As fantasy owners, we’re always attempting to predict each player’s improvement. But just as important as prognosticating improvement is the ability to predict decline – especially in dynasty leagues. One of the most important variables for predictability is age. While there are outliers who can produce at an impressively old age (by NFL standards), most players at the same position tend to have similar career arcs. In this article, we’ll determine the peak age for an NFL wide receiver.
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TL;DR:
- This article explores at which ages NFL wide receivers have their most productive seasons.
- For 225 PPR fantasy points (roughly top-24 production), the average age was 27.07 with 80% of peak seasons falling within the age range of 23-30.
- As the thresholds are raised, the average age becomes younger with peak WR seasons over the age of 30 becoming less and less frequent.
- For elite top-three WR production, the average age was 26.8, and nearly 85% of qualifiers were below the age of 30.
- As the years go on, wide receivers are trending younger. Since 2010, when compared with 2000-2009, WRs to score at least 258 PPR fantasy points are 1.26 years younger.
Defining A Peak Season
To begin, we must define a peak season for an NFL wide receiver. If a wide receiver plays all 16 games and averages just over 14 PPR points per game, he will score 225 PPR fantasy points for the season. That remains true for historical seasons – but now that there is a 17-game season, a player must average 13.2 fantasy points per game if playing the entire season to make the list.
Our first peak season will include all wide receivers since 2000 who finished with at least 225 PPR fantasy points. This gives us a sample size of 401 seasons. The list below includes all individual wide receiver seasons to meet the criteria and was generated by Pro-Football-Reference.com.
Player | Season | Age | Team | G | PPR | PPR/G |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cooper Kupp | 2021 | 28 | LAR | 17 | 439.5 | 25.85 |
CeeDee Lamb | 2023 | 24 | DAL | 17 | 403.2 | 23.72 |
Antonio Brown | 2015 | 27 | PIT | 16 | 388.2 | 24.26 |
Antonio Brown | 2014 | 26 | PIT | 16 | 386.9 | 24.18 |
Randy Moss | 2007 | 30 | NWE | 16 | 385.3 | 24.08 |
Marvin Harrison | 2002 | 30 | IND | 16 | 384.2 | 24.01 |
Tyreek Hill | 2023 | 29 | MIA | 16 | 376.4 | 23.53 |
Randy Moss | 2003 | 26 | MIN | 16 | 376 | 23.5 |
Julio Jones | 2015 | 26 | ATL | 16 | 375.1 | 23.44 |
Michael Thomas | 2019 | 26 | NOR | 16 | 374.6 | 23.41 |
Justin Jefferson | 2022 | 23 | MIN | 17 | 368.7 | 21.69 |
Calvin Johnson | 2011 | 26 | DET | 16 | 359.2 | 22.45 |
Torry Holt | 2003 | 27 | STL | 16 | 359.1 | 22.44 |
Davante Adams | 2020 | 28 | GNB | 14 | 358.4 | 25.6 |
Marvin Harrison | 2001 | 29 | IND | 16 | 351.7 | 21.98 |
Tyreek Hill | 2022 | 28 | MIA | 17 | 347.2 | 20.42 |
Davante Adams | 2021 | 29 | GNB | 16 | 344.3 | 21.52 |
Calvin Johnson | 2012 | 27 | DET | 16 | 342.4 | 21.4 |
Demaryius Thomas | 2014 | 27 | DEN | 16 | 340.9 | 21.31 |
Brandon Marshall | 2015 | 31 | NYJ | 16 | 339.2 | 21.2 |
Deebo Samuel | 2021 | 25 | SFO | 16 | 339 | 21.19 |
Steve Smith Sr. | 2005 | 26 | CAR | 16 | 337.8 | 21.11 |
