Tier 2 – Dynasty / Keeper Wider Receiver Rankings

8) Randall Cobb, 24, GB

Randall Cobb officially broke out in 2014 to the tune of 1,287 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, and established himself as one of the incomparable Aaron Rodgers’ favorite targets. I believe we’ve yet to see the best from Cobb, and I would love to push him into the top tier. However, as long as Jordy Nelson is around to eat up 8-10 targets per game, Cobb’s upside is limited. Nelson does not have a stranglehold on the team target lead though, as from Week 7 on it was in fact Cobb who got more looks from Rodgers. I don’t know if it’s realistic to expect another 12 touchdowns in 2015, but this elite threat will continue to be a WR1 as long as he plays in Green Bay.

9) Alshon Jeffery, 25, CHI

Alshon Jeffery has been a superstar the last two years WITH Brandon Marshall on the team—now that Marshall is with the Jets, the sky is the limit for Jeffery. He’s always been a monster near pay-dirt, as he’s gathered 37 end-zone targets over the last two seasons, which he turned into 17 touchdowns. Rookie Kevin White is talented enough to take some of the heat off of Jeffery if he's able to get on the field, and I expect Jeffery to improve upon last year’s numbers (1,133 yards/10 TDs). The circus that followed Jay Cutler last year will have hopefully abated come September, and I believe he’ll look Jeffery’s way early and often over the course of 2015. He's dealing with a soft-tissue injury currently, so monitor his status before drafting him in 2015.

10) DeAndre Hopkins, 23, HOU

DeAndre Hopkins is one of the most talented receivers in the league from a catching standpoint. He has outstanding body control and hands, allowing him to catch virtually anything thrown his way. He produced a great season in 2014 despite dealing with an absolute mess at quarterback (1,210 yards/6 TDs), and can probably be relied on for similar numbers. Brian Hoyer and/or Ryan Mallet aren’t going to light up the box score, capping Hopkins’ statistical ceiling but he is only going to keep getting better though, and should be a legitimate top-end WR2 for the next six or seven years.

11) Calvin Johnson, 29, DET

It appears that age and usage are finally catching up with the formerly unquestioned number one fantasy wide receiver. Calvin Johnson is still one of the most physically imposing figures in the NFL, but he can no longer be relied upon for 16 games a season. He missed a large chunk of last season due to injury, but following the Lions’ bye week he reminded everyone why we call him Megatron—he had 729 receiving yards and eight touchdowns on 49 receptions from Week 10 to Week 17. Johnson won’t be hurting for targets as long as Matthew Stafford is under center, and has WR1 potential, but due to his age and recent slew of injuries, he’s a top-of-the-line WR2.

12) Jordy Nelson, 30, GB

Don’t let my comments on Randall Cobb confuse you—Jordy Nelson is still the wide receiver I prefer for 2015, particularly in PPR leagues. Aaron Rodgers and Jordy Nelson have my vote for best QB/WR duo in the NFL, and I don’t expect that level of play to go anywhere anytime soon. Rodgers peppers him with targets, and Nelson reels them in, plain and simple. In the last two seasons, he’s averaged 1,416 yards and 10.5 touchdowns. Those are WR1 numbers, and that’s what I expect him to produce for at least the next season or two. The only knock on Nelson is the emergence of Randall Cobb as a legitimate second option, which still shouldn’t do too much damage to his final numbers.

Tier 3 – Dynasty / Keeper Wider Receiver Rankings

13) T.Y. Hilton, 25, IND

T.Y. Hilton quickly emerged as the number one receiver in Indianapolis in 2014, a role that is always a lock for quality fantasy production as long as Andrew Luck is throwing the ball. Unfortunately for Hilton, the Colts added two more quality candidates for targets in the offseason—Andre Johnson through free agency and Philip Dorsett via the draft. Hilton’s blinding speed makes him more of a deep threat than anything, particularly considering his 5’9” frame. I fully expect Andre Johnson to be the playmaker in the red zone, but Hilton will pile up his yards and get a handful of long touchdowns. End of season he’ll be one of the better WR2s in the league.

