Fantasy Slot Receivers
Receptions and targets are always important when putting together fantasy WR rankings, but in PPR leagues, they obviously take extra precedent. That doesn't mean 'possession' receivers are suddenly worth more than big-play, high-touchdown pass-catchers, but they certainly move up sleeper lists and draft cheat sheets in even half-point PPR formats.
To make matters worse, the 49ers have been the toughest team in the league against slot receivers, which is not good news for Cole Beasley. The Bills are going to get passing yards somewhere, but. In terms of outside receivers, Touchdown Wire ranks him third in the league. The Cardinals also have one of the best slot receivers in the league in Larry Fitzgerald. He comes in fifth in the.
Michael Thomas is the easy call as the top-ranked receiver after catching 149 balls last year, but DeAndre Hopkins, who was tied for second with 104 catches, could challenge him even more this year. Arizona's uptempo offense will likely be throwing often, and Hopkins is set to receive the bulk of the targets. But the top tier isn't where most fantasy owners have questions. Even big-play, lower-catch guys like Tyreek Hill and Kenny Golladay will have immense value. It's the second and third tiers where things get more interesting.
DOMINATE YOUR DRAFT: Ultimate 2020 cheat sheet
Keenan Allen, D.J. Moore, Allen Robinson, and Robert Woods are among the notable risers from our standard rankings, and while all three showed their PPR bona fides last year, it's important to note that the first three will likely have new quarterbacks throwing to them this year (we're projecting Nick Foles wins the Bears starting job). That's not necessarily a bad thing, especially for Moore and Robinson, but in Allen's case, it could lead to fewer targets and timing issues. That's also true for third-tier risers Julian Edelman and Tyler Boyd, though we expect fellow riser Emmanuel Sanders to flourish even more in New Orleans.
2020 PPR RANKINGS:
Running back Tight end Superflex Top 200
Some fantasy owners go too far in favoring high-target receivers. While you'll often get more week-to-week consistency with Jamison Crowder or Curtis Samuel as your WR4, you'll miss out on those monster three-catch, 100-yard games from someone like Mecole Hardman or DeSean Jackson. You never know when you'll need a home run hitter, especially during the bye weeks, so don't be shy about drafting one or two big-play guys. You can often find them at a value during your PPR draft.
2020 STANDARD FANTASY RANKINGS:
Quarterback Running back Wide receiver Tight end D/ST Kicker Superflex Top 200
We'll continue to update our WR PPR rankings throughout the preseason, so check back for the latest movement. For our standard WR rankings and player analysis, click here.
2020 FANTASY SLEEPERS:
6 QBs 16 RBs 14 WRs 10 TEs 5 D/STs One from each team
2020 Fantasy WR PPR Rankings
The following rankings are for full-point PPR leagues.
