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
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Brandin Cooks, WR, Patriots. Bye: 9.
AUG. 10 UPDATE: Brandin Cooks has been “putting on a clinic” versus the Jaguars in joint practices, according to Jeff Howe, Boston Herald. Jacksonville actually has a good defense, so Cooks isn’t burning scrubs. It’s nice to hear something positive out of him for the first time this offseason.
Brandin Cooks was overtaken by Michael Thomas as the Saints’ No. 1 receiver, but Cooks still had a great year. He caught 78 passes for 1,173 yards and eight touchdowns. He was shipped off to New England, where Tom Brady should make great use of the speedster.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 84 catches. 1,240 yards. 9 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 179.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 263.
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DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Texans. Bye: 7.
I had my doubts about Brock Osweiler, but I figured DeAndre Hopkins would be perfectly fine because he produced with Brian Hoyer and Ryan Mallett throwing the ball to him. Osweiler, somehow, made Hopkins into an ordinary fantasy receiver, as Hopkins saw his catches (111 to 78), yards (1,521 to 954) and touchdowns (11 to 4) all plummet. I thought Hopkins would bounce back for sure with Tony Romo, but Romo sadly retired. Now, the Texans will be using a rookie quarterback, and they’ll run a conservative offense as a result. That’s not good for Hopkins’ outlook.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 92 catches. 1,240 yards. 7 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 176.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 268.
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Alshon Jeffery, WR, Eagles. Bye: 10.
JUNE 27 UPDATE: Alshon Jeffery has had the best offseason of his career, according to his long-time receivers coach. Mike Groh has worked with Jeffery for almost five years, so this carries some weight. Jeffery will be paired with the best quarterback of his career thus far, and he seems poised for a great year.
JUNE 13 UPDATE: Alshon Jeffery stood out at OTAs, according to Jimmy Kempski, The Philly Voice. Doug Pederson agreed, praising Jeffery. There was a report last week that Jeffery wasn’t impressive, but apparently, all other reports say otherwise.
JUNE 10 UPDATE: Alshon Jeffery hasn’t been very impressive at OTAs. Jeffery hasn’t been bad, but hasn’t really stood out either, per reports. He’s probably a bit overrated right now, as he may have to drop in the Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings.
Alshon Jeffery caught 52 passes for 821 yards in 12 games, but scored just twice. Jeffery is a nice buy-low option, as the situation in Philadelphia looks extremely promising. Carson Wentz appears set to blow up, and Jeffery will greatly benefit from it.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 76 catches. 1,190 yards. 8 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 172.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 248.
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Doug Baldwin, WR, Seahawks. Bye: 6.
Doug Baldwin closed out his 2015 campaign on an unbelievable run, ultimately finishing with 14 touchdowns. His scores were cut in half last year, but he still caught 94 passes for 1,128 yards. Baldwin will have more touchdown opportunities if his offensive line stays healthy and allows Russell Wilson to have enough time to find his dynamic receiver downfield.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 86 catches. 1,220 yards. 8 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 170.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 256.
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Davante Adams, WR, Packers. Bye: 8.
Davante Adams disappointed in 2015, but it was revealed that he was playing with an injury. He stepped up big time this upcoming season, catching 75 passes for 997 yards and a whopping 12 touchdowns. Adams should continue to be a WR2 as long as Aaron Rodgers is healthy.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 73 catches. 970 yards. 10 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 167.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 240.
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Kelvin Benjamin, WR, Panthers. Bye: 11.
AUG. 10 UPDATE: Kelvin Benjamin was the star offensive player among the Panthers’ starters in the preseason opener. Benjamin reportedly was at 280 pounds back in May, but he appeared to be in terrific shape in this contest. Benjamin caught two balls for 40 yards, as both receptions were spectacular. The first saw him bounce off cornerback Kevin Johnson, and then he stiff-armed Johnson to pick up more yardage, gaining 17 in the very end. Benjamin then hauled in a 23-yard score by leaping over talented cornerback Johnathan Joseph. Benjamin struggled in 2016, but it appears as though he’s going to have a big rebound 2017 campaign.
JULY 27 UPDATE: Kelvin Benjamin is looking lean and quick right now, per Joe Person, Charlotte Observer. Benjamin reportedly showed up at 280 pounds earlier in the offseason, but he trimmed down and is now looking spry. Benjamin is tough to trust, but he’s no longer the sure bust he appeared to be back in May.
JUNE 20 UPDATE: Kelvin Benjamin has worked himself into shape, per Joe Person, Charlotte Observer. There were reports earlier in the offseason that Benjamin was 280 pounds. That apparently is not the case anymore, but Benjamin isn’t out of the woods yet. Benjamin had similar sloth-like issues last offseason and got into shape, but had issues during real action. Benjamin will move up in the Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings, but I’m cautious about him.
MAY 19 UPDATE: Kelvin Benjamin told the media that he knows he needs to be in the best shape of his life. Benjamin showed up to workouts at 280 pounds, reportedly, but he apparently been working out harder to lose weight.
Kelvin Benjamin didn’t fare well coming back from injury in 2016. He caught 63 passes or 941 yards and seven touchdowns. Those aren’t horrible numbers, but so much more was expected from him. I thought Benjamin could rebound, until there were reports saying that Benjamin showed up to pre-draft workouts at 280 pounds! The Panthers have denied this, but even at 275, Benjamin won’t be able to get open against anyone. The good news is that Benjamin’s ADP will plummet, making him a potential steal in the late rounds.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 77 catches. 1,120 receiving yards. 8 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 160.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 237.
