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Wide receiver rankings analysis for 2024 fantasy football best ball drafts for WRs in Tiers 4 and lower. Phil Clark breaks down the best values relative to ADP for best ball leagues.
The onset of training camps and preseason matchups have served as reminders that the regular season is rapidly approaching. Participation in drafts has also accelerated significantly, as many of you are assembling teams in multiple formats.
This escalation in the momentum of draft season will intensify even further until final selections in all leagues are complete. The team at RotoBaller is aware of your passion for the draft process. That is why we are delivering continual news updates from all 32 training camps, along with non-stop analysis and updated rankings to help you draft and manage your rosters in all formats.
That includes this article which will focus on wide receivers who are contained in Tiers 4-8 of our best ball rankings. We will continually update our rankings in every format during the remainder of the draft season, and you can find a full breakdown of Tiers 1-3 here.
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Wide Receiver Best Ball Rankings
Tier 4 - Best Ball WR Rankings
DK Metcalf, DeVonta Smith, Malik Nabers, Stefon Diggs, DJ Moore, Nico Collins, Michael Pittman Jr, Cooper Kupp, Amari Cooper, George Pickens, Tank Dell
The Seahawks have launched a new era while transitioning from Pete Carroll to head coach Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. However, D.K. Metcalf remains unchallenged in his role as Seattle’s primary receiving option.
That leaves him primed to generate WR2 output, which is consistent with the level of production that he delivered from 2021-2023. Metcalf’s points per game average ranged between 14.4 and 13.3 during that sequence including his average in 2023 (14.1).
DK METCALF 73-YARD TOUCHDOWN 🔥
pic.twitter.com/6dLxiXq12e— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) December 1, 2023
Metcalf also finished 18th in receiving yards (1,114/69.6 per game), while establishing career bests in yards per reception (16.9) and yards after catch per reception (5.6). Those results were blended with Metcalf’s career lows in targets per game (7.4), and catch rate (55.5%), while his target share declined for a third consecutive season (27.3%/25.5%/22.9%).
However, Metcalf also generated eight touchdowns. and received the 10th-highest grade among wide receivers against press coverage from PFF. He can be targeted late in Round 4 of your upcoming drafts.
DeVonta Smith is 15th among all wide receivers in receptions (240/4.8 per game) and receiving touchdowns (19) since 2021. He is also 16th in receiving yards (3,178/63.6 per game), and 19th in targets (352/5.2 per game) during that sequence.
DEVONTA SMITH 36 YARD TOUCHDOWN
pic.twitter.com/s0WhLnjT6h— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) December 25, 2023
Smith operated as a WR2 for fantasy managers last season (14.2 points per game), even though his numbers decreased in multiple categories when contrasted with his results during 2022.
Smith finished inside the top 10 in receptions (95/5.6 per game), receiving yards (1,196/70.4 per game), and yards after catch (495) during that career-best 2022 season. He was also targeted on 25.3% of his routes while averaging 2.22 yards per route run, and 15.0 points per game.
Smith dropped to 16th in receptions (81/5.1 per game), 20th in receiving yards (1,066/66.6 per game), and 36th in yards after catch (290) last season. He was also targeted on 18.3% of his routes and averaged 1.74 yards per route run.
However, Smith signed a three-year, $75 million contract extension, and his role as Philadelphia’s WR2 remains firmly intact.
Malik Nabers is primed to justify the lofty expectations that have emerged surrounding his entrance into the NFL landscape, and is capable of erupting for sizable numbers as a rookie. Nabers will function with an eye-opening combination of explosiveness, speed, and quickness. He also possesses the versatility to excel while operating outside or from the slot.
Every Malik Nabers TD from 2023: pic.twitter.com/r79WBTTU9A
— Austin Abbott (@AustinAbbottFF) July 1, 2024
Nabers accumulated 2,586 yards/17 touchdowns during his final two seasons at LSU. He was also second overall in receiving yards (1,569/120.7 per game), and tied for third in touchdowns (14) in 2023. Nabers also finished among the top five in missed tackles forced per reception in 2022 and 2023 according to PFF.
No returning member of the Giants reached 80 targets, generated 800 yards, or averaged 9.0 points per game last season. This positions Nabers to operate as New York’s primary receiving option, while serving as a transformative weapon for what has been an underwhelming offense.
