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Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings (Tiers 4-8) - Best Ball Leagues

Drake London - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Wide receiver rankings analysis for 2022 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 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 4-8. We will continually update our rankings in every format throughout the offseason and you can find a full breakdown of Tiers 1-3 here.

Editor's Note: Access RotoBaller’s trusted fantasy football rankings for PPR, Standard, Dynasty, Super Flex, and Best Ball formats. Get tiered cheat sheets, expert analysis, and player outlooks to dominate your draft from every angle.

 

Wide Receiver Best-Ball Rankings

Position Rank Position  Tier Player Name Overall Rank Overall Tier
1 1 Justin Jefferson 1 1
2 1 Ja'Marr Chase 2 1
3 1 Tyreek Hill 5 1
4 1 Cooper Kupp 6 1
5 2 Stefon Diggs 7 2
6 2 CeeDee Lamb 8 2
7 2 A.J. Brown 9 2
8 2 Davante Adams 13 2
9 2 Amon-Ra St. Brown 14 2
10 2 Jaylen Waddle 15 2
11 3 Garrett Wilson 19 2
12 3 DeVonta Smith 26 3
13 3 DK Metcalf 29 4
14 3 Tee Higgins 30 4
15 3 Chris Olave 32 4
16 3 Amari Cooper. 39 4
17 3 DeAndre Hopkins 40 4
18 3 DJ Moore 43 4
19 3 Christian Watson 44 4
20 4 Calvin Ridley 45 4
21 4 Chris Godwin 47 4
22 4 Michael Pittman Jr. 49 4
23 4 Deebo Samuel 50 5
24 4 Drake London 52 5
25 4 Mike Evans 54 5
26 4 Mike Williams 55 5
27 4 Jerry Jeudy 57 5
28 4 Terry McLaurin 58 6
29 5 Keenan Allen 60 6
30 5 Tyler Lockett 62 6
31 5 Jameson Williams 63 6
32 5 Marquise Brown 65 6
33 5 Treylon Burks 67 6
34 5 Jaxon Smith-Njigba 68 6
35 5 Christian Kirk 73 6
36 5 Jahan Dotson 75 7
37 5 Diontae Johnson 76 7
38 6 Rashod Bateman 78 7
39 6 Brandon Aiyuk 82 7
40 6 George Pickens 84 7
41 6 Brandin Cooks 85 7
42 6 Gabe Davis 89 8
43 6 Jordan Addison 91 8
44 6 Quentin Johnston 92 8
45 6 Courtland Sutton 95 8
46 6 Zay Flowers 109 9
47 6 Kadarius Toney 110 9
48 7 Elijah Moore 111 9
49 7 Tyler Boyd 112 10
50 7 Jakobi Meyers 113 10
51 7 Darnell Mooney 115 10
52 7 JuJu Smith-Schuster 117 10
53 7 Jalin Hyatt 120 10
54 7 K.J. Osborn 121 10
55 7 Michael Thomas 123 10
56 7 Skyy Moore 125 10
57 7 Adam Thielen 127 10
58 8 Zay Jones 132 10
59 8 Alec Pierce 136 11
59 8 Rondale Moore 138 11
60 8 Allen Lazard 139 11
61 8 Josh Downs 140 11
62 8 Romeo Doubs 144 11
63 8 Donovan Peoples-Jones 145 11
64 8 DJ Chark 148 12
65 8 Joshua Palmer 150 12
66 8 Nico Collins 151 12
67 9 Michael Gallup 152 12
68 9 Marquez Valdes-Scantling 156 12
69 9 Rashid Shaheed 157 12
70 9 Hunter Renfrow 167 13
71 9 Chase Claypool 168 13
72 9 Curtis Samuel 172 13
73 9 Isaiah Hodgins 173 13
74 9 Odell Beckham Jr. 178 14
75 9 Wan'Dale Robinson 179 14
76 10 Tim Patrick 180 14
77 10 Khalil Shakir 187 14
78 10 Marvin Mims 192 14
79 10 Tyquan Thornton 193 14
80 10 John Metchie 195 14
81 10 Kayshon Boutte 196 14
82 10 Russell Gage 206 15
83 10 Allen Robinson II 208 15
84 10 Darius Slayton 212 15
85 10 Parris Campbell 213 15
86 10 Mecole Hardman 216 15
87 11 Terrace Marshall Jr. 217 15
88 11 Deonte Harty 218 15
89 11 Rashee Rice 222 16
90 11 Robert Woods 224 16
91 11 Van Jefferson 225 16
92 11 Trey Palmer 226 16
93 11 David Bell 231 16
94 11 Isaiah McKenzie 238 16
95 11 DeVante Parker 239 16
96 11 Tyler Scott 243 16
97 11 Cedric Tillman 245 16
97 11 Nick Westbrook-Ikhine 248 17
98 11 Jauan Jennings 254 17
99 12 Trent Sherfield 256 17
100 12 Corey Davis 257 17
101 12 Laviska Shenault Jr. 261 17
102 12 K.J. Hamler 263 18
103 12 Kyle Philips 268 18
104 12 Nelson Agholor 269 18
105 12 Quez Watkins 271 18
106 12 Trent Taylor 272 18
107 12 Josh Reynolds 274 18
108 12 Greg Dortch 276 18

