A fantasy draft is all about obtaining the most value with each selection. Value is available throughout a draft, and grabbing it is one of the most important keys to a successful fantasy team. To point out this value, we asked our staff to look through the Top 150 and identify players that should outperform their draft position.
Related: See the 4 undervalued quarterbacks we love >>>
While lots of names were brought up, our staff came to a pretty good consensus on these six receivers:
Keep ready to discover how many votes each player got and the reasons why.
Player Receiving 5 Votes
Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers
Jeff Haseley: Brandon Aiyuk had an impressive third year in the league, ranking among the top 15 wide receivers with 78 receptions, 1,015 yards, and 8 touchdowns. This was no small feat considering the presence of Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle. Aiyuk played in all 17 games last year, finishing 22 spots ahead of teammate Deebo Samuel, who only played 13. His reliability as a receiver for the 49ers has earned him praise from teammates and staff, and he is expected to continue his success in the upcoming season.
Gary Davenport: Aiyuk had a breakout season in 2022, catching 78 passes for 1,015 yards and eight touchdowns on the way to a WR15 finish—over 20 spots higher than teammate Deebo Samuel. However, Samuel is coming off draft boards three full rounds later than Aiyuk by fantasy managers living in the past. Samuel’s huge 2021 campaign was born of a “hybrid” role that included a lot more rushing and downfield throws than last season. Last year, Aiyuk’s average depth of target was just under 10 yards—higher than star wideouts like Devonta Smith and Ja’Marr Chase. Samuel’s was less than half that—his 4.3 ADOT ranked 160th in the NFL. Aiyuk is the 49ers wideout to target in 2023, especially given his price tag relative to Samuel.
Christian Williams: Deebo Samuel's down year in 2022 looks like an anomaly, but Brandon Aiyuk quietly took over as the top option in the receiving room last year. He led the team in targets and showed an incredible ability to earn visible separation. On a per-game basis, Aiyuk finished as the WR25 last year. During OTAs, many suggested that Aiyuk was ready to take an even more significant leap. With quarterback uncertainty, managers are skeptical. But the combination of George Kittle and Christian McCaffrey's health with the potential decline of Deebo Samuel could make Aiyuk one of the best values at an ADP of WR32.
Dan Hindery: Aiyuk has improved every season he has been in the NFL. Last year, Aiyuk’s third NFL season ended with 78 catches for 1,015 yards and 8 touchdowns. If he simply maintains that level, he will be a rock-solid WR2 and worth his current draft cost. However, we also should factor in the possibility that the 25-year-old takes another step forward and emerges as a true fantasy difference-maker. Early reports from OTAs have been encouraging in this regard, with Aiyuk described by beat writers as the best player on the field.
Kevin Coleman: Aiyuk is the best wide receiver on the 49ers roster. Yet he is being treated as the third option according to our latest draft ADP. Last year, he had a career season in targets, yards, and touchdowns. Again I look for the cheapest option in wide receiver rooms like this one, and Aiyuk fits those parameters. He was top-12 in open rate and consistently created separation. Managers must monitor the 49ers' quarterback position as the off-season progresses. Still, overall AIyuk remains a value at his current ADP regardless of who starts the season at quarterback.
Players Receiving 4 Votes
Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings
Dave Kluge: The second wide receiver selected in this year’s Draft should be the first rookie wide receiver drafted in season-long fantasy formats. He’ll play Robin to Justin Jefferson’s Batman and should see a significant role right out the gate. The departure of Adam Thielen leaves a gaping in the passing game. Thielen’s 621 routes last year were the second-most in the league. And no one on the roster could step into that role, leaving the Vikings in a position where they had to spend a first-round pick on Addison. The Vikings play indoors and have an uptempo and pass-friendly scheme. Jefferson will pull the attention from defenses, giving Addison a chance to smash his eighth-round ADP.
Daniel Harms: The Vikings are currently listening to offers on their best pass rusher, Danielle Huner, after trading their second-best pass rusher, Za’Darius Smith, earlier in the offseason. The Vikings defense could be very bad, and they will likely find themselves behind in a lot of games this season. After releasing Dalvin Cook a few weeks ago, the Vikings need players not named Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson to step up on offense. Enter Jordan Addison. A likely benefactor of defensive gravity going to the previously mentioned offensive weapons, Addison is the logical choice to see a ton of single coverage. A first-round pick, stepping in as the WR2 in the offense, and could see a lot of volume. Addison should SMASH his current ADP of 86th overall (WR39).
