2020 Fantasy Wide Receiver Primer
Sep 03 | 2020
Devante Parker looking to build on career year in 2019
Fantasydata
In recent years we have seen a trend of receivers being selected earlier and earlier, as NFL offenses have transitioned to a pass first approach in many instances.
When researching for your draft, pay attention to receivers in good situations. What I mean by that is: Someone like DJ Chark, for instance, is in an offense where he is the clear number one option for the Jaguars passing attack, and they will likely be passing a lot anticipating they are projected to be trailing late in a lot of games.
That kind of volume is what I am looking for out of all of my players. Touches equal opportunity, and without opportunity you cannot be a productive fantasy player. I have begun to use this strategy when considering receivers because as teams look to improve their passing attacks. They do so by adding additional weapons and thus, increased competition for targets in the passing game. This creates a similar problem to running backs affected by being in a running back committee.
If you are between a couple of receivers and cannot decide, weigh their situations and anticipated target share to help make your choice easier. Here are FindBet’s WR rankings for 2020:
Let’s take a look at a few players at the receiver position that I like to exceed their ADP and can help you be a league winner this season. To view Findbet’s ADP rankings for wide receivers this season: click here.
Cooper Kupp Los Angeles Rams
Findbet Overall ADP 32
Findbet Position ADP 12
It amazes me how long it takes for Kupp to come off the board in fantasy drafts. Sure, he isn’t the sexiest pick to be your lead receiver, but his production is undeniable, and he is undoubtedly Jared Goff’s safety blanket and favorite target. Think of Kupp as the Rams’ Julian Edelman. He has also increased his receiving touchdown total in each of his three seasons. Although there are a lot of options in the Rams offense Kupp has already carved out his role and appears to be improving year over year. If you wait to grab a receiver until the third round and Kupp is available he will be a great number one for your squad.
Devante Parker Miami Dolphins
Findbet Overall ADP 67
Findbet Position ADP 28
Fantasy owners that had Parker in 2019 were treated to an unexpected breakout season as we saw him set career highs in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. Miami has taken huge steps forward as an organization and a stronger team around him may allow Parker to take yet another leap in his age 27 season. Currently Ryan Fitzpatrick is projected as the starting quarterback for the Dolphins, and that bodes well for Parker as they seemed to develop a good rapport last year. First round pick, Tua Tagovailoa, is likely to get reps at some point this season, especially if the team starts to fall out of contention later in the year. Either way, Tua is the future in Miami, and Parker is the clear number one receiver no matter the quarterback throwing to him.
Brandin Cooks Houston Texans
Findbet Overall ADP 79
Findbet Position ADP 33
In the four years prior to the 2019 season, Cooks was a consistent performer that produced between 1,100 to 1,200 yards and 7 to 9 touchdowns in his time with New Orleans, New England, and Los Angeles. Finding himself on yet another new team, Cooks will hope to establish himself as Deshaun Watson’s new favorite target now that DeAndre Hopkins is no longer in Houston. Will Fuller should have a leg up on Cooks for that role, but his inability to stay healthy has limited his chances to build timing with his star QB. Cooks is flying under the radar and lasting until the mid rounds of drafts. He has a great opportunity to relaunch his career in Houston with a top 5 fantasy QB under center.
John Brown Buffalo Bills
Findbet Overall ADP 110
Findbet Position ADP 44
John Brown was thrust into the primary receiver role for Buffalo last year, as the team pushed their way into the AFC playoffs, breaking the longest running drought of any North American professional organization. Brown hauled in 72 catches and 6 touchdowns while going for 1,060 yards. Brown will slide into a more comfortable situation as the Bills’ second receiver, as Stefon Diggs will assume first receiver duties, and I look to what Adam Thielen was able to accomplish opposite Diggs in Minnesota. In 2019, Brown had similar production to Thielen’s 2017 campaign (Brown – 147.82 points, Thielen – 148.7 standard fantasy scoring), and in 2018 Thielen had his best season while Diggs was eating up double teams from opposing defenses. Josh Allen appears to be progressing as a franchise quarterback and the speedy Brown may find himself in the perfect situation stretching the field while Diggs works underneath.
