Wide receivers are one of the most critical components, and a core building block, for all fantasy football teams. This is especially true in PPR formats, where fantasy owners are rewarded for every catch that a wide receiver makes. We are here to help you plan your wide receiver draft strategy, and to target the right players on each NFL team.
Below are our 2015 fantasy football wide receiver depth charts as of Week 6 of the NFL and fantasy football season. For each team you will find the primary wide receiver (WR1), the secondary wide receiver (WR2), the third wide receiver (WR3), and dynasty values. Players listed under "Dynasty Value" have added value in dynasty/keeper league formats and can be targeted on draft day.
It’s important to stay on top of the wide receiver situations and any depth chart changes throughout each week of the fantasy football season, so be sure to check back regularly. By staying on top of all the depth charts changes, preseason position battles, and in-season injuries, you can draft the right receivers, adjust your rosters off the waiver wire, find sleepers, potential breakouts, and dominate your fantasy football leagues.
All WR1/WR2/WR3 listings are based off current Fantasy Football projections, not NFL depth chart values. Players listed under "Dynasty Value" have increased value in a Dynasty league.
AFC EAST: Fantasy Football Wide Receiver (WR) Depth Charts
Baller Stability Rating | Team Name |
Primary Wide Receiver (WR1) | Second Wide Receiver (WR2) | WR3 & Longshots | Dynasty Value |
Solid | Patriots | Julian Edelman | Danny Amendola | Aaron Dobson | N/A |
Solid | Jets | Brandon Marshall | Eric Decker | Quincy Enunwa | N/A |
Solid | Bills | Sammy Watkins (INJ) | Percy Harvin | Robert Woods | Sammy Watkins |
Questionable | Dolphins | Jarvis Landry | Rishard Matthews | Kenny Stills | DeVante Parker |
The Patriots wide receivers are pretty much set in stone, with all three players listed here falling behind Rob Gronkowski as the primary pass-catcher on the team. Brandon LaFell is eligible to come back as soon as Week 7, but there has been no word on whether or not the Patriots will activate him that early.
The Jets situation is also stable, with veterans Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker leading the way on a weekly basis. Marshall is a target hog and is bordering on WR1 status as long as The Amish Rifle is playing well.
Sammy Watkins is still dealing with an injury, and may not play in Week 6, making Harvin a low-ceiling WR3 most weeks. However, with Tyrod Taylor likely out for the Bills' tilt with the Bengals in Orchard Park, there aren't any Bills pass-catchers worth a fantasy start.
The Dolphins seem to like Rishard Matthews a bit more than anyone anticipated, as he's been a solid flex play through the first few weeks. He's seemingly become the number two behind Jarvis Landry (who is still a target hog), and likely won't be challenged for the role until DeVante Parker starts to see more snaps. With Joe Philbin out in Miami there is some hope that this offense can turn things around, and it wouldn't surprise me if Ryan Tannehill had a solid game against the Titans this week.
AFC WEST: Fantasy Football Wide Receivers (WR) Depth Charts
Baller Stability Rating | Team Name |
Primary Wide Receiver (WR1) | Second Wide Receiver (WR2) | WR3 & Longshots | Dynasty Value |
Solid | Broncos | Demaryius Thomas | Emmanuel Sanders | Jordan Norwood | Cody Latimer |
Solid | Chiefs | Jeremy Maclin | De'Anthony Thomas | Jason Avant | Albert Wilson |
Solid | Raiders | Amari Cooper | Michael Crabtree | Andre Holmes | Amari Cooper |
Solid | Chargers | Keenan Allen | Stevie Johnson | Malcolm Floyd | Keenan Allen |
While the top receivers on each of these teams is unquestioned, the back end of each corps has a few question marks. Peyton Manning is clearly not a top-tier quarterback anymore, but even at his worst Emmanuel Sanders is finding ways to get it done (nine catches for 111 yards in Week 5). He may even be more productive than Demaryius Thomas going forward, as Thomas' value is tied to the deep ball and the end zone.
