2017 Fantasy Football Rankings: Wide Receivers


These 2017 Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings will be updated often throughout the summer, so make sure you check back from time to time.

Also, be sure to check out my other 2017 Fantasy Football articles, which will include sleepers, busts, tons of 2017 Fantasy Football mock drafts and other material.

Follow me @walterfootball for updates.




2017 Fantasy Football Rankings - Wide Receivers (Sept. 6):
Top 10 | 11-20 | 21-40 | 41-60 | 61-100


  1. Antonio Brown, WR, Steelers. Bye: 9.
    Antonio Brown’s stat line in 2015 was ridiculous. He caught 136 passes for 1,834 yards and 10 touchdowns that year. He was bound to regress a bit, and that’s what happened, as his figures dropped to 106-1,284-12. Still, that was still terrific, especially considering that Ben Roethlisberger missed some action.

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 125 catches. 1,630 yards. 13 total TDs.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 256.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 381.

  2. Odell Beckham, WR, Giants. Bye: 8.
    Odell Beckham Jr. has registered at least 1,300 yards in each of his three seasons. His touchdown total dropped amid Eli Manning’s struggles, but 10 scores (rather than 13), is still a solid figure. Beckham is an obvious first-round lock in fantasy drafts this summer.

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 104 catches. 1,510 yards. 13 total TD.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 244.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 348.



  3. Mike Evans, WR, Buccaneers. Bye: 11.
    AUG. 12 UPDATE: Antonio Brown and Odell Beckham Jr. are the favorites to lead the NFL in receiving yardage, but Mike Evans should be in the mix as well. Evans caught four passes for 58 yards in a quarter of action during the preseason opener. The Jameis Winston-to-Evans connection looked better than ever, and Evans would’ve scored had two defenders not committed uncalled pass interference penalties.

    Mike Evans registered 1,206 yards in 2015, but he was a huge disappointment. He caught only three touchdowns and dropped countless passes. He rebounded big time last year, increasing his yardage to 1,321 and catching 12 touchdowns. If Evans is mentally focused, he’ll continue to be one of the top fantasy receivers. With DeSean Jackson and O.J. Howard on the roster, defenses won’t be able to pay nearly as much attention to him, and his scoring chances should increase.

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 96 catches. 1,410 yards. 14 total TDs.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 240.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 336.

  4. Julio Jones, WR, Falcons. Bye: 5.
    Julio Jones had yet another monster year, catching 83 passes for 1,409 yards despite missing two games. Jones is a no-brainer WR1, but the one negative aspect to point out is that he has registered double-digit touchdowns only once in his career. For some reason, the Falcons just don’t look in his direction in the red zone. That’s what always used to happen to Andre Johnson, but Matt Ryan is obviously light years better than Matt Schaub was, so I don’t know why that’s happening.

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 109 catches. 1,570 yards. 9 total TDs.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 231.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 340.

  5. Jordy Nelson, WR, Packers. Bye: 8.
    Jordy Nelson had a ridiculous 2016 campaign. He caught 97 passes for 1,257 yards and 14 touchdowns. And yet, he wasn’t even healthy for half the year! Nelson was on a tear down the stretch, so it’s safe to assume that he’ll be one of the top fantasy receivers of 2017. There is a concern, however, about his age, as he’s now 32.

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 96 catches. 1,350 yards. 13 total TDs.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 228.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 324.



  6. A.J. Green, WR, Bengals. Bye: 6.
    A.J. Green missed the final six games of the regular season with a hamstring injury, which is a shame because he was having such a great year. Green tallied 964 yards in just 10 contests, so he could’ve approached 1,500 yards in a full year, which would’ve been a career season for him. Prior to that, Green missed just four games in his career, so expect him to be one of the top fantasy receivers once again in 2017.

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 91 catches. 1,470 yards. 10 total TDs.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 222.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 313.

  7. Michael Thomas, WR, Saints. Bye: 5.
    AUG. 27 UPDATE: Michael Thomas caught all four of his targets from Drew Brees in the third preseason game for 27 yards. Thomas displayed some sick route-running in this game. On one play, he stopped on a dime, causing the cornerback to fall backward. Thomas was able to snatch a pass as a result. Thomas is going to have a huge season.

    Michael Thomas became a sleeper on this site in the wake of a brilliant preseason, and yet I completely underestimated his projected stats (61-860-5), as Thomas caught 92 balls for 1,137 yards and nine touchdowns. If it weren’t for the two Dallas players, Thomas would’ve drawn Offensive Rookie of the Year consideration. Thomas is unproven, but there’s no reason to think his production will drop, especially with Brandin Cooks gone.

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 97 catches. 1,320 yards. 11 total TDs.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 218.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 315.