14) Kelvin Benjamin, 24, CAR

The word on the street is that Kelvin Benjamin showed up to mini-camp overweight, but don’t read too much into it. Benjamin will straighten himself out over the next two months, and I expect the red zone monster to pick up right where he left off in 2014. He found pay dirt nine times last season, and while he had a few underwhelming games he should still be one of the best WR2s in fantasy. The addition of rookie Devin Funchess should force defenses to give Benjamin more room to run, and I expect him to improve upon last year’s 1,008-yard receiving total. Benjamin is trending up, and has a WR1 ceiling if he lives up to his potential.

15) Jordan Matthews, 22, PHI

Jordan Matthews should be the clear number one option in Philadelphia now that Jeremy Maclin has departed for Kansas City, but that role may not be as profitable now that Sam Bradford is under center. At his best, Bradford has enough talent to make Matthews a quality fantasy option, but it all depends on his health (Mark Sanchez isn’t a bad backup option though). Rookie Nelson Agholor is better suited as a slot receiver, leaving Matthews as the top option on deeper throws and in the red zone. Matthews should be able to repeat his eight-touchdown performance from 2014 and flirt with 1,000 receiving yards as well.

16) Brandin Cooks, 21, NO

Brandin Cooks was one of the more lackluster rookies in 2014, but he did show flashes of what made him a first-round pick. He missed the last six games due to a thumb injury, so we didn’t even really get a full look at what he’s capable of. I expect that to change with Jimmy Graham and Kenny Stills now gone, as Drew Brees is still capable of making a star out of his number one receiver. Marques Colston should be a distant second for targets, and possibly third if Josh Hill breaks out as some are predicting. Cooks is the clear star in New Orleans, and should be a WR2 if he stays on the field.

Tier 4 – Dynasty / Keeper Wider Receiver Rankings

17) Sammy Watkins, 22, BUF

As long as Buffalo continues to go with a borderline bench player at quarterback, Sammy Watkins will be limited from a fantasy perspective. He is young and loaded with talent, but I’m afraid that the combination of poor quarterback play and the Bills dedication to the ground-and-pound offense will cap Watkins as a WR2 at best. Don’t get me wrong, I still expect 1,000 receiving yards and six or seven touchdowns, but not much more than that.

18) Amari Cooper, 21, OAK

The fourth-overall pick in the draft, Amari Cooper should be one of the best rookie candidates to make an immediate impact in fantasy. He’s pretty much the default number one receiver in Oakland, as Michael Crabtreeand Rod Streater don’t have superstar talent, and I think Cooper can top 1,000 yards given his speed, mature route running and open-field skills. His ceiling is largely dependent on the progress of Derek Carr, who definitely has the talent to make Cooper a top WR2. It all comes down to whether or not he can get a bit smarter with the ball. He should be the top rookie WR in 2015 and could be a superstar in the making.

19) Kevin White, 21, CHI

Kevin White is the best bet to challenge Cooper for rookie supremacy in 2015. He should slide right into Brandon Marshall’s role in Chicago—a red zone threat who dominates on jump balls and deep throws. While Alshon Jefferyshould still be the number one receiver in Chicago for the foreseeable future, there is no reason Jay Cutler can’t continue to make more than one receiver fantasy-relevant. I wouldn’t expect 1,000 yards in his first season, but I definitely think White can find the end zone at least six times and possibly eight or nine.

20) Keenan Allen, 23, SD

After an outstanding rookie campaign, Allen disappointed fantasy owners in 2014 with only four touchdowns and less than 800 receiving yards. Thanks to that performance, he could be at a discount on draft day. The problem last year was more due to his usage than an actual decline in performance—Allen only saw six end zone targets in 2014. I don’t see that being the case in 2015, and at the very least his touchdown total should go up. At only 23, Allen is just coming into his prime, and still has the talent to be a quality WR2.

