Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings July (Tiers 4-9) - Best Ball Leagues

July 20, 2023

Wide receiver (tiers 4-9) rankings analysis for 2023 best ball drafts. Phil Clark breaks down the best values for wide receivers relative to ADP in best ball leagues.

Many of you have been assembling rosters in best-ball leagues since the initial weeks of the offseason, and participation in this format has intensified as we have progressed through the summer. You are also dedicating your efforts toward draft preparation and roster construction as we rapidly approach the regular season.

Enthusiasm for the best ball format remains enormous as it provides the opportunity to instantly complete all forms of roster management at the conclusion of each draft. However, that aspect of the best-ball draft process should be integrated into your decision-making process during each selection. This is because the absence of a waiver wire elevates the importance of constructing rosters that are designed to minimize the impact of injuries and other challenges that emerge during the season.

The team at RotoBaller has just updated our tiered rankings in the best ball format, which will help you prepare for your upcoming drafts. We are also delivering a detailed analysis of these rankings and this article will examine wide receivers who are contained in tiers 4-9. We will continue to update our rankings throughout the offseason and you can find a full breakdown of Tiers 1-3 here.

Wide Receiver Best-Ball Rankings

Tier 4

Chris Olave, Amari Cooper, Keenan Allen, Calvin Ridley, Deebo Samuel, Christian Watson

Olave’s ADP has ascended to the threshold of WR1 territory (25/WR13). That is justifiable based on the numbers that he assembled despite a late-season hamstring injury and the constraints of a limited offense in 2022. Olave was leading all rookies in multiple categories from Weeks 1-12, while soaring to 10th overall in both targets (92/8.4 per game) and receiving yards (822/74.7 per game).

Everyone loves Chris Olave highlights 🥳

🎥: https://t.co/KlYFEtTVGF pic.twitter.com/43Tuo7U40a

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) June 27, 2023

Olave was also second in air yards (1,347), and seventh in both yards per route run (2.65), and targets per route run (29.7%), during that span before his aforementioned hamstring issue contributed to declining per-game averages in targets (4.5), receptions (3.5), and receiving yards (47.5) from Weeks 15-17. However, Olave should flourish in a restructured passing attack that will be led by former Raider QB Derek Carr. He should minimally function as a high-end WR2 and could become the most prolific member of his class this season.

36 wide receivers were selected before Cooper during the 2022 draft season following the unexpected trade that sent him from Dallas to Cleveland. However, he easily surpassed those tempered expectations while rising to WR8 from Weeks 1-12. He also finished fifth in air yards (1,172), ninth in targets (93/8.5 per game/26.6% share), 11th in targets per route run (26.7%), and 12th in both receptions (57/5.2 per game) and receiving yards (792/72 per game), while Jacoby Brissett was guiding the Browns’ attack.

COOOOOOOP! 🗣

Amari Cooper scores his second touchdown in as many games! pic.twitter.com/w46CJVVqCQ

— PFF CLE Browns (@PFF_Browns) September 23, 2022

Cooper’s per-game averages declined (6.5 targets/3.5 receptions/61.3 yards) while Deshaun Watson was spearheading the offense in Weeks 13-18, although Watson’s protracted absence was a factor in his failure to operate with the same effectiveness that he delivered during his three Pro Bowl seasons (2018-2020). Cooper should function as Cleveland’s most productive receiving option, while Elijah Moore should remain highly involved as the Browns’ WR2.

Speculation emerged during the initial weeks of the offseason surrounding the potential for Allen to relocate to a new environment. This was a byproduct of his contract before Allen signed a new deal that cleared $8.9 million in cap space, which ensured that the 11-year veteran will retain his critical role in the Chargers’ aerial attack. The reconstructed deal also positions Allen to match or surpass the expectations of his current ADP (37/WR16), particularly if he can approach the level of production that he delivered during his final eight games in 2022.