 

Tier 4

Calvin Ridley, Chris Godwin, Michael Pittman, Deebo SamuelDrake London, Mike Evans, Mike Williams, Jerry Jeudy, Terry McLaurin

Fantasy managers were incentivized to select Ridley during Round 2 of 2021 drafts (14/WR4) following the exceptional numbers that he assembled in 2020. Ridley led the league in air yards (2,018), and yards before the catch (1,099), during that breakout year, while finishing second in air yards share (41.6%), fourth in both points per game scoring (15.8), and receiving yards (1,374/91.6 per game), and seventh in targets (143/9.5 per game).

2020 Weeks 1-18 Rec Yards 100+ 
Stefon Diggs 1535 7
DeAndre Hopkins 1407 7
Justin Jefferson 1400 7
Calvin Ridley 1374 8
Davante Adams 1374 7
D.K. Metcalf 1303 5
Tyreek Hill 1276 3
Allen Robinson 1250 4
D.J. Moore 1193 4
Brandin Cooks 1150 3

 

2020 Weeks 1-18 Air Yards AY %
Calvin Ridley 2018 41.56
D.K. Metcalf 1768 39.21
Stefon Diggs 1713 34.24
Tyreek Hill 1708 35.92
D.J. Moore 1551 40.76
Jerry Jeudy 1541 30.64
Allen Robinson 1454 30.62
Marvin Jones 1441 30.31
Chase Claypool 1438 31.13
DeAndre Hopkins 1423 32.71

Calvin Ridley = ELITE receiver.

Ridley only played in five games during 2021 before requesting a personal leave to focus on his mental health. He was also suspended throughout 2022 for betting on NFL games during 2021. However, any lingering concerns regarding his extensive absence should be superseded by his prospects of capturing a significant role in the Jaguars’ rapidly emerging offense.

Godwin reemerged in Week 1 from his significant knee injury (ACL/MCL). However, he only played on 19 snaps before suffering a hamstring injury that sidelined him until Week 4. Godwin was targeted extensively after he resurfaced, which launched him to fourth among all wide receivers with 139 (9.9 per game) from Weeks 4-18.

He was also targeted on 28.5% of his 488 routes which propelled him to second in receptions (101/7.2), and ninth in receiving yards (988/70.7 per game). Tom Brady averaged a league-high 43.1 attempts per game and Brady’s departure will ensure a decrease in the number of targets that will be distributed to the Buccaneers’ receiving weaponry. This should compel you to avoid selecting Godwin until Round 5 of your drafts.

Pittman rose to 11th with a career-high 141 targets (8.8 per game) last season and was eighth with a career-best 99 receptions (6.2 per game). However, he dropped to 24th in receiving yards (925/57.8 per game) after finishing 16th in 2021 (1,082/63.6 per game). He also registered career lows in yards per target (6.6), and yards after the catch per reception (3.6).

Those declining numbers were a byproduct of deficiencies at quarterback. However, the Colts should address the position during the NFL Draft, and there is a reason for optimism surrounding the arrival of head coach Shane Steichen. No other wide receiver reached a 16% target share for Indianapolis during 2021 or 2022, and Pittman is positioned to capitalize on any upgrade in efficiency under center.

Samuel skyrocketed to second with an average of 18.8 points per game during 2021, while thriving as a multi-purpose weapon. Samuel also placed fifth in receiving yards (1,405/87.8 per game), while leading all backs in rushing attempts (59), rushing yards (365), and rushing touchdowns (8).

