🦃 BLACK FRIDAY - SAVE 50% WITH CODE THANKS
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Ranking The Top Fantasy Receiving Corps - Full NFC Rankings Part 2

RotoBaller's Frankie Soler wraps up ranking every NFC team based on their fantasy wide receiver corps to advise fantasy owners in 2017 fantasy football drafts.

The deeper you dive into the NFC, the tougher it gets to rank each team based on their wide receivers. Of all the entries in this series, part two of the NFC was certainly the toughest one to figure out. There's a whole lot of nitpicking going on here which speaks to the depth of the conference as a whole. Considering this is the last piece before the full ranking of 1-32, it's kind of fitting that it came down to the wire.

Here's your weekly disclaimer: these rankings reflect each team's roster construction at the time of writing. With camp in full swing, August is a crazy time for football moves.

If you want to see the rest of this series, starting by division, click here to get caught up.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

NFC Fantasy Receiving Corps Ranks

8. Atlanta Falcons

Notable Players: Julio Jones, Taylor Gabriel, Mohamed Sanu

Julio Jones is firmly locked into being a top-six pick in all formats for the 2017 season. He's had three consecutive seasons of at least 1,400 yards and six touchdowns, with some monstrous games along the way. Julio alone is enough to bump the Falcons all the way up into the top-10.

On the flip side, the Falcons simply don't have enough sustainable depth to get much higher than eighth. Taylor Gabriel and Mohamed Sanu are fine receivers who've shown flashes of usability. There are bound to be weeks where Sanu and/or Gabriel are worth a look on the waiver wire, probably even as a bye-week fill-in. Atlanta's offense is potent enough to warrant mentioning three names. There just isn't enough relevant data that suggests Sanu and Gabriel warrant anything more than a dart throw.

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Notable Players: Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson

The signing of DeSean Jackson has the potential to give the Tampa Bay Buccaneers one of the best one-two combinations in football. Between the size of Mike Evans and Jackson's speed, Jameis Winston must be licking his chops at the possibilities. As far as fantasy goes, Evans had a spectacular 2016, bouncing back from a disappointing sophomore season the year prior. That was mostly due to a weird lack of touchdowns. Now that we know Evans is a legit top-five receiver, the Buccaneers are deserving of a high NFC ranking.

Jackson is the wild card, though. All throughout this series I've mentioned that the rankings reflect a balance between talent, depth, and fantasy scoring. That balance is what gives Tampa Bay the edge over Atlanta. Yes, the Falcons have Julio Jones, and yes, they have three names worth mentioning. The difference is that DeSean Jackson is a proven fantasy commodity. Quality trumps quantity here.  Always a boom-or-bust playmaker who needs a big-time play to rack up fantasy points, Jackson will surely start as a WR3/flex for someone in every league.

6. Arizona Cardinals

Notable Players: Larry Fitzgerald, John Brown, J.J. Nelson

If quality outweighs quantity for the Buccaneers,  you could argue the opposite for the Arizona Cardinals. Larry Fitzgerald continues to be one of the most undervalued players in fantasy, especially in PPR formats. Last year's reception king, Fitzgerald should be viewed as a solid WR2 yet he's continuously ranked/drafted as if he's washed up. His 2016 stat line of 107 receptions, 1,023 yards, and six touchdowns is well within reach with the potential for more scores.

The most intriguing part of Arizona's receivers is that they really have two shots at producing a usable WR2. John Brown has always had considerable hype as a sleeper candidate, flirting with fantasy production along the way. Between complications from his sickle-cell trait and struggles on the field, 2016 was a lost season for Brown. The upside is still there, though.

J.J. Nelson complicates matters as a talented receiver with a ton of potential. He has enough talent to "steal" the No. 2 spot away from John Brown. I put steal in quotations because this is a receiver battle that is far from over. Besides, we've seen the Cardinals produce two-or-three fantasy relevant receivers in the past so there's reason to believe it can happen again. Having three receivers that should be owned in all leagues bumps the Cardinals up in the rankings considerably.

5. Washington Redskins

Notable Players: Terrelle Pryor, Jamison Crowder, Josh Doctson

Terrelle Pryor managed to rack up 1,007 yards and four touchdowns with Snap, Crackle, and Pop under center in Cleveland. Now in Washington, Pryor has massive upside with Kirk Cousins throwing to him. The longer the summer rolls own, the more buzz Pryor seems to be getting and rightfully so. Along with Larry Fitzgerald, Pryor could be one of the most undervalued receivers heading into the new season.

