Fantasy football season has already begun for many, especially those in dynasty leagues that may have already drafted. The receiver position seems to get deeper by the year, yet we are seeing them taken in Round 1 at a higher rate than I can ever remember. Nonetheless, bargains can still be found in the middle to late rounds, and that is what we are here to do today.

This was the exact topic Jeremy Betz and I discussed on last week’s episode of the Draft Dynasty podcast, which you can listen to in the player below.

Today, we will split the topic into two categories: receivers I love at their current ADP and receivers I loathe at their current ADP. We will discuss which players are coming at a bargain price, as well as which ones are ripping you off.

All ADP stats are via Fantasy Pros half-PPR ADP Rankings.

Receivers to Love

Cooper Kupp

I understand the love for Puka Nacua to an extent, but it is getting outrageous. People are taking Cooper Kupp’s performance down the stretch last season–when he was still bothered by the injury, no less–and use that as ammunition for their argument to foolishly spend a first-round pick on Nacua. If healthy, Kupp will be schemed as the WR1 in this offense, whether you like it or not. Both receivers can still thrive in this offense, but with Kupp, you can get him two or three rounds later than his counterpart. Kupp’s current ADP is WR21 and OVR36. Outside of Demarcus Robinson and Tyler Higbee (who do not eat up that many targets), there are no other receivers or tight ends that are even worth a look. Do I believe Kupp will see the amount of targets Nacua saw last year? No, but do I think he could have as many targets as Nacua? Yes. What’s more is that we have seen what Kupp can do when he gets targets. He is still a more efficient receiver than Nacua, which is why I consider a Round 4 ADP a steal for him.

Tee Higgins

Tyler Boyd, who is now a member with the Tennessee Titans, racked up 98 targets amidst Higgins’ injury last season. Boyd may not have been the flashiest fantasy receiver, but he was a consistent player for the Bengals who got significant looks, no matter who was under center. The only player the team brought in this season to even potentially vie for targets is Mike Gesicki, and his career has taken a sharp turn for the worst over the past two seasons. Nobody is competing for significant targets in this offense other than Ja’Marr Chase and Higgins, which is great news for Higgins specifically. As the only other major receiving entity in this offense, he should easily outplay his current ADP if healthy, which is currently at WR29 and OVR53.

Jayden Reed

I am a big fan of Christian Watson, but he has not proven he can stay healthy at the NFL level. His play style also does not demand a large amount of targets, as he is primarily a deep threat who wins by stretching the field with his size and speed. After Reed’s strong finish last season, expect him to be schemed as the WR1 in this offense, regardless of Watson’s health. In fact, Reed scored at least 13 fantasy points in 7 of his final 8 games last season. Currently going as the WR33 and OVR63, he is an incredible value if you can get him in the fifth round or later.

Other receivers I love: George Pickens (WR28, OVR52), Ladd McConkey (WR43, OVR95), Hollywood Brown (WR36, OVR68), Keon Coleman (WR45, OVR97)

Receivers I Loathe

Davante Adams

Adams is currently going as the WR9 and OVR15, according to FantasyPros. That is way too high for me, especially when you consider the fact he was the WR11 in half-PPR formats in 2023. Adams also had 175 targets last season, and with the addition of Brock Bowers, there is no way that number will go up. Perhaps his efficiency will improve slightly, as either Aidan O’Connell could improve in Year 2 or Gardner Minshew could provide some stability; however, the combination of Brock Bowers, Michael Mayer, and Jakobi Meyers will be enough to bring Adams’ target share down significantly. I just do not see any way, barring a miracle, that Adams is a top-10 receiver in fantasy.

Stefon Diggs

The Houston offense is loaded with weapons, and the team just paid WR1 money to Nico Collins. To me, this signals that Collins is definitively the focal point of the offense. On top of that, both Collins and Tank Dell have a full year of chemistry with C.J. Stroud. What the Texans should be scared about is that Diggs showed discontent at times in both Minnesota and Buffalo, which leads me to wonder how he will respond when he is not getting double-digit targets every game. Diggs is currently being drafted as WR20 and OVR31. Is it possible Diggs can put up WR2 numbers for your team? Absolutely, but his ceiling is capped due to the insane amount of weapons this offense has, and he is not a sure bet to fit this offense. Diggs will realize how good he had it in Buffalo in short order.

Other receivers I loathe: Puka Nacua (WR6, OVR9), Christian Kirk (WR31, OVR59)