Fantasy Rankings are here!

By Martin Richardson

In my final rankings before the season starts, I’m ending on a big one: the top and elite names at the wide receiver position that will win you championships. Yes, we have the RB options that will be picked up early on, but that means some of these WR will be sitting there for you to pick and win that championship.
So for the final time in the offseason, let’s lock in those names and see who the difference makers will be.

20. LADD MCCKONKEY

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McConkey is looking to bounce back in 2026 after an average 2025 season. Finishing with 6 touchdowns, which isn’t bad, but with 7 games that had less than 40 yards, fantasy players are hoping those numbers are a one off. With a new play caller in Mike McDaniel, who got a very good tune out of Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill in Miami, this gives McConkey a chance to become a solid fantasy WR2 with some fringe WR1 upside if McDaniel gets cooking in ways we know he can. There is value to be had with someone like McConkey, but those low numbers need to be eliminated in order for him to be a consistent contributor.

19. Zay Flowers

I have some proverbial scare tissue from drafting Zay Flowers last year, with him underperforming with five touchdowns (two in week 18 which were fantasy irrelevance) and few games that crossed into double digits. Does that change in 2026, possibly. But even with a new deal for BIG money, I think that fantasy players need to see how he gets on early in the season. He has WR2 energy for fantasy players, but with new rookies in the building in Elijah Sarratt and Ja’Kobi Lane (love this guy) I wouldn’t be surprised to see a more spread out offense as I have very little faith in Rashad Bateman and Devontez Walker.

18. emeka egbuka

Why can’t things be simple down in Tampa? Losing Mike Evans was always going to hit hard, but with emergent rookie Emeka Egbuka in 2025, things didn’t look so bad. His 10 touchdowns came as both Evans and Godwin missed time with injury, but with one of those out the door and the other a year older, Egbuka was a true breakout candidate.

And then he got a toe injury. I hate this as it could just be a simple toe sprain that leaves him out of preseason (no great loss) or it could be the dreaded turf toe that gets worse as the season goes on. Keep an eye on those legitimate camp reports about his injury to see how he is. If all is well, then don’t be shy of drafting Egbuka as your WR2 in 2026. He has some great upside to be the top dog in this Bucs offense, albeit a busy offense with Godwin, McMillan and rookie Ted Hurst (he is so good) all looking to make an impact.

17. devonta smith

No AJ Brown, no problem. At least that is what Philly and fantasy fans alike are hoping for from DeVonta Smith in 2026. I think Smith was always a solid WR2 for fantasy players, and that may well not translate instantly into WR1 play, just look at JuJu Smith Schuster when he had to be WR1 in Pittsburgh. Given his supporting cast is Dontayvion Wicks and rookie Makai Lemon, Smith will get the lions share of targets and opportunities to showcase his talent. That being said, Lemon has plenty of upside if he takes on the role of slot receiver in this Philly offense. He has a high ceiling, but keep an eye on how Makai Lemon is used from day one.

16. Tet Mcmillan

Eurgh, the Offensive Rookie of the Year is going to be a problem in the NFC South for a long time. Thinking about this in terms of fantasy football, just like players like Bijan Robinson, playing against average teams could well result in big fantasy games. All you have to do is look at 130 yards and two touchdowns against the Falcons as well as 73 yards and touchdown against the Buccaneers. If he continues to produce similar numbers in 2026, he could well be a very good solid WR2 with fringe WR1 upside. Don’t be scared to take such a talent ahead of some of the more established names because I bet this time next year, McMillan will be one of those better fantasy producers.

15. Tee Higgins

11 touchdowns in 2025 was a great return for the WR2 on the Bengals roster which makes him one of the top fantasy WR2 options as well. He has been a top 20 WR over the last two seasons and that is money for fantasy players when looking at value picks after you’ve taken your top two picks in the draft. The only issue would be is that like teammates Chase and Burrow, he is not the most durable and misses a game or two. Does that mean you don’t take him, not really, he still has top value for me in 2026.

