These 2016 Fantasy Football Wide Receivers Rankings will be updated often throughout the spring and summer, so make sure you check back from time to time. Also, be sure to check out my other 2016 Fantasy Football articles, which will include sleepers, busts, tons of 2016 Fantasy Football mock drafts and other material. Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2016 Fantasy Football Rankings - Wide Receivers (Sept. 7):
Top 10 | 11-20 | 21-40 | 41-60 | 61-100
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Keenan Allen, WR, Chargers. Bye: 11.
Keenan Allen played in only eight games this past season, as his year was cut short due to a kidney laceration. It’s a shame, as he was having a great bounce-back season with 67 catches for 725 yards and four touchdowns. He rededicated himself to being in shape, and it definitely paid off. Allen should play well in 2016, especially given that San Diego added some help to the offensive line.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 106 catches. 1,480 yards. 9 total TDs.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 205.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 311.
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Alshon Jeffery, WR, Bears. Bye: 9.
AUG. 5 UPDATE: Alshon Jeffery is dealing with a hamstring injury. This is more significant than other players with such problems, given that Jeffery missed a handful of games last year with hamstring problems. This is a situation definitely worth monitoring.
Alshon Jeffery is a stud, but couldn’t stay healthy last year. He played just nine games, yet still managed to log 54 catches for 807 yards and four touchdowns. Unfortunately for Jeffery, Adam Gase is gone, so Jay Cutler might regress.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 86 catches. 1,290 yards. 10 total TDs.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 189.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 275.
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Brandon Marshall, WR, Jets. Bye: 11.
JULY 28 UPDATE: I never downgraded Brandon Marshall or Eric Decker for the Ryan Fitzpatrick contract impasse, but I wanted to make a note here that it’s OK to draft them now because Fitzpatrick re-signed with the Jets yesterday.
I was way off on Brandon Marshall. He showed signs of lethargy in 2014, but that was apparently on Jay Cutler and Marc Trestman. Marshall had a dominant 2015 campaign, catching 109 passes for 1,502 yards and 14 touchdowns. However, given that Marshall turned 32 this offseason, he’s bound to decline soon, and the time is right to sell high on him – especially with his quarterback situation in flux.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 101 catches. 1,280 yards. 10 total TDs.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 188.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 289.
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T.Y. Hilton, WR, Colts. Bye: 10.
JUNE 21 UPDATE: T.Y. Hilton has been the best player at Colts OTAs, per Zak Keefer, Indianapolis Star. The belief is that Hilton could be in for a career year. He’s definitely someone to target in all leagues.
Andrew Luck dealt with numerous injuries in 2015, affecting T.Y. Hilton’s production. Hilton scored just five touchdowns, but still managed to tally 1,124 yards. Assuming Luck stays healthy next year, Hilton could have his best season ever. He’s another great buy-low fantasy option.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 82 catches. 1,330 yards. 9 total TDs.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 187.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 270.
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Randall Cobb, WR, Packers. Bye: 4.
Randall Cobb had one of the worst seasons of his career. Aaron Rodgers’ poor pass protection hurt, but an injury Cobb sustained early in the year was the main culprit. Cobb is a great buy-low candidate heading into 2016, as many people will be down on him.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 87 catches. 1,240 yards. 10 total TDs.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 184.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 271.
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Brandin Cooks, WR, Saints. Bye: 5.
JULY 21 UPDATE: Brandin Cooks “looks ready to explode,” according to beat writer Mike Triplett. Cooks eclipsed the 100-yard barrier in three of his final five games this past season, so it would make sense to believe that Cooks’ production will continue to increase.
JULY 13 UPDATE: Saints beat writer Nick Underhill sets Brandin Cooks floor at 1,200 receiving yards. Cooks is set to have a big year for sure, as the Saints will have to throw a ton because of their poor defense.
Brandin Cooks caught fire at the end of his sophomore campaign, catching five touchdowns in his final seven games. Cooks possesses great potential, but he also has a low floor as a result of Drew Brees’ projected decline. He’s a high-upside WR2 heading into 2016.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 92 catches. 1,300 yards. 9 total TDs.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 184.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 276.
