Fake Teams - Welcome to WR WeekThe Key Source For Incisive Fantasy Sports Analysishttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/50153/fake-fav.png2019-08-17T09:53:15-04:00http://www.faketeams.com/rss/stream/205659852019-08-17T09:53:15-04:002019-08-17T09:53:15-04:00Consensus top 40 wide receivers
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<figcaption>Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The staff give their 2019 WR rankings.</p> <p id="mRXxVn">On Monday, Matias posted out his <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/8/12/20802314/2019-fantasy-football-rankings-wide-receivers">WR rankings for 2019</a> and since we’ve arrive to the end of WR Week, it’s time to see what the rest of the Fake Teams staff thinks about the wideouts this year.</p>
<p id="twnu7s">What do you think of our consensus rankings? Who are we too high on as a site and who are we too low on? Leave your thoughts in the comments!</p>
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https://www.faketeams.com/2019/8/17/20809964/2019-fantasy-football-rankings-consensus-top-40-wide-receiversFake Teams Writers2019-08-16T15:00:00-04:002019-08-16T15:00:00-04:00Completely accurate wide receiver rankings for 2019
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<figcaption>Getty Images/Pete Rogers Illustrations</figcaption>
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<p>Drafting using this list and I promise you’ll win your league.</p> <p id="ow53Qb">It can be tough to predict where you should draft wide receivers in your fantasy football league. Instead of trying to do it yourself, I’ve listed out the optimal order to draft the top 52 fantasy receivers this year. You’re welcome.</p>
<h3 id="WI4SOQ">1. <span>DeAndre Hopkins</span> – <a href="https://www.battleredblog.com/">Houston Texans</a>
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<p id="jeZadg"> This one is pretty simple: <span>Hopkins</span> gets a ton of targets, and that should continue even if the rest of the Texans receiver corps is healthier this year. DeAndre may not finish number 1, but he feels like one of the safest options here at the top. </p>
<h3 id="LVTPNs">2. <span>Julio Jones</span> – <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/atlanta-falcons">Atlanta Falcons</a>
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<p id="fbOVO8"> This is another nod to stability and longevity. Julio has been dominating for years, and the whole band is getting back together in Atlanta. Passing on Julio seems like one of those ‘getting too cute’ moves. </p>
<h3 id="YMhS60">3. <span>Davante Adams</span> – <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Green Bay Packers</a>
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<p id="dHu9kA"> It is an embarrassment of riches at the top of wide receiver class, and <span>Adams</span> is, unfortunately, a victim of circumstance here. I wouldn’t argue against Adams as THE WR1, but once you sit down and start making the list, it’s odd how guys can fall sometimes. </p>
<h3 id="spJX1l">4. Mike Evans – <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a>
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<p id="UsoSLX"> Speaking of perhaps getting too cute… I think folks are sleeping on what we might see out of Bruce Arians and Winston down in Tampa Bay. I am excited about <span>Chris Godwin</span>, but let’s not forget the Bucs already have one of the best receivers in the league, a receiver who’s never had fewer than 1,000 yards and has 2, 12 TD years under his belt. </p>
<h3 id="zPN4wk">5. <span>Odell Beckham Jr.</span> – <a href="https://www.dawgsbynature.com/">Cleveland Browns</a>
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<p id="RCix5Y"> Beckham’s injury history and his moving to a new team are the only things keeping him out of contention for the WR1 rank. I believe <span>Baker Mayfield</span> is a truly special quarterback, and Odell is a truly special receiver. If the stars align, Odell could outpace the rest of the field on a <span>Todd Gurley</span>-in-2017 level.</p>
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<h3 id="BbYvsT">6. Tyreek Hill – <a href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a>
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<p id="jj1IGC"> A lot of fine statistical models scream regression is incoming for Hill. Sometimes, though, there is a player who is lives in outlier territory. With Hill and Mahomes in the Andy Reid offense, we may not have seen Hill’s peak yet. </p>
<h3 id="KsuD6C">7. <span>Michael Thomas</span> – <a href="https://www.canalstreetchronicles.com/">New Orleans Saints</a>
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<p id="afxY0t"> He keeps getting better every year, and his ADP continues to stay below his true value.</p>
<h3 id="icgwM7">8. <span>Antonio Brown</span> – <a href="https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/teams/oakland-raiders">Oakland Raiders</a>
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<p id="OHnKa2"> A tumultuous offseason may be blocking our memories for what an amazing player Brown truly is. We may see AB’s numbers take a slight step back with Captain Checkdown in Oakland, but let’s not be too afraid to bet on perhaps the best receiver in the game producing even in an austere offense. </p>
<h3 id="TnBLda">9. <span>Keenan Allen</span> – <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Los Angeles Chargers</a>
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<p id="AoMIv8"> <span>Allen</span> is a stalwart producer who’s run in to some very odd injury luck. We saw last year just how good he and Rivers can be when Allen is out there for a full season, and even with <span>Melvin Gordon</span> holding out, I think we would call the Chargers situation rather stable. Take the boring, productive pick with Allen. </p>
<h3 id="f1EMJZ">10. JuJu Smith-Schuster – <a href="https://www.behindthesteelcurtain.com/">Pittsburgh Steelers</a>
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<p id="WF9baI"> Juju’s struggles against man coverage concern me for his first year where he’s expected to carry the load as the wide receiver 1 in Pittsburgh. I also expect him to be in the top 5-10 for targets. Despite misgivings about a mismatched role and skill set, I think Smith-Schuster is a solid, end of the 2nd round pick. </p>
<h3 id="duQ8dT">11. <span>T.Y. Hilton</span> – <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>
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<p id="fcIn1W"> Well we’re back to worrying about whether or not <span>Andrew Luck</span> is going to play football this year, but for now I’m ranking <span>Hilton</span> as though everything is going to be ok by the team the real games start. Perennially undervalued, Hilton is, once again, presenting an amazing bargain to fantasy drafters. </p>
<h3 id="W6k4MX">12. <span>Julian Edelman</span> – <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">New England Patriots</a>
