RADIO
Having three wide receivers on the field, also known in NFL terms as 11 personnel, has become the most common type of formation that offenses run. In fact, according to data collected by SumerSports, 26 of the 32 teams had three wide receivers on the field for 55.1% or more of their offensive snaps in 2023.
It's no secret that the NFL has become more pass-happy in recent years. While the vocabulary may differ, offensive play-callers are dialing up plays with three wide receivers on the field more than ever before. As analytics has integrated its way into the NFL mainstream, the data has been clear: passing the rock efficiently is the golden ticket to lighting up scoreboards and securing wins. It’s not just about chucking the ball; it’s about smart, strategic air attacks that maximize yards per attempt to keep those chains moving.
Every chunk play adds a layer of pressure on the defense, forcing them to cover more ground and second-guess their schemes. As you begin to prepare for the 2024 fantasy football season, here are each NFL team’s best bets when going three-wide and how you can strategize accordingly.
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Projected Starting Three-Wide Sets for AFC East Teams
Buffalo Bills – Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel
Keon Coleman GOT 🆙
(🎥via @BuffaloBills)
— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) June 13, 2024
Expect third-year WR Khalil Shakir to play a more significant role in the Bills offense after WRs Stefon Diggs and Gabriel Davis switched teams this offseason. Lining up alongside him is Samuel, who had 613 yards and four touchdowns with the Washington Commanders in 2023. Meanwhile, Coleman (a rookie from Florida State) is talented enough to earn a starting role in Buffalo’s three-wide sets.
The true X factor in all of this is TE Dalton Kincaid. While he is listed as a tight end, Kincaid played 60.3% of his snaps in 2023 lined up in the slot (according to PFF) and should be viewed as more of a receiver than a true in-line tight end. Whether or not Kincaid plays more snaps and runs more routes (either out wide or in the slot) than any of the other wide receivers listed above is still unknown at this point, but it will be an important situation to monitor during Bills training camp.
Miami Dolphins – Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Odell Beckham Jr.
Hill and Waddle are potent enough in their abilities to induce headaches into opposing defenders. But in comes Beckham, who can still have the occasional big game. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is expected to have another solid season with these three receivers in tow. Keep an eye on sixth-round pick Malik Washington from Virginia as a potential sleeper/WR handcuff should Hill or Waddle miss any playing time.
New York Jets – Garrett Wilson, Mike Williams, Malachi Corley
Wilson is undoubtedly the Jets’ top wideout after starting his career with back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons and there hasn't been a wideout who has arguably done more with less. Considering how much he was stuck with Zach Wilson as his QB the last two years, what Wilson has done is nothing short of remarkable. Wilson's life will be easier if Williams recovers from his knee injury and returns to peak form. Meanwhile, Corley had 22 touchdown catches in his last two seasons at Western Kentucky and could see plenty of action from the slot.
New England Patriots – Demario Douglas, Kendrick Bourne, K.J. Osborn
While various publications have regarded the Patriots as the worst wide receiver rotation in the league, they still have Douglas and Bourne, who finished one and two in receiving yards for New England last season. Osborn could put up better numbers than his 2023 output (540 yards, three touchdowns) now that he’s far from Justin Jefferson’s shadow.
Important to note that Bourne suffered a torn ACL in late October and could potentially start the season on PUP. Two other players to keep an eye on are WR Ja'Lynn Polk and WR Javon Baker. Both rookies, the Patriots took seven offensive players with eight of their selections in the 2024 NFL Draft, signaling that a great change in philosophy is underway in Foxborough.
Projected Starting Three-Wide Sets for AFC West Teams
Denver Broncos – Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims Jr., Troy Franklin
Sutton retains his spot as the team's No. 1 target after having the fourth-most receiving touchdowns (10) last season. While the Broncos signed Josh Reynolds to a two-year contract, expect Franklin's talent to win out and earn a starting role. It also helps that Franklin's college quarterback was Bo Nix and the two already have a proven chemistry together. Mims has the potential to break out this season after Jerry Jeudy was traded to the Cleveland Browns.
