2022 WR Fantasy Football Rankings For Best Ball

Feb 1st 2022

Hayden Winks

Underdog Fantasy has 2022 fantasy football drafts in the lobby right now, with our first 2022 best ball tournament coming shortly. So it's already time for 2022 fantasy football rankings from yours truly: Fantasy QBs - Fantasy RBs - Fantasy WRs - Fantasy TEs - Top 250 Overall.

The baseline for my rankings stems from Underdog Fantasy's 2022 ADP (you can always find them under the app's "Rankings" tab) and my 2022 NFL Depth Charts column. Check them out if you haven't already.

My 2022 WR fantasy football rankings are based on half PPR.

WR1 Cooper Kupp

He had the most Better In Best Ball Points of 2022, while averaging 21.4 half PPR points per game. Kupp did so by getting open at will at all levels in an offense that finished 4th in neutral pace and 5th in neutral pass rate. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR1.

WR2 Ja'Marr Chase

A strong finish led Chase to the 6th-most Better In Best Ball Points Per Game. This was despite the Bengals ranking only 12th in neutral pass rate due to a balanced start. If Tyler Boyd is released or if the Bengals vault into the top-8 in neutral pass rate next season, Chase could have a WR1 overall type of season. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR3.

WR3 Tyreek Hill

The Chiefs offense may never be as good as it was in 2018-20, but Hill is as bankable as they get among elite WR1s. Hill will be a 28-year-old attached to Patrick Mahomes, and his primary competition for targets (Travis Kelce) will be a 33-year-old in 2022. His “down season” resulted in the 11th most Better In Best Ball Points Per Game. Pretty good. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR5.

WR4 Justin Jefferson

The Vikings could save $35M if they trade Kirk Cousins, and there isn’t a viable passing backup on the roster. That’d be Jefferson’s worst-case scenario. The best case is that Cousins stays, they replace coach Mike Zimmer with an offensive-minded head coach, and 32-year-old Adam Thielen continues declining in 2022. Jefferson was 12th overall in Better In Best Ball Points Per Game. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR2.

WR5 Davante Adams

The franchise tag awaits Adams if a long-term deal can't be agreed to. It's looking more likely that Aaron Rodgers leaves, and Broncos' reporter Benjamin Allbright doesn't believe Adams would follow him to Denver if that's what happens. Staying in Green Bay with Jordan Love would be a noticeable downgrade, but Adams is a legit talent with a legit play caller, and negative game scripts would keep his floor very high. He’s been top-4 overall in Better In Best Ball Points Per Game in two straight seasons. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR4.

WR6 A.J. Brown

Ryan Tannehill, Julio Jones, and Brown are all likely returning given their contracts. It’s just a matter of health for Brown to go nuclear one of these years. Brown was half PPR’s WR21 in his 11 healthy games last season. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR8.

WR7 Deebo Samuel

Only Ja’Marr Chase had more fantasy points over expected per game than Samuel in 2021. He was ridiculous in all phases on his way to a WR2 per-game finish in Half PPR. With regression working against him, Samuel is harder to trust at a much-elevated ADP, and the 49ers’ passing numbers and red zone touches are also threatened with an inexperienced dual-threat quarterback entering the fold. I’m just struggling to find receivers to draft ahead of him. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR6.

WR8 CeeDee Lamb

The Cowboys don’t have Michael Gallup under contract, and he might be viewed as the top outside receiver in free agency. Going from three studs to two would be a win for Lamb, who was half PPR’s WR13 per game and 50th overall in Better In Best Ball Points Per Game last season. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR9.

WR9 Stefon Diggs

The Bills can save $6.1M by releasing 33-year-old Cole Beasley and 35-year-old Emmanuel Sanders is unsigned. Diggs could be in the No. 1 neutral pass rate offense with far less target competition. There’s some bounce back potential after a WR12 per-game finish in half PPR. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR7.

WR10 DK Metcalf

Which Russell Wilson are we getting, if we’re getting him at all? Metcalf was half PPR’s WR19 per game in a down season last year. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR10.

WR11 Tee Higgins

His jump ball skills are perfect as a 1b attached to a quarterback that is willing to give his receivers one-on-one opportunities. Higgins was half PPR’s WR8 per game over the last 10 weeks once the Bengals began passing more. That strong finish led to a 34th overall ranking in Better In Best Ball Points Per Game across the entire year. Any missed games from Ja’Marr Chase would send Higgins to the moon. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR14.

