1. Jordy Nelson, Green Bay Packers
Aaron Rodgers favorite target is in for another big week against a Panthers unit allowing at least 10 grabs per contest to opposing wide receivers, ranking 25th in the league. Nelson has scored in three straight, and will look to continue that hot streak on Sunday.
Projected Statistics: Eight receptions, 177 yards, two touchdowns
2. Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh Steelers
Perhaps the game’s premier possession-receiver, Brown will face a Texans defense ranked 24th in points given up to the receiver position, including a touchdown in all but the season’s first game. Look for Brown to shine on Monday Night Football while continuing his streak of consecutive games with at least five receptions.
Projected Statistics: Seven receptions, 111 yards, two touchdowns
3. Julio Jones, Atlanta Falcons
What is not to like about the league leader in receptions and targets amongst wideouts against a Ravens team allowing the sixth-most fantasy points per game to the position? Matt Ryan is in need of a bounce-back game, and Jones should be just the guy to help Ryan out of his slump.
Projected Statistics: 11 receptions, 151 yards, one touchdown
4. Demaryius Thomas, Denver Broncos
Last week Thomas accrued 10 catches, 124 yards, and a score against the New York Jets. This week he faces a 49ers defense that allowed six scores in the season’s first three games against wide receivers. Peyton Manning will rely on his top target yet again in what should be a tightly contested game.
Projected Statistics: 12 receptions, 127 yards, one touchdown
5. Dez Bryant, Dallas Cowboys
Though the Giants are not the best match up as they rank 10th in points given up to wide receivers, Bryant is a big game receiver who can thrive in any matchup. Expect the eighth highest scoring pass-catcher in football to have a big day against a division foe.
Projected Statistics: Six receptions, 124 yards, two touchdowns
6. Kelvin Benjamin, Carolina Panthers
Though a bit streaky at times, the Panthers’ rookie has had a nice campaign in his first season as a professional, and faces a Packers pass defense that allows at least eight grabs per game to wide receivers. On pace for 147 targets, expect Benjamin to see a full volume of opportunities against a team that can score the football at will.
Projected Statistics: Six receptions, 54 yards, two touchdowns
7. Golden Tate, Detroit Lions
Facing a Saints’ pass defense allowing the 3rd most points to opposing wide outs is a match made in heaven for Tate and the Lions’ offense. With Calvin Johnson still banged up, Tate will see the Lion’s share of targets in New Orleans.
Projected Statistics: Eight Receptions, 114 yards, one touchdown
8. Julian Edelman, New England Patriots
Tom Brady’s possession weapon has four games with over 80 yards this season, and faces a Jets’ defense ranked 23rd in fantasy points allowed to wideouts. Expect Edelman to dominate on Thursday Night.
Projected Statistics: 13 receptions, 101 yards, one touchdown
9. Alshon Jeffery, Chicago Bears
Jay Cutler’s faith in Jeffery stems from his 10.8 yards per reception rate this season, on pace for over 1,300 yards. Though Miami allows the 12th fewest points per game to the wide out position, they will have their hands full with Jeffery and his bandmate Brandon Marshall this season.
Projected Statistics: 10 receptions, 110 yards, one touchdown
10. Randall Cobb, Green Bay Packers
Jordy Nelson’s partner in crime faces an equally appetizing matchup on Sunday, and should capitalize against a horrid Panthers’ pass defense.
Projected Statistics: Seven receptions, 77 yards, one touchdown
Other Notable Receivers
11. Steve Smith, Baltimore Ravens VS ATL
12. Pierre Garcon, Washington Redskins VS TEN
13. T.Y. Hilton, Indianapolis Colts VS CIN
14. Brandon Marshall, Chicago Bears VS MIA
15. Mike Wallace, Miami Dolphins @ CHI
16. Keenan Allen, San Diego Chargers VS KC
17. Roddy White, Atlanta Falcons @ BAL
18. Terrance Williams, Dallas Cowboys VS NYG
19. Eddie Royal, San Diego Chargers VS KC
20. Mohamed Sanu, Cincinnati Bengals @IND
21. Emmanuel Sanders, Denver Broncos VS SF
22. Brian Quick, St. Louis Rams VS SEA
23. James Jones, Oakland Raiders VS AZ
24. DeSean Jackson, Washington Redskins VS TEN
25. Michael Crabtree, San Francisco 49ers @DEN
26. Calvin Johnson, Detroit Lions VS NO
27. Michael Floyd, Arizona Cardinals @OAK
28. Kendall Wright, Tennessee Titans @ WAS
29. Sammy Watkins, Buffalo Bills VS MIN
30. Torrey Smith, Baltimore Ravens VS ATL