also third in yards per route run (2.74), fifth in targets per route run (32.5%), and sixth in yards after catch (493). Adams will transition to a new signal caller for a second consecutive season, as he operates with Jimmy Garoppolo. However, he easily remains a WR1 for fantasy managers.
St. Brown’s late-season statistical eruption in 2021 included his rise to second in points per game (21.2) from Weeks 14-18 while he also finished among the top three in targets (55/11 per game), receptions (41/8.0 per game), and receiving yards (474/94.8 per game). His prospects of replicating those numbers were a source of debate during the 2022 offseason. However, the results that he attained have eviscerated any remaining concerns surrounding his status as a valuable resource for fantasy managers.
With that little hook and latter catch, #Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown is now tied for the most receptions by a player through two-career seasons in #NFL history. #OnePride @amonra_stbrown pic.twitter.com/CNyispxYZh
— Logan Lamorandier (@LLamorandier) January 9, 2023
St. Brown finished eighth in targets (146/9.1 per game) from Weeks 1-18 and was third in targets per route run (33.4%), fifth in receptions (106/6.6 per game), and eighth in points per game (13.4). Jameson Williams should secure an ongoing role during his second season but that will not prevent St. Brown from operating as a high-end WR2.
The infusion of Hill into Miami’s passing attack fueled a decline in Waddle’s targets and receptions when contrasted with his 2021 rookie season. His target share also diminished (24.6%/20.7%), and he sustained a reduction of nearly two targets per game (8.8/6.9). However, Hill’s arrival did not impede Waddle from finishing seventh in receiving yards (1,356/79.8 per game), while he eclipsed 100 yards in six different contests, after only accomplishing it once during 2021.
Waddle also finished sixth with 21 receptions of 20+ yards after he registered eight catches during his first year. He was also fourth in yards per route run (2.74), eighth in yards before catch (846), and fifth in yards after catch (510). Waddle will be sharing opportunities with Hill again this season, but can still function as your WR2.
Tier 3
Garrett Wilson, DeVonta Smith, D.K. Metcalf, Tee Higgins, Chris Olave, Amari Cooper, DeAndre Hopkins, D.J. Moore, Christian Watson
Let's get Garrett Wilson a real quarterback and see what happens pic.twitter.com/x7RiJ4XNwm
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) February 25, 2023
Wilson seized AP Offensive Rookie of the Year honors despite the Jets’ ongoing inadequacies at quarterback while leading all first-year receivers in targets (147/8.6 per game), receptions (83/4.9 per game), receiving yards (1,103/64.9 per game), and routes run (549). Wilson also finished sixth overall in targets and was eighth in routes run, 11th in air yards (1,542), and 13th in targets per route run (26.8).
| Weeks 13-18 | Targets | Targ/Gm |
| Garrett Wilson | 68 | 11.3 |
| Justin Jefferson | 68 | 11.3 |
| Keenan Allen | 68 | 11.3 |
| Ja'Marr Chase | 61 | 12.2 |
| A.J. Brown | 59 | 9.8 |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | 58 | 9.7 |
| DeVonta Smith | 57 | 9.5 |
| Davante Adams | 57 | 9.5 |
| Chris Godwin | 56 | 9.3 |
| Tyreek Hill | 55 | 9.2 |
| Weeks 13-18 | Air Yards | AY % |
| Garrett Wilson | 915 | 41.18 |
| A.J. Brown | 843 | 41.2 |
| Davante Adams | 792 | 41.82 |
| Tyreek Hill | 758 | 44.35 |
| Justin Jefferson | 714 | 34.23 |
| DeVonta Smith | 633 | 30.94 |
| D, K, Metcalf | 611 | 36.83 |
| Diontae Johnson | 586 | 41.15 |
| Mike Evans | 573 | 37.67 |
| Drake London | 566 | 46.97 |
Wilson also tied for the league lead in targets from Weeks 13-18 (68/11.3 per game), while also pacing all wide receivers in air yards (915), and routes run (214). Shortcomings under center during Zach Wilson’s tenure as New York’s starter should eventually fuel a transition to Aaron Rodgers as the Jets’ starting signal caller, which would accelerate Wilson’s ascension toward the elite tier at his position.