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Sammy Watkins, WR, Bills. Bye: 10. 
AUG. 9 UPDATE: Sammy Watkins has been activated off the active/PUP list. This is huge, as Watkins becomes a higher-end WR2 who isn’t as much of a risk as he may have been considered a couple of weeks ago.
AUG. 3 UPDATE: Sammy Watkins is expected to begin practicing Monday, according to Vic Carucci, Buffalo News. There was speculation that Watkins could miss the first game or two, so this is obviously positive news. Check back for updates next week.
JULY 9 UPDATE: Sammy Watkins posted a video of himself running at full speed. This isn’t a huge deal, but it’s a positive development nonetheless. It’s still a bit risky to draft Watkins, but he seems a bit safer now.
JUNE 26 UPDATE: Sammy Watkins said he might be back for training camp. I’m noting this because Watkins said he would definitely return earlier, so he’s not as confident now. Watkins could aggravate his foot if he comes back too early, so tread carefully.
JUNE 21 UPDATE: Sammy Watkins told the media that he’ll be ready by early training camp. Previous reports were more pessimistic, as it has been speculated that Watkins would miss a couple of games. Stay tuned for further updates.
Thanks to having a better quarterback throwing him the ball, Sammy Watkins’ stats improved in his sophomore campaign despite the fact that he played just 13 games. Watkins caught 60 passes for 1,047 yards and nine touchdowns. Unfortunately, Watkins is dealing with a foot injury, so he could miss some action.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 79 catches. 1,220 yards. 9 total TDs.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 176.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 270.
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Demaryius Thomas, WR, Broncos. Bye: 11.
Demaryius Thomas had a serious issue with drops late in the year, stemming from a shoulder injury he sustained against the Raiders. Unfortunately for Thomas, he’ll have to deal with either Mark Sanchez or a raw rookie, so his numbers will surely decline.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 94 catches. 1,220 yards. 9 total TDs.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 176.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 270.
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Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Panthers. Bye: 7.
AUG. 16 UPDATE: Devin Funchess could outproduce Kelvin Benjamin this offseason, according to David Newton, ESPN. That’s what ESPN Panthers reporter David Newton believes. He cited Benjamin’s concerning conditioning and Funchess’ talent level.
AUG. 14 UPDATE: Ron Rivera criticized Kelvin Benjamin’s conditioning. It’s so bad that Rivera is hoping to get Benjamin to 30-35 reps per game by the end of the preseason. That definitely does not make Benjamin sound very appealing.
It’s amazing to think what the Panthers were able to accomplish without Kelvin Benjamin. Imagine how much better they would be with him. I guess we’ll see how their offense looks in 2016, but it’s hard to imagine Benjamin not nearing WR1 status, considering that he caught 73 passes for 1,008 yards and nine touchdowns as a mere rookie in 2015.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 78 catches. 1,120 receiving yards. 10 total TDs.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 172.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 250.
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Doug Baldwin, WR, Seahawks. Bye: 5.
Wow. Doug Baldwin was just an ordinary, mediocre WR3 at best until the second half of the year. The Seahawks changed up their offense, and Baldwin thrived as a result. Baldwin, beginning in Week 10, caught 47 passes for 724 yards and 11 touchdowns. Translate that over a 16-game slate, and Baldwin would’ve logged 94 receptions for 1,448 yards and 22 scores. I obviously wouldn’t expect the touchdown rate to hold up, but Baldwin is a viable high-end WR2 going forward at the very least.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 80 catches. 1,220 yards. 7 total TDs.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 164.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 244.