It also appears that he should be available in Week 1 after sustaining a minor left-ankle sprain. The convergence of Nabers’ talent and his enticing opportunity should supply managers with WR2 output this season.
TRADE: Bills trading WR Stefon Diggs to the Texans in exchange for a 2025 2nd-round pick. (via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/Gtg7jOKeNW
— NFL (@NFL) April 3, 2024
It was reasonable to question whether Stefon Diggs would retain his place among the league’s WR1s even before the Bills sent him to Houston.
Stefon Diggs drop. James Bradberry on the coverage. pic.twitter.com/GtBctUvoDp
— DIE-HARD 🦅 REALTOR® (@Eaglesfans9) November 26, 2023
| Weeks 1-9 | Targ/Gm | Rec/Gm | Yards/Gm | YPT | YPR |
| Stefon Diggs | 10.8 | 7.8 | 92.7 | 8.6 | 11.9 |
Diggs led the league in targets (97/10.8 per game) and receptions (70/7.8 per game) from Weeks 1-9 while rising to second in touchdowns (seven), third in receiving yards (834/92.7 per game) and air yards (1,047), and fourth in points per game (21.7).
| Weeks 1-9 | TPRR | YPRR | AY% | FPPG | TD |
| Stefon Diggs | 25 | 2.15 | 42.9 | 21.7 | 7 |
However, his usage and output decreased significantly from Weeks 10-17. Diggs was just 20th in targets (55/7.9 per game), and 29th in air yards (520). He also plummeted to 59th in receiving yards (262/37.4 per game) and 53rd in points per game (9.0).
| Weeks 10-17 | TargGm | Rec/Gm | Yards/Gm | YPT | YPR |
| Stefon Diggs | 7.9 | 4.3 | 37.4 | 4.8 | 8.7 |
| Weeks 10-17 | TPRR | YPRR | AY% | FPPG | TD |
| Stefon Diggs | 21.6 | 1.03 | 29.2 | 9 | 1 |
Diggs’ transition to the Texans ensures that he will no longer operate as his team’s unquestioned WR1 after being infused into a receiving arsenal that includes Nico Collins and Tank Dell.
Diggs was a Round 3 selection (ADP 25/WR13) before he was jettisoned to Houston. His current draft position is properly placed after descending to Round 5 (52/WR24).
D.J. Moore enters his second season with Chicago after establishing career-best numbers in multiple categories during 2023.
Justin Fields & D.J. Moore (56-yd TD)
🔹 Route Type: Hitch
🔹 Moore Top Speed: 20.15 mph
🔹 Yards After Catch: 48Moore: 221 of 230 receiving yards on hitches & go routes... 2 TDs on go routes, 1 TD on hitches... 143 YAC (+83 YACOE)#CHIvsWAS | #DaBears pic.twitter.com/adiN6apPMZ
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) October 6, 2023
Moore finished ninth in points per game (16.9), while also rising to fifth in air yards share (42.6%), sixth in receiving yards (1,364 /80.2 per game), and seventh in both yards after catch (557), and touchdowns (eight).
However, several significant developments during the offseason will make a sizable impact on the Bears’ offense. Chicago launched the NFL Draft by seizing Caleb Williams with the first pick.
The Bears also secured Rome Odunze with the ninth overall selection in the draft, and acquired former Charger Keenan Allen. Moore should still operate as Chicago’s’ WR1. However, Allen can still function as a proficient receiving weapon at age 32. Odunze also possesses sufficient talent to become a valuable roster asset if Moore or Allen are forced to the sideline.
That will place constraints on Moore’s ability to match the numbers that he assembled during 2023. It also supplies your motivation to wait until Round 4 before drafting him.
