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'18 Way-Too-Early Fantasy Football Rankings- WR's

1) Antonio Brown

2017: 101 Receptions, 1,533 Receiving Yards, 9 Receiving TDs = 209.30 FP (WR2) (14 Games Played) (NFL.com Standard Scoring)

Analysis: One of the easiest players to project in all of fantasy is Mr. Antonio Brown. His numbers are always at the top at his position. His averages over the past five years (116/1570/10) are better than most players' career years. His numbers are also just as consistent as he has over 100 receptions in each of the last five seasons with at least 1,284 yards. He's also scored double-digits in three of those five years, and never falling under 8. His floor is 1,300 and 9 TDs. Grab him with one of the top 5 picks and set and forget him the rest of the season.

2) DeAndre Hopkins

2017: 96 Receptions, 1,378 Receiving Yards, 13 Receiving TDs = 213.80 FP (WR1) (15 Games Played) (NFL.com Standard Scoring)

Analysis: Hopkins came out of nowhere last season to again prove that he belongs in the elite at the position. He has put up video-game numbers with less than stellar QBs his entire career, but now heads into 2018 with a seemingly bonafide star in Deshaun Watson. If Watson can keep the magic he had in the first half of last season, Hopkins should easily finish as a top 10 WR. His incredible volume coupled with his talent makes him a scary matchup for any team. I wouldn't hesitate choosing him in the middle of the first round regardless of format. He'll hit 1,400 yards and 11 TDs.

3) Odell Beckham Jr.

2017: 25 Receptions, 302 Receiving Yards, 3 Receiving TDs = 49.00 FP (WR83) (4 Games Played) (NFL.com Standard Scoring)

Analysis: Many are worried about Odell's return after an injury yet I do not understand why. He was every bit as dominant prior to his injury to his ankle on a worse team than it looks like the 2018 Giants will be. Don't forget about the addition of Saquon Barkley, who should command a decent amount of attention from opposing defenses, something Odell has never had in a teammate at running back. Odell should return to his usual status as a top 5 WR. He's a sneaky candidate to lead the NFL in TD receptions. I'm pegging him for around 1,300 yards and 12 TDs.

4) Michael Thomas

2017: 104 Receptions, 1,245 Receiving Yards, 5 Receiving TDs = 154.50 FP (WR8) (16 Games Played) (NFL.com Standard Scoring)

Analysis: Thomas has quickly cemented himself as stud wideout after just two seasons. Having Drew Brees doesn't hurt either as he allows Thomas to continuously garner accurate targets. Also, the Saints offense offers plenty of yardage and scoring opportunities. While Thomas is exceptionally consistent, his ceiling is fairly low as evidenced by his five touchdowns. However, consistency should be highly valued in fantasy, and that is what Thomas offers. While he may never have a 200+ yardage game (season-high was 117 yards) or a 3 TD game (season-high was 1), he did have double-digit targets 7 times and had over 82 yards 9 times. I think Thomas gets luckier in the TD department in 2018 and finishes with 1,300 yards and 8 TDs.

5) Julio Jones

2017: 88 Receptions, 1,444 Receiving Yards, 3 Receiving TDs = 163.90 FP (WR6) (16 Games Played) (NFL.com Standard Scoring)

Analysis: It's the same story every year Julio, he has the ability to put up ridiculous numbers yet never seems to reach them. Scoring a combined 25 TDs over the past 5 seasons in extremely frustrating when you look at his size, speed, and talent. Even more frustrating is his game by game volatility. He had just as many games with less than 54 yards as he did with more than 100 yards. While he always seems to eclipse 1,400 yards, owning Julio never seems to feel satisfying. He won't score just 3 TDs again in 2018 but his lack of TD potential keeps him from being higher on this list, at least for me. He's a mid-second round pick for me who should reach 1,450 yards and 7 TDs.