Phil Alexander: Addison's slight frame (5-foot-11 and 173 pounds.) and sketchy athletic profile make this an off-brand pick for yours truly. But what Addison lacks in size and speed, he more than makes up for with target opportunity. The Vikings play fast (seventh in plays per game in 2002) and pass-heavy (third in pass attempts). With Justin Jefferson commanding the opposing defense's attention on every dropback, Addison is in the cat bird's seat for PPR fantasy production. And it can't hurt that most NFL Draft analysts agree that Addison has enough Tyler Lockett to his game for his skills to translate at the pro level.
Sigmund Bloom: Addison's production dropped off a little last year at USC, but with Minnesota, he should return to his previous role of playing inside more than outside, filling the vacated spot created by the release of Adam Thielen. Defenses will be preoccupied with Justin Jefferson, which will give Addison a chance to make an immediate splash in an established pass offense that will be in year two under Kevin O'Connell. He has the clearest path to 100+ targets of any of the first-round rookie wide receivers.
Nico Collins, Houston Texans
Jason Wood: We’ve grown impatient in the fantasy community. Years ago, we would actively target third-year receivers because that was typically when they ascended to peak form. But recent years have us convinced a receiver needs to be dominant as a rookie, or they’ll never be a star. But perceptions don’t match reality. Plenty of receivers continue to break through in Year Three and beyond. Collins could be that kind of player, considering he gets a new, competent coaching staff and a promising young quarterback in C.J. Stroud. Unless you think an elderly Robert Woods or Cowboys backup Noah Brown are going to emerge as alpha receivers, Collins still has every opportunity to be a high-target option. If he has a strong start to camp, target Collins before the rest of the fantasy community wakes up to his potential.
Dave Kluge: Nico Collins projects to be the Texans’ WR1 this year and is being drafted in the 12th-13th round. The title “Texans’ WR1” might not mean a ton. They’ve got a first-year head coach and a rookie quarterback. Historically, rookies struggle to feed meaningful production to wide receivers. But Collins usurped the WR1 role from Brandin Cooks last year and averaged 9.0 targets per game in between injuries from Weeks 10-13. The downside with Collins is steep, but with a cheap acquisition cost, he’s worth a look in all formats as a potential sleeper.
Jeff Haseley: The departure of Brandin Cooks to Dallas has left the top wide receiver position in Houston open for competition, and it seems that Nico Collins is leading the pack. Collins is poised to flourish under the accurate passing of C.J. Stroud, particularly on intermediate and deep throws. Additionally, he has already demonstrated his ability to be a reliable possession receiver, with two games of 10+ targets and two more with 9+ targets. As such, he is likely to see an expanded role in the Texans' receiving lineup. With a competent quarterback to work with, Collins has the opportunity to take his game to the next level.
Chad Parsons: Collins has avenues to being one of the top-12 producers at the position. Step one is being the WR1 for his own depth chart. Houston brought in ho-hum veteran Robert Woods in free agency but also lost Brandin Cooks. John Metchie was a second-round selection last year but had a redshirt year one and is still an unknown NFL entity. Collins has the edge to be the leading receiver. Step two is seeing competent quarterback play from rookie C.J. Stroud. Collins is a quality bet to surpass his fantasy cost even by solely winning the WR1 job with top-12 upside coming by way of mid-QB2 (or better) play from Stroud.
Diontae Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers
Chad Parsons: Johnson has the roughed-up fantasy profile of a wide receiver who failed to score a touchdown last season, the rare case for a pass catcher of his volume. Earning targets is a vital cog to a wide receiver's success, and Johnson has collected at least 140 in each of the past three seasons. George Pickens is overrated as an ancillary point and doubtful to challenge Johnson for the WR1 role in Pittsburgh. If Kenny Pickett takes any step forward, Johnson is one of the best values on the wide receiver board.
Daniel Harms: Kenny Pickett might not be a great or even good NFL quarterback, but he throws the football to Diontae Johnson a lot. Volume is an easy thing to look at for projecting players to outperform their expectations. Johnson, being drafted 71st overall (WR31) on MFL, has seen over 140 targets in each of the last three seasons and over 80 receptions in that time as well. Last season, Johnson saw career lows in yards per target, yards per reception, and touchdowns. He’s too good a player to have that trend continue. Looking for a huge bounce back from the soon-to-be 27-year-old wide receiver.
