Top 25 WRs to Draft in Fantasy

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Jan 16, 2021; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams (17) celebrates a victory against the Los Angeles Rams during their NFL divisional playoff game Saturday, January 16, 2021, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. Mandatory Credit: Dan Powers-USA TODAY NETWORK

Here we go! Teams are now in training camp, and we are just weeks away from your fantasy drafts. Below are the top-25 WRs to draft right now. Obviously, things will change, and our rankings will change ahead of time as well. For now, take a look at the list below, and make sure to stay up to date with our fantasy content here at our website by clicking the fantasy tab

 

Notable Mentions: Michael Thomas (Saints), Curtis Samuel (Football Team), Tee Higgins (Bengals), Chase Claypool (Steelers), Odell Beckham Jr. (Browns)

 

25) Ja’Marr Chase – Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals: Ja'Marr Chase will challenge Trevor Lawrence for OROTY
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Year Team Games Played Receptions Yards Yards/Catch TDs
2018 LSU 10 23 313 13.6 3
2019 LSU 14 84 1,780 21.2 20

 

The last time we watched Chase and Burrow play together, the rookie phenom hauled in 84 receptions for 1,780 yards and 20 touchdowns. Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins are still on the team, and they will easily take away some of Chase’s opportunities. But he is too skilled, and his strong connection with Burrow should solidify him as the team’s WR1 at some point. Once the fifth overall pick in this year’s draft gets used to the NFL level, he will be an exciting and great fantasy weapon for your team(s) this season. 

 

Chase’s 2021 Prediction

Receiving: 74 receptions, 977 yards, 7 touchdowns

Rushing: 2 carries, 8 yards, 1 fumble

Fantasy Points: 213.5 PPR Points

 

24) Kenny Golladay – New York Giants

NY Giants getting 'damn good player' in Kenny Golladay, ex-teammate says
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Year Team Games Played Receptions Yards Yards/Catch TDs
2017 DET 11 28 477 17.0 3
2018 DET 15 70 1,063 15.2 5
2019 DET 16 65 1,190 18.3 11
2020 DET 5 20 338 16.9 2

 

Some may be a little skeptical about Golladay this year because of his injury-riddled season in 2020. Don’t be. Players get hurt, and last year was his first season battling injuries in his four-year career. Just two seasons ago, he served as the WR9 in PPR leagues. What’s crazy is that he did it on 65 receptions. The season prior, he hauled in his career high, 70 receptions, and finished as the WR21. In an offense where he’s clearly the top receiving option, expect Golladay to finish inside the top-25 once again. His QB is Daniel Jones though, and that might limit his potential ceiling.  

 

Golladay’s 2021 Prediction

Receiving: 68 receptions, 1,061 yards, 7 touchdowns

Fantasy Points: 216.1 PPR Points

 

23) Diontae Johnson – Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers WR Diontae Johnson primed for big year two breakout
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Year Team Games Played Receptions Yards Yards/Catch TDs
2019 PIT 16 59 680 11.5 5
2020 PIT 15 88 923 10.5 7

 

Overshadowed by his teammates Chase Claypool and JuJu Smith-Schuster, Johnson has quietly turned into a very solid fantasy WR. He finished as the overall WR21 last season, but he put together monstrous performances throughout the year. Not only did he produce 10 double-digit performances, Johnson also topped 20 PPR points six times (almost seven as he finished with 19.9 in Week 15). Unfortunately for his fantasy stock, Smith-Schuster will be back for another season in Pittsburgh. Nonetheless, he outproduced him in both targets and receiving yards in 2020. Expect more of the same this season as Johnson should lead this team in receiving going forward. 

 

Johnson’s 2021 Prediction

Receiving: 87 receptions, 993 yards, 5 touchdowns

Rushing: 4 carries, 26 yards, 1 fumble

Fantasy Points: 217.9 PPR Points

 

22) Brandon Aiyuk – San Francisco 49ers

What are the expectations for Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk this year? - Niners Nation
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Year Team Games Played Receptions Yards Yards/Catch TDs
2020 SF 12 60 748 12.5 5

 

There was a ton of hype surrounding the young receiver last season. Rightfully so, Aiyuk produced great numbers without playing a full season. His 16-game pace would have landed him with 80 receptions for 997 yards and about seven touchdowns. His WR35 finish doesn’t paint the full picture of how easy he made things look at the pro level. It’s also hard to put things in perspective because he didn’t miss a big chunk all at the same time in his rookie season. He missed Weeks 1, 9 ,12, and 17. His best stretch came in Weeks 13-15 where he served as the WR5. Although he can be a little inconsistent, he showed that he’s ultimately the top WR threat on his team over Deebo Samuel. In San Francisco’s offense, that will turn into a good amount of fantasy points for your team(s). 

