Top 50-ish Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Notes

Bye Weeks in Parenthesis ()

The stat lines for receivers are listed: receptions/receiving yards/touchdowns

Antonio Brown (9) PIT

Notes: Over the last four seasons, Brown has averaged 120 receptions, 1,579 yards, and 10.8 TD. He was twice the #1 fantasy WR and has finished no lower than seventh in that span. He is a stud and is showing no signs of slowing down. There is a risk here: Roethlisberger will most likely not play 16 games, so Brown’s upside will take a hit the weeks that Big Ben is not on the field.

Julio Jones (5) ATL

Notes: When he is healthy, he will produce. Jones was 83/1,409/6 in fourteen games last season. QB Matt Ryan has shown that he will lock on to Jones and the two have excellent chemistry. I am expecting a slight regression in the offense with Shanahan leaving, but I don’t think Julio’s numbers will get effected. New OC Sarkisian expressed his desire to get Jones more involved in the red zone, but that remains to be seen. Julio Jones is a stud in the prime of his career.

Odell Beckham Jr (8) NYG

Notes: The Giants have one of the most talented receiving corps in the league, and OBJ will be the center piece of the passing game. Big questions are surrounding Eli, but OBJ will still be highly productive. With Brandon Marshall and Sterling Shepard to contend with, defenses will have to keep single coverage on Beckham more often than not. If Beckham can keep his childish fits under control, he should be a top receiver this season. Let’s hope Beckham’s crazy and Marshall’s crazy don’t clash too hard.

Mike Evans (11) TB

Notes: Evans was a target monster last year with 173 targets that resulted in a 96/1,321/12 stat line. I expect his targets will diminish with the arrival of Djax and the possible emergence of O.J. Howard, but QB Jameis Winston will continue to look for Evans as the clear #1 option in the passing game. The added weapons, especially Jackson, should also help Evans avoid double coverage.

A.J. Green (6) CIN

Notes: The Bengals lost most of the talent on their offensive line this off-season, and the team did little in free agency or the draft to replace the guys that were lost. If the line is as bad as it looks, there will be a lot of quick passes to help keep the pressure off QB Andy Dalton. Dalton does not work well under pressure, or when plays break down, so there is some concern here. I think Green will see a lot of work in a quick passing game. Even if the Bengals offense experiences some regression, Green will still be productive.

Jordy Nelson (8) GB

Notes: Nelson is Aaron Rodger’s top target, so you should consider him as a top receiver on that merit alone. I don’t think his touchdown production last year (14) was a total fluke. 14 TDs may be high, but I think 12 is still realistic. With serious deficiencies in the running game, the Packers offense will have to move the ball through the air. Nelson is athletic but tends to be a little lazy and take plays off. The chemistry with his quarterback is second to none, and he is the go-to receiver in Green Bay.

T.Y. Hilton (11) IND

Notes: The Colts seem to have fixed some of their offensive line woes, and I am expecting Andrew Luck to get back to form. Hilton is a stud and led the league with 1,448 yards last season. Injuries to Dante Moncrief probably inflated Hilton’s numbers, but Hilton is the still the #1 going into 2017. If you believe in Andrew Luck’s resurgence, then you want to stock in Hilton. He won’t score a lot of touchdowns, but he will see a lot of volume. Moreover, PPR leagues value him especially.

Update 8/18: Luck’s questionable status to start the season and a key injury at center have caused me to drop Hilton.

Michael Thomas (5) NO

Notes: Thomas had a breakout rookie campaign in 2016 with a 92/1,137/9 stat line. With Brandon Cooks traded to New England, Thomas will have a little competition to be the #1. Brees is one of the all-time best, and though he will spread the ball around, Thomas is the most talented receiver the Saints have; he will get targeted a lot.

Dez Bryant (6) DAL

Notes: Talent has never been an issue for Bryant, he has top-5 talent, and he showed increasingly good report with Dak Prescott as the 2016 season progressed. He is the top target on in a good offense but hasn’t been able to stay healthy the last two seasons. The offensive line shuffling could result in some regression for the Cowboys, but Dez, when healthy, will always be a big part of the game plan. There are some mental and work ethic issues with Bryant, as well as a lingering foot problem.

And for the record: he didn’t catch it.