Allen resurfaced following a protracted hamstring injury and skyrocketed into the league lead in both receptions (60/7.5 per game) and red zone targets (15) from Weeks 11-18. He also rose to second in targets (83/10.4 per game), fifth in receiving yards (675/84.4 per game), sixth in yards after catch (243), and ninth in targets per route run (33.5%).

Allen was also fourth in the league over that span with an average of 18.8 points per game. The collective arrival of offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and first-round selection Quentin Johnston should not impede Allen from assembling one more highly-productive season.

Calvin Ridley is receiving some high praise from one of his new teammates 👀 pic.twitter.com/NBJB5wPqTk

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) July 2, 2023

Ridley’s ADP has steadily advanced from the bottom of Round 6 (71/WR31) to Round 4 (45/WR19) since he was reinstated by the NFL in March. That eliminated any questions surrounding his availability while lingering concerns about the residual effect of his lengthy absence can be offset by the enticement of his impending opportunity within an emerging offense.

Ridley’s capabilities were on display during his 2020 breakout season when he skyrocketed to the league lead in air yards (2,018) and yards before the catch (1,099), while eclipsing 100+ yards in a league-best eight games. He also rose to fourth in receiving yards (1,374/91.6 per game) and seventh in targets (143/9.5 per game), while accumulating nine touchdowns, and averaging 18.8 points per game. Ridley will not replicate those numbers but he should ascend into WR1 responsibilities for Jacksonville while operating as a high-end WR2 on your rosters.

Samuel’s statistical eruption in 2021 was fueled by Kyle Shanahan’s decision to deploy him as a multi-purpose resource. This launched Samuel to third with an average of 21.1 points per game. He was also fifth in receiving yards (1,405/87.8 per game), led the league in yards per target (11.6), yards per reception (18.2), and also paced his position in rushing yardage (365/30.4 per game) and rushing touchdowns (eight).

Samuel contended with injuries in 2022 (hamstring/ankle/knee) while his rushing workload was impacted by the arrival of Christian McCaffrey. He also experienced a drop in his average in points per game (13.0), along with his declines in receiving yards (632/48.6 per game), air yards (1,068/419), yards per target (11.6/6.7), aDOT (8.4/4.3), and yards before catch per reception (8.3/2.5).

Samuel should deliver highly productive outings that could be interspersed with other games in which competition for touches will negatively impact his output. However, that will be less problematic in the best ball format.

Watson was limited to an uninspiring 23.6% snap share and 6.1% target share from Weeks 2-9 while averaging just 2.0 targets/1.6 receptions/10.8 receiving yards during those matchups.

CHRISTIAN WATSON:

5 TOUCHDOWNS IN 2 WEEKS 🔥 pic.twitter.com/s8eYvqsYGV

— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) November 18, 2022

However, his target share (22.4%), and snap share (77%) both rose sizably from Weeks 10-18, as Watson averaged 6.4 targets/3.9 receptions/65.4 yards per game during those contests. He also finished eighth with an average of 17.2 points per game and vaulted to the league lead with seven touchdowns. Watson also ascended to second in yards per route run (3.60), sixth in targets per route run (35.6%), and 10th in air yards (788) during that span.

Watson also vaulted to second with an average of 24.9 points per game from Weeks 10-12, while rising to fifth in air yards (346), and sixth in receiving yards (265/88.3 per game). Watson is capable of delivering low-end WR2 production while operating atop Green Bay’s depth chart.

Tier 5

D.J. Moore, Terry McLaurin, DeAndre Hopkins, Drake London, Tyler Lockett, Christian Kirk

Moore has been presented with an opportunity to operate with the most talented quarterback of his career after accumulating 5,201 yards (65 per game) during his five-year tenure with Carolina. Moore also finished seventh among all wide receivers in targets (534/8.3 per game), and receiving yards (4.413/69 per game), and 12th in receptions (309/4.8 per game) from 2019-2022.

