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These 2016 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 2016 Fantasy Football articles, which will include sleepers, busts, tons of 2016 Fantasy Football mock drafts and other material. Follow me @walterfootball for updates. |
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2016 Fantasy Football Rankings - Wide Receivers (Sept. 7):
Top 10 | 11-20 | 21-40 | 41-60 | 61-100
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Antonio Brown, WR, Steelers. Bye: 8.
Antonio Brown’s stat line in 2015 was ridiculous. He caught 136 passes for 1,834 yards and 10 touchdowns this past season. What’s truly remarkable is that Brown’s numbers were horrible for a handful of games when Ben Roethlisberger was out. If Big Ben can stay on the field for 16 games, a 2,000-yard campaign isn’t out of the question.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 135 catches. 1,830 yards. 14 total TDs.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 267.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 402.
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Odell Beckham, WR, Giants. Bye: 8.
What sophomore slump? Odell Beckham Jr. got off to a bit of a slow start, but ripped off six 100-yard performances late in the year before he lost his mind in his matchup against the Panthers. Beckham should be even better in his third year, and he’s a definite first-round fantasy pick.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 119 catches. 1,730 yards. 15 total TD.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 263.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 382.
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Julio Jones, WR, Falcons. Bye: 11.
Julio Jones is coming off a career year, hauling in 136 passes for 1,871 yards and eight touchdowns. With Austin Hooper and Mohamed Sanu in the mix, Jones’ fantasy production could soar even higher, as his touchdown total could increase if the Falcons are more efficient offensively.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 129 catches. 1,800 yards. 12 total TDs.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 252.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 381.
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DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Texans. Bye: 9.
AUG. 1 UPDATE: DeAndre Hopkins has ended his holdout. That was quick! There’s no reason to avoid Hopkins in your leagues this summer.
JULY 31 UPDATE: DeAndre Hopkins is holding out. I won’t move Hopkins down in my rankings yet, but will do so if he takes his time. Hopkins reportedly risks losing a $445,000 bonus if he doesn’t report by Aug. 4, so we’ll see how serious he is soon enough.
It’s amazing what DeAndre Hopkins has been able to do with horrific quarterbacks. Catching passes from Brian Hoyer, Ryan Mallett and Brandon Weeden in 2015, Hopkins caught 111 passes for 1,521 yards and 11 touchdowns. Those numbers could be even better if Brock Osweiler plays as well as he did for Denver last year.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 118 catches. 1,680 yards. 13 total TDs.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 246.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 364.
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A.J. Green, WR, Bengals. Bye: 9.
AUG. 28 UPDATE: The season nearly ended for the Bengals in the third exhibition game. A.J. Green began limping around on a non-contact injury. Green tried to run a route on the next play, but that was a futile effort, as he could barely move. It appeared as though Green could be out for the year, but the Bengals announced that they don’t believe his knee issue to be serious. Of course, the Cowboys said the same of Tony Romo, but it appears as though Cincinnati has averted disaster.
AUG. 25 UPDATE: A.J. Green told the media that his first child is due in about a month, and that he may miss a game because of it. If Green’s timetable is accurate, he could miss his Week 3 matchup versus Denver. This is a bummer for anyone who drafts Green, but it shouldn’t impact your decision to select him.
I say the same thing every year: A.J. Green is weighed down by his quarterback, but is still a WR1. Green would be one of the top fantasy receivers if Cincinnati had a better signal-caller.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 91 catches. 1,480 yards. 12 total TDs.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 223.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 314.
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Allen Robinson, WR, Jaguars. Bye: 8. 
AUG. 12 UPDATE: Allen Robinson deserves a stock up for his preseason debut. Robinson made some breath-taking receptions. One was a leaping haul along the sideline, and then he snared in a Blake Bortles bomb for 45 yards. Robinson finished with three catches for 80 yards, and all of that occurred in less than a quarter of action. Extrapolate that over a full game, and Robinson would’ve logged at least 12 receptions for 320 yards! Robinson and Bortles look like they have some terrific chemistry, especially in terms of recognizing when back-shoulder throws need to be made. It’s only the preseason, but it looks a lot like what Aaron Rodgers has with Jordy Nelson, except Robinson is a better talent. Robinson will be in the mix as a top-five fantasy receiver.
