Best Ball Wide Receiver Rankings for Fantasy Football Drafts (Tiers 1-3) - July Updates

Many of you have been assembling rosters in best-ball leagues since the initial weeks of the offseason, and participation in this format has intensified as we have progressed through the summer. You are also dedicating your efforts toward draft preparation and roster construction as we rapidly approach the regular season.

Enthusiasm for the best ball format remains enormous as it provides the opportunity to instantly complete all forms of roster management at the conclusion of each draft. However, that aspect of the best ball draft process should be integrated into your decision-making process during each selection, as the absence of a waiver wire elevates the importance of constructing rosters that are designed to minimize the impact of injuries and other challenges that emerge during the season.

The team at RotoBaller has just updated our tiered rankings in the best ball format, which will help you prepare for your upcoming drafts. We are also delivering a detailed analysis of these rankings, and this article will examine wide receivers who are contained in tiers 1-3. We will continue to update our rankings throughout the offseason and you can find the latest fantasy football rankings here.

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Wide Receiver Best-Ball Rankings

Tier 1

Justin Jefferson, Ja'Marr Chase, Tyreek Hill, Cooper Kupp 

Jefferson led his position with an average of 21.7 points per game (PPR) last year which sustained the steady rise in his average since his 2020 rookie season (17.1/19.4/21.7). Jefferson has also collected 476 targets (9.5 per game) and accumulated more receiving yards (4,825/96.5 per game) than any other wide receiver since his arrival in Minnesota while also stockpiling the most receptions by any player during his first three seasons in NFL history (324/6.5 per game).

Jefferson is the first player in @NFL history to record 1,400 rec yds in each of his first 3 seasons.

In fact, only 7 players have more such career seasons than @JJettas2.

Should he do so in 2023, only @JerryRice (6) and @juliojones_11 (5) would have more.@Vikings #Skol

— NFL Research (@NFLResearch) June 16, 2023

Jefferson also led the league in each of those categories last season (184 targets/10.8 per game), (128 receptions/7.5 per game), (1,809 receiving yards/106.4 per game), while also finishing first overall in routes run (668), red zone targets (29), yards after catch (627), and games with 100+ yards (10). He also enters his fourth season as the premier receiving weapon in an aerial attack that ranked third in pass play percentage (64.4%), and passing attempts per game (39.6).

Promising newcomer Jordan Addison should force opposing defenses to redirect a percentage of resources that were previously dedicated toward neutralizing Jefferson last season. This adds to the enormous rationale for seizing Jefferson with the first overall pick in your upcoming drafts.

13.3% of money (most) is on Ja'Marr Chase +1200 to win Offensive Player of the Year at @BetMGM pic.twitter.com/K8L0JdRIJI

— John Ewing (@johnewing) June 27, 2023

Chase enters his third season having sustained his presence within the league’s elite tier of wide receivers during 2022. He was leading the league in routes run (327), red zone targets (14), and receiving touchdowns (6), from Weeks 1-7 before a hip issue sidelined him during Cincinnati’s next four matchups. Chase was also second in targets (74/10.6 per game), and fourth in receptions (47/6.7 per game) during that sequence, before reemerging to average a league-high 12.2 targets per game from Weeks 13-18.

The two-time Pro-Bowler also captured a 31.6% target share, was second in red zone targets (12), and averaged 31.8% targets per route run, 8.0 receptions, and 88.2 receiving yards during that sequence. Chase and Tee Higgins form what is arguably the league's most formidable tandem of wide receivers for opposing defenders to contend with. However, Chase's role as Cincinnati's WR1 remains unquestioned. The enticing blend of Chase’s exceptional talent and the repeated targeting that he will receive from Joe Burrow also makes him an unquestioned top-four selection.

The toe drag swag is impressive but I’m also marvelling at how Cooper Kupp accelerates out of his break.

