2017 Fantasy Football Rankings: Wide Receivers 21-40


These 2017 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 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. Jamison Crowder, WR, Redskins. Bye: 5.
    AUG. 21 UPDATE; Jamison Crowder tied the Redskins team lead in targets against the Packers with five. He caught only two balls for eight yards and a touchdown, but it’s clear that Kirk Cousins loves targeting him. Crowder’s stat line would’ve been better had Cousins not misfired so often. I like him at his 6.10 ADP.

    AUG. 18 UPDATE: Jamison Crowder is considered the No. 2 option in the passing game, behind Jordan Reed, per Mike Jones, Washington Post. In other words, Crowder will be Kirk Cousins’ top option when Reed is injured. Crowder is being drafted too late, so make sure you get him as a nice value pick.

    JUNE 27 UPDATE: Jamison Crowder will “definitely” be targeted more than Terrelle Pryor, predicts Rich Tandler, CSN Mid-Atlantic. Tandler is probably right, and Crowder and his ADP of 7.08 provides more value than Pryor and his 3.09 ADP.

    JUNE 14 UPDATE: Jordan Reed and Jamison Crowder have been Kirk Cousins’ preferred targets at OTAs, per Mike Jones, Washington Post. Reed is hardly a surprise, but Crowder might be, given that the Redskins signed Terrelle Pryor this offseason. Crowder and his ADP of 7.10 provides more value than Pryor and his 3.11.

    Jamison Crowder has promise in PPR leagues this year. He caught 67 passes for 847 yards and seven touchdowns in 2016, and he’ll be featured more next season with both Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson gone.

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 91 catches. 1,150 yards. 7 total TDs.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 157.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 248.

  2. Sammy Watkins, WR, Rams. Bye: 8.
    AUG. 27 UPDATE: Sammy Watkins was not targeted in the preseason dress rehearsal. In fact, the only thing he did on offense was show a half-hearted attempt to touch down the Charger who intercepted Jared Goff. If Goff struggles like he did in this contest, it’s going to be a rough year for Watkins’ fantasy production.

    AUG. 11 UPDATE: Sammy Watkins was traded to the Rams. I don’t think he gets a stock up or down for this, as he goes from playing in one pedestrian passing offense to another.

    AUG. 11 UPDATE; Sammy Watkins was targeted a whopping five times in the first quarter of the preseason opener. He caught four of those balls for 39 yards. It was nice to see that the Bills are emphasizing feeding the ball to Watkins, who could have a big year if he can manage to stay healthy.

    JUNE 16 UPDATE: Sammy Watkins took the majority of the snaps during Wednesday’s practice, according to John Kryk, Toronto Sun. This is a great sign for Watkins, who was battling an injury. Unfortunately, Watkins is very unreliable, so even this good news needs to be taken with a grain of salt.

    Sammy Watkins was considered banged up heading into the year. He tried to play, but was ultimately sidelined for eight games. Watkins doesn’t have the greatest history with durability, but he’s a dynamic player when he’s at 100 percent. Watkins is a buy-low candidate because people remember what happened in 2016.

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 72 catches. 1,080 yards. 8 total TDs.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 156.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 228.

  3. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Cardinals. Bye: 8.
    AUG. 13 UPDATE: Carson Palmer looked more like his old self in his preseason debut, which makes me more comfortable about Larry Fitzgerald. We didn’t really get to see Fitzgerald versus the Raiders, but he should continue to perform on a high level.

    Larry Fitzgerald didn’t seem as though he slowed down at all despite being 33 last year. He caught 107 passes for 1,023 yards and six touchdowns. Fitzgerald was mulling retirement, but announced that he’ll return for another year.

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 97 catches. 1,140 yards. 7 total TDs.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 156.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 253.



  4. Terrelle Pryor, WR, Redskins. Bye: 5.
    AUG. 28 UPDATE: Terrelle Pryor struggled against the Bengals. He dropped a big gain despite being wide open. He converted a 17-yard reception while getting hit after that, but he couldn’t hang on to the ball a bit later when Dre Kirkpatrick was able to knock it out of his hands. Pryor caught just one of his five targets for 17 yards, as he and Kirk Cousins simply don’t appear to be on the same page just yet. Perhaps that’ll change, but Pryor is being drafted too early.

    AUG. 21 UPDATE; Terrelle Pryor snatched one of his two targets for 11 yards against the Packers. I’ve always felt that Pryor has been overrated from a fantasy perspective, and it doesn’t seem like he and Kirk Cousins have a great rapport.

