Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Best Ball Rankings For 2024 (Tiers 4-9)

We have now entered the process of free agency, which is providing pathways for some wide receivers to seize significant roles in their new landing spots. The player movement that has ensued will also decrease the stock of other receivers whose roles will decrease within their reshaped depth charts.

Participation in the best ball draft process has also intensified, which provides fantasy football managers with the opportunity to construct rosters that will not require additional management following the conclusion of each draft. This makes it essential to assemble rosters that can withstand injuries, insufficient production, and other challenges without the benefit of a waiver wire.

The team at RotoBaller is providing tiered rankings to help you navigate the draft process in this format, and every alteration within the fantasy landscape will be infused into the best ball rankings throughout the offseason. That includes this article, which will focus on the wide receivers contained in Tiers 4-9. You can also find a full breakdown of Tiers 1-3 here.

• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
• Running back fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
• Tight end fantasy football rankings
• Kicker fantasy football rankings
• FLEX fantasy football rankings
• Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
• Superflex fantasy football rankings
• IDP fantasy football rankings
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings

Wide Receiver Best Ball Rankings

Tier 4

Nico Collins, DK Metcalf, Marvin Harrison Jr., Michael Pittman Jr., Mike Evans, Amari Cooper, Rashee Rice, Tank Dell, DeVonta Smith,  Keenan Allen, Stefon Diggs, Cooper Kupp, Tee Higgins 

Nico Collins averaged 5.3 targets, 2.9 receptions, and 38.6 receiving yards during 2021-2022 while also averaging 6.0/9.7 points per game during his first two seasons.

However, Collins soared to seventh in points per game (17.4) during 2023 while easily surpassing his previous per-game averages in targets (7.3), receptions (5.3), and receiving yards (86.5). Collins also rose to third in yards per route run (3.29), fourth in receptions of 20+ (25), sixth in yards after catch (549), and seventh in both targets per route run (27.7%) and touchdowns (eight).

CJ STROUD GETS THE TOUCHDOWN PARTY STARTED.

75-YARD DOT TO NICO COLLINS 🤯pic.twitter.com/UxGr0iKXHl

— DraftKings (@DraftKings) January 7, 2024

Collins also vaulted to second in both yards per route run (3.81) and targets per route run (32.0%) from Weeks 11-18, while rising to fifth in receiving yards (666/95.1 per game) and sixth in receptions (44/6.3 per game).

Collins and Tank Dell will operate as C.J. Stroud‘s top-two weapons in Houston’s surging aerial attack. This positions Collins to build upon the career-best numbers that he assembled in 2023 while supplying fantasy managers with WR2 production.

DK METCALF SAVED CHRISTMAS!!!!

TOUCHDOWN SEAHAWKS 🎄 pic.twitter.com/NvAZwqZpYd

— Sports ON Tap Seattle (@SeattleONTap) December 24, 2023

DK Metcalf's numbers during 2023 contained a blend of encouraging increases and disappointing declines in multiple categories. Metcalf’s average of 14.1 points per game placed him 23rd overall, but it was also his second lowest since 2020.

He also registered his lowest per-game averages in targets and receptions since 2019 (7.4/4.1) while his target share decreased for a third consecutive season (27.3%/25.5%/22.9%),

Metcalf did finish 18th in receiving yards (1,114/69.6 per game) while establishing career highs in yards per reception (16.9) and yards after catch per reception (5.6). His 9.4 yards per target were also the second highest of his career.

Seattle’s offense will be transforming under head coach Mike Macdonald and offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. However, Metcalf appears destined to compete for targets with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Tyler Lockett, who will return for a 10th season with the Seahawks.

Metcalf will also operate with an underwhelming situation at quarterback. These factors should deter you from selecting him before his Round 4 ADP (45/WR25).

Marvin Harrison Jr. accumulated 2,474 yards (99.0 per game) during his final two seasons at Ohio State while collecting 144 receptions and generating 28 touchdowns.

MARVIN HARRISON JR TOUCHDOWN 🔥 pic.twitter.com/64J7G61ZDK

— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) November 12, 2023

Harrison also completed his collegiate career with the sixth-highest total of receiving yards and receptions in school history while finishing third all time in touchdowns. He also won the 2023 Biletnikoff Award, which annually recognizes college football’s most outstanding receiver.