Corey Spala: Over the last three seasons, Johnson has averaged over 140+ targets and 85+ receptions. His WR30 season in 2022 (PPR) is fresh in our minds, but it is important to remember he scored zero touchdowns. Kenny Pickett had a rough start but finished his rookie season on a high note. A full offseason to work with Johnson will be beneficial. I will take a bet on the hyper-targeted wide receiver in line for positive touchdown regression for an assumed bounce-back season in 2023.
Ryan Weisse: Johnson came up as one of the 10 Players I'm Rooting For in 2023. Last year, Johnson ranked sixth among wide receivers in targets and 13th in receptions but 27th in yards and failed to score a single touchdown. Remarkably, even without any touchdowns, he still finished as the No. 28 wide receiver in fantasy. If he had achieved his career average of six touchdowns, he would have easily cracked the Top 20. Furthermore, if he matched his 2021 total of eight touchdowns, he would have ranked as the WR15. This will be a bounceback year for Johnson.
Players Receiving 3 Votes
Christian Kirk, Jacksonville Jaguars
Dave Kluge: With a fourth-round price tag on Calvin Ridley and a sixth-round tag on Kirk, fantasy drafters are expecting Ridley to come in and immediately take away from Kirk’s production. Despite finishing as last year’s WR12 in PPR, 29 wide receivers are being drafted ahead of Kirk this year. Kirk played the majority of his snaps out of the slot last season but would move out wide on 2WR sets. That won’t change this year. He’ll be on the field for almost every play as Trevor Lawrence continues his ascension into stardom. While Ridley might have a higher ceiling, that doesn’t mean Kirk doesn’t have plenty of fantasy value. This passing offense should be funneled through their best pass-catchers, and Kirk makes for a great mid-round value.
Gary Davenport: There’s no question that at his best, Calvin Ridley is an excellent wide receiver. The thing is, though, the last time we saw Ridley at his best was 2020—he missed 12 games in 2021 and was suspended for the entire 2022 season. While Ridley was serving that suspension, Kirk was catching 84 passes, topping 1,100 yards, and scoring eight touchdowns while finishing in the top 12 in PPR points. Kirk showed a strong rapport with Trevor Lawrence last year, and that relationship isn’t going to vanish just because Ridley showed up. Ridley may be the first receiver being drafted in fantasy this year, but Kirk is going to lead the team’s wideouts in PPR points again.
Christian Williams: While the Jaguars will introduce Calvin Ridley to the offense in 2023, fantasy managers undervalue Christian Kirk at an ADP of WR29. Kirk emerged as the top option in 2022, pacing the team in targets and becoming Trevor Lawrence's favorite option in the end zone. Ridley's arrival will move Kirk into a different role, which could be even more lucrative for fantasy. With the high-volume passing attack, both players should be weekly fantasy starters, and it's reasonable to believe that Kirk will emerge as the No. 1 option again in 2023.
Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints
Ben Cummins: Chris Olave was selected in the first round last year and immediately became the Saints’ WR1, catching 72 passes for 1,042 yards and 4 touchdowns as a rookie. Olave showed big-play potential as he ranked second at the wide receiver position in average depth of target (14.9) and now receives a quarterback upgrade in Derek Carr. Look for the New Orleans offense to revolve around Olave for the second year in a row, especially with an upcoming suspension expected for Alvin Kamara.
Matt Waldman: The most refined talent from the 2022 NFL Draft class proved it last year. Olave is efficient, executes a wide variety of the route tree, and excels against man-to-man coverage. Olave excelled despite working with Jameis Winston and Andy Dalton and losing co-starters Jarvis Landry and Michael Thomas for most of the season. Even as a marked man without top receiving talent for opposing defenses to take into account, Olave thrived. The Saints' offense will be better this year. Michael Thomas is healthy. Derek Carr and Foster Moreau upgrade their respective positions. The Saints haven't thrown for more than 3,600 yards since 2019. Before the Josh McDaniels Disaster of 2022, Carr hadn't thrown for less than 4,000 yards since 2017. Last year's production as a top-25 receiver is his baseline expectation, maybe even his floor. If he's the lead option, look for top-10 value at his position.