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<p id="ioSAWV"> I think we’re all looking past the obvious answer to the Patriots receiver corps question. It is going to be tough for Edelman to hold up for a full year with his size, age, and frequent deployment on middle of the field, get-your-ass-lit-up routes, but he could sneak up to the WR5-6 territory on that huge volume. </p>
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<h3 id="X8jNY7">13. <span>Adam Thielen</span> – <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>
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<p id="2Q3V13"> <span>Thielen</span> continues to produce and be underappreciated. Having said that, I’m having a hard time getting him higher in my ranks. </p>
<h3 id="SfBLsx">14. <span>Stefon Diggs</span> – Minnesota Vikings</h3>
<p id="IietL8"> The cop-out of cop-outs here. The Vikings have two amazing receivers in <span>Diggs</span> and Thielen, and despite Thielen being the taller of the two, <span>Diggs</span> seems the better outside receiver. I expect <span>Gary Kubiak</span> to have a heavy influence on the Vikings offense this year, and that’s worrisome considering the WR2 in Kubiak's system generally hasn’t been fantasy relevant. I’m splitting the baby here, please forgive me. </p>
<h3 id="ZdvRTQ">15. <span>Tyler Lockett</span> – <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seattle Seahawks</a>
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<p id="Cdj1nR"> Seattle may not like to pass, but even in the Seahawks had to throw it 427 times last year. Yes, that is a shockingly low figure, but that is still plenty of attempts for a receiver like <span>Lockett</span> and QB like <span>Russell Wilson</span> to make plenty of hay. Lockett had almost a thousand yards on fewer than 60 targets last year, and I expect the ‘Hawks to ask more from him now that <span>Doug Baldwin</span> has retired. You probably don’t have to draft him as the WR15, but you should. </p>
<h3 id="NGB9Og">16. <span>Robert Woods</span> – <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Los Angeles Rams</a>
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<p id="zLpHm4"> Woods had a steady season in his second year in the Rams’ offense. Despite concern over Todd Gurley’s knee, I’d say the Rams situation has been relatively stable. We should be able to count on another safe-but-boring, WR2 season from Woods. </p>
<h3 id="HuAO43">17. <span>Kenny Golladay</span> – <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a>
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<p id="7bSPL8"> <span>Golladay</span> is an incredible talent beset on all sides by confounding circumstance. Despite having one of the best quarterbacks in the league, Matt Patricia mandates the Lions rush to the point of malpractice. Marvin Jones is still on the team and is also a fine receiver. This is maddening.</p>
<h3 id="7zPayY">18. <span>Chris Godwin</span> – Tampa Bay Buccaneers</h3>
<p id="v5exy2">Godwin is a fantasy darling and for good reason. He’s shown tremendous talent in his first two seasons, and with a few departures in the Bucs receiving group, Godwin is cleared for takeoff. </p>
<h3 id="xRn3xW">19. <span>A.J. Green</span> – <a href="https://www.cincyjungle.com/">Cincinnati Bengals</a> </h3>
<p id="OPVKLl"> This rank is assuming AJ misses a week or two to start the year, then comes back healthy. There is a whole lot of unknown in there, but I don’t want us to forget how valuable a healthy AJ Green can be just because he might miss the first week. </p>
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<img alt="NFL: Los Angeles Rams-OTA" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/l1oZiBZD57pYucxT-lHDVk87wW4=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/18994765/usa_today_12829632.jpg">
<cite>Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<h3 id="W0CBzE">20. <span>Brandin Cooks</span> – Los Angeles Rams</h3>
<p id="z7bZR8"> The Rams move the ball and score a ton of points, and <span>Cooks</span> has shown, yet again, that he’s a fantastic receiver. His bursty production knock him down a few spots in the ranks, though. </p>
<h3 id="R4NTLw">21. <span>Cooper</span> <span>Kupp</span> – Los Angeles Rams</h3>
<p id="dEojwq"> I’d love to see <span>Kupp</span> looking like his old self in the pre-season before investing a valuable pick on him, but I think we’re going to have to make this call based on camp reports. It’s hard for me to get him any higher with his coming off an ACL injury that seemed to take a little longer to heal than some we’ve seen lately. </p>
<h3 id="dPpWcD">22. <span>Jarvis Landry</span> – Cleveland Browns</h3>
<p id="lkzbPU"> A good offense has more than enough production to support 2 receivers as talented as Landy and <span>Beckham Jr.</span> The only fear here is that <span>Landry</span> shouldn’t be the absolute target hog he’s been early in his career.</p>
<h3 id="V1AsXg">23. <span>Robby Anderson</span> – <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">New York Jets</a>
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<p id="a5belD"> <span>Anderson</span> is really tough to project. He’s a gifted athlete among gifted athletes, playing for a new head coach with a second year QB who has potential to be outstanding. We’re getting to the point where you’re taking shots on guys with a few warts, but you could do worse than betting on Anderson’s league-winner potential. </p>
<h3 id="vUExRC">24. <span>Tyler Boyd</span> – Cincinnati Bengals</h3>
<p id="LkvDNA"> This is likely a little low for Boyd. I’m not putting him here because I’m worried about AJ Green, I have him this high because he’s proven to be valuable even with Green in the lineup. </p>
<h3 id="gpKRcC">25. <span>Amari Cooper</span> – <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Dallas Cowboys</a>
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<p id="F2ndvF"> <span>Amari Cooper</span> played AMAZINGLY once he joined the Cowboys… in that one game. Well, to be fair, in those 2 games. After each big performance he completely disappeared. So, ah, good luck figuring out which Amari we’ll get, when this year.</p>
<h3 id="krNr4A">26. <span>Christian Kirk</span> – <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>
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<p id="4Q5uVi"> It feels very wrong to rank someone ahead of Larry Fitz, but what we saw from Kirk in his rookie year, and we might see from him if the Cardinals take even a modest step forward on offense is just what you’re looking for in a swing-for-the-fences WR2. </p>
<h3 id="aDLh7Z">27. <span>Dante Pettis</span> – <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a> </h3>
<p id="LNRoFi"> Pettis had an outstanding rookie season, all things considered. This rank is telling of the excitement I have for the Niners offense this year. The zone-run scheme that Kyle Shanahan runs can make a super-star out of a receiver with Pettis’s talent. We just have to close our eyes, cross our fingers, and hope that the snake-bit years are behind San Fran. </p>