I still am struggling to believe it, but Alex Smith has discovered the value of the wide receiver. Jeremy Maclin is now an every-week WR2, but there is still isn't enough reliability to start anyone else in this offense besides him and Travis Kelce.
The Raiders offense is fantasy-relevant for the first time in recent memory, and as long as Derek Carr is playing well Amari Cooper is a WR2 and Michael Crabtree has flex consideration on a weekly basis.
Antonio Gates came back with a vengeance in Week 5, and as his value rises all Chargers receivers take a hit. Allen is the only one I'd feel comfortable starting on a weekly basis, and even then only as a low-end WR2.
AFC NORTH: Fantasy Football Wide Receivers (WR) Depth Charts
Baller Stability Rating | Team Name |
Primary Wide Receiver (WR1) | Second Wide Receiver (WR2) | WR3 & Longshots | Dynasty Value |
Questionable | Ravens | Steve Smith (INJ) | Kamar Aiken | Marlon Brown | Breshad Perriman |
Solid | Steelers | Antonio Brown | Martavis Bryant | Darrius Heyward-Bey | Martavis Bryant |
Solid | Bengals | A.J. Green | Marvin Jones | Mohamed Sanu | N/A |
Questionable | Browns | Travis Benjamin | Andrew Hawkins | Brian Hartline/Taylor Gabriel | N/A |
Steve Smith might return in Week 6, but I'm certainly not banking on that. Even if he were to return, he's been dealing with microfractures in his back, and I don't see how he'd be at 100%. In his absence Kamar Aiken is a borderline WR3, and if Smith is on the field I'm not starting anyone from this team.
Martavis Bryant is finally active, but I'm not plugging him in as long as Mike Vick is under center. Sad as it is to say, there are many out there questioning whether or not to start Antonio Brown. You don't ever bench your studs, but the fact that people are wondering proves just how bad Vick has been. Get well soon, Big Ben.
Andy Dalton is now the overall QB1 in fantasy. Soak that in for a moment. A.J. Green is a WR1, Jones is a flex option and that's about it from a wide receiver standpoint.
Travis Benjamin is the only Cleveland wide receiver you can rely on for any sort of fantasy production on a weekly basis, but even his value is trending downward. Josh McCown seems to be relying more on Duke Johnson and tight end Gary Barnidge, and should continue to do so as long as the offense is clicking.
AFC SOUTH: Fantasy Football Wide Receivers (WR) Depth Charts
Baller Stability Rating | Team Name |
Primary Wide Receiver (WR1) | Second Wide Receiver (WR2) | WR3 & Longshots | Dynasty Value |
Solid | Colts | T.Y. Hilton | Donte Moncrief | Andre Johnson | Phillip Dorsett, Donte Moncrief |
Solid | Texans | Deandre Hopkins | Cecil Shorts III (INJ) | Keith Mumphrey | Jaelen Strong |
Volatile | Titans | Kendall Wright | Dorial Green-Beckham | Harry Douglas | Dorial Green-Beckham, Kendall Wright |
Questionable | Jaguars | Allen Robinson | Allen Hurns | Bryan Walters | Allen Robinson, Allen Hurns, Marqise Lee |
The Colts pecking order is pretty solid, with Donte Moncrief appearing to have a firm grip on the number two role. Andre Johnson surprised everyone with a huge game against the Texans last Thursday, but I think that was more revenge than resurgence. He can't be started with confidence anytime soon, but he may have at least put himself back in the race as the number three receiver.
DeAndre Hopkins might finish as this year's WR1 on volume alone. He's averaging 15 targets a game, and is going to produce no matter who is under center for the Texans (it's Brian Hoyer this week). With Cecil Shorts and Nate Washington likely still injured, it'll be a mix of Keith Mumphrey and Jaelen Strong after Hopkins, neither of whom is rosterable.
The Titans depth chart is worth keeping an eye on. Kendall Wright is likely the firm number one, but after that it gets a bit hazy. Harry Douglas and Justin Hunter have been virtually non-existent, but Dorial Green-Beckham had a touchdown in consecutive weeks before their bye. A breakout may be on the horizon for him, and Wright is an every-week low-end WR2.
