Over the past decade or so, we’ve seen some great wide receivers, especially compared to the couple decades that preceded them. That means the 2013 Fantasy Wide Receiver Keeper rankings have a little more weight to them than they did 15 years ago.
With PPR, FLEX and 3-WR leagues sprouting up everywhere, this position has become increasingly important, as those new rules and league setups make it tougher for running backs to be the most important position.
(Trust me, running backs are still the most important position, but not as much as they once were.)
How Important are Wide Receivers?
I’d just like to show you some quick stats to explain to you just how important the wide receivers position have become in Fantasy play, even before PPR, FLEX and 3-WR leagues come into play.
In 1985, Steelers WR Louis Lipps (top 10 name in football history) was the top Fantasy wide receiver – as a 23-year-old second-year guy. He caught 59 passes for 1,134 yards and 12 touchdowns (for 193 Fantasy points). Only seven other wide receivers scored more than 150 Fantasy points that year.
(By the way, did you know that FootballGuys.com has Fantasy stats dating all the way back to 1985?)
In 1995, Jerry Rice was the top dog with 284 Fantasy points, and there were 19 wide receivers with at least 150 Fantasy points.
In 2012, Calvin Johnson led the position with 226 Fantasy points, and a total of 18 wide receivers scored at least 150 points.
Toss in the added value of PPR, FLEX and 3-WR leagues, and you’re now looking at a position that is just one tiny notch below running backs in Fantasy importance.
One of the major problems with wide receivers, though, is that their Fantasy value is directly tied to the quality of their quarterback. Just ask the owners of Larry Fitzgerald.
Fantasy Wide Receiver Keeper History
Let’s take a quick look at my completely subjective top 12 Best Fantasy Wide Receiver Keepers from the past 15 years:
Outside of a couple stinker seasons with Minnesota and Oakland in the mid-2000s, Randy Moss was one of the best keepers at any position. Photo Credit: Illegal Shift
- Randy Moss
- Terrell Owens
- Marvin Harrison
- Torry Holt
- Reggie Wayne
- Calvin Johnson
- Larry Fitzgerald
- Brandon Marshall
- Roddy White
- Wes Welker
- Andre Johnson
- Chad Johnson
And now, let’s check out my completely subjective 12 WORST Fantasy Wide Receiver Keepers from the past 15 years:
- David Boston
- Brandon Lloyd
- Javon Wallker
- Michael Clayton
- Joe Horn
- Peerless Price
- Braylon Edwards
- Chris Chambers
- Plaxico Burress
- Terry Glenn
- Roy Williams
- Braylon Edwards
I expect to hit those lists a little harder with some analysis in the coming weeks, and posting on FantasySports.org, so stay posted!
2013 Fantasy Wide Receiver Keeper Rankings
These 2013 Fantasy Wide Receiver Keeper Rankings are for standard non-PPR leagues, scoring four points for a touchdown pass, starting 1 QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, 1 TE, 1 K and 1 DST. These rankings, powered by the folks at FantasyPros.com, will be adjusted throughout the summer. “ECR” stands for “Experts Consensus Rankings,” and it’s the average rankings of over 35 Fantasy Football writers/websites.
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Julio Jones is only three years into his NFL career, but he’s already shaping up to be one of the best keepers at the position for a decade. Photo Credit: Football Schedule
Don’t worry! I’m going to updated these 2013 Fantasy Wide Receiver Keeper Rankings over the summer, including through training camp and the preseason. Check back as roster news and injuries hit.
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