21) Devante Parker, 22, MIA

Jarvis Landry broke out as the top option in Miami in 2014, particularly in a PPR format. However, he is clearly a slot receiver, and has nowhere near the potential that Devante Parker has in the end zone. The 6’3”, 210-lb. Parker should quickly emerge as Ryan Tannehill’s top option, and as Tannehill continues to perform Parker should become a low-end WR2 right away. The ceiling is much higher in the long-term, but I certainly wouldn’t mind taking Parker in 2015 and capitalizing on his talent immediately.

22) Allen Robinson, 21, JAC

Allen Robinson should be the top option in Jacksonville going into the 2015 season, although there isn’t a whole lot of prestige that comes with the title. The Jaguars are still going to be bad, but that doesn’t mean that he can’t be productive from a fantasy perspective. Blake Bortles needs to take a few steps forward for it to happen, but Robinson could top 1,000 yards assuming Justin Blackmon isn’t reinstated at any point before the season begins. Robinson is 6’2” and weighs around 220 pounds, and has the hands and body control to be a legitimate red zone threat. I’ve got him as a WR3 in 2015, but that could improve as the Jaguars (hopefully) get better in the future.

Tier 5 – Dynasty / Keeper Wider Receiver Rankings

23) Michael Floyd, 25, ARI

Michael Floyd’s 2014 was not indicative of his talent level, plain and simple. Carson Palmer only played six total games last year, and in the five games that they played together (Floyd missed Week 8), Floyd had three of his best games of the season. With both fully healthy, I have Floyd pegged as a true post-hype sleeper in 2015. Larry Fitzgerald is still the clear number one possession receiver, but Floyd’s 6’3”, 220-lb. frame should make him the primary deep threat. His touchdown total will most assuredly go up with better quarterback play, and an overall improved Cardinal offense should allow him to flirt with low-end WR2 production this season.

24) Nelson Agholor, 22, PHI

Nelson Agholor isn’t going to be a fantasy stud any time soon, but I like his upside down the line. The run-heavy Philadelphia offense will limit his opportunities all season, and I don’t foresee him finding the end zone any more than five times. Agholor should also be an immediate weapon on special teams, which should slightly contribute to his fantasy value. His combination of speed and hands should make him a playable FLEX in 2015, with a higher ceiling in years to come.

25) Golden Tate, 26, DET

Golden Tate got a lot of love from Matthew Stafford in games that Calvin Johnson either missed entirely or missed a significant amount of the snaps. In the games that Johnson played (12), he averaged just over 70 yards per game and had only one touchdown. Expect more of the same in 2015 and beyond, as a healthy Megatron simply doesn’t allow for another wide receiver to be a fantasy stud. The Lions throw enough for Tate to put up WR3 numbers, but his ceiling doesn’t get much higher than that.

26) Breshad Perriman, 21, BAL

Breshad Perriman might be the most physically-gifted wide receiver to come out of this year’s draft, and definitely justifies the Ravens’ use of a first-round pick. The size and speed combo that Perriman brings to the table (6’2”, 212-lbs., 4.24 40-yard dash) makes him a candidate for immediate impact in the NFL, especially when you consider how thin the Ravens are at wide receiver. It should be Steve Smith Jr. underneath and Perriman over the top, which should allow the rookie to find the end zone quite a few times. He has WR2 potential, but it could take a couple of years to refine his skills. In 2015, you’re looking at a WR3/FLEX candidate but his lack of refined skill makes his floor unplayable.

27) Emmanuel Sanders, 28, DEN

As long as Peyton Manning is throwing him the ball, Emmanuel Sanders is going to produce. Unfortunately, those conditions may not extend past 2015, which explains his low ranking here. He had 1,400 yards on 101 catches last year, which he could definitely replicate in 2015. However, as the Broncos shift to a more balanced offensive attack, I expect his touchdown totals to regress. I like Sanders as a WR2 in 2015, but after that he’ll likely regress to a WR3.

