Fantasy Football 2024 Draft Prep: WR Tiers 5.0 shows where to land CeeDee Lamb, Brandon Aiyuk and more

The era of going heavy on wide receivers is in full swing. Facts are facts: The top 12 wide receivers have averaged more PPR points than the top 12 running backs in each of the past four years. And it's not just at the top -- receivers that finished 13th through 24th have also done better on average in PPR than their rushing counterparts. That's why there's been a huge movement toward taking receivers over running backs early.

But this year's receiver crop is interesting. There are seven receivers in Tier 1 in PPR (five in non-PPR) who are unpassable save for a few elite running backs, then the drop-off in each tier after is a smidge steeper than in the past. It doesn't mean the position isn't deep -- it is very deep -- but sorting through the wideouts from, say, 10th to 27th is challenging.

So what's a Fantasy manager to do? Focus on what we were reminded of last year: Receivers with good roles in good offenses with capable quarterbacks can be difference-makers. Going after those types of receivers will give you a shot at unearthing the next Puka Nacua or Nico Collins. Those factors, along with the expected target volume that a receiver will have, are prevalent in the Tiers. I tried hard to downgrade any wideout that didn't have at least one of these traits.

The most prominent strategy is the obvious one: Collect as many receivers you believe are must-starts while you can. Picking two from the first three tiers should be doable while also swiping a running back. The more the league scoring and roster requirements are tilted to receivers, the more you should get after finding starters.

And if you wind up waiting on receiver, don't freak out. It will sting not having a stellar crew, but smart drafting from Tiers 4 through 6 could help you catch up, plus you'd theoretically be strong at other positions since you waited on receiver. It's not a death sentence for your Fantasy team and it might honestly be the way I'd go about my roster build in non-PPR.

Pre-draft homework:

* Do receptions count for a full point? If they do then prioritize wide receivers. If not, prioritize running backs.

* Can you start three or more wide receivers? If so, then especially prioritize the position. If not, don't.

* Go through a rankings list you trust and cross off the names of receivers you don't view as weekly must-starts. The more names you cross off, the more you should prioritize wide receivers.

Dave's Tiers updated through Aug. 30: QB | RB | WR | TE | K/DST

Wide receiver PPR tiers

Wide receiver non-PPR tiers

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