Year Targets Yards/Targ Targ/Gm Rec Rec/Gm
2021 121 11.6 121 77 4.8
2022 94 6.7 7.2 56 4.3

 

Year Rec Yards Yards/Rec Yards/Gm Yards/Targ Air Yards
2021 1405 18.2 87.8 11.6 1068
2022 632 11.3 48.6 6.7 419

However, the convergence of various factors fueled a drop in his numbers in 2022. He finished 24th with an average of 10.8 points per game, while also experiencing 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), yards before catch per reception (8.3/2.5), and receptions of 20+ (23/7). He was also limited to 42 rushing attempts, 232 rushing yards, and three rushing touchdowns.

The combination of Christian McCaffrey‘s extensive workload (19.2 touches per game) and San Francisco’s unresolved situation at quarterback should compel fantasy managers to avoid drafting Samuel before Round 4 during your upcoming drafts.

London was infused into an offense that ranked 31st in both pass play percentage (44.7%) and passing attempts per game (24.4) during his rookie season. This impacted his ability to stockpile receptions and yardage but did not preclude him from securing the league’s third-highest target share (30.0%) or finishing ninth in targets per route run (29.2%).

Weeks 15-18 Rec Rec/Gm Yards Yards/Gm Targets Targ/Gm
CeeDee Lamb 33 8.3 398 99.5 39 9.8
Keenan Allen 32 8 352 88 40 10
Chris Godwin 31 7.8 321 80.3 34 8.5
DeVonta Smith 29 7.3 421 105.3 41 10.3
Justin Jefferson 29 7.3 309 77.3 42 10.5
Drake London 25 6.3 333 83.3 36 9
Jerry Jeudy 25 6.3 385 96.3 32 8
K.J. Osborn 25 6.3 350 87.5 33 8.3
Amon-Ra St. Brown 24 6 263 65.8 37 9.3
A.J. Brown 23 5.8 476 119 43 10.8

 

Weeks 15-18 TPRR% YPRR
Christian Watson 35.2 2.96
Drake London 33 3.06
Keenan Allen 32.8 2.89
Mike Williams 32.1 3.2
Michael Pittman Jr. 31.5 1.57
Chris Olave 29.6 2.18
Allen Lazard 29.1 1.95
A.J. Brown 28.7 3.17
Garrett Wilson 28.4 1.45
Russell Gage 27.6 1.76
Amon-Ra St. Brown 27.4 1.95

Atlanta transitioned from Marcus Mariota to Desmond Ridder in Week 15 which fueled a surge in London’s numbers during his last four contests.

He soared to a league-best 33.0% target share while rising to second in targets per route run (33.0%), third in air yards share (47.2%), and sixth in receptions (25/6.3 per game). London is primed to commandeer a sizable target share and his production will rise if Arthur Smith expands his deployment of the Falcon’s aerial attack.

Evans has already accumulated over 10,000 yards since entering the NFL in 2014 while constructing a historic streak of nine consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and averaging 76.1 per game. 3,165 of those yards were assembled as Evans operated with Tom Brady under center from 2020-2022. However, Tampa Bay is undertaking a sizable transition during the offseason. This will fuel a decrease in the Buccaneers' reliance on their passing attack after Brady led the league with 733 attempts last season.

That is hardly a favorable development for Evans, who will be dependent upon Baker Mayfield or Kyle Trask to locate him downfield. He will also turn 30 in August, and the potential for diminished opportunities in a transformed attack should encourage you to avoid him until Round 6 of your drafts.

Williams assembled promising numbers from Weeks 1-5 as he rose to 13th in targets (44/8.8 per game). and ninth in routes run (198). He was also 10th in air yards (496), and 11th in both receiving yards (382/78.4 per game) and air yards share (39.3%). A problematic ankle limited Williams to six snaps from Weeks 8-13 before he returned to average 7.0 targets/ 5.3 receptions/88.3 yards per game from Weeks 14-17.

Williams will turn 29 in October but should join Keenan Allen in operating as Justin Herbert’s top two options at wide receiver for one more season. The Chargers could also inject another receiver into the equation during the NFL draft, but Williams should function as a WR3 if he can evade another lingering injury.

Jeudy appeared destined for a third consecutive disappointing season after his initial matchups unfolded, as he trailed Courtland Sutton in target share from Weeks 2-5 (32%/18%), was averaging just 2.5 receptions/33.5 yards per game, and his catch rate languished at 45.5%. However, Jeudy catapulted Sutton to lead the Broncos in target share from Weeks 6-8 (26.0%/16.0%) while rising to ninth in targets (25/8.3 per game), and 10th in receptions (16/5.3 receptions).

