With two games per team in the books and defenses starting to show more of their vulnerability, we can now start to narrow down our selections for wide receivers each week. Last week I threw down my top-25 and while most hit, we can’t be sifting through that many options each week. Maybe I’ll try cutting to 20 this time. The data sheet will still cover the top 60-75 receivers because you should see what everyone else’s numbers look like, but my recommendations are going to be more refined moving forward.

One of the reasons I am doing this is because, unlike last season when paying up for the wideouts was the “no-brainer” strategy, you’ve got a greater array of receivers who can put up strong numbers. Last week, the top point-earners on FanDuel were Stefon Diggs, Travis Benjamin, Kelvin Benjamin, Corey Coleman and Eric Decker. DeAndre Hopkins and Julio Jones followed, but based on cost, neither was worth it if you had to downgrade heavily at the QB and RB positions. While another week of data should help, it’s starting to look like you’re paying down at the position given the abundance of strong mid-to-low cost options.

We’ll start with the recommendations and move onto the data from there…

High-Priced Talent

Antonio Brown, PIT – Some guys just transcend the match-up on paper and that’s what we have with Brown this week. The Eagles’ pass defense may rank third in the league right now, but they’re still giving up 85 yards per game to opposing WR1 and if you give Brown that much room, he’s going to burn you. Expect some more twerking, if that's your thing.

Julio Jones, ATL – Monday night madness this week? People can say the Saints held Odell Beckham in check last week, but they didn’t actually. He dropped at least two potential touchdowns. Jones will not do that to you this week and with the Saints allowing almost 130 yards per game to opposing WR1, he should easily produce a strong return value.

Odell Beckham, NYG – Well obviously he needs to cut it with the drops. But with him facing Josh Norman this week, a ton of people are going to be off him in DFS. That could prove to be a mistake as the Redskins secondary is giving up a ton of yards already and OBJ should get his share this week.

Brandin Cooks, NO – Still on the “this game will be a shootout” train and that means Cooks is a must. The Falcons are giving up an average of 92 yards per game to the WR1 position and Cooks should produce both between the 20s and inside the red zone.

Mike Evans, TB – While the Rams have handled the WR1 position well this year, they’re still soft in other areas of their secondary. Evans is the most reliable receiver for the Bucs who are likely to play from behind every week this year. There’s also a limited ground game with Doug Martin hurt. That means Jameis Winston is chucking it all over the place again and Evans will see a ton of targets again.

Pricey But Affordable

Kelvin Benjamin, CAR – Opposing offenses have thrown to their WR1 and average of 11 times per game when facing the Vikings and those receivers have average close to 75 yards. Cam Newton is locked onto Benjamin and will continue to feed him the ball in any and all situations.

Amari Cooper, OAK – He’s going to light up this Titans defense. Light ‘em up! The O/U of 47 says to expect a high-scoring game and I’m taking the over. The Titans rank 27th in the league against WR1 and are allowing an average of 110.5 yards per game to them.

Larry Fitzgerald, ARI – I love Fitz. I love his reliability. I love that the Bills rank 30th against opposing WR1 and are giving up and average of 109 yards per game to the receivers who line up as such. I love the mismatch with the corners and the safeties. So let me say it again...I love Fitz.

Eric Decker, NYJ – Consistency is his game and with the potential of Brandon Marshall missing time or being used as a decoy, Decker should shine through. Quincy Enunwa will get a share of the targets, but Decker will be a major red zone threat here against the Chiefs.

Randall Cobb, GB – He’s be tough to handle and he’s making Ted Schuster super-mad, but I love his match-up this week with the Lions who rank 32nd in the league against slot receivers. With Jordy Nelson and Davante Adams lining up on the outside, Cobb could be a nice sneaky, low-owned play.

Solid Value

Travis Benjamin, SD – He’s taken quite a shine to being the No. 1 out there with Keenan Allen gone and is dangerous on both short and deep routes. The Colts secondary has been decimated by injuries and no one there can keep up with Benjamin. Tyrell Williams will get his fair share but it should be Benjamin with the big points.