    Terrelle Pryor thrived in his first full season as a starting receiver, catching 77 passes for 1,007 yards and four touchdowns. Pryor has moved on to the Redskins, where he’ll be playing with a superior quarterback in Kirk Cousins. With DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon gone, Cousins will rely heavily on Pryor.

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 78 catches. 1,110 yards. 7 total TDs.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 153.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 231.

  5. Stefon Diggs, WR, Vikings. Bye: 9.
    AUG. 19 UPDATE: Stefon Diggs looked great against the Seahawks, catching four of his five targets for 65 yards. He converted a third-and-3 with a 5-yard catch despite taking a jarring hit from Earl Thomas. He then followed that up with a 39-yard grab, thanks to a gaping hole in Seattle’s zone coverage. The lone failed target was when Richard Sherman had excellent coverage against him, and Diggs actually had to knock the ball away to prevent an interception. Still, Diggs is a strong WR3 option despite playing in a lackluster passing attack.

    Stefon Diggs missed three games in his sophomore campaign, yet nearly reached 1,000 receiving yards. He finished at 903. Unfortunately, his touchdown totals have been low both seasons at four and three. Diggs figures to be a WR3 at the very worst, as the Vikings made some upgrades to the offensive line (but not nearly enough).

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 98 catches. 1,160 yards. 6 total TDs.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 152.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 250.

  6. Demaryius Thomas, WR, Broncos. Bye: 5.
    AUG. 20 UPDATE: Demaryius Thomas was able to secure just one of his three targets for four yards in the second preseason game, thanks to Paxton Lynch’s inaccuracy. If Lynch has to start during the year, Thomas’ numbers are going to take a nose dive. I would avoid him in fantasy, as he’s being drafted too early.

    Demaryius Thomas had a disappointing 2016 campaign. He caught 90 passes, but turned them into just 1,083 yards and five touchdowns. Trevor Siemian was the true culprit, but Denver’s quarterbacking situation isn’t expected to be much better in 2017. Perhaps Paxton Lynch will be ready, but he was considered a project heading into the NFL Draft, and the offensive line won’t do him any favors.

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 92 catches. 1,140 yards. 6 total TDs.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 150.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 242.



  7. Pierre Garcon, WR, 49ers. Bye: 11.
    AUG. 28 UPDATE: Pierre Garcon had a solid performance in the 49ers’ dress rehearsal, catching all six of his targets for 64 yards. Garcon is a great route-runner, so it’s no surprise that he has adjusted to a new offense so quickly. Garcon is going to have a solid year as a consistent WR3.

    Pierre Garcon had a big year in 2016, catching 79 passes for 1,041 yards, though he scored just three touchdowns. Garcon signed with the 49ers, so he’ll be playing with an inferior quarterback until San Francisco acquires Kirk Cousins next offseason. That said, I like him in Kyle Shanahan’s offense, and Brian Hoyer isn’t incompetent.

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 89 catches. 1,140 yards. 6 total TDs.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 150.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 239.

  8. Allen Robinson, WR, Jaguars. Bye: 8.
    AUG. 18 UPDATE: Allen Robinson caught five passes for 40 yards against the Buccaneers. He saw eight targets, which is a good thing. However, given Blake Bortles’ severe struggles, it’s hard to really like Robinson as a fantasy option this year. Jacksonville’s defense is a solid unit, so there won’t be many garbage-time opportunities for Bortles, which is how Allen accumulated most of his fantasy stats in 2015.

    Allen Robinson endured major lethargy issues in 2016, barely trying in many games and dropping lots of passes as a result. It didn’t help that Blake Bortles focused more on partying than studying film. Robinson has the ability to bounce back this upcoming season, but the question is whether he wants to or not.

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 72 catches. 1,060 yards. 7 total TDs.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 148.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 220.

  9. DeSean Jackson, WR, Buccaneers. Bye: 11.
    DeSean Jackson signed with the Buccaneers this season, so he’ll continue to play with a strong quarterback. Jackson caught 56 balls for 1,005 yards and four touchdowns last season, so similar numbers can be expected.

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 58 catches. 1,010 yards. 6 total TDs.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 147.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 205.



  10. Randall Cobb, WR, Packers. Bye: 8.
    Randall Cobb’s 2016 stat line looks very underwhelming, as he caught 60 passes for 610 yards and four touchdowns in 13 games. Cobb, however, wasn’t healthy whatsoever in most games. He finally broke out in the playoffs, however, so his postseason outburst could be a sign of things to come.

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 82 catches. 1,050 yards. 7 total TDs.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 147.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 229.

