7 Wide Receivers Fantasy Football Projections Hate (2026)

We ranked every wide receiver by projected season-long fantasy football points to build a “projection rank,” then compared that to each back’s actual expert consensus rank (ECR). These are the receivers where the raw, points-based projection is significantly lower on the player than our experts’ rank.

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2026 Fantasy Football Draft Advice: Wide Receivers Projections Hate

Here are wide receivers fantasy football projections hate for 2026.

Tre’ Harris (LAC) — ECR: WR64 | Projection Rank: WR93 | Projected FPTS: 72.1 | Diff: -29

Tre Harris has to be one of the best WR sleepers to take in 2026. The second-year WR is being grouped into the “elite” Chargers WR conversation alongside Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston by HC John Harbaugh. And even though his rookie year didn’t feature a ton of highlight-reel plays or counting stats, his playing time increased because of his contributions as a run-blocker. That suggests he could see much more playing time (and targets) than his bottom-dwelling ADP would indicate in 2026. Harris can create big plays and is versatile enough to line up all over the formation. He also averaged 5.5 targets in the last two games that QJ missed in the second half of the season. If the Chargers lean into the run game more with their new OC, Mike McDaniel, Harris could be a major benefactor in terms of snaps/routes based on how well he does the dirty work.

Jaylin Noel (HOU) — ECR: WR78 | Projection Rank: WR103 | Projected FPTS: 59.8 | Diff: -25

Jaylin Noel barely made an impact statistically as a rookie, but Houston always viewed him as more of a long-term option behind its veteran receivers. With Christian Kirk now gone, Noel has a realistic path to a much larger offensive role after flashing whenever he received extended playing time in 2025. He was Pro Football Focus’ (PFF) seventh-highest graded returner on 72 combined kick/punt returns in 2025. He flashed on multiple occasions as a receiver in Year 1. In the games where Noel ran at least 17 routes, he averaged almost four receptions per game. However, Tank Dell‘s return creates some overlap, as does Noel’s own injury he is working through at the start of training camp.

Ryan Flournoy (DAL) — ECR: WR67 | Projection Rank: WR91 | Projected FPTS: 72.4 | Diff: -24

Ryan Flournoy stepped up in a big way last year as the Dallas Cowboys’ No. 3 WR, posting two 100-yard games when CeeDee Lamb missed time. The third-year WR finished 31st in yards per route run (1.82, 16th in this rank over his last five games) and 13th in 1st downs per route run, showcasing his efficiency. “Flo” might not have much standalone value when everybody on Dallas is healthy, but there’s clearly upside appeal that he can deliver when called upon if Lamb or George Pickens misses time in 2026. The rare WR upside handcuff.

Jayden Higgins (HOU) — ECR: WR49 | Projection Rank: WR64 | Projected FPTS: 113.2 | Diff: -15

We should always be looking to take swings on talented second-year wide receivers for fantasy football, and Jayden Higgins fits the bill as a possible late-round breakout candidate for 2026. Last year, in Weeks 8-18, Higgins had seven finishes as a WR3 or better in weekly scoring. During that stretch, Higgins, among 119 qualifying receivers, also ranked 24th in target per route run rate (24%) and 38th in first downs per route run (per Fantasy Points Data). During those 11 games, among the same group of 119 receivers, Higgins was also 28th in yards per route run and 25th in route win rate as a perimeter receiver. If C.J. Stroud can at least be a league-average passer in 2026, Higgins could be a weekly WR2/3 or flex option. He also has contingent upside if Nico Collins misses any time.

Omar Cooper Jr. (NYJ) — ECR: WR58 | Projection Rank: WR73 | Projected FPTS: 97.3 | Diff: -15

2026 first-rounder Omar Cooper Jr. enters a Jets offense that lacks an established No. 2 option, but the rookie’s versatility and run-after-catch ability could help him carve out an immediate role. The former Indiana standout was one of the best YAC receivers in the class and offers inside-outside flexibility that complements Jets WR1 Garrett Wilson well. Opportunity may be limited early with multiple young pass-catchers already in place, but Cooper has a realistic path to earning the No. 2 WR role over time. His fantasy appeal likely hinges more on efficiency and manufactured touches.

Jauan Jennings (MIN) — ECR: WR56 | Projection Rank: WR66 | Projected FPTS: 109.6 | Diff: -10

Jauan Jennings revived his career over the last two seasons, finishing as a fantasy WR3 in 2025 while emerging as one of the NFL’s most heavily targeted red-zone receivers. However, his move to Minnesota likely pushes him into a depth role behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell values Jennings’ versatility and physicality, but consistent fantasy relevance could be difficult to achieve without injuries ahead of him on the depth chart. Jennings still offers some touchdown appeal in deeper formats, though his weekly ceiling projects much lower in Minnesota than it was in San Francisco.

Denzel Boston (CLE) — ECR: WR61 | Projection Rank: WR71 | Projected FPTS: 99.8 | Diff: -10

Denzel Boston lands in Cleveland with intriguing draft capital and a skill set that fills a clear need in the Browns offense. The 6-foot-4 receiver brings size, physicality, and contested-catch ability to a WR room lacking true boundary presence. However, Boston faces an uphill battle for immediate fantasy relevance while competing with first-round pick KC Concepcion and tight end Harold Fannin Jr. for targets in an offense with lingering quarterback concerns. His profile suggests more boom-or-bust production early in his career, relying heavily on downfield plays and red-zone opportunities.

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Fantasy Football Draft Rankings

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