 

Aiyuk’s 2021 Prediction

Receiving: 78 receptions, 991 yards, 6 touchdowns

Rushing: 12 carries, 74 yards, 1 fumble

Fantasy Points: 219.5 PPR Points

 

21) Amari Cooper – Dallas Cowboys

Amari Cooper Says He's Playing with More Passion Since Trade to Cowboys | Bleacher Report | Latest News, Videos and Highlights
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Year Team Games Played Receptions Yards Yards/Catch TDs
2015 OAK 16 72 1,070 14.9 6
2016 OAK 16 83 1,153 13.9 5
2017 OAK 14 48 680 14.2 7
2018 OAK/DAL 15 75 1,005 13.4 7
2019 DAL 16 79 1,189 15.1 8
2020 DAL 16 92 1,114 12.1 5

 

Cooper is lower on this list because he is currently on the training camp PUP list. He’s simply not fully recovered from an injury he sustained late last season. Dallas expects him to be fine before the regular season starts, but in the meantime, CeeDee Lamb is getting a ton of reps as the team’s top WR right now. Lamb is easily the more talented receiver of the two, but Cooper is SOLID, and he has that relationship and chemistry with Dak Prescott. He’s also a very consistent player who has topped 1,000 receiving yards five out of the six seasons he has been in the league. Sure, Lamb could take over as the team’s WR1, but Cooper would be one of the best WR2s in the league. In a dominant passing offense, the seventh-year pro should have no problems topping 1,000 receiving yards once again as long as he stays healthy. 

 

Cooper’s 2021 Prediction

Receiving: 82 receptions, 1,041 yards, 7 touchdowns

Rushing: 2 carries, 9 yards

Fantasy Points: 229 PPR Points

 

20) Adam Thielen – Minnesota Vikings

Adam Thielen Update Ahead Of Minnesota Vikings' Week 12 Game
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Year Team Games Played Receptions Yards Yards/Catch TDs
2014 MIN 16 8 137 17.1 1
2015 MIN 16 12 144 12.0 0
2016 MIN 16 69 967 14.0 5
2017 MIN 16 91 1,276 14.0 4
2018 MIN 16 113 1,373 12.2 9
2019 MIN 10 30 418 13.9 6
2020 MIN 15 74 925 12.5 14

 

Now on the wrong side of 30, Thielen will look to carry his momentum from last season into 2021. He finished with a career high in touchdown receptions (14), and he finished as the WR10 in PPR leagues. Definitely expect his touchdowns to go down, but on a team with only two proven pass-catchers, he will still carve out a huge role in Minnesota’s offense. He sits at No. 20 due to the fact that this team will rely on the run more often this season, and Justin Jefferson will look to improve off his outstanding rookie season. 

 

Thielen’s 2021 Prediction

Receiving: 79 receptions, 995 yards, 9 touchdowns

Rushing: 3 carries, 13 yards, 1 fumble

Fantasy Points: 232.8 PPR Points

 

19) D.J. Moore – Carolina Panthers

Panthers Highlights: D.J. Moore catches deep ball from P.J. Walker
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Year Team Games Played Receptions Yards Yards/Catch TDs
2018 CAR 16 55 788 14.3 2
2019 CAR 15 87 1,175 13.5 4
2020 CAR 15 66 1,193 18.1 4

 

Moore will be going into his fourth year with his third different starting QB entering the season. He has proven that he can produce no matter who is throwing him the ball. He finished as the WR25 last year, but Curtis Samuel surprisingly played a huge role in Carolina’s offense last season. With Christian McCaffrey coming back, defenses will be keen on him, and it will open up more passing opportunities for this team and ultimately for Moore as well. 

