WR Breakdown: AFC West 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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Denver Broncos
The Broncos receiving corps has really remained the same the past couple seasons. DT and Eman Sanders are two veteran WRs who, with good QB play, can put up solid fantasy numbers. While the years of either of them being WR1s may be behind them, the improved QB situation this year should give both of them a good boost. Thomas should be looked at as a WR 2 since he is more likely to remain consistent. Sanders should see an increase in TDs this season and he is WR 3. We have already seen Sanders look sharp this preseason. Given their experience and reliability over the years, both Thomas and Sanders should be relied on as starters in 12 team leagues.
1. Demaryius Thomas (ADP Round 5.02) – WR 2
2. Emanuel Sanders (ADP Round 7.09) – WR 3
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs went out and made some significant changes to their offense this offseason. Goodbye to Alex Smith and Albert Wilson and welcome to the starting lineup Patrick Mahomes and Sammy Watkins. Tyreek Hill still figures to be the number one WR in this offense. The addition of Mahomes should actually help him since Hill makes a living by running past the defense and getting open downfield. Hill will have weeks where he will disappoint his fantasy owners, but his speed and big play potential give him upside that many other players don’t have. Watkins is now on his third team in the last three years. He was slightly disappointing while playing for the Rams and injuries caused him to fall out of favor in Buffalo. If he can stay healthy for the whole season, he could produce WR3 numbers.
1. Tyreek Hill (ADP Round 3.07) – High upside WR 2
2. Sammy Watkins (ADP Round 7.04) – Low end WR 3
San Diego Chargers
The Chargers have had issues in recent years with injured WRs. Hopefully, this group can stay healthy because the combo of Keenan, Mike Williams and Tyrell Williams can be one of the stronger WR units in the NFL. Mike Williams will bring an athletic talent and skill set that is difficult for the second corner on any team to cover. He is a prime candidate for a sophomore year breakout. Keenan will continue to produce strong WR1 numbers if he remains healthy. Tyrell Williams probably will not be a consistent fantasy option due to being third on the depth chart, but he should pick up any snaps if Mike Williams or Keenan were to get hurt. He should start only on matchups that are favorable to him.
1. Keenan Allen (ADP Round 2.09) – WR 1
2. Mike Williams (ADP Round 9.07) – Possible breakout bench WR
3. Tyrell Williams (ADP Round 14.01) – Matchup based waiver wire pickup
Oakland Raiders
Jon Gruden will be making a return to coaching this season and who else to do it with than the Oakland Raiders. His new offense will highlight playmakers Amari Cooper, Jordy Nelson and Martavis Bryant. Cooper has shown flashes of brilliance in his first three years in the NFL. This could be a very pivotal year for him to prove to the Raiders that he is worth his fifth year option next season. Jordy has been one of the best WRs in fantasy multiple times in the past 5 seasons. Unfortunately, he is getting older and he is no longer with Aaron Rodgers. While the disappointment from last season can be attributed partially with Hundley starting at QB, it is not encouraging that he has never really proven he can be productive without Rodgers being his QB. Martavis Bryant has all the talent needed to succeed, but reports in Oakland have said he is not been impressive thus far and his inability to grasp the playbook is concerning.
1. Amari Cooper (ADP Round 4.03) – WR 2
2. Jordy Nelson (ADP Round 7.11) – WR 4
3. Martavis Bryant (ADP Round 14.03) – Late round flyer