The wide receiver landscape in 2021 in quite interesting. With a plethora of receivers who can finish as the WR1, and a number of receivers who can take the leap from a WR2 to WR1, this is one of the deeper positions in fantasy football. This article will step through the top-15 at the position, guiding you to a dominant draft.
The Elites
- Davante Adams, Green Bay Packers
Coming off a career year in which he averaged 98.1 yards per game and scored 18 touchdowns, Davante Adams is in line for another massive season. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is returning for another year and will continue to lock onto his top target.
- Stefon Diggs, Buffalo Bills
After setting career highs in targets, receptions, and yardage, Stefon Diggs looks to build off his impressive first year in Buffalo. Josh Allen took massive strides last season and found his way into the elite quarterbacks. Building upon their strong rapport, Diggs looks to continue his success in year two with the Bills.
- Calvin Ridley, Atlanta Falcons
In an offense that ranked top five in passing attempts and yards last season, Calvin Ridley finally broke out. Erupting for 90 catches, 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns, Ridley has jumped his way up in the ranks. With star wide receiver Julio Jones out of the picture, Ridley is now the top dog. Expect Ridley to replicate his 2020 season, with the possibility of even more production.
- Tyreek Hill, Kansas City Chiefs
Setting a career high in total touchdowns last season with 17, Tyreek Hill remains one of the focal points in this potent Kansas City offense. Averaging 21.9 PPR points per game, Hill’s big play ability keeps him high in the ranks with week winning potential on any given day. Pair that with the best quarterback in the league and Hill is a sure bet to finish top five at the position.
WR1 with Overall WR1 Potential
- DeAndre Hopkins, Arizona Cardinals
With year one in Arizona under his belt, DeAndre Hopkins aims to continue building chemistry with quarterback Kyler Murray. Ranking seventh in the league in pass attempts last season, Hopkins will be the go-to guy in this Cardinals passing attack. With a better understanding of the playbook, expect Hopkins to dominate in year two with Arizona.
- A.J. Brown, Tennessee Titans
Building upon his rookie campaign, A.J. Brown had a phenomenal second year. Ranking sixth in points per game with 17.7, Brown is a lock to finish the 2021 fantasy football season as a WR1. With efficient quarterback play, a dominant run game for a balanced attack, and the addition of Julio Jones to relieve some of the focus off Brown, it would not be a surprise to see Brown finish with even better numbers in his third year.
- Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings
After a monster rookie season, recording 88 catches and 1,400 yards on 125 targets, Justin Jefferson is the new alpha in Minnesota. Finishing the year as the WR6 with 274.2 fantasy points, not much has changed regarding this Vikings offense. With an elite running back, a stronger connection with Kirk Cousins, and a productive receiver in Adam Thielen to alleviate some double coverage, Jefferson is poised for another great season.
- D.K. Metcalf, Seattle Seahawks
Starting the 2020 season off with three straight games of four catches for at least 90 yards and a touchdown, it was a tale of two halves for D.K. Metcalf. The first half of the season he was setting the league on fire. However, the second portion, his production saw a vast decline. With a change in offensive coordinators this season, I expect Metcalf to return to form and continue to put up massive numbers. With his speed and Russell Wilson’s deep ball, Metcalf will put up fantasy points with ease.
- Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers
Even after four straight Pro Bowl seasons, people will still undervalue Keenan Allen. In only 14 games last season, (two in which he was on the field for less than 40% of the snaps) we saw him go for 100 catches, 992 yards and eight touchdowns on 147 targets. On a per game basis, he was ranked seventh with 17.5 points per game. With second year quarterback Justin Herbert even more acclimated to the NFL, Allen is set up for yet another great fantasy season.
Low End WR1
- Terry McLaurin, Washington Football Team
Entering year three in the league, Terry McLaurin is playing with the best quarterback of his career. Seasoned veteran, Ryan Fitzpatrick, is a gunslinger who is not afraid to push the ball down the field. Being the best pass-catcher on this team, Fitzpatrick will look McLaurin’s way a ton. Building upon his 1,118-yard, four touchdown sophomore season, I expect 2021 to be the best season of his young career.
- Allen Robinson, Chicago Bears
Another undervalued receiver, Allen Robinson is coming off a year in which he set a career high with 102 receptions. Since coming to Chicago, Robinson has been a consistently solid fantasy football option when he’s played in all 16 games. Ranking as the WR11 and WR13 in 2019 and 2020 respectively, Robinson is the clear top option for the Bears. If rookie quarterback Justin Fields takes over sooner rather than later, it will be all systems go for this talented receiver.
- CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys
In a season that was lost as soon as star quarterback Dak Prescott went down, CeeDee Lamb went on to have a productive rookie season. In 16 games (one of which he didn’t record a catch), Lamb was able to put up 74 catches for 935 yards and five touchdowns on 111 targets. He also added 10 rushes for 82 yards and one touchdown. With Prescott set to return for the 2021 season, Lamb could be in for a monster year. In a high-volume passing offense, Lamb will get many looks. With his skill and alpha frame, Lamb will take full advantage and make that second-year leap.
High End WR2
- Robert Woods, Los Angeles Ram
It seems as though for the past three seasons, all Robert Woods has done is produce. Yet the fantasy football community still writes him off or forgets about him. Dating back to 2018, his wide receiver finishes have been 11, 14, and 14. He is the model of consistency. While he may not be the sexy player everyone desires, you know what you are getting from him. Solid, high end wide receiver two production. With a quarterback upgrade heading into the 2021 season, it would not surprise me if Woods found his way into the ranks of a top-12 wide receiver.
- Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Coming off a year in which he set a new career high with 13 touchdowns, Mike Evans is as solid as it gets. Recording at least 65 catches and 1,000 yards every season since entering the league in 2014, this year should be no different. Tom Brady is in year two in this offense and has a better understanding of the system. With a stronger connection with Evans as well, the 2021 season will be yet another productive one for this gifted receiver.
- Amari Cooper, Dallas Cowboys
Leading the team in targets, catches, and yards last season, Amari Cooper is one of the top options on this high-powered offense. While he may be the 1B behind Lamb this season, make no mistake, Cooper is still a threat. Having a quarterback who airs it out, and an offense that will put up points, there will be plenty of opportunity for Cooper to produce.
With the wide receiver position being as deep as it is this year, you really can’t go wrong with any of these players. Keeping your fantasy football league’s settings and scoring format in mind, I would try to secure at least one of the guys on this list this season.