Harrison operates with an enticing combination of size, speed, and dependable hands while remaining adept at securing separation. He is the most talented wide receiver from this year’s rookie class and will be chosen early in Round 1 of this year’s NFL Draft.

Harrison should quickly commandeer a sizable role for the franchise that ultimately selects him. That bolsters the rationale for prioritizing him among your options in Round 3 of upcoming drafts.

Michael Pittman Jr.'s integral role within the Indianapolis aerial attack was underscored by his 30.5% target share, which placed him fourth overall during 2023. He also ascended to second in targets (138/10.6 per game) from Weeks 1-14.

Pittman sustained a concussion in Week 15 and remained sidelined until Week 17. However, he still finished ninth with a career-high 156 targets (9.8 per game) while rising to 14th in targets per route run (25.6%). He was also fourth with a career-best 109 receptions (6.8 per game), assembled a career-high 1,152 receiving yards (72 per game), and finished 10th in yards after catch (513).

Michael Pittman Jr. breaking a couple tackles for the 75-yard touchdown for the #Colts pic.twitter.com/08K6era9ma

— Cody Manning (@CodyTalksNFL) October 22, 2023

Pittman operated with Gardner Minshew under center during 12 matchups. However, Anthony Richardson will reemerge to guide the Colts offense after recovering from the shoulder injury that ended his season in Week 5.

The Colts had applied the non-exclusive franchise tag to Pittman. However, Pittman has agreed to a three-year deal, which will keep him in Indianapolis. That provides your incentive for targeting Pittman at his Round 3 ADP (30/WR16).

Mike Evans had been selected by fantasy managers in the first four rounds of drafts from 2017-2022 before his ADP plunged to Round 7 in 2023. The descending draft position was fueled by concern that Evans would experience a statistical decline following the retirement of Tom Brady.

However, Evans thrived with Baker Mayfield guiding Tampa Bay’s passing attack while assembling his highest target, reception, and yardage totals since 2018. Evans also finished ninth in receiving yards (1,255/73.8 per game), 15th in targets (136/8.0 per game), and 18th in receptions (79/4.6 per game) while vaulting to second in air yards (1,890) and generating a league-best 13 touchdowns. 

Buccaneers, WR Mike Evans agree to terms on a 2-year, $52 million deal. (via @MikeGarafolo) pic.twitter.com/aDMX3xiOam

— NFL (@NFL) March 4, 2024

Evans was also targeted on 23.5% of his routes, averaged 2.17 yards per route run, and finished 10th in points per game (16.6). Evans will turn 31 in August. However, he has also secured a two-year contract with the Buccaneers while Mayfield will also return after attaining a three-year deal. The numbers that the tandem accrued during 2023 should elicit confidence that Evans can still be drafted as a WR2. 

Amari Cooper was inactive in Weeks 17-18 due to a problematic heel. However, he had already delivered highly productive numbers to anyone who had selected him during their 2023 drafts. Cooper soared to second overall in air yards (1,796) from Weeks 1-16 while rising to sixth in receiving yards (1,250/83.3 per game). Cooper was also fifth in receptions of 20+ (21), 11th in yards per route run (2.37), 13th in targets (128/8.5 per game), and 16th in points per game (15.1).

Amari Cooper pic.twitter.com/OhojBFCdbD

— Ian Hartitz (@Ihartitz) February 26, 2024

Cooper also accumulated a league-high 37 targets (12.3 per game) and averaged a league-best 18.4 points per game from Weeks 14-16 while Joe Flacco was spearheading Cleveland’s offense. Cooper also averaged 7.8 targets, 5.6 receptions, and 96 yards per game during the five matchups in which Deshaun Watson remained unencumbered by injuries.

Cleveland's acquisition of Jerry Jeudy will not alter Cooper's role as the Browns' WR1, and he is positioned to exceed the expectations of his current ADP (59/WR30).

Rashee Rice attained a 12.6% target share from Weeks 1-11 while averaging 4.6 targets, 3.6 receptions, and 42 yards per game. He was also targeted on 20.7% of his routes and averaged 1.89 yards per route run during that sequence.

However, Rice’s numbers increased significantly from Weeks 12-17, as he secured a 27.3% target share while rising to fourth in both targets (56/9.3 per game) and receiving yards (518/86.3 per game).

