It’s time now for me to attempt to rank my top 15 wide receivers for dynasty going into the 2022 season. In case you’re just tuning in, here are my top 12 QBs and top 15 RBs for dynasty as well.
Much like my running back rankings, I’ve chosen a top 15 for WRs to give myself a little leeway with whom I consider to be at the WR1 tier. I think of these players as assets that should only be bought or sold at top dollar.
Also, remember the number in parentheses is the player’s 2021 rank in half-PPR, using pretty standard scoring.
The Top 3 – Ridiculous
- Ja’Marr Chase (5) – As a Vikings fan myself, I really wanted to put JJ here, and I think you could make a case for him. However, Chase has also set the league on fire, and when you factor in his chemistry with Burrow, it’s exciting to think of what their partnership can produce over the next 5 or more years. Chase is a deep threat, can make clutch possession catches, and can run well after the catch. His rookie campaign was great, and it was just the beginning; I’m only accepting an absurd haul in return, and that’s if I actually decide to sell him.
- Justin Jefferson (4) – I think you could argue he is number 1 as well, but in this tier it doesn’t really matter. Jefferson has done nothing but put up record-breaking numbers in his first two years, and I see no reason he doesn’t continue going forward. Even if the Vikings move on from Kirk Cousins this year or next, as long as the ball is coming his way he’ll catch it.
- Cooper Kupp (1) – He only led all wide receivers in TDs, receiving yards, and receptions, so why is he not number 1? Well, in dynasty age has to play a role, and he’s 28. But by no means would I suggest he is done producing. It appears he and Stafford have a great thing going in LA, and I still value him as a top 5 WR asset in dynasty for the 2022 season.
Numbers 4, 5, & 6 – Proven volume
- Davante Adams (3) – At 29 some may start to avoid him unless they are in “win-now” mode. But I am all about a guy who had 123 catches and always seems to be open. You could argue that he loses some value if he doesn’t get to play with Rodgers again next season, but I think he’s earned my support until proven otherwise. His work ethic is laudable, and he never drops balls. He is still a valuable dynasty asset.
- Tyreek Hill (6) – Hill had a few duds this season, but he still ended with 111 catches and over 1,200 yards. I think you take a handful of busts from him because his booms are better than most players’ booms. He still has elite speed, and defenses continue to allow him to inexplicably get open. I’m quite happy with Hill as my WR1.
- A.J. Brown (33) – Brown may be higher than he should be at 6, but at 24 years old, he has shown elite talent. This past season was marred with injuries, but the bigger issue for Brown is the Tennessee offense as a whole. Either way, he proved in the divisional round against the Bengals that he is elite. I would like a slight upgrade at QB from Tannehill to really get excited, but even with Tannehill he is one of the top 10 wide receivers for dynasty leagues.
Numbers 7, 8, & 9 – Top talent
- CeeDee Lamb (19) – Lamb still lacks a bit of the consistency that you need from your WR1, but the talent is definitely there. He is 22 and put up over 1,100 receiving yards. I have to think the Cowboys will feature him even more next year, and he could very well rival the top 3 wide receivers as a dynasty asset by the end of the 2022 season.
- Deebo Samuel (2) – Deebo almost single-handedly helped me sneak into the playoffs this year. He has continued to be as dynamic as ever in the post-season, and I’m really excited to see what 2022 brings. I have two small concerns with Samuel in 2022: slight regression and workload. This is me being nit-picky, but Deebo had 1,770 combined rushing and receiving yards to go along with 14 total touchdowns. I do think he is capable of repeating these numbers, but it is a lofty goal. I also worry about his workload. I’ve seen him come up limping a few times in the postseason and near the end of the regular season. Part of me thinks the 49ers will be a bit more cautious with him next year.