Allen Robinson is the most talented receiver in Jacksonville, and I still think he's their WR1, but Allen Hurns has been surprisingly great so far this season. He's had at least 60 receiving yards in every game this season, and has scored a touchdown in each of the last three weeks. I'm officially declaring him a WR3 in 10- and 12-team leagues, as Blake Bortles is playing extremely well and has great chemistry with Hurns.
NFC EAST: Fantasy Football Wide Receivers (WR) Depth Charts
Baller Stability Rating | Team Name |
Primary Wide Receiver (WR1) | Second Wide Receiver (WR2) | WR3 & Longshots | Dynasty Value |
Solid | Giants | Odell Beckham | Rueben Randle | Dwayne Harris | Odell Beckham Jr. |
Questionable | Eagles | Jordan Matthews | Riley Cooper | Josh Huff | Josh Huff, Nelson Agholor, Jordan Matthews |
Solid | Cowboys | Terrance Williams | Cole Beasley | Devin Street | Dez Bryant (INJ) |
Solid | Redskins | Desean Jackson (INJ) | Pierre Garcon | Jamison Crowder | N/A |
Victor Cruz doesn't look like he'll be fantasy-relevant anytime soon, and in his absence it appears Dwayne Harris has become Eli Manning's number three receiver. Both Beckham and Randle are questionable this week with hamstring injuries, and if one or both of them sit then Harris becomes a very intriguing bye week fill-in option.
Nelson Agholor is officially droppable (has been for a couple weeks now), as he was not involved in what was actually a solid offensive showing in Week 5. Matthews should remain a solid WR2 as long as Sam Bradford continues to improve, but he's the only Philly WR that I trust.
Matt Cassel has replaced Brandon Weeden under center for the Cowboys, but it ultimately has very little impact on any of the Cowboys' fantasy value. I'm not touching any of these wide receivers with a 39.5-foot pole until Tony Romo returns.
The Redskins are officially a run-first team, with Matt Jones, Alfred Morris and Chris Thompson all playing roles in the offense. Garcon is still the number one while DeSean Jackson is hurt, but rookie Jamison Crowder seems to be challenging him for the role. The Redskins are very high on Crowder, and I have an eyebrow raised as well--he's worth adding as an injury fill-in or bye week replacement in PPR formats.
NFC WEST: Fantasy Football Wide Receivers (WR) Depth Charts
Baller Stability Rating | Team Name |
Primary Wide Receiver (WR1) | Second Wide Receiver (WR2) | WR3 & Longshots | Dynasty Value |
Solid | 49ers | Anquan Boldin | Torrey Smith | Quinton Patton | N/A |
Solid | Seahawks | Doug Baldwin | Jermaine Kearse | Tyler Lockett | Tyler Lockett |
Solid | Cardinals | Larry Fitzgerald | John Brown | Michael Floyd | John Brown |
Questionable | Rams | Tavon Austin | Stedman Bailey | Kenny Britt | N/A |
Anquan Boldin is the clear number one in San Francisco, as he has almost double the amount of targets that the next closest receiver has. He's a WR3 most weeks, and he's the only 49er receiver worth starting.
The Seahawks still don't throw enough for me to trust any wide receiver on a weekly basis. If I'm picking one it's Doug Baldwin. He'll see his four or five targets every week and should finish the year with five or six touchdowns, making him an average flex play. After him it gets sketchy, as neither Jermaine Kearse nor Tyler Lockett see enough action to be started in anything but the deepest of leagues.
Larry Fitzgerald is still the clear number one in Arizona, and John Brown is the clear number two. A Michael Floyd breakout doesn't appear imminent, so I'm only trusting Fitz as a low-end WR1 and Brown as a high-end WR3.
With Todd Gurley looking like a legitimate threat to opposing defenses, there should be more room for Tavon Austin to utilize his blinding speed in. He's had three touchdowns in the last two weeks (albeit on only eight catches) and is the only Rams receiver worth rostering. He's a dicey flex play on weeks where he has a good matchup.