6) Mike Evans

2017: 73 Receptions, 1,001 Receiving Yards, 5 Receiving TDs = 132.10 FP (WR20) (15 Games Played) (NFL.com Standard Scoring)

Analysis: Evans had an abysmal 2017 season, hardly reaching 1,000 yards and not fulfilling his red zone monster persona with just 5 scores. He should bounce back nicely as the Bucs defense should give up points generously and make Jameis Winston throw the ball a ton. Still just 24 years old, Evans is still just beginning to enter his prime despite having already four pro seasons under his belt in which he totaled over 1,000 yards in each of them and a pair of 12 TD seasons. Although his 2017 96/1,345/12 season feels like his ceiling, his 2018 73/1,001/5 is definitely his floor. I believe in the Texas A&M alum and project him to come closer to that 2017 ceiling with around 1,230 yards and 9 TDs.

7) Keenan Allen

2017: 102 Receptions, 1,393 Receiving Yards, 6 Receiving TDs = 182.20 FP (WR3) (16 Games Played) (NFL.com Standard Scoring)

Analysis: It finally happened...Keenan Allen played all 16 games and showed what he was always capable of. His injury history is scary, but his upside is incredible in a high-powered Phillip Rivers led offense. Allen also has the versatility to line up anywhere in the formation to get open for Rivers. His 159 targets last season was easily the most he's ever had and it turned into his first 100 catch season and almost 1,400 yards. It's pretty simple, if Allen plays 15 or 16 games, he will pay dividends for his late second round draft price. But, picking Allen that early is not for the faint of heart. He's special and I think if he does play the whole season, he can deliver 1,400 yards and 7 TDs.

8) AJ Green

2017: 75 Receptions, 1,078 Receiving Yards, 8 Receiving TDs = 151.80 FP (WR10) (16 Games Played) (NFL.com Standard Scoring)

Analysis: This is where I think the WR position shifts a tier. Green not too long ago was a fixture in the top 5 at the position but whether or not he is completely to blame for his decline in production, he finds himself lower than usual. Andy Dalton, and the entire Bengals team, have taken a step back and that has hindered Green's upside. Having said all this, Green still finished as a WR1 in 2017 with almost 1,100 yards and 8 TDs. However, he was wildly inconsistent having six games under 51 yards and five games of 3 catches or less. But, you still cannot deny Green's potential as he still can be dominant (as seen by his 7/189/1 games vs. BUF) and is the main target on a team that might be behind a lot in 2018. Green will reach 1,150 yards and 8 TDs.

9) Davante Adams

2017: 74 Receptions, 885 Receiving Yards, 10 Receiving TDs = 148.50 FP (WR12) (14 Games Played) (NFL.com Standard Scoring)

Analysis: Much of Adams high prospects are directly attributed to his pairing with Aaron Rodgers. While Adams did play well with back-up Brett Hundley, He still scored in three of the five games he played with Rodgers in which the star QB started and finished the game. While Adams has yet to reach 1,000 yards in his four years in the league, his 22 TDs over the past two seasons are makes up for the low yardage totals. His 22 TDs over the past two years are just three less than Julio Jones has in his last five seasons. If Rodgers and Adams click, which may have to happen due to the absence left behind by Jordy Nelson's departure, watch out. Adams as the number 1 wideout in a Rodgers-led offense could catapult Adams to top 5 status. I say Adams finishes with his first 1,000 yard season and another 10 TD season. Adams, to me, has one of the highest ceilings in the league.

10) Tyreek Hill

2017: 75 Receptions, 1,183 Receiving Yards, 7 Receiving TDs = 164.20 FP (WR4) (15 Games Played) (NFL.com Standard Scoring)

Analysis: I think Hill blew away all expectations that he had placed on him in 2017. Falling 17 yards from 1,200 yards through the air was shocking considering his stature and 593 yard showing in his rookie season. His rushing totals were way down from his rookie year, but his receiving numbers made everyone forget about that aspect of his game. Hill, despite the perception that he is a boom or bust player, actually was surprisingly consistent, logging at least 64 yards in 10 games last season and at least 5 receptions in 10 games as well. The only concern with Hill is actually his QB situation. Alex Smith left for Washington, leaving inexperienced second year QB Patrick Mahomes. However, in the one game Mahomes played in, he carved up the Broncos for 284 yards but did not toss a single TD. Hill did not play in this game. Nevertheless, Hill's game-breaking speed will surely return significant production: 1,050 yards and 7 TDs.

Just Missed the Cut: Doug Baldwin (WR13), Adam Thielan (WR11), Stefon Diggs (WR17)


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