Fantasy: Wide Receiver Primer
Fantasy Position Primers
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Wide Receivers
In the past two days, we've discussed quarterbacks and running backs at length as we prepare you for your fantasy drafts. Now we look at the position that has become the deepest in all of fantasy - wide receiver.
It's important to remember that these primers are not intended to be tiers for drafting. You can view our complete wide receiver rankings here.
Alone At The Top
Calvin Johnson, Lions - There isn't much that needs to be said about Megatron. The future Hall of Famer has averaged over 100 receptions, 1,712 yards, and 11 touchdowns per season the last three years. He is the best in the game and worthy of a top-five pick in fantasy.
The Challengers
Demaryius Thomas, Broncos - Drafted two spots before Bryant in 2010, Thomas has had a similar career path from a production standpoint. Two seasons spent learning the game, followed by two outstanding campaigns. Thomas is Peyton Manning's top target and is an excellent second-round pick in fantasy.
Julio Jones, Falcons - Before a foot injury cost him the season, Jones was on pace for 131 catches and 1,856 yards. He established that pace over five games, making it seem like less of a fluke and more of a sign of things to come.
Dez Bryant, Cowboys - Bryant has been in the spotlight since being drafted by the Cowboys in the first round of the 2010 draft. After some early struggles, the talented wideout has put together two elite seasons and could be on the verge of a career year with the Cowboys expected to be in weekly shootouts.
Brandon Marshall, Bears - A few weeks ago, Marshall stated that he believes teammate Jay Cutler will win MVP this season. While Cutler has an outside shot at the award, he is definitely the MVP in Marshall's eyes. Every full season the two have played together, first in Denver and now Chicago, has resulted in a 100-catch campaign for Marshall.
A.J. Green, Bengals - Regardless of what you think about Andy Dalton and his $115-million contract (or Green's lack of a new deal), the Bengals top receiver has consistently produced with Dalton at the helm. With the running game coming on and Marvin Jones emerging as a quality second receiver, Green could have a little more room to work in 2014.
Criminally Underrated
Jordy Nelson, Packers - Nelson is coming off a great season, that could have been even better if Aaron Rodgers had stayed healthy for all 16 games. The Packers are always loaded at receiver, but Nelson is Rodgers' number one option and deserves to mentioned with the game's best.
Antonio Brown, Steelers - Questions about Brown's ability to find the end zone have been answered. He knows where it is and he enjoyed spending time there last year. Brown is the star of the Steelers' passing game and regardless of whether Markus Wheaton proves capable or not, Brown will be a fantastic fantasy pick, especially in PPR.
Youth is Served
Keenan Allen, Chargers - Allen was one of the best waiver wire pickups of the 2013 season. While he has a chance to build on his strong rookie year, there are some reasons to be skeptical. The Chargers get back veteran Malcom Floyd from injury, tight end Ladarius Green is threatening to break out and Allen may be near his ceiling as a player.
Alshon Jeffery, Bears - After a relatively uneventful rookie season, Jeffery hauled in 89 passes for 1,421 yards and seven touchdowns in his sophomore campaign. Often taking advantage of single coverage (thanks to Brandon Marshall), Jeffery showed he can do many of the things his teammate does, including being a WR1 in fantasy.
Randall Cobb, Packers - With James Jones now in Oakland, Cobb will be the second option behind Nelson. The fourth-year receiver is a dynamic talent, who still has yet to eclipse 1,000 yards in a season. Only injury can prevent him from surpassing that mark this year.
Plenty Left In The Tank
Andre Johnson, Texans - For all the talk of Johnson being upset with the Texans' failure to find a quarterback (sorry Ryan Fitzpatrick), the veteran reported to camp and will be on the field opening day. Johnson will have his usual season with over 100 receptions and plenty of yardage, but will likely be light in the touchdown department. Teammate DeAndre Hopkins will be the one most affected by Fitzpatrick's pedestrian talent.
Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals - Despite playing in all 16 games the last two seasons, Fitzgerald has been unable to top 1,000 yards. He did post double-digit touchdowns last year for the first time since 2009. Fitzgerald will be 31 this season, and while he may be past his prime, he should still have a decent fantasy year.
