Top 5 fantasy football wide receivers to start in 2016

With the upcoming Fantasy Football season upon us, make sure to start any of these top five wide receivers to start the year off strong.

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Dec 20, 2015; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

It’s that time of year again where fantasy football owners all across the globe prepare for the season ahead. It should bring another year of great memories, lots of trash talking, and of course, bragging rights when it’s all over.

When it comes to being victorious in your games this upcoming season, it all comes down to wde receivers. By now, the majority of owners already had their drafts with the rest finishing up before the start of the regular season.

If you were lucky enough to land any of these top five wide receivers, you’ll truly enjoy a plethora of consistent fantasy points all year long. If not, well, start to conjure up some incredible trades for owners willing to part ways with hopes of adding quality depth.

Without further ado, here are the top five wide receivers to start for the upcoming fantasy season!

Next: 5. A Raider with purpose

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Aug 27, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Amari Cooper (89) rushes against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at Oakland-Alameda Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

5. Amari Cooper

As a rookie, Cooper was in the top 10 in the NFL in total fantasy points scored with 165 total points. For a rookie that is pretty impressive for how productive he was. His teammate that lines up across the field with him, wide receiver Michael Crabtree, was ranked in the top 20 in fantasy points.

The Oakland Raiders didn’t have many options at the wide receiver position and quarterback Derek Carr threw to Cooper as being his security blanket. Cooper was also a game changer for the big plays he made. Despite everything that occurred in Oakland, Cooper finished his rookie season with 1,191 total yards and eight touchdowns.

Cooper and Crabtree helped the Raiders compete for a playoff season which was exciting for the franchise. Expect Cooper to increase his production and jump into one of the top receivers in the NFL. It will be interesting to see how Cooper responds to his play and production going into his second season.

Next: 4. A Falcon ready to soar even higher

4. Julio Jones

Last season, Julio Jones was fifth in fantasy scoring, we can all say that he will be moving into the top three in fantasy wide receivers.

Jones will be entering his sixth season, this is typically meaning a breakout season now that he has help around him around him at the positional group. Mohamed Sanu signed with the team this offseason and will help Jones get open even more.

Jones stats this past season were very impressive as he totaled 1,372 total yards and eight touchdowns. He was one the most dominant players last season that made him unstoppable. With Sanu on the team, look for Jones to have his numbers increase now that he has a partner in crime.

With two top playmakers on the team, it will be interesting to see how much of an impact Jones will have. The only concern is if he can stay fully healthy this season. If he does, watch out!

Next: 3. A Cowboy that will continue to shine

Aug 19, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) on the field before the game against the Miami Dolphins at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

3. Dez Bryant

Bryant finished last season with 1,175 in total yards and 11 touchdowns. Bryant is the main attraction amongst the Cowboys’ offense. He could possibly total up to 183 total points in 2016, much to the delight of fantasy owners everywhere.

This season, you should expect his numbers to improve and have an incredible season, now with a young quarterback ready to surprise the football world in Dak Prescott. Bryant’s numbers should double in total yards and in total touchdowns.

It should be very interesting to see how he starts off the season when they play the New York Giants opening night. Expect a huge game out of Bryant to prove that despite not having his familiar quarterback under center, he’ll help Prescott become the next big thing.

Next: 2. A Giant ready to dominate

Dec 20, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (13) runs the ball past Carolina Panthers cornerback Cortland Finnegan (26) and defensive back Charles Tillman (31) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Panthers defeated the Giants 38-35. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

2. Odell Beckham Jr.

Last season, Beckham finished with very good stats in 15 games as he totaled 1,450 yards and 13 touchdowns. In two seasons, Beckham has not played in every game due to injury/suspension but this is the year he’ll put everything together.

Look for him to stay healthy and become the top receiver in the NFL. With quarterback Eli Manning under center, they have built a good relationship which will help them tremendously in fantasy value. Look for Beckham to have some help this season with the return of Victor Cruz.

Beckham took New York by storm for how incredibly talented he is on the field. We could see Beckham total about 193 total fantasy points which will make many fantasy owners very happy.

Look for Beckham to have another breakout season which will make Giants fans happy as well. This year’s schedule isn’t as tough and will make it easy for him to make big plays.

Next: 1. This Steeler will continue smiling in 2016

Aug 12, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) on the sidelines against the Detroit Lions during the first half at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

1. Antonio Brown

These past few seasons, Antonio Brown has been the best wide receiver over the past few years. He still produces with or without quarterback Ben Roethlisberger under center. He is the leader of this team and they run like a well-oiled machine when he is on the field.

Brown had a total of 136 catches and a total of 1,834 yards in total offense which is a big season for any wide receiver in the NFL. He should be able to give any fantasy owner a total of over 200 points in their league.

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He had his second highest season of total touchdowns with 10 which is an impressive number. With Big Ben, running back Le’Veon Bell, and Brown on the field all healthy, this will make the Steelers’ offense very deep and scary to handle. Look for Brown to continue his dominance and continue to set himself up another huge fantasy season.