Nico Collins failed to reach 70 targets, 40 receptions, or 500 yards during his first two seasons in Houston. He also finished 95th in points per game in 2021 (6.0) and was 51st in 2022 (9.7).
| Year | Targets | Targ/Gm | Targ % | TPRR | Rec | Rec/Gm |
| 2021 | 60 | 4.3 | 13.3 | 17 | 33 | 2.4 |
| 2022 | 66 | 6.6 | 19 | 27.2 | 37 | 3.7 |
| 2023 | 109 | 7.3 | 22.1 | 27.7 | 80 | 5.3 |
However, Collins easily surpassed those numbers in 2023, while accumulating 109 targets (7.3 per game), 80 receptions (5.3 per game), and finishing eighth in receiving yards (1,296/86.5 per game).
| Year | Yards | Yards/Gm | YPRR | YBC | YAC | PPG |
| 2021 | 446 | 31.9 | 1.26 | 313 | 133 | 6 |
| 2022 | 481 | 48.1 | 1.98 | 318 | 163 | 9.7 |
| 2023 | 1297 | 86.5 | 3.29 | 748 | 560 | 17.4 |
CJ STROUD 🎯 NICO COLLINS
75 YARD TOUCHDOWN 🔥🔥🔥pic.twitter.com/44aLfVCFkL
— Jordan Pun (@Texans_Thoughts) January 7, 2024
Collins only dropped four of his 130 catchable passes according to PFF, while finishing third in yards per route run (3.29), sixth in yards after catch (549), and seventh in targets per route run (27.7%). He also soared to seventh in points per game (17.4).
Collins will retain an integral role in the Texans’ aerial attack after signing a three-year, $72.75 million contract extension in May. However, the addition of Stefon Diggs and the reemergence of Tank Dell make it unlikely that Collins will match last year’s WR1 production. It should also delay his selection until Round 3 of all drafts.
Michael Pittman Jr. has accumulated 426 targets (8.7 per game) and 296 receptions (6.0 per game) since 2021. That places him seventh among all wide receivers in both categories during that three-year span.
Michael Pittman what a catch!
pic.twitter.com/8tgYAR5KqT— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) September 24, 2023
He assembled those numbers while operating with six different quarterbacks, including Anthony Richardson and Gardner Minshew II last season. Pittman also rose to second in targets (138/10.6 per game/31.3% share) from Weeks 1-14, including 11+ during nine of his 13 matchups.
Pittman was limited to 21 snaps in Weeks 15-16 (concussion) but still finished ninth with a career-best 156 targets (9.8 per game) from Weeks 1-18. He also finished fourth with a career-high 109 receptions (6.8 per game), and 14th with a career-high 1,152 receiving yards (72 per game).
Pittman was primarily operating with Minshew, as Richardson was limited to 173 snaps (AC Joint sprain). However, Pittman’s extensive targeting should be sustained when Richardson resurfaces to spearhead Shane Steichen’s offense. Pittman should also deliver WR2 production, which justifies prioritizing him near his current ADP (44/WR22).
The outstanding numbers that Cooper Kupp delivered from 2019-2021 contained league-highs in receptions (331/6.9 per game) and receiving yards (4,082 yards/85 per game. He also finished second in targets (449/9.4 per game), and fourth in touchdowns (29).
That includes the results that Kupp attained during 2021 when he led the league in targets (191/11.2 per game), receptions (145/8.5 per game), receiving yards (1,947/114.5 per game), touchdowns (16) and points per game (25.9).
Cooper Kupp with his patented move against the Safety, breaks free for a 49 yard catch and run.
Washington 2020 pic.twitter.com/zFEexAsCnd
— RAMS ON FILM (@RamsOnFilm) December 16, 2023
Kupp’s elite presence has dissipated due to declining numbers and decreased availability since 2022. His 2023 per-game averages in receptions (4.9), yards (61.4), and points per game (13.7) were the lowest since 2017, while he also registered career lows in yards per target (7.8), and catch rate (62.1%).
Kupp is also 31, has missed 13 contests during the last two seasons, and has been supplanted by Puka Nacua as the WR1 in Sean McVay’s offense. However, Kupp’s Round 4 ADP will rise if Nacua experiences a setback as he recovers from his knee injury.
Amari Cooper has secured the eighth-highest yardage total among all wide receivers during his two seasons with Cleveland (2,410/75.3 per game). He now returns for the final year of his contract, which was restructured with incentives on July 23.
Cooper was also 13th in targets (260/8.1 per game), and finished among the top 20 in points per game during 2022 (14.5), and 2023 (15.1). Cooper also vaulted to sixth in receiving yards (1,250/83.3 per game) from Weeks 1-16 last season.