Jeudy’s target share also expanded to 25.5% from Weeks 14-18 while he ascended to fourth in both routes run (201), and receiving yards (458/91.6 per game), and his catch rate improved to 80.5%. Despite lingering trade rumors, Jeudy can build upon those promising numbers if Denver’s transition to Sean Payton’s fuels a rise in efficiency from Russell Wilson.

McLaurin's target share was limited to just 16.4% from Weeks 1-6 with Carson Wentz guiding Washington's offense, while he averaged 6.2 targets/3.7 receptions/61.2 yards per game during those matchups.

McLaurin’s target share expanded to 28.4% from Weeks 7-16 with Taylor Heinicke under center, while he averaged 8.0 targets/5.6 receptions/80.6 yards per game. 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 collected six targets and accumulated 74 receiving yards in Week 18 while operating with Sam Howell – who will be competing with Jacoby Brissett for the opportunity to spearhead the Commanders’ offense. McLaurin can be drafted as a WR3 despite the team’s nebulous situation at quarterback.

 

Tier 5

Keenan Allen, Tyler Lockett, Jameson Williams, Marquise Brown, Treylon Burks, Jaxon Smith-NjigbaChristian Kirk, Jahan Dotson,  Diontae Johnson 

Allen’s problematic hamstring limited him to 23 snaps from Weeks 2-10. However, anyone who had invested a Round 3 selection (32/WR13) in Allen was rewarded for their patience as he vaulted to second in targets from Weeks 11-18 (83/10.4 per game).

Weeks 11-18 Targets Targ/Gm Rec Rec/Gm Yards Yards/Gm
Justin Jefferson 84 10.5 59 7.4 749 93.6
Keenan Allen 83 10.4 60 7.5 675 84.4
Davante Adams 81 10.1 43 5.4 732 91.5
Garrett Wilson 79 9.9 41 5.2 582 72.8
Amon-Ra St. Brown 76 9.5 57 7.2 643 80.4
DeVonta Smith 75 9.4 49 6.2 715 89.4
A.J. Brown 72 9 44 5.5 771 96.4
Chris Godwin 69 9.9 56 7 548 78.3
CeeDee Lamb 68 8.5 54 6.8 653 81.6
Diontae Johnson 66 8.3 39 4.9 447 55.9

Allen also led the league with 60 receptions (7.5 per game), tied for the lead in red zone targets (15), and finished fifth in receiving yards (675/84.4 per game). Allen was also third in touchdowns (four), sixth in yards after catch (239), and was targeted on 33.5% of his routes.

Allen will turn 31 in April, but Justin Herbert’s penchant for targeting him repeatedly should incentivize you to secure him during Round 5 of your drafts.

Only 14 wide receivers have accumulated more targets than Lockett since 2019 (466/7.3 per game), while he is also 10th in receiving yards (4,319/67.5 per game) and eighth in receptions (339/5.3 per game) during that span. That includes his numbers during 2022 when Lockett finished 22nd in targets (117/7.3 per game), 14th in receptions (84/5.3 per game), and 18th in receiving yards (1,033/64.6 per game)

Lockett also tied for fourth with nine touchdowns and was 18th in routes run (513). He will turn 31 in September and Seattle could add another receiver during the NFL Draft. However, neither development will deter Lockett from operating as Seattle’s WR2, which positions him to provide low-end WR2 production to fantasy managers.

Williams should seize an expanded role in Detroit’s promising offense after progressing through a rookie season that was primarily dedicated to the restoration of his health. Williams only played on 78 snaps, while registering nine targets and a 41-yard reception in 2022. However, Williams should now resemble the explosive downfield weapon who accumulated 79 receptions, 1,572 receiving yards, and 15 touchdowns at Alabama in 2021 before he sustained a torn ACL during the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

Williams is now primed to capitalize on an impending rise in his usage which will unleash his home run capabilities. That provides your incentive for prioritizing him at his Round 7 ADP (75/WR32).

DeAndre Hopkins’ suspension provided a pathway for Brown to operate as Arizona’s primary receiver from Weeks 1-6, as Brown soared to fourth in targets (64/10.7 per game),  second in air yards (669), third in routes run (260), and fifth in receptions (43/7.2 per game). Brown sustained a fractured foot that sidelined him from Weeks 7-11 but averaged 7.2 targets/4.0 receptions/37.3 yards per game from Weeks 12-18.