 

Moore’s 2021 Prediction

Receiving: 84 receptions, 1,210 yards, 5 touchdowns

Rushing: 3 carries, 19 yards

Fantasy Points: 236.9 PPR Points

 

18) Robert Woods – Los Angeles Rams

Robert Woods not fretting lack of usage in Rams' offense: 'Whatever it takes to win'
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Year Team Games Played Receptions Yards Yards/Catch TDs
2013 BUF 14 40 587 14.7 3
2014 BUF 16 65 699 10.8 5
2015 BUF 14 47 552 11.7 3
2016 BUF 13 51 613 12.0 1
2017 LAR 12 56 781 13.9 5
2018 LAR 16 86 1,219 14.2 6
2019 LAR 15 90 1,134 12.6 2
2020 LAR 16 90 936 10.4 6

 

It happens every offseason. We, as fantasy analysts, expect Woods to take a step back and become irrelevant in fantasy at some point. DO NOT rely on that this season. He’s coming off of three straight top-15 finishes, and he will play with a much better QB this season (Matthew Stafford). It’s also important to note that Gerald Everett is no longer on the team, and Cam Akers is out for the entire year with an achilles injury. Expect HC Sean McVay to rely on the passing game a ton this season, and Woods should benefit from this tremendously. 

 

Wood’s 2021 Prediction

Receiving: 96 receptions, 1,096 yards, 4 touchdowns

Rushing: 15 carries, 88 yards, 1 fumble

Fantasy Points: 237.4 PPR Points

 

17) Tyler Lockett – Seattle Seahawks

Report: Tyler Lockett, Seahawks Agree to 4-Year, $69.2M Contract Extension | Bleacher Report | Latest News, Videos and Highlights
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Year Team Games Played Receptions Yards Yards/Catch TDs
2015 SEA 16 51 664 13.0 6
2016 SEA 15 41 597 14.6 1
2017 SEA 16 45 555 12.3 2
2018 SEA 16 57 965 16.9 10
2019 SEA 16 82 1,057 12.9 8
2020 SEA 16 100 1,054 10.5 10

 

Like Woods, Lockett has finished inside the top-15 in back-to-back seasons, and he finished as the WR16 in 2018. His numbers are very similar to his, but Lockett has an even better QB throwing him passes (Russell Wilson). He finished last season with a career high in receptions (100), and he put together a WR8 finish and three performances of over 30 PPR points (even had 53 in Week 7). As long as Wilson is his starting QB, you can expect the six-year pro to finish inside the top-20. 

 

Lockett’s 2021 Prediction

Receiving: 90 receptions, 999 yards, 8 touchdowns

Rushing: 2 carries, 7 yards, 1 fumble

Fantasy Points: 237.6 PPR Points

 

16) Julio Jones – Tennessee Titans

Tennessee Titans' Julio Jones wears Waffle House cleats to practice
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Year Team Games Played Receptions Yards Yards/Catch TDs
2011 ATL 13 54 959 17.8 8
2012 ATL 16 79 1,198 15.2 10
2013 ATL 5 41 580 14.1 2
2014 ATL 15 104 1,593 15.3 6
2015 ATL 16 136 1,871 13.8 8
2016 ATL 14 83 1,409 17.0 6
2017 ATL 16 88 1,444 16.4 3
2018 ATL 16 113 1,677 14.8 8
2019 ATL 15 99 1,394 14.1 6
2020 ATL 9 51 771 15.1 3

 

Here’s an insane stat for you. Jones is averaging about 6.3 receptions, 95.5 receiving yards, 15.2 yards per reception, and 0.44 receiving touchdowns PER GAME throughout his CAREER! He has battled through injuries the past couple of seasons, and that’s one of the reasons why he isn’t higher on this list. Another reason is because he is teammates with A.J. Brown, a young and up-and-coming WR who has higher fantasy upside than him. Nonetheless, Jones is consistently a top-tier fantasy WR. Draft him, and don’t hesitate on your decision. 

 

Jones’ 2021 Prediction

Receiving: 79 receptions, 1,185 yards, 7 touchdowns

Fantasy Points: 239.5 PPR Points

 

15) Cooper Kupp – Los Angeles Rams

Rams place receiver Cooper Kupp on reserve/COVID-19 list - Sportsnet.ca
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Year Team Games Played Receptions Yards Yards/Catch TDs
2017 LAR 15 62 869 14.0 5
2018 LAR 8 40 566 14.2 6
2019 LAR 16 94 1,161 12.4 10
2020 LAR 15 92 974 10.6 3

 

Kupp may be one of the most dangerous weapons in the league when he’s in open space. He broke 12 tackles last season and posted a 5.7 YAC (yards after catch) average. He’s also coming off of two straight 90-plus reception seasons while respectively finishing as the WR4 and the WR26 the past two years. With an improved QB, expect similar numbers to his 2019 efforts. If you can find Kupp available in the fourth round of your drafts, jump all over that opportunity, and draft him. 

