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Ranking The Top Fantasy Receiving Corps - Full AFC Rankings Part 2

It's time to take a look at the second part of the full AFC ranking of fantasy receiving corps. You can catch up on the complete list, starting with part one right here.

This top-seven grouping is one filled with some of the league's top offenses so expect a lot of fantasy firepower. Be sure to stay tuned to RotoBaller for the switch over to the NFC followed by the final NFL ranking of 1-32.

These rankings may help fantasy owners preparing for preseason drafts as NFL training camps get underway.

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! Sign Up Now!

 

AFC Fantasy Receiving Corps Ranks

7. Cincinnati Bengals

Notable Players: A.J. Green, John Ross

The presence of A.J. Green alone is enough to significantly bump the Bengals up in the AFC rankings. Specifically, Green is clearly locked into a top-seven spot at the position overall with some nitpicking amongst those around him. His 2016 season was marred by injury so you'll have to look to his previous few years in order to get a sense of what he's capable of. Rattling off his strong numbers isn't going to do much for you; virtually everyone who participates in fantasy is well aware of just how good Green can be.

The wildcard for Cincinnati is the addition of rookie John Ross. Ross was one of the top prospects at wide receiver and the Bengals were truly desperate for a legit No. 2 option at the position. While this isn't exactly an "air it out" offense, Ross gives Cincy some flexibility in their play calling. Andy Dalton could use another weapon at his disposal, especially considering his inconsistencies. Tyler Boyd could be flex-worthy in PPR leagues, but doesn't possess the highest ceiling around. The dual threat of Green and Ross is enough to net them the seventh spot in the AFC.

6. Denver Broncos

Notable Players: Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders

When Peyton Manning was at the helm, Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders boasted one of the most stellar stat lines to come from a wide receiver tag team in NFL history. Unfortunately, those days are long gone. Instead, Denver has one of the shakiest quarterback situations out there, hindering both Thomas and Sanders. These are still two very talented receivers who can contribute to your fantasy team albeit on a much smaller scale.

Thomas in particular still has the ability to net himself a mid-to-high WR2 type of year. He did just that in 2016 with 1,083 yards and five touchdowns on 90 receptions. Not quite the level of when he floated around 1,500 yards and had three consecutive years of double digit touchdowns. Nevertheless, Demaryius remains a solid piece in all formats.

Sanders isn't some throwaway receiver either. In fact, his numbers were almost identical to that of his WR counterpart. Sanders finished the year with 1,032 yards and five scores. So we're not really talking about a world of difference here. The combination of an unknown quarterback and insane depth at wide receiver across knocks the Broncos down a peg.

5. Los Angeles Chargers

Notable Players: Keenan Allen, Tyrell Williams

Let me be up front about this: I am a sucker for Keenan Allen. I am going to hammer this home until I am blue in the face. Allen is currently being labeled as injury prone thanks to having his last two seasons derailed by season ending injuries. The first of which was a lacerated kidney injury followed by a torn ACL. Any kind of internal organ injury is such a fluke thing that it's really unfair to chalk that up as "injury prone." It's not a severe ligament tear or a soft tissue injury. It's a very rare ailment that came during a strong season for Allen. Through eight games in 2015, Allen was on pace for 1,450 yards, eight touchdowns, and 134 receptions. That is top-five level production in PPR. With his injury history already baked into his ranking and ADP, Allen could be one of the biggest steals of the year.

The duo of Mike Williams and Tyrell Williams is one that is sure to make the Chargers offense as strong as ever in 2017. The cloud of mystery surrounding Mike Williams' back makes things a heck of a lot murkier, although the most recent update is that he does not need season ending surgery. Since that's the most up-to-date information we have, that's what we have to work with here. Mike Williams might not see a strong dose of targets to start his rookie year, but that doesn't mean he can't contribute. He's worth a late round look come draft time.

Tyrell Williams, on the other hand, is a sneaky pick who can creep up into WR3/flex status in any format. He's going fairly late in early drafts. Philip Rivers knows how to utilize his weapons as good as anyone in the league. Tyrell Williams should have no problem maintaining a role in the offense regardless of what happens with Mike Williams.

4. Indianapolis Colts

Notable Players: T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief

T.Y. Hilton had a huge year last year so that alone bumps the Colts up quite a bit. Throw in a presumed healthy Donte Moncrief and we're once again looking at a strong offense at wide receiver. With Andrew Luck under center as one of the better quarterbacks in the league, the one-two punch of Hilton and Moncrief warrants strong fantasy attention.