Doug Baldwin (6) SEA

Notes: Baldwin never seems to get the respect he deserves, but his numbers cannot be denied. Last year he logged 94/1,128 yards/7 touchdowns as QB Russell Wilson’s favorite target. Wilson was limited by lower leg injuries last season, and I expect Baldwin’s numbers could improve in 2017. Seattle’s offensive line could land Wilson in the hospital, and inconsistency can be expected from Baldwin. Baldwin had seven games with 5 or less catches last year but has the potential and ability to lead the league in any given week.

Amari Cooper (10) OAK

Notes: Cooper has done very well his first two seasons in the league, topping 1,000 yards both years. Year three is traditionally the year that receivers reach their potential, and Cooper is playing in an excellent offense with a terrific quarterback. The Raiders are a young team on the rise, and I believe this is the year Cooper establishes himself as the clear number one target for Derek Carr. Crabtree will be involved, but Cooper will be the guy.

Demaryius Thomas (5) DEN

Notes: Thomas has had at least 90 receptions and 1,000 yards in each of his last five season. His status as an elite receiver is gone, but he has shown to be a consistent producer and he is poised for another season as a solid WR2. The quarterback situation in sketchy in Denver, but whoever starts at QB, Thomas will be the #1 target in the passing offense.

Golden Tate (7) DET

Notes: Tate found himself in the doghouse for a couple of games last year, but it looks like Tate and OC Jim Bob Cooter have made up, and I expect Tate to be the #1 option in the passing game moving forward. He’s not a typical #1, and don’t expect much touchdown production, but Tate will get a lot of looks and will be the favorite target for QB Matt Stafford. He’s had 90+ receptions every season for the last three years. He has a high floor, especially in PPR leagues.

Tyreek Hill (10) KC

Notes: Hill had an incredible rookie year, scoring 12 touchdowns as a runner, receiver, and returner. Most of that production came in the second half of the season as Hill gained the trust of coach Andy Reid. Jeremy Maclin is gone, and it looks like Hill will have a more prominent role in the offense. Hill only played on 42% of snaps last season, but the team has expressed its’ desire to increase his usage. He is not a refined receiver, but his athleticism can create separation, and he is a threat to score every time he gets the ball in space.

DeAndre Hopkins (7) HOU

Notes: Hopkins was targeted 151 times last season, 7th most in the league. Houston’s quarterback situation is a little murky, but anyone will be an improvement over Brock Osweiler. Hopkins has never missed a game in his 4-year career and will be the focal point of the passing game. He has a high floor with upside.

Alshon Jeffery (10) PHI

Notes: Jeffery’s career has been plagued by injuries. He has missed 12 games in the last two seasons. Jeffery expected to see a big payday in free agency, but instead signed a “prove it” deal with the Eagles. He’s in a good spot and could be a real difference maker for Philly, but he’ll have to stay healthy. He’s very risky, but he has WR1 talent.

Brandin Cooks (9) NE

Notes: He is going to have monster games, and he will disappear in others. The Pats spent a first-round to get Cooks, but the Pats have a lot of talented weapons to deploy, so don’t expect Cooks to be “the guy.” Cooks will have a role, and he will scorch defenders in single coverage, but Brady doesn’t have the arm to hit Cooks deep a la Brees. Cooks has big upside with a shaky floor.

Allen Robinson (8) JAX

Notes: The Jags’ offense was bad all around last year. The addition of Fornette should help the offense move the ball and produce sustained drives. Robinson had a monster 80/1,400/14 stat line in 2015 but regressed to 73/883/6 last season. Bortles is mostly to blame, so a lot of Robinson’s value is hinged on if Bortles can improve in 2017.

Sammy Watkins (6) BUF

Notes: A monster talent with a long injury history. Watkins has missed 11 games in three years and played several games at less than 100%. The Bills were 2nd to last in passing offense last season, and the offense will continue to run through LeSean McCoy. The Bills lost starting WRs Robert Woods and Marquise Goodwin in free agency and used a 2nd round draft pick on WR Zay Jones. Watkins had surgery in January and is expected to be ready for training camp. Watkins offers high risk, but high upside.

UPDATE 8/11: Watkins is now a Ram. This is not good for his fantasy value. His rapport with Taylor was the majority of his value and now he has Goff. I would take a very cautious approach with Watkins.

Terrelle Pryor (5) WAS

Notes: Last season Pryor proved he could be a quality receiver in the NFL. He posted 77/1,007/4 on 140 targets for Cleveland. This season Pryor is in a much better offense, but there is almost no chance he sees 140 targets in Washington. I do, however, think the quality of targets will be much improved. Cousins is an accurate passer, and Pryor is a big target with an excellent catch radius that can win contested balls. Pryor is very fast and I expect him to fit well into DeSean Jackson’s former role. Pryor’s usage could dramatically increase if there is an injury to Reed or Crowder.

