In this piece, I highlight wide receivers who stand out in our large suite of analytical fantasy tools, most specifically, our FantasyLabs Player Models. While the models are built for DFS contests, this is an all-purpose fantasy article with actionable information for all formats.
As news breaks throughout the week and we adjust our projections (powered by Sean Koerner), player ratings in our Player Models will change as the projections change. For updates, visit the models directly.
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Top NFL DFS Wide Receiver Picks in the FantasyLabs Models
On DraftKings, there are two wide receivers near the top of the individual Sean Koerner, Chris Raybon, Cash Game, and Tournament Player Models.
- Justin Jefferson
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba
We’ll discuss why these two are popping in our models, as well as take a look at some other wide receivers.
Top Model NFL DFS Wide Receiver Picks
Justin Jefferson ($8,100 DraftKings, $9,200 FanDuel): Minnesota Vikings (+3) vs. Detroit Lions (47 total)
Justin Jefferson shook off the rust last week, catching seven of 10 targets for 84 yards. There were question marks as to how he’d perform with Nick Mullens under center, but he was fed volume and was still a threat in the intermediate and deep areas of the field.
It still is a little scary attacking a receiver with such a high price tag when he’s attached to a backup quarterback, but this is a situation to do so. We’ve been targeting receivers against Detroit for weeks now. Over the past eight games, Detroit has allowed the 11th-most yards per game to opposing receivers.
It’s hard to ignore this price tag, as this is the lowest price we’ve seen Jefferson on a main slate this year. He’s tied for third in Points/Salary at the position, which is impressive considering he’s the fourth-highest-priced receiver on the slate.
This is the time to buy in, as it’s more likely that we see Jefferson’s price increase in the coming weeks as opposed to a decrease.
He’s the top receiver in our Cash Game and Tournament Models this weekend.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba ($4,500 DraftKings, $5,900 FanDuel): Seattle Seahawks (-3.5) at Tennessee Titans (41.5 total)
Jaxon Smith-Njigba pulled in a highlight-reel touchdown to seal the upset over Philadelphia last week. The matchup worked in his favor, but it was a little upsetting to see him only earn four targets. However, he made the most of his work, catching all four balls for 48 yards and a score.
Smith-Njigba now gets one of the best matchups in the league, as Tennessee is a pass funnel that has surrendered the sixth-most DraftKings points per game to opposing receivers.
His target volume has been a little up and down, but with a likely increase in pass attempts from Seattle, the rookie should see a comfortable amount of volume.
Don’t forget to check out our SImLabs Lineup Generator to create advanced DFS lineup using the power of simulation:
Other Notable NFL DFS Wide Receiver Picks
D.J. Moore ($6,900 DraftKings, $8,200 FanDuel): Chicago Bears (-4) vs. Arizona Cardinals (43 total)
DJ Moore had a middling performance against Cleveland last week, catching four of eight targets for 52 yards. That was to be expected, though, as Cleveland has allowed the second-fewest DraftKings points per game to opposing receivers. Arizona has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to opposing top receivers and the fourth-most yards per target as a whole.
Moore had seen 32 targets in the three games before last week and put up 22+ DraftKings points in all three. He’s a prime stacking option with Fields on Sunday against a poor Arizona defense.
Dontayvion Wicks ($4,300 DraftKings, $5,400 FanDuel): Green Bay Packers (-4) at Carolina Panthers (37.5 total)
Dontayvion Wicks is questionable with an ankle injury but played through the same injury last week, catching six of seven targets for 97 yards. He’ll likely be in line for extended work, as Christian Watson is almost surely to miss, and Jayden Reed missed Friday’s practice.
Wicks has been excellent on the volume he’s seen this year, and he’s become a big part of the offense. Carolina isn’t allowing much production to receivers, but that’s due to the limited passing volume they’ve seen. They’re a weak defense as a whole, and Green Bay is unlikely to skew extremely run-heavy. Wicks is cheap and should see solid work.
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My Favorite NFL DFS Wide Receiver Leverage Pick(s)
Amari Cooper ($6,400 DraftKings, $7,500 FanDuel): Cleveland Browns (-3) at Houston Texans (40 total)
I’m very high on this Cleveland passing offense as a whole this week, and Amari Cooper looks like he’ll be a little overlooked. He saw 14 targets in Week 14 and popped off last week, catching four of eight targets for 109 yards and a touchdown.
With Joe Flacco under center, the Browns have been very pass-heavy. Houston has been susceptible to perimeter receivers, allowing the fourth-most yards per target to boundary receivers. Cooper has played 85% of his snaps on the perimeter with Flacco under center and owns big play upside.
He finally has a competent quarterback under center, which makes his high ceiling accessible. He’s a strong target in the midrange this weekend at low ownership.