Hilton himself is a strong WR1, floating around the round one/two border as it currently stands. Moncrief is one of those later round picks with nice upside. Whether it's securing a top-10 receiver or adding depth to your team, ending up with either of these two receivers puts you in good shape coming out of a fantasy draft. Our lone AFC South representative in part two, the Colts deserve some praise at four.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers

Notable Players: Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant

Speaking of depth, the Pittsburgh Steelers have an embarrassment of riches at wide receiver. The likes of Antonio Brown, Martavis Bryant, Sammie Coates, Eli Rogers, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Darrius Heyward-Bey give the team an insane assortment of usable assets. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger can't even feed them all if he wanted to. Having said that, there are only a few receivers who can actually contribute within a fantasy context.

Antonio Brown ranks as the top receiver in the entire NFL so there really isn't much to say you don't already know. He's locked in as a top-five pick in drafts. Martavis Bryant returns after a year-long suspension, putting him in WR3/flex territory. Bryant's upside is huge as he can easily become a strong WR2 if he keeps his head straight. He doesn't have the best hands in the world but his combination of size and speed make him one of Pittsburgh's best weapons.

JuJu Smith-Schuster has the advantage of not having to do much to surpass Sammie Coates and Eli Rogers. Both Coates and Rogers struggled to find consistency last year, leaving the door wide open for JuJu to lock down the No. 3 spot on the depth chart. He's not someone you should draft with the hopes of starting him in the first few weeks. Instead, he's the type of rookie who can have mid-season impact, giving the Steelers the rare opportunity to produce three usable fantasy wide receivers. That's enough to slot them at third in the AFC rankings. How about that, this gives us our second division to produce two top-seven teams in the AFC.

2. New England Patriots

Notable Players: Brandin Cooks, Julian Edelman

I am certain there will be some Patriots fans out there who scream blasphemy that they aren't ranked No. 1. The truth of the matter is that their depth chart has the misfortune of having too many mouths to feed within a fantasy context. The addition of Brandin Cooks is essentially a lateral move in terms of fantasy. It makes the Patriots even more difficult to defend in real-life football, but it doesn't really affect much for those of us interested in fantasy points. Cooks already had issues with target share in New Orleans and that isn't going to change in New England. He'll still be looking to break big plays, something he should have no problem doing with Tom Brady as his quarterback.

Julian Edelman is one of the better PPR options in the game, another aspect of this offense you can count on. His touchdown totals aren't great, however, with his career high coming in 2015 with seven. Edelman takes a hit in standard scoring with PPR being his strong suit.

The Patriots certainly have depth as well with Chris Hogan, Malcolm Mitchell, and Danny Amendola hanging around. Again, this five-way death squad gives NFL defenses a major problem but it doesn't automatically translate to fantasy. Cooks and Edelman are the real contributors here and a strong one at that. Ranking second in the AFC coincides with blowing the rest of their division out of the water.

1. Oakland Raiders

Notable Players: Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree

The reasoning behind ranking the Oakland Raiders No. 1 in the AFC is pretty simple; Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree was the absolute best tandem in the entire conference last season. With an only-getting-better Derek Carr under center, Cooper and Crabtree can easily repeat what they did in 2016.

There was some controversy about whether or not Crabtree had leapfrogged Cooper as the top option for Carr, but for the purposes of this article it doesn't matter. If anything, the fact that it was even close is proof for how strong this team's receivers really are. Cooper had the edge in yards with 1,153 to Crabtree's 1,003 while Crabtree outscored Cooper eight to five. In short, this is as good as it gets in terms of fantasy receiving tandem. Seth Roberts wasn't the most efficient WR3 around, posting a 49.4% catch rate, but he will be entering his third NFL season and is athletic enough to make plays.

There's a case to be made for the each of the top-three teams at No. 1. In the end it comes down to splitting hairs with which team can balance talent, depth, and fantasy scoring the best. The Raiders absolutely accomplish that with their top-two pass-catchers. Crazy to think that the AFC West produced three top-seven teams.

