Welcome to Part Three of a five-part series ranking the best NFL players from a fantasy football point of view. Next, for the wide receivers.
Previous: Running backs
30. Allen Robinson, Chicago Bears
The leading wideout on the Bears should benefit from both the Jordan Howard trade and Mitchell Trubisky’s rising skill level.
29. Emmanuel Sanders, Denver Broncos
Sanders is a terrific receiver, but he’s stuck getting passes from Joe Flacco, which definitely hurts his value.
28. Robby Anderson, New York Jets
All signs point to Anderson being poised for a big year and an uptick in action after he made just nine starts last year.
27. Tyler Boyd, Cincinnati Bengals
A.J. Green’s injury coupled with Boyd’s skill make the young wideout an enticing fantasy selection.
26. Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Godwin played terrific football last year as the WR3 in Tampa. But with Adam Humphries gone, Godwin’s value rises even more.
25. Alshon Jeffery, Philadelphia Eagles
Jeffery is never a receiver everyone tries to snag early in the draft, but he’s the top wide receiver catching passes from Carson Wentz, which helps.
24. Calvin Ridley, Atlanta Falcons
Ridley is stuck behind Julio Jones but he still manages to make big plays as he catches passes from Matt Ryan.
23. Sammy Watkins, Kansas City Chiefs
Tyreek Hill will play this season, but Sammy Watkins is still poised for a big year with the uncertainty at running back.
22. Kenny Golladay, Detroit Lions
Golladay appears poised to take the No. 1 wideout role in Detroit, which can only improve is value.
21. Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams
If Kupp can stay healthy after his torn ACL last season, he should be able to have another great season.
20. Robert Woods, Los Angeles Rams
It may be a crowded receiver room in Los Angeles, but Woods has proven that he can be valuable no matter this situation.
19. A.J. Green, Cincinnati Bengals
Health is key for A.J. Green, who has consistently been a strong and reliable wide receiver to draft.
18. Jarvis Landry, Cleveland Browns
Landry’s value took a hit with the Odell Beckham, Jr. trade, but he’s still a terrific receiver who should be on your radar.
17. Tyler Lockett, Seattle Seahawks
Doug Baldwin is gone, leaving Russell Wilson with Lockett as his primary target. Expect a breakout year from him.
16. Julian Edelman, New England Patriots
Edelman should be recovered from his hand injury by season start, and with him being Tom Brady’s favorite target, he’ll be busy this season.
15. Stefon Diggs, Minnesota Vikings
Diggs is already a great receiver, but his value could rise even more if Kirk Cousins can improve his play this season.
14. Brandin Cooks, Los Angeles Rams
Cooks is the leader of the Rams’ receiver trio, and he, too, is poised for a big season in 2019 with the reigning NFC champs.
13. T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts
Hilton has always been a reliable receiver and Luck’s favorite target. He’ll fit the same definition in 2019.
12. Amari Cooper, Dallas Cowboys
Cooper’s skill was a surprise when he was traded to Dallas. There’s no reason his value should drop entering 2019, but rather it will rise.
11. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mike Evans has what it takes to be a top five receiver, but he’s not there yet. Maybe catching passes from a devoted Jameis Winston will help this season.
10. Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs
Hill is in the clear. He’s good to go for all 16 games. The speedy threat will make all fantasy owners happy they drafted him.
9. Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers
Melvin Gordon’s potential holdout only helps Allen, who is already one of the league’s best wideouts and easily a fantasy favorite.
8. Odell Beckham, Jr., Cleveland Browns
It’s quite a nice upgrade and boost in value when you go from catching passes from Eli Manning to catching them from Baker Mayfield.
7. Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings
Thielen has been a fantasy football beast for a while now, and his value will only rise as Kirk Cousins plays better.
6. Antonio Brown, Oakland Raiders
Brown’s value drops a bit with the trade, and he’ll be someone to monitor. Will the change of scenery be good, or was he better in Pittsburgh’s system?
5. Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers
Some people have Adams at No. 1, but right now it’s safe to put him at No. 5. He could very well prove me wrong this season, though.
4. Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons
Jones says he’s going for 3,000 yards this season. But even if he falls 1,000 shy, he’ll still be one of the best wide receivers in the league.
3. JuJu Smith-Schuster, Pittsburgh Steelers
With Antonio Brown gone, the sky is the limit for Smith-Schuster, who impressed in the backup role last season and will do so again as a starter.
2. Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints
With a hefty new extension, Thomas should be ready to prove he is worth is money as he battles for a bid to be named the league’s MVP.
1. DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans
There’s not much to be said about Hopkins other than that he’s the best wide receiver in the NFL, so draft him if you can. End of story.