Marvin Jones, DET – While many will still list Golden Tate as the No. 1 on the Lions, it’s Jones who is dominating the targets and the receptions. Green Bay ranks 19th in the league against opposing WR1 who are averaging 135 yards per game against them and if you look at the WR2 numbers, the yards are fewer but the rank is 28th because of the touchdowns and receptions.

Mohamed Sanu, ATL – Again, it’s going to be a shootout and the Saints pass defense is allowing over 100 yards per game to both WR1 and WR2 thus far. If you don’t want to pay up for Jones but want a piece of the Falcons, Sanu should be a solid choice.

Mike Wallace, BAL – He’s got three touchdowns this year and while Steve Smith may be the face/voice of this WR corps, it’s Wallace who has the strong on-field rapport with Joe Flacco right now. The Jaguars rank 29th and 24th respectively against WR1 and WR 2 so no matter where Wallace is lining up, he’s going to succeed.

Sterling Shepard, NYG – He may not see huge yardage numbers, but the Redskins defensive backs are struggling inside the red zone. The game could be a tight one which means Eli is going to try and break it open as often as he can. Shepard has been seeing strong target numbers and should do a little end zone dancing Sunday.

Bargain Basement

Tajae Sharpe, TEN – Stunned that he is priced as low as he is, especially against the Raiders whose defense has been atrocious. Oakland ranks 31st in the league against WR1 and are allowing over 130 yards per game to the position. Marcus Mariota needs to get his head right and make better throws, but against this porous of a secondary, Sharpe should excel.

Eddie Royal, CHI – Every year since the dawn of time (he’s that f***in old), Royal posts a few really good games and once everyone starts picking him up and using him, he goes into the tank. Well, here in Week 3 we should start seeing his popularity rise as he faces the Cowboys who rank 22nd in the league against slot receivers. Look for Royal to get his and then fall off the face of the Earth.

Rishard Matthews, TEN – Super bargain here and a great GPP play. While everyone is on Sharpe, Matthews will break through with a surprise game. He hasn’t done anything yet, but this is where he breaks out.

Cole Beasley, DAL – The Bears secondary will focus on shutting down Dez Bryant which means Prescott will continue to lean on Beasley as much as he can again. They need to line him up on the outside for him to do the most damage, but he should also be a strong red zone target.

Jamison Crowder, WAS – He’s tied for second in the league with five red zone targets and is getting 31.3-percent of the looks inside the 20 for the Skins. He’s a GPP dart, but with the Giants struggling against WR2 and slot receivers this year, he could be a really nice dart!

