Wide receiver is generally a deeper position than running back, and not only because there are often three times as many wide receivers on the field at any one time. I mean, we can all see that. However, this is a position in which so many performers produce similar numbers, and there is less roster churn -- in both real life and fantasy. Oh, sure, wide receivers get hurt as well, but the NFL views the position differently. Receivers simply have a longer shelf life than running backs due to the physical demands of the position.
As a result, fantasy managers tend to spend considerably more time focusing on running backs in the early rounds, rookies in the middle frames and late-round sleepers, well, later on. Still, as it is at running back, it is often prudent to establish a tiered system and see which wide receivers one values similarly because this comes in handy when one has just a few seconds to make a key decision on a player in a draft or auction. If there are several running backs of equal value leading the availability board and only one wide receiver, well, you should know what to do.
Here are one writer's thoughts on the wide receiver tiers for this season, and you can click here for the running back position. You might not think this information matters in early August, but trust me, in the midst of a draft, it tends to matter quite a bit. I find myself referring to tiers -- either externally in a spreadsheet or combing through my brain -- several times per draft. Fantasy managers should always plan things ahead because you never know what can happen in a draft or auction, and is this not the best day of the fantasy season?
UPDATED: Aug. 28
Tier 1: Second half of Round 1