Week 6 DFS: Wide Receiver Report
Week 6 DFS: Wide Receiver Report D.J. Moore had a sensational game (8/230/3 on 10 targets) against the Commanders in Week 5, but he was outdone by Ja’Marr Chase (15/192/3 on 19 targets). Both players moved into the top 10
D.J. Moore had a sensational game (8/230/3 on 10 targets) against the Commanders in Week 5, but he was outdone by Ja’Marr Chase (15/192/3 on 19 targets). Both players moved into the top 10 in wide receiver scoring in PPR formats. Tyreek Hill (8/181/1) was the only other wideout to score more than 30.00 fantasy points. Eight wide receivers finish with 20.00 to 28.00 fantasy points. DeAndre Hopkins posted his best game (8/140), but he ranks 37th after his five starts with the Titans. Here’s a look at the top five wide receivers after five games:
- Tyreek Hill (132.50)
- Keenan Allen (103.45 – four games)
- Stefon Diggs (120.00)
- Puka Nacu (115.60)
- Justin Jefferson (109.80)
Also, before we get into the Week 6 DFS: Wide Receiver Report, check out the QB Report, RB Report, and TE Report.
Top Tier Options
Tyreek Hill, MIA (DK – $9,300/FD – $9,800)
Hill has been on the winning Millionaire Maker ticket at DraftKings in Week 1 (11/215/2), Week 3 (9/157/1), and Week 5 (8/181/1). He delivered lower results (5/40/1 and 3/58) in his other two matchups vs. division opponents. He is on pace to catch 122 passes for 2,213 yards and 17 touches, which would be career-highs in all categories. His rhythm last season over the first eight games and his start in 2023 leads to his best outputs coming every other week. Hill already has four completions of 40 yards or more.
The Panthers rank seventh in wide receiver defense (49/642/4 on 74 targets). Justin Jefferson (6/85/2) posted the best game against them, while DK Metcalf (6/112) is the only wideout to gain more than 100 receiving yards. Carolina’s success vs. wide receiver is somewhat masked by their poor run defense, leading to quarterbacks averaging only 27.6 passes. CB Donte Jackson has risk defending the long field (11 catches allowed for 202 yards and one touchdown on 17 targets ~ 18.1 yards per catch per PFF), and CB CJ Henderson (13/173/1) allows a high catch rate (81.3).
Hill brings a double jeopardy skill set for defenses to defend. His quickness is elite, setting up many easy catches over the short areas of the field. In addition, he can beat a secondary over the top in a blink of an eye. So far this year, I haven’t had Hill enough or used him in the correct team build. He is the player with the highest ceiling in many weeks, meaning a ride without him can lead to losing tickets more often than not. Rinse and Repeat.
Ja’Marr Chase, CIN (DK – $8,300/FD – $9,300)
The success of Chase in Week 5 (15/192/3 on 19 targets) was the first game in his career where he paired volume of chances with a long scoring play. In his two impact games (8/201/1 and 11/266/3) in his rookie season, he had 10 and 12 targets in those matchups while gaining 20 yards or more on eight plays. His only two catches of 20 yards or more this season went for 43 and 63 yards. Chase is now on pace to catch 150 passes for 1,618 yards and 10 touchdowns. His one strike is his yards per catch (10.8 – 12.0 in 2022 and 18.0 in 2021).
Seattle has the worst defense in the league against…
WHO ELSE DOES SHAWN THINK ARE MUST-PLAY OPTIONS THIS WEEK?…
USE CODE: BLITZ50 FOR 50% OFF your first TWO MONTHS! —OR— Use save20 for 20% off our 6-month package!
DEADLINE THIS SUNDAY.
GO PRO! Join FullTime Fantasy.
Week 5 DFS: Wide Receiver Report
Week 5 DFS: Wide Receiver Report From 2020 to 2022, eight wide receivers averaged more than 20.00 fantasy points in PPR formats. Half of these outcomes came from Tyreek Hill (20.57 and 20.43) and Davante Adams (22.46 and 20.25). After
From 2020 to 2022, eight wide receivers averaged more than 20.00 fantasy points in PPR formats. Half of these outcomes came from Tyreek Hill (20.57 and 20.43) and Davante Adams (22.46 and 20.25). After four weeks this season, eight wideouts stand tall in the land of elite outcomes compared to four running backs. The highest average for a tight end in 2023 is 14.08 fantasy by T.J. Hockenson.
