Next up in the Fantasy Football preview are Wide Receivers. Many times, good Wide Receivers can help bolster your roster and propel you to a championship. Due to the sheer numbers, it can be hard to narrow down which is the best option. We project who we believe will be top 10 based on historical numbers, target share, and supporting roster. As always, numbers are based on 17 game seasons and standard scoring. But new this week, we will include projections!
1. Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers (130 receptions, 1566 yards 16 TDs):
- I’ll start off by saying, this projection is HEAVILY based on Aaron Rodgers returning in 2021. Adams being the lead dog in a top offense the last couple years under LaFleur and commanding a huge target share between the 20’s in addition to the redzone has established him as a top pass catcher for fantasy owners. With an extra game this year, its not out of the question he breaks Michael Thomas’ reception record if he stays healthy. I expect a monster year for the Fresno State product if A-Rod returns.
2. Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills (125 receptions, 1691 yards 8TDs):
- In a rare win-win trade, the Buffalo Bills acquired Stefon Diggs in 2020 and he had a career year in 2021. After commanding a ridiculous 166 targets last year, the lead receiver in the pass-heavy Buffalo offense will look to also challenge the Michael Thomas reception record. He’s a lock for a top 5 fantasy receiver finish due to his huge target share, regardless of if Josh Allen regresses (Spoiler, good chance he doesn’t).
3. Tyreke Hill, Kansas City Chiefs (92 receptions, 1368 yards 14 TDs):
- Cheetah has been absolutely electric for the Chiefs, and he is a much more vital piece to their offense and no longer just a deep threat. Andy Reid does a phenomenal job of getting the ball in his hands, whether its on jet sweeps, screens, swing passes, or using a traditional route tree. Its clear he is a focal point of their offense and commands his own touches each week. This bodes well for his fantasy prospects and cements him as a top 5 receiver and #3 in our book.
4. Calvin Ridley, Atlanta Falcons (105 receptions, 1522 yards 10 TDs):
- Ridley has been a hot name in all fantasy circles this week after Julio was shipped out of town, and rightly so. He has commanded a huge share of targets with Julio on the team and proved he could handle the load after Julio missed half the season last year. He has great rapport with Matt Ryan, and with the efficient and effective Arthur Smith coming to town he could be in store for a monster year.
5. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (82 receptions, 1263 yards 12 TDs):
- With Jameis Winston at the helm, Evans was utilized as a big play target and helped stretch the field using his size and athleticism. When TB12 came to town, they still utilized him this way, but he added a dimension to his game to pair with Brady rhythmic, quick passing. He has seen more targets, and increase red zone targets, but has also seen a reduction in yards/catch. The Tampa offense has a lot of mouths to feed, but they are not shy about slinging the rock (Brady was #1 in pass attempts during the regular season in 2020). Evans should look to lead the WR corps for the defending champs.
6. Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (97 receptions, 1386 yards 10 TDs):
- In 2020, Godwin had a difficult year after breaking out in 2019. He struggled with some injuries and drops. In addition to that, they added additional targets in Gronk, Antonio Brown, and Scotty Miller that stole some targets from him. After being franchise tagged, and in a contract year, I believe we see more of 2019 healthy Chris Godwin where he brought in over 70% of his 121 targets. More motivated to cash in after the season and win another ring, Godwin will firmly place himself in the top 10 receivers.
7. Deandre Hopkins, Arizona Cardinals (120 receptions, 1412 yards 7 TDs):
- I think its safe to say at this point that the Kliff Kingsbury experiment has struggled so far, and this is a key point for all parties as the Cardinals approach the 2021 season. Hopkins on the other hand has not struggled during his time in Arizona and has built a great connection with Kyler Murray in the desert. Regardless of Kliff’s affinity with 10 personnel (4 WR’s), Nuk has shown that he can draw a large number of targets, and his sure hands almost lock him in for 100+ catches year in and out. Expect much of the same as the former Clemson stand out has another big-time year for the Cardinals.
8. Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints (113 receptions, 1286 yards 9 TDs):
- Thomas seen very little time in Drew Brees’ final year this past season, and with the starting QB in question, I believe we will see a small step back for Thomas. Now, a step back for the former Buckeye is instead of being WR1-2, he is WR8. Which is still a very productive season. He will still garner his lion share of targets in the Sean Payton system, but I question the accuracy and ability of the QB that will be throwing said passes (Taysom Hill or Jameis Winston).
9. Terry McLaurin, Washington Football Team (86 receptions, 1389 yards 7 TDs)
- Scary Terry has been one of most productive, young receivers the last two years, while playing with subpar QB’s. This season, he’ll get a chance to catch passes from Ryan Fitzpatrick who is known for his ability to push the ball down the field. This bodes well for McLaurin’s 4.3 speed, and couple that with his high Football IQ and route running ability, you have a player that is an elite, all-around receiver. I expect the newly acquired Curtis Samuel and Dyami Brown to help alleviate some of the pressure he’ll face as #1 receiver, while not stealing targets away. The former Buckeye looks to make his mark as a top 10 fantasy wide receiver.
10. DK Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks (77 receptions, 1206 yards 9 TDs):
- In his sophomore campaign, DK burst on the scene posting career bests across the board (83 receptions, 1303 yards 10 TDs). He has established himself as the #1 receiving for Russell Wilson, and Seattle is always primed to make a run behind their Qb’s arm. I believe Metcalf’s size/speed combo, mixed with his big play ability makes him a top 10 fantasy receiver, and if Pete Carroll and company continue to “let Russ cook” all year, we could see DK put up WR1 type numbers.
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