AMARI COOPER 75-YARD TOUCHDOWN OMG 😱
14.5 POINTS ON ONE PLAY 🔥 pic.twitter.com/MrLvD3WfaO
— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) December 24, 2023
He was also second in air yards (1,796), 11th in yards per route run (2.37), and 16th in points per game (15.1) before a troublesome heel sidelined him in Weeks 17-18.
Cooper also attained league highs in targets (37/12.3 per game), and points per game (18.4) from Weeks 14-16 while Joe Flacco was guiding Cleveland’s offense.
Deshaun Watson was recovering from shoulder surgery during those matchups and has been limited to 12 starts since signing his $230,000,000 contract with the Browns. However, Cooper should provide high-end WR3 production regardless of who is spearheading Cleveland’s offense.
George Pickens' stock has been rising throughout the offseason, due to the Steelers’ transition under center and a significant subtraction that has reshaped their depth chart at wide receiver.
GEORGE PICKENS TOUCHDOWN AGAIN.
He can not be stopped tonight.
📺: #CINvsPIT on NBC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/yewPow3ekF pic.twitter.com/JbRic5KPmP— NFL (@NFL) December 23, 2023
Pickens led all wide receivers in yards per reception (18.1) during 2023, and was fifth in yards per target (10.8), eighth in yards before catch per reception (11.9), and 16th in receiving yards (1,140/67.1 per game). Pickens also led the Pittsburgh in targets (106/6.2 per game) but trailed Diontae Johnson in target share (23.5%/22.2% share).
However, Pickens immediately ascended atop the Steelers’ depth chart when Johnson was traded to Carolina. His role as Pittsburgh’s WR1 will not be challenged by veterans Van Jefferson, and Quez Watkins, or Roman Wilson, who was selected in Round 3 of the NFL Draft.
The Steelers also improved their situation at quarterback by signing Russell Wilson and trading for Justin Fields. Pickens can exceed his previous career-highs in multiple categories despite Arthur Smith’s affinity for running the ball - providing that the Steelers do not make any additions to their receiving arsenal.
Tank Dell's exceptional rookie season ended prematurely when he suffered a broken fibula in Week 13. However, he had already demonstrated his ability to operate as a critical resource for the Texans and a valuable asset for fantasy managers.
Dell averaged 7.9 targets, 4.9 receptions, and 75 yards per game from Weeks 2-12. He was also 11th in yards per route run (2.42), 12h in air yards (1,039), 14th in targets per route run (25.4%), and tied for third in touchdowns (seven). Dell also vaulted to ninth in points per game (17.6) while finishing as a WR1 in four different matchups.
Every Tank Dell target from his rookie season. He might be breakable, but he sure isn't guardable. Count me in. pic.twitter.com/WdpjXVi1MU
— Jason Moore (@jasonffl) July 9, 2024
He will rejoin a surging Houston offense that contains a deep receiving arsenal including Stefon Diggs, Nico Collins, John Metchie III, Xavier Hutchinson, and Robert Woods.
However, Dell is capable of delivering highly productive outings despite the formidable competition for targets. This supplies the rationale for targeting him as a WR3 in Round 6.
Tier 5 - Best Ball WR Rankings
Zay Flowers, Tee Higgins, Christian Kirk, Terry McLaurin
Zay Flowers should build upon the numbers that he assembled during his promising rookie season. Flowers led the Ravens in a collection of receiving categories including routes run (567), target share (24%), receptions (77/4.8 per game), and receiving yards (858/53.6 per game).
i’m SEVENTY-FIVE YARD TOUCHDOWN FOR ZAY FLOWERS!!!!!
Tune in on CBS! pic.twitter.com/1rxQdgbKGf
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 31, 2023
He also paced the Ravens in air yards (903), and yards after catch (456), while rising to fourth in missed tackles forced per reception (0.29) according to Fantasy Points Data.
Mark Andrews was sidelined during Baltimore’s final six matchups (ankle) and should rejoin Flowers in operating as Lamar Jackson’s most targeted weapons. However, Flowers will thrive in his role as Baltimore’s WR1.