<h3 id="TNROd2">28. <span>Mike Williams</span> – Los Angeles Chargers</h3>
<p id="r3NMli"> Williams looked good in his first healthy season with Philip Rivers. I’ve got him pushed down my ranks a bit because I am a true believer in <span>Hunter Henry</span> returning from his ACL injury and absorbing a bushel of Chargers receiving TDs. I do, though, think there is plenty of room for Williams to grow as far as volume is concerned. This is a real talented receiver held back a bit, fantasy wise, by playing on a very talented squad.</p>
<h3 id="bS2gsG">29. <span>D.J. Moore</span> – <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a>
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<p id="nmBdRF"> Moore was touted as a bit of a project with nearly unlimited upside coming out of Maryland, and that is about what we saw from him in his first year. If DJ takes a step forward in year 2, and <span>Cam Newton</span> takes a step forward in the 2<sup>nd</sup> phase of his career (the ‘stop trying to get yourself killed and let the backs and receivers do that work’ phase) we could see big things out of Moore. </p>
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<img alt="NFL: Carolina Panthers-Training Camp" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fstsY8Ij21631Q0phg-gnrwlNfE=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/18994772/usa_today_13100564.jpg">
<cite>Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<h3 id="oIBATx">30. <span>Curtis Samuel</span> – Carolina Panthers</h3>
<p id="YrNdDi"> When Matt Harmon raves about a wide receiver, you should listen. Samuel has become a bit of a fantasy industry darling in the runup to draft season and for good reason. We saw flashes from Samuel last season, and Panthers’ camp reports are awash in praise for Samuel. </p>
<h3 id="gLmN5U">31. Will Fuller – Houston Texans</h3>
<p id="UfkZc2"> Fuller being so far down this list is 100% injury concern. Another swing-for-the-fences WR2 pick here. </p>
<h3 id="IhHCzJ">32. Marvin Jones – Detroit Lions</h3>
<p id="wKWjOK"> Jones ranking this low is probably just an over-reaction to his injury-shortened season. And Matt Patricia ruining the Lions offense. And my love of <span>Kenny Golladay</span>. </p>
<h3 id="1uhRvE">33. <span>Calvin Ridley</span> – Atlanta Falcons</h3>
<p id="xOlKMw"> <span>Ridley</span> had a solid rookie season, showing he was well worth a first-round pick. It may be tough to get consistent production in Julio’s shadow, but <span>Ridley</span> is plenty talented to demand a bigger share of the Falcons air-attack. </p>
<h3 id="Zd825j">34. <span>John Brown</span> – <a href="https://www.buffalorumblings.com/">Buffalo Bills</a>
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<p id="AFWOl5"> Full disclosure, I’ve loved John Brown for a very long time. He was getting a good target share in Baltimore with Joe Flacco, but the <span>Lamar Jackson</span> experience was not kind to ole John Brown. There is real concern that Josh Allen may be too up and down to trust, but if Allen is good at something other than rushing, it is throwing the deep ball. This is one of those picks that might be pretty easy to get away from when we’re looking to make room for that hot waiver add in Week 3. </p>
<h3 id="8ICNIp">35. Allen Robinson – <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a>
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<p id="wCcFkA"> Robinson is unquestionably talented, but <span>Mitchell Trubisky</span> has been slow to develop despite having an amazing offensive mind as his head coach. Perhaps Mitch will take a step forward and bring Robinson with him, but I’m not optimistic.</p>
<h3 id="qhaW3n">36. <span>DeSean Jackson</span> – <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Philadelphia Eagles</a>
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<p id="u4jCqf"> I’m really excited about Jackson playing with Carson Wentz. Wentz has no fear throwing deep, and Jackson should give him plenty of chances to chuck it.</p>
<h3 id="1qxf61">37. <span>Keke Coutee</span> – Houston Texans </h3>
<p id="oQBHOu"> It’s hard to separate <span>Coutee</span>’s preseason Week 1 injury from his injury plagued rookie season, but I don’t generally believe in throwing the injury-prone tag on guys so early. With Deshaun Watson under center, all things seem possible down in Houston. One of those possibilities is that we see Keke take what he did at Texas Tech and do it in the pros. That is tempting enough for me to take a shot on him a round or two before consensus ADP tells me I should. </p>
<h3 id="KVEBpY">38. Sterling Shepard – <a href="https://www.bigblueview.com/">New York Giants</a>
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<p id="4zpyAy"> This is likely way too low for where Shepard will end up with his end of year scoring, but I just don’t want anything to do with the Giants outside of Saquon. </p>
<h3 id="oTNZyK">39. <span>Geronimo Allison</span> – Green Bay Packers</h3>
<p id="ic3PGF"> With so much uncertainty around who will end up as the 2<sup>nd</sup> receiver (production wise, not depth chart, folks) in Green Bay, its tough to take that number 2 for the Pack much higher than this. I do, though… THINK Allison will out-produce <span>Marquez Valdes-Scantling</span>. </p>
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<img alt="NFL: Kansas City Chiefs-Training Camp" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XUIcaFdzlFuR_ARerb0FK8N2cBI=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/18994777/usa_today_13120685.jpg">
<cite>Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports</cite>
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<p id="hfYLcR">40. <span>Sammy Watkins</span> – Kansas City Chiefs</p>
<p id="3Kdsgf"> I’ve likely been too high on <span>Watkins</span> for too long, and so it is with great sadness that I have him this low. It’s hard for me to imagine starting him and feeling comfortable with it, but if you’re in deeper leagues, or leagues with deep benches, he’d be a good stash or flex plugin.</p>
<h3 id="4PPRxg">41. <span>Marquez Valdes-Scantling</span> – Green Bay Packers</h3>
<p id="2yHQWT"> If you think I’m wrong about Allison, you’ve got to take MVS. </p>
<h3 id="zsFJEI">42. Alshon Jeffery – Philadelphia Eagles</h3>
<p id="y9JBR8"> It feels a little odd to have so much distance between Jeffrey and the famously streaky DeSean Jackson, but I just can’t get Jeffrey any higher in my ranks. </p>
<h3 id="xcnoSO">43. <span>Kenny Stills</span> – <a href="https://www.thephinsider.com/">Miami Dolphins</a>
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<p id="ypfFpm"> Whether we get the fearless Fitzpatrick or developing <span>Josh Rosen</span>, I can see taking <span>Stills</span> and stashing him on your bench to see how things shake out in Miami. </p>
<h3 id="w9Mzdq">44. <span>Emmanuel Sanders</span> – <a href="https://www.milehighreport.com/">Denver Broncos</a>