NFC NORTH: Fantasy Football Wide Receivers (WR) Depth Charts
Baller Stability Rating | Team Name |
Primary Wide Receiver (WR1) | Second Wide Receiver (WR2) | WR3 & Longshots | Dynasty Value |
Solid | Packers | Randall Cobb | James Jones | Ty Montgomery | Davante Adams, Ty Montgomery |
Solid | Lions | Calvin Johnson | Golden Tate | Lance Moore | N/A |
Solid | Bears | Alshon Jeffery (INJ) | Eddie Royal | Marquess Wilson | Kevin White |
Solid | Vikings | Mike Wallace | Stefon Diggs | Cordarrelle Patterson | N/A |
James Jones has such a remarkable rapport with Aaron Rodgers that it's impossible to ignore him in fantasy--he'll be a low-end WR2 every week from here on out. With Davante Adams still out, Ty Montgomery has the WR3 role on lockdown.
The Lions offense is just plain bad right now, and it's becoming increasingly hard to trust any member of it. Megatron is still Megatron, but poor offensive line play hasn't given Matthew Stafford time to breathe much less find Johnson down the field for big plays. He's a WR2 at best, and Golden Tate is a desperation flex.
The Bears under Jay Cutler are significantly better, but with Alshon Jeffery still dealing with injuries I have a hard time trusting any pass-catcher on that team as more than a flex. Eddie Royal is the only player here worth rostering (besides Jeffery of course).
With Charles Johnson injured, Stefon Diggs stepped in and produced in a big way against the Broncos in Week 4, tying for the team lead in targets and hauling in six catches for 85 yards. Even when Johnson returns the Vikings will be hard-pressed to deactivate Diggs, who might be worth a dynasty stash. Mike Wallace is the only startable receiver here, and only as a high-end WR3.
NFC SOUTH: Fantasy Football Wide Receivers (WR)
Baller Stability Rating | Team Name |
Primary Wide Receiver (WR1) | Second Wide Receiver (WR2) | WR3 & Longshots | Dynasty Value |
Questionable | Saints | Willie Snead | Brandin Cooks | Marques Colston | Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead |
Questionable | Falcons | Julio Jones | Leonard Hankerson | Roddy White | N/A |
Volatile | Panthers | Ted Ginn Jr. | Brenton Bersin | Philly Brown | Devin Funchess, Kelvin Benjamin |
Solid | Buccaneers | Mike Evans | Vincent Jackson | Louis Murphy | Mike Evans |
I'm officially placing Willie Snead ahead of Brandin Cooks on the depth chart, as the numbers simply can't be ignored. While Cooks finally found the end zone in Week 5, it was still Snead who led the Saints in receptions and receiving yards. Drew Brees clearly trusts him, and I do as well for fantasy purposes. Snead and Cooks are both WR3s, with Snead gaining the slight edge until something changes.
The Falcons situation is simple--there's Julio Jones, Leonard Hankerson...and that's it. Julio is the WR1 in the league, and Hankerson has developed into a low-end WR2 in the high-flying Falcons offense. With both of them banged-up headed into a Thursday night date with the Saints, it's tough to trust either for fantasy. If Julio is active, you start him, but if Hankerson isn't cleared early on Thursday, you may want to look elsewhere.
The Panthers just won't stop winning. With that being said, there's still nobody in this receiving corps I feel comfortable starting. Ted Ginn had a pair of short touchdowns in Week 4 before their bye, but they were his only catches. This offense runs through Cam Newton, but I'm afraid it's going to be a crap shoot each week as to who finds the end zone. None are startable against the Seahawks in Week 6.
Mike Evans was drafted as a WR1 in most leagues, and has done nothing but disappoint. Veteran Vincent Jackson has outperformed him at every turn since Evans returned from injury in Week 3, but I believe it's only a matter of time before Evans turns it on. Jameis Winston is still getting acclimated to the NFL, and as he improves Evans should follow suit. I would still dial him up every week in any format.
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