Best Ball Wide Receiver Rankings and Tiers

August 26, 2019

RotoBaller's updated wide receiver rankings and tiers for 2019 fantasy football best ball drafts. Phil Clark analyzes key WRs to draft for best ball formats.

The momentum of draft season has escalated and will intensify even further until final selections in all leagues are complete.  The team at RotoBaller is aware of your passion for the draft process and our all-inclusive stream of information remains dedicated to your championship aspirations.

That is why we are delivering tiered rankings for every popular format in today's burgeoning landscape. That includes our updated rankings for Best Ball leagues, which will help you construct rosters that remain potent without the benefit of a waiver wire.

We are also supplying a detailed analysis of these rankings, including this breakdown of wide receivers. This position remains prominent throughout our Best Ball rankings, as four receivers are contained within our top 12, while 43 are located among our top 100. We will continually update the rankings in every format during these final days of draft season, and you can find the latest rankings here.

Updated Wide Receiver Rankings - Best Ball

Tier 1  

DeAndre Hopkins, Davante Adams, Julio Jones, Michael Thomas, Tyreek Hill, Odell Beckham Jr., JuJu Smith-Schuster, Mike Evans,

It has become customary to begin our wide receiver analysis with Hopkins, who remains cemented to the top position in our rankings. As questions have emerged regarding the status of multiple running backs, he has become a justifiable top-four selection. His seemingly unending list of accomplishments includes finishing at WR1 in PPR scoring, second in receiving yards (1,572), and yards-per-game average (98.3), third in receptions (115) and fourth in both red zone targets (25), and touchdowns (11). He has also placed among the top five in targets during three of his last four seasons.

Adams should be one of the top two receivers selected during the initial round of your draft after generating the highest average of fantasy points-per-game in PPR leagues (22.0). He might have also led the league in targets if he had been available in Week 17. But he still finished just one target short of Julio Jones (169) and tied Antonio Brown for the league lead in targets-per-game (11.3). Adams has finished among the top two in red zone targets during each of his last three seasons, including his league-high 31 in 2018. He also led all receivers in touchdowns (12), and catch percentage (41.9%) inside the 20.

Jones has stockpiled nearly 8,000 yards since 2014 (7,994). That includes his league-best 1,677 last season, which he compiled through a career-high 10 games of 100+. He also paced the NFL with 170 targets and has averaged 163 during his last five seasons. Jones has averaged 105 receptions since 2014 and led receivers in percentage share of his team’s air yards according to NextGenStats ((TAY%-45.64%). He offers a level of consistency that transcends other players who will be available near the conclusion of Round 1.

Thomas’ league-leading reception total (125) continued a trend in which his catches  (92/104/125) and yardage (1,137/1,245/1,405) have steadily increased throughout his career. Thomas has also averaged 80.6 yards-per-game during that span while operating as Drew Brees’ preferred weapon of choice near the end zone. Thomas led all receivers with 24 red zone receptions and was second only to Adams in targets (29). His 12 receptions inside the 10-yard line also paced his position, as did his 85% catch rate. He presents owners with an opportunity to secure an elite WR1 option late in Round 1.

When the NFL announced that Hill would not be suspended for violating the personal conduct policy, his ADP ignited. This is not surprising after the explosive Hill finished at WR1 in standard leagues, and third in PPR scoring. He also placed among the top four in multiple categories including yardage (1,479), yards-per-reception (17.0), yards-per-game (92.4) and touchdowns (12). He was also third in NextGenStats’ percentage share of team’s air yards (TAY%-38.2) and is a legitimate option prior to his Round 2 ADP.

Beckham was the only receiver who eclipsed 1,000 yards in fewer than 14 games last season and has now averaged 1,294 yards during the four years that he has played in 12+ contests. He was also fifth in targets entering Week 13 (124) and still finished 14^th despite missing the Giant’s final four matchups. Beckham will no longer be burdened by the limitations of his quarterback. This will allow his unquestioned talent to blend favorably with the proficiency and moxie of Baker Mayfield, and propel Beckham to the most prolific numbers since his exceptional rookie season (2014).