 

Kupp’s 2021 Prediction

Receiving: 94 receptions, 1,194 yards, 5 touchdowns

Rushing: 4 carries, 22 yards

Fantasy Points: 245.6 PPR Points

 

14) Mike Evans – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Buccaneers' Mike Evans briefly exits game against Chargers before returning - CBSSports.com
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Year Team Games Played Receptions Yards Yards/Catch TDs
2014 TB 15 68 1,051 15.5 12
2015 TB 15 74 1,206 16.3 3
2016 TB 16 96 1,321 13.8 12
2017 TB 15 71 1,001 14.1 5
2018 TB 16 86 1,524 17.7 8
2019 TB 13 67 1,157 17.3 8
2020 TB 16 70 1,006 14.4 13

 

I was a Mike Evans manager last season. Believe me; it was rough at times. He put together seven games with three or fewer receptions. BUT he hauled five touchdown receptions in those seven games. He’s simply dominant in the red zone. You may be thinking, “well, what about Chris Godwin and Antonio Brown playing on the same field as him?” Don’t worry. In games where Godwin and Brown played, Evans averaged 17.4 PPR points per game. Also, as long as Brady is the QB throwing him passes, you shouldn’t hesitate on drafting Evans. It also helps that he hasn’t finished a season without topping 1,000 yards yet in his seven-year career. 

 

Evans’ 2021 Prediction

Receiving: 77 receptions, 1,147 yards, 9 touchdowns

Fantasy Points: 245.7 PPR Points

 

13) Terry McLaurin – Washington Football Team

It's A Different Type Of Mentality': Terry McLaurin Reflects On Game-Changing Tackle
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Year Team Games Played Receptions Yards Yards/Catch TDs
2019 WAS 14 58 919 15.8 7
2020 WAS 15 87 1,118 12.9 4

 

“Scary” Terry McLaurin will put together a great fantasy season this year as long as he stays healthy. He played with three different QBs last season (four if you count the playoffs), and he still managed to finish as the WR20. You may have your doubts about Ryan Fitzpatrick as his starting QB this year, but you have to remember that Fitzpatrick is a “gun-slinger.” He’s going to pass the ball a ton and rely on his weapons a little too much at times. This will surely benefit McLaurin in a big way. If Curtis Samuel weren’t on this team, he could have been thought of as an easy WR1 in fantasy. 

 

McLaurin’s 2021 Prediction

Receiving: 91 receptions, 1,219 yards, 6 touchdowns

Rushing: 2 carries, 11 yards, 1 fumble

Fantasy Points: 249 PPR Points

 

12) Chris Godwin – Tampa Bay Buccaneers 

NFL rankings: Why Chris Godwin is one of league's best slot receivers
https://bucswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/50/2020/12/1293202940.jpg?w=1000&h=600&crop=1
Year Team Games Played Receptions Yards Yards/Catch TDs
2017 TB 16 34 525 15.4 1
2018 TB 16 59 842 14.3 7
2019 TB 14 86 1,333 15.5 9
2020 TB 12 65 840 12.9 7

 

Godwin played in just 12 games last season, and in those 12 games, he looked like Mike Evans’ tag-team partner in Tampa Bay’s offense. At a 16-game pace, Godwin would have hypothetically finished with just over 86 receptions, 1,120 receiving yards, and about nine receiving touchdowns. Nonetheless, he still managed to finish as the WR31. In Weeks 11-17, he served as the WR15, which was the healthiest stretch of his 2020 season. Based on the chemistry we witnessed between Brady and Godwin at the end of last season, it’s safe to predict that the fifth-year pro wide-out has WR1 upside. 