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<p id="D87usT"> Concern with <span>Sanders</span> injury seems to have been put to bed with his camp performances. He may have lost half a step (total speculation) but he is a full go in camp. Joe Flacco might not be interesting as a fantasy QB, but he’s serviceable enough to support a fantasy viable receiver (or two if you believe in Cortland Sutton). I’m going to bank on Emmanuel coming back well enough to still make a fantasy impact as third receiver / spot starter / flex option. </p>
<h3 id="vS9fJp">45. Myles Boykin – <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Baltimore Ravens</a>
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<p id="eJ9Sdb"> I’ve given this a lot of thought and determined I am indeed NOT just over-reacting to the first preseason game. Now, I may be overreacting to the first preseason game AND camp buzz, but we might just be getting that glimpse of a league-winning sleeper with Boykin. </p>
<h3 id="rfSO9b">46. <span>Larry Fitzgerald</span> – Arizona Cardinals</h3>
<p id="GLWaLi"> I promised myself I’d never be the kind of guy to undervalue Larry Fitzgerald… and now look at what I’ve become. Why wouldn’t Fitz get 95 catches for maybe 1,100 yards and 6 TDs? Why do I have him this low!? I hate myself sometimes. </p>
<h3 id="T9F84a">47. <span>Marquise Goodwin</span> – San Francisco 49ers</h3>
<p id="SplZ5u"> As much as I love Pettis to dominate targets, I really like Goodwin as a spot starter when you’re desperate for a big week. Goodwin’s speed is game-changing. </p>
<h3 id="2RpDeW">48. Devin Funchess – Indianapolis Colts</h3>
<p id="YSSGjS"> We’ve seen giants go to Indy and haul in double-digit TDs out of nowhere before. Funchess could end up as Eric Ebron 2.0</p>
<h3 id="Sx32pX">49. Paris Campbell – Indianapolis Colts</h3>
<p id="QZdMuS"> Again, I’m just assuming we get a healthy <span>Andrew Luck</span> all year. With Luck, and the addition of a couple of weapons in Funchess and Campbell, the Colts’ offense has plenty of room to grow. Campbell is an electric rookie receiver, and the Colts are pretty thin at the position after TY. Campbell has a good chance to become a spot-starter, flex in his rookie season. </p>
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<img alt="Jacksonville Jaguars v Baltimore Ravens" data-mask-text="false" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/LVInM6C5U9VBv0-wbAsvJD6pJjs=/400x0/filters:no_upscale()/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/18994790/1166884828.jpg.jpg">
<cite>Photo by Todd Olszewski/Getty Images</cite>
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<h3 id="kBvlUN">50. <span>Marquise Brown</span> – Baltimore Ravens</h3>
<p id="TcIv0u"> My only concern with Marquise Brown is that he’s way too low in my ranks. You might have to draft Brown and hold on to him for a little while, but I think Marquise is going to be well in play by the time the fantasy playoffs come around. </p>
<h3 id="sT7GEr">51. <span>Jamison Crowder</span> – New York Jets</h3>
<p id="HcVxKx"> Great talent with injury history going to a new team with a 2nd year QB and a new head coach. Good luck!</p>
<h3 id="QmyF9P"> 52. <span>Mecole Hardman</span> – Kansas City Chiefs</h3>
<p id="qoDyK5">It’s tough to put too much faith in a rookie wideout, especially one buried on the depth chart by a ton of talent. Hardman is a burner, though, and we want to keep an eye on guys with Mecole’s skillset catching passes from <span>Patrick Mahomes</span>.</p>
https://www.faketeams.com/2019/8/16/20808073/fantasy-football-wide-receiver-ranks-sleepers-bustsClark Barnes2019-08-16T10:00:56-04:002019-08-16T10:00:56-04:00Staff Post: Wide receivers to avoid in 2019
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<figcaption>Getty Images/Pete Rogers Illustrations</figcaption>
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<p>These are the receivers you should pass on and let your leaguemates draft this year.</p> <p id="rAl6Ky">Wide receiver Week is sadly at its end which in the long view is great because it means football, actual, real enjoyable football, is just around the corner! As I’m sure many of you are ramping up for your upcoming drafts, it’s important to not only know who to draft, but also know who to not draft. We close out <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/8/12/20801944/fantasy-football-wide-receiver-rankings-sleepers-busts">WR Week</a> with those wideouts who we as a staff are avoiding in fantasy this year. And if you missed our receivers to target, well, <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/8/15/20806837/staff-post-wide-receivers-to-target-in-2019">here’s that goodness.</a> (ADP from Fantasy Football Calculator in non-PPR league.)</p>
<h2 id="DZh8O6"><span>JuJu Smith-Schuster</span></h2>
<p id="jwmuJk"><em>Current FFC ADP: 2.07</em></p>
<p id="HVFaHc"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/nflclark"><strong>Clark Barnes: </strong></a>JuJu’s struggles against man coverage concern me for his first year where he’s expected to carry the load as the wide receiver 1 in Pittsburgh. Despite misgivings about a mismatched role and skill set, I think Smith-Schuster is a solid, end of the 2nd round pick because he should be targeted a ton. Unfortunately, he is going in front of <span>Mike Evans</span>, <span>Keenan Allen</span>, and <span>Antonio Brown</span>. That is just too high for me. </p>
<p id="xnGI3L"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/petemrogers"><strong>Pete Rogers:</strong></a><strong> </strong>I’m going to join Clark with this pick. I get this has been the summer of shitting on Antonio Brown, but let’s not forget that he has been arguably the best wide receiver in the league the last five or so years. That’s a hell of a running mate to have when you’re a young receiver, taking your first steps in the league. With Brown now out of the picture and defense’s sole attention being paid to Smith-Schuster, I’m just not sold that he’s going to put up the fantasy numbers that go with someone taken in the first two rounds. Plus, JuJu has been able to play slot in Pittsburgh—where he’s done his most damage—because of Brown on the outside. Is he going to be as effective there with guys like <span>Donte Moncrief</span> or <span>James Washington</span> on the outside? *shrug emoji*</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><div id="BbULwf"><div data-anthem-component="aside:8784865"></div></div></div>
<h2 id="JDPfxJ"><span>T.Y. Hilton</span></h2>
<p id="ewxDA6"><em>Current FCC ADP: 3.04</em></p>
<p id="Ep7K6g"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/paddicooper"><strong>Paddi Cooper: </strong></a>I should start by saying this is not about <span>Andrew Luck</span>’s mysterious calf/ankle injury as until <span>Luck</span> is not on the field, I’m not worried about the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a>’ offense in 2019. <span>Hilton</span> however does worry me. He played most of 2018 battling various ankle injuries and still managed to finish as the WR14 but I still forecast regression. Indy have spent the off-season adding weapons to their offense, with <span>Devin Funchess</span> coming in via free agency and <span>Parris Campbell</span> coming in as a second round draft pick and lighting up training camp. Add to that a pair of pass catching tight ends in <span>Eric Ebron</span> and <span>Jack Doyle</span> who will eat up targets and Hilton is poised to see a decrease in the 120 targets he saw in 2018. I also don’t like the look of the opposition as the Colts face 6 projected top-10 defenses in 2019 and Hilton averages just 12.1 ppr points per game against top-10 defenses over the past 3 years, 19th best over that period.</p>