Roddy White, Falcons - White got a new three-year extension in the offseason, which should give owners hope that he can still get it done. White had some big games down the stretch last year, and will be a sneaky value in the late fourth round.
Wes Welker, Broncos - After starting last season with eight touchdowns in six games, Welker had just two the rest of the way and missed a few games with injuries. Welker also didn't have a 100-yard receiving game in 2013. Emmanuel Sanders is going two rounds later and might be the better fantasy option.
Often Overlooked
Victor Cruz, Giants - Cruz missed two games last year and came two yards short of 1,000. That's worth mentioning because some people might glance at his stats and think less of him. Do not be one of those people. Remember that Cruz had three 100-yard games and four touchdowns in the first four outings in 2013. If Rueben Randle or Odell Beckham Jr. can step up, Cruz and the Giants offense could flourish.
Vincent Jackson, Buccaneers - With Josh McCown taking over under centre, Jackson should have more reliable quarterback play this season. With McCown throwing jump balls, Jackson may be able to top his 2013 line of 78/1,224/7.
Pierre Garcon, Redskins - Garcon led the league with 113 receptions last season, but he was also the only option for Robert Griffin III. DeSean Jackson and Andre Roberts should help the offense become more balanced, which could also take targets away from Garcon.
Torrey Smith, Ravens - Smith hasn't been an overly exciting player to own in fantasy because of his reliance on the deep ball. That leads to some massive fantasy weeks, but also some very disappointing ones. With veteran Steve Smith joining the fold and tight end Dennis Pitta healthy, hopefully Smith can improve on his four touchdowns from last season.
Returning From Injury
Percy Harvin, Seahawks - The 26-year-old has played in just 10 regular season games over the last two seasons and that includes just one last year. Harvin is a nightmare for defenders, but questions about his health and role in Seattle's offense will keep his draft stock low. Could pay off big for an owner willing to gamble.
Reggie Wayne, Colts - Wayne's recovery from an ACL injury has been referred to as "incredible" by head coach Chuck Pagano. Does that mean you should select the 35-year-old receiver? Yes. Wayne was Andrew Luck's default option and at his current ADP in the 7th or 8th round, he's worth the risk.
Can They Do It Again?
Michael Floyd, Cardinals - This could be the season Floyd overtakes Fitzgerald as the team's top pass catcher. Floyd had a very solid 65-catch, 1,041-yard, five-touchdown sophomore season and has been the talk of the Cardinals offseason. He's an excellent pick in the fifth round.
Kendall Wright, Titans - Wright quietly had 94 catches in 2013. While he may need to develop his skills in and around the red zone, Wright is more than capable of posting big reception and yard totals. Now he needs to find chemistry with quarterback Jake Locker, who will be back leading the offense.
T.Y. Hilton, Colts - Hilton is a rising star, who projects to be the Colts' number one option in the receiving game, playing across from Wayne. The team also added Hakeem Nicks, but he should be more of a complementary receiver. If Luck is allowed to put the offense on his arm, Hilton will be the biggest beneficiary.
Poised To Break Out
Cordarrelle Patterson, Vikings - If you're a sucker for a cool name, then Patterson is guy for you. The 23-year-old has immense potential, but has yet to show he can consistently deliver in real life or fantasy. It will take a big leap of faith to use a fourth-round pick on such an unproven talent. It wouldn't be surprising to see Patterson stumble and veteran Greg Jennings lead the Vikings in receiving.
Terrance Williams, Cowboys - When Scott Linehan is your offensive coordinator, big numbers are on the horizon for your passing attack. Williams finds himself in a great situation, playing with Tony Romo, Dez Bryant, and Jason Witten, in an offense that will try to push the ball downfield.
Justin Hunter, Titans - As a rookie, Hunter flashed his game-breaking skills with two 100-yard games down the stretch. Hunter has the same issue as Kendall Wright, trying to build a rapport with Jake Locker. Even so, Hunter is worth a flier going in the 12th round of fantasy drafts.
Different Jersey, Same Results?
DeSean Jackson, Redskins - D-Jax had a resurgent year in Chip Kelly's offense. Unfortunately, he's no longer in Philly, after choosing to sign with Washington. Jackson now shares the field with Pierre Garcon and Andre Roberts, as well as tight end Jordan Reed. Don't overpay for Jackson's big 2013 season.