Safety had no chance covering him. pic.twitter.com/oBqgjpjQ3A

— Jordan Pun (@Texans_Thoughts) September 9, 2022

If you are debating the merits of including Kupp among your options near the onset of Round 1, it might be helpful to review the numbers that he was assembling prior to the high ankle sprain that prematurely ended his season in 2022. Kupp was leading the league in multiple categories from Weeks 1-9, while his per-game averages in targets and receptions exceeded his averages in that same sequence during his historic 2021 season  (11.6/11.4 targets), (9.0/8.2 receptions).

He had also eclipsed his results from 2021 in targets per route run (37.7%/31.6%), yards per route run (3.29/3.13), and had nearly matched his average in points per game (24.8/26.2). Kupp will operate in a passing attack that will also contain underrated tight end Tyler Higbee and a group of uninspiring wide receivers, which should result in extensive targeting for Kupp once again. He remains embedded among the NFL’s top four wide receivers which should compel you to select him at his current ADP (7/WR4).

Tyreek Hill's first touchdown with the Dolphins was a DEEP shot 😳

🎥 @MiamiDolphinspic.twitter.com/6NbqWbM7MI

— The Athletic NFL (@TheAthleticNFL) September 18, 2022

Offseason concerns during 2022 regarding Hill’s ability to duplicate the usage and output that he sustained while operating with Patrick Mahomes were eviscerated during his first season in Miami, as he finished second at his position in receptions (119/7.0 per game), receiving yards (1,710/100.6 per game), and air yards (2,107). He was also third in targets (170/10.0 per game), and targets per route run (34%).

Hill led the league in yards per route run (3.42), tied for the lead in receptions of 40+ (7), and also tied Jefferson for the league lead by eclipsing 150+ yards during four different matchups. The 29-year-old Hill also achieved the highest grade among all wide receivers from PFF.

All updates regarding Hill’s most recent off-the-field incident and any prospective response from the NFL should be monitored. However, he is currently primed to deliver another highly-productive season, which presents the incentive for you to prioritize Hill as a top-five selection during your drafts.

Tier 2

Stefon Diggs, A.J. Brown, CeeDee Lamb, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Davante Adams, Garrett Wilson, Jaylen Waddle

Diggs has finished among the top five in targets during each of his three seasons with Buffalo and was fifth overall with 154 (9.6 per game) during 2022. He also rose to second while averaging 10.8 per game from Weeks 1-12, before he plummeted to 36th from Weeks 13-16 with an average of 6.3 per game.

UN. REAL.

📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/AWZpDUIK79

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) January 8, 2023

Diggs also finished second in routes run (627), and touchdowns (11) last season, and was third in receptions (108/6.8 per game), fourth in red zone targets (26), and fifth in receiving yards (1,429/89.3 per game).

Diggs has also displayed frustration on several occasions including the Bills’ postseason matchup with Cincinnati. However, Diggs’ talent and role as Josh Allen’s primary receiving option remain equally unquestioned, while positioning him to operate as a top-five receiver once again. That should encourage fantasy managers to remain confident that Diggs and Allen will stay in sync throughout the season when selecting him in Round 1 of their drafts.

Swole Batman aka A.J. Brown tore it up in his first season in Philly 🦇@1kalwaysopen_ | @Eagles pic.twitter.com/RHastiOY2A

— NFL (@NFL) June 25, 2023

Brown had averaged 6.9 targets, 4.3 receptions, and 69.7 yards per game with Tennessee from 2019-2021, but the unexpected trade that jettisoned him to Philadelphia launched him into a highly-favorable environment. He later signed a four-year contract extension with the Eagles and capitalized on his opportunity by delivering career-high numbers.

He easily surpassed his previous per-game averages (8.5 targets/5.2 receptions/88 yards), while finishing fourth overall with a franchise record 1,496 yards, rising to ninth in targets (145), and finishing 11th in receptions (88). Brown also vaulted to second in yards per route run (2.96), third in air yards share (40.8%), and fourth in air yards (1,754). He also finished second in yards after catch (548) and received the sixth-highest grade among wide receivers from PFF.

Brown and DeVonta Smith have already proven that they can both concurrently deliver prolific seasons after finishing among the top 10 in scoring during 2022, and Brown remains a viable selection at the bottom of Round 1 in your drafts.