WR12 Jaylen Waddle

Waddle was half PPR’s WR15 per game over the last 10 weeks of the season despite Miami’s No. 24 scoring offense and his own laughably low 7.1 aDOT, but there is some upside beyond that, pending offensive line and play-calling upgrades. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR11.

WR13 DeAndre Hopkins

He’ll be 30 years old and is coming off an injury-filled season in which he averaged his lowest receiving yards (57.2) since his rookie season in 2013. The potential good news is that there could be less target competition with A.J. Green, Christian Kirk, and Zach Ertz unsigned. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR12.

WR14 Calvin Ridley

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and Steve Wyche have hinted at Ridley and the Falcons parting ways this offseason. The Falcons are still in cap hell and could be forced into trading their star receiver, which would open up $11.1M against the cap with $0 dead money. On the flip side, trading or releasing Matt Ryan would result in $40M in dead cap and would only relieve $8M against the cap. Ridley was a top-5 fantasy receiver in 2020. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR17.

WR15 Terry McLaurin

The skill position group is all set to return, but McLaurin has his best odds of having a legit quarterback this year with Washington having top-10 cap space and the front office having pressure to win this year. McLaurin has the skills for a WR1 season if he gets any help from his environment. He limped to a 67th overall finish in Better In Best Ball Points Per Game last season because of truly awful quarterback play. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR18.

WR16 Mike Evans

I had Evans at WR10 before Tom Brady's retirement whispers, so I'll adjust upward if Brady returns. Anyways, Antonio Brown is gone and Chris Godwin will be expensive to re-sign as arguably the best pass-catching free agent of 2022. Even if Godwin is re-signed (which I mostly expect), he could miss the first month of the season coming off his torn ACL and Evans remains in the relative prime of his career as a 29-year-old in an elite scoring environment. Evans was half PPR’s WR11 per game in half PPR last year. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR15.

WR17 Diontae Johnson

This comes down to which quarterback Pittsburgh brings in, and they have $42M in cap space going into the offseason. Johnson was half PPR’s WR10 per game and the 45th overall player in Better In Best Ball Points Per Game as the ideal fit with popcorn-armed Big Ben. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR16.

WR18 Amari Cooper

The Cowboys probably don’t have the salary cap to re-sign both Dalton Schultz and Michael Gallup, who would likely miss the start of 2022 anyways. Cooper and CeeDee Lamb are set up for a big year after disappointing as the 55th and 50th overall players in Better In Best Ball Points Per Game last year. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR23.

WR19 Mike Williams

A volatile ceiling-game receiver, Williams finished as half PPR’s WR17 per game and 33rd overall player in Better In Best Ball Points Per Game last year. He’s unsigned now, but with receiver depth an issue in Los Angeles, it’s somewhat likely Williams gets smacked with the franchise tag if long-term contracts break down. He had a top-10 advance rate on Underdog Fantasy last year as a 7th-9th round selection and will be a stone-cold smash if his ADP doesn’t adjust. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR29.

WR20 Keenan Allen

2021 looked like the first year of his decline out of his prime. His yards per route run (1.88) and yards after catch per reception (3.5) were his lowest since 2014, so Allen, 30, is a risky pick in general. With that said, Justin Herbert was put on this earth to distribute fantasy points, and it’s unclear if the Chargers will re-sign Mike Williams and/or Jared Cook. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR13.

WR21 Tyler Lockett

Which Russell Wilson are we getting, if we’re getting him at all? Lockett was half PPR’s WR24 per game and the 43rd overall player in Better In Best Ball Points Per Game last year. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR21.

WR22 D.J. Moore

Worst case, Sam Darnold wins a quarterback battle in Carolina. Moore averaged 11.6 half PPR points on 13.3 expected half PPR points with Darnold last year compared to 9.9 half PPR points with P.J. Walker and Cam Newton. 11.6 half PPR points would’ve made him the WR27 if extrapolated to the full season. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR20.