                Opp OvOpp PaPts Allow     
PlayerTmH/AOppGSnapsTarTar%Tar/GRecRec/GCatch%ReYdsReTDsFumYPCDef RkDef Rkto WRO/U$FD$DK$FA
Antonio BrownPITAPHI21402229.7%11.0126.054.5%1652013.821316.146$9500$9600$6550
Julio JonesATLANO21061318.1%6.594.569.2%1722019.1312835.853.5$9300$9500$6500
Odell BeckhamNYGHWAS21341927.5%9.5126.063.2%1590013.3281750.146$8900$9100$6400
Jordy NelsonGBHDET21222029.0%10.0115.555.0%105209.5222937.747.5$8300$7400$5200
A.J. GreenCINHDEN21262125.0%10.5147.066.7%2181015.62724.141$8300$8100$5900
Brandin CooksNOHATL21151821.7%9.0136.572.2%2112016.2303127.753.5$8100$7900$5800
Mike EvansTBHLA21242530.1%12.5115.544.0%1692015.45818.442$8000$7000$5150
DeAndre HopkinsHOUANE21451927.9%9.5126.063.2%1672013.9112136.940.5$7900$8,600$6200
Brandon MarshallNYJAKC21361725.0%8.594.552.9%1330014.8131915.942.5$7900$7300$5300
Dez BryantDALHCHI21321723.3%8.584.047.1%1100013.8251534.244.5$7900$8400$5450
Alshon JefferyCHIADAL21031322.8%6.594.569.2%2010022.3171332.544.5$7900$8000$5100
Allen RobinsonJACHBAL21252022.7%10.094.545.0%1260114.03510.347$7900$7500$5300
Kelvin BenjaminCARHMIN21042130.0%10.5136.561.9%1993015.3151822.843$7800$7200$5300
Amari CooperOAKATEN21412024.4%10.0115.555.0%2080218.9262324.147$7700$7700$5250
Larry FitzgeraldARIABUF21182028.2%10.0136.565.0%1583012.2201230.347$7600$6900$5150
Willie SneadNOHATL21061720.5%8.5147.082.4%2262116.1303127.753.5$7500$6500$4900
T.Y. HiltonINDHSD21312327.4%11.5105.043.5%1200012.0291630.051.5$7400$6800$5000
Eric DeckerNYJAKC21421522.1%7.584.053.3%1632020.4131915.942.5$7300$6900$4950
Demaryius ThomasDENACIN21001322.0%6.594.569.2%1380015.39930.241$7200$6400$5200
Doug BaldwinSEAHSF21281722.4%8.5126.070.6%112109.37116.040$7200$6300$4950
Randall CobbGBHDET21321521.7%7.5115.573.3%99009.0222937.747.5$7100$7300$4800
Jarvis LandryMIAHCLE21112332.4%11.5178.573.9%1940111.4322737.142$7000$6600$5400
Jeremy MaclinKCHNYJ21282226.8%11.0115.550.0%1311011.9182545.142.5$7000$6000$4900
Travis BenjaminSDAIND2991423.0%7.0136.592.9%1472011.3273221.951.5$6900$5200$4950
Sammy WatkinsBUFHARI2821121.2%5.563.054.5%630010.542235.847$6900$6100$4650
Michael FloydARIABUF21111318.3%6.552.538.5%691013.8201230.347$6900$5800$4550
Marvin JonesDETAGB21342127.6%10.5126.057.1%2030016.9101118.147.5$6900$6200$4800
Jordan MatthewsPHIHPIT21422332.9%11.5136.556.5%1851014.2141029.546$6900$7100$4950
DeSean JacksonWASANYG2991517.2%7.594.560.0%1420015.8192014.946$6800$5900$4650
Corey ColemanCLEAMIA21011322.0%6.573.553.8%1732024.7231432.742$6700$5300$4700
Julian EdelmanNEHHOU21231725.0%8.5147.082.4%1420010.18631.140.5$6700$6,400$5300
Mohamed SanuATLANO21041318.1%6.584.061.5%991012.4312835.853.5$6500$5700$4600
Mike WallaceBALAJAC2971215.6%6.073.558.3%1323018.9162635.847$6500$5000$4600
Will FullerHOUANE21191826.5%9.094.550.0%2111023.4112136.940.5$6,500$4,800$4650
Sterling ShepardNYGHWAS21281217.4%6.0115.591.7%1601014.5281750.146$6500$5500$4800
Golden TateDETAGB21251621.1%8.094.556.3%54006.0101118.147.5$6500$5900$4600