“How does DJ Moore have upside in the Bears’ offense??”

freakin’ Darnell Mooney had a 27% target share in 2021 and we’ve seen DJ go beyond that…Fields doesn’t have to throw 500+ times for him to crack low-end WR1 value in a consolidated pass attackpic.twitter.com/HXsl8e6DDQ

— kev mahserejian (@RotoSurgeon) June 28, 2023

Moore will operate in an aerial attack that finished 32nd in pass play percentage (43.8%), and attempts per game (22.2) during 2022 but will be unchallenged in his role as Justin Fields’ primary receiver. Fields led all signal callers in rushing yards (1,143) and Chicago will retain a heavy reliance on the run. However, the Bears should also utilize their aerial attack with greater frequency. That would bolster Moore’s chances of delivering a WR2 output, as he will commandeer a sizable percentage of the targets that are distributed by Fields.

McLaurin has accumulated 120+ targets/77+ receptions/1,050+ receiving yards during each of his last three seasons, although his usage and output fluctuated with each transition under center during 2022. He only registered a 16.4% target share with Carson Wentz leading Washington's offense (Weeks 1-6) and was averaging 6.2 targets/3.7 receptions/61.2 yards per game during those matchups.

Terry McLaurin's routes are too smooth 🧈

(via @Commanders) pic.twitter.com/A4iLXnKdjc

— ESPN Fantasy Sports (@ESPNFantasy) June 2, 2023

McLaurin flourished with Taylor Heinicke guiding the attack as his target share improved to 28.4%, while he averaged 8.0 targets/5.6 receptions/80.6 yards per game from Weeks 7-16. McLaurin also ascended to third in yards per route run (3.52), air yards share (43.0%), eighth in receiving yards (725), and 10th in targets per route run (35%).

McLaurin also secured three of his six targets and generated 74 yards in Week 18 during Sam Howell’s lone game as the Commandeers’ starter. Now Howell should spearhead Washington’s reconstructed attack when the regular season launches. Even though Jahan Dotson is a legitimate breakout candidate, McLaurin should operate with a sizable target share. That justifies selecting him near his Round 6 ADP (61/WR26).

BREAKING: Titans signing WR DeAndre Hopkins to a 2-year, $26M deal worth up to $32M with incentives. (via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/0k1KLaYQHU

— NFL (@NFL) July 16, 2023

Hopkins’ nebulous status has lingered throughout the offseason, but his decision to sign a two-year contract with Tennessee brought a conclusion to the uncertainty. It also positions Hopkins to instantly rise atop the Titans’ depth chart, while seizing the team’s responsibilities as WR1.

Hopkins secured a league-high 48.3% target share during his season debut in Week 7, following the conclusion of his suspension for performance-enhancing substances. He also collected 10+ targets during seven of his nine matchups last season, while Jefferson and Adams were the only wide receivers who accumulated more targets from Weeks 7-16 - when Hopkins was functioning as the Cardinals’ WR1.

Hopkins also ascended to third in receptions (64/7.1 per game), and fourth in targets (96/10.7 per game), during that sequence and was fourth in targets per route run (36.4%), and sixth in air yards (976).

One of the best in the business is headed to Tennessee. 🍿@DeAndreHopkins | @Titans pic.twitter.com/pWIeB7EyaY

— NFL (@NFL) July 16, 2023

Hopkins will now catapult Treylon Burks for the opportunity to operate with the largest target share among Tennessee’s receiving options and he should supply fantasy managers with low-end WR2 output.

Arthur Smith’s relentless commitment toward operating with a ground-oriented approach fueled the Falcons’ rise to the league lead in rushing attempts (559/32.9 per game), while Atlanta also finished second in run play percentage (55.3%). However, London operates with a cavernous path toward extensive targeting whenever the Falcons utilize their aerial attack.