WR23 Chris Godwin

The free agent had January surgery to repair a torn ACL and MCL. It’ll cost him most of his 2022 offseason and could linger into September, but Godwin should be close to 100% towards the end of the year. Godwin is most likely back in Tampa Bay on a long-term contract as a centerpiece in Tom Brady’s receiver-needy offense. They have the cap space if he’s a priority. Godwin was the 40th overall player in Better In Best Ball Points Per Game in 2021. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR19.

WR24 Michael Thomas

A Thomas trade would only save $2M against the cap and would come with $22.7M in dead money, so he’s most likely back with the team a year removed from ankle surgery. The Saints remain in cap hell, so most of their resources will be spent on upgrading quarterback and not their receiver depth. A massive target share is back in play. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR27.

WR25 Michael Pittman

The second-year breakout averaged 4.3 receptions in wins and 6.1 in losses because the Colts went so run-heavy with leads. Pittman was half PPR’s WR28 per game still, and there’s a far higher ceiling if Jonathan Taylor were ever to miss time. Indy will be bringing in more receiver competition this offseason, however. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR24.

WR26 Elijah Moore

The second-rounder averaged 15.2 half PPR points on 11.7 expected half PPR points in his seven games after the post-bye rookie bump when he began starting in two-receiver sets next to Corey Davis. Moore can clearly ball, so his ceiling comes down to if Zach Wilson can, too. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR25.

WR27 Adam Thielen

Under contract for at least one more year, Thielen’s primary concerns are age (32), previous injuries, the potential loss of Kirk Cousins (who can be traded for $35M in cap savings), and the fact that his career-worst 7.6 YPT season came last year. The bull case is that he was half PPR’s WR11 per game if we only count his 11 healthy games. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR30.

WR28 Brandin Cooks

The Texans would eat $7.5M in dead money if they release or trade Brandin Cooks, so I’m expecting him back as their No. 1 receiver. He was half PPR’s WR23 per game last year, and Houston’s quarterback play is likely getting better in 2022 either via trade or more experience from Davis Mills. Cooks will be 29 years old. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR28.

WR29 Jerry Jeudy

This is purely a bet on the Broncos trading for Aaron Rodgers. Broncos reporter Benjamin Allbright tweeted that Rodgers "was coming here" and that the odds were over 50%. There's nothing about the contract that would prevent it from happening. If Rodgers cruises, Jeudy could be sent to the moon. Courtland Sutton had a slow season coming off a torn ACL, and Jeudy is now entering his prime. The difficult part is weighing his own performance versus the opportunity. He was half PPR’s WR72 per game in 2021, so this is aggressive. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR38.

WR30 Amon-Ra St. Brown

We truly love to see #YoungTrojansThriving. St. Brown broke out after having his role expand from slot-only to playing at Z receiver and lining up in the backfield as Detroit’s version of the Robert Woods role. It’s an amazing role to have and is likely here to stay, but there will be more target competition in 2022 as most of St. Brown’s production came without T.J. Hockenson and D’Andre Swift in the lineup. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR22.

WR31 DeVonta Smith

He was the WR30 per game over the last 10 games and it’s obvious on tape that he can play at a high level, but the environment is very bad. Philly was dead last in fantasy usage to their receivers in 2021 while issuing a run-first offense with Jalen Hurts, who has likely earned another year as the Eagles’ starter. His upside is likely capped unless there are major changes to the offense. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR26.

WR32 Marquise Brown

The returns of the running backs and the potential emergence of possession receiver Rashod Bateman lower the floor of Brown, who was the WR25 per game in 2021. Brown’s aDOT and overall production dropped in games without Lamar Jackson, however, so there’s still a ceiling to chase. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR32.

WR33 Hunter Renfrow

The slot receiver was the WR13 per game over the last 10 weeks of the season with Henry Ruggs released and Darren Waller sidelined. Renfrow looked more explosive and fluid in his routes last season and can now play in 2-WR sets. Vegas will add more to the skill group this offseason and Derek Carr isn’t a lock to stay in town, but Renfrow is officially a legit player. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR31.

WR34 Gabriel Davis

Cole Beasley’s release would save the Bills $6.1M against the cap and only comes with $1.5M in dead money, and Emmanuel Sanders is hitting free agency. Davis’ career 10.0 yards per target should earn him a full-time role on the boundary and earning targets will be easier with less competition in general. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR46.