Jamison Crowder benefited from an injured Josh Doctson last year. Still the team's No. 2 receiver, Crowder has himself a decent role as a PPR play. For as usable as Crowder was last year, there's a good chance he's being overdrafted thus far. Nevertheless, he has enough talent to be worth starting as a WR3/flex in most formats.

Josh Doctson's injury issues seem to behind him so expect him to push Crowder for the second spot in the depth chart. It's way too early to claim that Doctson is ready to steal the gig completely, but it's another one of those situations worth monitoring.

If this list were including tight ends, Jordan Reed would basically catapult the Redskins the top. Instead, fifth is where they lie.

4. Philadelphia Eagles

Notable Players: Alshon Jeffery, Jordan Matthews, Torrey Smith

At last the Philadelphia Eagles have found themselves a true No. 1 receiver in Alshon Jeffery. Jeffery's move from Chicago to Philly works in his favor as well. With second-year QB Carson Wentz throwing to him, Alshon now has the best quarterback he's played with in quite a while, possibly the best one he's ever played with in the NFL. Provided he can stay healthy for at least 14 games, Alshon Jeffery should catapult right back up to being a low-end WR1/high-end WR2.

Having Jordan Matthews and Torrey Smith battle it out for your second receiver spot is not a bad problem to have. Both guys have respectable talent and are better suited as a team's secondary option rather than a No.1. Again, quality of depth accounts for a lot in these rankings so this is another combination that carries considerable weight. There are reasons to take a flier on each of them with Matthews getting the edge in PPR, Smith in standard. The Eagles are in great position to have an improved offense in 2017.

3. New Orleans Saints

Notable Players: Michael Thomas, Willie Snead, Ted Ginn

It seems like whenever the New Orleans Saints realize they can produce good receivers at will they decide they might as well ship one off elsewhere. That's what happened this off-season with Brandin Cooks being traded to New England. It doesn't hurt the Saints one iota as they can just rotate Willie Snead and new signee Ted Ginn into the fold. Michael Thomas is the team's primary weapon, though, and should have no issues contributing as a WR1. Even with Drew Brees spreading the ball around, Thomas can easily duplicate his 2016 line of 1,137 yards and nine scores on 92 receptions. In fact, he could even exceed it.

Willie Snead is a sneaky WR2 candidate who isn't being drafted as such. We've established that the Saints rotate receivers at will but they also manage to produce multiple fantasy relevant playmakers simultaneously. With two noteworthy seasons under his belt already, Wille Snead is in line for a sizable uptick in usage.

The only thing standing in Snead's way is the addition of Ted Ginn. Ginn was a thorn in fantasy's side the past two years. There were times where he wasn't even on anyone's radar yet he'd put up big games out of nowhere. Then when he actually did warrant attention, he'd turn back into a pumpkin. A lot of that has to do with being on an inconsistent Carolina offense, a factor that should change in New Orleans. Both Snead and Ginn should be owned in every league thanks to opportunity with Drew Brees at quarterback.

2. Green Bay Packers

Notable Players: Jordy Nelson, Davante Adams, Randall Cobb

If Drew Brees is enough to net multiple fantasy wide receivers, Aaron Rodgers is that much better. Jordy Nelson is a fantasy superstar who is just barely a notch below the likes of Julio Jones and Mike Evans. A favorite target of Rodgers, Nelson is on track for another stellar season at wide receiver, earning him high-end WR1 status in every format. Expect well over 1,000 yards and a floor of eight touchdowns.

Davante Adams was a pleasant surprise last year albeit a year too late. Adams was talked up as a breakout candidate when Jordy Nelson tore his ACL in 2015, but he faced injury woes of his own and never produced to his potential. Fast forward to 2016 and Adams ended up with 997 yards and 12 TDs. Now an established contributor in the offense, Adams should be viewed as a low-end WR2.

The days of Randall Cobb as a significant fantasy asset are well behind us. That being said, the Packers are so good offensively that Cobb should absolutely be owned. If anything were to happen to Nelson or Adams, Cobb would automatically be worth a look as a starter. Besides, it's not like Green Bay can't produce three relevant receivers at the same time anyway. With Rodgers throwing to him, Cobb is worth a spot on your bench as a bye-week fill-in.