Emmanuel SandersDENACIN21101627.1%8.084.050.0%880011.09930.241$6500$6000$4800
Allen HurnsJACHBAL21201517.1%7.594.560.0%1390015.43510.347$6500$5200$4700
Michael CrabtreeOAKATEN21261417.1%7.0115.578.6%1181010.7262324.147$6400$6000$4800
John BrownARIABUF26379.9%3.521.028.6%220011.0201230.347$6400$4800$4300
Stefon DiggsMINACAR21072031.3%10.0168.080.0%2851017.86414.243$6400$5100$5300
Steve SmithBALAJAC2981418.2%7.084.057.1%830010.4162635.847$6300$4100$4300
DeVante ParkerMIAHCLE1591318.3%13.088.061.5%1060013.3322737.142$6200$4900$4800
Anquan BoldinDETAGB21211013.2%5.073.570.0%831011.9101118.147.5$6200$4200$4250
Tyrell WilliamsSDAIND2941118.0%5.552.545.5%1321026.4273221.951.5$6100$4300$4150
Pierre GarconWASANYG2861314.9%6.584.061.5%76009.5192014.946$6100$3900$4500
Tyler LockettSEAHSF2891215.8%6.073.558.3%1160016.67116.040$6100$4200$4300
Quincy EnunwaNYJAKC21091420.6%7.0136.592.9%1461011.2131915.942.5$6000$4800$4300
Ted GinnCARHMIN29557.1%2.531.560.0%560018.7151822.843$6000$3700$4100
Phillip DorsettINDHSD21131113.1%5.552.545.5%1240024.8291630.051.5$6000$4400$4300
Markus WheatonPITAPHI0000.0%0000000021316.146$6000$4600$4100
Tavon AustinLAATB21022132.8%10.594.542.9%63007.0122432.142$5900$4100$4300
Kevin WhiteCHIADAL2981322.8%6.573.553.8%700010.0171332.544.5$5,900$4000$4300
Danny AmendolaNEHHOU238811.8%4.073.587.5%962113.78631.140.5$5900$3,700$4450
Tajae SharpeTENHOAK21311824.3%9.0115.561.1%109009.9243065.047$5800$4700$4200
Devin FunchessCARHMIN293811.4%4.031.537.5%28109.3151822.843$5800$4100$4000
Victor CruzNYGHWAS21241217.4%6.084.066.7%1251115.6281750.146$5800$4700$4550
Terrelle PryorCLEAMIA21021728.8%8.563.035.3%1000016.7231432.742$5800$3,400$3800
Davante AdamsGBHDET21131420.3%7.063.042.9%761112.7222937.747.5$5700$4100$4300
Tyler BoydCINHDEN21041113.1%5.584.072.7%1020112.82724.141$5700$3500$3800
Kamar AikenBALAJAC26733.9%1.521.066.7%14007.0162635.847$5600$3100$4000
Eddie RoyalCHIADAL2741221.1%6.084.066.7%1091013.6171332.544.5$5600$3500$4200
Nelson AgholorPHIHPIT21231217.1%6.084.066.7%991012.4141029.546$5600$3500$4000
Brandon LaFellCINHDEN21271214.3%6.073.558.3%1300018.62724.141$5600$3400$4300
Eli RogersPITAPHI2881013.5%5.073.570.0%68109.721316.146$5500$3900$3600
Sammie CoatesPITAPHI279810.8%4.042.050.0%1530038.321316.146$5500$3800$3900
Torrey SmithSFASEA21341622.5%8.052.531.3%681013.61213.940$5500$4300$4200
Rishard MatthewsTENHOAK2711013.5%5.073.570.0%66009.4243065.047$5400$3300$3900
Kenny BrittLAATB21111625.0%8.0105.062.5%1610016.1122432.142$5400$3900$4200
Vincent JacksonTBHLA21201619.3%8.063.037.5%620010.35818.442$5300$3900$4000
Michael ThomasNOHATL2911113.3%5.5105.090.9%1140011.4303127.753.5$5200$4200$4450
Cole BeasleyDALHCHI2901824.7%9.0136.572.2%1400010.8251534.244.5$5100$3200$4550
Jamison CrowderWASANYG2951820.7%9.0126.066.7%97118.1192014.946$5000$3800$4300
Jeremy KerleySFASEA21011723.9%8.5105.058.8%90009.01213.940$5000$3400$3700
Josh DoctsonWASANYG23166.9%3.021.033.3%660033.0192014.946$4900$3000$3900