Hines Ward | 2002 | 26 | PIT | 16 | 337.1 | 21.07 |
Wes Welker | 2011 | 30 | NWE | 16 | 335.9 | 20.99 |
Davante Adams | 2022 | 30 | LVR | 17 | 335.5 | 19.74 |
Brandon Marshall | 2012 | 28 | CHI | 16 | 334.6 | 20.91 |
Tyreek Hill | 2018 | 24 | KAN | 16 | 334 | 20.88 |
DeAndre Hopkins | 2018 | 26 | HOU | 16 | 333.5 | 20.84 |
Terrell Owens | 2001 | 28 | SFO | 16 | 332.3 | 20.77 |
DeAndre Hopkins | 2015 | 23 | HOU | 16 | 331.1 | 20.69 |
Amon-Ra St. Brown | 2023 | 24 | DET | 16 | 330.9 | 20.68 |
Justin Jefferson | 2021 | 22 | MIN | 17 | 330.4 | 19.44 |
Davante Adams | 2018 | 26 | GNB | 15 | 329.6 | 21.97 |
Muhsin Muhammad | 2004 | 31 | CAR | 16 | 329 | 20.56 |
Tyreek Hill | 2020 | 26 | KAN | 15 | 328.9 | 21.93 |
Stefon Diggs | 2020 | 27 | BUF | 16 | 328.6 | 20.54 |
Jordy Nelson | 2014 | 29 | GNB | 16 | 327.9 | 20.49 |
Marvin Harrison | 2000 | 28 | IND | 16 | 327.3 | 20.46 |
Julio Jones | 2018 | 29 | ATL | 16 | 325.9 | 20.37 |
Antonio Brown | 2018 | 30 | PIT | 15 | 323.7 | 21.58 |
Rod Smith | 2000 | 30 | DEN | 16 | 322.1 | 20.13 |
Terrell Owens | 2002 | 29 | SFO | 14 | 321.9 | 22.99 |
Terrell Owens | 2000 | 27 | SFO | 14 | 321.2 | 22.94 |
Andre Johnson | 2008 | 27 | HOU | 16 | 320.5 | 20.03 |
Odell Beckham Jr. | 2015 | 23 | NYG | 15 | 319.3 | 21.29 |
Demaryius Thomas | 2013 | 26 | DEN | 16 | 319 | 19.94 |
Rod Smith | 2001 | 31 | DEN | 15 | 318 | 21.2 |
Stefon Diggs | 2022 | 29 | BUF | 16 | 316.6 | 19.79 |
Roddy White | 2010 | 29 | ATL | 16 | 316.2 | 19.76 |
Dez Bryant | 2014 | 26 | DAL | 16 | 316 | 19.75 |
Michael Thomas | 2018 | 25 | NOR | 16 | 315.5 | 19.72 |
Antonio Brown | 2013 | 25 | PIT | 16 | 314.9 | 19.68 |
Andre Johnson | 2009 | 28 | HOU | 16 | 314.9 | 19.68 |
Josh Gordon | 2013 | 22 | CLE | 14 | 314.4 | 22.46 |
Randy Moss | 2000 | 23 | MIN | 16 | 313.2 | 19.58 |
Larry Fitzgerald | 2008 | 25 | ARI | 16 | 311.1 | 19.44 |
Antonio Brown | 2017 | 29 | PIT | 14 | 310.3 | 22.16 |
DeAndre Hopkins | 2017 | 25 | HOU | 15 | 309.8 | 20.65 |
Reggie Wayne | 2007 | 29 | IND | 16 | 309.4 | 19.34 |
Larry Fitzgerald | 2005 | 22 | ARI | 16 | 308 | 19.25 |
David Boston | 2001 | 23 | ARI | 16 | 307.3 | 19.21 |
Antonio Brown | 2016 | 28 | PIT | 15 | 307.3 | 20.49 |
Adam Thielen | 2018 | 28 | MIN | 16 | 307.3 | 19.21 |
Terrell Owens | 2007 | 34 | DAL | 15 | 307 | 20.47 |
A.J. Green | 2013 | 25 | CIN | 16 | 306.6 | 19.16 |
Brandon Marshall | 2013 | 29 | CHI | 16 | 305.5 | 19.09 |
Jordy Nelson | 2016 | 31 | GNB | 16 | 304.7 | 19.04 |
Ja'Marr Chase | 2021 | 21 | CIN | 17 | 304.6 | 17.92 |
Mike Evans | 2016 | 23 | TAM | 16 | 304.1 | 19.01 |
Allen Robinson | 2015 | 22 | JAX | 16 | 304 | 19 |
Calvin Johnson | 2013 | 28 | DET | 14 | 303.2 | 21.66 |
Joe Horn | 2004 | 32 | NOR | 16 | 301.9 | 18.87 |
Emmanuel Sanders | 2014 | 27 | DEN | 16 | 301.8 | 18.86 |
Marvin Harrison | 2006 | 34 | IND | 16 | 301.6 | 18.85 |
CeeDee Lamb | 2022 | 23 | DAL | 17 | 301.6 | 17.74 |
Braylon Edwards | 2007 | 24 | CLE | 16 | 300.9 | 18.81 |
A.J. Green | 2012 | 24 | CIN | 16 | 299.8 | 18.74 |
Dez Bryant | 2012 | 24 | DAL | 16 | 299.7 | 18.73 |
A.J. Brown | 2022 | 25 | PHI | 17 | 299.6 | 17.62 |
Puka Nacua | 2023 | 22 | LAR | 17 | 298.5 | 17.56 |
