Wide Receiver PPR Rankings - Tiers and Analysis

August 15, 2018

RotoBaller's August updated tiered wide receiver rankings for PPR leagues in 2018. Phil Clark analyzes the WR tiers to help fantasy football owners in upcoming drafts.

The expert rankers at RotoBaller are committed to providing you with the analysis that you need to formulate a plan as you proceed through your drafts - regardless of whether you are participating in Dynasty, Redraft, or Best-Ball leagues. Our rankings also include tiers, in order to supply a more detailed breakdown on which players you should target for your rosters, along with others that you should avoid. We will also deliver updated rankings and positional analysis as the regular season continues its relentless approach.

This breakdown will focus on the wide receiver position in point per reception leagues, which compels owners to undertake a slightly different methodology in comparison to leagues that do not incorporate the additional point for each reception into their scoring. Even though strategies are divergent and often dictated by draft flow, an increasing number of owners are selecting running backs with frequency during the early rounds. This presents an opportunity to target wide receivers as their value increases to levels that are difficult to ignore during the initial portion of your draft process.

Fantasy Football Calculator’s current ADPs reveal that nine receivers are being selected during the initial two rounds, while a total of 24 can be found among the top 50 in our rankings. Here is a specific breakdown of our PPR rankings at the critical wide receiver position.

Wide Receiver PPR Rankings

 
Tier 1

Antonio Brown, DeAndre Hopkins, Odell Beckham Jr., Keenan Allen, Julio Jones

Brown’s voluminous list of achievements includes leading all receivers in fantasy scoring for four consecutive seasons while averaging 118 receptions, 1,587 yards, and 11 touchdowns during that span. He has generated at least 100 catches in each of the last five seasons, while also accruing 1,499 yards in four of those years. Brown remains cemented to the top of our wide receiver rankings and is the prime candidate to deliver the most fantasy points once again.

Beckham quickly vaulted to a spot among the league's elite receivers by assembling exceptional numbers during his first three seasons (96 receptions/1,374 yards/11.6 touchdowns). His track record of outstanding production has persuaded owners to disregard the minuscule output that occurred during last year's abbreviated season (4 games/25 receptions/302 yards/3 touchdowns) by consistently drafting him in Round 1. Confidence in his ability to thrive within a Pat Shurmur offense that should now include a sustainable rushing attack has also elevated him to WR2 in our rankings.

Hopkins has averaged 173 targets over the past three seasons while amassing a league-high 176 in 2017. He could easily pace the NFL in targets once again, since he will be the predominant weapon on a team that is challenged by a dearth of legitimate receiving options. Deshaun Watson connected with Hopkins for 478 yards and six touchdowns during a five-game stretch from Weeks 3-8. But even without the benefit of having Watson under center beyond that prolific span, Hopkins still led the NFL with 13 receiving touchdowns, was fourth in yardage (1,378), and also finished sixth in receptions (96).

Allen ascends into tier 1 after 2017's Comeback Player Of The Year finished fourth with a career-best 102 receptions, eclipsed 100 yards seven times, and was third overall with 1,393 yards. He received 76 more targets than any other Charger, and the absence of Hunter Henry will keep his 2018 total well beyond any other option in Philip Rivers' collection of weaponry.

Jones’ propensity to accumulate significant yardage is not in question, as he has averaged 1,293 yards during his seven seasons while finishing in the top three during each of the past four years (1,593/1,871/1,409/1,444). It is also wise to avoid excessive reaction to Jones' lowest touchdown total since 2013 (3), considering the volatile nature of touchdown production. Not only was that a byproduct of Atlanta’s plunge from generating 38 passing touchdowns in 2016 to just 21 last season, but his exceptional talent and favorable target volume should produce a total that resembles the 6.7 that he averaged from 2011-2016.

Tier 2

Michael Thomas, Davante Adams, A.J. Green, Mike Evans

Thomas finished one slot above Jones in fantasy scoring last season (WR6), and has averaged 98 receptions and 1,191 yards in his first two seasons. He has paced New Orleans in targets each year (122/149) while both his overall and red zone totals were more than double the amount that was received by any other Saint wideout. He will function as the unchallenged WR1 for Drew Brees once again.