Lamb has captured 277 targets (8.4 per game) during his last two seasons while collecting 186 receptions (5.6 per game) for 2,461 yards (74.6 per game) and 15 touchdowns during that sequence. That includes Lamb’s career-best usage and production during 2022, when he established new highs in each category (156 targets/9.2 per game), (107 receptions/6.3 per game), (1,359 receiving yards/79.9 per game), (nine touchdowns).

CeeDee Lamb with his 7th TD catch of the year. 😤#OUDNA | #DallasCowboys pic.twitter.com/PvTQbgFCPq

— 𝕺𝖐𝖑𝖆𝖍𝖔𝖒𝖆 𝖛𝖘. 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝖂𝖔𝖗𝖑𝖉 (@soonergridiron) December 24, 2022

Lamb also eclipsed 95+ yards in six different games, while he was also fifth in yards per route run (2.83), seventh in yards before catch (873), ninth in targets per route run (32.1%), and 10th in air yards (1,573). Brandin Cooks should elevate into WR2 responsibilities for Dallas after the Cowboys attained the 10-year veteran in a trade with Houston. However, Lamb should flourish as the team’s most critical receiving weapon, while accumulating numbers that justify selecting him late in Round 1 of all drafts.

St. Brown has collected 196 receptions (5.9 per game) during his first two seasons, which is the most among all members of the 2021 draft class, and seventh-highest overall at his position.  

St. Brown is also 12th in targets (265/8.0 per game), and 19th in receiving yards (2,073/62.8 per game) among all wide receivers during 2021-2022.  His numbers also lead all other Detroit wide receivers in each category, as Kalif Raymond is a distant second during that sequence (135 targets/95 receptions/1,192 yards).

St. Brown also finished eighth in targets (146/9.1 per game), fourth in targets per route run (33.4%), fifth in receptions (106/6.6 per game), and ninth in yards per route run (2.66), while functioning from the slot on 76.3% of his routes. St. Brown will operate with an unobstructed path toward a sizable target share atop Detroit’s depth chart. He is also capable of delivering low-end WR1 production, and can be prioritized during Round 2 of your drafts.

Jimmy Garoppolo’s foot issues have provided the potential for a catastrophic season in Las Vegas if he is unable to remain under center. However, Adams will commander a massive target share regardless of who is spearheading the Raiders’ aerial attack.

The Stidham to Davante connection is LETHAL today! Touchdown Raiders!

(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/Npuwuc1aUH

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) January 1, 2023

Adams leads all wide receivers in targets (794/10.8 per game), receptions (532/7.2 per game), and receiving yards (6,826/92.2) per game) since 2018, and the transition from Aaron Rodgers did not prevent him from having another prolific season in 2022. He led the league in target share (32.2%), touchdowns (14), and air yards (2,129) while finishing second with a career-high 180 targets (10.6 per game), and third in both receiving yards (1,516/89.2) and yards per route run (2.74).

Darren Waller has been jettisoned to the Giants, while former Patriot Jakobi Meyers will operate as the Raiders’ WR2. Hunter Renfrow’s role in Josh McDaniels’ offense will also impede him from approaching the career-best numbers that he attained in 2021 (128 targets/103 receptions/1,038 yards). The prospects of a problematic situation at quarterback are concerning, but Adams’ sustained excellence and diminished competition for targets make him worthy of selection in Round 2.

Garrett Wilson among rookies:

🥇 83 catches
🥇 1,103 receiving yards
🥇 22 missed tackles forced on receptions
🥇 26 catches gaining 15+ yards

PFF's Offensive Rookie of the Year pic.twitter.com/MJVxrHlNFb

— PFF (@PFF) January 12, 2023

Wilson successfully navigated the challenges of operating with New York’s shortcomings at quarterback last season, and his performance culminated in being named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Wilson also finished sixth overall with 147 targets (8.6 per game) and was eighth in routes run (549), 11th in air yards (1,542), 14th in receiving yards (1,103/ 64.9 per game), and 16th in receptions (83/4.9 per game).