RASHEE RICE TOUCHDOWN pic.twitter.com/wMIKx36arV

— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) December 10, 2023

He also soared to the league lead in yards after catch (373) while finishing second in receptions (43/7.2 per game). Rice was also targeted on 24.6% of his routes and averaged 2.27 yards per route run during those matchups.

Rice’s late-season statistical surge also propelled him to second among members of his rookie class in receptions (79/4.9 per game) and receiving yards (928/48.6 per game) while he also finished third in touchdowns (seven) from Weeks 1-18. Rice is currently positioned to operate as Kansas City’s WR1. However, the Chiefs should add receiving weapons during the upcoming weeks, which could impact Rice’s value.

Tank Dell's six-game absence during 2023 does not diminish the impressive numbers that he assembled during his rookie season. Dell averaged 7.9 targets, 4.9 receptions, and 75 yards per game from Weeks 2-12. He was also tied for third in touchdowns (seven) and rose to 12th in air yards (1,039). 

Dell also led all wide receivers in air yards (677) from Weeks 9-12 while vaulting to third in receiving yards (369/92.3 per game), fourth in targets (43/10.8 per game), and sixth in receptions (25/6.3 per game). He was also seventh in targets per route run (29.1%) and assembled a league-best five touchdowns during that span.

C.J. STROUD 🎯 TANK DELL

40-YARD TOUCHDOWN pic.twitter.com/xbt06pF0OA

— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) November 19, 2023

Dell sustained a fractured fibula in Week 13, which brought an abrupt conclusion to his season. His recovery should be monitored as the offseason advances. However, he will reclaim a critical role in Houston’s aerial attack whenever he returns.

DeVonta Smith delivered WR2 production for fantasy managers in 2022 while rising to 13th in points per game (15.0). Smith also secured a 26.9% target share while finishing eighth in receiving yards (1,196/70.4 per game), eighth in yards after catch (490), and ninth in receptions (95/5.6 per game). Smith was also selected as a high-end WR2 during the 2023 draft season as his ADP rose to Round 3 (26/WR13).

However, Smith's points per game average decreased to 14.2 last season. His target share also dropped to 22.9%, while he finished 23rd in targets (112/7.0 per game), 16th in receptions (81/5.1 per game), and 20th in receiving yards (1,066/66.6 per game). Smith was also limited to six red zone targets after accruing 14 during 2022.

DEVONTA SMITH TOUCHDOWN pic.twitter.com/Vg04b4kieW

— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) December 25, 2023

However, there is tangible rationale for targeting him at his Round 4 ADP (38/WR21). He will continue to accumulate targets from Jalen Hurts while retaining an integral role in Philadelphia’s restructured offense under Kellen Moore.

Keenan Allen suffered a heel issue that sidelined him from Weeks 15-18. However, he had soared into the league lead in multiple categories before he sustained that injury.

Allen had secured a league-high 32.3% target share from Weeks 1-14 while also stockpiling a league-best 150 targets (11.5 per game). He also collected a league-high 108 receptions (8.3 per game), was fourth in receiving yards (1,243/95.6 per game), and finished eighth in yards before catch (847). Allen was also third in points per game (21.5) and routes run (552), sixth in air yards (1,463), and ninth in targets per route run (27.2%).

keeeeeeeeeeeenan ‼️ pic.twitter.com/7mBNatHjZ6

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) March 15, 2024

Allen will turn 32 in April and is now primed to operate in Chicago’s aerial attack after the surprising trade that sent him from the Chargers to the Bears. He will join D.J. Moore in providing Chicago with a prolific tandem at wide receiver. Allen can also operate as a WR2 for fantasy managers.

Stefon Diggs was unsurprisingly entrenched among the league leaders in various categories from Weeks 1-9. He led the league in targets (97/10.8 per game) and receptions (70/7.8 per game). He also vaulted to second in touchdowns (seven), third in receiving yards (834/92.7 per game) and air yards (1,047), and fourth in points per game (21.7).

STEFON DIGGS DOWN THERE SOMEWHERE
pic.twitter.com/FwfhTVe19c

— PFF (@PFF) January 8, 2024

However, Diggs dropped to 20th in targets 10-17 (55/7.9 per game), 29th in air yards (520), and 33rd in receptions (30/4.3 per game) from Weeks 10-17 while plunging to 59th in receiving yards (262/37.4 per game).

Diggs was also limited to one touchdown and plummeted to 53rd in points per game (9.0). His yards per target (4.8) and yards per reception (8.7) also decreased when contrasted with his results from Weeks 1-9 (8.6/11.9).