He remains positioned atop a depth chart containing Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor, and first-year receiver Devontez Walker. That provides the opportunity to secure Flowers as a high-end WR3 near his current ADP (53/WR25).
Much of the offseason discussion regarding Tee Higgins has surrounded his status with Cincinnati in 2024 and beyond. Higgins did not secure the long-term contract that he desired before the July 15 deadline which emerged after the Bengals applied the franchise tag in February.
That destines Higgins to progress through his fifth season on a one-year contract. He had previously accumulated 2,120 receiving yards (70.7 per game) during 2021-2022, while averaging 7.3 targets/4.9 receptions per game. Higgins also finished among the top 16 in points per game (14.9/15.7) during that sequence.
He was restricted to a career-low 12 games last season after sustaining multiple injuries ((ribs/hamstring), while his averages declined in every aforementioned category (6.3 targets/3.5 receptions/54.7 yards/11.5 points per game).
THIS CATCH 🤯#ProBowlVote x Tee Higgins pic.twitter.com/wrZeJlZe1U
— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) December 16, 2023
Higgins will operate as Joe Burrow’s second option behind Ja'Marr Chase this season. His talent is unquestioned, which makes him a viable target at his Round 6 ADP (61/WR28).
Christian Kirk was leading Jacksonville in multiple categories during 2023 before a core muscle injury derailed what had been a promising season in Week 13.
Kirk was pacing the Jaguars in routes run (377), targets (84/7.6 per game), receiving yards (761/69.2 per game), yards per route run (2.02), and yards per target (9.1) from Weeks 1-12. He was also 26th in points per game (13.3) before his injury.
Trevor Lawrence & Christian Kirk (44-yd TD)
🔹 Yards After Catch: 42
🔹 Expected YAC: 15
🔹 YAC Over Expected: +27Lawrence has been perfect on night targeting the slot (11/11, 130 yards, TD); 5 of Kirk's 6 receptions were out of the slot (71 of 90 yards).#JAXvsNO | #DUUUVAL pic.twitter.com/zTMTOf393E
— Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) October 20, 2023
Kirk is now primed to operate as Jacksonville’s WR1 after Calvin Ridley and Zay Jones departed during the offseason.
| Weeks 1-12 | Targets | Targ/Gm | Rec | Rec/Gm | Yards | YPG |
| Christian Kirk | 84 | 7.6 | 56 | 5.1 | 761 | 69.2 |
| Evan Engram | 82 | 7.5 | 64 | 5.8 | 524 | 47.6 |
| Calvin Ridley | 76 | 6.9 | 47 | 4.3 | 663 | 60.3 |
| Travis Etienne | 48 | 4.4 | 36 | 3.3 | 312 | 28.4 |
| Weeks 1-12 | Routes | TPRR% | YPRR | YAC | YPC | YPT |
| Christian Kirk | 377 | 22.3 | 2.02 | 259 | 13.6 | 9.1 |
| Calvin Ridley | 367 | 20.7 | 1.81 | 129 | 14.1 | 8.7 |
| Evan Engram | 361 | 22.7 | 1.45 | 329 | 8.2 | 6.4 |
| Travis Etienne | 268 | 17.9 | 1.16 | 348 | 8.7 | 6.5 |
The Jaguars did reshape the receiving unit by signing former Bill Gabe Davis and selecting Brian Thomas Jr. in Round 1 of the NFL draft. However, Kirk has established chemistry with Trevor Lawrence and should provide fantasy managers with WR3 output.
Washington led the league in pass play percentage (66.1%), and tied for second in attempts per game (37.4) during 2023. However, the Commanders were also just 24th in scoring (19.4 points per game). Washington’s pass-heavy approach did not prevent Terry McLaurin from registering career lows in target share (21.6%), yards per game (58.9), yards per target (7.6), yards per reception (12.7), air yards share (34.1%), and points per game (12.0).