T.J. Houshmandzadeh | 2007 | 30 | CIN | 16 | 297.7 | 18.61 |
Chad Johnson | 2005 | 27 | CIN | 16 | 297.5 | 18.59 |
Julio Jones | 2014 | 25 | ATL | 15 | 297.4 | 19.83 |
Jimmy Smith | 2001 | 32 | JAX | 16 | 297 | 18.56 |
JuJu Smith-Schuster | 2018 | 22 | PIT | 16 | 296.9 | 18.56 |
Odell Beckham Jr. | 2016 | 24 | NYG | 16 | 296.6 | 18.54 |
Tyreek Hill | 2021 | 27 | KAN | 17 | 296.5 | 17.44 |
Andre Johnson | 2012 | 31 | HOU | 16 | 295.8 | 18.49 |
Javon Walker | 2004 | 26 | GNB | 16 | 295.2 | 18.45 |
Odell Beckham Jr. | 2014 | 22 | NYG | 12 | 295 | 24.58 |
Larry Fitzgerald | 2007 | 24 | ARI | 15 | 294.9 | 19.66 |
Randall Cobb | 2014 | 24 | GNB | 16 | 293.4 | 18.34 |
Dez Bryant | 2013 | 25 | DAL | 16 | 292.4 | 18.28 |
Demaryius Thomas | 2012 | 25 | DEN | 16 | 291.4 | 18.21 |
Torry Holt | 2004 | 28 | STL | 16 | 291.2 | 18.2 |
Mike Evans | 2018 | 25 | TAM | 16 | 290.4 | 18.15 |
Randy Moss | 2002 | 25 | MIN | 16 | 290.3 | 18.14 |
Eric Moulds | 2002 | 29 | BUF | 16 | 289.9 | 18.12 |
A.J. Brown | 2023 | 26 | PHI | 17 | 289.6 | 17.04 |
Wes Welker | 2012 | 31 | NWE | 16 | 289.4 | 18.09 |
Torry Holt | 2005 | 29 | STL | 14 | 289.3 | 20.66 |
Anquan Boldin | 2005 | 25 | ARI | 14 | 288.7 | 20.62 |
Ed McCaffrey | 2000 | 32 | DEN | 16 | 288.7 | 18.04 |
Victor Cruz | 2011 | 25 | NYG | 16 | 287.9 | 17.99 |
DeAndre Hopkins | 2020 | 28 | ARI | 16 | 287.8 | 17.99 |
Chad Johnson | 2007 | 29 | CIN | 16 | 287.7 | 17.98 |
Randy Moss | 2009 | 32 | NWE | 16 | 287.4 | 17.96 |
Isaac Bruce | 2000 | 28 | STL | 16 | 287.2 | 17.95 |
D.J. Moore | 2023 | 26 | CHI | 17 | 286.5 | 16.85 |
Brandon Lloyd | 2010 | 29 | DEN | 16 | 286 | 17.88 |
Stefon Diggs | 2021 | 28 | BUF | 17 | 285.5 | 16.79 |
Chad Johnson | 2003 | 25 | CIN | 16 | 285.5 | 17.84 |
Wes Welker | 2009 | 28 | NWE | 14 | 285.4 | 20.39 |
Marvin Harrison | 2004 | 32 | IND | 16 | 285.3 | 17.83 |
Reggie Wayne | 2009 | 31 | IND | 16 | 284.4 | 17.78 |
Jordy Nelson | 2011 | 26 | GNB | 16 | 284.3 | 17.77 |
Keenan Allen | 2017 | 25 | LAC | 16 | 284.2 | 17.76 |
Larry Fitzgerald | 2009 | 26 | ARI | 16 | 284.2 | 17.76 |
Santana Moss | 2005 | 26 | WAS | 16 | 284 | 17.75 |
Alshon Jeffery | 2013 | 23 | CHI | 16 | 283.6 | 17.73 |
Terrell Owens | 2006 | 33 | DAL | 16 | 283 | 17.69 |
Anquan Boldin | 2003 | 23 | ARI | 16 | 282.7 | 17.67 |
Mike Evans | 2023 | 30 | TAM | 17 | 282.5 | 16.62 |
Marques Colston | 2007 | 24 | NOR | 16 | 282.2 | 17.64 |
Derrick Alexander | 2000 | 29 | KAN | 16 | 281.6 | 17.6 |
Calvin Ridley | 2020 | 26 | ATL | 15 | 281.5 | 18.77 |
Calvin Johnson | 2008 | 23 | DET | 16 | 281 | 17.56 |
Wes Welker | 2007 | 26 | NWE | 16 | 280.9 | 17.56 |
Larry Fitzgerald | 2015 | 32 | ARI | 16 | 280.5 | 17.53 |
Reggie Wayne | 2010 | 32 | IND | 16 | 280.5 | 17.53 |
Chad Johnson | 2004 | 26 | CIN | 16 | 280.3 | 17.52 |
Brandon Marshall | 2007 | 23 | DEN | 16 | 280.2 | 17.51 |
Eric Decker | 2013 | 26 | DEN | 16 | 279.8 | 17.49 |
Andre Johnson | 2013 | 32 | HOU | 16 | 279.7 | 17.48 |
Marvin Harrison | 2003 | 31 | IND | 15 | 279.5 | 18.63 |
Keenan Allen | 2023 | 31 | LAC | 13 | 278.9 | 21.45 |
Miles Austin | 2009 | 25 | DAL | 16 | 278.8 | 17.43 |
Dwayne Bowe | 2010 | 26 | KAN | 16 | 278.6 | 17.41 |
Terrell Owens | 2004 | 31 | PHI | 14 | 278.5 | 19.89 |