1. New York Giants

Notable Players: Odell Beckham Jr, Brandon Marshall, Sterling Shepard

The top spot in the NFC goes to the New York Giants, a team that has three different categories of wide receiver. First up is superstar Odell Beckham, another first-round WR1 who is as can't-miss as it gets. OBJ hasn't dipped below 1,300 yards or 10 touchdowns to date so scoop him up in the middle of round one whenever possible.

The addition of Brandon Marshall adds some serious versatility to the Giant offense. Marshall may not have the talent he had earlier in his career, but he's still a big body who can go up and grab a ball in the back of the end zone. That's where Marshall should do most of his damage this year; deep in the red-zone. Eli Manning should have no problem playing to Marshall's strengths, breathing new life into the 33-year old veteran. Forget his last year with the Jets. Brandon Marshall is poised for a big bounce-back season as a WR2/high-end WR3.

Adding Marshall means Sterling Shepard gets relegated to the team's No. 3 wideout. That is perfectly fine, though, as Shepard still has himself a bright future ahead. As far as 2017 is concerned, Shepard certainly deserves to be owned as another one of those bye-week fillers. There's also always the chance that Marshall doesn't pan out the way everyone assumes he will, opening the door for Shepard to fill the void. Not only do the Giants feature three receivers worth owning, but they have the best balance of talent and opportunity.

 

More 2017 Fantasy Football & ADP Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Aaron Gordon

Won't Return to NBA Cup Meeting with Houston
Travis Kelce

Open to Returning in 2026?
Onyeka Okongwu

Could Miss Matchup With Pelicans
Brandon Aiyuk

49ers, Brandon Aiyuk Headed for a Divorce Soon?
D'Angelo Russell

Ruled Out Against Pelicans
Trey Hendrickson

Ruled Out for Week 12
Tre Jones

Cleared to Play Friday with Planned Minutes Limit
Jaden McDaniels

Cleared to Face Phoenix
Coby White

Ruled Out for Friday's Game Against Miami
Jarrett Allen

Ruled Out on Friday
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Doubtful as Grizzlies Face Mavericks
Adolis García

Rangers Non-Tender Adolis Garcia on Friday
Jaylon Tyson

Returning Versus Indiana
Darius Garland

Cleared to Play on Friday, Expected to See Limited Action
Marvin Bagley III

to Miss Friday's Game Against Raptors
Auston Matthews

Doubtful for Saturday
Rashod Bateman

Ruled Out for Week 12
Alexandre Sarr

Ruled Out for a Second Straight Game
Roman Josi

Could Return Saturday
Samuel Honzek

Out for Six Months After Surgery
Chris Godwin

Officially Questionable for Week 12
Sion James

Expected to Play Through Groin Issue Saturday
Jalen Chatfield

Available for Friday's Matchup
Andrew Wiggins

Labeled as "Day-to-Day"
Nico Sturm

Activated From Injured Reserve
Jason Zucker

Available Friday
Brandon Miller

Returning To Charlotte's Lineup On Saturday
Connor Hellebuyck

to Miss 4-6 Weeks
Jaylen Warren

Cleared From Injury Report Ahead of Week 12
Jalen Brunson

Probable For Saturday's Matchup With The Magic
Brian Thomas Jr.