London finished third among all wide receivers in target share (30.0%) and rose to ninth in targets per route run (29.2%) from Weeks 1-18. His target share also improved to a league-high 33.0% after Desmond Ridder replaced Marcus Mariota under center from Weeks 15-18. London also ascended to second in targets per route run (33.0%), third in yards per route run (3.66), and finished inside the top 10 in targets (36/9.0 per game), receptions (25/6.3 per game), and receiving yards (333/83.3 per game) during that sequence.

Big sophomore season for @DrakeLondon_ in the ATL? pic.twitter.com/gMtEVv8iCm

— NFL (@NFL) July 2, 2023

London also secured the 11th-highest grade among wide receivers from PFF and the numbers that he attained with Ridder spearheading Atlanta’s offense provide a legitimate reason for optimism that he can minimally function as a WR3 on your rosters.

Even though Lockett will turn 31 in September, he should still be capturing the attention of fantasy managers, due to the consistency and productivity that he continues to deliver. Only seven wide receivers have accumulated more yards since 2018 (5,284/66.1 per game), as Lockett has also generated 1,030+ during each of his last four seasons.

Lockett is also eighth in receptions (396/5.0 per game) during that span and has also accumulated 45 touchdowns, which is the fourth-highest total among all wide receivers. He has also finished at WR16 or better during each of his last five seasons and was also 16th with an average of 14.8 points per game in 2022.

Seattle secured Jaxon Smith-Njigba in Round 1 of April’s NFL Draft and he will eventually commandeer a substantial role with the Seahawks. However, Lockett is capable of operating as a low-end WR2 once again this season.

Kirk resurfaced in Jacksonville during 2022 and promptly constructed the most productive season of his career. He averaged 14.2 points per game, which represented a rise from his averages during four seasons with Arizona (12.6/10.5/12.9 /10.3).

TOUCHDOWN TREVOR!!!!!! Lawrence throws a dot to Christian Kirk and the Jags are on the board!!!! 🎯

pic.twitter.com/iydYfMZMlC

— Austin Pendergist (@apthirteen) January 8, 2023

Kirk also averaged 90 targets (6.4 per game), 59 receptions (4.2 per game), and 726 yards (51.8 per game) during his tenure with the Cardinals before he established career highs in targets (133/7.8 per game), receptions (84/4.9 per game), receiving yards (1,108 65.2 per game), and yards before catch (737) while finishing among the top 15 in each category. He also finished sixth in routes run (572) and tied for eighth in touchdowns (eight).

Kirk will retain a sizable role in Jacksonville’s ascending offense while joining Ridley as Trevor Lawrence’s most targeted and productive receiving options. He is currently being selected as a high-end WR3 and can be targeted once your drafts have entered Round 6.

Tier 6

Mike Williams, Chris Godwin, Jerry Jeudy, Brandon Aiyuk, Marquise Brown, Jahan Dotson, Jordan Addison, Diontae Johnson, Michael Pittman Jr.

Williams has never been available for all 16 games during any of his six seasons, including the four matchups he missed due to a troublesome ankle in 2022. That contributed to the consistent decline in his numbers when contrasted with his results during the previous season - when Williams secured career highs in targets (129/8.1 per game), red zone targets (23), receptions (76/4.8 per game), receiving yards (1,146/71.6 per game), and air yards (1,497). However, last year’s numbers decreased in each category – (93 targets/7.2 per game), (14 red zone targets), (63 receptions/4.8 per game), (895 receiving yards/68.8 per game), (1,116 air yards).

Johnston looms as a threat to Williams’ target share beyond 2023 although the Chargers’ first-round selection is more likely to impact Josh Palmer’s involvement this season. However, Williams’ track record is laden with health issues, which places you at risk of eventual disappointment if you invest in him at his current ADP (66/WR28).