Andy Hicks: One of the better rookie seasons at wide receiver in 2022 came from Chris Olave. On a Saints team struggling on offense, Olave still managed to record a 1000-yard season, and with better quarterback play, he should see a big increase in numbers in 2023, especially touchdowns. Olave never had a game with fewer than three receptions and forty yards, making a solid floor. The ceiling is where he earns a high ranking. Highly drafted second-year receivers with his skillset turn into elite fantasy receivers quickly and he checks every box.
While the six players listed above saw the most attention, many other players were brought up. Here is the entire list.
Players Receiving 2 Votes
Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers
Daniel Harms: When looking for players that should outperform expectations or pieces of offenses that we want on our fantasy teams, injury can sometimes put a player out of our minds. Keenan Allen is one of those players. Last season was the first time Allen missed more than two games in five years. He’s been a top-12 wide receiver in points per game in each of the last four seasons, and after he came back from injury last season (Weeks 11-18), Allen was the WR2 in fantasy and averaging ten targets a game. He’s an aging wide receiver but should still see a high target share in an offense that should be among the best in the NFL.
Ryan Weisse: Allen was the first player I thought of when I wrote about my favorite undervalued players a few weeks ago. In his 10 games last year, Allen averaged nine targets, six receptions, and 75 yards per game, with four touchdowns scored. From Week 11 to Week 18, he ranked as the third-best wide receiver in fantasy football, trailing only Justin Jefferson and Davante Adams. Jefferson and Adams are ranked as top-five receivers, and rightfully so. But Allen is being drafted as a second or third fantasy option at wide receiver.
Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens
Ben Cummins: Forgotten after two injury-plagued seasons to begin his NFL career is the fact Rashod Bateman was an awesome prospect who was selected in the first round. Bateman put up 1,219 yards and 11 touchdowns as a true sophomore and ran a 4.39 40-yard dash. Athletic and productive when healthy, Bateman is set up for a career year as the Ravens offense shifts to a more pass-heavy approach under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken.
Christian Williams: The Baltimore Ravens will pass the ball a lot more than they have in the Lamar Jackson era. Kevin highlighted some offensive changes in his Lamar Jackson spotlight, and many of his points ring true for Rashod Bateman, as well. While the introduction of Odell Beckham and Zay Flowers could present target competition, Bateman's skill set fits remarkably well with the high-low concepts that Todd Monken prefers to run. The Ravens could see two wideouts finish inside the top 36, and Bateman's ADP of WR50 makes him an easy selection in drafts.
Marquise Brown, Arizona Cardinals
Dave Kluge: Kyler Murray is likely to miss some time early in the season. Because of that, fantasy managers are firmly out on Brown in season-long fantasy leagues. But in the small sample, we saw with Brown and Murray on the field together last year, Brown was the WR5 in PPR scoring, pulling an obscene 10.7 targets per game. The absence of DeAndre Hopkins leaves Brown as the unquestioned WR1 in 2023. The start of the season with Clayton Tune or Colt McCoy could be bumpy, but Murray’s imminent return may vault Brown into elite territory again down the stretch.
Dan Hindery: Brown is the clear top threat for a Cardinals offense that is likely to be playing from behind most weeks. He was off to a blazing start last season with 43 catches for 485 yards and 3 touchdowns through six weeks before getting injured. That was good for a 17-game pace of 122 catches, 1,374 yards, and 8 touchdowns. With DeAndre Hopkins cut loose, those types of massive fantasy numbers are within reach if Brown can stay healthy.
D.J. Chark Jr, Carolina Panthers
Kevin Coleman: While others are drafting Adam Thielen and Jonathan Mingo this season, the actual value could be Chark. Admittedly, Chark is a prospect I have always generally been higher on than others. However, when trying to identify a discount on a roster with many question marks at the receiver position, waiting to draft the cheapest is sometimes the best option. The biggest issue for Chark isn't his talent on the field; it's his ability to stay on it. He’s missed 19 games the last two seasons, but if he can stay on the field, it would not shock me to see him lead the team in receiving in 2023. That could be good enough to command a target share worthy of a fantasy starter in 2023, and he has the potential to have boom weeks that can win you weeks. Chark is a player that I’ll be adding late in all my redraft leagues.