Kansas City Chiefs – Rashee Rice, Marquise Brown, Xavier Worthy
If the Chiefs won Super Bowl LVIII with a questionable receiving corps, imagine their chances after adding legitimate talents at wide receiver. Rice showed enough to become the Chiefs’ WR1 but could face a potential suspension from the league for off-field behavior. Brown should become a solid complement who will see his numbers improve while playing with Patrick Mahomes. Worthy has blazing speed that could make him a very difficult player to cover.
Even though he will turn 35 years old this fall, Travis Kelce likely remains the team's primary target, but he has seen his playing time dip in the last few seasons.
Los Angeles Chargers – Quentin Johnston, Joshua Palmer, Ladd McConkey
REPORT: #Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey has been a standout so far at OTA’s, his connection with QB, Justin Herbert reportedly has been extraordinary. ⚡️⚡️
— King of Boltz ⚡️ (@KingofBoltz) May 24, 2024
Head coach Jim Harbaugh put a lot of faith in his young receivers by allowing Keenan Allen and Mike Williams to play elsewhere in 2024. Johnston, a first-round pick in 2023, needs to bounce back in a big way from an underwhelming rookie campaign. Local beat reports expect Palmer to take on a more significant role as a starter with McConkey as the team's top slot receiver.
Harbaugh has come out and said he wants the Chargers to be a physical football team and offensive coordinator Greg Roman's history as a play-caller suggests that L.A. could throw the ball a lot less in 2024. However, much of that will depend on game scripts. When the Chargers are trailing, running the ball won't be as much of an option, which means this WR trio alongside QB Justin Herbert could be a sneaky good bet for the upcoming season.
Las Vegas Raiders – Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker
Adams is still among the league’s best wide receivers after tallying his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season. Meyers provided solid backup, finishing with 807 yards and eight touchdowns. Tucker is a shifty option who garnered 331 yards in 19 receptions last year as a rookie.
The new Raiders front office, led by GM Tom Telesco, drafted Georgia TE Brock Bowers in the first round (No. 13 overall) in the 2024 NFL Draft. With TE Michael Mayer expected to play more in-line duties at tight end, might Bowers be the Raiders' big slot receiver? Bowers played 63.0% of his career snaps in college either out wide or in the slot and is not a traditional tight end based on his skill set. This one is another situation (like Buffalo's) that will be important to monitor during training camp to get an idea of how the Raiders will use their skill players.
Projected Starting Three-Wide Sets for AFC North Teams
Baltimore Ravens – Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Devontez Walker
Flowers showed enough last season to be declared Baltimore’s best wideout. Meanwhile, Bateman gets another chance to improve his performance after playing 16 games last year. Walker, the rookie from North Carolina, is a big target who should beat out Nelson Agholor and Deonte Harty to become a starter in three-wide sets.
TE Mark Andrews played over 90% of his snaps from the slot or out wide in 2023 (according to PFF) and could cut into the WR3's playing time.
Cincinnati Bengals – Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, Jermaine Burton
Ja’Marr Chase has arrived at minicamp!
Welcome back, King.
(Still one of my favorite moments since he was drafted) pic.twitter.com/4pl1yTa4SC
— Patrick Carey (@PatCareySports) June 10, 2024
Chase is Cincinnati’s bona fide WR1 after a third straight 1,000-yard season to start his career. Higgins is a reliable target for Joe Burrow, granted that he doesn't hold out after wanting a contract extension. Higgins just signed his franchise-tag tender for 2024, which is a step in the right direction. Burton’s game has improved after transferring from Georgia to Alabama, tallying 70 total receptions for 1,339 yards and 13 touchdowns over the last two seasons in college.
Cleveland Browns – Amari Cooper, Jerry Jeudy, Elijah Moore
Cooper established a career-high 1,250 receiving yards in 2023, making him the Browns’ primary target in the passing game. Meanwhile, they have high hopes for Jeudy after trading for and giving him a three-year, $58 million extension. Moore had career highs in receptions (59) and receiving yards (640) in his first year with the Browns.