<h2 id="vX7lim"><span>Keenan Allen</span></h2>
<p id="GCnsrv"><em>Current FFC ADP: 3.05</em></p>
<p id="KUGl1M"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/mwabell"><strong>Mark Abell:</strong></a> I have a few concerns with Keenan Allen. First, the <a href="https://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/">Chargers</a> have a tough receiving schedule this year. Second, he has been the pillar of health the last two years but previously he had kidney and ACL injuries that severely limited his 2015 and 2016 seasons. Third, I have been all in on Phillip Rivers as a great steady QB but at the age of 37, I’m starting to get nervous that he can continue his pace. </p>
<h2 id="uYRYwR"><span>Amari Cooper</span></h2>
<p id="yjjsTO"><em>Current FFC ADP: 3.10</em></p>
<p id="0FDqh8"><strong>Barnes: </strong>It’s easy to remember the big games <span>Cooper</span> had last season, but <span>Cooper</span> owners will tell you his play was maddeningly up and down. It’d be insulting to vanilla to say the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a> offense has been a little too vanilla for the past half-decade, and while I’m hopeful that will change under new offensive coordinator <span>Kellen Moore</span>, hope is not a plan. There are too many other hyper-talented guys going around <span>Cooper</span> at his middle-of-the-third ADP. Just pass.</p>
https://www.faketeams.com/2019/8/16/20808534/fantasy-football-wide-receivers-to-avoid-in-2019Pete Rogers2019-08-15T18:00:00-04:002019-08-15T18:00:00-04:00Staff Post: Wide receivers to target in 2019
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mbtHOiUcHkdZv4m-kwXjwZoMHTs=/0x0:3430x2287/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65027381/lockett.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Getty Images/Pete Rogers Illustrations</figcaption>
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<p>Here are the wide receivers you should target in your fantasy drafts.</p> <p id="f2160B">You can tell there are way too many fantasy viable receivers this year since we as a staff couldn’t limit our targets to one per person. If you are overwhelmed by the sheer number of receivers out there to choose from, hopefully this list will help narrow the playing field for you as you approach your drafts. (ADP from Fantasy Football Calculator in non-PPR league.)</p>
<h2 id="7Ttabg"><span>Amari Cooper</span></h2>
<p id="dfaQGA"><em>Current FFC ADP 3.07</em></p>
<p id="uRFGCC"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/paddicooper"><strong>Paddi Cooper: </strong></a>17.5 ppr points per game after he was traded to the <a href="https://www.bloggingtheboys.com/">Cowboys</a> says all you need to know about this one. <span>Cooper</span> is the current WR13 in drafts but I have him as the WR8 and am grabbing shares wherever I can. He is the clear number one on a top offensive team and is set to meet his potential in 2019.</p>
<h2 id="rwqjlS"><span>Julian Edelman</span></h2>
<p id="vwVlka"><em>Current FFC ADP: 4.09</em></p>
<p id="mFsgeM"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/nflclark"><strong>Clark Barnes:</strong></a><strong> </strong>I think we’re all looking past the obvious answer to the <a href="https://www.patspulpit.com/">Patriots</a> receiver corps question. The only thing we have to worry about with Edelman is, can he hold up for a full year with his size, age, and frequent deployment on those get-your-ass-lit-up routes? Predicting injury is a bit of a fool’s errand, though, and so I’m ending up with a lot of Edelman in my early drafts. He should be going at the 2-3 turn instead of the beginning of the 4th.</p>
<div id="VzylMY"><iframe src="https://player.megaphone.fm/VMP6759918871" style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 200px;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div>
<h2 id="yqHBtc"><span>Tyler Lockett</span></h2>
<p id="MxHMCX"><em>Current FFC ADP: 5.02</em></p>
<p id="B5o6Sc"><strong>Barnes: </strong>Seattle may not like to pass, but even so, they threw it 427 times last year. While that is a shockingly low figure, that is still plenty of attempts for a receiver like <span>Lockett</span> and a QB like <span>Russell Wilson</span> to make plenty of hay. Lockett had almost a thousand yards on fewer than 60 targets last year, and I expect the ‘Hawks to ask more from Lockett now that <span>Doug Baldwin</span> has retired. Lockett is going near the top of the 5th round, don’t be afraid to jump up and grab him in the 4th.</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><div id="0C1qeJ"><div data-anthem-component="aside:8784865"></div></div></div>
<h2 id="QbrGC5"><span>Robby Anderson</span></h2>
<p id="o0mU0f"><em>Current FFC ADP 6.11</em></p>
<p id="fDBDcH"><span><strong>Cooper</strong></span><strong>: </strong>A true number one receiver available in the late 6th round? Yes please. <span>Anderson</span> is a speedster who is adapting his game to be more of an all-rounder and showed a great connection with <span>Sam Darnold</span> the quarterback’s rookie year. His 18.65 ppr points per game over the last 4 weeks of last season bode well for kicking on in 2019 as <span>Darnold</span> is poised to take the next step in his second season.</p>
<h2 id="FJ8piG">Allen Robinson</h2>
<p id="rCvAUs"><em>Current FFC ADP: 7.05</em></p>
<p id="KSlTU9"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/petemrogers"><strong>Pete Rogers:</strong></a><strong> </strong>I wrote about <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/7/10/20689012/fantasy-football-bounce-back-candidates">Robinson back in July</a> and I can assure you I am still very much on the bandwagon. Robinson is going with guys like Will Fuller, <span>Dante Pettis</span>, <span>Christian Kirk</span> and Marvin Jones. You know what Robinson has over all those guys? He is the number one receiver in the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a>’ offense. Yes drafting Robinson means you have to put your faith in <span>Mitchell Trubisky</span> which is a tenuous situation at best, but after seeing Robinson single-handedly rip the <a href="https://www.bleedinggreennation.com/">Eagles</a>’ secondary apart in the postseason last year, I can’t help but target him this year.</p>
<h2 id="HAY80d"><span>Curtis Samuel</span></h2>
<p id="Ku9kUs"><em>Current FFC ADP: 8.08</em></p>