WR35 Chase Claypool

The second-year flop was half PPR’s WR49 per game on WR33 fantasy usage in an offense that didn’t play to his big-play strengths. What happens at quarterback and his ability to get back on coach Mike Tomlin’s good side will determine if Claypool can ever reach his upside. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR37.

WR36 Odell Beckham

The 30-year-old hits free agency after a slow start and hot finish with the Rams. Beckham was weaponized in the red zone and on crossing routes as a No. 2 receiver. He has said he’d like to re-sign, but the Rams enter the offseason with $5M over the cap. Even if he re-signs, Robert Woods will be back in the mix for Los Angeles. In general, The good news is that he has some gas left in the tank. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR36.

WR37 Kadarius Toney

The highly-debated first-rounder didn’t play much as a rookie, but he flashed when he did. Toney had an elite 2.14 yards per route run while rotating from the slot to the perimeter. His broken tackle ability is potentially special if he can earn more snaps. Sterling Shepard (Achilles) is a cut candidate and would be unlikely to start in September even if he remains on the team, so a spot is likely open in the slot immediately. The biggest hurdle is surviving this unwatchable Giants offense. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR41.

WR38 Courtland Sutton

See my Jerry Jeudy blurb. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR44.

WR39 Darnell Mooney

The undersized receiver should be a secondary target in a functional offense, but he’s entering the offseason as the Bears’ clear-cut No. 1 receiver with Allen Robinson hitting free agency. Mooney, however, did have massive splits with and without Justin Fields in 2021. He averaged 8.9 half PPR points on 8.6 expected half PPR points with Fields compared to 11.5 half PPR points on 12.9 expected half PPR points without him. Fields should take big leaps in year two, but there could be a lot of prayer yards between the two. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR34.

WR40 Corey Davis

In eight healthy games, Davis was the WR31 half PPR points per game on WR40 fantasy usage. Most of this production came before Elijah Moore’s late-season breakout, but Davis’ X-receiver traits and $13M guaranteed money keep him in a focal point role in the offense. If Zach Wilson can sling the rock, Davis will have spiked weeks as there is little depth at the skill group behind Davis, Moore, and Carter. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR51.

WR41 Brandon Aiyuk

After exiting the early-season dog house, Aiyuk was half PPR’s WR25 per game on WR37 fantasy usage over the last 10 weeks of the season. That was near his ceiling if Deebo Samuel and George Kittle stay healthy, however, because Deebo was playing some RB and Jimmy Garoppolo was playing out of his mind during this stretch. More rushing and any drop in passing efficiency would be bad news for Aiyuk. He’ll likely need Deebo to miss time to re-enter the top-25 fantasy WR conversation. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR33.

WR42 Robert Woods

Woods’ contract makes him a lock for a 2022 return and his ACL tear happened early enough in the 2021 season to expect a Week 1 start this year. He will be a 30-year-old with Cooper Kupp, Van Jefferson, Tutu Atwell, and potentially Odell Beckham in house as competition, however, and he was the 109th overall player in Better In Best Ball Points Per Game before his injury. Underdog Fantasy ADP: WR35.

WR43 Tyler Boyd → Half PPR’s WR27 per game over the last 10 weeks.

WR44 Christian Kirk → Free agent who is clearly best as a vertical slot option.

WR45 Allen Robinson → 29yo free agent coming off, by far, his worst season.

WR46 JuJu Smith-Schuster → Free agent coming off two iffy/injured seasons.

WR47 Julio Jones → BBQ pork hammies, but $13M guaranteed keeps him in TEN.

WR48 Rashod Bateman → 1.33 YPRR and being in a rotation year one was sad.

WR49 Van Jefferson → Kupp and Woods are signed. Odell isn’t. Volatile pick.

WR50 Robby Anderson → Signed long-term before his career-worst year in 2021.

WR51 DeVante Parker → Likely back but in a new offense with Waddle emerging.

WR52 Jarvis Landry → Cut candidate. Capped upside is tied to QB play.

WR53 Will Fuller → Free agent. You know the drill.

WR54 Kenny Golladay → Inefficient NYG X-receiver who needs a QB/HC change.

WR55 Rondale Moore → Full-time player if Kirk walks. Low aDOT either way.