An injury scare in preseason for Ja’Marr Chase is one to watch if you are thinking of taking Higgins in the draft. Whilst Chase said it was nothing, keep an eye on that and pounce on Higgins if the chance arrives.

14. george pickens

There will be people who will say that because Lamb is back and healthy in 2026, Pickens’ numbers will drop somewhat. However, looking at those numbers in 2025, he still got the same targets as Lamb (8) per game, which is great insight for fantasy players. The difference would be that his fantasy numbers dipped from big yards and 20+ points without Lamb, to 15+ points with Lamb on the field. So, that is certainly a factor to if you think Pickens would be your WR1 in fantasy after an RB and TE pick up early. If you are looking for a more than solid WR2 on your roster, then Pickens is someone who provides the value and security you need. 

13. malik nabers

He is looking great after his injury and could be in line for a big season now that Wan’Dale Robinson is out the door. Yes, there is Isaiah Likely, but Nabers is very much WR1 and target 1 in this offense. Get Nabers in your second round of the draft and he will bring you top fantasy numbers. I said last year that Nabers could break into the top 5 of fantasy WR, and this season he has the chance to showcase why that will happen.

An Injury to Calvin Austin is certainly going to be a factor as the Giants will have to look in house for someone to step up into the WR2 spot, or will they look to a veteran to support Nabers… Odell Beckham anyone?

12. chris olave

Before camp started, I thought Olave would have a great season even with the addition of Jordon Tyson. But, with Tyson now injured, Olave stands to gain as he will be the big target very early on in the season and that can only be a good thing for fantasy players. Tyler Shough looked more than capable at QB and will no doubt push on in 2026. In an average division where he has the chance to play 5 games that matter to matter to fantasy players, Olave against the NFC South teams poses a nice upside to fantasy players in 2026. Somehow the Saints always manage to be competitive every season, and a fit and healthy Olave goes a long way to ensure that success.

11. Rashee Rice

We all know just how important someone like Rashee Rice can be for this Chiefs team. Finishing the season after his suspension with five touchdowns in eight games and a big 141-yard game against the Colts, Rice showed his true value. But, with a stint in prison (what a wild thing to write) you have to hope that all his stupid behaviour is behind him and he can focus on being his best self on the field. With only Xavier Worthy and rookie Cyrus Allen as the main competition at WR, Rice is certain to get the lion’s share of the ball, even with the ageing Travis Kelce on the field. I wouldn’t be shocked to see him being one of the better WR2 options in fantasy this season.

10. garrett wilson

Bad QB play is something people look at when contemplating who to take at WR. Yet Wilson is someone who has been a top target for all the bad QBs for the Jets since he was drafted and has been a consistent performer for fantasy players over the years. I think we see more of those solid numbers from Wilson in 2026, even if they have drafted more skill players in TE Kenyon Sadiq and WR Omar Cooper Jr. Could Wilson be a WR1 for your roster if you decide to take a Brock Bowers or Trey McBride early? The upside is there. you just have to look past the fact that he is on the always unattractive New York Jets.

9. drake london

Bad QB play again could cost London in 2026. Michael Penix looks to be recovering well from another ACL injury so you wonder when he will be back and Tua looks like he has the yips from something as simple as catching the ball from the snap. So, there is someone here who could have his talent win out and be a solid and consistent WR (not like St. Brown) or someone who could well be a bit of a high stakes bust due to more poor QB play. Add to the mix the faith being shown in Kyle Pitts, London is a solid WR pick up, with some definite upside if things go well in Atlanta.

8. aj brown

It finally happened: AJ Brown was traded to the Patriots, adding a dynamic weapon for QB Drake Maye to aim for. Even with the addition of Romeo Doubs, Brown will be target number one and rightly so. You’ll easily be able to pick up Brown in the second round of your fantasy draft, with players picking those elite names at both RB and WR before contemplating Brown. For me, this is where you can pick up a steal as someone like AJ Brown has that elite game potential that we saw in 2020 and 2022 where he got 11 touchdowns in both those seasons and over 1000 yards too.

