WR Breakdown: NFC North Edition
The depth chart for a NFL team can only tell you so much. Sometimes a WR3 on one team may be more fantasy relevant than the WR1 on another. In this series we will be breaking down each team’s WR group and letting you know who is worth drafting:
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Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings had one of the most fearsome receiving corps in the league last year with the one two punch of Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs. While there will be a new QB throwing them the ball, it may actually benefit them after the Vikings paid big money for free agent Kirk Cousins. Thielen finished as the 11th best WR while Diggs finished at WR19. Despite finishing 8 spots lower, Diggs only had .1 less fantasy PPG than his teammate. Some concerns that have plagued Diggs so far is that in his three NFL seasons are that he has yet to play a full season and he has never amassed more than 1000 receiving yards. Despite those concerns, both players should remain very strong fantasy WRs in 2018. With the strength of the top two receivers, it is unlikely another receiver would become fantasy relevant barring injury to Diggs or Thielen. If that were to happen former first round pick, Laquon Treadwell would likely be the next man up.
1. Adam Thielen (ADP Round 3.12) – High floor WR 1
2. Stefon Diggs (ADP Round 3.07) – High upside WR 2
3. Laquon Treadwell (Undrafted) – Not worth a roster spot
Detroit Lions
The Lions are a very exciting passing attack this year. The Lions were the only team in the NFL last season to have two 1000 yard WRs. There are only a few teams that may be able to support three top 40 fantasy WRs. and the Lions are one of those teams. With not much proven TE depth on the roster, expect the trio of Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, and Kenny Golladay to all be on the field together quite often. Stafford has always had a reputation of being a gunslinger and with these three targets running downfield, he should have no problems finding an open man. Jones is being drafted the highest and should finish as the top receiver in this offense. Tate actually was out snapped near the end of the year by Golladay and I would not be surprised if that trend continues in this season. With all three receivers vying for targets, it does limit the upside of any of them being a true WR 1 for your team.
1. Marvin Jones (ADP Round 5.09) – WR 2
2. Golden Tate (ADP Round 6.03) – Low end WR 2
3. Kenny Golladay (ADP Round 11.12) – Bench WR 4 with high upside
Green Bay Packers
Let’s start this off by saying one name, Aaron Rodgers. As long as there is a healthy Aaron Rodgers in Green Bay, the Packers WRs are one of the best WR corps to own in fantasy. In 2016 and 2014 when Rodgers played all 16 games, he had two top 10 fantasy WRs both years. There are very few teams that have the talent to accomplish that feat and we have seen in the past that some receivers who have been extremely productive with Rodgers have struggled when moving on to a different team. The receiving group that he is working with includes veterans Devante Adams and Randall Cobb paired with younger unproven receivers such as Geronimo Allison and rookie J’Mon Moore. Adams should take over the number one receiver role with Jordy now in Oakland. Cobb will likely remain the slot receiver and since he is with Rodgers, he should remain fantasy relevant. Allison and Moore will both likely be fighting for that third wide receiver spot and it is more likely that Allison will win because of his familiarity with the offense.
1. Devante Adams (ADP Round 2.07) – WR 1 with top 5 potential
2. Randall Cobb (ADP Round 8.07) – Low end WR 3
3. Geronimo Allison (ADP Round 12.12) – Bench WR with solid upside
4. J’Mon Moore (Undrafted) – Not worth roster spot unless he wins WR3 job
Chicago Bears
The Bears offense had its struggles last season. Mitchell Trubisky was trying to find his way in the NFL and the WRs were hit with injuries. This offseason, the Bears did a lot to fix that by bringing in Allen Robinson, Taylor Gabriel and Anthony Miller. All of those receivers will be learning a new offense from head coach Matt Nagy. Robinson has the top receiver position on lock and should be valued at a top 18 WR. Miller has shown a lot of promise already and he could end up being the Bears WR2 by the end of the season. Gabriel could be worth a bench spot, but shouldn’t be relied upon to start unless he solidifies the number two spot and outperforms expectations.
1. Allen Robinson (ADP Round 5.04) – Mid range WR 2
2. Anthony Miller (ADP Round 13.08) – Bench player with potential to make impact as season goes on
3. Taylor Gabriel (Undrafted) – Late round flyer in PPR