Weeks 1-6 Targets Targ/Gm Rec Rec/Gm
Cooper Kupp 72 12 56 9.3
Tyreek Hill 65 10.8 50 8.3
Stefon Diggs 65 10.8 49 8.2
Marquise Brown 64 10.7 43 7.2
Justin Jefferson 63 10.5 46 7.7
Ja'Marr Chase 63 10.5 39 6.5
CeeDee Lamb 60 10 33 5.5
Diontae Johnson 57 9.5 33 5.5
Amari Cooper 55 9.2 31 5.2
Davante Adams 54 10.8 29 5.8

 

Weeks 1-6 Air Yards AY %
Chris Olave 744 36.72
Marquise Brown 669 40.5
Tyreek Hill 666 36.43
Stefon Diggs 641 34.78
Diontae Johnson 603 34.03
Mike Williams 597 38.62
Davante Adams 592 39.89
Tyler Lockett 589 38.35
Courtland Sutton 582 35.19
Amari Cooper 576 35.53

It remains unclear when Kyler Murray will reemerge (torn ACL), while the impending departure of Hopkins and the potential addition of new receivers creates uncertainty in Arizona’s transforming offense. That presents a risk in selecting Brown at his Round 7 ADP (85/WR37).

Health issues reduced Burks’ availability during 2022 (six missed games) but did not preclude him from operating with encouraging usage or demonstrating his big-play capabilities when he was in the lineup.

Burks captured a team-high 20.8% target share in Weeks 1-2 while leading all receivers in targets per route run (36.7%) and averaging 3.4 yards per route run. He also emerged from a lingering turf toe injury to lead all receivers in targets per route run (38.1%), yards per route run (5.3), in Week 11, while establishing season-highs in target share (29.6%), and receiving yards (111). Concerns surrounding Tennessee’s transition on offense can be neutralized by his status as the Titans' unchallenged WR1 - providing that the team does not add formidable competition for targets during the NFL Draft.

Smith-Njigba’s route-running acumen blended favorably with his impressive production during an exceptional 2021 season to provide the impetus for projecting him to become the most prolific member of this year’s rookie class. Smith-Njigba finished third with 1,606 yards as a sophomore and collected a school-record 95 receptions. He also averaged 4.01 yards per route run according to PFF while stockpiling 347 yards and three touchdowns during Ohio State’s Rose Bowl matchup.

He was limited to three games, and five receptions during 2022 while contending with a hamstring injury. However, he delivered the fastest times among all receivers in the three-cone (6.57) and the 20-yard shuttle (3.93) at the NFL Combine. His quickness and agility should minimally propel him to WR3 output and his outlook improves if he lands in a favorable environment.

Kirk’s exodus from Arizona during the 2022 offseason ignited significant interest and widespread criticism after Kirk signed a four-year, $72 million contract with the Jaguars, However, Kirk’s performance eviscerated all negative critiques as he operated effectively as Jacksonville’s WR1 while providing fantasy managers with WR2 production.

Kirk finished 15th with a career-high 133 targets (7.8 per game) and was 14th with a career-best 84 receptions (4.9 per game). He was also 13th with a career-high 1,108 receiving yards (65.2 per game) and vaulted to sixth in routes run (572). Kirk should approach WR2 output once again even though Calvin Ridley will secure a sizable role in Jacksonville's surging offense.

Dotson assembled encouraging results in Weeks 1-2 while finishing 15th in snap share (93.4%), third in routes run (92), and tying for second in touchdowns (3). He sustained a hamstring injury that sidelined him from Weeks 5-9 but reemerged to pace Washington in targets (35/7.0 per game), and targets per route run (29.9%), from Weeks 13-18.

He also led the Commanders in receptions (16/4.0 per game), receiving yards (290/72.5 per game), air yards (382), and yards per route run (2.48) from Weeks 15-18. Dotson should confiscate a larger target share during his second year and can elevate into high-end WR3 territory if that transpires.

Johnson’s ADP has dropped into Round 8 (84/WR36) in the aftermath of his disappointing numbers during 2022. He experienced a concerning decline in his receptions when contrasted with 2021 (107/6.7 per game), (86/5.1 per game), while he also plunged from ninth to 27th in yardage (1,161/72.6 per game), (882/51.9 per game), and plummeted from 10th to 46th in points per game (13.8/10.6).