7. nico collins

I love Nico Collins. I’ve won championships with Nico Collins. Which probably explains why I am a bit higher on Collins than most other outlets. But with three seasons over 1000 yards and 21 touchdowns in that time as well, Collins presents a consistent performer for fantasy players looking for a second pickup. I’d be very happy picking up someone like Collins to pair with an RB round 1 pick-up and you’ve got a pair that could win you a championship. The only concern may be is if Jayden Higgins has that second year bump that people are excited to see. Both should be able to work in tandem in this offense.

6. justin jefferson

Another QB here for Jefferson to work with in Kyler Murray and not JJ McCarthy. So, does this mean that Jefferson has a better season than last season? Well, it won’t take much for that to be the case. But with 2 touchdowns in 2025, fantasy players may well be a bit weary of investing high stock in a player who relies on a solid QB play to get him involved. But in the previous years, Jefferson has been different class, with 2 double digit touchdown seasons and nearly 2000 yards in 2022. Could we see an increase in his production in 2026, I think so given the legacy he has as an elite fantasy contributor.

5. ceedee lamb

Naturally I drafted CeeDee Lamb in his first season that he gets a major injury. Anyway, Lamb is the top target in on a Cowboys roster that seems like it will be one of the better teams in the NFL overall. ESPN have him looking at double digit touchdowns and I would not be surprised if he reaches that comfortably in 2026. This Cowboys offense looks legit this season and there is plenty to be excited about, and elite WR Lamb is the pick of the bunch.

4. amon-ra st. brown

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Mr Consistent. He is a nailed on first round fantasy draft pick in 2026 and if you take him in round one you get solid and consistent numbers. I feel as though I could leave the analysis there, such is how good he is for fantasy players, but let’s elaborate. St. Brown gets an ample share of targets in this offense, with fellow WR Jameson Williams having a very specific role in the team and TE Sam LaPorta coming off a down year by his standards. Even with a shift in how RB Jahmyr Giibbs is used now that he is not sharing with David Montgomery, St Brown will be a top target in this offense.

3. jaxon smith-njigba

Offensive Player of the Year last year. No real WR competition other than Rasheed Shaheed and TE AJ Barner. All signs point to a continued target share in 2026 (36% last year) and make JSN an elite option for those fantasy players who have early pick in 2026. Will there be some regression, possibly, but with nearly 1800 yards and 10 touchdowns, you can take that regression as you know he will be a top fantasy contributor for your team.

2. puka nacua

There are some who will think that Nacua should be WR1 here, and there is a case for it. He is an elite fantasy option, simple as that. Plus. how long do the Rams have a 14-touchdown season in Davante Adams? Could some of those be thrown Nacua’s way? I think it is possible. But even if not, Nacua is hitting double digit touchdowns and easily over 1000 yards and I have no concerns over him replicating that in 2026. The only issue would be is if he misses time with any kind of suspension due to his off the field behaviour. If he avoids any kind of repercussion, then he could be in line for a great season again.

1. ja'marr chase

There isn’t really much between Chase and Nacua in my opinion. I think I am going with Chase because he has massive volume in terms of targets and even with injuries to Burrow in the past, Chase has still managed to make good numbers. In the last couple of seasons Chase is a little more productive as well with more touchdowns than Nacua, even with Higgins in the team. He is genuinely in the discussion to be the first overall pick in the draft for another year and I wouldn’t shocked if he is taken ahead of running backs Gibbs or Robinson.

Of course, all this would still be the case if you hadn’t seen the injury scare recently. Whilst he says he’s fine, keep an eye on that and see how he gets on.

MARTIN RICHARDSON

NFL/FANTASY FOOTBALL ANALYST

A Yorkshireman living in Lancashire, Martin is a massive NFL fan but his heart belongs to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Also a huge Fantasy Football enthusiast and spends far too long crunching the numbers! Follow him at @MRBucsFan31

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