Andy Hicks: Some of us refuse to give up on D.J. Chark as he continues to search for that fantasy season that has eluded him since 2019. Injuries have been a problem, but that is why he presents little risk at his current draft slot. Now with the Panthers, he gives the team that elite target that rookie Bryce Young needs to develop. Adam Thielen is a 33-year-old receiver on a new team, while rookie Jonathan Mingo is projected to need time. This is the perfect situation for Chark to be fantasy useful in 2023.
Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Chad Parsons: Godwin has finished in the top-24 of the position each of the past four seasons in aPPG yet is priced at or below his floor this year in early drafts. Tom Brady is gone, but Tampa Bay is projected to struggle by Vegas projections. Passing volume and comeback mode should be commonplace.
Phil Alexander: Godwin is the archetype for wide receivers who could conceivably finish inside the top 15 at the position while enduring Baker Mayfield's dreadful quarterback play. Jarvis Landry, who, like Godwin, runs his routes close to the line of scrimmage, finished as the WR19 and WR12 in Mayfield's first two seasons with the Browns. Godwin is undeniably a better and more well-rounded receiver than Landry ever was. And even though Todd Bowles would prefer it not to be the case, Tampa Bay will have to pass for a chance to stay in games this year. Nearly two years removed from foot and knee injuries that still hampered him in 2022, WR20 seems close to Godwin's baseline projection, making him an excellent mid-round wide receiver target.
Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers
Kevin Coleman: Johnston has a chance to quickly become the Charger's WR2 on offense. With the uncertainty of Mike Williams' pending back issues and all his other ailments, Johnston could make an impact early in the season. Not to mention Keenan Allen missed time last year with a hamstring injury, and the aging receiver could also miss time. Johnston would be the main benefactor in those scenarios on an offense led by Justin Herbert that could lead the entire league in passing volume. With the addition of Kellen Moore as offensive coordinator, expect Johnston to be utilized in space, similar to what he did for CeeDee Lamb in the Dallas offense.
Andy Hicks: Sometimes, the best rookie doesn’t end up in the best location, and other times, the stars seem to align for a player. Quentin Johnson isn’t going to be the perfect rookie. He may struggle, he may need to earn playing time, but camp will sort that out. What he has, though, is a perfect location in which to develop and grow with one of the NFL’s future elite passers in Justin Herbert. Keenan Allen is aging and expensive, while Mike Williams underperforms and is often injured. Joshua Palmer is no more than a complementary receiver. Expect Johnson to grow and rise to each challenge and, by the year's end, be a reliable starting fantasy wide receiver.
Drake London, Atlanta Falcons
Sigmund Bloom: London was a success as a rookie #1 receiver in one of the worst pass offenses in the league last year. It should be improved with the move from Marcus Mariota to Desmond Ridder. The Falcons gave Ridder about five more pass attempts per game than Mariota, so Arthur Smith is showing us they won't be quite as run-heavy as they were last year. London has already proven that he can hang with the NFC South's #1 corners, and he should only get better in year two.
Andy Hicks: Drake London is built to be an elite fantasy receiver. On a Falcons unit struggling last year, there were times when he was lost. Not surprisingly though, he finished the season well, with at least eight targets and five receptions in each of his last five games, averaging six receptions and 88 yards over this period. His quarterback situation is being held against him this year. That is a mistake. London will push elite fantasy ranking by the season's end
Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders
Jason Wood: Terry McLaurin's average draft position (ADP) is reasonable if you are unable or unwilling to anticipate further growth. Throughout his four seasons, he has consistently finished no worse than WR24 yet has only achieved one top-15 finish. However, viewing him as a finished product would be a mistake unless you believe that new offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy won't improve one of the NFC's most predictable and underperforming offenses. While there are uncertainties, particularly at quarterback, with either Sam Howell or Jacoby Brissett taking the helm, McLaurin has thrived despite a revolving door at quarterback and has consistently produced as a fantasy WR2 at worst. His talent and experience guarantee him a substantial share of targets within the new system. As long as he remains healthy, by investing in McLaurin, you are essentially securing a high floor and the potential for WR1 production without any additional cost.