Year Targets Targ/Gm Rec Rec/Gm Yards Yards/Gm
2021 169 10.6 107 6.7 1161 72.6
2022 147 8.6 86 5.1 882 51.9

 

Year YAC YPRR 20+ 40+ 100+ TDs
2021 543 1.59 14 4 3 8
2022 235 1.32 7 0 0 0

Johnson also established two unwanted records by collecting the most targets (147), and receptions (86) without generating a touchdown. His prospects for resurrecting those diminished numbers are dependent upon Kenny Pickett's level of improvement and Pittsburgh's ability to infuse imagination into their offensive approach.

 

Tier 6

Rashod BatemanBrandon Aiyuk,  George Pickens, Brandin Cooks, Gabe DavisJordan Addison, Quentin Johnston, Courtland Sutton, Zay Flowers, Kadarius Toney

Injuries have sidelined Bateman for 16 games during his first two seasons while preventing him from achieving the career progression that had been anticipated from a former first-round pick. A groin injury sidelined him for five contests during 2021, while Lisfranc surgery ended his second season after just six games.

He is positioned to function as Baltimore’s WR1 although the Ravens could secure another receiver during the NFL Draft. However, Bateman remains an enticing investment at his Round 9 ADP (98/WR42).

Aiyuk remained available until Round 9 of 2022 drafts (93/WR40), but easily surpassed the expectations of that ADP. He finished second overall in offensive snaps (1,110), while his career-best 114 targets (6.7 per game) placed him 25h overall. He also finished 19th with a career-high 78 receptions (4.6 per game), eclipsed 1,000 yards for the first time in his career (1,015/59.7 per game), and generated eight touchdowns.

San Francisco’s situation under center is unresolved although Aiyuk should retain an integral role in Kyle Shanahan’s attack following his performance in 2022.

The promise that Pickens displayed as an 18-year-old freshman at Georgia – 49 receptions/727 yards/8 touchdowns – was later blended with concerns surrounding the torn ACL that he sustained in 2021, which delayed his selection until Round 2 of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Pickens’ 2022 numbers were impacted by a Pittsburgh offense that lacked creativity.

However, he still finished 13th in routes run (532) and 20th in air yards (1,240). He is capable of providing an increased downfield presence if his 15.3% target share improves during his second season with Kenny Pickett.

Cooks’ encouraging numbers during 2021 (134 targets/8.4 per game), receptions (90/5.6 per game), (1,037 receiving yards/64.8 per game), (1,410 air yards) raised his ADP into Round 5 during the 2022 draft season (51/WR23).

Year Targets  Targ/Gm  Rec Rec/Gm Yards Yard/Gm
2021 134 8.4 90 5.6 1037 64.8
2022 93 7.2 57 4.4 699 53.8

However, injuries (wrist/calf), and his disenchantment with the Texans contributed to his disappointing results (93 targets/7.2 per game), (57 receptions/4.4 per game), (699 receiving yards/53.8 per game), (998 air yards).

Cooks’ 2023 outlook has been resuscitated after Houston jettisoned him to Dallas. He should catapult Michael Gallup for the Cowboys’ WR2 responsibilities and can operate as a WR3 for fantasy managers.

Davis’s outlook became a highly debated topic during the 2022 offseason following his late-season statistical surge in 2021 when Davis had averaged 8.0 targets/4.0 receptions/52 yards per game from Weeks 14-18.

However, Davis could not fulfill the lofty expectations of last year’s skyrocketing ADP (43/WR18), as he failed to surpass 39 yards in eight of his 15 matchups and did not exceed 5.8 points per game in seven of those contests. His status as Buffalo’s WR2 is now precarious as the Bills could add formidable competition for targets as the offseason advances.

Addison captured 100 receptions during his second season at Pittsburgh (2021) while leading all (FBS) wide receivers in touchdowns (17), and finishing fourth in receiving yards (1,593) – all of which propelled him to the Biletnikoff Award.

Addison did not replicate that success after transferring to USC in 2022 although he paced the Trojans in receptions (59), receiving yards (875), and touchdowns (eight). Addison’s ability to gain separation offsets concerns surrounding his size and physicality and he can become a resource for fantasy managers if he is infused into a favorable landing spot.