Smith-Schuster commandeered his place among the league’s high-end WR1s during his second season. He was allotted the league’s fourth-highest number of targets (166) and capitalized by finishing fifth in both receptions (111) and receiving yards (1,426). His eight games of 100+ yards were surpassed by just two other receivers, and his 89.1 yards-per-game average placed him seventh. The 168 targets that were vacated by Antonio Brown are readily available, and Smith-Schuster is a candidate to challenge target monsters Hopkins, Adams, and Jones for the overall lead in that category.

Evans has now exceeded 1,000 yards in each of his five seasons while averaging 1,221 during that span. That includes his 2018 total (1,524), which was the NFL’s third-highest. He also finished fourth in Football Outsiders’ DYAR -Defense-adjusted Yards Above Replacement (412), and third in DVOA -Defense-adjusted Value Over Average (25.2%). Evans also tied Smith-Schuster for third in 100-yard games (8) and was also third in yards-per-game average (95.3). Bruce Arians’ attack will perpetuate last season’s league-leading aerial assault (320 yards-per-game) while the combination of a substandard ground game and woeful defense will force the Buccaneers to throw habitually.

Tier 2

Stefon Diggs, Keenan Allen, T.Y. Hilton, Antonio Brown, Brandin Cooks, Amari Cooper, Adam Thielen

Only six wide receivers accrued more targets than Diggs (149), who also eclipsed 100 receptions for the first time in his career (102). He also registered his first 1,000-yard season (1,021), produced a career-best nine touchdowns, and accumulated more targets (64/50), receptions (44/35), receiving yards (434/426), and touchdowns (5-2) than teammate Adam Thielen from Weeks 11-17. Diggs still averaged 7.6 targets-per-game after the Vikings bolstered their commitment to the run. His athleticism and minimal competition for targets (beyond Thielen) should keep him highly productive

Allen's ability to evade injury during the past two seasons has enabled him to collect 199 of his 295 targets, accrue 2,589 yards and generate 12 touchdowns. That includes his 2018 output (136 targets/97 receptions/1,196 yards), which placed him ninth among receivers in receptions and 12th in targets. His status as the Chargers' WR1 is intact. But the availability of 64 targets that had been commandeered by Tyrell Williams last season is offset by an impending increase in market share for Mike Williams and the reappearance of Hunter Henry.

Hilton was the only receiver to reach 1,200 yards in fewer than 15 games last season. He also finished sixth in yards-per-game (90.7), and achieved career highs in yards-per-target (10.6) and catch rate percentage (63.3%). However, Hilton’s production will be negatively impacted by the unexpected downgrade from Andrew Luck to Jacoby Brissett. When Luck was sidelined throughout 2017, Hilton’s output with Brissett was the lowest since his 2012 rookie year (WR27/57 receptions/966 yards/4 touchdowns). If you eliminate that season, Hilton averaged 136 targets, 80 receptions, 1,254 yards, and six touchdowns since 2013 with Luck under center. Now his output will more closely resemble the results from 2017.

Brown’s highly productive performance on the field throughout most of 2018 instantly transitioned into off-field theater throughout the offseason. The drama has been both unpredictable and continuous, but the results of his activities on the field are easier to forecast. Brown will be targeted repeatedly, at a level that could approach last year’s 11.2 per-game average. He could match the 104 receptions that he registered and should attain 1,000 yards. But it will be difficult for him to replicate last year’s yardage and touchdown totals (1,297/15).

During the past three seasons, Cooks has accumulated 348 targets, collected 223 receptions and assembled 3,459 yards ((116 targets/74.3 receptions/1,153 yards-per-season). The consistency of his usage and production has remained unaltered despite his transition between three contrasting offensive systems, coaching staffs, and quarterbacks (Saints/Patriots/Rams). The 1,204 yards that he accrued with Los Angeles established a new career-high, as did his 10.3 yard-per-target average. He should match last year's 7,3 targets-per-game, within a Ram offense that launched 35 attempts-per-game.

Cooper enters his fifth year in the aftermath of a statistical explosion that rescued his seasonal numbers and reinvigorated the Cowboys’ passing attack in 2018. He had averaged just 5.2 targets and a minuscule 3.7 receptions-per-game with Oakland. But those numbers improved in Weeks 9-17 (8.4 targets/5.9 receptions-per-game) after he ran routes with Dallas. His yards-per-target average also rose from 6.6 to 8.8 as a Cowboy, while he also generated six of his seven touchdowns. Amazingly, Cooper, only turned 25 during the summer and is primed to flourish during a full season with Dak Prescott.