In Week 4, A.J. Brown (38.50), Stefon Diggs (36.00), Nico Collins (35.80), and Puka Nacua (31.30) posted impact games, pushing the season total for wide receivers with more than 30.00 fantasy points to 12 (eight over the past two weeks). Five other wideouts scored between 20.00 and 30.00 fantasy points last week.
Here’s a look at the five scoring wide receivers heading into Week 5:
- Justin Jefferson (104.30)
- Keenan Allen (103.45)
- Tyreek Hill (100.40)
- Puka Nacua (95.50)
- Stefon Diggs (94.90)
Here is the Week 5 DFS: Wide Receiver Report. Also, check out this week’s QB Report, RB Report, and TE Report.
Top Tier Options
Tyreek Hill, MIA (DK – $9,000/FD – $9,400)
Hill saw his three-game scoring streak end last week against Buffalo while seeing only five targets (3/72). In his two starts vs. division opponents, he had eight catches for 122 yards on 14 targets compared to two elite games (11/215/2 and 9/157/1) in his other two matchups. I mentioned in another Hill profile this year that he started 2022 with a rhythm of an elite outcome every other week over the first eight games (8/94, 11/190/2, 2/33, 10/160, 7/47, 12/177, 7/72, and 12/188), something that has repeated out of the gate this season.
The Giants rank better than expected vs. wide receivers (12th – 41/540/4 on 64 targets) over the first month of the season, considering they allow more than 30 points a game with 14 touchdowns. Deebo Samuel (6/129/1) is the only wideout to gain more than 100 yards receiving. Miami will look to take advantage of CB Adoree Jackson (16/236/1 on 24 targets – 14.8 yards per catch per PFF) in this matchup.
Hill brings the explosiveness to the table, and the success of Miami’s run game only helps with his spacing in the secondary. He should bounce back in this game, but follow-through in the second half could be an issue if New York doesn’t put up a fight on the scoreboard. It’s a winning matchup where at least one long touchdown should be expected…
WHO ELSE DOES SHAWN THINK ARE MUST-PLAY OPTIONS THIS WEEK?…
USE CODE: BLITZ50 FOR 50% OFF your first TWO MONTHS! —OR— Use save20 for 20% off our 6-month package!
DEADLINE THIS SUNDAY.
GO PRO! Join FullTime Fantasy.
Week 4 DFS: Wide Receiver Report
Week 4 DFS: Wide Receiver Report Keenan Allen (45.95) and Davante Adams (42.20) posted the two impact fantasy point games at wide receiver in Week 3. Adam Thielen (31.50) built on his success in Week 2 (20.40), while Tyreek Hill
Keenan Allen (45.95) and Davante Adams (42.20) posted the two impact fantasy point games at wide receiver in Week 3. Adam Thielen (31.50) built on his success in Week 2 (20.40), while Tyreek Hill (9/157/1) and Justin Jefferson (7/149/1) closed out the five scoring in PPR leagues. Seven other wideouts scored more than 20.00 fantasy points. Here’s a look at the top five wide receivers after the three games:
- Keenan Allen (91.25)
- Tyreek Hill (90.20)
- Justin Jefferson (77.80)
- Davante Adams (75.20)
- Mike Evans (64.70)
There have been eight wide receiver games with at least 30.00 fantasy points.
Here is the Week 4 DFS: Wide Receiver Report. Also, check out this week’s QB Report, RB Report, and TE Report.
Top Tier Options
Justin Jefferson, MIN (DK – $9,600/FD – $9,400)
The most consistent elite wide receiver after three weeks has been Jefferson (9/150, 11/159, and 7/149/1), highlighted by his 38 targets (12, 13, and 13). The Vikings have had him on the field for 97.5% of their 204 plays. He’s gained over 100 yards in 13 of his last 21 starts while having a floor of seven catches in 14 of those games.