After averaging 44 receptions, 464 yards and two touchdowns in 2014-2015, Adams’ production soared during his last two seasons (74.5 receptions/941 yards/11 touchdowns). Only Brown and Allen exceeded his 24 red zone targets in 2017, although the arrival of Jimmy Graham impedes his chances of matching that number. Still, Adams is easily the most crucial receiving weapon for Aaron Rodgers. which elevates him to WR7 in our rankings.

Green’s dependability and value do not prompt the same degree of conversation as other receivers who are being drafted during the second round. But his consistent presence among the top 10 in fantasy scoring has only been interrupted by turf toe and hamstring issues that sidelined him for nine games amid productive seasons in 2014 and 2016. The six games that he missed in 2016 kept his yardage total at 964, which is the only year that he has failed to surpass 1,000.

Exactly one year ago, Evans was a trendy first-round selection (ADP-9). Now, he often remains available until early in Round 3, after his touchdown, reception, and yardage totals plummeted in comparison to 2016 (12/5), (96/71), (1,321/1001). Last year’s WR17 finish was a huge disappointment to those who made a hefty investment in order to secure him. However, his production should rise, even without Jameis Winston as the season launches.

Tier 3

Doug Baldwin, Larry Fitzgerald, T.Y. Hilton, Tyreek Hill, Adam Thielen, Golden Tate, Demaryius Thomas, Amari Cooper, Stefon Diggs, Allen Robinson

Since 2015, Baldwin has averaged 1,063 yards, generated 29 touchdowns, and finished at WR11/WR8/WR10. But as information emerged regarding his knee issue, rising trepidation concerning his Week 1 status has ensued. Nervous owners should take solace in the fact that he will be the primary weapon in Seattle's renovated passing attack whenever he returns.

Fitzgerald will be functioning in a similar situation with the Cardinals, which should bolster his chances of delivering a fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season (1,156/1,024/1,215). He has also exceeded 100 receptions during each of his last three years (109/107/109), and could easily match last year’s target total (161).

Hilton is just one year removed from leading the NFL in receiving yards (1,448), which preserved a streak of four straight seasons with 1000+. A return to WR1 status is plausible if Andrew Luck is launching passes in his direction. Hill’s explosiveness was frequently on display last season, when he led the league with nine receptions of 40+ yards and surpassed 100 yards four times. He should erupt for huge gains once again, although his targets and overall production could decline with Sammy Watkins also running routes.

After receiving just 32 targets in 2014-2015, Thielen’s opportunities increased significantly in 2016-2017 (92/143). Last season's mammoth jump in targets enabled Thielen to collect a career-best 1,276 yards, which placed him fifth among all receivers. The target distribution between Thielen and Diggs could be altered with Kirk Cousins spearheading Minnesota’s attack, but Thielen should generate WR2 output. Diggs' immense talent should also result in a sizable number of fantasy points, even if he does not match last year’s eight touchdowns.

Since becoming a Lion in 2014, Tate has collected 90+ receptions four times and surpassed 1,000 yards three times. He also has not missed a game since 2012, and presents owners with a rare level of consistency. Thomas' across-the-board statistical decline since 2014 includes a steady drop in receptions, yardage, touchdowns, YPG, YPC, and YPA. However, he should benefit from a significant upgrade at quarterback and will be targeted extensively. This provides the foundation for his WR16 slot in our rankings.

Cooper's overall numbers (358 targets/203 receptions/2,903 yards/18 touchdowns) have only resulted in one finish inside the top 20 of fantasy scoring. But he will be the focal point of Oakland's passing attack, which provides a tremendous opportunity to deliver the best production of his career. Robinson has an excellent chance to lead Chicago in targets while operating as the Bears’ WR1. While Anthony Miller, Trey Burton, and Tarik Cohen will all pilfer opportunities, Robinson should reverse the sizable career descent that he has experienced since 2015.

Tier 4

Juju Smith-Schuster, Jarvis Landry, Josh Gordon, Brandin Cooks, Alshon Jeffery, Marvin Jones, Sammy Watkins, Michael Crabtree

Smith-Schuster finished with 80 targets last season despite missing two games. If he is allotted targets at the same pace this season (6 per game), he could approach 950 yards and equal last season’s seven touchdowns. Landry's ability to sustain the seasonal averages that he assembled with Miami from 2015-2017 (105 receptions/1,093 yards) is largely dependent upon how closely his 2018 target total will resemble the 153 that he averaged during that span. Any prolonged absence by Gordon will instantly boost Landry's chances of attaining that number. But anyone who invested a fourth-round pick on Gordon is hopeful that his return is imminent.