Tyrell Williams (9) LAC

Notes: I’m a big believer in Rivers this year, and I think Tyrell Williams will be Rivers’ #1 target by the end of the season. Keenan Allen is back, but for how long? Rookie Mike Williams hurt himself in the very first rookie practice and may have a slow start to the season. Williams is tall, quick, and most importantly, has Rivers’ trust. Williams was 69/1,149/8 last season, and I think he will eclipse that production in 2017.

Julian Edelman (9) NE

Notes: When the Pats brought in Cooks, it looked like he was going to replace Edelman, but then the Pats gave Edelman a contract extension. New England now seems to have a very potent passing attack. Edelman has excellent chemistry with Brady, and I think the Cooks signing will help Edelman more than hurt him. Cooks demands double coverage, and that will open up underneath routes for Edelman. Brady spreads the ball around, and there is always week-to-week inconsistency with considering Patriots’ players not named Tom Brady.

Update 8/25: Edelman is out for the season

Michael Crabtree (10) OAK

Notes: I expect this is the year Amari Cooper makes a push to separate himself as the number one in Oakland, but Crabtree will still have a productive role in an excellent offense. Crabtree has had consistent numbers in his two years in Oakland. In 2015, he was 85/922/9 on 146 targets, and last year was 89/1,003/8 on 145 targets. Carr trusts Crabtree, and while Cooper may be the future, Crabtree is still very much involved in the present. I’m projecting only a slight downtick in Crabtree’s numbers this season.

John Brown (8) ARI

Notes: I like Brown a lot, but there is some risk here. Brown had an injury-plagued 2016 as the Cardinals team struggled as a whole. Brown’s biggest health issue, complications from the sickle-cell trait, are reported to be under control, but the condition has the potential to flare up again. Brown is a very quick speedster with great hands and is dangerous after the catch. He is an important part of coach Bruce Arians’ scheme. Brown concentrated on conditioning this offseason and gained 12lbs. Early indications are that he’s ready to return to form.

UPDATE 8/16: It looks like Brown’s sickle-cell problems have not significantly improved. This is not good for Brown or the Cards as a whole. Brown has dropped significantly in my rankings.

Stephon Diggs (9) MIN

Notes: Diggs was 84/903/3 on 111 targets in 13 games last season. When he is healthy, he can be a PPR stud, but there are consistency issues. His best week last season was against division rival Packers when he posted 9/182/1. One of his worse weeks was also against Packers when he posted 4/29/1. He could get you 150+ yards; he could get you less than 20. He has the potential to catch a lot of balls, but don’t expect many touchdowns. Having played with Bradford for a full year should help his consistency.

Davante Adams (8) GB

Notes: Adams had a productive 2016 and posted 75/997/12 on 75 targets. Randel Cobb’s injury issues were probably the biggest factor in Adams’ uptick in usage. Adams now has a rapport with Rodgers, and I expect Adams to be the #2 behind Jordy Nelson still. Cobb’s return will eat into Adams usage, but Green Bay will throw a lot this year, and Adams will still be a big part of the game plan in 2017.

Emmanuel Sanders (5) DEN

Notes: Sanders has no less than 76 receptions and 1,032 yards in each of his three seasons in Denver. Even with poor quarterback play, Sanders can be productive. Mike McCoy has been brought in to run the offense, and Sanders has described it as “wide receiver heaven”. Sanders is not consistent, but he can have a high ceiling in a favorable matchup.

Keenan Allen (9) LAC

Notes: Allen has played in nine games the last two seasons, so there is a lot of risks here. Allen and Rivers have an excellent rapport, and Allen has WR1 potential in PPR formats. The emergence of Henry and Williams suggests Rivers won’t lock on to Allen as he has in the past, but Allen could still be a WR1 in any given week. Allen had surgery to repair his ACL in September 2016, so Allen may start the season on a limited snap count.

Jarvis Landry (11) MIA

Notes: Landry has averaged 96 receptions over his first three seasons, and has reached 1,000 yards in each of his last two seasons. There has been a lot of hype about DeVante Parker, but Landry is the #1. He has only scored 13 touchdowns over the last three seasons, and the addition of Julius Thomas leads me to believe that Landry’s touchdown numbers don’t have much chance to improve. If the offensive line can stay healthy, this entire offense could be much improved. I think the offense will run through Ajayi, and there are too many mouths to feed in the passing game to get too excited about any of Tannehill’s weapons.