Pittsburgh Steelers – George Pickens, Van Jefferson, Roman Wilson
Pickens solidified his spot as a potential WR1 for 2024 after tallying 63 receptions, 1,140 yards, and five touchdowns last season. Jefferson provides a veteran presence in the Steelers wide receiver room. Wilson is a highly touted rookie the Steelers drafted in the third round after collecting 789 yards and 12 touchdowns in his final year at Michigan.
Projected Starting Three-Wide Sets for AFC South Teams
Houston Texans – Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Stefon Diggs
Nico Collins pic.twitter.com/5oHXoqIB8O
— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) June 13, 2024
Collins earned a three-year, $72 million contract extension after a breakout year in 2023 (80 receptions, 1,297 yards, eight touchdowns). Dell was a reliable target as a rookie (709 yards, seven touchdowns) until he suffered a season-ending fractured fibula. If those two players can already create matchup problems, adding an All-Pro receiver like Diggs is only going to take this offense above the stratosphere in 2024.
Indianapolis Colts – Michael Pittman Jr., Josh Downs, Adonai Mitchell
The Colts gave Pittman a three-year, $71.5 million contract extension after setting career highs in receptions (109) and receiving yards (1,152). Downs had 68 catches for 771 yards and two touchdowns in his rookie season. Mitchell emerged as a top WR prospect after collecting 845 yards and 11 touchdowns in his only season at Texas and is a big-play, field-stretching type of receiver who is the perfect downfield target for QB Anthony Richardson. The only thing holding these pass-catchers back is just how much head coach Shane Steichen will decide to pound the rock in 2024.
Jacksonville Jaguars – Gabe Davis, Christian Kirk, Brian Thomas Jr.
After Calvin Ridley signed with Tennessee this offseason, Kirk is expected to take on a more prominent role in Jacksonville’s offense. Likewise, the Jaguars filled that void by signing Davis to a three-year, $39 million contract. However, the Jaguars drafted Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft and he could become a favorite target of QB Trevor Lawrence if he can translate his final season at LSU (68 receptions, 1,177 yards, 17 touchdowns) to the NFL.
Another situation to monitor as it relates to their tight ends, TE Evan Engram played 74.3% of his snaps in 2023 either out wide or in the slot and led the team in targets with 140. He has the potential to eat into a receiver's playing time in 2024.
Tennessee Titans – Calvin Ridley, DeAndre Hopkins, Tyler Boyd
Ridley signed a four-year, $92 million contract to go from Jacksonville to Tennessee. He will join an All-Pro wide receiver (Hopkins) who bounced back with a 1,000-yard season last year. Boyd’s familiarity with head coach Brian Callahan’s offense makes him a reliable target for QB Will Levis. Callahan cut his teeth under Zac Taylor as the Bengals offensive coordinator and was one of the highest teams to use 11 personnel over the last few seasons. Expect that trend to continue.
Projected Starting Three-Wide Sets for NFC East Teams
Dallas Cowboys – CeeDee Lamb, Brandin Cooks, Jalen Tolbert
These Ceedee Lamb catches... whew 😮💨@dallascowboys | @_CeeDeeThree pic.twitter.com/YVG4WQUFqp
— NFL (@NFL) June 8, 2024
Lamb earned a first-team All-Pro selection after becoming the first NFL player to register 10 receptions and 150 yards in three consecutive games. He finished the season with 135 catches for 1,749 yards and 12 touchdowns. Cooks contributed eight touchdowns in a supporting role, while Tolbert will need to take a huge step to become a part of Dallas’ three-wide sets after not producing much in his first two NFL seasons.