 

Godwin’s 2021 Prediction

Receiving: 86 receptions, 1,187 yards, 8 touchdowns

Fantasy Points: 252.7 PPR Points

 

11) CeeDee Lamb – Dallas Cowboys

CeeDee Lamb, Jerry Jeudy and more second-year breakout candidates | NFL News, Rankings and Statistics | PFF
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Year Team Games Played Receptions Yards Yards/Catch TDs
2020 DAL 16 74 935 12.6 5

 

Lamb’s fantasy stock continues to grow as the season looms. His teammate, Amari Cooper, is on the training camp PUP list, but Dak Prescott now has a shoulder injury that may carry into the season. Nonetheless, Lamb should still put together WR1 numbers because of his skill set and elite talent at his position. Last season, he caught more passes from Andy Dalton than he did from Prescott. He still managed to finish as the WR28. He also finished with double-digit fantasy points in 11 of the 16 games he played in. History has also shown that a good amount of first-round WRs take a big leap in year two of playing in the league. 

 

Lamb’s 2021 Prediction

Receiving: 87 receptions, 1,235 yards, 7 touchdowns

Rushing: 8 carries, 56 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 fumble

Fantasy Points: 263.1 PPR Points

 

10) Allen Robinson – Chicago Bears 

Chicago Bears: How extending Allen Robinson can fee up salary cap room
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Year Team Games Played Receptions Yards Yards/Catch TDs
2014 JAX 10 48 548 11.4 2
2015 JAX 16 80 1,400 17.5 14
2016 JAX 16 73 883 12.1 6
2017 JAX 1 1 17 17.0 0
2018 CHI 13 55 754 13.7 4
2019 CHI 16 98 1,147 11.7 7
2020 CHI 16 102 1,250 12.3 6

 

I think we can all come to the conclusion that Robinson is one of the best WRs who has never played with a good QB. He may have a shot this season if rookie Justin Fields takes over as the team’s starter at some point. It doesn’t matter though. Robinson has topped 1,000 receiving yards two seasons in a row, and he finished with a career high in receptions last season (102). He’s also finished inside the top-10 two seasons in a row. He’s a safe pick if you’re looking for a late-second/early-third-round WR for your fantasy team(s). 

 

Robinson’s 2021 Prediction

Receiving: 101 receptions, 1,273 yards, 6 touchdowns

Fantasy Points: 264.3 PPR Points

 

9) A.J. Brown – Tennessee Titans

Cornerstone: Is A.J. Brown a must have for 2021 Fantasy Football | Dynasty Nerds
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Year Team Games Played Receptions Yards Yards/Catch TDs
2019 TEN 16 52 1,051 20.2 8
2020 TEN 14 70 1,075 15.4 11

 

As mentioned above, Brown welcomes in a new teammate, Julio Jones. The two could turn out to be the best WR tandem in the league this season. Before the Jones trade, Brown’s stock was at an all-time high, as he appeared to be a possible top-5 fantasy WR this season. He sits at No. 9 simply because of his new teammate in town. Nonetheless, Brown has higher upside and an already proven connection with Ryan Tannehill. He’s also coming off a WR12 finish where he played in 14 of the 16 games last season. 

 

Brown’s 2021 Prediction

Receiving: 87 receptions, 1,322 yards, 9 touchdowns

Rushing: 1 carry, 7 yards, 1 fumble

Fantasy Points: 272.9 PPR Points

 

8) Keenan Allen – Los Angeles Chargers

Keenan Allen Claims Receiving Record | Pro Football Hall of Fame Official Site
https://www.profootballhof.com/assets/1/6/KAllenWeb1050.jpg?101575
Year Team Games Played Receptions Yards Yards/Catch TDs
2013 SD 15 71 1,046 14.7 8
2014 SD 14 77 783 10.2 4
2015 SD 8 67 725 10.8 4
2016 SD 1 6 63 10.5 0
2017 LAC 16 102 1,393 13.7 6
2018 LAC 16 97 1,196 12.3 6
2019 LAC 16 104 1,199 11.5 6
2020 LAC 14 100 992 9.9 8

 

One of the most underrated WRs in the league is playing in the same offense as one of the best, young, QBs in the league, Justin Herbert. Although he missed two regular season games last season, he still managed to break the 100-reception mark for the second season in a row. Last year, he finished as the WR13, and in the three years prior, he finished inside the top-10 consecutively. Expect a similar outcome this season as he now has one full season playing alongside his young QB. It also helps that he’s clearly the team’s top pass-catcher…BY A MILE!

