Every season brings surprises that weren’t necessarily expected from where fantasy players were drafted. Not many would have guessed that Sam Howell and C.J. Stroud would be No. 1 and No. 2, respectively, in passing yards heading into December. Few would have projected that the top 10 rushers in the league 12 weeks into the season would include Raheem Mostert (No. 2), D’Andre Swift (No. 4), James Cook (No. 6), Travis Etienne (No. 7) and Zack Moss (No. 10).
But when it comes to receiving yards, the script hasn’t changed. The wide receivers expected to be at or near the top of the charts were picked high because they’ve been there before. Of the top 12 in receiving yards, only Puka Nacua is a surprise. The other top guys were drafted as top guys – Tyreek Hill, Keenan Allen, CeeDee Lamb, A.J. Brown, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Stefon Diggs, Ja’Marr Chase, DJ Moore, Brandon Aiyuk, Mike Evans and Davante Adams.
As you prepare next year for your fantasy football draft, keep it in the back of your mind that receivers are much more predictable than quarterbacks and running backs for top-end value – and should be ranked as such.