Torry Holt | 2000 | 24 | STL | 16 | 278.2 | 17.39 |
Roddy White | 2011 | 30 | ATL | 16 | 277.6 | 17.35 |
Pierre Garcon | 2013 | 27 | WAS | 16 | 277.5 | 17.34 |
Hines Ward | 2003 | 27 | PIT | 16 | 277.4 | 17.34 |
Joe Horn | 2000 | 28 | NOR | 16 | 277 | 17.31 |
Drew Bennett | 2004 | 26 | TEN | 16 | 276.9 | 17.31 |
Brandon Marshall | 2009 | 25 | DEN | 15 | 276.9 | 18.46 |
Jeremy Maclin | 2014 | 26 | PHI | 16 | 276.8 | 17.3 |
Chris Godwin | 2019 | 23 | TAM | 14 | 276.1 | 19.72 |
Cris Carter | 2000 | 35 | MIN | 16 | 275.4 | 17.21 |
Jarvis Landry | 2015 | 23 | MIA | 16 | 275.4 | 17.21 |
Greg Jennings | 2010 | 27 | GNB | 16 | 274.4 | 17.15 |
Diontae Johnson | 2021 | 25 | PIT | 16 | 274.4 | 17.15 |
Derrick Mason | 2003 | 29 | TEN | 16 | 274.4 | 17.15 |
Justin Jefferson | 2020 | 21 | MIN | 16 | 274.2 | 17.14 |
Julio Jones | 2019 | 30 | ATL | 15 | 274.1 | 18.27 |
Stefon Diggs | 2023 | 30 | BUF | 17 | 273.8 | 16.11 |
T.Y. Hilton | 2016 | 27 | IND | 16 | 273.8 | 17.11 |
A.J. Green | 2015 | 27 | CIN | 16 | 273.7 | 17.11 |
Reggie Wayne | 2006 | 28 | IND | 16 | 273 | 17.06 |
Joey Galloway | 2005 | 34 | TAM | 16 | 272.1 | 17.01 |
D.K. Metcalf | 2020 | 23 | SEA | 16 | 271.3 | 16.96 |
Donald Driver | 2006 | 31 | GNB | 16 | 271.1 | 16.94 |
Steve Smith | 2009 | 24 | NYG | 16 | 271 | 16.94 |
Cooper Kupp | 2019 | 26 | LAR | 16 | 270.5 | 16.91 |
Randy Moss | 2001 | 24 | MIN | 16 | 270.3 | 16.89 |
Troy Brown | 2001 | 30 | NWE | 16 | 270 | 16.88 |
Peerless Price | 2002 | 26 | BUF | 16 | 269.9 | 16.87 |
Torry Holt | 2006 | 30 | STL | 16 | 269.8 | 16.86 |
Reggie Wayne | 2004 | 26 | IND | 16 | 269.6 | 16.85 |
Tim Brown | 2001 | 35 | OAK | 16 | 269.4 | 16.84 |
Eric Decker | 2012 | 25 | DEN | 16 | 269.4 | 16.84 |
DeSean Jackson | 2013 | 27 | PHI | 16 | 269.4 | 16.84 |
Larry Fitzgerald | 2011 | 28 | ARI | 16 | 269.1 | 16.82 |
Roddy White | 2012 | 31 | ATL | 16 | 269.1 | 16.82 |
Reggie Wayne | 2012 | 34 | IND | 16 | 269 | 16.81 |
Doug Baldwin | 2015 | 27 | SEA | 16 | 268.9 | 16.81 |
Marvin Harrison | 2005 | 33 | IND | 15 | 268.6 | 17.91 |
DeAndre Hopkins | 2019 | 27 | HOU | 15 | 268.5 | 17.9 |
Percy Harvin | 2011 | 23 | MIN | 16 | 268.2 | 16.76 |
Amon-Ra St. Brown | 2022 | 23 | DET | 16 | 267.6 | 16.73 |
Demaryius Thomas | 2015 | 28 | DEN | 16 | 267.4 | 16.71 |
Roddy White | 2009 | 28 | ATL | 16 | 266.5 | 16.66 |
Stefon Diggs | 2018 | 25 | MIN | 15 | 266.3 | 17.75 |
Chad Johnson | 2006 | 28 | CIN | 16 | 266.3 | 16.64 |
Calvin Johnson | 2010 | 25 | DET | 15 | 266.2 | 17.75 |
Robert Woods | 2018 | 26 | LAR | 16 | 265.6 | 16.6 |
Davante Adams | 2023 | 31 | LVR | 17 | 265.4 | 15.61 |
Tyler Lockett | 2020 | 28 | SEA | 16 | 265.4 | 16.59 |
Greg Jennings | 2008 | 25 | GNB | 16 | 265.2 | 16.58 |
Chris Chambers | 2005 | 27 | MIA | 16 | 265 | 16.56 |
Roddy White | 2008 | 27 | ATL | 16 | 264.6 | 16.54 |
Amani Toomer | 2002 | 28 | NYG | 16 | 264.5 | 16.53 |
Jordy Nelson | 2013 | 28 | GNB | 16 | 264.4 | 16.53 |
Steve Smith Sr. | 2011 | 32 | CAR | 16 | 264 | 16.5 |
Joe Horn | 2001 | 29 | NOR | 16 | 263.9 | 16.49 |
Joe Horn | 2002 | 30 | NOR | 16 | 263.4 | 16.46 |
Allen Robinson | 2020 | 27 | CHI | 16 | 262.9 | 16.43 |
Ja'Marr Chase | 2023 | 23 | CIN | 16 | 262.7 | 16.42 |