 

Allen’s 2021 Prediction

Receiving: 109 receptions, 1,243 yards, 8 touchdowns

Rushing: 2 carries, 14 yards, 1 fumble

Fantasy Points: 281.7 PPR Points

 

7) D.K. Metcalf – Seattle Seahawks 

Seahawks defeat Eagles week 12 with good defense again
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Year Team Games Played Receptions Yards Yards/Catch TDs
2019 SEA 16 58 900 15.5 7
2020 SEA 16 83 1,303 15.7 10

 

Metcalf made the Year 2 jump last season by increasing his receptions by 25, his receiving yards by 403, and his receiving touchdowns by three from his rookie season. He finished as the WR7, but he was on pace to finish higher than that before the end of “let Russ cook.” Between Weeks 1 and 12, he served as the WR3. This is an indication of what his ceiling could be. The only reason why he isn’t in the top-5 of these rankings is because he plays on the same team as Tyler Lockett. 

 

Metcalf’s 2021 Prediction

Receiving: 88 receptions, 1,373 yards, 10 touchdowns

Rushing: 1 carry, 3 yards, 2 fumbles

Fantasy Points: 283.6 PPR Points

 

6) Justin Jefferson – Minnesota Vikings

ESPN snubs former LSU football WR Justin Jefferson
https://deathvalleyvoice.com/wp-content/uploads/imagn-images/2017/07/15360199.jpeg
Year Team Games Played Receptions Yards Yards/Catch TDs
2020 MIN 16 88 1,400 15.9 7

 

There’s all this chatter about WRs taking the big leap in their second season, but Jefferson decided to take the leap after his second week in the league. He broke the rookie season record for receiving yards in a debut year (1,400), and he finished as the WR6 on the season. If you take away his first two games (five receptions for 70 yards combined), he was simply dominant. Between Weeks 3 and 17, he served as the WR4 with six different weeks of posting more than 20 PPR points. It was a season to remember, and he should undoubtedly continue where he left off. 

 

Jefferson’s 2021 Prediction

Receiving: 96 receptions, 1,397 yards, 8 touchdowns

Fantasy Points: 283.7 PPR Points

 

5) Calvin Ridley – Atlanta Falcons

PFF on Twitter: "Calvin Ridley | among WRs: 35 RECs of 15+ yards (1st) 637 yards vs. single coverage (5th) #ProBowl | #ProBowlSnub… "
https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EpzPudMXcAEBXXo.jpg
Year Team Games Played Receptions Yards Yards/Catch TDs
2018 ATL 16 64 821 12.8 10
2019 ATL 13 63 866 13.7 7
2020 ATL 15 90 1,374 15.3 9

 

Ridley played alongside Julio Jones last season, and he still managed to finish as the WR5. Sure, he may see more double-teams this season, but he saw a ton last season because Jones missed seven games. In those seven games, Ridley averaged 22.1 PPR points per game. He’s going to see an increase in targets with Jones gone as well, and the depth behind him at the WR position is thin. Expect a huge season once again, and expect a top-5 finish from the fourth-year pro. 

 

Ridley’s 2021 Prediction

Receiving: 102 receptions, 1,499 yards, 8 touchdowns

Rushing: 5 carries, 29 yards

Fantasy Points: 302.8 PPR Points

 

4) DeAndre Hopkins – Arizona Cardinals 

Hail Murray Answered: DeAndre Hopkins Touchdown Leads Cardinals Over Bills
https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_editorial_landscape_12_desktop/cardinals/thp69zzqm4ohxsxjnn1k
Year Team Games Played Receptions Yards Yards/Catch TDs
2013 HOU 16 52 802 15.4 2
2014 HOU 16 76 1,210 15.9 6
2015 HOU 16 111 1,521 13.7 11
2016 HOU 16 78 954 12.2 4
2017 HOU 15 96 1,378 14.4 13
2018 HOU 16 115 1,572 13.7 11
2019 HOU 15 104 1,165 11.2 7
2020 ARI 16 115 1,407 12.2 6

 

There was the thought that Hopkins going to Arizona last season could lead to a decrease in production. WRONG! Nuke tied a career high in receptions (115), and he finished as a top-5 receiver for the fourth season in a row (WR4 last season). Arizona signed A.J. Green this offseason to compliment Hopkins and Christian Kirk at the WR position. They also drafted Rondale Moore, but these additions should only help Hopkins in the receiving game. If Green plays anything like he did from three seasons ago, defenses won’t be able to double-cover Hopkins, and that could lead to disaster. Expect a great season once again, and at this point, it would come as a HUGE surprise if he didn’t land inside the top-5 for the fifth straight year. 