| Year | Targ % | Rec/Gm | Yards/Gm | YPT | YPR |
| 2019 | 26.9 | 4.1 | 65.6 | 9.9 | 15.8 |
| 2020 | 25.3 | 5.8 | 74.5 | 8.3 | 12.9 |
| 2021 | 24.5 | 4.5 | 61.9 | 8.1 | 13.7 |
| 2022 | 22.5 | 4.5 | 70.1 | 9.9 | 15.5 |
| 2023 | 21.6 | 4.6 | 58.9 | 7.6 | 12.7 |
| Year | AY% | YBC/R | YAC/R | ADOT | PPG |
| 2019 | 50.9 | 12.1 | 3.7 | 14 | 13.7 |
| 2020 | 40.7 | 7.4 | 5.5 | 9.7 | 14.9 |
| 2021 | 43 | 9.6 | 4.1 | 13.1 | 12.6 |
| 2022 | 35.3 | 10.4 | 5.1 | 12.8 | 13.5 |
| 2023 | 34.1 | 8.3 | 4.4 | 11.5 | 12 |
McLaurin will benefit from a massive upgrade under center with the arrival of Jayden Daniels who will advance through his first season in the latest version of Kliff Kingsbury’s offense.
TOUCHDOWN 🚨
WHAT A CATCH!
Terry McLaurin is an absolute superstar.
Great pass from Howell too!
TIE GAME. #HTTC | @TheTerry_25 pic.twitter.com/2CYW6qIztG
— Chad Ryan (@ChadwikoTWW) September 17, 2023
McLaurin will also function with an uncontested path toward frequent targeting, as he is cemented atop a depth chart that contains Jahan Dotson, and Luke McCaffrey - following the exodus of Curtis Samuel. McLaurin’s high level of involvement in the Commanders’ reshaped offense has positioned him to outperform his current ADP (64WR31).
Tier 6 - Best Ball WR Rankings
Calvin Ridley, Keenan Allen, Jayden Reed, Marquise Brown, Chris Godwin, Rashee Rice, Diontae Johnson
Calvin Ridley averaged 5.1 receptions/68.2 yards per game during four years with Atlanta. However, those averages decreased during his lone season with Jacksonville (4.5 receptions /59.8 receiving yards).
Ridley also finished 27th in points per game (13.5) and was 17th in targets (136), eighth in air yards (1,761), and 24th in receiving yards (1,016).
Calvin Ridley in his Titans threads 🔥
pic.twitter.com/I2KSFwnUBM— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) May 22, 2024
Ridley's draft position has descended into Round 7 (75/WR35) since he signed a four-year contract with the Titans. That bolstered the rationale for targeting Ridley at his diminished ADP even before DeAndre Hopkins sustained a knee injury during training camp.
New head coach Brian Callahan should utilize Tennessee’s passing attack with greater frequency this season as Ridley secures responsibilities as the Titans’ WR1. Callahan could also deploy Ridley creatively by expanding his involvement with shorter routes. That supplies your incentive to target Ridley as your WR3.
Keenan Allen captured 9+ targets during 12 of his first 13 matchups in 2023 which catapulted him to the league lead from Weeks 1-14 (150/11.5 per game).
Wow. Just Wow Keenan Allen.
pic.twitter.com/6LfPZ5Xa7D— Derek Brown (@DBro_FFB) November 7, 2023
A problematic heel sidelined him from Weeks 15-18. However, Allen’s average of 11.5 targets per game paced all receivers from Weeks 1-18. He also finished third in target share (32.3%), and points per game (21.5).
Allen will not replicate those numbers following the March trade that sent him to Chicago, as he will no longer function as his team’s undisputed WR1. DJ Moore will maintain that distinction, while first-round selection Rome Odunze will also secure targets from Caleb Williams in the Bears’ reconstructed attack. Allen’s ADP is properly placed in Round 6 (74/WR34), as he should be considered as a WR3 during upcoming drafts.
Jayden Reed ascended into a sizable role last season while leading the Packers in receptions (64/4.0 per game), receiving yards (793/49.6 per game), yards after catch (335), and receiving touchdowns (eight). Reed's touchdown total also placed him second among rookie wide receivers, while he rose to fifth in yardage.
JAYDEN REED RUSHING IN FOR SIX 💨
pic.twitter.com/qa9zBUn5x0— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) December 12, 2023
Reed also flourished in his expanded role from Weeks 12-17, while leading Green Bay in targets per route run (33.3%), targets (39/7.8 per game), receptions (28/5.6 per game), and touchdowns (four). He also rose to fifth in carries (six), and rushing yards (54).