- Stefon Diggs (7) – Diggs had only one week in half-PPR over 20 fantasy points, but he was consistently solid otherwise. His target share is very good, and he still amassed 1,225 receiving yards. Josh Allen is distributing the ball to various weapons, but Diggs is still producing. I want pieces of this offense in 2022, and there should be no reason for the Bills to not continue to look at Diggs as their WR1. As long as he is, he should be a fantasy WR1 as well. He is 28 years old, but has proven he can stay healthy, so I still think he is one of the top wide receivers for dynasty.
Numbers 10, 11, & 12 – Great, could be greater
- D.K. Metcalf (13) – This may be the player I’m most worried about ranking this high, but I can’t argue with his talent. He managed 967 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns in a rough year for the Seattle offense. He disappeared at times, but when the offense is clicking, he is huge. There is a lot of uncertainty swirling around the Seahawks going into the off-season, but Metcalf is a freak athlete who is only 24 years old. I may be nervous to give up a lot for him, but I’m happy to be the Metcalf owner, as I think he is still a top WR.
- Chris Godwin (16) – Godwin missed the last three games of the year, but still finished with 98 catches and over 1,100 yards. He is a bonafide stud at age 25, and should be for years to come. Godwin only had 5 touchdowns this past season, but I think that’s a pretty safe floor going into 2022. He should compete for a top 10 finish in the rankings next season.
- Tee Higgins (22) – Higgins has shown flashes of greatness in his own right, even if Chase stole a lot of the headlines. Regardless, he and Chase are both top talents at WR, and as Burrow continues to get better, so too will Higgins and Chase. I have no problem ranking both Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase in the top 15, and he may be easier to acquire as a dynasty asset because he is technically a WR2.
Numbers 13, 14, & 15 – Improve the situation, improve the ceiling
- Jaylen Waddle (17) – Waddle had a fantastic rookie campaign, and if the Miami offense can take a step I think we are looking at a top 10 wide receiver week in-week out. What I like most about Waddle is that the catches I saw him make were tough, contested, and ones that a veteran would make. Granted, I did not watch every Dolphins’ game too closely, but he definitely passed my personal eye test. I think he’ll be one of the top wide receivers to have in dynasty leagues for several years to come.
- Diontae Johnson (9) – It will be interesting to see Pittsburgh’s QB situation in 2022. But whoever is under center will like having Johnson as a target. He led the Steelers in targets and made some big plays for an inconsistent offense. He does have some cases of the “dropsies” but if he rectifies those he should put up WR1 numbers in dynasty.
- D.J. Moore (20) – For some reason I did not want to put Moore in my top 15. I think it was mainly because I didn’t trust his offense, but he put up 93 catches for 1,157 yards. He is only 24 years old, and I don’t think it will take too much to improve Carolina’s offense. I think he proved he has a pretty safe floor, and I only see improvement for him next season.
Notable Omissions
Terry McLaurin – McLaurin had a down year by his standards, and still finished 26th in half-PPR. The Washington Football Team did not do him any favors, and I wouldn’t sleep on him becoming a top 10 WR next season. Scary Terry is a great WR, and at age 26 has plenty of time to stay near these rankings.
DeAndre Hopkins – DHop is still awesome, but I’m hesitant on him going forward. In the games he played this past season he did not eclipse 100 yards once. His 7 catch performance against Houston saw him only record 53 yards. He still gets a lot of targets, however, and is a beast in the red zone. He’ll be productive, but I’m not sure he’s at WR1 caliber for dynasty purposes.
Calvin Ridley – I hope Calvin Ridley is doing well, and not just for fantasy purposes. I hope he has been working on his mental health. If and when he’s ready to come back, we’ll all be excited. He was putting up great WR fantasy seasons, and would be a valuable wide receiver to have in dynasty.
Elijah Moore – I really wanted to put Elijah Moore in my top 15, but he’s not quite there for me. Some people may have him there because he is only 21. Also, he was productive in a sputtering offense. For long-term production, though, I need to see his team improve as well.
Your thoughts?
As always, feel free to let me know what you think of my rankings. Who did I undervalue/overvalue? Did I miss someone completely?
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