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. For updates, visit the models directly.
And don’t forget about the tools that FantasyLabs has to offer, like our Lineup Optimizer to effortlessly create up to 150 lineups, or use our Lineup Builder if you like to hand-build your lineups.
Top NFL DFS Wide Receiver Picks in the FantasyLabs Models
On DraftKings, there are two wide receivers near the top of the Sean Koerner, Chris Raybon, Cash Game, and Tournament Player Models.
- Justin Jefferson
- Tyreek Hill
We’ll discuss why these 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 $8,600 DraftKings, $9,000 FanDuel): Minnesota Vikings (-3) at Washington Commanders (43.5 total)
Justin Jefferson’s 2022 campaign has practically been two different players. He has three explosion performances, going for 42.4, 34.0, and 33.32 DraftKings points. His other four games have been a handful of middling performances with one dud mixed in.
His usage is unquestioned, as he’s running a route on merely every dropback, seeing a 29% target share and being targeted on 24% of his routes run. Minnesota is moving him all over and trying to get the ball in his hands, which may be leading to his low average depth of target of just 8.9 yards. He is seeing the lion’s share of air yards with 39% as well.
He’s a fairly safe bet to get the 100-yard bonus, as he’s eclipsed 100 yards in four of seven games and put up 98 yards last week. He gets a matchup against a Washington defense that has surrendered the sixth-most fantasy points per game to opposing WR1s.
Jefferson is one of the most talented receivers in the league and boasts one of the highest ceilings on a week-to-week basis.
He leads our Tournament Model this week.
Tyreek Hill ($8,500 DraftKings, $8,700 FanDuel): Miami Dolphins (-4) at Chicago Bears (45.5 total)
The Miami Dolphins’ game plan this season has basically been to just get Tyreek Hill the ball. Hill has 12+ targets in six of eight games and has four games of 28+ DraftKings points.
He has a 33% target share and is being targeted on 35% of his routes. He also holds a stranglehold on the air yards, with 41% on the season. And 44%, 50%, and 56% over the past three weeks. Hill has put up these insane numbers while only scoring two touchdowns on the season. He’s posted three games with double-digit receptions, over 160 yards, and zero touchdowns. If he starts to find the end zone, he’s going to put up some legendary performances.
The matchup appears to be difficult, but it really isn’t. The Bears are third in DraftKings points allowed to opposing receivers. This is more due to their schedule of opposing quarterbacks and inability to stop the run than it is a testament to the prowess of their secondary.
They’ve given up the fewest receptions per game to opposing wideouts but are allowing 8.3 yards per target and 13.1 yards per catch, which are middle of the pack. Hill may be able to run wild on this Chicago defense.
Hill is the top receiver in our Cash Game Model, as well as Chris Raybon and Sean Koerner’s Pro Models.
Other Notable NFL DFS Wide Receiver Picks
DeAndre Hopkins ($7,900 DraftKings, $8,600 FanDuel): Arizona Cardinals (-2) vs. Seattle Seahawks (49 total)
DeAndre Hopkins has thrived since returning from suspension, with 23.3 and 36.9 DraftKings points in his two games back. He’s seen 50% and 32% of team targets since coming back and is running a route on pretty much every dropback. He’s commanded 58% and 56% of the air yards, racking up 262 yards in the two games.
Arizona moved him all over the field in his first game back but left him mostly out wide last week. With him seeing such a monster share of targets, we’re not too concerned with where he’s lining up. This week will be a matchup of talent and usage vs. matchup, as Seattle has been pretty stout against opposing receivers.
We’re going to bet on talent and usage in this potential shootout.
Amon-Ra St. Brown ($6,600 DraftKings, $7,100 FanDuel): Detroit Lions (+3.5) vs. Green Bay Packers (49.5 total)
St. Brown had a middling Week 8, catching seven of 10 targets for 69 yards. It is a little challenging for him to reach a ceiling, as he has such a low average depth of target. We saw him go for 42.4 DraftKings points in Week 2, so we know the ceiling is in there. He’s being targeted on 31.6% of his routes this year, which is second in the league.
The Packers defense is nothing to be afraid of, as they’re giving up 8.0 yards per target to opposing slot receivers and 9.5 yards per target to outside receivers. St. Brown is basically splitting his time between the slot and outside, so he’ll get to experience both.
We’ve seen this defense struggle against talented receivers, and with this being a potential shootout, St. Brown could be in for a big day.
Zay Jones ($4,100 DraftKings, $5,500 FanDuel): Jacksonville Jaguars (+2) vs. Las Vegas Raiders (47.5 total)
Zay Jones had a lackluster game in London, seeing merely three targets, catching three balls for 28 yards. He still is running a route on practically every dropback, being targeted on 20% of his routes run. Jones does run a good chunk of his routes from the slot, where the Raiders are particularly weak. Las Vegas is allowing 10.4 yards per target and has given up a league-high five touchdowns to slot receivers.
He’s likely going to carry a lot of ownership, but it’s rare that you find a player with this type of role for this cheap. Jones is far underpriced for his role, and he provides nice salary relief this week.
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