UPDATE 8/4: Tannehill is out for the season. I don’t think Landry’s workload will diminish, but his efficiency will. The rankings have been updated to reflect this.

UPDATE 8/7: It’s been revealed that Landry is under investigation for battery. No timetable has been given for a resolution, but if Landry misses time it could be a boost to Parker’s value.

Pierre Garçon (11) SF

Notes: Garçon had a whopping 184 targets in 2013, the last year Kyle Shanahan was the OC in Washington. Those targets resulted in a 113/1,346/5 stat line with career highs in receptions and yardage for Garçon. Shanahan’s system favors the X receiver, and Garçon will be force-fed a lot this season. At 31-years old, Garçon has slowed down a bit physically, but his veteran savvy will serve him well in 2017.

Willie Snead (5) NO

Notes: Brandon Cooks is gone and Willie Snead may be the biggest beneficiary. Snead is efficient and does a lot of things well as a receiver. He will be the #2 option for Drew Brees, and I expect his talent and opportunity will translate to solid weekly fantasy production.

Larry Fitzgerald (8) ARI

Notes: He’s a future HOFer and still has enough in the tank to contribute this year. If QB Carson Palmer can stay healthy, Fitz will continue to be a PPR machine. He’s aging, but the team has adjusted how they use him. If John Brown has his sickle cell related issues figured out, it should help open up things underneath for Fitzgerald.

Jamison Crowder (5) WAS

Notes: A lot has changed in the Redskins’ receiver corps this offseason, and Crowder remains as the only proven wide receiver for Kirk Cousins. Crowder has great hands and after the catch ability. Entering his third year, Crowder is poised for a big season. The offense runs through Jordan Reed, but Crowder led the team in red zone targets last season.

Jeremy Maclin (10) BAL

Notes: Maclin had an injury-laden 2016, and was somewhat of a surprise cut this offseason. Maclin now finds himself in a perfect spot as he will now most likely be Flacco’s number one target. The Raven’s passing game lost its two most vital pieces this offseason in Dennis Pitta and Steve Smith. In my opinion, Maclin begins the season as the best receiver on the Ravens. Flacco was second in the league last season in pass attempts so that Maclin could be in for a big workload in 2017.

Donte Moncrief (11) IND

Notes: The 4th year receiver has a lot of potential and one of the best quarterbacks in the game, but just can’t seem to stay healthy. Moncrief played nine games last season and finished with 30/307/7 on 56 targets. Seven touchdowns in nine games are certainly worth noting, but Moncrief’s numbers have been very pedestrian so far in his career. I want to be more excited about him, but I’m going to have to see real production before I do. Potential doesn’t always translate into fantasy points.

Marvin Jones (7) DET

Notes: Jones was a top fantasy receiver for the first couple of weeks last season, and then completely fell off the map. Injuries were his biggest issues, and he seems to be healed and ready for 2017. Jones is still big, fast and capable of making circus catches. The Lions are built to throw the ball, and Jones is poised for a rebound season. Jones could be an excellent late round pick.

Brandon Marshall (11) NYG

Notes: Brandon Marshall is just one season removed from 109/1,504/14 with the Jets with Ryan Fitzpatrick as the quarterback. Marshall is still in New York but is now playing with Eli and the Giants. The Giants are a much better team, though Marshall will not see the usage he did in with the Jets. Marshall now joins Odell Beckham Jr. and Sterling Shepard in what is arguably the best receiving trio in the league. My only concern here is Eli, as he did not look good last season. It remains to be seen how Marshall fits in what the Giants are going to do this season, but I estimate that Marshall will get enough high-value targets in the red zone to flirt with WR2 numbers some weeks. OBJ will be the number one, but Marshall could be a very nice compliment to a potentially potent passing game. The Giants success hinges squarely on Eli Manning this season.

DeSean Jackson (11) TB

Notes: Jackson is an excellent fit for the Bucs. Winston has a big arm, and Mike Evans needed a compliment that can take the top of a defense and open things up. For fantasy purposes, Djax is a difficult guy to own. He will miss a game or two with injury, and probably be slowed another game or two as well. He will win you your week if you play him in the 3-4 weeks he goes bananas; he will disappoint you the 3-4 weeks he disappears. For the frustration factor alone, I will not own Jackson. Is this the year Djax bucks that trend with a new team and new quarterback? Draft him at your own risk.