 

Hopkins’ 2021 Prediction

Receiving: 119 receptions, 1,444 yards, 7 touchdowns

Rushing: 1 carry, 4 yards, 2 fumbles

Fantasy Points: 303.8 PPR Points

 

3) Stefon Diggs – Buffalo Bills

Bills WR Stefon Diggs says 'we don't have to do anything different' when it comes to playoff approach | News 4 Buffalo
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Year Team Games Played Receptions Yards Yards/Catch TDs
2015 MIN 13 52 720 13.8 4
2016 MIN 13 84 903 10.8 3
2017 MIN 14 64 849 13.3 8
2018 MIN 15 102 1,021 10.0 9
2019 MIN 15 63 1,130 17.9 6
2020 BUF 16 127 1,535 12.1 8

 

Josh Allen’s MVP candidate season came out of nowhere last year. Because he took such a big leap forward, Stefon Diggs became the beneficiary to his success. Diggs finished as the WR3 last season, and that’s exactly where he projects to be this season. He posted a career high in targets, receptions, and receiving yards in his first year in Buffalo. He also finished first in the league in all three categories as well. Don’t be surprised if he finishes as the WR1, but for now, we have him ranked third in our rankings. 

 

Diggs’ 2021 Prediction

Receiving: 114 receptions, 1,528 yards, 11 touchdowns

Rushing: 2 carries, 15 yards, 3 fumbles

Fantasy Points: 331.3 PPR Points

 

2) Tyreek Hill – Kansas City Chiefs

Where does Chiefs' Tyreek Hill rank among NFL's outside receivers?
https://chiefswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/70/2019/05/gettyimages-1097217876.jpg
Year Team Games Played Receptions Yards Yards/Catch TDs
2016 KC 16 61 593 9.7 6
2017 KC 15 75 1,183 15.8 7
2018 KC 16 87 1,479 17.0 12
2019 KC 12 58 860 14.8 7
2020 KC 15 87 1,276 14.7 15

 

Hill and the player listed ahead of him on this list are pretty much interchangeable. Their ADPs (average draft position) sit 10th and 12th thus far (Hill at 10th). Now with the news of Adams’ QB, Aaron Rodgers, coming back this season, Hill slips a little lower than him in our rankings. Nonetheless, you can’t go wrong with selecting one over the other. Last season, the speedster finished second in the league in receiving touchdowns (15), and he averaged 21.9 PPR points per game. With one of the most talented QBs throwing him passes (Patrick Mahomes), Hill almost automatically finishes as a WR1 each and every week. 

 

Hill’s 2021 Prediction

Receiving: 101 receptions, 1,505 yards, 12 touchdowns 

Rushing: 13 carries, 87 yards, 1 touchdown

Fantasy Points: 338.2 PPR Points

 

1) Davante Adams – Green Bay Packers

Davante Adams
https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_editorial_landscape_12_desktop/v1571668254/packers/ochwdfhcyyiklemjmjyg
Year Team Games Played Receptions Yards Yards/Catch TDs
2014 GB 16 38 446 11.7 3
2015 GB 13 50 483 9.7 1
2016 GB 16 75 997 13.3 12
2017 GB 14 74 885 12.0 10
2018 GB 15 111 1,386 12.5 13
2019 GB 12 83 997 12.0 5
2020 GB 14 115 1,374 11.9 18

 

Last week, Adams would not had been the top ranked WR on this list. As mentioned above, Rodgers is back for at least one more season in Green Bay, and Adams should continue his dominance once again this season. Think about his 2020 season for a second. He finished as the WR1, led the league in receiving touchdowns (18), and posted a career high in receptions (115) in 14 GAMES! At that production rate, his 16 game pace would have resulted in him hauling in about 131 receptions for 1,570 yards and just under 21 receiving touchdowns. There’s no way he won’t be one of the top fantasy receivers once again this season as long as he stays healthy. 

 

Adams’ 2021 Prediction

Receiving: 121 receptions, 1,476 yards, 14 touchdowns

Fantasy Points: 352.6 PPR Points

 

Did you enjoy this article and want more fantasy content? Make sure to check out my recent posts, and stay tuned for other positional rankings in the future. You can also follow me on Twitter @dirrim23, where I love talking about all things fantasy football!