Godwin made a successful return following his torn ACL during Tampa Bay’s 2022 season opener but promptly encountered a hamstring issue that sidelined him after just 19 snaps. He re-emerged to average 9.9 targets per game from Weeks 4-18, while his 139 targets trailed only Justin Jefferson, Davante Adams, and Tyreek Hill during that span. He also rose to second overall with 101 receptions (7.2 per game) and was third in routes run (488), and ninth in receiving yards (988/70.6 per game).

The 27-year-old Godwin now returns to an offense that is undergoing a significant transition that will result in either Baker Mayfield or Kyle Trask emerging as the Buccaneers’ starting signal caller. Both options are uninspiring, although Godwin should lead Tampa Bay's reconstructed attack in targets. That makes him a viable option at his Round 6 ADP.

Is @JahanDotson about to level up in Year 2? 📈 pic.twitter.com/4y9pyGcgFq

— NFL (@NFL) July 5, 2023

Jeudy has now ascended among this year’s more intriguing options when your drafts are approaching Round 5, as he is primed to emerge as the most targeted weapon in Sean Payton’s reconstructed offense. This also positions Jeudy to sustain the favorable numbers that he delivered from Weeks 6-18. That included his team-high target share from Weeks 6-8 (26.0%), when he finished ninth in targets (25/8.3 per game)) and 10th in receptions (16/5.3 receptions). Jeudy also operated with a 25.5% target share from Weeks 14-18 while vaulting to fourth in both routes run (201) and receiving yards (458/91.6 per game).

Jerry Jeudy with his third touchdown of the game!

The Broncos star is scorching the Chiefs defense.

🎥 @NFL | @Broncos pic.twitter.com/z9JWO4LSba

— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 11, 2022

Jeudy will be operating within an arsenal of receiving weaponry that includes Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick, Greg Dulcich, and second-round selection Marvin Mims Jr. However, Jeudy also possesses the talent to remain atop the depth chart and is capable of building upon the proficiency that he displayed during last season’s statistical surge. That should result in low-end WR2 production for anyone who targets him near his ADP (47/WR20).

Aiyuk finished among the top 25 in targets (114 targets/6.7 per game), receptions (78 receptions/4.6 per game), and receiving yards (1,015/59.7 per game) while securing career-highs in each category. He also established new career bests in red zone targets (15), routes run (487), air yards (1,105), yards before catch 627), yards after catch (388), and touchdowns (eight).

What a catch by Brandon Aiyuk 😳

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/SBYOsaQVrL

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) January 16, 2022

Aiyuk remains capable of exceeding the numbers that he delivered in 2022 due to his exceptional talent and the opportunities to secure separation in an offense that is designed by Kyle Shanahan. Aiyuk will also share touches with Samuel, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey, which presents the primary obstacle in his path toward generating the most prolific numbers of his career.

Aiyuk should still maintain a sizable role in Shanahan’s play-calling during the majority of his matchups, which destines him to surpass the expectations of his Round 7 ADP (72/WR30). He could also operate as a high-end WR2 if Samuel and Kittle are unable to avoid health issues.

Arizona’s decision to release Hopkins has also positioned Brown to operate as the Cardinals’ WR1. He functioned effectively in that capacity last season while Hopkins was serving his six-game suspension, as Brown’s 64 targets (10.7 per game) were exceeded only by Cooper Kupp, Tyreek Hill, and Stefon Diggs.

Brown also rose to third in routes run (260), fifth in receptions (43), and seventh in receiving yards (485/80.8 per game) during that sequence, before he was sidelined by a fractured foot in Weeks 7-11. Brown's impending opportunity would be eliciting more interest from fantasy managers if Arizona’s situation at quarterback was more favorable.  

However, it remains uncertain when Kyler Murray will resurface, and the Cardinals' aerial attack might be spearheaded by Colt McCoy or Clayton Tune. The combination of an unsettled situation under center and the deficiencies that will exist in Arizona's offense should encourage you to avoid selecting Brown before Round 7.

