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

April 2, 2023

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.

Wide Receiver Best-Ball Rankings

Tier 4

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

Calvin Ridley is back 👀 pic.twitter.com/feqM5rhxAG

— PFF (@PFF) March 6, 2023

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).

Calvin Ridley = ELITE receiver.

Take a look back at @CalvinRidley1's top catches of the 2020 season.

📺: https://t.co/8tGnbNnWW3 pic.twitter.com/WrL14Y27iq

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) January 11, 2021

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.

Chris Godwin makes his first catch eight months out from ACL surgery 💪

🎥 @Buccaneerspic.twitter.com/2e8yLpqVdw

— The Athletic NFL (@TheAthleticNFL) September 12, 2022

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.

Sam → Pitt for the TD.

📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/6EwZ1V7JW3

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) January 1, 2023

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).

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%).

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

High point!

📺 FOX | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/OP4cMTmXsS

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 24, 2022

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).

WEVE HEARD THIS BEFORE…

JERRY JEUDY TOUCHDOWN 🎩
pic.twitter.com/FnBjPLkmxY

— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) December 11, 2022

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.

WOW 🤯

Taylor Heinicke finds Terry McLaurin in the end zone to give the @Commanders the lead!

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/1v70BcWVpi

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) October 23, 2022

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-Njigba, Christian 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).

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.

.@TDLockett12 was open for business. 🫡

📺 next FOX pic.twitter.com/Rm7o2mQkSL

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) January 11, 2023

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.

Jan. 10, 2022: Jameson Williams tore his ACL in National Championship

Dec. 11, 2022: Jameson Williams records 1st NFL touchdown on 1st career catch 👏 pic.twitter.com/m4qCaNdOmr

— NFL (@NFL) December 11, 2022

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.

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.

Treylon Burks Top Plays of the 2022 Season @TreylonBurks pic.twitter.com/fxDr5AbbbQ

— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) January 20, 2023

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.

TOUCHDOWN SMITH-NJIGBA pic.twitter.com/IA27gmqMxe

— Mr. Ohio (@MrOH1O) July 27, 2022

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.

.@jaxon_smith1 had himself a DAY at the Combine.

📺: #NFLCombine continues today at 1pm ET on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/lMR3VaYVEk

— NFL (@NFL) March 5, 2023

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.

Christian Kirk diving catch for 6 🙌 @ckirk

📺: #JAXvsKC on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/WuzICNVJEJ pic.twitter.com/6H0AMjbdcN

— NFL (@NFL) November 13, 2022

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).

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 Bateman, Brandon Aiyuk,  George Pickens, Brandin Cooks, Gabe Davis, Jordan 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.

Lamar Jackson ➡️ RASHOD BATEMAN

75-YARD TOUCHDOWN

🎥: @Ravens pic.twitter.com/JMRf0dxfbi

— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) September 18, 2022

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.

This CATCH by George Pickens 😳 pic.twitter.com/O2D0sGA4Wf

— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) January 2, 2023

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).

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).

Brandin Cooks has recorded a 1,000-yard season with 4 different teams 🤯 pic.twitter.com/rDbXpSt9zR

— PFF (@PFF) March 21, 2023

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.

At least five defenders were in the area of Jordan Addison after making this catch, and he turned it into an explosive play.

His explosiveness and ability to change directions in a flash makes him dynamic after the catch. #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/N7nqVkIy4Y

— WBG84 (@WBG84) January 20, 2023

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.

.@TCUFootball - Quentin Johnston’s 24-yard touchdown 🔥#Big12FB x @OldTrapper x @TCU_Athletics pic.twitter.com/rRVKhqhxkW

— Big 12 Conference (@Big12Conference) October 9, 2022

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.

This ROUTE by Zay Flowers 😳

The Boston College WR is one of the best route runners in this year’s NFL Draft. pic.twitter.com/hBsVYMzb8d

— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) February 19, 2023

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-Schuster, Jalin Hyatt, K.J. Osborn, Michael Thomas, Skyy Moore, Adam Thielen, Zay Jones,  Alec Pierce, Rondale Moore, Allen Lazard, Josh Downs, Romeo Doubs, Donovan Peoples-Jones. D.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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