Mike Evans | 2021 | 28 | TAM | 16 | 262.5 | 16.41 |
Julio Jones | 2012 | 23 | ATL | 16 | 261.8 | 16.36 |
Alshon Jeffery | 2014 | 24 | CHI | 16 | 261.6 | 16.35 |
Keenan Allen | 2019 | 27 | LAC | 16 | 261.5 | 16.34 |
Larry Fitzgerald | 2017 | 34 | ARI | 16 | 261.4 | 16.34 |
Calvin Johnson | 2015 | 30 | DET | 16 | 261.4 | 16.34 |
DeSean Jackson | 2009 | 23 | PHI | 15 | 261.3 | 17.42 |
Nico Collins | 2023 | 24 | HOU | 15 | 260.4 | 17.36 |
Vincent Jackson | 2012 | 29 | TAM | 16 | 260.4 | 16.28 |
Jimmy Smith | 2000 | 31 | JAX | 15 | 260.3 | 17.35 |
Sidney Rice | 2009 | 23 | MIN | 16 | 260.2 | 16.26 |
Keenan Allen | 2018 | 26 | LAC | 16 | 260.1 | 16.26 |
Brandon Marshall | 2008 | 24 | DEN | 15 | 260.1 | 17.34 |
Jarvis Landry | 2017 | 25 | MIA | 16 | 260 | 16.25 |
Julio Jones | 2016 | 27 | ATL | 14 | 259.9 | 18.56 |
Steve Smith Sr. | 2006 | 27 | CAR | 14 | 259.7 | 18.55 |
Anquan Boldin | 2008 | 28 | ARI | 12 | 259.5 | 21.63 |
Marty Booker | 2001 | 25 | CHI | 16 | 259.3 | 16.21 |
Torry Holt | 2001 | 25 | STL | 16 | 259.3 | 16.21 |
Jaylen Waddle | 2022 | 24 | MIA | 17 | 259.2 | 15.25 |
Hunter Renfrow | 2021 | 26 | LVR | 17 | 259.1 | 15.24 |
Golden Tate | 2014 | 26 | DET | 16 | 259.1 | 16.19 |
Eric Moulds | 2000 | 27 | BUF | 16 | 259 | 16.19 |
T.Y. Hilton | 2014 | 25 | IND | 15 | 258.5 | 17.23 |
Michael Thomas | 2017 | 24 | NOR | 16 | 258.5 | 16.16 |
Steve Smith Sr. | 2008 | 29 | CAR | 14 | 258.1 | 18.44 |
Keenan Allen | 2021 | 29 | LAC | 16 | 257.8 | 16.11 |
Marty Booker | 2002 | 26 | CHI | 16 | 257.7 | 16.11 |
Muhsin Muhammad | 2000 | 27 | CAR | 16 | 257.5 | 16.09 |
Donald Driver | 2004 | 29 | GNB | 16 | 257.2 | 16.08 |
Lee Evans | 2006 | 25 | BUF | 16 | 257.2 | 16.08 |
Andre Johnson | 2010 | 29 | HOU | 13 | 256.6 | 19.74 |
Julian Edelman | 2019 | 33 | NWE | 16 | 256.3 | 16.02 |
Tim Brown | 2000 | 34 | OAK | 16 | 256 | 16 |
Torry Holt | 2007 | 31 | STL | 16 | 255.9 | 15.99 |
Michael Thomas | 2016 | 23 | NOR | 15 | 255.7 | 17.05 |
Victor Cruz | 2012 | 26 | NYG | 16 | 255.2 | 15.95 |
Jerry Rice | 2002 | 40 | OAK | 16 | 255.1 | 15.94 |
Allen Robinson | 2019 | 26 | CHI | 16 | 254.9 | 15.93 |
DeVonta Smith | 2022 | 24 | PHI | 17 | 254.6 | 14.98 |
Derrick Mason | 2004 | 30 | TEN | 16 | 254.5 | 15.91 |
Marques Colston | 2012 | 29 | NOR | 16 | 254.4 | 15.9 |
Adam Thielen | 2020 | 30 | MIN | 15 | 254 | 16.93 |
Doug Baldwin | 2016 | 28 | SEA | 16 | 253.6 | 15.85 |
Brandin Cooks | 2015 | 22 | NOR | 16 | 253.6 | 15.85 |
Keenan McCardell | 2003 | 33 | TAM | 16 | 253.4 | 15.84 |
Eric Decker | 2015 | 28 | NYJ | 15 | 252.7 | 16.85 |
T.J. Houshmandzadeh | 2006 | 29 | CIN | 14 | 252.7 | 18.05 |
Plaxico Burress | 2002 | 25 | PIT | 16 | 252.5 | 15.78 |
Julio Jones | 2017 | 28 | ATL | 16 | 251.9 | 15.74 |
Julian Edelman | 2013 | 27 | NWE | 16 | 251.7 | 15.73 |
Laveranues Coles | 2002 | 25 | NYJ | 16 | 251.3 | 15.71 |
Steve Smith Sr. | 2003 | 24 | CAR | 16 | 251.2 | 15.7 |
Roy Williams | 2006 | 25 | DET | 16 | 251.2 | 15.7 |
Jerry Rice | 2001 | 39 | OAK | 16 | 250.9 | 15.68 |
Michael Crabtree | 2012 | 25 | SFO | 16 | 250.3 | 15.64 |
Hakeem Nicks | 2010 | 22 | NYG | 13 | 250.2 | 19.25 |
Michael Pittman Jr. | 2023 | 26 | IND | 16 | 250.2 | 15.64 |
Antonio Bryant | 2008 | 27 | TAM | 16 | 250 | 15.63 |
Mike Wallace | 2010 | 24 | PIT | 16 | 249.6 | 15.6 |
Brandon Aiyuk | 2023 | 25 | SFO | 16 | 249.2 | 15.58 |
Andre Johnson | 2006 | 25 | HOU | 16 | 249.1 | 15.57 |
Darrell Jackson | 2004 | 26 | SEA | 16 | 248.9 | 15.56 |
Mike Evans | 2020 | 27 | TAM | 16 | 248.6 | 15.54 |
Wes Welker | 2008 | 27 | NWE | 16 | 248.1 | 15.51 |
Kenny Golladay | 2019 | 26 | DET | 16 | 248 | 15.5 |
Kevin Johnson | 2001 | 25 | CLE | 16 | 247.7 | 15.48 |
A.J. Brown | 2020 | 23 | TEN | 14 | 247.5 | 17.68 |
Stevie Johnson | 2010 | 24 | BUF | 16 | 247.3 | 15.46 |
Santana Moss | 2003 | 24 | NYJ | 16 | 247.2 | 15.45 |
Davante Adams | 2016 | 24 | GNB | 16 | 246.7 | 15.42 |
Mike Williams | 2021 | 27 | LAC | 16 | 246.6 | 15.41 |
Amari Cooper | 2019 | 25 | DAL | 16 | 246.5 | 15.41 |
Brandin Cooks | 2016 | 23 | NOR | 16 | 246.3 | 15.39 |
Isaac Bruce | 2004 | 32 | STL | 16 | 246.2 | 15.39 |
DeVante Parker | 2019 | 26 | MIA | 16 | 246.2 | 15.39 |
Anquan Boldin | 2013 | 33 | SFO | 16 | 246 | 15.38 |
Amari Cooper | 2022 | 28 | CLE | 17 | 246 | 14.47 |
Derrick Mason | 2001 | 27 | TEN | 15 | 245.8 | 16.39 |
Jaylen Waddle | 2021 | 23 | MIA | 16 | 245.8 | 15.36 |
Hines Ward | 2009 | 33 | PIT | 16 | 245.7 | 15.36 |
Tyreek Hill | 2017 | 23 | KAN | 15 | 245.2 | 16.35 |
Keenan Allen | 2020 | 28 | LAC | 14 | 245.1 | 17.51 |
Mike Evans | 2014 | 21 | TAM | 15 | 245.1 | 16.34 |
Robert Woods | 2020 | 28 | LAR | 16 | 245.1 | 15.32 |
Torry Holt | 2002 | 26 | STL | 16 | 245 | 15.31 |
Plaxico Burress | 2007 | 30 | NYG | 16 | 244.5 | 15.28 |
Michael Clayton | 2004 | 22 | TAM | 16 | 244.3 | 15.27 |
D.K. Metcalf | 2021 | 24 | SEA | 17 | 244.3 | 14.37 |
Terrell Owens | 2003 | 30 | SFO | 15 | 244 | 16.27 |
Larry Fitzgerald | 2016 | 33 | ARI | 16 | 243.8 | 15.24 |
Deebo Samuel | 2023 | 27 | SFO | 15 | 243.7 | 16.25 |
Javon Walker | 2006 | 28 | DEN | 16 | 243.7 | 15.23 |
Brandin Cooks | 2018 | 25 | LAR | 16 | 243.2 | 15.2 |
Jeremy Maclin | 2015 | 27 | KAN | 15 | 243.2 | 16.21 |
Mike Wallace | 2011 | 25 | PIT | 16 | 243 | 15.19 |
Bobby Engram | 2007 | 34 | SEA | 16 | 242.7 | 15.17 |
Amani Toomer | 2000 | 26 | NYG | 16 | 242.5 | 15.16 |
Ja'Marr Chase | 2022 | 22 | CIN | 12 | 242.4 | 20.2 |
Chris Godwin | 2021 | 25 | TAM | 14 | 242.4 | 17.31 |
Vincent Jackson | 2013 | 30 | TAM | 16 | 242.4 | 15.15 |
Laveranues Coles | 2003 | 26 | WAS | 16 | 242.3 | 15.14 |
Christian Kirk | 2022 | 26 | JAX | 17 | 241.9 | 14.23 |
Larry Fitzgerald | 2010 | 27 | ARI | 16 | 241.7 | 15.11 |
Tyler Lockett | 2021 | 29 | SEA | 16 | 241.4 | 15.09 |
Randall Cobb | 2012 | 22 | GNB | 15 | 240.6 | 16.04 |
Mike Furrey | 2006 | 29 | DET | 16 | 240.6 | 15.04 |
Marques Colston | 2011 | 28 | NOR | 14 | 240.3 | 17.16 |
Keenan McCardell | 2001 | 31 | JAX | 16 | 240 | 15 |
Vincent Jackson | 2009 | 26 | SDG | 15 | 239.8 | 15.99 |
Derrick Mason | 2007 | 33 | BAL | 16 | 239.7 | 14.98 |
Adam Thielen | 2017 | 27 | MIN | 16 | 239.7 | 14.98 |
Donald Driver | 2005 | 30 | GNB | 16 | 239.4 | 14.96 |
Michael Crabtree | 2016 | 29 | OAK | 16 | 239.3 | 14.96 |
T.Y. Hilton | 2018 | 29 | IND | 14 | 239 | 17.07 |
Keenan McCardell | 2000 | 30 | JAX | 16 | 238.7 | 14.92 |
Rod Smith | 2004 | 34 | DEN | 16 | 238.7 | 14.92 |
Michael Pittman Jr. | 2021 | 24 | IND | 17 | 238.6 | 14.04 |
Laveranues Coles | 2006 | 29 | NYJ | 16 | 238.2 | 14.89 |
Brandon Marshall | 2011 | 27 | MIA | 16 | 237.7 | 14.86 |
Koren Robinson | 2002 | 22 | SEA | 16 | 237.6 | 14.85 |
D.J. Moore | 2021 | 24 | CAR | 17 | 237.5 | 13.97 |
Plaxico Burress | 2005 | 28 | NYG | 16 | 237.4 | 14.84 |
Joe Horn | 2003 | 31 | NOR | 15 | 237.4 | 15.83 |
Jarvis Landry | 2019 | 27 | CLE | 16 | 237.4 | 14.84 |
Tyler Lockett | 2022 | 30 | SEA | 16 | 237.3 | 14.83 |
Hakeem Nicks | 2011 | 23 | NYG | 15 | 237.2 | 15.81 |
Amari Cooper | 2020 | 26 | DAL | 16 | 236.8 | 14.8 |
Keyshawn Johnson | 2001 | 29 | TAM | 15 | 236.6 | 15.77 |
Larry Fitzgerald | 2013 | 30 | ARI | 16 | 236.2 | 14.76 |
Kevin Curtis | 2007 | 29 | PHI | 16 | 236 | 14.75 |
Santana Moss | 2010 | 31 | WAS | 16 | 235.9 | 14.74 |
Steve Smith Sr. | 2007 | 28 | CAR | 15 | 235.8 | 15.72 |
Nate Burleson | 2004 | 23 | MIN | 16 | 235.5 | 14.72 |
Terrell Owens | 2008 | 35 | DAL | 16 | 235.5 | 14.72 |
Donald Driver | 2002 | 27 | GNB | 16 | 235.4 | 14.71 |
Tyler Lockett | 2019 | 27 | SEA | 16 | 235.2 | 14.7 |
Curtis Conway | 2001 | 30 | SDG | 16 | 235.1 | 14.69 |
Roddy White | 2007 | 26 | ATL | 16 | 235 | 14.69 |
Reggie Wayne | 2008 | 30 | IND | 16 | 234.5 | 14.66 |
Santonio Holmes | 2009 | 25 | PIT | 16 | 234.4 | 14.65 |
JuJu Smith-Schuster | 2020 | 24 | PIT | 16 | 234.1 | 14.63 |
Darrell Jackson | 2003 | 25 | SEA | 16 | 233.7 | 14.61 |
Brandon Stokley | 2004 | 28 | IND | 16 | 233.7 | 14.61 |
Robert Woods | 2019 | 27 | LAR | 15 | 232.9 | 15.53 |
CeeDee Lamb | 2021 | 22 | DAL | 16 | 232.8 | 14.55 |
Mike Evans | 2019 | 26 | TAM | 13 | 232.7 | 17.9 |
Amari Cooper | 2016 | 22 | OAK | 16 | 232.3 | 14.52 |
Brandin Cooks | 2020 | 27 | HOU | 15 | 232 | 15.47 |
Brandin Cooks | 2021 | 28 | HOU | 16 | 231.8 | 14.49 |
Randy Moss | 2008 | 31 | NWE | 16 | 231.8 | 14.49 |
Hines Ward | 2005 | 29 | PIT | 15 | 231.5 | 15.43 |
Jarvis Landry | 2016 | 24 | MIA | 16 | 231.3 | 14.46 |
Chris Olave | 2023 | 23 | NOR | 16 | 231.3 | 14.46 |
Michael Crabtree | 2015 | 28 | OAK | 16 | 231.2 | 14.45 |
DeAndre Hopkins | 2014 | 22 | HOU | 16 | 231 | 14.44 |
Adam Thielen | 2023 | 33 | CAR | 17 | 231 | 13.59 |
Jordan Matthews | 2015 | 23 | PHI | 16 | 230.7 | 14.42 |
D.J. Moore | 2019 | 22 | CAR | 15 | 230.5 | 15.37 |
Odell Beckham Jr. | 2018 | 26 | NYG | 12 | 230.3 | 19.19 |
Julian Edelman | 2016 | 30 | NWE | 16 | 230.3 | 14.39 |
Dwayne Bowe | 2008 | 24 | KAN | 16 | 230.2 | 14.39 |
Anquan Boldin | 2006 | 26 | ARI | 16 | 230.1 | 14.38 |
Marques Colston | 2009 | 26 | NOR | 16 | 230 | 14.38 |
Chad Johnson | 2009 | 31 | CIN | 16 | 229.9 | 14.37 |
Calvin Ridley | 2023 | 29 | JAX | 17 | 229.9 | 13.52 |
Eddie Royal | 2008 | 22 | DEN | 15 | 229.9 | 15.33 |
Lance Moore | 2008 | 25 | NOR | 16 | 229.8 | 14.36 |
Vincent Jackson | 2011 | 28 | SDG | 16 | 229.7 | 14.36 |
Terry McLaurin | 2022 | 27 | WAS | 17 | 229 | 13.47 |
Julian Edelman | 2014 | 28 | NWE | 14 | 228.6 | 16.33 |
Miles Austin | 2010 | 26 | DAL | 16 | 228.4 | 14.28 |
Marques Colston | 2010 | 27 | NOR | 15 | 228.4 | 15.23 |
Andre Johnson | 2004 | 23 | HOU | 16 | 228.4 | 14.28 |
Rod Smith | 2005 | 35 | DEN | 16 | 228.2 | 14.26 |
Dwayne Bowe | 2011 | 27 | KAN | 16 | 228.1 | 14.26 |