Brown’s arrival in Philadelphia did not keep Smith from exceeding offseason expectations as Smith finished ninth in points per game scoring (12.2) and soared to second (18.3) from Weeks 14-17.
Can't guard 6@DeVontaSmith_6 | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/lIKI41zxqZ
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) February 19, 2023
Only two wide receivers garnered more targets during that four-game sequence (41/10.3 per game/30.6% share), while he also finished third in receiving yards (418/104.5 per game), and led the league in receptions of 20+ yards (8). Smith’s late-season surge contributed to his favorable numbers from Weeks 1-18, when he finished 13th in targets (136/8.0 per game), eighth in receiving yards (1,196/70.4 per game), and ninth in receptions (95/5.6 per game). Smith can be selected as a high-end WR2 and is primed to reward managers for their optimism.
Several factors fueled a level of uneasiness surrounding Metcalf’s outlook as he entered the 2022 regular season, including the drop in his points per game average from 2020 to 2021 (14.4/12.2). He also experienced declines in targets per game (8.1/7.6), and yards per game (81.4/56.9 yards), while concerns were also intensified by the impending transition from Russell Wilson under center.
However, Geno Smith altered the trajectory of his career with his effectiveness in guiding Seattle’s restructured passing attack, as Metcalf commandeered a team-high 25.5% target share, while also finishing 10th in receptions (90/5.3 per game), and ninth in routes run (548). Metcalf’s ADP is properly placed in Round 3 (32/WR14), and he should operate as a WR2 for fantasy managers.
Joe Burrow goes deep to Tee Higgins for a 59-yard @Bengals touchdown. #RuleTheJungle#MIAvsCIN on Prime Video
Also available on NFL+ https://t.co/Phmgdb9VGl pic.twitter.com/ulalaF5iBu— NFL (@NFL) September 30, 2022
Higgins encountered multiple injuries during 2022 (ankle/concussion/hamstring) which contributed to his finish of 26th in targets (109), 25th in receptions (74), and 19th in receiving yards (1,029). His per-game averages in targets (7.9/6.8), receptions (5.3/4.6 per game), receiving yards (77.9/64.3 per game), and air yards (94.8/84.6), also declined in comparison to his averages during 2021.
However, he also finished 14th in targets (36/9.0 per game) from Weeks 8-12 when Chase was sidelined (hip) and was third in air yards share (45.5%), ninth in receiving yards (371/92.8 per game), and 13th in receptions (26/6.5 per game) during that sequence. Higgins is currently being selected as a WR1 (30/WR13), but the presence of Chase will encumber Higgins from ascending beyond high-end WR2 production.
Put 12 in space and let 'em work.
📺 #CARvsNO on FOX pic.twitter.com/BwyZb2rqa9
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 8, 2023
Olave’s performance throughout his rookie season delivered a convincing argument for targeting him as a WR2 during your current drafts. He was sidelined during two contests (concussion/hamstring) and contended with the constraints of operating with Andy Dalton as his quarterback during 12 of his 15 matchups. However, this did not preclude him from securing a 25.2% target share, while finishing sixth in air yards (1,686), seventh in yards before catch per reception (11.6), and eighth in air yards share (37.8%).
| Weeks 1-18 | YPRR | TPRR% |
| Tyreek Hill | 3.42 | 34 |
| A.J. Brown | 2.96 | 28.7 |
| Christian Watson | 2.88 | 31.1 |
| Davante Adams | 2.74 | 32.5 |
| Jaylen Waddle | 2.74 | 23.6 |
| Chris Olave | 2.73 | 31.2 |
| DeAndre Hopkins | 2.72 | 36.4 |
| Justin Jefferson | 2.71 | 27.5 |
| Keenan Allen | 2.7 | 31.9 |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | 2.66 | 33.4 |
| Weeks 1-18 | Air Yards | AY % |
| Davante Adams | 2129 | 40.98 |
| Tyreek Hill | 2107 | 40.29 |
| Justin Jefferson | 1855 | 38.47 |
| A.J. Brown | 1754 | 40.84 |
| Stefon Diggs | 1725 | 33.99 |
| Chris Olave | 1686 | 37.75 |
| Mike Evans | 1651 | 36.74 |
| Amari Cooper | 1606 | 39.55 |
| D.K.Metcalf | 1580 | 36.9 |
| CeeDee Lamb | 1573 | 35.41 |
Olave also finished sixth in yards per route run (2.73), and seventh in targets per route run (31.2%). He will be the beneficiary of an upgrade under center due to the arrival of Derek Carr and is a receiver to prioritize at his current ADP (35/WR15).