The Panthers have the fourth-best defense against wide receivers (31/396/1 on 49 targets). DK Metcalf (6/112) is the only wideout to gain over 100 yards. In Week 1, Carolina faced a Falcons offense that attempted only 18 passes. That led to only three catches for 31 yards by their wide receivers. Last year, the Panthers finished 28th defending wide receivers.
Jefferson is the most explosive ticket on the board each week. Especially if he adds impact touchdowns to his electric production. In addition, the Vikings have averaged 46 passes in 2023. It’s all about finding enough value to fit Jefferson in your DFS lineup.
Tyreek Hill, MIA (DK – $9,200/FD – $9,600)
Over his three starts in 2023, Hill has two difference-maker showings (11/215/2 and 9/157/1) while scoring in each matchup. Last year, he struggled to get open in both games (2/33 and 7/69) against the Bills, one without Tua Tagovailoa behind center. In the postseason in 2021, Hill excelled in the postseason (11/150/1) with Kansas City at home vs. Buffalo.
The Bills rank third in wide receiver defense (24/303/2 on 36 targets), allowing 6.6 yards per pass attempt with 12 sacks (nine in Week 3). Buffalo gave up only three touchdowns over the first three games (@NYJ, LA, and @WAS). In 2022, the Bills were about league average against wideouts (32.38 FPPG).
This matchup for Miami isn’t ideal for Hill based on the…
WHO ELSE DOES SHAWN THINK ARE MUST-PLAY OPTIONS THIS WEEK?…
USE CODE: BLITZ50 FOR 50% OFF your first TWO MONTHS! —OR— Use save20 for 20% off our 6-month package!
DEADLINE THIS SUNDAY.
GO PRO! Join FullTime Fantasy.
Week 3 DFS: Wide Receiver Report
Week 3 DFS: Wide Receiver Report Thankfully, we saw an increase in scoring last week. Hopefully, that action led to a better outcome in your DFS lineups. This week, our Week 3 DFS: Wide Receiver Report will help you make
Thankfully, we saw an increase in scoring last week. Hopefully, that action led to a better outcome in your DFS lineups. This week, our Week 3 DFS: Wide Receiver Report will help you make better lineup decisions in what looks like a challenging slate.
Also, check out FullTime Fantasy‘s Week 3 DFS: quarterback and tight end reports.
After two games, Justin Jefferson (9/150 and 11/159) and Puca Nacua (10/119 and 15/151) are the only two wideouts to score more than 20.00 fantasy points in both weeks. They also rank first and second in targets (25 and 35). Nine wide receivers have 20 targets or more.
Keenan Allen (8/111/2) led the Week 2, followed by Nacua (15/151) and Mike Evans (6/171/1). Seventeen wideouts scored between 20.00 and 30.00 fantasy points (eight in Week 1). In PPR formats, Tyreek Hill ranks first in wide receiver scoring (59.50).
Top Tier Options
Davante Adams, LV (DK – $7,800/FD – $7,900)
Jimmy Garoppolo looks Adams’ way 17 times over the first two weeks, leading to 12 catches for 150 yards and one touchdown. His ceiling has been limited due to the Raiders only attempting 50 passes. Last season, he had seven impact games (10/141/1, 3/124/2, 10/146/2, 9/126/1, 7/141/2, 8/177/2, and 7/153/2).
The Steelers showed risk vs. wide receivers in Week 1 (SF – 13/184/2). But a better pass rush (six sacks) and weaker quarterback play by Deshaun Watson led to a 50% catch rate on 28 targets with 160 yards vs. the Browns. In 2022, Pittsburgh finished seventh in wide receiver defense (29.60 FPPG) despite two disastrous games (BUF – 18/389/4 and PHI – 13/236/4). CB Patrick Peterson has already given up two touchdowns and multiple long plays.
Adams needs the Raiders to open up the passing game and do a better job moving the chains. He remains a volume pass-catcher with elite upside in scoring. Home cooking should treat him well on Sunday.
Justin Jefferson, MIN (DK – $9,300/FD – $9,700)
The game has been relatively easy for Jefferson over the first two weeks (20/309 on 25 targets). He’s gained 20 yards or more on 40% of his catches with an elite catch rate (80%). The structure of the Vikings’ receivers and their offensive game plan creates plenty of open field and opportunities. Last year, Jefferson scored more than 30.00 fantasy points in seven contests.
