Time now to take a look at the top 5 fantasy wide receivers to target in your draft. With the conclusion of the first week of pre-season, there are several diamonds shining through the rough. Since that the NFL has changed the rules, and effectively the game, wide receivers are putting up ridiculous stats that make every game seem like the Pro Bowl. That has resulted in a huge shift for position value in fantasy football. While it is still very important to have a stud at running back and solid quarterback to balance your roster, you want at least five to six show stoppers at wide receivers. Trust me even though this gives you tough decisions on who to start early on, you’ll have depth down the stretch as well as trade bait when everyone else starts to panic.
Now if you’ve been paying attention to my articles you will realize that you haven’t had to stretch or over pay for a QB or RB which means you’ll have plenty of cap room or early picks to snag the top 5 fantasy wide receivers. I know it doesn’t match the typical top 5 list but trust me, you want these guys on your roster and here’s why.
Courtesy: cbssports
Odell Beckham Jr. – The bottom line is there is not a single receiver in the league that can run routes and make adjustments on the fly like OBJ. Last year he set the bar at 2.74 yards per route run and with only 2 flubs out of 93 catch-able attempts, he landed in the top 5 for drop rate. Now with Cruz healthy opposite Beckham, you are bound to see less double teams and much more favorable match-ups which, should lead to a season full of top ten appearances on SportsCenter. While some might be afraid on a sophomore slump, a tender hamstring or even a Madden curse, use that to your advantage. Take him and don’t think twice.
Courtesy: bleacherreport
Jordy Nelson- I have no idea how Nelson remains outside of the top 5 in almost every single rankings chart or list. Whether it is his misconceived height or quite demeanor in a league full of outspoken talent, if you pass up on Jordy Nelson you are just plain foolish and that is putting it politely. Nelson is the #1 target in the most prolific passing game in the NFL. He has developed a stellar rapport with Rodgers and makes this game look like child’s play. Last year he caught 98 passes totaling 1,519 yards and 13 touchdowns. The only receiver that boasted better numbers was Antonio Brown. Nelson was also third in the league with 28 red-zone targets, converting on 5 of those attempts. These stats will only improve this year and you need him on your team.
Jordan Matthews- In his rookie year Matthews posted 67 receptions for 872 yards and 8 touchdowns. Now, while that may not seem like top 5 numbers to most, I see three factors that vault him into that position. First, He is in a pass happy, Chip Kelly, offense that is has had a year to figure out all of the kinks and work out the timing. Second, he is the top talent on the team now that Maclin has departed leaving him as the “go-to” guy in this receiving corps. Finally, he has a much better quarterback in Sam Bradford than he did last year with Nick Foles and Michael Vick. Look for last year’s numbers to rise and find fantastic value in this young receiver.
Courtesy: usatoday
Alshon Jeffrey- As I stated in a previous article, Jay Cutler has never been happier than he is now with his a new offensive coordinator and a scheme that he is mastering. If you combine that with the departure of Brandon Marshall, all signs point to Jeffrey posting career best numbers this season. He posted above average numbers last season all while missing time due to injury and playing alongside one of the league’s most demanding receivers. While total yards may take a slight decrease, I fully expect the touchdowns to rise as Jeffery will play the same roll as Demaryius Thomas in the Adam Gase pass offense. Look for all of these factors to help Alshon finish as one of the top 5 fantasy receivers.
Mike Evans- As the third sophomore receiver on this list, Mike Evans may have the most physical skills and potential. At 6’5” and 231 pounds, Evans has all of the factors you can’t teach. He is a match-up nightmare for corners and keeps coordinators up at night trying to figure out how to stop him. In his rookie year with the pitiful Bucs, Evans totaled 68 receptions for 1,051 yards and 12 touchdowns. Knowing they had to make improvements, Tampa Bay drafted Jameis Winston with the first pick in the 2015 draft. I believe no one was happier with that decision than Evans. The young duo has developed a strong relationship during training camp and look for it to blossom throughout the regular season.