Ben Cummins: McLaurin is one of the best wide receivers in the NFL, and he’ll post a career year in 2023 with Eric Bieniemy as his offensive coordinator and improved quarterback play, whether it is Sam Howell, Jacoby Brissett, or both. Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel remain as WR2 and WR3, Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson as RB1 and RB2, and Logan Thomas and John Bates as TE1 and TE2. The lack of talent surrounding McLaurin on the Commanders will cause targets to be funneled his way all season long.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks
Matt Waldman: A team doesn't draft a receiver in the first round without big plans. Two years ago, Seattle hired Shane Waldron from the Rams to be the offensive coordinator and drafted Dee Eskridge in the second round. Seattle wanted to increase the use of three receivers as its base package, but Eskridge suffered a concussion during his rookie year and never emerged in year two. Smith-Njigba has the Cooper Kupp role in Seattle's scheme. He'll earn mismatches from the slot. Expect a high target volume and enhanced red-zone opportunities. Kupp was fantasy PPR's WR24 as a rookie in this role, earning 62 catches, 869 yards, and 5 scores. He would have been WR30 last year. Both values are higher than Smith-Njigba's current ranking. Geno Smith is a better quarterback than Jared Goff in 2017, and Seattle has superior receiving talent to support strong matchups for Smith-Njibga.
Dan Hindery: Last season, Garrett Wilson and Chris Olave both put up WR2 fantasy seasons as rookies. Smith-Njigba, their former teammate, should have a similar impact right away in Seattle. Geno Smith threw the fourth-most touchdowns last season (30) and could have an even better season with the arrival of Smith-Njigba. It would not be a surprise to see the rookie lead the high-powered Seahawks passing offense in targets right out of the gate.
Michael Thomas, New Orleans Saints
Matt Waldman: Foot and toe injuries limited the 30-year-old Thomas to 10 starts during the past two seasons. The factors have dropped Thomas to a low-end WR4. It means some assess Thomas as a potential bargain, and some are staying away altogether. When Thomas played last year, he dominated in the fourth quarter of his season debut, effectively winning the game for the Saints. The skills are still there, and he's a great complement to Chris Olave. If Thomas is 100 percent, and he says we will be a "full-go" in August, Thomas can be the Saints' Michael Crabtree to Olave's Amari Cooper. Crabtree (11th) and Cooper (16th) were both top fantasy starters, with Derek Carr targeting them in 2016, and both were top-20 producers at their positions the year prior. Thomas' upside is at least worth the risk of his current value, and I'd take him earlier if I felt it necessary.
Christian Williams: Doing this dance for what feels like the eighth year in a row is risky, but many signs point to Thomas being fully healthy again in 2023. When healthy in 2022, he looked like the Thomas that led the NFL in receptions years ago. His seven targets per game were just behind Chris Olave's clip, though he was more efficient with his receptions. He found the end zone three times in just three games. He was outstanding. With Derek Carr's arrival, the Saints have their best quarterback in the post-Brees era. While Olave is almost sure to take a Year 2 jump, Thomas should provide fine fantasy performances in 2023, and there's a greater-than-zero chance that he's Carr's favorite target. At WR45, the potential reward massively outweighs the risk.
Players Receiving 1 Vote
Brandin Cooks, Dallas Cowboys
Ryan Weisse: I recently listed Cooks among the Players I'm Rooting For in Fantasy this season. After a challenging 2022 season in Houston, Cooks finds himself in a much-improved situation as he moves across the Lone Star state for the 2023 season. While Dak Prescott might not be on Drew Brees or Tom Brady's level, he compares well to other quarterbacks that Cooks has played with over his career. The last time Cooks was the No. 2 wide receiver on his own team, he finished top 15 in fantasy, and that is an excellent ceiling.
Amari Cooper, Cleveland Browns
Jeff Bell: Cooper finished as the overall WR10 in 2022 and sits at WR17 currently. The Browns should expect to throw more, with an entire season of Deshaun Watson and the loss of Kareem Hunt narrowing the potential running back options. Cooper is the clear top-receiving option. Adding Elijah Moore could spread the target rate out a bit; Cooper should power through anything with an increase in volume. If he maintains a 26% target rate and the Browns significantly increase from a 21st overall 31 attempts per game, he can flirt with a high-end WR1 outcome—a potential steal at ADP.
Gabe Davis, Buffalo Bills
Jeff Bell: Davis was THE breakout wide receiver candidate in 2022. It did not happen. So what’s left? A fantasy zombie! Davis battled a high ankle sprain in 2022, and his efficiency numbers cratered as the team pushed him outside his comfort zone and into a more significant role. He still finished WR36 in PPR formats. He sits as WR42 in these rankings. Despite the addition of Dalton Kincaid, the team did little to threaten Davis’ every-down role. He will be on the field in a high-value passing offense. With a return to health and facing a contract year, Davis is a worthwhile dart throw at ADP.
