Over the last few years in NFL fantasy football, the wide receiver position has grown in importance and popularity, becoming close to as important as the running back. More often than not, people fill their flex spots with wide receivers – especially those in point-per-reception leagues – as it is a much deeper position than tight end or running back.
In general, most fantasy teams have five or six receivers total, meaning in a 12-man league about 66 receivers are on rosters at all times. This makes finding some sleepers critical. Here are five of the best sleepers and value picks at the wide receiver position to fill your roster up and propel you towards a championship.
Jeremy Maclin
Baltimore Ravens
Removing last year from the equation, Jeremy Maclin has consistency been a strong performer in fantasy football. His best two seasons came in 2014 and 2015, when he averaged 86 receptions, 1203 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. Entering the season at just 29 years old, Maclin is still well within his prime and will likely be the Ravens top target this season. If Flacco is healthy, Maclin could finish as a top-15 receiver.
Cameron Meredith
Chicago Bears
As the number one target for the Chicago Bears this season, Meredith should see the volume needed to be at least a top-30 wide receiver. And yes, at this point he would have to be considered the top target on the team as Kevin White still hasn’t shown us enough in the NFL to think otherwise.
Even though the quarterback situation in Chicago is not ideal, Meredith had his best fantasy game last season with Matt Barkley throwing him the ball. In a game where Barkley threw five interceptions, Meredith still was able to snag nine receptions on 12 targets for 135 yards and a touchdown. It can’t get much worse but it could possibly get better. Mike Glennon has a strong arm and we’ve already see first-round pick Mitch Trubisky look confident in the preseason.
Even if the Bears are bad this year, Meredith should still be able to clean up in garbage time and pad his stats.
J.J. Nelson
Arizona Cardinals
With Fitzgerald slowly transitioning to full-time slot receiver and the health of John Brown still a mystery, J.J. Nelson could see his role in the Cardinals offense expand considerably in 2017. Even though his size may be an issue, in terms of explosive play capability, Nelson is a value version of DeSean Jackson. He produced at a high volume (651 yards and seven touchdowns) on minimal touches (only 38 touches).
The Cardinals have gone from seemingly having and endless stable of riches at the wide receiver position a few years ago when John Brown was an up-and-comer, Fitz was in his prime and Michael Floyd looked strong. Now there’s an aging Fitzgerald and a big question mark with John Brown. Head coach Bruce Arians went as far to call Jaron Brown one of the team’s starters. What looked to be a crowded situation before now seems like there is plenty of room for Nelson to contribute.
Ted Ginn Jr.
New Orleans Saints
For the first time in his long career, Ted Ginn Jr. will be a part of one of the best passing offenses in the league. Even if Ginn continues to be notorious for dropping passes, his big play abilities make him an asset in fantasy. His best season came in 2015 when he set career highs in receiving touchdowns with ten and over 700 yards receiving. He should be able to break that yardage mark and could come close to double-digit scores with Drew Brees throwing him the ball.
Torrey Smith
Philadelphia Eagles
With Jordan Matthews leaving town in a trade to Buffalo, the door opens up for Torrey Smith. While Smith has more value in a standard league than PPR, averaging 17.0 yards per reception over his six-year NFL career, there are a multitude of reasons to believe in Smith this season in any type of fantasy league. First, the Eagles seem to be more inclined to throw the ball this season. Secondly, Smith will also be pairing with Alshon Jeffery this season, who will more frequently draw double coverage and the opponent’s top corner. Smith has become a bit of a forgotten man in fantasy as a couple of years in San Francisco – in a terrible offense – have removed his luster. But now he’s in a much better situation where he can again push for 1000 yards receiving and make big plays. Those reasons help make him a worthy fantasy option.
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