Many of us eagerly anticipate our fantasy football drafts each year, whether live or online. Trash-talking, crowning a new champion, and laughing at the last-place teams are all part of the fun. Before drafting, having a plan and being familiar with your league mates and settings are essential. One enjoyable way to prepare is by looking at rankings lists and comparing them to your own! With the Zero Running Back Strategy becoming more popular, wide receivers have become a premier position in fantasy football. Here is my top ten list for wide receivers in 2023.
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Wide Receiver Rankings for 2023
1. Justin Jefferson
Justin Jefferson reigns as the top wide receiver and dominates as the number one overall fantasy football pick in most leagues. Thanks to the precision of his quarterback Kirk Cousin, Jefferson received a whopping 184 targets, resulting in over 1,800 yards receiving and eight touchdowns – leading the league in both categories. While the Vikings have added promising rookie Jordan Addison and TJ Hockenson is entering his first full season with the team, Jefferson remains the go-to option for Cousins.
2. Ja’Marr Chase
Ja’Marr Chase could have been the top overall pick in your drafts had it not been for his hip injury last season. However, he is still a strong contender, and here’s why he’s my number two. He has a proven track record of being a touchdown machine. In fact, he would have likely scored double-digit touchdowns in the first two seasons of his NFL career if he hadn’t been injured. Additionally, his chemistry with quarterback Joe Burrow is undeniable that goes back to their college football days. Watching them play together is a treat. Therefore, don’t hesitate to draft Chase with confidence.
3. Tyreek Hill
Tyreek Hill has set his sights on achieving 2,000 receiving yards in 2023. With his impressive performance last season, averaging 100.6 yards per game and seven catches, Hill has proven himself to be a top receiver in the league. Despite doubts after leaving Kansas City, Hill has excelled with number fifteen throwing him the football. As an elite athlete, Hill is a valuable asset for any fantasy team and is definitely one to watch as he strives towards his ambitious goal.
4. Cooper Kupp
Cooper Kupp is a standout wide receiver when it comes to consistency, but last season was tough for him due to injuries that caused him to miss nine games. Interestingly, Matthew Stafford also missed the same number of games. The two have a strong connection, with Kupp being a points-per-reception machine who consistently racks up targets and catches. While it may be challenging for Kupp to match his 2021 performance, he still has the potential to excel as long as he and Stafford stay healthy and on the field together.
5. Amon-Ra St. Brown
Despite being overlooked in the 2021 NFL draft, Amon-Ra St. Brown is proving to be an invaluable asset to the Lions offense. With 16 wide receivers selected before him, it is clear that his talent was initially underestimated. St. Brown made a very nice leap from his rookie year, getting 249 more yards. What stood out even more, his target increased to 146. He also catches 202 balls for the jugs machine every day, which speaks to his work ethic. In his now third season, and with full-on support from his quarterback, can he make the next jump? Many believe he can and that this year will be the year he takes over. Especially right out the gate with Jameson Williams serving a six-game suspension.
6. CeeDee Lamb
To identify a top wide receiver, look for someone who consistently improves their stats year after year. CeeDee Lamb is a perfect example of this, as he achieved career highs last year with nine touchdowns and 1,359 yards. The question now is whether he can continue this upward trend in 2023. One popular strategy among fantasy managers is to stack quarterbacks and wide receivers from the same team, and the stack between Dak Prescott and Lamb would be a great stack to target.
7. Stefon Diggs
Stefon Diggs’ offseason has been interesting, to say the least. It all began during last season’s playoffs when he expressed his frustration toward the Bills’ offense. Despite this, there’s no denying that Diggs is an ultra-competitive player and an integral part of Allen’s game plan. Last season, he recorded 1,429 yards, the second-highest of his career, and a career-high of eleven touchdowns. Diggs has consistently delivered 100 catches over the last three seasons, making him a reliable player. However, there are concerns about potential regression. The Bills’ coaching staff has emphasized the importance of a more balanced offense, which includes a greater focus on running the football. This shift raises questions about what this means for Diggs and whether he will be impacted. While these concerns are minor, they are something to keep an eye on.
8. AJ Brown
AJ Brown is a top contender if you’re looking for a solid pick for your fantasy football team. Last season, he proved his worth by racking up eleven touchdowns, showing his dominance throughout the year. He only went two games without scoring, proving himself to be a consistent force on the field. It’s worth noting, however, that he’ll be sharing targets with a strong cast of receivers, and the Eagles are known for their love of running the football. With two new running backs joining the team, it’s anyone’s guess how the new Offensive Coordinator Brian Johnson will call plays. Despite these uncertainties, Brown should still be one of the top wide receivers on the board during drafts.
9. Garrett Wilson
Talk about taking the league by storm, rookie Garrett Wilson did just that in 2022. With the combination of Joe Flacco, Zach Wilson, and Mike White, Wilson accumulated 1,103 yards on 83 catches. Fantasy managers last year would have loved to see him get more than the four touchdowns last season. But, considering who his quarterbacks were. Could you call Wilson quarterback-proof? This means it doesn’t matter who’s throwing to him he will put up numbers. We won’t get to find out now with Aaron Rodgers throwing him the ball. This should be a special year for Wilson.
10. DJ Moore
The Chicago Bears needed a game-changer this season, prompting them to trade their number one overall pick in the recent draft for DJ Moore. With the team going all-in during the off-season, the dynamic duo of Justin Fields and DJ Moore is poised to deliver a potent one-two punch this year. Their impressive 62-yard touchdown in their first preseason game together is a clear indication that this tandem could spell fun and fireworks for fantasy football managers. Moreover, Moore has proven his durability, having played 80 games over his five-year career. While he falls short in the touchdown department, Moore’s seven touchdowns last year suggest that he is capable of finding the endzone. If the offense continues to excel, Moore could easily surpass his previous best of four touchdowns.
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