The Chargers have already allowed 32 catches for 565 yards and four touchdowns on 43 targets to wide receiver while allowing a dismal 17.7 yards per catch. Tyreek Hill (11/215/2) dominated their defense in Week 1. Last year, Los Angeles was slightly above the league average against wideouts (31.50 FPPG). CB J.C. Jackson made a couple of mistakes in Week 1, leading to a pair of long catches and a touchdown. Overall, he has held receivers to a low catch rate.
Minnesota attempts a high volume of passes in most games. However, they need to create…
WHO ELSE DOES SHAWN THINK ARE MUST-PLAY OPTIONS THIS WEEK?…
USE CODE: BLITZ50 FOR 50% OFF your first TWO MONTHS! —OR— Use save20 for 20% off our 6-month package!
DEADLINE THIS SUNDAY.
GO PRO! Join FullTime Fantasy.
Week 2 DFS: Wide Receiver Report
Week 2 DFS: Wide Receiver Report The first week of the NFL season delivered an interesting mix of wide receiver production at the top end. Our Week 2 DFS: Wide Receiver Report recaps who hit value and how we can
The first week of the NFL season delivered an interesting mix of wide receiver production at the top end. Our Week 2 DFS: Wide Receiver Report recaps who hit value and how we can use that data to make profitable lineup choices in Week 2.
Tyreek Hill (11/215/2 on 15 targets) was an absolute beast, while Brandon Aiyuk (8/129/2) and Jakobi Meyers (9/81/2) had excellent games. Three wideouts (Kendrick Bourne – 6/64/2, Puka Nacua – 10/119, and Rashid Shaheed – 5/89/1) finished in the top 10 in wide receiver scoring, all of which were probably found in the free agent pool in some leagues in Week 2. Justin Jefferson (9/150) did his job, and Calvin Ridley (8/101/1) rewarded his believers with a great start to the season.
Just like in 2022 (9/122/1), Michael Pittman (8/97/1) kicked in the wide receiver door in Week 1 despite freefalling in drafts in early September due to the passing concerns for Anthony Richardson. Ten other wideouts scored between 15.00 and 19.90 fantasy points in PPR formats.
Also, check out FullTime Fantasy‘s Week 2DFS QB Report Week 2DFS TE Report, and Week 2 DFS RB Report.
Top Tier Options
Stefon Diggs, BUF (DK – $8,000/FD – $8,000)
The threat of Sauce Gardner (he allowed four catches for 59 yards on five targets per PFF) slowing down Diggs in Week 1 ended up being a false theory. Buffalo found creative ways to get him the ball, leading to 10 catches for 102 yards and one score on 13 targets. The Bills’ secondary receiving options struggled to make big plays (19/134 – 7.1 yards per catch). Over his 50 games with the Bills, Diggs has 497 targets (9.9 per game). In his 10 home games in 2022, he gained more than 100 yards in six starts (12/148/3, 8/102/1, 12/128, 7/104/1, and 7/114).
The Raiders were about the league-average vs. wide receivers (208/2,660/13 on 314 targets in 2022), with three offenses (DEN – 13/203/2, SEA – 17/206/1, and KC – 16/221) gaining more than 200 yards from their wideouts. Their top three cornerbacks in Week 1 gave up nine catches for 101 yards on 11 targets. Both the Broncos’ passing touchdowns came against their safeties.
Diggs is the chain-mover for Buffalo, and he should be active again in Week 2. To reach 30.00 fantasy points, the Bills need to get him at least one score and find him on at least one long pass to reach the 100-yard bonus at DraftKings. His salary looks more favorable at FanDuel.
Ja’Marr Chase, CIN (DK – $7,900/FD – $8,400)
Based on Joe Burrow’s struggles in Week 1 (14-for-31 with 82 passing yards) and his lack of success vs. the Ravens in 2022 (233/2, 225/1, and 214/2), the daily market should fade Chase and his star quarterback in Week 2. On the positive side, Baltimore will most likely be without their top cornerback (Marlon Humphrey), and their starting safety (Marcus Williams) has already been ruled out.