Jahan Dotson, Washington Commanders
Dan Hindery: Injuries held back Dotson as a rookie, but when he was on the field, there were flashes of elite potential. When healthy early in the season and down the stretch, Dotson was nearly a full-time player and put up strong fantasy numbers. In the eight games he played at least 70% of the snaps, Dotson averaged 14.0 fantasy PPG. Sam Howell is a gunslinger who may throw some interceptions, but his aggressiveness should be a boon for his wide receivers. Dotson is going many rounds later than the other top second-year wide receiver breakout candidates despite putting up similar numbers as a rookie when healthy.
Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ryan Weisse: I mentioned Evans among my eight favorite undervalued players for 2023. It was a subpar 2022 season, but an electric Week 17 propped Evans' overall numbers. However, it's worth noting that Brady had a down year, with his lowest passer rating and touchdown total since joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There is no world where Baker Mayfield is better than Brady, but matching what Brady did in 2022 might not be a challenging task. Evans is the only player in NFL history with nine consecutive 1000-yard seasons and will be the best deep threat on the team.
Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens
Corey Spala: I love when a new coaching staff gets their guy. Flowers was a first-round selection, and offensive coordinator Todd Monken will look to utilize his skill set. We are likely looking at a revamped Baltimore offense, one which Lamar Jackson is “loving”, with an assumed increase in passing volume. There are mouths to feed for the offensive pass-catchers creating hesitancy outside of Mark Andrews. I am looking at the new shiny toy for the new offense - a shifty, explosive wide receiver. Flowers generally being a tenth-round selection (118) is the home run swing I look for in these rounds.
Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams
Jeff Bell: WR3 is undervalued? In Kupp’s case, yes. Justin Jefferson deservedly grabbed headlines as the top quarterback in most rankings formats, but Kupp was WR1 in points per game before his season-ending injury in Week 10. And it was not particularly close. Kupp averaged 24.8 full points per reception in his games, 1.3 points above second-place Stefon Diggs. Health is the only reason Kupp should not be the 1.01 in full PPR single quarterback formats. If he checks that box, expect his league-dominating volume to return.
Allen Lazard, New York Jets
Jason Wood: Lazard's current average draft position (ADP) is difficult to comprehend. Looking at the past five years, the WR52 has typically averaged 48 receptions for 669 yards and 3.2 touchdowns. Unless you believe Aaron Rodgers will neglect Lazard in New York, he is likely to surpass his current draft position by a significant margin. It's important to remember that the Jets acquired Lazard to pair him with Rodgers and provide their new franchise quarterback with a trusted asset. While it's not expected that Lazard will eat into Garrett Wilson's targets (Wilson will likely take on the role of the new Davante Adams), there is every reason to believe Lazard will be the team's No. 2 target. This could result in a 40% to 50% increase in production compared to his current cost.
DJ Moore, Chicago Bears
Kevin Coleman: If you want a receiver who will earn targets and could lead the league in them, you should target Moore. While his detractors will say that he has consistently underperformed, Moore has been saddled with poor quarterback play for his entire career and in an offense that has not elevated his strengths. Even with that, he has shown to be proficient in the vertical passing game, and that strength fits this Bears' offensive scheme, which was top five in the NFL last season in vertical passing. We should also expect a significant improvement this year from Justin Fields, which will benefit Moore in 2023. It’s hard to see a scenario where he doesn’t outperform his current ADP. If you want a more in-depth look at Moore, I highly recommend checking out Jeff Bell’s spotlight of him this season.
Skyy Moore, Kansas City Chiefs
Jeff Bell: Moore is left for dead at WR55. He has an exciting combination of elite quarterback play, an ambiguous depth chart, and high draft capital. The statistics on wide receivers who bottom out in their rookie season are not promising, but Coach Andy Reid has singled out Moore, saying the team brought him along slowly as he learned all three of the slot, flanker, and split-end positions. He could be the only Chiefs receiver to move throughout those roles regularly, keeping him on the field in all packages. The bar to delivering value on WR55 was Mack Hollins’ 9.1 PPR per game. Remaining of the field with Patrick Mahomes II would make it hard not to return value.
