Season Review: WRs
Photo Credit: Brad Rempel/USA Today Sports
MVP: Justin Jefferson
There is little discussion to be had about Jefferson other than that he is the best WR in football. He led the league in targets. He led the league in receptions. He led the league in receiving yards. He scored 8 touchdowns this year, which tied for the 5th most amount of touchdowns. Most importantly though, he led all fantasy WRs in scoring. JJ has never landed outside the top 10 WRs in scoring, and in just his 3rd year he was able to take the WRs scoring title. On top of the season mark, he was also able to lead all WRs in scoring from weeks 14-17, which are key fantasy playoff weeks. JJ is going to be a fantasy football gem for many years to come.
HM: Devante Adams
Biggest Bust: Keenan Allen
It is hard to blame Keenan for this, but unfortunately he was ranked as the 12th WR in ADP coming into this year... and landed as the 53rd. Injuries and age held Allen back as he was unable to put up an 1000 yard season for the 2nd time in the past 6 years. Hopefully Allen will be able to come back next year fully healthy and return to the Justin Herbert led Chargers offense in full force.
HM: Diontae Johnson
Best Sleeper Pick: Christian Kirk
Many people laughed at the Jaguars for signing Kirk to a hefty 4 year 72 million dollar deal, but he sure put those questions to rest after an impressive career year with Trevor Lawrence. Kirk was a big reason the Jags were able to enter the preseason, putting up career highs in receptions (84), yards (1,108), and touchdowns (8). His connection with Lawrence allowed him to land as the 14th highest scoring WR, outperforming his expectations by fantasy experts (avg. rank was WR40). The Jags put up an impressive season, and many are expecting more good things to come with Calvin Ridley joining Duval next year.
HM: Tyler Lockett
Waiver Wire Hero: Christian Watson
At the start of the year, many would laugh at the thought of a rookie WR on the packers landing as a top WR in fantasy. Looking at Watson's stats may surprise many as well. He only caught 41 receptions for 611 yards and 9 touchdowns. He landed as WR28, but that does not do justice to what he was able to do throughout the season. In the back half of the season (about weeks 8-17), Watson was the WR9 in scoring, an impressive stretch for the young WR. Specifically, in Weeks 10-13, Watson did not score under WR6. When Watson got more involved in the offense, he flashed some explosive abilities, which should hopefully carry into next year.
HM: Zay Jones
The "It" Factor: Mike Evans
There was no bigger moment for fantasy managers than the fantasy championship. Mike Evans had been inconsistent throughout the year, but because of his explosive ability, he was a must start every week. In Week 17 (most leagues championships) Evans put on a show. Anyone that started him in Week 17 most likely won, as Evans put managers on his back with a 10 reception, 207 yards, 3 touchdown game that landed as the WR1 in scoring, obviously. Evans inconsistency was instantly forgiven with that performance. It will be interesting to see what Evans can do next year, with speculation of Tom Brady's departure.
HM: Devante Adams
Rookie of the Year: Garrett Wilson
A lot of rookies showed up this year. Chris Olave, Christian Watson, Treylon Burks, Johan Dotson, just to name a few. But the leader of the pack was the Jets Garrett Wilson. Despite QB issues all year long, Wilson was able to put up an 1000 yard campaign and land as the WR21 in scoring. He was able to outscore notable names such as Gabe Davis, Jerry Jeudy, Deebo Samuel, Michael Pittman Jr., Keenan Allen, and many more. The Jets future is bright, and with some more offseason improvements, it will be exciting to see the young stud continue to progress into an elite fantasy WR.
HM: Chris Olave