Reed will encounter significant competition for targets within a congested arsenal of weapons that includes Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks, along with tight ends Luke Musgrave, and Tucker Kraft. That will impede him from fulfilling the expectations of his current ADP (82/WR38).
Marquise Brown operated with three quarterbacks in 2023 due to Kyler Murray’s recovery from a torn ACL. He also averaged just 2.3 receptions/33.5 yards/4.4 points per game after Murray resurfaced in Week 10.
Brown also registered career-lows in yards per target (5.7), red zone targets (nine), air yards (1,185), receiving yards (574/41 per game), and yards after catch per reception (3.2) from Weeks 1-18.
A runway had opened for Brown to generate the most prolific numbers of his career while functioning with Patrick Mahomes. However, Brown also sustained a shoulder injury during Kansas City’s preseason opener (sternoclavicular joint dislocation) and could remain unavailable for 4-6 weeks. That will likely delay his debut as a Chief.
The availability of Rashee Rice will also impact Brown’s usage and output whenever he returns and targets will also be distributed to explosive newcomer Xavier Worthy.
Brown will still be operating with a signal caller who will maximize his abilities whenever he does re-emerge. That supplies your incentive for selecting him after his Round 7 ADP begins to drop.
Chris Godwin is sixth among all wide receivers with 436 receptions (6.1 per game) since 2019. He is also 12th in receiving yards (5,323/73.9 per game) and is tied with teammate Mike Evans for 12th in targets (603/8.4 per game) during that span.
Baker throws a touchdown to Chris Godwin pic.twitter.com/Crzv5wSViW
— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) December 31, 2023
That includes his numbers during 2024, when Godwin accumulated 130 targets (7.6 per game), and 1,024 yards (60.2 per game). He also secured a league-high 37.4% target share, vaulted to fourth in targets per route run (30.0%), and rose to 13th in points per game (16.6) from Weeks 14-16.
Godwin also operated from the slot on 48.6% of his snaps. However, that percentage should rise in offensive coordinator Liam Coen's restructured offense. Godwin performs most effectively when deployed inside which elevates him among your most enticing options in Round 6 of upcoming drafts.
Rashee Rice is participating in Kansas City’s training camp as uncertainty lingers regarding his status for the regular season. It remains unclear whether Rice will be suspended, or if his availability would be impacted during 2024 if disciplinary action does emerge.
Rice’s ability to perform proficiently within Andy Reid’s offense was established during Weeks 12-17 in 2023. Rice secured a 27.3% target share from Weeks 12-17 while rising to fourth in targets (56/9.3 per game) and receiving yards (518/86.3 per game).
He also soared to the league lead in yards after catch (372), while finishing second in receptions (43/7.2 per game). Rice was also targeted on 24.6% of his routes and averaged 2.27 yards per route run during that span. There are significant levels of risk and reward for anyone who selects him near his Round 8 ADP (77WR36).
Only six wide receivers accumulated more targets than Diontae Johnson during his five years with the Steelers (639/8.3 per game). He was also fifth overall with 460 targets (9.6 per game) from 2020-2022 while finishing among the top six during all three seasons.
Johnson’s tenure with Pittsburgh ended abruptly last March when the Steelers jettisoned him to the Panthers. He instantly vaulted atop Carolina’s depth chart as a result of the trade and should retain a favorable target share in his role as the Panthers’ WR1.
Bryce Young to Diontae Johnson. pic.twitter.com/iaaTYTCWLk
— Joe Person (@josephperson) July 30, 2024
Carolina’s offense should improve under Dave Canales, after ranking dead last in total yards and passing yards last season and tying for 31st in scoring. However, Johnson’s prospects of justifying his Round 7 ADP (80/WR37) are largely dependent upon Bryce Young’s ability to perform more proficiently during his second season.
Tiers 7-8 - Best Ball WR Rankings
Xavier Worthy, Rome Odunze, DeAndre Hopkins, Courtland Sutton, Brian Thomas Jr., Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Christian Watson, Ladd McConkey, Tyler Lockett,
The wide receivers contained in Tiers 7-8 are located between WR39-WR48 in our latest rankings. Various factors could launch a rise or decline in the stock of these receivers during the remaining weeks of the draft season.
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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.