Martavis Bryant (9) PIT

Notes: At 6’4” 211lbs, Bryant is a supreme physical talent with unfortunate off the field issues. He’s only 25-years old and is coming off a year-long suspension. There is a lot of risk here- think Josh Gordon. Bryant is lightning fast, running a sub 4.4 forty yard, and excels in contested ball situations. He is the best red zone target on a high-powered offense so there is a lot of fantasy potential here. Bryant is on thin ice with the league, but if you can handle the risk, Bryant could pay off in a big way for your fantasy team.

UPDATE 8/14: Bryant has been officially reinstated.

Kelvin Benjamin (11) CAR

Notes: The Panthers picked up Benjamin’s fifth-year option for 2018, but he showed up to OTAs overweight and has been working with trainers to try to get back into shape. Benjamin had a breakout rookie season in 2014 with 73/1,008/9 on 146 targets. He missed 2015 with injury, and last year he was slightly less productive but more efficient with 63/941/7. The Panthers used this year’s draft to revamp their offense and add shifty speedsters, McCaffrey and Samuels. They will eat into Benjamin’s targets, but could also give him better opportunities down field.

Kenny Britt (9) CLE

Notes: Fantasy owners have long since waited for the 6’3” 223lb Britt to pop, and last year we saw some promise in his 68/1,002/6 stat line. This offseason Britt signed a four-year, $32.5 million-dollar contract with the Browns, and that was that. Britt is in a new system, with a shaky quarterback situation, and I’m having trouble getting excited about him. He could emerge as a garbage time darling a la Terrelle Pryor, but Britt is not at all the player Pryor is, and I expect he will quietly fade away.

Randall Cobb (8) GB

Notes: Cobb’s effectiveness on the field is hinged on his athleticism and ability to create separation in the middle of the field. Injuries have limited him, and he will need to be fully healthy in 2017 if he wants to regain his role in the offense. The team has expressed that they want him to be more involved this year, but it will depend on Cobb. We will be monitoring his training camp and preseason snaps to see if Cobb will be in a position to increase his share of Rodgers’ attention.

Robert Woods (8) LAR

Notes: Woods is a capable receiver with good route running ability and better than average speed and quickness; however, he was not heavily utilized in Buffalo. The Bills don’t throw a lot, and Woods was the clear #2 to Sammy Watkins. He has played 16 games only once in his four-year career, so there is some injury concern. Woods signed a sizeable 5-year, $34 million-dollar contract with $15 million guaranteed. He will most likely lead the team in targets this season, and if he can stay healthy, could be a solid WR3 with a stable floor.

UPDATE 8/11: Poor Woods.. He gets out of Watkins’ shadow in Buffalo, only to get right back under it in LA. He’s been dropped from my rankings.

Cameron Meredith (9) CHI

Notes: The good news is Meredith could lead his team in receiving this season. The bad news is he plays for the Bears. Meredith is a converted quarterback that took a big step last season, finishing for 66/888/4 on 96 targets. Entering his third season, Meredith could continue to progress and become a viable fantasy receiver if he can work his way into a more consistent role. He had three games with just one reception, and six games with three or less receptions last season. The quarterback play for the Bears may be an issue, and if Kevin White is healthy, Meredith may have limited opportunities.

Update 8/29: Meredith is out for the season.

DeVante Parker (11) MIA

Notes: The Miami hype train just won’t shut up about this guy. The 2015 first-round pick has combined for 82/1,238/7 on 141 targets in his two-year career. Those are not at all bad numbers, but if you listen to the Dolphins, this guy is supposed to be the next Julio Jones. Parker, at 6’3” 212lbs, has a lot of raw talent and is heading into his third year, but I just don’t see a fantasy explosion on the horizon. There are a lot good receiving weapons in Miami, and I don’t see him getting the opportunity to be a fantasy stud. He has value, but don’t believe the hype.

UPDATE 8/4: Tannehill is out for the season and this will limit Parker’s upside.

UPDATE 8/7: Jarvis Landry is under investigation for battery. If Landry misses time, Parker could be the primary beneficiary.

Ted Ginn Jr. (5) NO

Notes: What Ginn lacks in talent and receiving ability, he makes up for in speed. The former Panther signed with NFC South rival Saints, and will be slotted as the field stretching receiver for Drew Brees. Brees makes everyone around him better, and I expect Ginn’s fantasy value to be what it has always been- unstable floor, high ceiling. Ginn’s speed and veteran savvy will make him a dangerous weapon when paired with Brees, but I’m still suspicious of his hands.