<p id="aykAdY"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/mwabell"><strong>Mark Abell:</strong></a><strong> </strong>There has been a lot of hype about how well he has looked in camp so far. It’s clear he really ramped up his speed and catching ability in the offseason. He had 494 yards (91st in the NFL) and 5 TDs (41st) last year is not really overwhelming so I’m trusting a lot on the coaches and observations here. He could bring back top 40 return with his versatility to rush and receive in this offense.</p>
<p id="FyEsJm"><a href="http://www.twitter.com/heathcapps"><strong>Heath Capps:</strong></a> It isn’t that I dislike D.J. Moore. It is just that I trust the drumbeats out of Carolina for Curtis Samuel, who should either match (or exceed) Moore’s production. That, and Samuel can be had much later in drafts--about three rounds later, according to FantasyPros ADP data. This one is a no-brainer.</p>
<p id="uhasaL"><span><strong>Cooper</strong></span><strong>: </strong>This is one bit of preseason hype I’m buying. <span>Samuel</span> was the top targeted receiver in Carolina over the last 6 games of last season and is getting tons of training camp buzz. He’s also going 3 rounds later than DJ Moore so you should be jumping all over that upside.</p>
https://www.faketeams.com/2019/8/15/20806837/staff-post-wide-receivers-to-target-in-2019Pete Rogers2019-08-15T17:00:00-04:002019-08-15T17:00:00-04:00These wide receivers will let down your fantasy team
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<figcaption>Getty Images/USA Today/Pete Rogers Illustrations</figcaption>
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<p>Receivers I’m fading at their current ADP.</p> <p id="Etcp6H">The art of drafting is just as much about knowing who’s overpriced as well as who offers great value and being able to identify those receivers who should be avoided is only getting more important as the NFL gets more and more pass heavy.</p>
<p id="sHaXTS">I’ve identified 5 players who based on their current PPR ADP from <a href="http://fantastfootballcalculator.com">fantastfootballcalculator.com</a> are primed to under perform in 2019 and should be avoided at the current draft price.</p>
<h2 id="fhGYJ0">
<span>T.Y. Hilton</span>, <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Indianapolis Colts</a>
</h2>
<p id="1hOkpG"><em>Current ADP - 3.04 (WR 10)</em></p>
<p id="KEJ7a2">I should start by saying this is not about <span>Andrew Luck</span>’s mysterious calf/ankle injury as until <span>Luck</span> is not on the field, I’m not worried about the Colts’ offense in 2019. <span>Hilton</span> however does worry me. He played most of 2018 battling various ankle injuries and still managed to finish as the WR14 but I still forecast regression. Indy have spent the off-season adding weapons to their offense, with <span>Devin Funchess</span> coming in via free agency and <span>Parris Campbell</span> coming in as a second round draft pick and lighting up training camp. Add to that a pair of pass catching tight ends in <span>Eric Ebron</span> and <span>Jack Doyle</span> who will eat up targets and Hilton is poised to see a decrease in the 120 targets he saw in 2018. I also don’t like the look of the opposition as the Colts face 6 projected top-10 defenses in 2019 and Hilton averages just 12.1 ppr points per game against top-10 defenses over the past 3 years, 19th best over that period. </p>
<p id="jyZanl"><strong>Draft instead:</strong> <span>Keenan Allen</span> (ADP 3.05)</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><div id="K2k15j"><div data-anthem-component="aside:8784865"></div></div></div>
<h2 id="rzwBw5">
<span>Kenny Golladay</span>, <a href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a>
</h2>
<p id="NtRAIZ"><em>Current ADP - 4.12 (WR 18)</em></p>
<p id="Pr7XPs">Before Marvin Jones went on IR in 2018, he was seeing more targets than Golladay in the Lions’ offense. Jones is back, though he’s dealing with an undisclosed injury but assuming full health to start the season, I’m much higher on Jones’ 9th round ADP. The Lions are also likely to be more run heavy too, as they’ve brought in new offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, who led the run-heavy <a href="https://www.fieldgulls.com/">Seahawks</a> offense for 7 years. It’s also as simple as looking at the current ADP, as I prefer any of the next 5 receivers over Golladay heading into 2019.</p>
<p id="CGHR7Q"><strong>Draft instead:</strong> Take your pick but my top alternate is <span>Tyler Lockett</span> (ADP 5.01)</p>
<h2 id="CCJzk3">
<span>D.J. Moore</span>, <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Carolina Panthers</a>
</h2>
<p id="97W5Mg"><em>Current ADP - 5.09 (WR 26)</em></p>
<p id="lIjbmZ">A team’s number one receiver should represent good value if you can get them at the start of the 6th round. However all the buzz from training camp is pointing towards <span>Curtis Samuel</span> being the top receiver on the roster, and with <span>Samuel</span> going 3 rounds later and having out targeted Moore over the last 6 games of last season, he represents much better value. Also I’m not buying in yet on the super positive reporting about <span>Cam Newton</span>’s shoulder, as let’s face it, his passing accuracy is shaky at the best of times. </p>
<p id="5P92JN"><strong>Draft instead:</strong> <span>Robby Anderson</span> (ADP 6.12)</p>
<h2 id="b9aEIp">
<span>Dante Pettis</span>, <a href="https://www.ninersnation.com/">San Francisco 49ers</a>
</h2>
<p id="HO2kej"><em>Current ADP - 7.05 (WR 31)</em></p>
<p id="AR5bq7">Pettis is currently seeing a round 7 ADP despite just 45 targets and 27 catches as a rookie. I have huge trust in the Kyle Shanahan offense and believe <span>Jimmy Garoppolo</span> will come back and be a quality starting quarterback. However with <span>George Kittle</span> locked in as the number 1 option and lots of mouths to feed across their wide receivers and running backs, I’m happy to let Pettis be someone else’s problem as I look for value further down the draft board. </p>
<p id="KIomBx"><strong>Draft instead:</strong> Marvin Jones (ADP 8.03)</p>
<h2 id="KgvMjF">
<span>Larry Fitzgerald</span>, <a href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>
</h2>
<p id="Lp56Ng"><em>Current ADP - 7.10 (WR 34)</em></p>
<p id="t9F2FA">This is the fantasy equivalent of kicking a puppy but I think Larry Legend’s time has now passed. We don’t truly know what Kliff Kingsbury’s offense is going to look like until it takes the field in Week 1, but I think Larry is going to be one season too long in the league for him to play much of a role. Younger, speedier receivers have been added to the roster, and <span>David Johnson</span> is in line to see 100 targets in an offense we’ve seen make a feature of a pass-catching running back. Sorry Larry.</p>
<p id="ukgdt6"><strong>Draft instead:</strong> <span>Courtland Sutton</span> (ADP 9.09)</p>
<div id="Z11vJB"><div data-anthem-component="poll:8784875"></div></div>
https://www.faketeams.com/2019/8/15/20806083/fantasy-football-wide-receiver-bustsPaddi Cooper2019-08-15T05:00:00-04:002019-08-15T05:00:00-04:00Would you rather draft Julian Edelman or Amari Cooper?
