PPR fantasy football leagues are a completely different animal than standard (gross) or half-point PPR leagues. While standard and PPR leagues have gained recent scrutiny by the fantasy community, albeit for completely opposite reasons, both rule sets are still deployed by leagues across the country.
In this article, we’ll touch on five wide receivers who you should be drafting in 2022 PPR fantasy football leagues, aka the target monsters atop their respective teams’ target totem poles.
Also read: Top Running Backs to Draft in PPR Leagues
RUSSELL GAGE
The Bucs went out and inked Russell Gage from the Falcons early on in 2022 free agency. Gage will fill in for Chris Godwin, who is likely out until the midpoint of the season due to an ACL tear. Thus, there will be ample opportunity for Gage to take over the sought-out slot receiver role in Tom Brady’s attack. Along with Godwin’s absence, 163 additional targets are available due to Rob Gronkowski’s retirement and Antonio Brown’s clownery.
Additionally, he will undergo a massive upgrade in quarterback play from Matt Ryan to Tom Brady. The GOAT ranked first in short pass completions in 2021, making Gage’s Underdog Fantasy WR33 (69 overall) ADP feel cheaper than ever before. Gage finished 36th among WRs in receptions last season and he should easily eclipse the 66 receptions that he secured last season.
The Wolf ranks Gage WR31 on his 2022 Fantasy Football Rankings.
DJ MOORE
After finishing 12th in receptions with a nightmarish combination of Sam Darnold, Cam Newton, and P.J Walker, Moore will get to play with his “best” quarterback yet in Baker Mayfield. Moore makes his money in the short passing game, as 65% of his receptions were on passes of nine yards or less. In 2021, Moore’s most receiver-friendly QB was Darnold (19th PFF short pass rating) and now he gets Mayfield (11th best).
While other Robbie Anderson recently cleared the air, things have been a bit uncomfortable between Anderson and Baker. This drama could contribute to Moore getting even more attention in the offense. Moore’s current ADP is WR15 (ADP 31), but there’s lots of optimism that Moore can reach new heights (and career-high reception numbers) with a more competent QB. However, The Wolf is not as optimistic about the receiver, as Moore is currently WR25 on his rankings.
HUNTER RENFROW
Renfrow finished with the fifth most receptions among WRs in 2021, making him a household name for fantasy owners across the PPR galaxy. But, some analysts were reluctant to support Renfrow for fantasy this season with the addition of Davante Adams. Critics argued Adams will lower Renfrow’s value, but Adams will undoubtedly draw more attention from secondaries and open up space for Renfrow like he’s never had before. Renfrow’s 135 targets last year validate Derek Carr’s constant trust in him.
Last year was music to fantasy owners’ ears, as Renfrow had the sixth-highest slot rate in the league. Expect a big year ahead for Renfrow who will fit great with new HC Josh McDaniels after the coach displayed success with slot receivers with Wes Welker, Julian Edelman, and Danny Amendola.
With Renfrow’s ADP climbing to WR38 (79 overall), count on Renfrow to continue to build on the chemistry with Carr and outperform his expected value. The Wolf is nine spots higher on Renfrow than the current ADP.
CEEDEE LAMB
With the Cowboys dealing Amari Cooper to the Browns, CeeDee Lamb will drip in his most fantasy upside yet due to an uptick in targets, receptions, and overall production. Cooper’s 104 targets and Cedrick Wilson’s 61 targets will be up for grabs in an offense that will also be without Michael Gallup for a time being. Those subtractions make Lamb the only proven pass-catcher option for the Cowboys, alongside tight end Dalton Schultz.
Lamb racked up 74 receptions for 935 yards as a rookie and followed that up with 80 receptions for for 1,123 yards this past season. Underdog Fantasy drafters are currently selecting Lamb 13.7 overall (WR6). The former Sooner has true breakout potential in year three.
RASHOD BATEMAN
Rashod Bateman is not a name that most PPR players would initially target, but he will soon inherit a massive target share in Baltimore. The second-year wideout will take over for Marquise Brown, who commanded a 23% target share and had 91 receptions in 2021. Outside of Mark Andrews, there are no other pass-catchers in this offense who will demand Lamar Jackson’s passing volume.
Although he sort of “busted” as a rookie, he showed potential with a 7-103 performance in Week 14. The Wolf ranks Bateman two spots higher than his current ADP at WR24.
Drop a comment below with the receivers you’re targeting in PPR leagues.