Dotson has emerged as a viable breakout candidate after he delivered promising results while contending with a problematic hamstring in 2022. He led Washington in snap share (91.2%), routes run (140), and receiving touchdowns (three), from Weeks 1-3 before sustaining the hamstring injury in Week 4. He later resurfaced to lead the Commanders in targets (26/6.5 per game), receptions (16/4.0 per game), receiving yards (290/72.5 per game), air yards (382), air yards share (36.8%), and yards after catch (83) from Weeks 15-18.

Dotson also tied with Christian Watson for the most touchdowns among all rookies (seven), while also finishing 10th overall in yards before catch per reception (11.0) and 14th in aDOT (13.5) from Weeks 1-18. Dotson is capable of approaching WR2 output during his first year with Eric Bieniemy as Washington’s offensive coordinator. This makes him a strong candidate to outperform the expectations of his Round 8 ADP (91/WR40).

Addison delivered a breakout season at age 18 and also received the prestigious Biletnikoff Award during his two years at Pitt. He then became Caleb Williams’ top receiving option at USC. He was also the only member of this year's rookie class who surpassed 1,000 yards against man coverage according to PFF, while also finishing fourth along newcomers with an average of 3.29 yards per route run. 

Caleb Williams to Jordan Addison FTW‼️

Fight On ✌🏾✌🏾

(🎥: @Espn_Jordan, @CALEBcsw, @Pac12Network) pic.twitter.com/oYwAK0rWHJ

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) September 25, 2022

Addison later became the beneficiary of an exceptional landing spot during April’s NFL Draft and will now be infused into a Minnesota offense that finished third in both pass play percentage (64.4%) and attempts per game (39.6) during Kevin O’Connell’s first year as head coach. Addison should emerge as an immediate starter for the Vikings and the combination of his refined route running and prowess at exploiting soft spots in zone coverage will propel him to WR3 putout. That makes him an enticing option in Round 8 of your drafts.

Johnson’s 2022 numbers were a frequent source of frustration for fantasy managers who had seized him during Round 4 of 2022 drafts. Johnson did finish sixth in targets (147/8.6 per game) while also rising to third in routes run (594). However, he experienced declines in a collection of other categories when contrasted with the career highs that he accumulated during 2021. That includes his diminished numbers in receptions per game (6.7/5.1), yards per game (72.6/51.9), yards after catch (543/236), receptions of 20+ (14/7), and games of 100+ yards (3/0).

Johnson also failed to generate a touchdown which established unwanted records for the most targets (147), and receptions (86) without producing a score. His disappointing numbers have presented an opportunity to secure Johnson at his diminished ADP, as he is currently being selected in Round 7  (70/WR29).

Pittman exceeded his previous career highs in targets (141/8.8 per game) and receptions (99/6.2 per game) during 2022, but he also experienced declines in a cluster of categories when contrasted with 2021 – including yards per game (63.6/57.8), yards per target (8.4/6.6), yards per reception (12.3/9.3), and aDOT (9.8/6.9).

He remains the unquestioned WR1 for the Colts, although an offseason transformation remains underway in Indianapolis. Shane Steichen will design a restructured offense that will be spearheaded by the team’s first-round selection Anthony Richardson. The timeline for Richardson’s ascension into the starting role is uncertain, although it will fuel a sizable decline in the team’s reliance on their aerial attack, whenever it occurs.

The Colts ranked 10th in both pass play percentage (60.2%) and attempts per game (35.5) last season, and it will be difficult for Pittman to reach last year’s target and yardage totals in Indy’s reshaped offense.

Tier 7-9

Mike Evans, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Quentin Johnston, George Pickens, Gabe Davis, Brandin Cooks, Rashod Bateman, Zay Flowers, Kadarius Toney, Treylon Burks, Elijah Moore

The value for wide receivers that are contained in tiers 7-9 could rise or descend due to various factors that might emerge before the conclusion of draft season.

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