Last year, Chase was active in all three games (7/50, 9/84/1, and 9/84/1) vs. the Ravens with 37 targets, but he failed to hit on any long plays. When at his best in 2022, he gained over 100 yards in four matchups (10/129/1, 7/132/2, 8/130/2, and 10/119/1), three of which came at home.
Baltimore finished 22nd defending wide receivers (227/2,875/12 on 353 targets) last season. Their secondary had some problems vs…
WHO ELSE DOES SHAWN THINK ARE MUST-PLAY OPTIONS THIS WEEK?…
USE CODE: BLITZ50 FOR 50% OFF your first TWO MONTHS! —OR— Use save20 for 20% off our 6-month package!
DEADLINE THIS SUNDAY.
GO PRO! Join FullTime Fantasy.
2023 Deep Sleeper Wide Receivers
2023 Deep Sleeper Wide Receiver In the high-stakes fantasy football market, most deep sleeper wideouts will be found after round 16 (pick 192) in 12-team formats. Some potential under-the-radar players started drawing attention in early August, pushing them up draft
2023 Deep Sleeper Wide Receiver
In the high-stakes fantasy football market, most deep sleeper wideouts will be found after round 16 (pick 192) in 12-team formats. Some potential under-the-radar players started drawing attention in early August, pushing them up draft boards. With any news blurb, a player can jump a tier in the category pecking order. A deep sleeper moves to a sleeper, or a sleeper becomes a breakout candidate.
Targeting these late-round 2023 Deep Sleeper Wide Receivers is a great way to build a championship fantasy football roster. Also, check out my deep sleeper tight ends. That and much, much more are part of the amazing FullTime Fantasy Draft Kit.
John Metchie (WR) Houston Texans
The Texans’ passing options won’t draw much attention in the fantasy market. But someone will emerge as a viable starting fantasy wide receiver in 2023. I put Nathaniel Dell with my sleeper wideouts while waiting to see some tape/news on Metchie. Recently, Houston posted a clip of Metchie on Twitter, showcasing his…
WHAT OTHER WIDE RECEIVERS MADE SHAWN’S 2023 DEEP SLEEPER LIST?
USE CODE: BLITZ50 FOR 50% OFF your first TWO MONTHS! —OR— Use save20 for 20% off our 6-month package!
DEADLINE THIS FRIDAY.
GO PRO! Join FullTime Fantasy.
Fantasy Football Draft Strategy: WR Depth
2023 Fantasy Football Draft Strategy: WR Depth Since drafting early wide receivers has become the most popular draft strategy in 2023, securing WR depth is integral. Knowing how to identify and target mid-round values is crucial. With my 2023 Fantasy Football Draft Strategy: WR Depth, I break down how to build the deepest and best receiving corps in your league. In PPR leagues, it is possible to draft four wide receivers that outscore many RB2s over the first four or five rounds of drafts. The data below shows the strength of the wide receiver pool at WR3 and WR4 over the past four seasons. Also, the 2023 FullTime Fantasy Football Draft Kit is absolutely LOADED with EXCLUSIVE sleepers, fades, breakouts, customized cheat sheets, and tons of valuable content to help you DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT DAY! Wide Receiver 25 to 36 Point totals (2019 – 2022) Targeting WR3s Last year, the 25th through 36th wide receivers averaged 181.99 fantasy points in full-point PPR leagues, or 11.37 fantasy points per week, or 68 catches for 800 yards and four touchdowns. The top four wide receivers in this group averaged 187.33 fantasy points. Practice is also imperative. Use FullTime Fantasy’s Mock Draft Simulator to be fully prepared on draft day. Plus, you can win some amazing prizes simply by mock drafting! Fantasy Point Totals WR3 Observations The quality of the WR3 in 2022 was well below the previous three seasons (189.86, 194.37, and 181.99 fantasy points). Wide receivers are inconsistent from week to week. Many times touchdowns will determine their success. If a drafter builds his team with too many weak wide receivers, he will have difficulty getting his lineup right on Sunday. As I maneuver through the wide receiver pool, it is easy to see that they consistently outscore the running back position at the backend. As I mentioned earlier, if a fantasy manager could draft three top wide receivers inside of the first four rounds, his team structure may lead to a five or six-point edge at the WR3 position by hitting on the right group of wide receivers. Additionally, by having three reliable wide receivers, a fantasy team may be slightly stronger during bye weeks. Also, it will have a chance to battle some short-term injuries. On the other hand, a team selecting a quarterback and tight end over the top five rounds will be under pressure to get their 2nd running backs and backend wide receivers right on draft day. Wide Receiver 25 to 36 Point Totals (2019 – 2022) WR4 or Flex Player The 37th through 48th wide receivers averaged 160.65 fantasy points in full-point PPR leagues or 59 catches, 724 yards, and four touchdowns. On