28) Jeremy Maclin, 27, KC

Maclin will be the number one wide receiver in Kansas City in 2015, but that doesn’t mean a whole lot from a fantasy perspective. The Chiefs offense threw exactly zero touchdowns to wide receivers last year—yes, I said zero—and as long as Alex Smith is under center that number probably won’t get much better. This offense runs through Jamaal Charles, and Maclin won’t see many of the deep balls that he was able to capitalize on last year. There’s not much to like here besides the fact that he’ll be pretty consistently targeted on short throws. He’ll likely be a low-end WR3 in PPR leagues, but I don’t see him being any more than a FLEX in standard for the foreseeable future.

29) Dorial Green-Beckham, 22, TEN

The combination of Dorial Green-Beckham and Marcus Mariota has Titans fans excited for the first time in a long time, and with good reason. The video game sized Green-Beckham should be a red zone monster, as his 6’5”, 230-lb. frame makes him a matchup nightmare for just about any cornerback. 2015 won’t be the year that Mariota/Green-Beckham breakout, as I’m sure there will be some growing pains and the Titans still aren’t good overall. Green-Beckham’s production will be touchdown-dependent in 2015, but he could evolve into a WR2 talent in years to come.

Tier 6 – Dynasty / Keeper Wider Receiver Rankings

30) Brandon Marshall, 31, NYJ

A healthy Brandon Marshall is a bonafide weapon for any offense, but the New York Jets are going to challenge that notion in 2015. The veteran target-monster is easily the top passing option for Geno Smith, but that won’t equate to top-end fantasy production as long as Geno Smith continues to be Geno Smith. There’s not much to like in that offense, and I don’t foresee Marshall putting up any more than seven touchdowns. He should see enough looks to approach 1,000 yards receiving though, so he should still be a high-end WR3/low-end WR2 in 2015. At age 31, Marshall is in the twilight of his career, so his dynasty upside is limited.

31) Martavis Bryant, 23, PIT

Obviously Martavis Bryant can’t sustain the absurd rate at which he caught touchdowns last year—he found the end zone once every six TARGETS. That doesn’t mean he should be written off entirely, though. He’s established himself as a reliable end zone receiver with Ben Roethlisberger, and his 4.4-speed doesn’t limit him to the red zone. The door is open for him to establish himself as an elite secondary receiver, and I like him as a WR3 in 2015, with a higher ceiling as he continues to hone his craft.

32) John Brown, 25, ARI

John Brown managed a solid rookie campaign (48-696-5) with Drew Stanton and Ryan Lindley throwing to him for most of the season. Yuck. With Carson Palmer back and healthy, Brown’s production should improve. He is still behind Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd in the pecking order, but I would not be shocked to see him supplant Floyd as the team’s number two. He and Fitzgerald could prove to be a potent combination (not unlike T.Y. Hilton and Andre Johnson) in 2015.

33) Jarvis Landry, 22, MIA

Jarvis Landry quietly had a stellar rookie campaign in Miami, and emerged as Ryan Tannehill’s most reliable option in the middle of the field. He had 84 catches on 112 targets in just 11 games started (although he did get into all 16 at some point), and found the end zone five times as well. Unfortunately for Landry’s target prospects, Miami brought in Kenny Stills, Greg Jennings, and rookie DaVante Parker during the offseason. Landry is quicker and more talented than the assumed other slot receiver in Jennings, and Ryan Tannehill has become a fairly reliable top ten quarterback, so I expect that he can still approach 900 receiving yards and five or six touchdowns.

34) Torrey Smith, 26, SF

Torrey Smith had a career year in 2014, piling up 11 touchdowns across 16 games. I can borderline guarantee that number will go down in 2015, as the 49ers offense simply isn’t that good, especially in the passing game. Smith didn’t have a game with over 98 receiving yards last year, so his end of the year fantasy total doesn’t tell the entire story. He’s still one of the faster deep threats in the league, but I don’t trust Colin Kaepernick to find him often enough to make him a useful WR3 anytime soon. He’s got FLEX potential in 2015 and beyond.

