We are days away from the kickoff of the NFL season, so it’s important to get the last 2 fantasy football remaining rankings (WR & TE) published and out to you guys.  With that said, this is the 3rdof a series of blog (See RB Article Here & QB Article Here), related to fantasy football preseason rankings and hot takes.  To try to differentiate from your everyday ranking type articles, I thought I would switch it up and give you my 2018 “Plus” and “Minus” list.  Next to each name I also include the players overall position rank per ESPN ADP, overall ADP Rank in general, and then my personal position rank.  Everything is based on PPR. 

Keep in mind, this list has been created based off where players have been getting drafted on average (ESPN ADP) and by position.  Essentially, this article looks to showcase the guys I’m high on entering this season (“Plus”) and those players I am not so high on (“Minus”).  However, just because a player lands on my “Minus” (-) list, doesn’t necessarily mean I believe he won’t have a great season.  It simply means I am not interested in that player at that average draft position.  Very quickly a guy that falls on my “Minus” (-) list could turn into a value if he falls low enough and become someone I am interested in.  Hope you enjoy!

*All stats provided via https://www.pro-football-reference.com. 

---

The Wide Receive Position

As I explained in my RB article, I believe the RB position is being overvalued this year, particular in PPR leagues.  This leaves many high talented WRs on the sidelines early in drafts.  Yes, there are few stud running backs that should go early but there are many good running backs that are being taken well above wide receivers.  You can easily land several stud WR’s if you are drafting towards the end of the 1stround, a strategy I am high on entering this season.  

Plus (+)

Antonio Brown – Pittsburgh Steelers

ESPN ADP Position Rank – 1 (5.2 overall)
Personal Position Rank – 1

The cream of the crop, year after year.  Antonio Brown tops my list as well as most of the industries for a variety of reasons but none more obvious that consistency.  Brown has 5 straight seasons of 150 receptions, 1,200 yards, and at least 8 TDs.  We have seen seasons from Brown of 1,700 and 1,800 yards in addition to a 193 reception season in 2015.  In PPR, there is nothing better.  More so, if you exclude the New England game, last season Brown averaged over 12 targets a game.  Certainty is rare in fantasy football, but Antonio Brown’s elite consistent performance is as close as you can get.  Don’t hesitate and take Brown as the #1 overall WR in fantasy and anywhere you like in the 1stround.  

Keenan Allen – LA Chargers

ESPN ADP Position Rank – 5 (16.6 overall)
Personal Position Rank – 4

Keenan Allen is a guy I am targeting heavily in all drafts this season as he is easily one of my WRs. The only thing leaving Keenan Allen out of the discussion is injury.  Just like Antonio Brown, when Allen plays he is consistently great.  However, due to several season ending injuries throughout his career, it is difficult to label Allen as consistent so I can understand those that don’t want to take the risk in drafting him.  But that’s not me.  Allen’s numbers, when healthy, are some of the best in the league.  We saw last year Allen manage to play in 15 of 16 games and post a 100 + reception, 1,400 yard, 6 TD season garnishing the 2017 NFL Comeback Player of the Year award.  

What we love is that Allen averaged over 10 targets and nearly 100 yards receiving a game in 2017 while also being ranked 2ndoverall in the NFL with 24 Red Zone targets. Targets, yards, receptions, TDs, and redzone opportunity.  Keenan Allen has it all and with another healthy season should remain a top-5 WR in the NFL.  Currently, Allen has an ADP of #5 for the WR position however I’m giving him a slight bump to #4 at the position, ahead of Julio Jones.  Realistically you could grab both Antonio Brown and Keenan Allen in a draft, a strategy I am in love with.  

Larry Fitzgerald – Arizona Cardinals

ESPN ADP Position Rank – 12 (31.5 overall)
Personal Position Rank – 10

If you haven’t noticed, a common theme among my rankings is consistency and Larry Fitzgerald fits that bill just as much as anyone else.  Health is almost never a concern as Fitzgerald has missed only a few games throughout his 15 year career.  More importantly, he has totaled only 3 seasons with less than 135 targets.  Focusing on the last 3 seasons, Fitzgerald has 3 straight 140+ target / 100 + reception seasons in addition to at least 1,000 yards and 6 TDs. Keep in mind, Fitzgerald has been through a carousel of QBs throughout his career and last several years.  To maintain such consistent production is very impressive and something I look for in fantasy.  This season, Fitzgerald benefits from an upgrade in QB (Sam Bradford) and the return of David Johnson would should only help the passing game. I expect nothing less than a full season of 100+ receptions, another 1,200 yards and possibly 8 or more TDs. Currently, Fitzgerald is getting drafted on average as the #12 WR but with that consistent production I would rank him within the top-10 at the WR position.  Give him a Plus (+) overall.

Minus (-)

Tyreek Hill – Kansas City Chiefs

ESPN ADP Position Rank – 11 (31.5 overall)
Personal Rank – 15-20

After bursting onto the scene as a rookie in 2016, Tyreek Hill came into 2017 with some speculation as to how he would be used and how much he would be a part of the KC conservative style offense.  Hill didn’t disappoint amassing over 1,100 yards, 75 receptions and 7 TDs.  However, I am just not so certain he should be getting drafted as the #11 overall WR ahead of players like Fitzgerald, Diggs, Thielen, and Cooper.  I like Hill just as much as the next guy but entering 2018, there are a several significant changes in KC that just keep me away from Hill that early.  For one, Alex Smith is gone and the team will be led by an inexperienced Patrick Mahomes.  Second, KC acquired Sammy Watkins this off-season which in addition to Travis Kelce, should eat into some of Hill’s usage.  Third, KC also added a new offensive coordinator, again just adding more uncertainty to the situation.  For me, I am more willing to draft players like Fitzgerald and Cooper ahead of Hill based on these uncertainties.  Don’t get me wrong, Hill is an exciting player, but look for him a little later in a draft instead. Doug 

Baldwin – Seattle Seahawks

ESPN ADP Position Rank – 17 (43.7 overall)
Personal Rank – 20-25

This one is tough but simply based on health.  Just a few days ago, Baldwin announced that his knee injury would be something he would have to deal with for the rest of the 2018 season.  That scares me, especially coming off his worst season since 2014.  For 2017, Baldwin managed just 991 receiving yards on 75 receptions with 8 scores. It’s not the worst stat line in the world except for the fact he was at times receiving top-10 WR preseason ranks. I can’t help but fallback on the fact he announced his knee injury would linger this season and he isn’t 100% healthy. For me, getting drafted as the #17 fantasy WR might not be too off considering his stat history but overall, I’m likely going to avoid Baldwin this season.  

---

OVERALL 2018 WR RANKINGS

1. Antonio Brown
2. Deandre Hopkins
3. Odell Beckham Jr.
4. Keenan Allen
5. Julio Jones
6. Devante Adams
7. Michael Thomas
8. AJ Green
9. Mike Evans
10. Larry Fitzgerald