Last season produced a deep class of quality fantasy football wide receivers. With that said, some are bound to fall out of the spotlight while different players rise in value. Due to multiple changes involving certain player’s new situations, here are some wide receivers to avoid in 2015.
Jeremy Maclin, Kansas City Chiefs
The whole world noticed when not one touchdown by a Chiefs’ wide receiver was scored last season. How terrible of a statistic is that? Sadly this factor will impact Maclin’s fantasy value this season. Last year Maclin produced 10 touchdowns and totaled 1,318 receiving yards.
That’s not happening again with quarterback Alex Smith under center. Even though Maclin is an upgrade over the Chiefs’ former No. 1 wideout Dwayne Bowe, don’t draft Maclin expecting the borderline WR1 numbers he produced last season. On Smith’s watch, Bowe ranked 62nd overall in fantasy points coming from his 754 receiving yards. Smith struggled to complete long passes averaging just 6.6 yards per pass.
Additionally, the team relies heavily on their run headed by stud running back Jamaal Charles. Leave Maclin on the draft board for someone else to take this season.
Sammy Watkins and Percy Harvin, Buffalo Bills
Neither Bills’ receiver has much appeal with the sad selection of quarterbacks the team currently has competing for the starting job.
As for Watkins, he squeaked in ranking 25th in fantasy points last year after missing nearly half of his 128 targets. Since the quarterback situation is still bleak, look for Watkins to struggle again this year. Last season Watkins was the top-targeted rookie wide receiver in fantasy drafts. This season, he should be avoided especially with Harvin competing for grabs.
As well, Harvin should be left alone this season too. For some reason Harvin’s name carries a lot of clout. Every time he switches teams people seem to think Harvin will resurrect himself in the fantasy department. Unfortunately, he either becomes injured or flat out doesn’t produce. Harvin should definitely not be trusted with the rocky quarterback situation the Bills have to offer this year.
Nelson Agholor, Philadelphia Eagles
Agholor is a tricky receiver to target this season. He could be a sleeper, or he could have a small role in comparison to second-year wideout and slot receiver Jordan Matthews. If you’re one to believe Chip Kelly’s reports, he has recently stated that Riley Cooper and Josh Huff will be the No. 1 outside receivers. Basically, the starting job is Huff’s to lose while Agholor plays into the rotation. The Eagles spent their first-round pick on the USC product, however it appears he could face too much of a crowd in the Eagles’ backfield to make a realistic fantasy option this season.
Steve Smith, Baltimore Ravens
At some point Smith’s age is going to defy him no matter what wrinkle creams he uses to fight it. The 36-year-old Pro-Bowler is wearing down and the Ravens reportedly want to limit his snaps moving forth. Smith’s production was all over the board in 2014 where he produced some worthy fantasy points on occasion. This caused him to be a hot waiver-wire acquisition early in the season.
However, the Ravens have a slew of younger receivers to fill the field despite the absence of Torrey Smith. Look for Marlon Brown to see more action and rookie Breshad Perriman to play a sizable role while the team makes sure Smith Sr. keeps fresh. Unfortunately, the aging wideout doesn’t make a sound fantasy option in 2015.
Mike Wallace, Minnesota Vikings
Wallace switched teams after completing the 2014 season much disgruntled with the Miami Dolphins. While Wallace may be happier, it doesn’t mean he is a better fantasy option this season. He is working with a second-season quarterback Teddy Bridgewater who is still developing his passing skills. Wallace also faces competition in wide receiver Charles Johnson and tight end Kyle Rudolph who can be quite a beast in the red zone.
The Vikings also have their feature centerpiece, running back Adrian Peterson returned to the team. This equates to more handoffs and less passing attempts by Bridgewater. Wallace’s fantasy outlook to be a clear-cut WR1 this season surely won’t pan out.