35) Julian Edelman, 29, NE

The veteran Edelman is the number two receiving option in New England after Rob Gronkowski, and should continue to be a PPR monster regardless of who is under center in Week 1. Edelman only played 14 games in 2014 thanks to a concussion, and in nine of those 14 games he had six receptions or more. That’s pretty much what you can expect again from Edelman for the next couple of years—900 receiving yards, 100 catches, and four or five touchdowns.

36) DeSean Jackson, 28, WSH

Desean Jackson is still one of the premier deep threats in the NFL, and you pretty much know what you’re going to get at this point from a fantasy perspective. Half of his games are going to be outstanding, and the other half are going to make you tear your hair out. At the top of his game, Jackson is a WR2, but due to his inconsistency I can’t call him any more than a WR3. That combined with the uncertainty at the quarterback position limit Jackson’s upside for 2015 at the least, and perhaps the future going forward.

Tier 7 – Dynasty / Keeper Wider Receiver Rankings

37) Davante Adams, 22, GB

Davante Adams is in the advantageous position of being a wide receiver in an Aaron Rodgers-led offense, making him a perennial threat for fantasy value. In his rookie campaign he managed 446 yards and three TDs on 38 receptions, which is perfectly respectable for your first year in the league. Randall Cobb and Jordy Nelson are still the 1-2 punch for the Packers, but Adams speed and talent after the catch should allow him to settle in as a solid mid-range option for Rodgers. He has FLEX upside in 2015, and should rise in rankings as the years wear on and Jordy Nelson fades.

38) Donte Moncrief, 21, IND

Moncrief won’t be much more than a handcuff in 2015, as the Colts simply have too many mouths to feed, even if it is Andrew Luck doing the feeding. The additions of Andre Johnson and Phillip Dorsett are going to make it hard for Moncrief to approach fantasy relevance this year, but he’s a big, fast, talented wide receiver who should develop into a solid WR2 in the Colts offense in the next couple seasons.

39) Cody Latimer, 22, DEN

Cody Latimer will also be a handcuff to start the season, although he may develop into a FLEX option over the summer. It’s all going to depend on how the Broncos decide to use him—he would be the third wide receiver in three-wide sets, and Peyton Manning obviously knows to utilize him if he’s getting open. My main concern is going to be the snap count though, as new OC Gary Kubiak is more likely to use a tight end than a third receiver. I would have him rostered this year, but it might be a bit early for him to make a true fantasy impact.

40) Mike Wallace, 28, MIN

Mike Wallace is still one of the premier deep threats in the NFL, and proved he can still be a decent fantasy option last season with 862 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns on 67 catches. His situation this year can be even better than last year, as he is the unquestioned number one wide receiver on a much-improved Vikings squad. If Teddy Bridgewater can take some strides forward in 2015, Wallace could approach WR2 status. However, that is no lock to occur, and since Wallace is on the back end of his prime he’s a bit lower in my dynasty rankings.

41) Eric Decker, 28, NYJ

Eric Decker was a fantasy stud in 2013-14 in the vaunted Broncos offense, and regression was a certainty when he became a New York Jet in 2014. He still managed a respectable 74-962-5 line with some pretty terrible quarterback play, proving that he can be a difference-maker no matter who’s throwing him the ball. I expect that he can improve upon the yardage numbers under new OC Chan Gailey, although the touchdowns are pretty much anyone’s guess in a run-first offense.

42) Kendall Wright, 25, TEN

Kendall Wright was seemingly poised for a breakout last year, after posting a 94-1,079-2 line in 2013. However, poor quarterback play and a couple injuries held him to a 57-715-6 line in 2014. While the quarterback play should improve with Marcus Mariota now under center, Wright won’t have much help out wide. I don’t see him breaking into the top 30 this year, but as Mariota and the Titans offense in general improves, Wright could have value in the future.