Ruled Out for Week 12
Kenneth Walker III

Listed as Questionable for Week 12
Kyle Filipowski

Good To Go Friday Night
Trey Benson

Ruled Out For Week 12
Shaedon Sharpe

Won't Suit Up Friday
Jrue Holiday

to Miss Fourth Straight Game Friday Night
Josh Jacobs

Officially Questionable to Play in Week 12
Darius Slayton

Cleared to Return From Hamstring Injury in Week 12
Daniel Jones

"Good to Go" for Week 12
Alvin Kamara

Officially Questionable to Play in Week 12
Xavier Worthy

"Trending in the Right Direction," Officially Questionable
Isiah Pacheco

Out Against Colts
Drake London

Officially Ruled Out for Week 12
CFB

Beau Pribula Expected to Start Against Oklahoma
Aaron Rodgers

Questionable to Play Against Bears
Grayson Allen

Sidelined Again on Friday
Jaden McDaniels

Could Miss Another Game on Friday
Rhamondre Stevenson

Expected to Return in Week 12
Jayden Reed

Packers Open Jayden Reed's Practice Window on Friday
Chris Godwin

Trending Toward Playing on Sunday
Joe Burrow

Officially Questionable for Week 12
Dan Hooker

An Underdog At UFC Qatar
Arman Tsarukyan

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Ian Machado Garry

A Favorite At UFC Qatar
Belal Muhammad

Looks To Bounce Back
Alonzo Menifield

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
Volkan Oezdemir

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Myktybek Orolbai

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Jack Hermansson

Makes His Welterweight Debut
Kyoji Horiguchi

Returns To The UFC
Tagir Ulanbekov

Set To Open Up UFC Qatar Main Card
Sergei Bobrovsky

Frustrates Devils With Shutout
Adam Fantilli

Leads Blue Jackets to Victory in Toronto
Ilya Sorokin

Posts Second Shutout of the Season
Alex Ovechkin

Nets 33rd Career Hat Trick
Andre Burakovsky

Ruled Out for Friday
Gavin Brindley

Hurt Versus Rangers
Jake Evans

Exits With Injury Thursday
Elly De La Cruz

Played Through Partially Torn Quad to End 2025
Tarik Skubal

Tigers "Doubtful" to Trade Tarik Skubal
Simon Holmstrom

Ready for Action Thursday
Lars Eller

Available Thursday
Ridly Greig

Out Against Ducks
Jake Neighbours

Back for Blues Thursday
TB

Nicholas Paul Available Thursday
Victor Hedman

Out for "Couple of Weeks"
Tyler Bertuzzi

Set to Return Thursday
Raisel Iglesias

Returning to the Braves on One-Year Deal
Sahith Theegala

Looking to Continue Fall Run at RSM Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Looking to Bounce Back at RSM Classic
Tom Hoge

Looking to Regain Form at RSM Classic
Joe Highsmith

Searching for Turnaround at RSM Classic
Adam Hadwin

Looking to Build on T11 Finish in Bermuda
Austin Eckroat

Searching for Momentum at RSM Classic
Joel Dahmen

Trying to Find Form at the RSM Classic
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Doubtful to Play Against Western Kentucky
Michael Thorbjornsen

Hopes to End 2025 Campaign With Another Solid Finish
Andrew Novak

Looks to End 2025 Season on High Note at RSM Classic
Harry Higgs

Teetering for PGA Tour Card in 2026
PGA

Nico Echavarria has the Potential to Contend at the RSM Classic
Sam Stevens

Finishing Out Year in Georgia
Seamus Power

Playing Better at the Right Time
Beau Hossler

Roller Coaster Comes to Saint Simons Island
Quade Cummins

The Time is Now for Quade Cummins in Georgia
Austin Cook

Needs a Win at the RSM Classic
Cameron Champ

on the PGA Tour Card Bubble
Grayson Rodriguez

Shipped to Angels
Taylor Ward

Orioles Acquire Taylor Ward From Angels
Shota Imanaga

Accepts Cubs Qualifying Offer
Brandon Woodruff

Returning to Milwaukee in 2026
Denny McCarthy

Looking For Another Solid Finish at RSM Classic
Si Woo Kim

Looking To Use Current Momentum to Flip Script at RSM Classic
Mackenzie Hughes

a Good Bounce-Back Candidate at RSM Classic
Harris English

Making 14th Start at This Week's RSM Classic
Konnor Griffin

Could Compete for Starting Shortstop Job in 2026
Gleyber Torres

Accepts Tigers Qualifying Offer
CFB

Sam Leavitt Set to Enter Transfer Portal?
Jose Altuve

Undergoes Foot Surgery
Alex Bregman

Red Sox Going for Either Alex Bregman or Pete Alonso?
CFB

James Franklin to be Virginia Tech's Next Head Coach
CFB

Fernando Mendoza the Clear Heisman Trophy Favorite?
CFB

Beau Pribula Has Chance to Face Oklahoma on Saturday
Jack Della Maddalena

Gets Dominated
Islam Makhachev

Claims UFC Welterweight Belt
Zhang Weili

Gets Outclassed
Valentina Shevchenko

Wins Unanimous Decision At UFC 322
Sean Brady

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss
Michael Morales

Remains Unbeaten
Leon Edwards

Suffers Second-Round Knockout Loss
Leon Edwards

Carlos Prates Becomes The First Man To Knock Out Leon Edwards
Beneil Dariush

Suffers Brutal First-Round Knockout Loss
Beneil Dariush

Benoit Saint Denis Knocks Out Beneil Dariush In 16 Seconds
Josh Naylor

Mariners Finalizing Five-Year Contract
CFB

Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate Not Dealing With Long-Term Injuries
CFB

Virginia Tech Close To Naming James Franklin As Head Coach

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP