We've all been there before - your WR catches 4 balls for 30 yards and a TD - 13 points in full PPR leagues. Your opponent's WR hauls in 8 balls for 80 yards, besting your WR by 3, despite not scoring. Whether your league is a full point or fraction per reception, WR values can increase significantly. You have to change strategy from just targeting a guy who gains yards (DeSean Jackson in 2012) to one who can catch 100+ balls (DeSean Jackson in 2013). Use the top 20 WR PPR fantasy football rankings below as your guide to getting the most out of your Top WRs. Not only will these guys rack up targets, but they'll be difference makers for you all season.
Tier 1
These are guys that you can count on for double-digit scores every week, regardless of opponent. 20+ points in several weeks also won't be rare in this tier.
1 - Calvin Johnson (DET / 9) Johnson perennially sits in the top 5 in every receiving category, so it shouldn't be a surprise that he tops this list too. The addition of WR Golden Tate and TE Eric Ebron won't hurt Johnson's targets, as Matthew Stafford always falls back on Megatron in times of need. Had he played in one more game, he would have been the leader in fantasy points for WRs.
2 - Demaryius Thomas (DEN / 4) A prototype #1, Thomas had the best year of his career in 2013. One more offseason with Manning ensures that last year was a benchmark for Thomas. Double-digit TDs and triple-digit receptions are likely to occur as his rapport with Manning improves.
Dez Bryant ranks high in our PPR Fantasy Football Rankings3 - Julio Jones (ATL / 9) Jones has looked very good in camp thus far, showing no signs of being injured. Roddy White and Jones look to split most of Tony Gonzalez's targets, so expect some slightly elevated stats when compared to two years ago. I think this will be the year Jones emerges as Matt Ryan's favorite target, as Jones possesses the speed and skill to go deep, which will keep White closer to the line of scrimmage.
4 - Dez Bryant (DAL / 11) Bryant (in a contract year along with Thomas) will work his hardest to stay healthy and ensure top 5 WR money. With Romo healthy, Bryant will earn his next contract (or franchise tag) easily, as the team's #2 WR is currently Terrance Williams. The defense worsened with DeMarcus Ware's departure, which means more potential for shootouts.
5 - Brandon Marshall (CHI / 9) Long-time Jay Cutler favorite, Marshall has always produced when Cutler is under center. With Alshon Jeffery taking away the defense's ability to double- or triple-team Marshall, I see him producing his third straight year with 100 or more receptions.
6 - Antonio Brown (PIT / 12) Brown finally busted out last year, proving that he is a PPR machine. With Emmanuel Sanders leaving, Brown will continue success as Ben Roethlisberger's go-to receiver. Markus Wheaton will assume the deep target role, leaving plenty for Brown to catch on near and intermediate routes. The potential of Le'Veon Bell also looks to help Brown, as linebackers will have to respect the run and defensive backs can get fooled covering Bell out of the backfield.
7 - A.J. Green (CIN / 4) Questions surround the Bengals' offense due to new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson. Green is a supreme talent, which is why he stays in the top tier, but Jackson's focus on the run may have a negative effect on Green's stats this year. He's still Andy Dalton's clear favorite, but Dalton won't have the opportunity to pass for 4,000+ yards again. Green takes a step down this year, but still remains among the best.
The next two tiers are the gems most of use will be able to snag in the draft. Get your highlighter ready...
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