average, the 4th tier of wide receivers (10.04) outscored the 3rd group of running backs (9.80 fantasy points in 2022). Last year, 36 wide receivers averaged more than 10 fantasy points per week compared to 38 in 2021 and 32 in 2020. My goal at the flex position has to be much higher than 10.5 fantasy points. Unfortunately, many failures at the backend of the wide receiver pool tend to come from injuries. Fantasy Point Totals WR4 Observations If I add up the average score from each starting roster position, the mid-range of a fantasy team came to 146.04 fantasy points per week based on 2022 results. Each fantasy manager’s goal should be to beat the average score at each position. That means they need a mid to upper-tier player at each spot in their starting lineup. The wide receiver position runs deeper than the running back inventory. But wideouts are more challenging to manage at the lower tiers. As a result, many drafters use two different philosophies. The first goal is to draft one foundation running back and build your team with strength in their receiving corps. Plus a solid tight end also helps. The next step is loading up on running back depth. If one or more backup running backs gain a full-time job, this draft style will contend for a title with a healthy season. The second team structure comes from a running back strong roster in team building while hopefully hitting on their backend wide receivers. I’ll use a baseball comparison as it is easier to understand for fantasy managers that play multiple sports. A backup running back is like a closer in waiting. If a player gets full-time carries, they can become a top player and sometimes an elite running back. Without a starting opportunity, a backup running back tends to have minimal value if needed to cover an injury or bye week. Wide receivers are more like starting pitchers. It’s either they have talent or they don’t. A couple of wide receivers will break through each year, but what are the chances that the draft breaks right to secure the right ones? If a drafter went running back strong, do they need to hit one or two wide receivers to have a successful season? They might even need three wide receivers to develop a competitive roster. In the high-end leagues, your opponents will also know the player pool. That makes it challenging to get out if you wait too long at the wide receiver position. The second part is that a backup wide receiver can’t match an elite wide receiver just because he has an opportunity. If Justin Jefferson or Ja’Marr Chase gets hurt, their replacement won’t deliver his production. Their targets will be spread out between the other good players within that offense. A mediocre running back can get a job in a high-powered offense and produce by the sheer volume of touches. That is why many top fantasy owners will cheat on the RB2 position. They avoid the injury risk by selecting one running back early and try to gain an edge at four or five other roster positions. Drafting a Balanced Roster The best team structure for a fantasy manager that pushes the quarterback position back would be to draft a balanced roster
2023 Fantasy Football Fades
2023 Fantasy Football Fades Knowing which players to avoid is a vital part of any successful fantasy draft strategy. Being proactive means avoiding disappointments before they bottom out. In this case, my 2023 Fantasy Football Fades explores five highly-coveted players
Knowing which players to avoid is a vital part of any successful fantasy draft strategy. Being proactive means avoiding disappointments before they bottom out. In this case, my 2023 Fantasy Football Fades explores five highly-coveted players who are being over-drafted in 2023.
For me, the most challenging category each football season in the fantasy market is the fade/bust category. In most cases, a player underachieves expectations due to an injury. I’m looking for players coming off career years that look overpriced in drafts. In addition, some players will be ranked with more established options, putting them in a one-year wonder category.
Josh Jacobs (RB) Las Vegas Raiders
There is no doubt Jacobs has talent and upside, but he is coming off a massive workload (393 touches), leading to an exceptional season (2,053 combined yards with 12 touchdowns and 53 catches). Unfortunately, the Raiders failed to pick up his fifth-year option before last year, putting him in the “franchise tag category.”
Jacobs turned 25 in February, and he wants to get paid. When training camp opened in July, his flight left town. His holdout could be lengthy, creating a fantasy dilemma. His 2022 stats suggest a value in the second round. I expect regression in his output and some injury risk by not being at training camp. Jacobs was an excellent buy last year, but I sense a potential trap even if he slides to the third round in PPR formats.