Calvin Ridley, Jacksonville Jaguars
Jeff Haseley: One of the most highly anticipated stories of the season is the return of Calvin Ridley, who served a one-year suspension from gambling. He has expressed his excitement to be back and is reportedly in good health. With Trevor Lawrence as the new top receiver in Jacksonville, it's expected that Ridley will be the primary target. After finishing as the fourth-ranked wide receiver in his last full season in 2020, a successful return to form is likely for Ridley.
Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos
Phil Alexander: Russell Wilson was the cover boy in our recent Undervalued Quarterbacks article, yet none of Denver's wide receivers come off draft boards inside the top 24 at the position, and Sutton is considered a borderline top-40 option. Either we're wrong about Wilson as undervalued or underestimating Sutton (and Jerry Jeudy to a lesser extent). Exploit this gap in logic before it narrows by scooping Sutton at his current ADP.
Adam Thielen, Carolina Panthers
Jason Wood: Adam Thielen, at 32 years old, is considered past his prime. He hasn't reached 1,000 receiving yards since 2018 and averaged a career-worst 10.2 yards per reception last year. Yet, the discount has gone too far. Based on his current average draft position (ADP), it suggests that he will perform even worse than his respectable WR31 finish in PPR formats last season. It's important to remember that Thielen was a key acquisition for the Panthers, who are undergoing a rebuild. He is guaranteed a starting role as one of rookie Bryce Young's primary targets. While some may argue that D.J. Chark Jr poses a challenge, Chark's actual value has often fallen short of the hype. Chark has only had one fantasy-worthy season in five attempts and hasn't finished within the top 45 since 2019. Even if Thielen is no longer a deep threat, he remains sure-handed, runs excellent routes, and serves as a reliable red-zone target. These qualities are invaluable for a young quarterback finding his footing.
Kadarius Toney, Kansas City
Matt Waldman: Since Patrick Mahomes II entered the league, he has only supported two receiving options per season as viable fantasy starters. One of those annual beneficiaries has been Travis Kelce. The other has usually been Tyreek Hill. No other Chiefs receiver has earned production inside the top 48 PPR options during Mahomes’ reign. If the Chiefs follow suit this year, the top talent on this depth chart to co-star with Kelce is mostly likely Toney. Although not as fast as Tyreek Hill, Toney has the explosion, short-area change of direction, creativity, physicality, and route running of an elite receiver. He can dominate a game. and deliver Hill's upside in this offense. The downside of Toney is his history of immaturity and soft-tissue injuries. Still, the Chiefs are rolling with him as the top wide receiver this year. That likely translates to top-15 value at his position.
Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins
Matt Montgomery: Jaylen Waddle had exactly the type of drop-off in targets and receptions we would expect when a team signs a major #1 receiver while also implementing a new playbook from a rookie coach. What fantasy managers shouldn't do, is expect there to be anything less than growth this year. Waddle's down year was WR7 in PPR standard leagues. He had 27 fewer catches but over 300 more yards and two additional touchdowns. Miami showed us a sneak peek at what could be a high-powered offense despite the quarterback inconsistencies they were riddled with last year. Look for Waddle to contend again for a top-five spot at the receiver position in 2023.
Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions
Ben Cummins: Jameson Williams’ six-game suspension has provided an awesome buying opportunity at his much lower cost. Williams was selected 12th overall by the Lions just one year ago after setting the SEC ablaze in 2021 with 79 receptions for 1,572 yards and 15 touchdowns. While he had limited playing time as a rookie and caught only one pass, it's important to remember that he suffered an ACL injury on January 10th, 2022. Expected to be fully healthy and hopefully leaving the gambling issues behind after the suspension, Williams will slot in as the clear WR2 in an offense that ranked fifth in points and fourth in yards last season.
Mike Williams, Los Angeles Chargers
Sigmund Bloom: We already know that Williams can put up WR1 numbers when he is healthy in offensive schemes that don't emphasize downfield passing. Joe Lombardi's offenses have been notorious for a dink-and-dunk approach, so the chance to Kellen Moore should give Justin Herbert more opportunities to hook up with Williams for big plays. Williams was going significantly earlier in 2022 drafts even though his outlook should be improved for 2023 with Keenan Allen aging and first-round pick Quentin Johnston better equipped to play in the slot than outside at this early juncture of his career.
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Rachel Tootsiepop