The statistical decline coincided with the promotion of Joe Brady to interim offensive coordinator on November 14. The 30-year-old Diggs was a first-round selection by fantasy managers from 2021-2023. Now, there is a risk in targeting him at his Round 3 ADP (25/WR13).

Many fantasy managers benefited significantly from having Cooper Kupp on their rosters from 2019-2021, as he stockpiled a league-high 4,082 yards (85 per game) and 331 receptions (331/6.9 per game). However, he will turn 31 in June and has missed 12 matchups during the last two seasons.

Rams are placing WR Cooper Kupp on injured reserve (via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/GB1KQhvRjb

— NFL (@NFL) September 9, 2023

Kupp was sidelined with a hamstring injury from Weeks 1-4. His per-game averages in receptions (4.9), yards (61.4), and points per game (13.7) were also the lowest since his 2017 rookie season.

These factors have combined with the emergence of Puka Nacua to launch a descent of Kupp's ADP into Round 4 (45/WR26). Fantasy managers are selecting him as a high-end WR3, and there is no reason for you to target him before that point in your drafts.

Tee Higgins averaged 109 targets (7.1 per game), 71.6 receptions (4.7 per game), and 1,009 receiving yards (65.8 per game) from 2020-2022 while finishing among the top 15 in points per game during 2021 and 2022 (15.7/14.9). He also rose to 11th in targets (28/9.3 per game) from Weeks 1-3. However, he failed to exceed two receptions and 21 yards in four of his first five matchups.

Higgins was also sidelined during four contests from Weeks 5-12 (ribs/hamstring) and registered career lows in targets (6.3), receptions (3.5), and yards per game (54.7). Higgins also established new lows in target share (18%), targets per route run (19.4%), and yards per route run (1.68).

Bengals franchise WR Tee Higgins has requested a trade, per sources. Higgins loves Cincinnati and hoped to be with the team long term, but is disappointed that the team has not had any talks about a long-term contract extension since March 2023. He’s ready to move on to a new… pic.twitter.com/T0qy7uMu8n

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 11, 2024

The Bengals applied the franchise tag to Higgins, although he has also requested a trade. He is being drafted as a WR3 (ADP (53/WR27) and his outlook will now depend on the role that he will secure in his new environment.

Tier 5

Drake London, Jordan Addison

Fantasy managers selected Drake London as a WR2 during the 2023 draft season (ADP 56/WR23). This appeared justifiable after London had secured the league’s fourth-highest target share during 2022 (30%). London also finished second in targets per route run (33.0%) and yards per route run (3.06) from Weeks 15-18.

However, London experienced declines in target share (22.1%) and targets per route run (23.1%) in 2023. He was also 44th in routes run (476), 30th in both receptions (69/4.3 per game) and receiving yards (905/56.6 per game), and 28th in yards per route run (1.90).

Drake LONDON 🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/ib2tvioPG5

— PFF (@PFF) October 1, 2023

London’s pathway toward production was obstructed by Arthur Smith’s extensive utilization of Atlanta’s rushing attack and substandard play from Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke. However, the additions of Kirk Cousins and offensive coordinator Zac Robinson should propel London to the periphery of WR1 production. That will also fuel a rise in both London's ADP and our rankings.

Jordan Addison finished second among rookies in red zone targets (18) and receptions of 20+ yards (15). He also tied for second in targets (108/6.4 per game), third in receiving yards (911/53.6 per game), and soared to fourth among all wide receivers with 10 touchdowns.

Four straight games with a touchdown for Jordan Addison 🔥

pic.twitter.com/zXrb5GPy43

— PFF Fantasy & Betting (@PFF_Fantasy) October 29, 2023

Addison averaged 6.5 targets/4.5 receptions/60.3 yards per game from Weeks 1-8 when Kirk Cousins was under center and averaged 6.2 targets/3.8 receptions/47.7 yards per game following Cousins’ season-ending injury (torn Achilles). Addison was also 13th in points per game (15.8) from Weeks 1-8 while averaging 14.7 during Jefferson's absence (Weeks 6-12).

Addison will continue to operate as Minnesota’s WR2. However, his prospects of building upon last season’s numbers have been diminished by the departure of Cousins. His outlook will improve if the Vikings secure a proficient signal-caller during the upcoming weeks. 