Over the past seven seasons, a running back has led the NFL in combined yards, with each outcome resulting in…
WHAT PLAYERS SHOULD YOU AVOID THIS SEASON?
FIND OUT WHO SHAWN’S TOP-5 FANTASY FOOTBALL FADES IN 2023…
USE CODE: BLITZ50 FOR 50% OFF your first TWO MONTHS! —OR— Use save20 for 20% off our 6-month package!
DEADLINE THIS FRIDAY.
GO PRO! Join FullTime Fantasy.
Fantasy Football Draft Strategy: WR
2023 Fantasy Football Draft Strategy: WR These days, drafting early-round wide receivers has become the most popular fantasy football draft strategy. Because so many #ZeroRB zealots are pushing up the value of these wideouts, it is imperative to know the safest approach to a foolproof Fantasy Football Draft Strategy: WR. I have to admit I have a weakness for the wide receiver position. I like strength with my wideouts, allowing me to make fewer decisions when setting my starting lineup. Here’s a look at the top 12 wide receivers over the last four seasons. Top 12 Wide Receiver Point Totals (2019 – 2022) Identifying WR1s Last year, the average top 12 wide receivers averaged 98 catches for 1,362 yards and 8.9 touchdowns, translating to 290.93 fantasy points in full-point PPR leagues or 18.18 points per week. The WR1 position had its best output in 2015 (19.26 FPPG), 2018 (19.06 FPPG), and 2021 (19.02 FPPG) over the past 11 seasons. Also, stacking your top wideout with his real quarterback is a proven strategy. Check out our extensive look at how to approach team stacking in 2023, which breaks down the ideal stacks for all 32 franchises. Fantasy Point Totals WR1 Observations Overall, an elite three-down running back has an edge almost every season over a top-tier wide receiver. However, there will be an exception when a top wideout catches plus receptions or scores a high volume of touchdowns. Marvin Harrison 2004 – 143/1,722/11 Randy Moss 2007 – 98/1,523/23 Wes Welker 2011 – 122/1,569/9 Calvin Johnson 2011 – 96/1,681/16 Antonio Brown 2014 – 129/1,698/13, 2015 – 136/1,834/10 Julio Jones 2015 – 136/1,871/8 DeAndre Hopkins 2018 – 115/1,572/11 Michael Thomas 2019 – 149/1,725/9 Stefon Diggs 2020 – 127/1,535/8 Davante Adams 2020 – 115/1,374/19, 2021 – 123/1,553/11, and 2022 – 100.1,516/14 Cooper Kupp 2021 – 145/1,947/16 Justin Jefferson 2022 – 128/1,809/9 Tyreek Hill – 119/1,710/7 At any position, scoring plus touchdowns will separate the top players from the field. Over the last 20 years, we have seen some exceptional running backs that posted some crazy touchdown totals, highlighted by the great success of Christian McCaffrey in 2019 (471.20 fantasy points). Cooper Kupp set the new ceiling at wide receiver in 2021 in fantasy points (440.40). In most years, a handful of receivers will score between 280-300 fantasy points each year in PPR leagues. Over the last nine seasons, 50 wide receivers scored more than 280 fantasy points in PPR leagues (13 over the past two years). One of my goals on draft day is to eliminate as many weekly lineup decisions as possible. The more decisions a fantasy manager has to make from week to week, the higher the chance of being wrong. The wide receiver position is very volatile. If a fantasy team has too many players that look the same, it is nearly impossible to maximize your success over a long football season. A fantasy manager that decides to draft a wide receiver strong team in PPR formats eliminates much of the decision-making process for two, possibly three wideout positions. This drafter MUST roster one strong running back as the core of his roster. Wide Receiver 13 to 24 Point Totals (2019 – 2022) Targeting Quality WR2s It is interesting to see the gaps tighten up at the WR2 position over the past few years. Last season, the second 12 wide receivers averaged 75 catches for 940 yards and five touchdowns. The top four wideouts in this grouping averaged 231.65 fantasy points (82/1,071/7). The difference between the top WR2 (Tyler Lockett) and the 12th option (Chris Olave) was 39.10 fantasy points. As I mentioned earlier, the easiest mistakes in fantasy football will happen at the wide receiver position. There’s nothing worse than having five wide receivers that have similar value. It is incredibly challenging to predict whom to start