Cooper’s performance during his first season in Cleveland easily surpassed the diminished projections that had existed after Dallas dispatched him to the Browns during the 2022 offseason. Cooper’s ADP descended to Round 7 (84/WR37) following the trade, but he vaulted to 13th with an average of 13.5 points per game from Weeks 1-12. Jacoby Brissett was spearheading Cleveland’s offense during that sequence, as Cooper also ascended to ninth in targets (93/8.5 per game), fifth in air yards (1,172), 12th in both receptions (57/5.2 per game) and receiving yards (792/72 per game), and 13th in targets per route run (26.7%).
Brissett & Cooper connect on 4th & 5!
📺: #NEvsCLE on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/pjHIv4VDX8 pic.twitter.com/YFc1honTYf— NFL (@NFL) October 16, 2022
Cooper’s per-game averages in targets (6.5), receiving yards (61.3), and receptions (3.5) all declined with Deshaun Watson guiding the Browns' attack (Weeks 13-18), and his prospects of sustaining last year’s overall numbers will be reliant on his ability to operate effectively with Watson.
Hopkins made his season debut in Week 7 and immediately captured a league-high 48.3% target share. He also stockpiled 10+ targets in seven of his next nine matchups while vaulting to third overall (96/10.7 per game) from Weeks 7-16. Hopkins also ascended to fourth in receptions (64/7.1 per game), sixth in targets per route run (36.4%), and ninth in points per game (13.3).
A knee issue sidelined him in Weeks 17-18, but Hopkins had reestablished his ability to operate as a vital resource for fantasy managers. He will turn 31 in June and there is uncertainty as he enters his 11th season. He could be traded during the upcoming weeks and would be functioning in a transitioning offense if he remains in Arizona. This supplies the incentive for selecting Hopkins as a high-end WR3. He launches into high-end WR2 territory if he resurfaces in a favorable environment.
The trade that transported Moore from Carolina to Chicago has provided an opportunity for the five-year veteran to operate with the most talented quarterback of his career. Moore’s tenure with the Panthers had been laden with substandard performances by the team’s succession of signal callers, but Moore still finished fifth among all wide receivers with 416 targets (8.9 per game) and was fourth in receiving yards (3,525/75 per game) from 2019-2021.
DJ Moore has tried to catch passes from these QBs in his NFL career
147 from Sam Darnold
128 from Cam Newton
115 from Kyle Allen
102 from Teddy Bridgewater
65 from PJ Walker
46 from Baker Mayfield
8 from Taylor Heinicke
2 from Will Grier
2 from Garrett Gilbert
1 from Jacob Eason pic.twitter.com/BVLrXtNpu0— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) February 28, 2023
Moore experienced declines in each of those categories during 2022 as his 6.9 targets per game average were the lowest since 2018, as were his averages of 52.2 yards and 3.7 receptions per game.
D.J. Moore: Justin Fields' new WR1 👀 pic.twitter.com/IL0Lzk27HP
— PFF (@PFF) March 11, 2023
Moore will now commandeer WR1 responsibilities for the Bears while collecting targets from Justin Fields. He should also deliver WR2 production to fantasy managers.
Christian Watson failed to exceed a 32% snap share and a 12% target share from Weeks 2-9 while averaging 2.0 targets, 1.6 receptions, and 10.8 yards per game. A hamstring issue also sidelined him for three matchups during that span, but he collected a season-high eight targets in Week 10 while erupting for 107 yards, and three touchdowns, and vaulting to WR2 in scoring (30.7 points).
Aaron Rodgers is still awesome
THREE touchdowns for Christian Watson!!! pic.twitter.com/fFQkLvGZg1
— Eric Rosenthal (@ericsports) November 14, 2022
This launched a sizable rise in Watson’s usage and output from Weeks 10-18 as Watson captured a 22.4% target share while finishing second in yards per route run (3.58), fifth in targets per route run (35.6%), and 10th in air yards (788). Watson appears destined to operate with Jordan Love under center and his continued development should combine with his home run capabilities to provide fantasy managers with WR2 production.
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