Tier 6

DeAndre Hopkins, Terry McLaurin,  Zay Flowers, Calvin Ridley, Christian Kirk, Jayden Reed 

Highlights from @DeAndreHopkins first season as a Titan 🔥 pic.twitter.com/oTuznKGNjR

— Tennessee Titans (@Titans) February 19, 2024

DeAndre Hopkins finished 13th in targets (137 targets/8.1 per game), accumulated a league-high 1,913 air yards, and averaged 62.2 yards/13.2 points per game in an offense that tied for 30th in passing attempts per game (29.1).

Hopkins also vaulted to fifth overall with 69 targets (8.6 per game) from Weeks 8-15 while operating with Will Levis. He also averaged 67.9 yards/15.4 points per game before Levis was limited to 13 snaps from Weeks 16-18. Hopkins will turn 32 in June, and Calvin Ridley will be infused into the Titans' receiving arsenal after securing his four-year deal. However, those factors will not prevent Hopkins from capturing a favorable target share.

Terry McLaurin has eclipsed 1,000 yards for a fourth consecutive season (1,002), although his 58.9 yards per game average was the lowest of his career. McLaurin also registered career lows in target share (21.6%), yards per target (7.6), and yards per reception (12.7).

McLaurin also finished 36th in points per game (12.0) during Eric Bieniemy’s lone season as Washington’s offensive coordinator. Kliff Kingsbury will spearhead the Commanders' reconstructed attack, although uncertainty exists at quarterback. However, McLaurin has contended with shortcomings at the position throughout his tenure and should deliver WR3 output.

Zay Flowers launched to the top of Baltimore’s depth chart during his rookie season while leading the Ravens in routes run (567), target share (24%), receptions (77/4.8 per game), and receiving yards (858/53.6 per game). He also paced the team in receptions of 20+ (12+), air yards (903), and yards after catch (456). Flowers is currently primed to sustain his role as the WR1 in Todd Monken’s offense, which justifies targeting him near his Round 5 ADP (56/WR29).

Calvin Ridley reemerged to register his first snaps since October 2021 during a season that contained significant fluctuations in his production. He finished 27th with an average of 13.5 points per game and was 17th in targets (136/8.0 per game) -- including 8+ during 12 different matchups. Ridley also rose to eighth in air yards (1,761) and 24th in receiving yards (1,016/59.8 per game).

Trevor Lawrence DEEP BALL TOUCHDOWN TO CALVIN RIDLEY!!!

pic.twitter.com/uSJFxTRRdO

— Austin Pendergist (@apthirteen) January 7, 2024

Ridley departed Jacksonville after signing a $92 million contract with AFC South rival Tennessee. He can surpass the expectations of his current ADP (69/WR32) even though Hopkins' presence ensures that Ridley will not operate with an uncongested path toward consistent targeting.

Christian Kirk has averaged 7.5 targets/4.9 receptions/65.3 yards per game during his two seasons with Trevor Lawrence. He was also operating as a WR3 for fantasy managers while averaging 13.3 points per game from Weeks 1-12 before a core muscle injury abruptly ended his season.

Kirk was also leading Jacksonville’s wide receivers in targets (84/7.6 per game), targets per route run (22.3%), receiving yards (761/69.2 per game), yards per route run (2.02), and yards after catch (259). The addition of Gabe Davis, will not preclude Kirk from operating as Lawrence's primary receiving weapon following the exodus of Ridley.  

Jayden Reed secured an integral role within Green Bay’s offense as his first season progressed while delivering critical fantasy points to managers during their late-season matchups.

Reed’s numbers surged from Weeks 12-17 as he averaged 7.8 targets/5.6 receptions/53.6 yards per game and rose to 14th with an average of 17 points per game. The Packers will operate with a cluster of emerging weapons at wide receiver, but Reed's unquestioned talent justifies securing him as a WR3.

Tiers 7-9

George Pickens,  Courtland Sutton, Chris Godwin, Tyler Lockett, Diontae Johnson, Malik Nabers, Christian Watson, Jaxon Smith-Njigba,  Rome Odunze  Romeo Doubs, Mike Williams, Marquise Brown,  Jameson Williams, Brian Thomas Jr.,  Jakobi Meyers 

The wide receivers that are contained in Tiers 7-9 are located between WR36-WR50 in our latest rankings. Various factors would launch a rise or decline in the stock of these players as the offseason progresses.

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