New York Giants – Malik Nabers, Darius Slayton, Wan'Dale Robinson
Nabers has the chance to become the Giants’ top wideout in his rookie season after lighting the college football world on fire with 89 receptions for 1,569 yards and 14 TDs in 2023 during his final season at LSU. Meanwhile, Slayton is likely to earn a spot in three-wide formations after being their best wideout last year. Robinson showed much improvement after playing 15 games last season, compared to six in 2022 that saw his rookie season cut short due to injury.
Philadelphia Eagles – A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Parris Campbell
There are two things Brown and Smith have in common; they each had seven receiving touchdowns last season and earned lucrative contract extensions. Campbell, a wideout who played for the New York Giants last season, will be the third wheel in their three-wide formations. The Eagles are on their third offensive coordinator in as many seasons, but many around the league expect the addition of Kellen Moore as the team's OC to be a positive change for QB Jalen Hurts and their pass-catchers.
Washington Commanders – Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Luke McCaffrey
Playing in all regular-season games since 2021, McLaurin has finished with three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. He achieved the feat despite playing with seven different quarterbacks. Dotson was healthy enough to play 17 games last year but was considered a disappointment. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury will have McCaffrey likely playing in the slot, which allowed him to gain most of his 13 touchdowns in college at Rice in 2023.
Projected Starting Three-Wide Sets for NFC West Teams
Arizona Cardinals – Marvin Harrison Jr., Zay Jones, Michael Wilson
There’s a lot of pressure on Harrison’s shoulders after being the first wide receiver selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. But as the son of a Hall of Famer with the same name, it's not anything that the younger Harrison can't handle. The Cardinals brought in WR Zay Jones via free agency this offseason as well. Jones had 823 yards and five touchdowns for the Jaguars in 2022. Wilson had a decent rookie season, finishing with 565 yards and three touchdowns.
Los Angeles Rams – Puka Nacua, Cooper Kupp, Demarcus Robinson
Nacua was a fantastic surprise for the Rams, as he established rookie records for receptions (105) and receiving yards (1,486). This Rams offense could be even scarier if Kupp, the 2021 NFL Offensive Player of the Year, can remain healthy. Robinson will complement the two All-Pro wideouts as he returns to the Rams on a one-year deal.
San Francisco 49ers – Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel Sr., Jauan Jennings
Brandon Aiyuk: The highest-graded WR on out and post routes in 2023
Deebo Samuel: The highest-graded WR on in routes in 2023
Good luck trying to stop this duo 👀 pic.twitter.com/3cGJA7TuiY
— PFF (@PFF) June 13, 2024
Granted that he remains with the Niners after being unable to reach a contract extension, Aiyuk will be their primary receiver. Samuel will provide support, even in the run game, as he had five rushing touchdowns last year. Jennings signed a two-year, $15.4 million contract extension with San Francisco after averaging a career-high 13.9 yards per catch. The team also spent a first-round draft pick on Florida WR Ricky Pearsall, and he is a player to monitor during training camp. Pearsall could have some potential value for fantasy if Samuel or Aiyuk were to miss any time this season.
Seattle Seahawks – DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Metcalf had 1,114 yards and eight touchdowns last season, while Lockett had 894 yards and five touchdowns. Smith-Njigba contributed 628 yards and four touchdowns in his rookie season and was primarily used behind the line of scrimmage. With a new coaching staff led by Mike Macdonald and the innovative Ryan Grubb coming in as the team's new offensive coordinator, this offense could have a lot more firepower in 2024. Grubb was considered one of the best offensive coordinators in college football over the last two seasons and ran a jaw-dropping scheme at Washington that left most opponents dazed and confused.
Projected Starting Three-Wide Sets for NFC North Teams
Chicago Bears – DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze
The first overall pick typically goes to the previous season’s worst team and QB Caleb Williams walks into a situation that is arguably the best for any QB drafted No. 1 overall in the last 40 years. Moore established career highs in receptions (96), receiving yards (1,364), and touchdowns (eight) in his first year in Chicago. Add in Allen, who had 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns last season, and the Bears might have a recipe for instant success. Their good fortune didn't end there after landing Odunze at No. 9 overall in the NFL Draft.
