We continue to inch closer to the start of preseason, usually when fantasy football drafts are held, and scoping out players now will get you ahead. We’ve looked at the top 10 fantasy football quarterbacks and top 10 fantasy running backs. Today? The top 10 fantasy football wide receivers
Wide receiver can be the most frustrating position in fantasy football. A good week for a receiver is 70-90 yards and maybe a touchdown. That’s only between 10 and 12 fantasy points. This is why receivers who put up double digit touchdowns are so important. Go for the players who will be red-zone factors early.
1. Odell Beckham Jr.
As a rookie, Beckham had 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns, even with time missed with injuries. His ceiling is incredibly high and he could be the most explosive receiver in the NFL. Eli Manning is going to get him the ball a lot this season. The second-year player did all of his damage without Victor Cruz across from him, so with the return of Cruz, defenses will have a tougher time doubling him. If he continues his pace from last season he will easily surpass 1,600 yards and 15 touchdowns in 2015.
2. Dez Bryant
2. Now that Bryant and the Dallas Cowboys have reached a contract agreement, there is no holdout talk looming over picking him. Dez had 16 touchdowns last season and there’s no reason to think he won’t be around that number this year. He is Romo’s favorite target and for good reason — he has almost 4,000 receiving yards over the last three seasons.
3. Antonio Brown
Last year’s leader in yards and receptions, Brown hauled in 13 touchdown passes as well. He also was targeted 182 times. You can’t go wrong taking any of these receivers early and Brown will likely have another giant year. After all, he’s had the most snaps of any receiver over the last two years. Double-digit touchdowns and 1,400 yards are close to what we should expect.
4. Calvin Johnson
Injuries are the only thing keeping Johnson at bay, as he usually misses a couple games per year when he’s banged up. Besides that, he’s still a monster and could easily lead the league in receiving yards or touchdowns. Matt Stafford is supposed to have improved accuracy coming into training camp, so that can only bode well for those who draft Johnson. If he stays mostly healthy, Johnson will easily surpass his totals from last year.
5. A.J. Green
Another receiver who’s injury-plagued 2014 led to a down year. He only (only!) collected 1,041 yards and six touchdowns, the worst of his career. Regardless, he should still be in consideration for if he’s available in the 20’s. Green will produce this year and chances are his numbers will return to his usually peak.
6. Julio Jones
Jones had six touchdowns last season but expect him to get into the end zone a few more times than that this year. He pulled in a career high 1,593 receiving yards in 2014 and had over 100 catches. The Falcons entire offense will revolve around him and I suspect he could do better than A.J. Green.
7. Jordy Nelson
Coming of the biggest season of his career, Nelson will look to continue to be a the top of the NFL in yards and touchdowns. With arguably the best quarterback in the game, he should stay at the top. Another season with 12 or more touchdowns will make him worth a top pick.
8. Demaryius Thomas
The Broncos may struggle to put up the wild numbers they have in the past but Thomas won’t see a decline. Without Julius Thomas, more balls will be available to go around. For someone who has been as dependable as possible throughout the last 3 years, he can make your receiving corps. Expect another big year.
9. T.Y. Hilton
Hilton had 10 points or more in 15 games last year, cementing himself as a top fantasy football wide receiver. His targets may go down with the additions to Andre Johnson and Phillip Dorset, but it should open up more of an opportunity for him to take the top of a defense. Big plays and big numbers will be in store for Hilton in 2015.
10. Mike Evans
This list starts and ends on second-year players. Evans had a little over 1,000 yards, and that was with Mike Glennon and Josh McCown throwing him passes. Former Atlanta Falcons and Jacksonville Jaguars coordinator Dirk Koetter is with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and with Winston he may (finally!) have a reliable quarterback. Evans may go under the radar in some drafts but he is set up for a big year.
OTHER FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS
Top 10 fantasy football quarterbacks of 2015
Top 10 fantasy football running backs of 2015