WR56 Tim Patrick → All DEN receivers are back. Just depends on QB play.

WR57 Jakobi Meyers → Restricted free agent (likely back). Low ceiling slot.

WR58 Michael Gallup → Enters free agency with torn ACL after calf slowed him.

WR59 Russell Gage → Free agent who showed more upside than anticipated.

WR60 Marquez Valdes-Scantling → Always undervalued. Free agent, however.

WR61 Curtis Samuel → Contract is guaranteed. Just needs to be healthy.

WR62 Mecole Hardman → Never developed. Tyreek’s insurance in the slot.

WR63 Donovan Peoples-Jones → Better in best ball WR. Could get a QB upgrade.

WR64 Nico Collins → X-receiver with little target competition. Downfield player.

WR65 Allen Lazard → Versatile slot restricted free agent. Most restricted FAs stay.

WR66 K.J. Osborn → Thielen’s insurance, but Kirk leaving is in range of outcomes.

WR67 Josh Palmer → Mike Will and Guyton are free agents but could return.

WR68 D.J. Chark → Free agent coming off lost season due to finger. Deep threat.

WR69 Laviska Shenault → Power slot who couldn’t beat man in year two.

WR70 Marvin Jones → Cut candidate. Ran out of gas halfway through ‘21.

WR71 Kendrick Bourne → Meyers, Agholor, Bourne all back, but WRs are coming.

WR72 Isaiah McKenzie → Free agent, but Beasley’s replacement if re-signed.

WR73 Cedrick Wilson → Free agent slot player who could be cheap DAL starter.

WR74 Marquez Callaway → Fringe starter but only non-Thomas WR signed in NO.

WR75 Tyler Johnson → Potential cheap Godwin replacement. Versatile player.

WR76 Terrace Marshall → Could barely get on field as a rookie but some upside.

WR77 Bryan Edwards → Current starter on perimeter but hasn’t done much.

WR78 Nelson Agholor → Not a great fit with Mac but under contract.

WR79 Jalen Guyton → Restricted free agent. Likely competes with Palmer.

WR80 Dyami Brown → McLaurin, Samuel, Brown, Thomas all back.

WR81 Devin Duvernay → Ravens rookie contract slot player with lots of speed.

WR82 Byron Pringle → Free agent but was Mahomes' WR2 late.

WR83 Jauan Jennings → Exclusive rights FA who likely starts in 3-WRs for Lance.

WR84 Braxton Berrios → Free agent slot receiver with interest in re-signing.

WR85 A.J. Green → Free agent who had fine but inconsistent 2021.

WR86 Jamison Crowder → Free agent slot starter. Depends on landing spot.

WR87 Cole Beasley → 34yo cut candidate who was in decline last year.

WR88 D'Wayne Eskridge → Quiet rookie season but a 3-WR set starter in SEA.

WR89 Antoine Wesley → Exclusive rights free agent. Likely back in ARI.

WR90 Darius Slayton → Rookie contract deep threat. Needs a QB upgrade.

WR91 Sterling Shepard → Cut candidate after tearing Achilles late in 2021. Brutal.

WR92 Laquon Treadwell → Free agent outside receiver who drew starts post-bust.

WR93 Quez Watkins → Rookie contract deep threat, but PHI will target WRs.

WR94 Zay Jones → Free agent outside receiver. Likely a backup in 2021.

WR95 Nick Westbrook-Ikhine → Exclusive rights free agent. Likely back in TEN.

WR96 Emmanuel Sanders → Ran out of gas late in ‘21. Free agent.

WR97 Parris Campbell → Injured, but slot is open with Pascal and T.Y. out.

WR98 Jalen Reagor → PHI could already be looking for his replacement.

WR99 Anthony Schwartz → Speedy rookie contract WR in barren CLE WR group.

WR100 Amari Rodgers → Rookie contract slot in GB. MVS and Lazard are FAs.

WR101 Quintez Cephus → Rookie contract outside receiver with some NFL starts.

WR102 K.J. Hamler → Devastating knee injury threatens his 2022 season.

WR103 Jamal Agnew → Brutal injury and not a scheme fit without Urban.

WR104 Tre'Quan Smith → Free agent, who likely is a No. 4 receiver.

WR105 Deonte Harris → Restricted free agent who is likely back in NO.