Daddy want. Daddy need. Daddy gotta have it! Every year, fantasy football fans fall head over heels for certain players, determined on draft day to score their guy’s services no matter the cost. Breaking out the sledgehammer, below is a three-pack of must-have picks. Today’s position: Wide receivers.
Position rankings: QB | RB | WR | TE | Cheat Sheet
Position top targets: QB | RB | TE | Bijan No. 1?
1. Calvin Ridley, Titans (ADP: 66.58, WR35)
Once suspended for stringing together ridiculous multi-leg parlays while sidelined with an injury, the Riddler is practically one of us — with his 4.43-in-the-40 wheels and general stellar athleticism the primary exceptions.
Go ahead and confidently throw a couple shekels on the wideout to turn a profit in 2024. DeAndre Hopkins, who accounted for 28.6% of Tennessee’s target share (8.0 per game) last year, is already dealing with a knee setback.
Meanwhile, the “Mayo Marksman,” Will Levis, has the look of a quarterback with breakout flavor. Throughout training camp and so far this preseason, the strong-armed passer has shown improved poise and accuracy. He and Ridley should jive instantly.
Last season with Jacksonville, Ridley was relied on heavily down the field (WR2 in targets of 20+ yards) and inside the red zone (WR12 in RZ targets). He could assume a similar role in Nashville, one that could land him inside the WR2 rankings in 12-team leagues. Tennessee’s forgiving defense and unintimidating schedule only accentuate the argument.
At his current 60+ ADP, Ridley is hardly a gamble. Approximately 75-80 receptions, 1000-1100 yards and 7-9 touchdowns are well within reach.
2. Cooper Kupp, Rams (ADP: 27.76, WR17)
The Kuppeth — coming off a down, injury-plagued year — is about to filleth over. Grab L.A.’s sure-handed receiver in Round 3 or later, and you’re bound to sip on celebratory libations come year’s end.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported earlier this month that Sean McVay’s offense “clearly runs through” the 31-year-old. With Kupp healthy and motivated, an undesirable derailment is unlikely to occur. Of course, injuries are unpredictable, but if Kupp plays the majority of snaps, he will profit rather handsomely.
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Before the unforgiving imp snacked on his lower appendages in 2022, Kupp was on pace to be THE most valuable fantasy WR in back-to-back seasons. Slowed by hamstring and ankle issues, he still tallied praiseworthy production in myriad categories in 2023, including total red-zone targets (19, WR9) and route win rate (WR19). His skill set has eroded only slightly, if at all.
Kupp’s middle-of-the-pack projected fantasy strength of schedule (No. 19) doesn’t invigorate the senses, but given his established on-field chemistry with Matthew Stafford and clean bill of health, a strong rebound is likely. Toss in Puka Nacua’s tender knee, and a return to the WR top 10 is completely buyable for Kupp. Come January, a final line around 90 receptions, 1,100 yards and eight TDs isn’t some fever dream.
3. Chris Godwin, Buccaneers (ADP: 68.79, WR36)
Some would believe banking on a thirtysomething wide receiver on the back nine of his career is on par with Steph Curry nailing a clutch three over the outstretched arm of Victor Wembanyama. However, as recency tells us, sometimes the improbable happens.
Draft Godwin as your WR3, and all the “night night” memes could apply to your opponent.
Tampa Bay has the fourth-hardest projected fantasy strength of schedule for WRs, but the veteran’s route acuity and dependable hands could thrive in an expected return to the slot. In 2022, a year in which he registered the fourth-highest slot rate of any NFL WR, Godwin finished No. 15 in 0.5 PPR points per game scoring among wideouts.
Due to Mike Evans’ dominance inside the red zone, touchdowns are generally infrequent for the pass-catching deity. Despite that scoring shortcoming, Godwin has accumulated at least 80 receptions and 1,000 yards in three straight seasons. And in a somewhat down year in 2023, he still finished inside the position’s top six in total route wins and yards after catch.
Baker Mayfield ranked a disappointing QB30 in adjusted completion percentage last season with the Bucs, but Godwin is sure to be a divine underneath weapon. On 130-plus targets, he hauls in 85-90 passes for 1025-1075 yards and 4-6 TDs.