Entering Week 9, Thielen led the NFL in targets (996), receptions (74) and receiving yards (925). But the drop from his 12.7-per-game average to 7.4 in Weeks 9-17 should not be overlooked. Thielen’s average plummeted even further (4.0-per-game) in Weeks 15-17 after the Vikings transitioned from John DiFilippo to new offensive coordinator Kevin Stefanski. That included a season-low two in Week 15 when Minnesota intensified its commitment to the ground game. This amplified usage of the rushing attack is also more likely to impact Thielen than Diggs. This creates an obstacle that will impede Thielen’s opportunity to match his 2018 production.

Tier 3

Julian Edelman, Kenny Golladay, Tyler Lockett, Robert Woods, Chris Godwin, Allen Robinson, Jarvis Landry, Tyler Boyd, Cooper Kupp, D.J. Moore 

Edelman operated as New England’s undisputed WR1 following last year’s PED suspension, averaged 9,3 per-game from Weeks 5-16, and finished among the top 10 with 6.2 receptions-per-game. His numbers also surged during the postseason (11.7 targets/8.7 receptions/129 yards-per-game). However, the latest reappearance of Josh Gordon increases competition for targets.

Golladay assembled a 1,000-yard season (1063) and finished among the top 20 in targets (119) yards-per-reception (15.2) and yards-per-game (70.9). He was also fourth overall behind Jones, Hopkins, and Hill in targeted air yards percentage (TAY%-37.57%) according to NextGenStats. He will operate as the Lions’ WR1. But Marvin Jones’ return (knee), and the arrival of T.J. Hockenson and Danny Amendola loom as threats to any chance of expanded production.

When Doug Baldwin became enveloped with health issues. Lockett established a cluster of career highs (57 receptions/965 yards/60.3 yards- per-game/16.9 yards-per-reception/10 touchdowns). He also paced wide receivers in yards-per-target (13.8) and led Football Outsiders’ DYAR -Defense-adjusted Yards Above Replacement (464), and DVOA -Defense-adjusted Value Over Average (23.1%). The dynamic Lockett is now primed to deliver new career highs in targets, receptions and receiving yards.

Woods averaged 86 targets, 52 receptions and 646 yards from 2013-2017. However, those numbers expanded considerably last season. Woods accrued career-bests in each category while finishing 13^th among receivers in targets (130), 12^th in receptions (86), and 11^th with 1,219 yards. Woods also finished 13th in yards-per-game average (76.2), was second to Hopkins in total snaps (1,041/95%), and provides a reliable weekly presence for his owners.

Enthusiasm for Godwin has engulfed the fantasy industry, and nothing has occurred during the month of August to calm the fervor. The optimism is justified, as an enormous runway has been cleared for the third-year receiver to improve upon last year’s output (95 targets/59 receptions/842 yards), and increase his red zone presence even further (16 red zone targets/7 touchdowns). His fourth-round ADP is not excessive, as he should stockpile targets, and assemble outstanding numbers.

Robinson’s output has fluctuated significantly throughout much of his career. However, he remains positioned as Chicago’s clear WR1 in his second season as a Bear. Rib and groin issues conspired to sideline him for three games in 2018, as he averaged 7.2 targets, 4.2 receptions and 58 yards-per-game. He can reach 1,000 yards for the first time since 2015 if he achieves sustained health.

Landry began Week 9 with the league's second-highest target total (94) and captured 10+ in seven of his first eight games. But his 11.8 per game average plunged to 6.9 per-game from Weeks 9-17, after Freddie Kitchens reconstructed the offense.  Landry's decreased usage was already a byproduct of his diminished importance in a changing environment. Now, his market share will shrink even further with transcendent talent Beckham commandeering Cleveland’s WR1 role.

Boyd had averaged 56.5 targets 38 receptions 414 yards prior to 2018. But those numbers surged last season (108 targets/76 receptions/1,028 yards), while he also generated seven touchdowns. A sprained knee sidelined him in Weeks 16/17. Otherwise, his output would’ve been even more impressive. He is still just 24 years old, and A.J. Green’s absence (ankle) elevates Boyd’s value.