Detroit Lions – Amon-Ra St. Brown, Kalif Raymond, Jameson Williams
Recommend finding a good chair and some takeout before watching 7 minutes of Amon-Ra St. Brown highlights 😏@Lions | @amonra_stbrown pic.twitter.com/YSSi6DiHkl
— NFL (@NFL) June 13, 2024
St. Brown is the undisputed star in the Lions’ passing attack. He earned a four-year, $120 million contract extension after establishing career highs in receptions (119), yards (1,515), and touchdowns (10). However, they need more production from Williams (354 yards, two touchdowns) and Raymond (489 yards, one touchdown) to have a shot at getting to the Super Bowl.
Tight end Sam LaPorta will have a large role, but this offense feels like another good bet for 2024 after retaining heralded offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
Green Bay Packers – Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson, Jayden Reed
The Packers have several young but talented receivers who can have a big game at any time. Dontayvion Wicks could be in the mix at WR if Watson isn’t healthy. Conversely, Jordan Love has an enviable receiving corps around him, as Watson, Doubs, and Reed combined for 21 touchdowns last season as the youngest WR room in the NFL last season.
Minnesota Vikings – Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Brandon Powell
Despite playing in only 10 games last year, Jefferson still went over 1,000 receiving yards. This offseason, the Vikings made him the highest-paid wideout in the NFL (four years, $140 million). He’s got a dependable teammate in Addison, who finished with 911 yards and 10 touchdowns during his rookie campaign. Powell will provide support for their top duo. Tight end T.J. Hockenson may start the season on PUP after suffering a knee tear late in the 2023 season, which could be an even bigger boost for Jefferson and Addison seeing more targets early in the year.
Projected Starting Three-Wide Sets for NFC South Teams
Atlanta Falcons – Drake London, Darnell Mooney, Rondale Moore
Kirk Cousins ➡️ Drake London coming soon… 🤩
(via @AtlantaFalcons)
— Rotoworld Football (@rotoworld_fb) June 10, 2024
With the Falcons' addition of QB Kirk Cousins, many analysts out there have London pegged for stardom in 2024. The third-year player from USC has remained consistent, finishing with 866 and 905 yards in his first two seasons. London will line up with two new additions: Mooney from the Bears and Moore from the Cardinals, who should help complement his skill set nicely.
Carolina Panthers – Adam Thielen, Diontae Johnson, Xavier Legette
The Panthers traded back up into the first round on draft night to pick Legette, a player head coach Dave Canales coveted before the draft. Quarterback Bryce Young will also get additional help from Johnson, who had 717 yards and five touchdowns with the Steelers in 2023. Then there’s Thielen, the receiving corps’ undeniable leader. But at 34 years of age by the time the season starts, it's fair to question just how viable the veteran is. A second-round pick from 2023, Jonathan Mingo largely disappointed as a rookie, but he could still get on the field if he can improve this summer on expanding his route tree.
New Orleans Saints – Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, Cedrick Wilson Jr.
Olave has taken over from Michael Thomas as the Saints’ top receiver, finishing with more receptions (87), receiving yards (1,123), and touchdowns (five) than he did in his 2022 rookie season. Shaheed provided solid support last year (719 yards, five touchdowns), while Wilson will have a chance to contribute more after leaving Miami. This offense could be a lot more fun to watch in 2024 after bringing in Klint Kubiak to be the new offensive coordinator. A former Kyle Shanahan disciple, we know that Shanahan-type offenses can be great for fantasy.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan
Evans just completed his 10th consecutive 1,000-yard season and earned a contract extension from the Bucs. Likewise, Godwin has four 1,000-yard finishes in the last five seasons. While Trey Palmer could be their third receiver, McMillan (a third-round pick in 2024) could surpass him in training camp as the rightful starter in the Buccaneers’ three-wide sets. The team also signed veteran WR Sterling Shepard this offseason, but after the injuries he's had, it's fair to question how much gas is left in the tank.
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