Tier 8 – Dynasty / Keeper Wider Receiver Rankings

43) Brian Quick, 26, STL

Brian Quick was well on his way to a top-20 performance in 2014, but a season-ending shoulder injury left us wondering what might have been. With Nick Foles now throwing him passes, the ceiling is just as high if not higher in 2015. Quick is going to be the number one receiver in St. Louis, and that offense should be much-improved with Foles and the assumed emergence of Todd Gurley. I like Brian Quick as  WR3 right away, and his stock could rise even higher.

44) Kenny Stills, 23, MIA

Kenny Stills still has boatloads of potential, but his situation is going to make things interesting in 2015. He is assumedly behind rookie phenom DeVante Parker and Jarvis Landry, but with Parker potentially missing some time at the beginning of the season Stills has a chance to prove himself. With Drew Brees throwing to him he had 931 yards and three touchdowns on 63 receptions, and that’s right around where I’d put him for 2015 with Ryan Tannehill. The Dolphins are getting better, but Stills won’t be more than a deeper-league FLEX play to start the season.

45) Jaelen Strong, 21, HOU

Big-bodied rookie Jaelen Strong is essentially the Texans’ replacement for Andre Johnson, although whether or not he can make an impact right away remains to be seen. The unsettled quarterback situation in Houston is an immediate detraction from his value, and the fact that it is a decidedly run-heavy offense doesn’t help matters. Still, he was projected to be a first-round pick in the months leading up to the draft, so a flier with one of your last few picks is definitely worth it. His ranking will rise in years to come.

46) Charles Johnson, 26, MIN

I’ve heard Charles Johnson’s name thrown around quite a bit this summer, although I can’t quite figure out why. He had flashes of brilliance in 2014, but looking at his stats objectively I’m not impressed. He’s also 26 already, so it’s not as though there is much room for improvement. Mike Wallace is now in Minnesota, so Johnson won’t be the number one option in the passing game. Adrian Peterson is also back, so the offense should switch back to a run-heavy approach. I think it’s best to let others reach for Johnson in 2015, and monitor what happens going forward.

47) Andre Johnson, 34, IND

I am truly excited to see what kind of numbers Andre Johnson can produce with a top-three QB throwing to him.T.Y. Hilton is going to be the one to rack up yardage in 2015, but Johnson should be the main threat in the red zone. He should be a lock for double-digit TDs in that offense, and could very well wind up a WR2. He’s in the twilight of his career though, making it hard to rank him ant higher than this for dynasty/keeper purposes.

48) Victor Cruz, 28, NYG

I can’t see Victor Cruz ever returning to his pre-injury numbers for a couple of reasons. The first and foremost issue is the significance of the injury that kept him out for most of last season—a torn patellar tendon. It remains to be seen how effective he can even be as a wide receiver less than a year removed from that. The second big reason is the emergence of Odell Beckham, Jr., who is not only the best receiver on the team, but one of the best in the entire NFL. He’s got a WR3 ceiling in 2015, and I don’t expect that to change in the future.

49) Devin Funchess, 21, CAR

I don’t have high expectations for Devin Funchess in 2015. He’s huge for a wide receiver (6’4”, 230 lbs.), but lacks the speed (4.7-40) to be an elite deep threat. Kelvin Benjamin established himself as the unquestioned number one receiver in Carolina, and while Funchess should be able to act as the WR2 in 2015 he’s simply not going to get the looks that Benjamin and Cam Newton’s beloved Greg Olsen will receive. He’s a late-round flier at best, but he has a bright future.

50) Phillip Dorsett, 22, IND

I’m not touching Phillip Dorsett in 2015, simply because the work won’t be there for him. He’s going to be a possession receiver in his prime due to his speed and lack of size, but he’s going to be fourth in the pecking order behind Hilton, Johnson and Moncrief (and that’s not including the Indianapolis tight ends). He could evolve into a WR3 in the future, but it simply isn’t in the cards in 2015.

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