 

More 2017 Fantasy Football Analysis




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Kevin Huerter

Active on Sunday Night
Caris LeVert

Duncan Robinson, Caris LeVert Available Sunday
Dean Wade

Max Strus Replaces Dean Wade in Starting Lineup Sunday
Luke Kornet

Iffy for Monday
Larry Nance Jr.

Won't Play Sunday
De'Aaron Fox

Listed as Questionable for Monday's Action
Jalen Williams

Officially Available for Game 1 Against Spurs
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Named MVP for Second Straight Year
Jonah Coleman

is an Intriguing Power Back to Target in Dynasty Leagues
Colt Emerson

Mariners Promoting Top Prospect Colt Emerson to Major Leagues
Darius Slayton

Lacking Long-Term Upside for Dynasty Managers
Keaton Mitchell

a Prime Dynasty Handcuff Option Entering First Season in L.A.
Jadarian Price

Looks Like the Running Back of the Future in Seattle
Isaiah Bond

Dynasty Outlook Clouded by Uncertain Role in Cleveland
James Cook III

Remains a High-End Dynasty RB1 Entering 2026
Lamar Jackson

Poised for Bounce Back Season in 2026
Bucky Irving

Expected to Be Ready for Training Camp
Kyle Williams

Deep Threat Kyle Williams Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time
Michael Pittman Jr.

Could Receive Short-Term Value Uptick in PPR Leagues
Stefon Diggs

Chiefs, Commanders Could Make Sense for Stefon Diggs
Will Howard

Dynasty Value Dealt a Blow
Jaylen Warren

Should Benefit From Veteran QB's Return to Pittsburgh
Drew Allar

Could Continue to Hold Dynasty Value
Pat Freiermuth

Could See a Small Dynasty Bump With Veteran QB Returning
DK Metcalf

A Dynasty Sell Candidate With Veteran QB Returning?
Bones Hyland

Wants to Stay in Minnesota
Mike Conley

Hints He Will Continue Playing Next Season
Kevin Huerter

Iffy for Sunday Night
Caris LeVert

Questionable for Game 7
Duncan Robinson

Back on Injury Report Ahead of Game 7
Larry Nance Jr.

Likely Out Sunday Due to Illness
Munetaka Murakami

Fantastic First Season Continues With Two More Homers
Cristopher Sánchez

Cristopher Sanchez Dazzles With 13-Strikeout Complete Game on Saturday
Aaron Rodgers

Signs One-Year Deal With Steelers
Blake Snell

to Undergo Elbow Surgery on Tuesday
Clay Holmes

Could Miss Around Three Months
Jose Altuve

Exits After Swing
Corey Seager

Absent With Back Spasms on Saturday
Jeremy Lauzon

Misses Saturday's Practice
Mark Stone

Doesn't Practice Saturday
Josh Manson

Misses Practice, Considered Day-to-Day
Brent Burns

Day-to-Day Ahead of Conference Finals
Cale Makar

Considered Day-to-Day
Alex Lyon

Likely to Start Game 6 Against Canadiens
Owen Power

Available Saturday
Isaac TeSlaa

Can Isaac TeSlaa Carve Out a Larger Role in Detroit Going Forward?
Troy Franklin

Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time in Denver
Trevor Lawrence

Should Trevor Lawrence Be Valued as a Dynasty QB1?
Courtland Sutton

in Line for Reduced Role in Denver?
Trevor Story

Hits the Injured List With Groin Injury
Blake Snell

Likely to Need Elbow Surgery
Duncan Robinson

Nets 14 Points With Four Triples
Cade Cunningham

Contributes 21 Points in Game 6 Win
Jalen Duren

Bounces Back With Double-Double
Anthony Edwards

Finishes Season-Ending Loss With 24 Points
Victor Wembanyama

Tallies 19 Points in Friday's Win
De'Aaron Fox

Highly Effective in Blowout Win
Stephon Castle

Shines in Series-Clincher
Kyle Schwarber

on a Heater, Hits Two More Homers to Take Major-League Lead
Clay Holmes

Suffers Fractured Fibula on Friday Night
Blake Snell

Heads to 15-Day Injured List
Blake Snell

Scratched From Start on Friday for Undisclosed Reasons
Max Fried

Heading to Injured List With Elbow Bone Bruise
CFB

Julian Sayin Looking To Build Off Of Strong Debut Season
CFB

College GameDay Set for First Three Weeks
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Aiming For Ohio State Receiving Records
CFB

