Upside WRs: Late-Round Difference Makers

Photo: USA Today Sports

As fantasy football transitions more and more to PPR formats, the wide receiver position is at a premium. Having four, five, or even more wide receivers who can finish in the top 24 at the position in any given week provides a massive edge for fantasy GMs. This article aims to identify players being drafted after WR36 who have WR24 (or higher) upside on a weekly basis.

Upside running backs likely require an injury or two ahead of them to become starters for our fantasy teams. At wide receiver, though, we're seeking a combination of players who would benefit from an injury ahead of them and players who may already be on the field but could command more opportunities with high-end play.

Signs of WR1 Potential

In fantasy football, the offensive unit as a whole has a significant impact on the production of a player. For wide receivers, this is especially true as they are dependent on quarterback play. There are also additional factors that can point to top-24 WR potential:

• Offense: how good is the unit and its quarterback?
• Target Projection: how often is he on the field? Is he able to earn targets in a rich environment?
• Big Play Ability: can the player score 10+ fantasy points with one touch?
• Red Zone Prowess and Usage: a receiver often targeted on fades and jump balls has more fantasy appeal than a possession receiver

Here are a few late-round selections (WR36 or later as of this writing) and their current situations.