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<img alt="NFL: Super Bowl LIII-New England Patriots Championship Parade" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/d9LUdVW_Pa2-LvONgnIwbBA1M3c=/0x0:4532x3021/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65022286/usa_today_12110955.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The guys talk Andrew Luck’s injury and play Would You Rather!? wide receiver edition.</p> <div id="0xbrkd"><iframe src="https://player.megaphone.fm/VMP6759918871" style="border: 0; width: 100%; height: 200px;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media"></iframe></div>
<p id="njdzP3">Pete and Clark open the show with Clark trying to sell his car and Pete getting way too excited about the puppy he may or may not be getting soon (0:48). In <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/nfl-news">NFL news</a>, <span>Andrew Luck</span> might not be ready for Week 1 and the NFL yet again shows it’s priorities suspending <span>Golden Tate</span> (6:00). Since it’s WR Week at Fake Teams, the guys play wide receiver themed Would You Rather!? including which wideout to take at the end of the 1st round, what’s <span>Julian Edelman</span>’s highest ceiling this year and wonder why is <span>Marquise Brown</span>’s ADP so damn low (14:26).</p>
<p id="XOg6AK">Subscribe:<strong> </strong><a href="https://t.co/uj7DyY1md4"><strong>iTunes</strong></a> | <a href="https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/rb1-a-fantasy-football-podcast"><strong>Stitcher</strong></a></p>
<p id="olHuUI">Follow us on Twitter:<strong> </strong><a href="https://twitter.com/RB1podcast"><strong>@RB1podcast</strong></a></p>
<p id="rQLKxZ"></p>
https://www.faketeams.com/2019/8/15/20806500/fantasy-football-amari-cooper-or-julian-edelman-rb1-podcastPete RogersClark Barnes2019-08-14T13:30:00-04:002019-08-14T13:30:00-04:00Top WR sleepers for 2019
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/1IRjd_-qQUTWuqwrOcClH1ZjOxQ=/0x0:3430x2287/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65017904/fun.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>USA TODAY/Pete Rogers Illustrations</figcaption>
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<p>Watch out, these guys have the best shot at outperforming their current ADP.</p> <p id="zM006i">We’re half way through <a href="https://www.faketeams.com/2019/8/12/20801944/fantasy-football-wide-receiver-rankings-sleepers-busts">WR Week</a> and that means it’s time for some wide receiver sleepers! Much like the running back position, receivers this year can feel overwhelming due to the number of viable fantasy names out there. I mean, the <a href="https://www.turfshowtimes.com/">Rams</a> legit have three bonafid fantasy studs at receiver and it’s just a matter of picking the right guy between <span>Robert Woods</span>, <span>Cooper Kupp</span> and Brandin Cooks. How does any sane person make that decision? (Hint: you don’t.)</p>
<p id="YTzzX0">At this point, everyone knows who they want as their WR1 and WR2 this year; it’s when you get into those later rounds that things get chaotic. Here are five receivers who in my mind, offer the most upside for their current draft position and will hopefully give you some peace of mind heading into those turbulent later rounds of your fantasy drafts. (ADP and rankings (non-PPR) via <a href="https://fantasyfootballcalculator.com/adp/standard/12-team/quarterback"><strong>fantasyfootballcalculator.com</strong></a>.)</p>
<aside id="BOvfsg"><div data-anthem-component="readmore" data-anthem-component-data='{"stories":[{"title":"Top QB sleepers for 2019 fantasy football","url":"https://www.faketeams.com/2019/7/31/20748641/fantasy-football-top-5-quarterback-sleepers-for-2019"},{"title":"Top RB sleepers for 2019","url":"https://www.faketeams.com/2019/8/7/20757867/running-back-sleepers-fantasy-football-2019"}]}'></div></aside><h2 id="SEiZGa"><span>Curtis Samuel</span></h2>
<p id="sS4XxQ"><em>Current ADP: 8.11 | Current rank: WR37</em></p>
<p id="KrMjSX">While most eyes have been on DJ Moore, it’s been <span>Curtis Samuel</span> who’s turned the most heads at <a href="https://www.catscratchreader.com/">Panthers</a>’ camp. The Panthers’ staff has been calling <span>Samuel</span> the player who’s taken the biggest step forward and he seems primed for a breakout season, <a href="https://twitter.com/AlbertBreer/status/1160972419097608192">according to Albert Breer</a>. I’m bullish on both receivers this year, but Samuel comes at almost a three round discount to Moore. Christian McCaffrey will be <span>Cam Newton</span>’s favorite target (I hope that doesn’t change) and I would expect Moore and Samuel to split the load behind him. Getting similar production at a big discount is something you can’t pass. Also this:</p>
<div id="6np5t8">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">New CB covering Curtis Samuel. Same result.<br><br>"He’s good at the line, man," Tre'Davious White said of Samuel. "Really shifty. And he runs good routes." <a href="https://t.co/s1DvLhoSVA">pic.twitter.com/s1DvLhoSVA</a></p>— Max Henson (@PanthersMax) <a href="https://twitter.com/PanthersMax/status/1161320587110825986?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 13, 2019</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="6dR14l">Tre’Davious White isn’t a slouch.</p>
<h2 id="x34LQ5"><span>Marquez Valdes-Scantling</span></h2>
<p id="BismA9"><em>Current ADP: 8.12 | Current rank: WR38</em></p>
<p id="pHyWtL">I would like you to take a moment and answer this question for me: who is <span>Aaron Rodgers</span>’ number two target? Obviously Davante Adams is going to continue to be <span>Rodgers</span>’ number one receiver and will likely put together another filthy season in which he shatters all our minds and expectations. But who does Rodgers throw to on those rare occasions when Adams is covered? The correct answer is <span>Marquez Valdes-Scantling</span>. I mean, he’s a 6-foot-4 receiver who runs a 4.37 and is playing with possibly the most gifted quarterback in the league. How are we as a fantasy community drafting MVS at the end of the eighth round? Do you really think <span>Jimmy Graham</span> is going to get 89 targets again this season? No. Draft MVS and reap the benefits.</p>
<div class="c-float-right"><div id="7TTBz1"><div data-anthem-component="aside:8784865"></div></div></div>
<h2 id="XH5UmH"><span>Devin Funchess</span></h2>
<p id="HnzPG8"><em>Current ADP: 11.06 | Current rank: WR50</em></p>
<p id="46sVxK">It would be literally impossible for me to write this article without mentioning <span>Devin Funchess</span>, the man whose hypetrain I conduct, whose hill I live on and whose water I carry up said hill. Yes, you should draft <span>Funchess</span> in the 11th round and I have a better reason then “who else are you going to take here”. First off, <span>Funchess</span> has shown us fantasy potential in his time in Carolina and now he’ll be playing in an offense with a better quarterback and more weapons around him to draw defense’s attention. More so than that, last year <span>Andrew Luck</span> had the third most passing attempts inside the 20 and the 10 yard line, meaning the <a href="https://www.stampedeblue.com/">Colts</a> want to throw the football when they get down by the end zone. 33 of <span>Luck</span>’s 39 touchdowns came from 20 yards out. You think Luck will target his new 6-foot-4 wide receiver/tight end/box out king in the red zone? I think so.</p>
<h2 id="ZsZ6SP"><span>Jamison Crowder</span></h2>
<p id="P9dZk3"><em>Current ADP: 14.02 | Current rank: WR60</em></p>
<p id="Y1vlOt">Here’s a quote <a href="https://t.co/503aCGGAnU?amp=1">from Connor Hughes</a>, who’s a Jet beat reporter for the Athletic, on Crowder:</p>
<blockquote><p id="XuZhj9">It wouldn’t surprise me if <span>Jamison Crowder</span> creeps near or past 100 catches this season. That’s how much <span>Sam Darnold</span> looks to him in practice.</p></blockquote>