Mike Wallace (10) BAL

Notes: Mike Wallace is not a hot name in most fantasy circles, but you should respect what he offers. He has missed one game in nine seasons, plays in a high-volume passing offense, and posted 72/1,017/4 last season. He will most likely be the #2 option behind Maclin, but the departed Steve Smith, and Dennis Pitta leave behind 222 targets from 2016. Wallace is not a sexy fantasy name, but he is a serviceable backup that deserves roster consideration.

Corey Colman (9) CLE

Notes: Colman was a first round pick last year, but has his rookie season derailed by a broken hand that cost him several weeks. The Brown’s passing attack was dismal last season, and most of the targets went to Terrelle Pryor. Pryor is gone, and the team signed veteran Kenny Britt. The quarterback situation is still shaky, but the Browns offense should improve this season and Colman is expected to be the future at the receiving position in Cleveland.

Richard Matthews (8) TEN

Notes: Matthews had a solid 2016 season with 65/945/9 on 108 targets. He showed great chemistry with Mariota and the two were very productive. The Titans drafted Corey Davis in the first round of the 2017 draft and added Eric Decker in free agency. The receiving corps suddenly has a lot of talent and Matthew’s value is diminished, but he has the best rapport with Mariota and will not quickly fade.

Cole Beasley (6) DAL

Notes: Beasley isn’t a fantasy stud, but he is very important to the Cowboys’ offense and should have a stable floor this season. He’s a poor man’s Wes Welker and should continue to be a chain mover for Dak. Beasley knows how to get open, has great hands, and sees red zone targets. He was 75/833/5 on 98 targets last season- all career highs.

Eric Decker (8) TEN

Notes: Decker missed most of the last season with shoulder and hip injuries, was released by the Jets and is now a Titan. Decker has been a consistent fantasy player for the past several years, but he may not get the volume in Tennessee’s run-first offense. Decker could find himself as a top target in the red zone, where Mariota has shown high efficiency, and still be a viable fantasy option in spite of low volume.

Taylor Gabriel (5) ATL

Notes: Gabriel joined the Falcons after the Browns cut him just after training camp last year. It took him a few weeks to adjust, but Gabriel eventually became a key part of a potent Atlanta offense. Gabriel is very fast and has big play ability. He averaged just over five targets a game over the second half of the season, but he scored five touchdowns in his final six games of the regular season. It remains to be seen how much he is used post-Shanahan, but his big play prowess gives him big upside any given week.

Adam Thielen (9) MIN

Notes: Thielen had a solid third year with a 69/967/5 stat line. Consistency is a big issue here, as with any Vikings’ receiver. Thielen had four 7+ reception games and eleven games with four or less receptions. I expect more passing from Bradford this season, but I also expect Laquan Tredwell to step up and absorb Cordarrelle Patterson’s vacated targets and possibly more.

Jordan Matthews (10) PHI

Notes: Matthew’s stint as an outside receiver is over and he will return to his more natural slot position. The additions of Alshon Jeffery and Tory Smith will certainly limit his opportunities, but he should be more efficient. An injury to either outside receiver could create more opportunity, but as it stands now, Matthews is probably third or fourth in the pecking order for targets behind Jeffery, Ertz, and Sproles. He is also dealing with a knee issue; therefore, we will be monitoring his health.

UPDATE 8/11: Matthews is now the #1 in Buffalo. I don’t think this was a good move for the Bills, but it does help Matthew’s fantasy value. He should get a lot more volume, but I don’t think he is well-suited to be a true #1. Time will tell and he could make a nice late-round flyer.

Kevin White (9) CHI

Notes: White was the seventh overall pick of the 2015 NFL draft and has played in only four games. He has had a series of injuries, and the Bears hope he is finally ready to go in 2017. He is expected to fill Alshon Jeffrey’s role and has tremendous athleticism. He has not had the opportunity to refine his route tree, so he may be limited in how the offense deploys him. He has the natural ability to be very good, but I need to see him play before I rank him higher. He is a late round flyer at best.

Josh Doctson (5) WASH

Notes: Washington envisioned Doctson as the receiver of the future when they drafted him in the first round of the 2016 draft. Achilles injuries ended his rookie season very early, so Doctson will have some catching up to do. There are plenty of weapons in Washington, so I don’t see a lot of opportunity for him this season, but Pryor is on a one year deal, and I expect the team to groom him to be the #1 in 2018. Doctson is fast and aggressive at the point of contact, but expect him to ease into playing time this season.