Cooks will face competition for targets from teammates Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp. But he has averaged 120 since 2015 and could eclipse 1,000 yards for a fourth consecutive year after the Rams made an enormous financial commitment to their new WR1. Jeffery remained on the field throughout an entire 16-game season for the first time since 2014. But while he manufactured the second-highest touchdown total of his career (9), his 789 yards were the fewest since his 2012 rookie season. Potential owners should also monitor his recovery from shoulder surgery.

Jones registered his first 1,000-yard season in 2017, and his 1,101 yards placed him ninth overall. But while he remains a respectable WR2, any expansion in usage for Kenny Golladay would inhibit Jones’ ability to reach that threshold again. Watkins should be deployed in multiple formations, as Andy Reid blends him into an explosive Kansas City attack. But his production will be inconsistent, as the byproduct of an offense that also contains Kareem Hunt, Travis Kelce and Hill.

Even though Crabtree missed two contests in 2017, he still led Oakland in targets for a third consecutive year (101/146/145). He also paced the Raiders in red zone targets with an average of 19 during that span, and his playmaking capabilities in the end zone could help him reach eight touchdowns for a fourth straight season.

Tier 5

Corey Davis, Jamison Crowder, Pierre Garcon, Devin Funchess, Marquise Goodwin, Robby Anderson, Randall Cobb, Emmanuel Sanders, Chris Hogan, Will Fuller, Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods, Nelson Agholor, Sterling Shepard

A lingering hamstring issue essentially hijacked Davis' rookie season. But owners have demonstrated enough confidence in his ability and Tennessee's reconditioned offense to secure him early in Round 6. Crowder's production declined in 2017, although he still led Washington in targets (104), receptions (66) and receiving yards (789). Those numbers could rise with Alex Smith as his signal caller.

Garcon was on for pace 80 catches and 1,000 yards. before last year's neck injury, but his healthy return should result in coveted targets and fantasy points. Goodwin soared into San Francisco's WR1 slot when Garcon was sidelined, established new career highs in receptions (56), and yardage (962), and will retain a substantial role. But with Greg Olsen, D. J. Moore, Christian McCaffrey and C.J. Anderson all siphoning opportunities, it is difficult to envision Funchess reaching last year's reception and touchdown totals (840/8).

From Weeks 8-13 last season, Anderson exceeded 100 yards three times, and averaged 98 YPG. He has the talent to generate WR2 output, although the possibility of suspension still looms. Cobb could amass his best numbers since 2015, providing that there are no setbacks with his surgically repaired ankle. From 2014-2016, Sanders collected 417 targets, while assembling 3,571 yards, 256 receptions, and 20 touchdowns. He is injury free with a vastly improved situation at quarterback and should amass numbers that exceed his seventh-round ADP. It is reasonable to target Hogan's at his fifth-round ADP, as he will perform an integral role in New England's offense even after Julian Edelman returns.

Houston's significant shortage of receiving weaponry will keep Fuller productive as the team's WR2 if he can maintain his health. Kupp and Woods are adjacent in our rankings (WR38/WR39), and both could amass 60 receptions, 800 yards and five touchdowns. However, targets must be distributed to both receivers, along with Cooks and Todd Gurley. Agholor only managed 59 receptions, 648 yards and three touchdowns in his first two seasons. But after his 2017 production vaulted him to WR22 (62 receptions/762 yards/8 touchdowns), he supplies excellent value at his Round 10 ADP. Combining a healthy Beckham with Barkley, Evan Engram and Shepard will result in a vastly improved Giant offense. But it will also make matching last year's target total (84) and arduous task for Shepard.

Tier 6
Kenny Stills, Allen Hurns, Marqise Lee, Julian Edelman, DeVante Parker, Kelvin Benjamin, Jordy Nelson

This tier has the potential to amass sizable numbers if the receivers sustain favorable target totals as the season progresses.

Tier 7
Rishard Matthews, Dez Bryant, Keelan Cole, DJ Moore, DeSean Jackson, Paul Richardson, Josh Doctson, Cole Beasley, Cameron Meredith

This collection of receivers will contend with significant competition for targets. But their value will surge if any number of factors launch them into expanded roles.

Tier 8 and above

The remaining receivers can be located above WR58 in our rankings, and all provide viable late-round targets as dart throws in case of injury of unexpected surges in playing time.

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