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Tyreek Hill, WR, Chiefs. Bye: 10.
AUG. 1 UPDATE: Tyreek Hill has been taking his game “to another level,” according to BJ Kissel, Chiefs.com. Hill has been terrific in practice, and it seems like he’s ready to take the next step to becoming a potent starting receiver. With Jeremy Hill gone, all the opportunities will be there for Hill. He’s weighed down by Alex Smith’s mediocrity, but he seems like a solid choice in the fourth round of fantasy drafts.
JUNE 2 UPDATE: Jeremy Maclin was released, which indicates that the Chiefs have big-time plans for Tyreek Hill. Unfortunately, his ADP was already high – check out my Fantasy Football Busts for more – so there’s not much value with him.
Tyreek Hill is a mega talent whom the Chiefs are always looking to feature more on offense. As he learns the position, he’ll become more and more proficient as a receiver in both real life and fantasy. Hill scored nine touchdowns in 2016 despite barely being used until Week 4. There’s no reason for Kansas City to avoid giving the ball to him, as he’s a mega play-maker.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 80 catches. 1,110 yards. 8 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 159.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 239.
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DeVante Parker, WR, Dolphins. Bye: 11.
AUG. 17 UPDATE: DeVante Parker dropped a pass, but otherwise looked good against the Ravens. He caught one ball for 16 yards, but had a 30-yard reception wiped out by a holding call. More importantly, he saw four of Jay Cutler’s seven targets. It’s a small sample size, but it appears as though Cutler prefers throwing to Parker rather than Jarvis Landry.
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.
DeVante Parker’s yardage improved from 494 to 744 in his second season, so it’s nice that there’s an upward trajectory. The Dolphins’ offense is pretty inconsistent, however, so it’s hard to trust Parker as a starter. The upside is there though, so I’d like to at least have him on my roster.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 78 catches. 1,090 yards. 8 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 157.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 235.
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Michael Crabtree, WR, Raiders. Bye: 10.
Michael Crabtree was Derek Carr’s favorite target in the end zone in the early going, as he racked up six touchdowns in the first seven weeks. He scored just twice after that, but dealt with an injury toward the end of the season. As long as Carr is healthy, Crabtree will remain a solid WR2.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 86 catches. 1,030 yards. 9 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 157.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 244.
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T.Y. Hilton, WR, Colts. Bye: 11.
SEPT. 5 UPDATE: One more update on Andrew Luck: It’s official now that Luck will be sidelined Week 1. The fact that the Colts ruled him out so early in the week suggests that he won’t be available Week 2 either. I would stay away from all Colt players unless they fall far in your draft.
SEPT. 1 UPDATE: Jim Irsay said Andrew Luck is “unlikely” to play Week 1. At this point, it’s more of a matter when Luck will be able to play rather than if he’ll suit up against the Rams. Tread carefully with Colts players, as Luck could miss several games and may not be 100 percent when he returns.
AUG. 29 UPDATE: It’ll take a “miraculous turn of events” for Andrew Luck to play Week 1, according to Zak Keefer, Indianapolis Star. The Rams have opened as three-point favorites in numerous sportsbooks, so even the oddsmakers believe Luck won’t play. It sounds like Luck will be out for a few weeks, and he may not be 100 percent even when he returns.
AUG. 25 UPDATE: The odds are against Andrew Luck playing in Week 1, according to Mike Wells, ESPN Colts. It’s sounding like Luck will miss a few games, making everyone in Indianapolis’ offense a risky selection. T.Y. Hilton, in particular, shouldn’t be chosen at his 3.01 ADP. I would take Luck as a backup in the ninth round or later (his current ADP is 8.01), but there’s a realistic chance that he won’t be 100 percent at all this entire year.
AUG. 1 UPDATE: Jason La Canfora said he has heard rumblings about Luck beginning the year on the reserve/PUP list because of his shoulder issues. That would mean he would miss six games. Meanwhile, general manager Chris Ballard told the media that Luck will be activated from the active/PUP list prior to Week 1. This could be wishful thinking on Ballard’s part, however, and even if Luck is activated, there’s no guarantee that he’ll play early on. And even if he does, he may not be 100 percent. This is obviously bad news for Luck’s outlook, and he should be avoided unless he falls numerous rounds. His supporting cast should be avoided as well.
JULY 30 UPDATE: Andrew Luck wouldn’t commit to playing in Week 1. When asked about it, Luck said, “It’s hard for me to look beyond, really, today’s rehab session.” Luck is a risky fantasy pick because the status of his shoulder is unclear, and even if he returns, he may not be 100 percent. T.Y. Hilton, Donte Moncrief and Jack Doyle all have troubling outlooks as well.
T.Y. Hilton has yet to eclipse seven touchdowns in any season in his career, but he’s registered more than 1,300 yards in two of his past three years. Hilton will continue to serve as a low-end WR1 as long as Andrew Luck is healthy.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Stats: 77 catches. 1,090 yards. 7 total TDs.
Projected 2017 Fantasy Points: 157.
Projected 2017 PPR Fantasy Points: 234.
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 - April 23
NFL Power Rankings - Feb. 22
Fantasy Football Rankings - Feb. 19
NFL Picks - Feb. 12
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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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