Wilson also delivered a late-season statistical eruption from Weeks 13-18, while leading the league in routes run (214), and air yards (915), tying for the lead in targets (68/11.3 per game), and rising to the top 10 in receptions (34/5.7 per game), and receiving yards (475/79.2 per game). Wilson should benefit significantly from the arrival of Aaron Rodgers, and Wilson’s role as the Jets’ primary receiving weapon remains unchallenged. That supplies your incentive for drafting him as a WR1.

Waddle immediately rewarded Miami for seizing him sixth overall in 2021, by capitalizing on his team-high 24.6% target share and establishing an NFL record for receptions by a rookie (104/6.5 per game). The arrival of Hill fueled a reduction in Waddle’s target share (20.7%), while he also experienced declines in targets (140/117) and receptions (104/75) when contrasted with 2021.

a Jaylen Waddle catch & run is fine art
pic.twitter.com/tIn2h1Ub3M

— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) December 25, 2022

However, Waddle vaulted to seventh overall in receiving yards (1,356/79.8 per game), and the 2,371 yards (71.8 per game) that he has accumulated with Miami place him 13th in NFL history among all wide receivers during their first two seasons.  Waddle was also fifth in yards per route run (2.74), eighth in yards before catch (846), and fifth in yards after catch (510) while finishing 11th with an average of 15.2 points per game during 2022. He can operate as a low-end WR1 which leaves his ADP properly placed in Round 2 (18/WR11).

Tier 3

DeVonta Smith, D.K. Metcalf, Tee Higgins

The career-best numbers that Brown accumulated during his first season in Philadelphia coincided with Smith’s ascension into high-end WR2 territory during his second year with the Eagles. Smith rose to 12th with an average of 15.0 points per game while completing the year with a 27% target share. He also finished inside the top 10 in receptions (95/5.6 per game), receiving yards (1,196/70.4 per game), and yards after catch (490) from Weeks 1-18.

Smith’s average of 21.7 points per game from Weeks 14-17, placed him second overall, while he also vaulted to third in targets (41/10.3 per game), and receiving yards (418/104.5 per game). Smith will retain an integral role in the Eagles’ potent attack once again this season, and he should reward any managers who select him during Round 2 of their upcoming drafts.

Metcalf was selected as a WR3 during the 2022 draft season (WR27), due to apprehension surrounding Seattle’s transition from Russell Wilson. However, all uneasiness proved to be unfounded as Geno Smith resurrected his career, and Metcalf finished 11th in targets (141/8.3 per game) and 10th in receptions (90/5.3 per game) – while securing career highs in each category.

Metcalf also vaulted to second in red zone targets (27), and ninth in routes run (548), although he only generated six touchdowns after accumulating 22 during 2020 and 2021 combined.

GENO SMITH 🎯 DK METCALF

Seahawks 50 yard TOUCHDOWN! pic.twitter.com/l5xPpYzH3m

— Sports ON Tap Seattle (@SONTSeattle) October 9, 2022

Seattle seized Jaxon Smith-Njigba with the 20th pick in April’s NFL Draft, and the rookie’s involvement could fuel a reduction in the target shares of Metcalf and Tyler Lockett.  However, Smith-Njigba is not a candidate to confiscate Metcalf’s role as the Seahawks’ top receiving weapon, which elevates Metcalf among your most viable options at the conclusion of Round 3.

Higgins is 14th overall in receiving yards since he entered the league in 2020 (3,028/65.8 per game). He has also eclipsed 1000+ yards and attained 74 receptions during each of his last two seasons (1,091/1,029). He also finished 14th with an average of 14.9 points per game in 2022, despite contending with multiple injuries (ankle/concussion/hamstring). Higgins also rose to eighth with an average of 18.8 points per game from Weeks 8-12, when Chase was sidelined with his hip issue.

Higgins also finished 12th in targets per game (9.0), third in air yards share (45.5%), and ninth in receiving yards (371/92.8 per game) during that sequence. Higgins would deliver WR1 production for fantasy managers if he was operating in an aerial attack that did not also contain his elite teammate Chase. However, he remains capable of functioning as a high-end RB2 on your rosters.

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