Keshaun Singleton Projects as Auburn's WR1
CFB

Jeremiah Cobb Impresses New Auburn Staff
CFB

Alberto Mendoza Very Likely to Start for Georgia Tech
CFB

Charles Woodson Jr. Commits to Michigan
Jordan Westburg

to Have Season-Ending Elbow Surgery
Melquizael Costa

Set For UFC Vegas 117 Main Event
Arnold Allen

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 117
Daniel Santos

Set For UFC Vegas 117 Co-Main Event
MMA

Dohoo Choi Returns At UFC Vegas 117
Juan Diaz

Set To Make His UFC Debut
Malcolm Wellmaker

Looks To Bounce Back
Christian Edwards

Set For His UFC Debut
Modestas Bukauskas

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Tarik Skubal

Resumes Playing Catch, Ahead of Schedule?
Lane Hutson

Contributes Two Assists in Game 5 Victory
Nick Suzuki

Amasses Three Points in Crucial Victory Thursday
Juraj Slafkovsky

Dishes Out Three Assists in Game 5 Win
Carter Hart

Stops 31 Pucks in Series-Clinching Win
Pavel Dorofeyev

Enjoys Second Consecutive Multi-Goal Game
Shea Theodore

Records Two Points in Game 6 Win
Mitchell Marner

Scores Special Goal in Series-Clincher
Ryan Johnson

Takes Over as Canucks GM, Sedins Promoted to Co-Presidents
Drew Helleson

Won't Play Thursday
Radko Gudas

Unlikely to Play Thursday
Jeremy Lauzon

Remains Out Thursday
Mark Stone

Misses Third Consecutive Game
EDM

Kris Knoblauch Fired as Oilers Head Coach
CFB

Virginia Tech Lands Commitment from Four-Star QB Peter Bourque
Byron Buxton

Scratched on Thursday With Hip Soreness
Cal Raleigh

Heading to Injured List With Oblique Strain
Francisco Alvarez

has Knee Surgery, Expected to Miss Eight Weeks
Quinn Hughes

Finishes Postseason With 15 Points
Cal Raleigh

Exits With Apparent Side Injury on Wednesday Night
Juan Soto

X-Rays Come Back Negative on Juan Soto's Ankle
CFB

NFL Veteran Tom Moore Joins Iowa Coaching Staff
CFB

Can Cam Cook Dominate in Return to Big 12?
CFB

ACC, Big 12 Support 24-Team College Football Playoff
CFB

Anthony Colandrea Looking to Elevate Nebraska Back to National Contention
CFB

Kwazi Gilmer Set for Big Impact at Nebraska
Justin Thomas

Trending Well Ahead of PGA Championship Despite Concerning Form
J.J. Spaun

Trending Up Ahead of PGA Championship
Adam Scott

Riding Strong Form Into PGA Championship
Patrick Reed

Looking to Make Another Run at PGA Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Looks to Build on Strong Finish at Truist Championship
Sam Burns

Must Keep Ball in Play at PGA Championship
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Complete Career Grand Slam at Aronimink
Brandt Snedeker

Not the Best Option for the PGA Championship
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Volatile Option at PGA Championship
Maverick McNealy

Seeking Better Start in Philadelphia
Harry Hall

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Aronimink
Hideki Matsuyama

Attempts to Improve Over 2025 PGA Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Defend PGA Championship at Aronimink
Nicolai Hojgaard

Wants to Keep Momentum Rolling in Philadelphia
Ben Griffin

Attempting to Bounce Back After Truist Championship
CFB

Transfer Defensive Lineman Devarrick Woods Commits to Clemson
Harris English

Will Need His Putter to Thrive at Aronimink
Akshay Bhatia

Creative Flair Could Show Itself in Philadelphia
Keegan Bradley

Knows the Aronimink Golf Club Well
Si Woo Kim

Struggles at Truist Championship
Gary Woodland

Can Continue Incredible 2026 Season at PGA Championship
Xander Schauffele

In Excellent Form Heading to PGA Championship
CFB

Isaac Brown Has All-American Upside in 2026
CFB

Nyck Harbor Heading into Breakout Year?
CFB

Notre Dame, USC in Discussions to Resume Rivalry Series
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Has Eyes on ACC Title
CFB

Ahmad Hardy's Gunshot Wound Not Viewed as Career-Threatening
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF