Every year it feels like the best Wide Receiver in Fantasy isn’t the one anyone expected. It’s a rookie going wild out of nowhere or just a consistent pass catcher with a new Quarterback that no one saw coming.
This year, it feels like there’s a very definitive tier for the Top Receivers, but we’ve all been fooled before. And let’s be honest, no one wants to end up with G.I. Joe cards at the end of the season!
So, who’s that guy just out of our Top 10 that’s going to make or break your season?
Let the Kings hash it out for you!
Dr. Dye — Mike Williams
In case you missed it, a changing of the guard began last season, as Mike Williams put up more yards and touchdowns than Keenan Allen did for the first time. Now, this is taking nothing away from Keenan Allen, who may still be Justin Herbert’s safety blanket…but Williams has apparently become his favorite toy, especially on the deep ball, averaging over 15 yards a reception and having 17 of them go for more than 20 yards last season.
In addition, he was 6th in the league in red zone targets last season with 16. Although he only came down with 5 of them, that percentage is bound to improve with Herbert now confidently in his 3rd season.
Williams is going ADP 46, and in some leagues, he’s going as late as the 6th, after D.K. Metcalf, who, God love him, doesn’t have a QUARTERBACK!
The bottom-line is, if you went RB-RB in the 1st two rounds, getting Williams as your WR1 is a pretty solid move, and if he’s still there for your WR2, you’d be foolish to pass!
Of course, Chef would tell you to take Keenan Allen first, so…
Chef Chad — Keenan Allen
Few dudes as smooth as Keenan Allen. Even still. Seems many have shifted the ADPs of Allen and teammate M. Williams. I like that as your foe while drafting.
At 30, the North Carolinian via Berkeley has an absolute stud at QB. It will be interesting to see Herbert develop as a leader this year, and in a lot of ways, it feels like it imperative to his and Keenan’s relationship.
Injury is concern for every player in the league, so I toss out that flimsy excuse when evaluating K. Allen. He has been WR 14 or better since 2017. Always good for 140 targets and between 6-11 TDs. Having other stud options on this offense only CREATES more targets and opportunities for his clever route running.
That Charger D is also massively improved through free agency, and the organization as a whole has drafted well.
With 106 catches for 1140 yards and only 6 tuddys a year ago, we can nearly guarantee a solid snapback in end zone appearances. Keep an eye on him as he slips.
Swoop in and make a value play.
The Kid — Jaylen Waddle
I get that it’s hard for people to still see Waddle as a potential #1 guy with Tyreek Hill showing up in Miami, but I think that people underestimate Waddle’s abilities. After playing his rookie season with QB uncertainty, he still put up 104 receptions for 1,015 yards and six TDs. Giving Tua another year to grow will only help former Alabama pairing to thrive in the NFL.
Along with the addition of Hill, don’t forget that backfield of Edmonds and Mostert. More weapons would typically be a red flag for me, but I think this is a brilliant way to get Waddle the proper separation he needs to potentially be an elite WR at the NFL level. Hill will be the deep threat, stretching the field, while the backfield has receiving upside, leaving Waddle the middle of the field as his playground.
Waddle finished as the WR13 in fantasy points, WR18 in TDs, and WR22 in receiving yards. Imagine how many more looks are coming his way with the field being more spaced out than it was in 2021. You could be looking at a Miami offense that has two Top 15 fantasy WRs this season.
In mocks, Waddle has fallen to round 4 or 5, so don’t be scared to snag him if he’s there. Many people still view Tyreek Hill as a top WR in the league and that’s fair, but expect Waddle to catch a lot of 10-20 yard passes on the plays that Tyreek is doubled 50 yards down the field.
Johnny B. — Tee Higgins
I wonder what it’s like to catch balls thrown from the GOAT himself, Joe Burrow. The thing I love about the wide receivers in Cincinnati is that you can’t double cover everyone! Someone on this receiving core is going to eat.
Tee Higgins is ridiculously slept on each week. Most of that is because of Ja’maar being an absolute beast. But most people don’t realize how much Higgins gels with Ja’marr, still catching for 1,091 yards last season and almost 2k in his 2 year career. I don’t see things slowing down for him at all. If anything, the sky is the limit this season for Higgins.
His ability to get open is what makes him such a threat. With the Bengals front office hearing the cry for help from the fans and players for a revamped O-line, Joe Burrow will now have extra time in the pocket, which is a scary thought and a big plus for Higgins this season. This Cincinnati team is going to put up yards and points, yet it seems like no one is really talking about them this preseason.
And with all the hype around Ja’maar, Higgins is going to be the guy to really watch out for.
Agree? Disagree? Be sure to leave a comment below or hit us up on Twitter @KingsTailgate