<p id="tNl5Z5">And don’t Allen Iverson this and write it off just because it’s practice. We saw this in the <a href="https://www.ganggreennation.com/">Jets</a>’ first preseason game where Crowder caught two balls for 31 yards and a touchdown. Somehow Crowder is going with the likes of Michael Gallop, Tre’Quan Smith and Jakobi Meyers. None of those guys are going to be their team’s most targeted receiver. I wouldn’t be surprised if Crowder winds up in the top two for the Jets.</p>
<h2 id="GyEjnT"><span>Marquise Brown</span></h2>
<p id="wtLrdb"><em>Current ADP: 14.11 | Current rank: WR67</em></p>
<p id="YBkUGH">Did Marquise Brown tear his ACL? Did he explode in a freak gasoline fight accident? WHAT AM I MISSING HERE!? I understand he has a foot injury that he’s making his way back from but that alone shouldn’t make him the 67th wide receiver off the board. We’re talking about the <a href="https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/">Ravens</a> here people, a team that doesn’t have a clear number one receiver and just spent their first round pick to <em>get</em> a number one receiver (that’s Brown in case you were confused). Brown is basically free in drafts and yet could be the Ravens’ number one guy. What more do you need to know?</p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">.<a href="https://twitter.com/DannyBKelly?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DannyBKelly</a> successfully convinced the <a href="https://twitter.com/RB1podcast?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RB1podcast</a> guys on last week’s show that <a href="https://twitter.com/Primetime_jet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Primetime_jet</a> might just the best rookie receiver in fantasy this year. <a href="https://t.co/chLnM0yZjS">pic.twitter.com/chLnM0yZjS</a></p>— Fake Teams (@faketeams) <a href="https://twitter.com/faketeams/status/1158422417724891136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 5, 2019</a>
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https://www.faketeams.com/2019/8/14/20805410/wide-receiver-sleepers-2019-fantasy-footballPete Rogers2019-08-13T10:00:00-04:002019-08-13T10:00:00-04:00Five bold wide receiver predictions for 2019
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<img alt="Jacksonville Jaguars v Baltimore Ravens" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/Ni4WJvaIlHPpCNETOo04ncwa7zY=/4x0:4924x3280/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65008103/1160447809.jpg.0.jpg" />
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<p>I’m bullish on Miles Boykin</p> <h3 id="KnJxzP">We see a 50% increase in wide receivers who have over 100 receptions this season</h3>
<p id="abjYz6"><strong>Justification</strong>: Last year we had eight wide receivers achieve this feat (<span>Michael Thomas</span>, <span>DeAndre Hopkins</span>, <span>Julio Jones</span>, <span>Adam Thielen</span>, <span>Davante Adams</span>, <span>JuJu Smith-Schuster</span>, <span>Antonio Brown</span>, and <span>Stefon Diggs</span>) – <span>Zach Ertz</span> (TE), <span>Travis Kelce</span> (TE) and <span>Christian McCaffrey</span> (RB) also achieved this feat. In 2017, five receivers did this (<span>Jarvis Landry</span>, <span>Larry Fitzgerald</span>, <span>Michael Thomas</span>, Keenan <span>Thomas</span>, and Antonio Brown) in 2016 only three achieved this (<span>Larry Fitzgerald</span>, Antonio Brown and Odell Beckham). It’s trending up each season. Likely candidates to me include the favorites: <span>DeAndre Hopkins</span>, <span>Davante Adams</span>, <span>Julio Jones</span>, Odell Beckham Jr, <span>Tyreek Hill</span>, JuJu Smith Schuster, <span>Michael Thomas</span>, <span>Mike Evans</span>, <span>Keenan Allen</span>, Antonio Brown, <span>T.Y. Hilton</span> and <span>Amari Cooper</span>.</p>
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<cite>Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images</cite>
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<h3 id="zVcBMX">The leading player in touchdown receptions this year is not a wide receiver</h3>
<p id="NMmdFq"><strong>Justification</strong>: The last two years a tight end has the 2<sup>nd</sup> most receiving touchdowns: 2018 (<span>Eric Ebron</span> 13) and 2017 (<span>Jimmy Graham</span> 10) and I think we see a tight end sit atop the throne with the most touchdowns this year. The Rob Gronkowski model is really pushing out to the league who is now using tight ends more in their offense and in red zone situations. Additionally, more teams are passing so in lieu of a running back going up the gut with two years to the goal line, you see a cross route to a tight end in these situations.</p>
<h3 id="TBHGn6">Six players—including JuJu Smith-Schuster—have a reception of at least 85 yards. The most since 2011.</h3>
<p id="FmPFzN"><strong>Justification</strong>: Last year we had three (JuJu, <span>Amari Cooper</span> and <span>Demarcus Robinson</span>), 2017 saw four players (JuJu again, <span>Robert Woods</span>, <span>Austin Hooper</span> and <span>Amari Cooper</span>), 2016 had four (<span>Brandin Cooks</span>, <span>Mike Wallace</span>, <span>Ted Ginn Jr.</span> and <span>Brandon LaFell</span>). With teams airing the ball out more and the rules giving more leniency to wide receivers, I think we see a handful—specifically JuJu Smith Schuster—break out for a 85 plus yard run.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">That's three 90+ yard TDs for JuJu Smith-Schuster in his short career</p>— Gerry Dulac (@gerrydulac) <a href="https://twitter.com/gerrydulac/status/1066833082077143041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 25, 2018</a>
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<h3 id="r5Rlpw">The <a href="https://www.bucsnation.com/">Tampa Bay Buccaneers</a> do not have a top ten wide receiver this year in fantasy</h3>
<p id="qqIUYQ"><strong>Justification</strong>: I’ve seen them as a top five favorite in terms of their wide receiving corps but that’s not where I’m skeptical. Last year <span>Ryan Fitzpatrick</span> played in eight of their games amassing approximately 40% of the teams attempts and completions. In these games, Ryan Fitz’magic’ had a better completion percentage, more yards per game, a longer long, a better TD/INT ratio and better rating. This isn’t to say that <span>Jameis Winston</span> is a joke but also consider these three things: one, <span>Jameis Winston</span> has gone back to back seasons with injuries derailing his season, it was fortunate they had such a dominant backup. Two, Bruce Arians is swearing up and down that the running game will be ramped up this year. And three, <span>Jameis Winston</span>, while playing had career highs in attempts per game, yards per game, TD% per game and career lows in sacks, maybe I’m cynical but I think something in all of that gives this year and regresses a bit.</p>
<h3 id="SMU1nx">
<span>Miles Boykin</span> is a top 25 wide receiver</h3>
<p id="DRvpAN"><strong>Justification</strong>: I’ve seen him as high as 48 and as low as 100. The 93<sup>rd</sup> overall draft pick out of Notre Dame will add a nice infusion of talent to the Baltimore wide receiver corps which previously had <span>John Brown</span> as their top wide receiver (715 yards and five touchdowns) good enough for 49<sup>th</sup> and 41<sup>st</sup> respectively. The team had similar stats: 334 receptions (22<sup>nd</sup> in NFL); 3,708 receiving yards (23<sup>rd</sup> in NFL); 18 receiving touchdowns (26<sup>th</sup> in NFL). Here is where I differ greatly from most this year: I think <span>Lamar Jackson</span> is going to be running less and throwing more than people expect. The last seven games of last year when he became QB1 had him throwing about 23 times per game and completing about 13 of those passes (for about a 58% completion percentage). I think we see him attempting more like 30 times per game this season. Miles is appearing as 3<sup>rd</sup> or 4<sup>th</sup> string on many depth charts but if you watched the first preseason game or the recent practices, he is impressing many and working his way up the charts, especially wide receiver coach David Culley.</p>
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https://www.faketeams.com/2019/8/13/20802918/five-bold-wide-receiver-predictions-for-2019Mark Abell