Johnston accumulated 115 receptions/2,190 yards/14 touchdowns during his three seasons at TCU. That includes his numbers during 2022 when he eclipsed 1,000 yards (1,069), captured 60 receptions, and generated six touchdowns.

He possesses a favorable combination of size, speed, and athleticism that should lead to mismatches as he operates as a sizable target for his quarterback. He can accrue significant yardage after the catch and his ADP (103/WR43) will rise if he is infused into a promising environment.

Russell Wilson’s arrival in Denver failed to provide the elixir that had been envisioned by anyone who seized Sutton at his 2022 ADP (35/WR15). He initially soared to third in air yards (568), and sixth in receiving yards (417/83.4 per game), from Weeks 1-5. while averaging a team-high 2.24 yards per route run.

However, Sutton plummeted to 31st in air yards (770) from Weeks 6-18, while averaging 1.40 yards per route run, 3.5 receptions, 41.2 yards, and 6.5 points per game. The Broncos’ offense should operate more effectively under Sean Payton although Sutton should only be selected as a WR3.

Flowers’ electrifying abilities as a playmaker have elevated him among the most intriguing options from this year’s rookie class. His appealing blend of speed, athleticism, and route-running prowess was on display when he accumulated 178 receptions/2,715 yards/26 touchdowns during his final three seasons at Boston College.

That includes his numbers during 2022 when he collected 78 receptions, assembled 1,077 yards, and generated 12 touchdowns. Flowers’ prospects of operating as an explosive weapon for fantasy managers will rise if he emerges in a favorable landing spot following the NFL Draft.

Toney had been relegated to just 35 snaps from Weeks 1-7 with the Giants and his numbers remained modest from Weeks 9-18 after New York sent him to Kansas City (109 snaps/17 targets/14 receptions/171 yards). His voluminous list of health issues is an ongoing concern. However, the exodus of JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Mecole Hardman has unclogged Toney’s lane toward an expanded target share. This blends the potential for both a reward and a sizable risk into any selection of Toney at his Round 8 ADP.

 

Tier 7-8

Elijah Moore, Tyler Boyd, Jakobi Meyers, Darnell Mooney, JuJu Smith-SchusterJalin HyattK.J. Osborn, Michael Thomas, Skyy Moore, Adam Thielen, Zay Jones,  Alec Pierce, Rondale Moore, Allen Lazard, Josh Downs, Romeo Doubs, Donovan Peoples-JonesD.J. Chark,  Joshua Palmer, Nico Collins

The wide receivers that are included in tiers 7 and 8 are located between WR49-WR66 in our latest rankings. Various factors would launch a rise or decline in the stock of these players as the offseason progresses.



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Joining Astros
MLB

White Sox-Guardians Postponed on Thursday
Brandon Aiyuk

Likely to Begin Season on PUP List, but Not Ruled Out for Week 1
Jameson Williams

Not in the Team's Long-Term Plans?
Tallison Teixeira

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Micah Parsons

Plans to be Present for Start of Training Camp
Derrick Lewis

Set To Headline UFC Nashville
Ikem Ekwonu

Next Up for Extension in Carolina?
Jalen Thompson

Heading into Last Year With Cardinals?
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Najee Harris

Suffers Eye Injury in Fireworks Mishap
Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Vitor Petrino

Set For His Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Set To Open Up UFC Nashville Main Card
Junior Tafa

Set For Light-Heavyweight Bout
Alex Bregman

Will Return to Red Sox This Weekend
Chris Sale

Braves Won't Consider Trading Chris Sale
Clarke Schmidt

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery on Friday
Nick Nash

Unlikely to Make Falcons Active Roster
Lane Johnson

in No Rush To Retire
Jalen Williams

Signs Contract Extension With Thunder
Blake Corum

has "Gotten His Speed Back"
Jarquez Hunter

Picking Up Rams Offense Quickly
Alijah Martin

Agrees to Two-Way Deal With Raptors
Tristan Vukcevic

Set to Return to Washington
Kirk Cousins

Feels Misled by Falcons
Bijan Robinson

Says Falcons Have "Outlandish Goals" for the Running Game
Luther Burden III

Bears Expect Luther Burden III to be Ready for Training Camp
Cole Kmet

an Unlikely Trade Piece
Tony Pollard

Titans Hope to Balance Rushing Attack With Tony Pollard, Tyjae Spears
Byron Buxton