I had Allen Robinson listed as a sleeper last summer, and yet I still managed to underestimate his numbers. Robinson is a stud, and his stats were bolstered even further as a result of the Jaguars always being in comeback mode. Jacksonville, however, has improved its defense, so Blake Bortles won’t have to throw as much. I still like Robinson as a WR1, but he is going to be overvalued.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 84 catches. 1,460 yards. 12 total TDs.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 222.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 306.
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Mike Evans, WR, Buccaneers. Bye: 6.
AUG. 27 UPDATE: Mike Evans had a big night against the Browns. He caught five passes for 115 yards and a touchdown in slightly more than a half of action. Evans nearly had a second score – an 85-yarder – but he lost his balance and drifted out of bounds. Most importantly, Evans didn’t drop any passes, which was a big problem for him last year. With Jameis Winston in great shape, Evans is set to have a huge season.
JUNE 21 UPDATE: Mike Evans has been training and watching film frequently with Jameis Winston this offseason. Evans had a sophomore slump packed with tons of drops. There was some concern about his work ethic, but he has tried to make amends for that this offseason.
Mike Evans registered 1,206 yards, but he was a huge disappointment. Despite having a better quarterback available to him, Evans caught only three touchdowns and dropped countless passes. He’s a nice bounce-back candidate for 2016, though his lack of focus is a concern.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 92 catches. 1,450 yards. 12 total TDs.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 217.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 309.
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Amari Cooper, WR, Raiders. Bye: 10.
JUNE 28 UPDATE: Amari Cooper has been excellent in practices, per Scott Bair, CSN Bay Area. Cooper had a great rookie year despite dealing with an injury at the end of the season. He’s poised to have an amazing sophomore campaign.
Amari Cooper certainly lived up to expectations. He was downright dominant during the first half of his rookie campaign, ultimately finishing with 72 catches, 1,070 yards and six touchdowns. His numbers could’ve been even better had he not endured a foot injury over the final month. Cooper’s stock is heading up, as he and Derek Carr will continue to mature together.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 88 catches. 1,470 yards. 11 total TDs.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 213.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 301.
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Dez Bryant, WR, Cowboys. Bye: 7.
AUG. 27 UPDATE: I’ve written that Dak Prescott’s impressive play means that Dez Bryant won’t take much of a hit if Tony Romo goes down. I still believe that, and I think Bryant could remain a WR1. However, he deserves a slight stock down, as the Cowboys will be more conservative with Prescott at the helm.
Dez Bryant had a lost year, marred by injuries and horrible quarterbacking. I’d say he’s a nice buy-low option, but he’s a big name who will probably be overdrafted in some leagues. Bryant will be a high WR1 if Tony Romo stays healthy for 16 games, but the odds of that happening are pretty slim.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 89 catches. 1,430 yards. 11 total TDs.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 212.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 301.
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Jordy Nelson, WR, Packers. Bye: 4.
AUG. 18 UPDATE: Jordy Nelson was taken off the active/PUP list. It’s a good sign that he’ll be ready for the season opener, though it’s not a guarantee at this point.
AUG. 8 UPDATE: Aaron Rodgers hinted that Jordy Nelson could be taken off the active/PUP list as early as next week. That would be great news for Nelson and his owners. Nelson should be a fine mid-WR1.
JULY 27 UPDATE: Updating the news from yesterday, Jordy Nelson has a “hiccup” in his knee, which is why he was placed on the active/PUP list. It remains to be seen how serious this is exactly. I’m not downgrading him for now, but stay tuned.
JULY 26 UPDATE: Jordy Nelson has been placed on the active/PUP list. It won’t be enough to move Nelson in my rankings right now, but it’s definitely something to monitor. It’s been assumed that Nelson would be ready to go by Week 1, but he’s someone who needs to be monitored closely now.
JUNE 21 UPDATE: Jordy Nelson has declared himself to be “game ready.” It’s obviously great news that Nelson says he’d be ready to play a game right now. With three more months to recover, Nelson should be 100 percent by the season opener.
Jordy Nelson missed the entire 2015 season because of a torn ACL. The good news is that he sustained the injury so early that he’s bound to be ready for OTAs. Nelson has been running at full speed for months, so he should be back to his old self – a player who caught 98 passes for 1,519 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2014.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Stats: 92 catches. 1,410 yards. 11 total TDs.
Projected 2016 Fantasy Points: 207.
Projected 2016 PPR Fantasy Points: 299.
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. 13
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 lower in touchdown leagues
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Rank higher in PPR (points per reception) leagues
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Rank lower in PPR leagues
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