Eric Decker, Jets - Decker will find out what NFL life is like when you aren't catching passes from Peyton Manning. Geno Smith and Michael Vick aren't the most inspiring quarterbacks, but Decker should see the bulk of the targets as the team's first and only legitimate choice on the outside.
Golden Tate, Lions - Playing across from Calvin Johnson isn't a bad gig to have, but Tate isn't the only new weapon in Matthew Stafford's arsenal. With offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi bringing a Saints-style approach, it's tough to predict who will get targets on a weekly basis outside of Johnson.
Rookie Monsters
Sammy Watkins, Bills - We got our first national look at the Bills' first-round pick in the Hall of Fame Game. While he looked good in a Buffalo uniform, he was held catchless on the night. The Bills receiving corps should be better this season with Watkins, Mike Wiliams, and Robert Woods, but EJ Manuel still appears to have a ways to go in his development.
Mike Evans, Buccaneers - Evans hasn't received the same hype as Watkins, but he's been equally impressive in the early part of training camp. Working with the Vincent Jackson, Evans should make an impact right away.
Brandin Cooks, Saints - Outside of Jimmy Graham and Marques Coltson, the Saints haven't had a consistent fantasy receiving threat, mostly because they opt to spread the ball around to keep teams guessing. The early returns on first-round pick Brandin Cooks suggest he may be able to be a valuable contributor for Drew Brees and fantasy owners.
Kelvin Benjamin, Panthers - Unless Cam Newton plans to run on every down (it may come to that), he is going to have to find someone to throw to downfield. Benjamin has come on strong after missing a week of practice with a knee injury. The opportunity alone makes him worth an 11th-round pick in fantasy drafts.
Don't Forget About Us
Michael Crabtree, 49ers - Preseason injuries can often present fantasy owners with an opportunity to get players at a discount. Crabtree is apparently dealing with a hamstring injury, and might miss a couple weeks of camp. Coming off an injury-shortened season, and playing in an offense with Anquan Boldin and Stevie Johnson, Crabtree could be a nice pick if he falls in drafts.
Marques Colston, Saints - Colston seems to always be hurt, but he's only missed four games over the last five seasons. Jimmy Graham and Brandin Cooks may earn more headlines, but Colston is more than capable of providing WR3 numbers in fantasy.
Mike Wallace, Dolphins - Wallace's first season in Miami had mixed results. Now he's going off the board as a sixth-round pick and has a good amount of upside playing in a new offensive scheme under Bill Lazor.
Cecil Shorts, Jaguars - Shorts is dealing with a Grade 2 hamstring strain, which could keep him out a few weeks. This makes him another candidate to buy low on if his stock drops during the preseason. Marqise Lee may generate some buzz, but when Shorts is on the field, he is Jacksonville's best wide receiver.
Julian Edelman, Patriots - Yes, Edelman had 105 catches in 2013. Yes, he is Tom Brady's top target outside of Rob Gronkowski. Yes, you should give him strong consideration in the sixth round.
Jeremy Maclin, Eagles - Maclin has been good, but never great during his four seasons with the Eagles. With DeSean Jackson out of the picture, he will get his chance to star. Riley Cooper had some big games when Nick Foles first took over and Jordan Matthews has looked good in camp, but Maclin is the receiver to own in Philadelphia.
Going Deep
Kenny Britt, Rams - Tavon Austin may appear to be a more attractive pick to some fantasy owners, but Britt has performed well in Rams camp and is listed as a starter on the outside. Britt has the physical tools to be a star, but has never been able to put it all together. This may be his last chance.
Doug Baldwin, Seahawks - Sidney Rice has retired, meaning Baldwin will get a bigger percentage of Russell Wilson's targets. The same can be said for Jermaine Kearse. Both players have the ability, but Seattle's run-first attack may hold them back this season.
Andrew Hawkins, Browns - If Josh Gordon is suspended, someone will have to catch passes from Johnny Manziel and/or Brian Hoyer. Hawkins is an electric receiver, who may finally get his chance to shine.