DRAFT STRATEGY AND RANKINGS TIERS:
Quarterback Running Back Wide Receiver Tight End D/ST
Rank | Player |
1 | Michael Thomas, Saints |
2 | DeAndre Hopkins, Cardinals |
3 | Julio Jones, Falcons |
4 | Davante Adams, Packers |
5 | Chris Godwin, Buccaneers |
6 | Tyreek Hill, Chiefs |
7 | Cooper Kupp, Rams |
8 | Amari Cooper, Cowboys |
9 | Odell Beckham Jr., Browns |
10 | JuJu Smith-Schuster, Steelers |
11 | Adam Thielen, Vikings |
12 | Kenny Golladay, Lions |
13 | Mike Evans, Buccaneers |
14 | Keenan Allen, Chargers |
15 | Tyler Lockett, Seahawks |
16 | Courtland Sutton, Broncos |
17 | D.J. Moore, Panthers |
18 | A.J. Brown, Titans |
19 | DJ Chark, Jaguars |
20 | Robert Woods, Rams |
21 | Allen Robinson, Bears |
22 | Stefon Diggs, Bills |
23 | DeVante Parker, Dolphins |
24 | Calvin Ridley, Falcons |
25 | Jarvis Landry, Browns |
26 | Julian Edelman, Patriots |
27 | Emmanuel Sanders, Saints |
28 | T.Y. Hilton, Colts |
29 | Terry McLaurin, Washington |
30 | DK Metcalf, Seahawks |
31 | Golden Tate, Giants |
32 | Will Fuller V, Texans |
33 | Marquise Brown, Ravens |
34 | Tyler Boyd, Bengals |
35 | Brandin Cooks, Texans |
36 | John Brown, Bills |
37 | Christian Kirk, Cardinals |
38 | Jamison Crowder, Jets |
39 | Deebo Samuel, 49ers |
40 | A.J. Green, Bengals |
41 | Marvin Jones, Lions |
42 | Michael Gallup, Cowboys |
43 | Diontae Johnson, Steelers |
44 | Darius Slayton, Giants |
45 | DeSean Jackson, Eagles |
46 | Mike Williams, Chargers |
47 | Anthony Miller, Bears |
48 | CeeDee Lamb, Cowboys |
49 | Sterling Shepard, Giants |
50 | Curtis Samuel, Panthers |
51 | Mecole Hardman, Chiefs |
52 | Henry Ruggs III, Raiders |
53 | Jerry Jeudy, Broncos |
54 | N'Keal Harry, Patriots |
55 | Preston Williams, Dolphins |
56 | Allen Lazard, Packers |
57 | Justin Jefferson, Vikings |
58 | Van Jefferson, Rams |
59 | Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals |
60 | Michael Pittman Jr., Colts |
61 | Hunter Renfrow, Raiders |
62 | Cole Beasley, Bills |
63 | Dede Westbrook, Jaguars |
64 | J.J. Arcega-Whiteside, Eagles |
65 | Robby Anderson, Panthers |
66 | Breshad Perriman, Jets |
67 | Sammy Watkins, Chiefs |
68 | Alshon Jeffery, Eagles |
69 | James Washington, Steelers |
70 | Randall Cobb, Texans |
71 | Scotty Miller, Buccaneers |
72 | John Hightower, Eagles |
73 | Kendrick Bourne, 49ers |
74 | Bryan Edwards, Raiders |
75 | Russell Gage, Falcons |
76 | Corey Davis, Titans |
77 | Parris Campbell, Colts |
78 | Brandon Aiyuk, 49ers |
79 | Tee Higgins, Bengals |
80 | Kenny Stills, Texans |
81 | Danny Amendola, Lions |
82 | Denzel Mims, Jets |
83 | Nelson Agholor, Raiders |
84 | Devin Duvernay, Ravens |
85 | Miles Boykin, Ravens |
86 | Olabisi Johnson, Vikings |
87 | Laviska Shenault Jr., Jaguars |
88 | KJ Hamler, Broncos |
89 | Jalen Guyton, 49ers |
90 | Tre'Quan Smith, Saints |
91 | John Ross III, Bengals |
92 | Steven Sims, Washington |
93 | Josh Reynolds, Rams |
94 | Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Packers |
95 | Zach Pascal, Colts |
96 | Tajae Sharpe, Vikings |
97 | Chase Claypool, Steelers |
98 | Jalen Reagor, Eagles |
99 | Joe Reed, Chargers |
Throughout the history of the NFL, there have been many offensive trends that have come and gone. In the early days of the NFL, running the football over and over was the focal point of every offense. The emergence of the West Coast offense and highly skilled quarterbacks led to a league-wide offensive overhaul. In today’s pass-heavy NFL, slot receivers are a new trend that offensive coordinators are leveraging more than ever. Pay attention to these small, agile receivers operating in the slot, and you will reap huge fantasy football rewards according to their advanced stats, metrics, and analytics profiles.
Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles Rams
Under the thumb of Sean McVay, the Los Angeles Rams have been propelled into relevance with their high powered offense spearheaded by Jared Goff. One of the biggest beneficiaries of their success has been rookie wide receiver Cooper Kupp. Running out of the slot, Kupp has produced significant fantasy upside in his first season in the NFL.
Kupp has proven to be a stalwart of the Rams’ red zone attack logging eight red zone receptions (No. 6) and a 31.5-percent Red Zone Target Share (No. 4). Furthermore, Kupp has recorded a solid 265 yards after catch this season (No. 13). His 10.83 Agility Score (88th-percentile) indicates that he is extremely dangerous with the ball in his hands. His high volume of receptions and young age make him a big asset in PPR leagues and dynasty leagues. Going into the season, Cooper Kupp’s ADP was 203. Do not overlook this blooming under the radar slot receiver.
Adam Thielen, Minnesota Vikings
There is not better example of a prolific breakout player than Adam Thielen. Thielen’s fantasy owners have been jumping for joy this season as he has been producing week in and week out. Despite the fact that he has been thrown to by Case Keenum for the majority of the season, he has continued to have fantasy success.
Thielen is quickly turning into one of the league’s best fantasy slot receivers. In an offense where he has to compete with Stefon Diggs, Thielen has logged 107 targets (No. 4), a 28.9-percent Target Share (No. 6), and 1006 receiving yards (No. 3). This type of a fantasy explosion coming from the slot is unusual but not unparalleled as we have seen similar numbers from Julian Edelman.
Adam Thielen’s fantasy output is only going to increase as he showcases a slew of metrics that are a mark of great receiver. Thus far in 2017, he has 2.77 Yards Per Pass Route (No. 4), a 58.8-percent Contested Catch Rate (No. 9), 303 yards after catch (No. 6), and is averaging 10.9 yards Target Depth Per Reception (No. 11). Thielen is a threat up and down the field coming out of the slot and will be for years to come.
Top Fantasy Slot Receivers 2019
Nelson Agholor, Philadelphia Eagles
This time a year ago, Philadelphia Eagles fans were ready to give up on their former first round draft pick: Nelson Agholor. At this point in the 2017 campaign, Agholor has been one of many standouts in the Eagles’ offensive juggernaut. Taking throws from Carson Wentz certainly doesn’t hurt, but a change occurred that facilitated his success. The change was schematic: Agholor moved to the slot.
After a miserable 2016 season, Agholor’s fantasy production has erupted working out of the slot. He has 7 touchdowns (No. 4) and 2.28 Fantasy Points Per Target (No. 6). Moreover, Agholor has been one of the most efficient receivers in all of football this season. He has recorded a +22.1 Production Premium (No. 10), a +26.4 Target premium (No. 10), and an eye-popping 127.7 QB Rating When Targeted (No. 3).
Nelson Agholor Advanced Stats & Metric Profile
Agholor often faces mismatches in the secondary as a result of his positioning in the slot. He also has the ability to promptly separate from defenders utilizing his 4.42 40-yard dash time (89th-percentile) and a 102.3 Speed Score (75th-percentile). Look for Agholor to be a consistent feature producing out of the slot in this potent Eagles offense.
Jamison Crowder, Washington Redskins
Top Fantasy Slot Receivers
Last but not least, Jamison Crowder offers a very promising fantasy option out of the slot. At just 24 years of age, Crowder shows loads of potential and is especially valuable in dynasty leagues. Despite not having a workout metric above the 50th-percentile, he averages 2.39 yards of Target Separation. This is an indication that Crowder is an exceptional route runner and can get open with regularity.
Nfl Fantasy Slot Receivers
Jamison Crowder is just as dangerous after he gets the ball in his hands as he has 291 yards after the catch (No. 7). With a pass-heavy offense run by Kirk Cousins, Crowder’s ceiling is extremely high. Look for Crowder do be a solid fantasy option as a slot receiver in Washington’s offense in the long run. Stash him now in dynasty leagues and his potential will come to fruition sooner rather than later.