  8. Dez Bryant, WR, Cowboys. Bye: 6.
    AUG. 20 UPDATE: With Dak Prescott looking great, Dez Bryant’s fantasy stock is also up. Bryant didn’t see much action against the Colts, but he caught two passes for 55 yards in less than a quarter of action. Bryant broke a tackle following a short slant, gaining 23 yards. He also made a great adjustment on a back-shoulder throw against Vontae Davis, then ran into the end zone for a 32-yard score.

    Dez Bryant was considered a shaky option heading into the 2016 season because the Cowboys weren’t expected to throw very much with Dak Prescott quarterbacking the team. Prescott has proven himself, however, and so Bryant’s stats will certainly increase this upcoming year. Bryant will surely eclipse the 1,000-yard mark again.

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 83 catches. 1,270 yards. 12 total TDs.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 214.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 297.



  9. Amari Cooper, WR, Raiders. Bye: 10.
    AUG. 27 UPDATE: Amari Cooper is in much better shape this season, and it’s paying off. Cooper saw a team-high six targets in the third preseason game, catching four of them for 78 yards and a touchdown in less than a half of action. Cooper’s numbers could’ve been even better had Derek Carr not been off the mark to begin the evening.

    AUG. 20 UPDATE: Thirty-one of Derek Carr’s 100 yards against the Rams came from one Amari Cooper catch. It was a great reception, where Cooper made a ridiculous leaping catch over three defenders. The Raider announcers mentioned that Cooper is in terrific shape, and it shows. In less than a half of action, Cooper caught three balls for 46 yards.

    Amari Cooper didn’t have the big jump that was expected from him after his terrific rookie campaign. He caught 83 passes for 1,153 yards, but scored just five times. Cooper is extremely talented, and he could really go off in 2017. I think he’s a nice buy-low candidate.

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 88 catches. 1,310 yards. 9 total TDs.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 200.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 288.

  10. Keenan Allen, WR, Chargers. Bye: 9.
    AUG. 27 UPDATE: It was nice to see Keenan Allen play extensive action. Allen caught five passes for 45 yards on a handful of drives in the third preseason game. I was worried every time Allen had the ball, as I was concerned he’d get hurt, but Allen popped back up every time after displaying his talent. Allen can post WR1 numbers if he remains healthy.

    JULY 24 UPDATE: Keenan Allen has looked quick and explosive this offseason. Allen hasn’t been durable at all, but it’s nice to know that he has recovered from his latest injury. Allen is a low-end WR1 who would be higher in my Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings if I had more faith in him staying healthy.

    Keenan Allen was having a great game in the season opener. He caught six passes for 63 yards in the first half, but tore his ACL. Allen has played just nine contests in the past two years, so he’s an obvious health risk. He definitely does offer a high reward, however.

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 97 catches. 1,350 yards. 8 total TDs.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 198.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 295.


2017 Fantasy Football Rankings - Wide Receivers (Sept. 6):
Top 10 | 11-20 | 21-40 | 41-60 | 61-100







More 2017 Fantasy Football Articles:
Fantasy Football Rankings

2017 Fantasy Football Rankings:
2017 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks - 9/6 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings - 8/28 (Chet)
2017 Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs - 9/6 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings - 8/28 (Chet)
2017 Fantasy Football Rankings: Wide Receivers - 9/6 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings - 8/28 (Chet)
2017 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends - 9/6 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Tight End Rankings - 8/28 (Chet)
2017 Fantasy Football Rankings: Kickers - 8/18 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Rankings: Defenses - 8/18 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings - 5/12 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings: Dynasty - 5/12 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings: Dynasty - 5/12 (Chet)



2017 Fantasy Football Mock Drafts:
2017 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR - 9/1 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Standard - 8/31 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 2-QB, PPR - 8/25 (Chet)
2017 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR - 8/24 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR - 8/17 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Standard - 8/10 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR - 8/3 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Standard - 7/27 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR - 7/26 (Chet)
2017 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR - 7/20 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR - 7/14 (Chet)
2017 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Standard - 7/13 (Walt)



2017 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheets:
2017 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 - 9/6 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 PPR - 9/6 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 2-QB - 9/6 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 Touchdown League - 9/6 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Custom - 9/6 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football: Dynasty Rankings - 9/6 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football PPR Rankings - 8/16 (Chet)
2017 Fantasy Football Spreadsheets - 9/6 (Walt)

2017 Fantasy Football Articles:
2017 Fantasy Football Stock Report: OTAs, Training Camp - 9/6 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Sleepers - 9/2 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Busts - 9/2 (Walt)
2017 NFL Preseason Game Recaps - 9/1 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football Stock Report: Preseason - 9/1 (Walt)
2017 Fantasy Football: Running Backs with the Most Carries - 1/31 (Walt)






NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22


2024 NFL Mock Draft - Feb. 21


Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19


NFL Picks - Feb. 12


Injured/injury risk
Potential bust
Potential sleeper
Rank higher in touchdown leagues
Rank lower in touchdown leagues
Rank higher in PPR (points per reception) leagues
Rank lower in PPR leagues