2016 Fantasy Football Rankings - Wide Receivers (Sept. 7):
Top 10 | 11-20 | 21-40 | 41-60 | 61-100
More 2016 Fantasy Football Articles:
Fantasy Football Rankings
2016 Fantasy Football Rankings:
2016 Fantasy Football Rankings: Quarterbacks - 9/7 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings - 8/30 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Rankings: Running Backs - 9/7 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Running Back Rankings - 8/30 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Rankings: Wide Receivers - 9/7 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings - 8/30 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Rankings: Tight Ends - 9/7 (Walt)
Chet Gresham's Fantasy Football Tight End Rankings - 8/30 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Rankings: Defenses - 6/15 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Rankings: Kickers - 6/15 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings - 5/13 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings: Dynasty - 5/13 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings: Dynasty - 5/27 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Drafts:
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR - 9/1 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft Video - 8/31 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Real Draft - 8/29 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Standard - 8/25 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 2-QB - 8/25 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft Video - 8/24 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR - 8/18 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft Video - 8/13 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Standard - 8/11 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: Standard - 8/4 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft Video - 8/4 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR - 8/2 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: PPR - 7/28 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft - 7/21 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football: MFL 10 Draft - 5/13 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheets:
2016 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 - 9/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 PPR - 9/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 2-QB - 9/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Top 250 Touchdown League - 9/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Custom - 9/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football: Dynasty Rankings - 9/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football PPR Rankings - 8/26 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Spreadsheets - 9/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Articles:
2016 Fantasy Football Stock Report: Training Camp - 9/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator - 9/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Sleepers - 9/4 (Walt)
2016 NFL Preseason Recap, Fantasy Football Notes - 9/2 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Preseason Stock - 9/2 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Preseason Quarterback Targets - 9/2 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Waiver-Wire Targets - 8/31 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Busts - 8/31 (Walt)
Fantasy Football Auction Advice - 8/24 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Round-by-Round Strategy Guide - 8/18 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Daily Fantasy Preseason Week 2 Streaming Options - 8/18 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Draft Queue: Wide Receivers and Tight Ends - 8/17 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Draft Queue: Quarterbacks and Running Backs - 8/16 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Training Camp Notes - 8/10 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Wide Receivers to Avoid - 8/6 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Running Backs to Avoid - 8/5 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football Notes - 7/26 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Late-Round Wide Receiver Targets - 7/21 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Late-Round Running Back Targets - 7/19 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football ADP Values - 7/14 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: C.J. Anderson Profile - 7/7 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Favorite MFL Players - 6/29 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: 2016 NFL Draft Fallout: Chip Kelly - 6/23 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Marvin Jones Profile - 6/22 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Devin Funchess Profile - 6/15 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football 2-QB Draft - 6/9 (Chet)
Fantasy Football Beginner's Guide - 6/7 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football: Running Back Drafting and ADP - 6/3 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Quarterback Drafting and ADP - 6/1 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Eli Manning Profile - 5/25 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Jordan Matthews Profile - 5/24 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Rookie Dynasty Draft Wrap-up - 5/18 (Walt)
2016 Fantasy Football: 2016 NFL Draft Fallout - 5/11 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: MFL 10 Quarterback Values - 4/30 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: MFL 10 Wide Receiver Values - 4/28 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Tight End Strength of Schedule - 4/25 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Wide Receiver Strength of Schedule - 4/21 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Running Back Strength of Schedule - 4/20 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Quarterback Strength of Schedule - 4/19 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: MFL 10 - 2/19 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Sleepers: Philip Rivers - 2/16 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football: Quarterback ADP vs. Reality - 2/12 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Fallout: Marshawn Lynch Retires - 2/11 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Fallout: Calvin Johnson Retires - 2/9 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Forecast: Dynasty - 1/21 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Forecast: Tight Ends - 1/19 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Forecast: Wide Receivers - 1/14 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Forecast: Running Backs - 1/13 (Chet)
2016 Fantasy Football Forecast: Quarterbacks - 1/12 (Chet)
NFL Picks - Dec. 11
2025 NFL Mock Draft - Dec. 11
NFL Power Rankings - Dec. 9
2026 NFL Mock Draft - Nov. 29
Fantasy Football Rankings - Sept. 4
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Injured/injury risk
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Potential bust
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Potential sleeper
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Rank higher in touchdown leagues
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Rank higher in PPR (points per reception) leagues
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