  11. Martavis Bryant, WR, Steelers. Bye: 9.
    MAY 24 UPDATE: Martavis Bryant has packed on 10 pounds of muscle this offseason, checking in at 225. – Dale Lolley, Observer-Reporter. It’s nice that Bryant has spent time working out rather than getting into trouble. This should make fantasy owners more secure in drafting him.

    Martavis Bryant was suspended for one year for being stupid. He has been reinstated, but that doesn’t mean he’ll stay out of trouble. If he does, Bryant will be a possible WR2/definite WR3; he’s a mega talent who caught 50 passes for 765 yards and six touchdowns in just 11 games back in 2015.

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 72 catches. 970 yards. 8 total TDs.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 145.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 217.

  12. Corey Coleman, WR, Browns. Bye: 9.
    AUG. 27 UPDATE: Corey Coleman was the star of the third preseason game. He opened the evening with a great, 32-yard diving reception. He followed that up with an 11-yard fingertip grab, and then made a leaping catch for 13 yards. Coleman wasn’t credited with a 16-yard back-shoulder grab because of offensive pass interference, but the point was made. Coleman caught four of his seven targets for 66 yards in a single half of action. He looks like the real deal, and with DeShone Kizer not being shy of launching passes downfield, Coleman will have an opportunity to post quality numbers in his sophomore campaign. He’s worth his 10.09 ADP.

    JUNE 2 UPDATE: Corey Coleman is dealing with hamstring and middle-body injuries, per Mary Kay Cabot , Cleveland Plain-Dealer. Here we go again. Coleman suffered through multiple injuries as a rookie, and now he’s hurt again. I wouldn’t mind selecting him in the late rounds, but Coleman is too much of a risk at his current ADP (8.11).

    Corey Coleman had a big game versus Baltimore in Week 2 (5-104-2), but got hurt after that and was never the same upon his return. Coleman could make a big jump in 2017, but the quarterbacking situation is pretty depressing.

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 71 catches. 940 yards. 6 total TDs.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 145.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 220.



  13. Eric Decker, WR, Titans. Bye: 8.
    Eric Decker has signed with the Titans, so he’ll be their No. 1 receiver. Marcus Mariota is excellent in the red zone, so Decker could approach double-digit touchdowns if he can stay healthy.

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 75 catches. 940 yards. 8 total TDs.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 142.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 217.

  14. Golden Tate, WR, Lions. Bye: 7.
    JUNE 12 UPDATE: I discussed how Taylor Decker’s injury will affect the Lions in the Disaster Grades, but haven’t mentioned him when it comes to fantasy football. Decker’s absence will obviously adversely affect the numbers of Matthew Stafford and his supporting cast. Stafford struggled at the end of 2016 when he lost Travis Swanson, and Decker is just about as important as Swanson is to the offense. Granted, Stafford also hurt his finger, which affected his play a bit, but there’s no doubt that Swanson’s injury played a factor. Decker’s absence could have similar consequences, and it’ll also affect Golden Tate.

    Golden Tate began the year slowly, even getting benched at one point, but he ended the season with at least six receptions in his final five games. Tate logged 91 catches for 1,077 yards and four touchdowns. He should be a WR3 in standard leagues and a WR2 in PPR next season.

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 96 catches. 1,120 yards. 5 total TDs.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 142.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 240.

  15. Chris Hogan, WR, Patriots. Bye: 9.
    AUG. 26 UPDATE: Tom Brady targeted Chris Hogan more than any other receiver at Detroit. Hogan saw five balls go his way, and he caught four of them for 70 yards and two touchdowns. One reception was a terrific one, as he made the catch with a defender draped all over him. Hogan could have a huge year if Julian Edelman is out for the season with his non-contact knee injury, as he and Edelman are effectively the same player. Edelman is obviously more seasoned, thanks to his experience in the offense, but Hogan could have similar production.

    More was expected out of Chris Hogan in New England, but he caught just 38 passes for 680 yards and four touchdowns. He’ll only be a fantasy factor if Julian Edelman gets hurt.

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 85 catches. 930 yards. 5 total TDs.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 138.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 223.

  16. Emmanuel Sanders, WR, Broncos. Bye: 5.
    JUNE 11 UPDATE: Emmanuel Sanders has eliminated fast food from his diet, according to Mike Klis, 9 News Denver. Sanders admitted to constantly going to McDonald’s and Burger King, but he has taken new measures after a disappointing 2016 campaign. Though quarterback continues to be a big problem, Sanders should be better in 2017 than he was last year.

    As with Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders’ production took a hit with Trevor Siemian at quarterback. Sanders caught 79 passes for 1,032 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games. Because Thomas is typically drafted earlier than Sanders, the latter offers more value, as the two wideouts are pretty close.

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 82 catches. 1,090 yards. 5 total TDs.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 137.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 219.

  17. Kenny Golladay, WR, Lions. Bye: 7.
    AUG. 26 UPDATE: Kenny Golladay played with the starters in the dress rehearsal, which is definitely a positive. Unfortunately, Golladay caught only one pass for two yards. His short reception was tracked down by Stephon Gilmore, who tackled him shy of the first-down marker. A bit later, Golladay had a chance to make a reception of about 20 yards, but Matthew Stafford threw to his wrong shoulder, allowing Gilmore to make the pass break-up. The final stat line is disappointing, but Golladay deserves a stock up. As mentioned, he played with the starters, and it’s also very revealing that he drew coverage from Gilmore. It’s a sign that the opposition knows how talented he is.

    AUG. 17 UPDATE: Kenny Golladay worked with the first-team for the first time in practice Wednesday, according to Dave Birkett, Detroit Free-Press. It’s well deserved. Golladay has been terrific in practice, and he showed off his talents in the first preseason game. Golladay should win the starting job, and he makes for a terrific late-round flier.

    AUG. 14 UPDATE: Kenny Golladay made it on to my Fantasy Football Sleepers list last week, and he lived up to it in his NFL debut. He made some amazing catches against the Colts. His first grab was snatched when Jake Ruddock threw a bit behind him for a gain of 15 yards. He followed that up with an even better reception, snaring a 23-yard touchdown while falling down. Golladay wasn’t done; in the middle of the second quarter, Golladay made a great adjustment to a back-shoulder throw to catch his second score. Golladay caught three balls for 53 yards and two scores. He should be considered as a late-round flier with tons of upside.

    Kenny Golladay has been putting on a show in red-zone drills, according to Kyle Meinke, MLive.com. There’s been a ton of buzz surrounding Golladay, a third-round rookie; so much so that the Lions didn’t bother to retain Anquan Boldin. Golladay, a third-round rookie, is 6-foot-4 and should be able to score a bunch of touchdowns as a result.

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 57 catches. 790 yards. 6 total TDs.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 135.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 192.

  18. Brandon Marshall, WR, Giants. Bye: 8.
    AUG. 22 UPDATE: Brandon Marshall technically dropped a pass in the first quarter on a deep pass versus Cleveland. It was a bit overthrown, but Marshall may have reeled the ball in had he dived for it. Given that this was the preseason, however, I don’t blame Marshall for not putting his body on the line for a catch. Still, this was the only target Marshall saw, and that’s because he suffered a shoulder injury. He underwent X-rays as well.

    Brandon Marshall is now 33, and he’s not in a great situation with the Giants. He’s just a backup-caliber fantasy player at this stage of his career.

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 72 catches. 970 yards. 6 total TDs.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 133.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 205.

  19. Tyrell Williams, WR, Chargers. Bye: 9.
    Tyrell Williams caught 69 passes for 1,059 yards and seven touchdowns in his second season. With Mike Williams out for a while, Tyrell Williams could post WR3 numbers again.

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 60 catches. 960 yards. 6 total TDs.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 132.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 192.

  20. Jarvis Landry, WR, Dolphins. Bye: 11.
    AUG. 31 UPDATE: The NFL is investigating the domestic abuse allegations against Jarvis Landry. It’s not out of the question that Landry could get popped for six games, much like Ezekiel Elliott has. Landry could receive no ban, but the potential of one would definitely keep me from drafting him.

    AUG. 6 UPDATE: Jay Cutler signed with the Dolphins, which is a huge boon for Miami. Cutler will allow DeVante Parker and Jarvis Landry to continue to be viable fantasy options.

    AUG. 4 UPDATE: Ryan Tannehill is likely out for the year with a knee injury. There’s not much of a drop-off from him to Matt Moore, but DeVante Parker and Jarvis Landry will get a very slight decline in their projected fantasy stats.

    Jarvis Landry’s fantasy stock took a hit when Ryan Tannehill stopped locking on to him and began throwing more often to DeVante Parker and Kenny Stills. Landry saw his reception totals drop from 111 to 94, and he has yet to eclipse five touchdowns in a single season. Landry is a strong option in PPR formats, but is only mediocre in standard scoring.

    Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 96 catches. 1,080 yards. 4 total TDs.
    Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 132.
    Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 228.


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)






2024 NFL Mock Draft - March 26


NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22


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