Even though sage wisdom says that running back is the most important position in dynasty, wide receiver might have had the most impact on point scores. It’s a passing league, and a couple of star wide receivers put up some ridiculous single-game numbers last season. The good news for dynasty leagues is that the position is also very deep. Just about each of the 32 teams has a couple of guys who deserve a roster spot somewhere.
Tier 1: Elite Dynasty Anchors
For this past season, Jaxon Smith-Njigba really set the bar for wide receiver production. He led the league with 1,793 yards and gave defenses nightmares with his breakaway speed. Puka Nacua is another dynasty league star that users should hold onto with all their might. In the hopes that Joe Burrow is healthy again, Ja’Marr Chase should also be treated like a number 1 option. He is a threat for 2,000 yards next season if the Bengals can keep all of their guys on the field.
Tier 2. Near-Elite/Ascending Stars
There is only one thing keeping Nico Collins out of the elite category, and it’s been the play of his quarterback. The Texans have been making some changes with their offensive line, though, which should help give C.J. Stroud more time in the pocket. George Pickens shocked the nation last year by putting up better numbers than his counterpart, CeeDee Lamb. Zay Flowers managed to get over 1,200 yards last season, and he may benefit from some coaching changes in Baltimore.
Tier 3: Solid 1’s with questions
Speaking of questions, the biggest one this offseason is where A.J. Brown will play. The good news for dynasty owners is that he has value whether he stays in Philly or leaves for New England or Los Angeles. Justin Jefferson should be a WR 1, but plenty of owners are now questioning him after a lackluster season where he barely scratched the 1,000-yard mark. Tetairoa McMillan has an opportunity to set himself apart as a strong wide receiver, but he will need help from quarterback Bryce Young, who still has room to grow despite making a playoff push last season.
Tier 4: 2’s with Upside
When the Buccaneers were banged up last season, Emeka Egbuka was the best WR2 in the league. With the departure of Mike Evans, he shouldn’t have to compete for too many targets this season either, making him a great option again. Speaking of departures, Michael Pittman Jr. has left Indianapolis, which makes Alec Pierce the new number one target for Daniel Jones and company. Miami will feature a new quarterback in Malik Willis, which should be good news for Jaylen Waddle, who could be a great WR 2 if he has a quarterback that can get him the ball.
Tier 5: Depth, Streamers, and Stashes
One receiver that every fantasy football player should try to get on a roster is Terry McLaurin. He regressed a bit last season, but that’s mostly because of the injury to quarterback Jaylen Daniels. Some stream candidates would be Tre Tucker and Xavier Worthy. Tucker put together a couple of high-scoring fantasy games and may continue to improve if the Raiders draft Mendoza. Worthy is coming back from a down year where he only had 532 yards, so he may be a free agent in plenty of leagues next season.
- Rookie and Prospect Watch
One rookie receiver that might be taken very early in the draft is Ohio State’s Carnell Tate. He has a skinnier frame at 192 lbs, but he is also a very reliable receiver. Another player who can make a big impact is Denzel Boston from Washington. He is 6’4, and every NFL team is looking for the next Calvin Johnson, who can grab touchdowns just by being taller than their defender. Finally, Makai Lemon should also get lots of attention from scouts after winning the Biletnikoff award.
- Buy/Sell/Hold Recommendations
One big buy recommendation would be Justin Jefferson, simply because of how livid his owners were last season. Some players might think Justin Jefferson’s best days are behind him, but he is still a major threat at the position, and if he is dropped in any league, he should be up immediately. The same can be said for Terry McLaurin, who should get back to his winning ways next season.
Conversely, anyone who currently owns these players should hold on to them even if it feels bad considering their past performance. There aren’t too many receivers that should be sold before the next draft, but Garret Willson’s production may take a hit unless he really gets into a groove with newfound quarterback Geno Smith.
- Strategy Implications and Beyond
In terms of impact, receivers should perform similarly to how they did last year. The elite receivers can get north of 25 points on any given Sunday. What will set apart the winners from the losers will be who can hold faith in some of these players that should have comeback seasons. Guys like Nico Collins and Ladd McConkey are looking at high production despite not statistically doing what they were projected to do last season.