every week. The FFWC has two flex spots in the starting lineup, so the wide receiver decisions don’t get magnified as much as in traditional leagues. A WR2 averaged about 14.65 fantasy points per week in 2021, the highest level of success for WR2s over the last 10 seasons (2013 – 14.17, 2014 – 13.87, 2015 – 14.25, 2016 – 13.72, 2017 – 12.75, 2018 – 13.57, 2019 – 13.99, 2020 – 14.31, 2021 – 14.65, and 2022 – 13.75). The RB2s averaged 12.69 fantasy points last year. Another great way to prepare to DOMINATE your draft is using FullTime Fantasy’s Mock Draft Simulator. Fantasy Point Totals WR2 Observations The second wide receiver for most fantasy teams is a steady piece to the puzzle. When making this selection, the goal is to find a solid 200+ point receiver in PPR leagues. The closer we get to the live draft season, the inventory will tighten up. There are about 17 wide receivers in most seasons that will score more than 225 fantasy points in PPR leagues (19 in 2015, 15 in 2016, 12 in 2017, 17 in 2018, 17 in 2019, 19 in 2020, 22 in 2021, and 17 in 2022). So as much as some fantasy managers want to finesse the position, they can be short at wide receiver if other drafters decide to triple up at wideout with their first three or four draft picks. A fantasy manager needs to identify the opportunities at each position to help them determine which direction they want to go when building their team. A drafter from an early position will have a much different thought process than someone drawing from a backend draft slot. For example, a team selecting two wide receivers early in drafts will be shopping in another aisle than a player choosing two running backs with their first two picks. Every draft will be different, but the opportunities after round five will be somewhat consistent. Finally, check out our Fantasy Football Draft Strategy for the Quarterbacks and Running Backs. Lastly, If you have time to prepare, make sure you mock in our Mock Draft World Championships. No better way to practice for
Top Five Wide Receiver Sleepers
Top Five Wide Receiver Sleepers Today’s high-octane NFL offense has led to an explosion in popularity for wide receivers. As #ZERORB drafting has become all the rage in fantasy football, young wide receivers have developed into the most valuable commodity
Today’s high-octane NFL offense has led to an explosion in popularity for wide receivers. As #ZERORB drafting has become all the rage in fantasy football, young wide receivers have developed into the most valuable commodity in many leagues and formats.
It only takes one mock draft to see just how impactful young, productive wideouts have become. However, not all receivers are created equally. Knowing which young pass catcher has the potential to develop into the next elite fantasy WR1 or WR2 is crucial for compiling a championship roster.
Here are the top five wide receiver sleepers that have the potential to break out in 2023.
Anatomy Of A Sleeper WR
In this year’s draft class, many NFL teams scoured the talent pool at wide receiver looking for the next quick undersized player looking for the next Tyreek Hill (5’10” and 185 lbs.), Antonio Brown (5’10” and 195 lbs.), or even DeVonta Smith (6’0” and 170 lbs.). The goal is to find a difference-maker with the talent to force a defense to defend the whole field.
Identifying these budding superstar wideouts has never been more important to succeed in fantasy football. Here are some quick data to show the wide receiver dropdowns from 2020 to 2022:
Note: The above data is from PPR formats.
Each NFL season, there is a fluctuation of touchdowns scored either via the pass or the run. In 2020, receivers caught 871 touchdowns (most in NFL history), with a pullback to 840 scores in 2021 despite each team playing one more game. Subsequently, last season, scoring was down across the board, leading to only 750 passing touchdowns. This regression came from 15 teams tossing 20 or fewer scores.
Also, here are the running and passing stats from 2010 to 2022…
WHO ARE THE TOP FIVE WIDE RECEIVER SLEEPERS TO TARGET IN YOUR 2023 FANTASY FOOTBALL DRAFTS?
USE CODE: SAVE20 on the 6-month package to get TWO MONTHS FREE!
DEADLINE THIS SUNDAY.
GO PRO! Join FullTime Fantasy.