Cooper Kupp was constructing an outstanding season before health issues (ACL/MCL) derailed the process. He had averaged 8.0 targets, 6.0 receptions, and 87.6 yards-per-game from Weeks 1-5. He was also third in red zone targets (12) and second with seven targets inside the 10. But he now appears capable of quickly reclaiming an extensive role as Jared Goff's trusted weapon,

Moore's limited usage and anemic production were uninspiring during Carolina's first nine games, as he only averaged 3,4 targets, 2.5 receptions, and 35 yards-per-game. But his level of opportunity soared from Weeks 11-17 (7.3 targets/4.6 receptions/67 yards-per-game). He ultimately led all first-year receivers in yards from scrimmage (960) and also in yards-after-catch-per-reception (7.9) according to NextGenStats. Moore and teammate Curtis Samuel both appear destined to deliver breakout seasons.

Tier 4

A.J. Green, Alshon Jeffery, Robby Anderson, Calvin Ridley, Josh Gordon, Sammy Watkins, Marvin Jones, Will Fuller, Christian Kirk, Dante Pettis, Mike Williams, Corey Davis

Green’s ankle issue has sent his ADP plummeting while perpetuating an unwanted succession of health issues that have sidelined him for 13 games since 2016. Jeffery collected 39 targets and averaged 76.5 yards in his first four games. But those numbers dropped during his next nine matchups (5.8 targets/59.6 yards-per-game). The Eagles’ ever-expanding competition for targets will reduce his output even further.

Anderson captured 68 of his 94 targets from Weeks 7-17 (8.5 per game) and tied for sixth with a 9.75 per-game average from Weeks 14-17. Eight of his nine red zone targets were also collected in December. Ridley led all rookies in receptions (64), yardage (821), and touchdowns (10) while becoming the first newcomer to assemble double-digit touchdowns since 2014. His touchdown total will be difficult to replicate, but his receptions and yardage should rise. 

Anyone who had the foresight to utilize a late-round pick on Gordon during their earlier drafts could receive massive dividends. He finished at WR47 in 2018, which was his most productive season since 2013. That simultaneously provides promise and perspective regarding his prospects in 2019. Watkins’ has yet to play in 16 games during any of his five seasons, although his erratic production is less problematic in the Best Ball format.

Jones was collecting 6.9 targets per game and was 15th overall in red zone targets (11) before a knee injury affixed him to the sidelines. He will resume WR2 responsibilities for Detroit behind Golladay. Fuller's uber-enticing upside continues to mix with his propensity to miss games. He has now been sidelined for 17 contests in three seasons but has generated 13 touchdowns during just 31 games. Last year's 11.2 yard-per-target average was second only to Lockett, while his yard-per-reception average was ninth (15.7).

Kirk had accrued 43 receptions and 590 yards before his season was concluded by a broken foot. His 68 targets were second among rookie receivers prior to the injury, and he had already developed into the Cardinals’ most dynamic receiving weapon.  Just before his season-ending MCL sprain (Weeks 12-15), Pettis delivered a promising four-game sequence in which he caught 17 of 26 targets, assembled 338 yards (84.5 per game), and generated four touchdowns. He is the prime candidate to emerge as the WR1 in Kyle Shanahan’s passing attack.

Davis led the Titans in every major category (88,4% snaps/112 targets/15 red zone targets/65 receptions/891 receiving yards) and was sixth in team percentage of targeted air yards according to NextGenStats (TAY%-35.83). But Davis’ target share will be challenged by Adam Humphries’ arrival and Delanie Walker’s return.

Tier 5

Curtis Samuel. Emmanuel Sanders, Sterling Shepard, Courtland Sutton, Larry Fitzgerald

Tier 6

Dede Westbrook, DeSean Jackson, Marquez-Valdes-Scantling, Donte Moncrief, Keke Coutee, D.K. Metcalf, Golden Tate, Anthony Miler, Tyrell Williams, John Brown, Michael Gallup, Geronimo Allison, N'Keal Harry, Daesean Hamilton, Kenny Stills,  Jamison Crowder, Tre' Quan Smith

Tiers 7-8

These tiers contain receivers that are currently located from WR60-WR78 in our rankings. A collection of factors could elevate their value during the season.

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