Sitting Thursday
Quentin Johnston

Not Assured of Starting Role
Cordarrelle Patterson

on the Roster Bubble in Pittsburgh?
Shedeur Sanders

Not Assured of Roster Spot in Cleveland?
Wan'Dale Robinson

Hoping For More Downfield Opportunities
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Are "Actively Trying to Trade" Anfernee Simons
NBA

Alex Ducas Heading to Australia
Dominick Barlow

Inks Two-Way Deal With 76ers
Jordan McLaughlin

Spurs Re-Sign Jordan McLaughlin to One-Year Deal
Dylan Harper

Out Thursday, Expected to Play Saturday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Homers Twice on Wednesday
Mike Trout

Homers Twice in Win Over Rangers
Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Leads Yankees to Victory
Salvador Perez

Crushes Two Homers in Win
Cleveland Browns

Greg Newsome on the Trade Block?
VJ Edgecombe

Diagnosed with a Sprained Thumb
Zach Tom

An Extension Candidate in Green Bay
Devin Booker

Agrees to Extension with Phoenix
Trevor Williams

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery
Byron Buxton

Exits After Hit-by-Pitch, X-Rays Negative
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Playing on Wednesday
Alex Bregman

has "Really Good Chance" to Return Before All-Star Break
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Expected to Return on Friday
Walter Clayton Jr.

Leads Jazz to Summer League Win
Carter Bryant

Struggles in Summer League Loss
Kyle Filipowski

Drops a Double-Double in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Oklahoma City Thunder

Malevy Leons Logs Impressive Summer League Outing on Tuesday
Dalton Knecht

Collects 25 Points in Lakers Summer League Win
Los Angeles Lakers

Darius Bazley Drops 27 Points in Summer League on Tuesday
Gary Woodland

Looking to Find Rhythm at Scottish Open
Aaron Rai

Brings Consistent Play to Scottish Open
Maverick McNealy

a Solid Value Play at Scottish Open
Aldrich Potgieter

Making Scottish Open Debut
Tom Kim

Looks to Rebound at Scottish Open
Brian Harman

a Safe Option at Scottish Open
Luke Clanton

a Sneaky Value Play at Scottish Open
Sam Burns

Looking to Stay Hot at Scottish Open
Chet Holmgren

Agrees to Rookie Max Extension
Alex Bregman

Not Returning Wednesday
Jhoan Duran

Unavailable Due to Illness
Shane McClanahan

Tosses Clean Frame in First Rehab Appearance
Jacob Wilson

Day-to-Day After HBP
Nicolai Hojgaard

May Feel More at Home in Europe
Harry Hall

Showing Fine Form Heading to Scotland
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. to be Reassessed Wednesday
Ryan Fox

Playing Well Since Early Spring Struggles
Malaki Branham

Traded to Washington
Max Greyserman

has Solid History at the Genesis Scottish Open
Blake Wesley

Moves to Washington
Harris English

Aims High for Scotland Next
Corey Conners

Primed for the Genesis Scottish Open
Kelly Olynyk

on the Move Again
Daniel Brown

Attempts the Scottish Swing Again
Anthony Davis

Recovering From Eye Surgery
Jacob Bridgeman

Needs Putter to Work at Genesis Scottish Open
Scottie Scheffler

Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

a Smart Play for Scottish Open
Adam Scott

Looking to Build on History at The Renaissance Club
NASCAR

Sepp Straka Not Likely to Find Momentum at Scottish Open
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
NHL

Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons
Jack McBain

Inks New Five-Year Deal with Mammoth
Cam York

Re-Signs with Flyers for Five Years
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
Ty Gibbs

Finishes Second at Chicago and Advances in In-Season Challenge
Alex Bowman

Defeats Bubba Wallace in In-Season Challenge, but Not Without Controversy
Alex Bowman

Bubba Wallace Wrecked by Alex Bowman Again, Putting Playoffs in Doubt
Michael McDowell

Throttle Failure Ends Michael McDowell's Chances to Win at Chicago
Austin Hill

Earns First NASCAR Cup Series Top Ten at Chicago
Tyler Reddick

Scores a Strong Third-Place Run at Chicago
Kyle Busch

Matches his Best Career Finish At Chicago on Sunday
Denny Hamlin

Fights his Way to a Top-5 Finish at Chicago
William Byron

has his Worst Weekend of the Season at Chicago
Sonny Milano

on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Jakub Dobes

Signs Two-Year Deal with Canadiens
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF