2021 Fantasy Football Rankings: Wide Receivers 61-100

AUG. 15 UPDATE: Marvin Jones led the Jaguar receivers in targets from Trevor Lawrence (4). D.J. Chark didn’t play, but it was apparent that Lawrence and Jones were clicking. Jones hauled in three of his four targets for 52 yards.

The good news for Marvin Jones is that he’ll be catching passes from Trevor Lawrence. The bad news is that he’ll be blocked by D.J. Chark and Laviska Shenault. Jones will need injuries to one of them to be productive.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 67 catches. 820 yards. 6 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 128.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 195.

DeVante Parker was far less productive when Tua Tagovailoa played last year. More experience for the young quarterback will help, but so would Ryan Fitzpatrick’s presence. The Dolphins added Will Fuller and Jaylen Waddle, so Parker’s targets will regress.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 62 catches. 800 yards. 6 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 126.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 188.

Henry Ruggs disappointed as a first-round rookie, catching only 26 passes. He made some big plays, but was inconsistent. He’ll improve in 2021, but his upside will always be capped by Derek Carr.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 51 catches. 800 yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 125.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 176.

Tyrell Williams is Detroit’s No. 1 receiver, but that’s not really saying much. Williams caught 69 passes for 1,059 yards and seven touchdowns when he was a prominent receiver with the Chargers, but I wouldn’t expect Jared Goff to get the most out of Williams.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 55 catches. 880 yards. 6 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 124.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 179.

JULY 28 UPDATE: After vowing to never play for the Packers again, Aaron Rodgers has changed his mind. Rodgers has reported to the Packers, as Green Bay’s front office made a deal with him so that he can leave after this season. All of Green Bay’s skill-position players will get a huge bump.

Between games missed and contests in which he was banged up and not 100 percent, half of Allen Lazard’s 2020 season was ruined. As the No. 2 receiver in the Packers’ offense, Lazard would have plenty of upside with Aaron Rodgers, but not nearly as much with Jordan Love.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 55 catches. 740 yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 124.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 179.

Brandin Cooks would be a viable WR3 in some matchups because of Deshaun Watson, if the quarterback weren’t in any legal trouble. Unfortunately for Cooks, he’ll have to catch passes from Tyrod Taylor and Davis Mills this year.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 70 catches. 930 yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 123.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 193.

JULY 28 UPDATE: After vowing to never play for the Packers again, Aaron Rodgers has changed his mind. Rodgers has reported to the Packers, as Green Bay’s front office made a deal with him so that he can leave after this season. All of Green Bay’s skill-position players will get a huge bump.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling had some big games in 2020. His value has plummeted in the wake of the Aaron Rodgers trade speculation.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 38 catches. 720 yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 122.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 160.

Quez Watkins is the favorite to be the Eagles’ slot receiver, per reports. Watkins has been outstanding in training camp and the preseason, so he seems to be an appealing late-round sleeper.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 55 catches. 800 yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 119.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 174.

Randall Cobb has a dubious health history, and that proved to be a problem in Houston, where he missed six games in his first season. The Packers traded for Cobb, but he’s not much of a factor in year-long leagues.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 66 catches. 730 yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 117.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 183.

Christian Kirk became Arizona’s top receiver in 2019, catching 68 passes for 709 yards and three touchdowns. However, his production took a hit in the wake of DeAndre Hopkins’ presence. He’s not much of a fantasy factor anymore.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 54 catches. 730 yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 116.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 178.

JULY 31 UPDATE: Carson Wentz is out indefinitely due to a foot injury he suffered Thursday. This might just be nothing, but Wentz could have a major issue as well. If you’re drafting this weekend, avoid Wentz, move Jonathan Taylor several spots, and downgrade all the Colts’ receiving threats by 2-3 rounds.

Parris Campbell has Percy Harvin-type upside with the ability to go the distance any time he touches the ball. The problem is his durability. He’s played just nine of 32 possible games thus far in the NFL. He got out to a nice start in 2020 with six catches for 71 yards, but he tore his PCL the following week. Campbell has upside, but his floor is very low as well.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 66 catches. 820 yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 116.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 182.

Jalen Reagor is raw, but he has great upside with his speed and downfield play-making ability. Reagor’s outlook will depend on the status of the offensive line, and also his own development.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 50 catches. 730 yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 112.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 162.

Sterling Shepard is not a big-play threat, but he’s been a steady option who catches five or six passes each week. His outlook has diminished with the Giants acquiring Kenny Golladay and Kadarius Toney.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 66 catches. 710 yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 111.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 177.

Jamison Crowder won’t exactly benefit from an upgrade at quarterback because Zach Wilson will take more shots downfield, rather than target Crowder in the slot.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 62 catches. 730 yards. 6 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 109.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 171.

AUG. 11 UPDATE: Rashod Bateman is week-to-week with a groin injury. Bateman could be ready for Week 1, but as a rookie, he needs as many reps as possible.

Rashod Bateman doesn’t seem like an appealing fantasy option. He can’t separate, and he’ll be playing in a run-heavy offense.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 45 catches. 590 yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 109.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 154.

Josh Reynolds is the current No. 2 receiver in Tennessee, taking over for Corey Davis. Reynolds might be passed by Dez Fitzpatrick at some point, so I wouldn’t roster him.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 58 catches. 740 yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 108.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 166.

Van Jefferson, a second-round pick from the 2020 NFL Draft, had some nice moments in his rookie year, including a four-catch, 50-yard performance in Week 17. He’ll be a solid option if one of Cooper Kupp or Robert Woods gets hurt.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 45 catches. 580 yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 107.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 152.

Dyami Brown is an explosive receiver who will benefit from Terry McLaurin drawing plenty of attention from defenses.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 44 catches. 690 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 107.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 151.

Emmanuel Sanders signed with the Bills this offseason. He’s 34, and he projects to be the fourth receiver on the roster. There’s no need to own him in any fantasy league.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 56 catches. 760 yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 106.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 162.

Nelson Agholor revived his career this past season, catching 48 passes for 896 yards and eight touchdowns. I don’t expect him to do nearly as well in New England because he won’t have Greg Olson coaching him anymore.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 42 catches. 740 yards. 5 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 104.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 146.

Darius Slayton was a breakout receiver late in his rookie year. That didn’t translate into his second season because Daniel Jones never progressed. Slayton is now the third receiver behind Kenny Golladay and Kadarius Toney.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 48 catches. 700 yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 104.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 152.

D’Wayne Eskridge figures to be Russell Wilson’s third receiver in 2021. He has some nice upside because he’ll be more productive in the event that either D.K. Metcalf or Tyler Lockett gets injured.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 40 catches. 520 yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 96.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 136.

AUG. 15 UPDATE: Josh Palmer made some nice catches throughout the opening half of the preseason opener, ultimately hauling in six balls for 36 yards. The Chargers have needed a third wideout to go along with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, and Palmer appears to be the solution.

Josh Palmer is a big receiver whom Justin Herbert will target in the red zone. He could be the No. 2 receiver in a year or two.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 36 catches. 500 yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 94.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 130.

Bryan Edwards had some nice moments during his rookie year, but he missed about a month of action because of foot injuries. He’ll obviously do more in his second year, but the receiving corps is crowded in Las Vegas.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 39 catches. 610 yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 93.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 132.

Tutu Atwell is an explosive receiver, but will be stuck behind Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp on the targets list.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 38 catches. 540 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 92.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 130.

Terrace Marshall slipped to the end of the second round because of injury concerns. He has a nice long-term outlook, but he’s just Sam Darnold’s third receiver right now.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 32 catches. 520 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 90.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 122.

Greg Ward was a hero down the stretch for the Eagles in 2019. He had some nice moments in 2020, but not enough to make him a viable fantasy option outside of super deep leagues.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 58 catches. 560 yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 90.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 148.

Russell Gage proved to be the perfect replacement for Mohamed Sanu. He’s a fine third receiver, but he needs one of Julio Jones or Calvin Ridley to get hurt in order to be productive.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 64 catches. 710 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 89.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 153.

Hunter Renfrow has a nice rapport with Derek Carr, but he needs someone ahead of him to get injured to be a viable fantasy player.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 60 catches. 710 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 89.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 149.

James Washington is an inconsistent deep threat as the fourth receiver on the roster. He’ll need someone ahead of him to get hurt in order to be relevant.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 43 catches. 650 yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 89.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 132.

Kendrick Bourne was San Francisco’s third receiver last year. He now projects to be a starter in New England. Despite this upgrade, Bourne isn’t a good fantasy option because of Cam Newton’s passing limitations.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 42 catches. 580 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 86.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 128.

AUG. 7 UPDATE: Tre’Quan Smith has missed some time with a leg injury. It’s unclear how serious this is, but it’s worth monitoring as we enter preseason.

Tre’Quan Smith is one of the more disappointing fantasy players in recent years, as he has seldom stepped up, even when Michael Thomas has been injured. He’s the clear No. 2 receiver with Emmanuel Sanders gone, but he won’t be catching passes from Drew Brees anymore.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 46 catches. 620 yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 86.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 132.

JUNE 15 UPDATE: Denzel Mims has not been appearing in three-receiver sets in practices this summer. Keelan Cole has been the third wideout instead. This is greatly disappointing for Mims, who was expected to make a leap in his second year.

Denzel Mims could have a big sophomore year if he develops, but he suddenly finds himself in a crowded receiver group with Corey Davis, Jamison Crowder and Elijah Moore.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 34 catches. 460 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 84.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 118.

Tim Patrick had a nice 2020 campaign – 51 catches, 742 yards, six touchdowns – but he’ll see fewer snaps and targets with Courtland Sutton due back.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 39 catches. 580 yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 82.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 121.

The Dolphins have traded for Lynn Bowden, so it remains to be seen how they’ll use him in their offense.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 120 rushing yards. 34 catches. 270 receiving yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 82.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 116.

Amari Rodgers would be an intriguing fantasy rookie if the Packers didn’t screw things up with Aaron Rodgers. It’s difficult to like Amari Rodgers with Jordan Love.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 31 catches. 350 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 81.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 109.

Malik Taylor had another impressive performance, catching five passes for 69 yards. I mentioned last week that Taylor has been enjoying a spectacular preseason, and that continued in this contest. We’ll see if Taylor makes the team – it helps that Devin Funchess is out for the year – because if he does, I think he’ll make for a very intriguing final-round fantasy pick. Green Bay’s receiving corps is weak outside of Davante Adams, so Taylor could make a big move up the depth chart in the near future.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 27 catches.420 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 80.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 107.

Kadarius Toney is a dynamic threat, but he’ll have to split so many targets with all of Daniel Jones’ weapons.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 24 catches. 350 yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 77.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 101.

Rashard Higgins is Cleveland’s third receiver unless third-round rookie Anthony Schwartz takes his job. He’s fantasy relevant only if Odell Beckham Jr. or Jarvis Landry is out of commission.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 34 catches. 530 yards. 4 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 77.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 111.

Devin Duvernay caught just 20 passes as a rookie. His role will expand next year, but his upside will be limited because of Lamar Jackson.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 35 catches. 420 yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 74.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 109.

Sammy Watkins occasionally has a monstrous game and then doesn’t do anything for weeks. He’ll be even more inconsistent in Baltimore’s run-heavy offense.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 39 catches. 530 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 71.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 110.

Anthony Miller fell behind Darnell Mooney in the pecking order. Miller was traded to Houston, where his outlook is worse.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 44 catches. 530 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 71.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 115.

A.J. Green had some good games in 2020, but he mostly looked incapable of separating from coverage. It’s unfortunate that injuries have taken such a huge toll on his body.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 44 catches. 500 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 68.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 112.

Preston Williams didn’t get to play very much with Tua Tagovailoa. Williams’ upside took a huge hit with the Dolphins acquiring Will Fuller and Jaylen Waddle.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 22 catches. 340 yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 66.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 88.

Jalen Hurd is a talented receiver, but he hasn’t been able to play in two NFL seasons because of injuries. Even if Deebo Samuel and/or Brandon Aiyuk are sidelined, it’s just too hard to trust Hurd.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 22 catches. 330 yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 60.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 82.

DeSean Jackson might catch a deep touchdown or two, but his career has pretty much come to an end.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 20 catches. 380 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 56.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 76.

Dede Westbrook is only viable if Adam Thielen or Justin Jefferson gets hurt. There’s no reason to consider him otherwise.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 36 catches. 380 yards. 3 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 56.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 92.

Larry Fitzgerald may return for another season, but he’s off the radar unless there are multiple injuries at receiver.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 55 catches. 440 yards. 2 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 56.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 111.

AUG. 26 UPDATE: Devin Funchess was carted off the field at practice and is now out for the year. It’s a shame because he looked great in his first preseason game.

Devin Funchess opted out of the 2020 season after playing just one game in 2019, but he looked good in the 2021 preseason opener. He made a great, diving catch in the first half and then a nice, 16-yard reception while dropping to the ground. Funchess ended up leading the team with six catches for 70 yards. Funchess has great fantasy potential this year if he starts across from Davante Adams in an Aaron Rodgers-run offense.

Projected 2021 Fantasy Stats: 0 catches. 0 yards. 0 total TDs.
Projected 2021 Fantasy Points: 0.
Projected 2021 PPR Fantasy Points: 0.