Jeremy Maclin | 2010 | 22 | PHI | 16 | 228 | 14.25 |
Brandon Aiyuk | 2022 | 24 | SFO | 17 | 227.8 | 13.4 |
Marvin Jones | 2020 | 30 | DET | 16 | 227.8 | 14.24 |
Hines Ward | 2008 | 32 | PIT | 16 | 227.7 | 14.23 |
DeVonta Smith | 2023 | 25 | PHI | 16 | 227.6 | 14.23 |
David Boston | 2000 | 22 | ARI | 16 | 227.5 | 14.22 |
Chris Chambers | 2003 | 25 | MIA | 16 | 227.3 | 14.21 |
Amon-Ra St. Brown | 2021 | 22 | DET | 17 | 227.3 | 13.37 |
Amari Cooper | 2023 | 29 | CLE | 15 | 227 | 15.13 |
Darrell Jackson | 2001 | 23 | SEA | 16 | 227 | 14.19 |
Jimmy Smith | 2002 | 33 | JAX | 16 | 226.9 | 14.18 |
A.J. Green | 2017 | 29 | CIN | 16 | 226.8 | 14.18 |
D.K. Metcalf | 2022 | 25 | SEA | 17 | 226.8 | 13.34 |
Calvin Johnson | 2014 | 29 | DET | 13 | 226.7 | 17.44 |
James Jones | 2012 | 28 | GNB | 16 | 226.4 | 14.15 |
Marquise Brown | 2021 | 24 | BAL | 16 | 226.3 | 14.14 |
Isaac Bruce | 2002 | 30 | STL | 16 | 226.3 | 14.14 |
Demaryius Thomas | 2016 | 29 | DEN | 16 | 226.3 | 14.14 |
Santana Moss | 2008 | 29 | WAS | 16 | 226.1 | 14.13 |
Kelvin Benjamin | 2014 | 23 | CAR | 16 | 225.8 | 14.11 |
DJ Chark | 2019 | 23 | JAX | 15 | 225.8 | 15.05 |
T.J. Houshmandzadeh | 2005 | 28 | CIN | 14 | 225.8 | 16.13 |
Mike Evans | 2022 | 29 | TAM | 15 | 225.4 | 15.03 |
D.K. Metcalf | 2023 | 26 | SEA | 16 | 225.4 | 14.09 |
Jimmy Smith | 2004 | 35 | JAX | 16 | 225.2 | 14.08 |
Allen Hurns | 2015 | 24 | JAX | 15 | 225.1 | 15.01 |
Marvin Jones | 2017 | 27 | DET | 16 | 225.1 | 14.07 |
The average age for this group is 27.07 years old. Below is a distribution graph of the ages of qualifying WRs when they hit a peak season.
Previously, the youngest player to accomplish a peak season was Mike Evans in 2016 at 21 years old. Justin Jefferson matched Evans this season by scoring 270.2 fantasy points as a 21-year-old rookie. In the 2021 season, Ja’Marr Chase joined them with a 1,455-yard 13-touchdown rookie season. Chase presents a strong argument for why he should be at the top of the board in dynasty drafts.
Most would call Jerry Rice the greatest of all time and he didn’t disappoint at the end of his career, as the only player to meet the criteria over the age of 35. Rice incredibly accomplished the feat at 39 and 40 years old but would have also met the criteria at 32, 33, 34, and 36 had we included seasons before 2000. Rice falls directly in the anomaly category – it’s unfair to expect the same production from other wide receivers.
The peak age for an NFL wide receiver appears to land at ages 23 to 30, as 80.05 percent of the individual seasons fall within this range. A more magnified peak is in the 25 to 29 range, where 56.36 percent of peak seasons reside. As I do these studies annually, the average age becomes younger each season. Three years ago the average age of this group was 27.26, it has fallen each year.
There is a steady decline that takes place after the age 29 season and continues with each passing year. Just 6.23 percent of the peak seasons happen after the age 32 season and a minuscule 1.75 percent of the seasons take place after age 34.
Let’s see if the peak or drop-off changes if we raise the floor for a peak season.
Re-Defining A Peak Season
If we raise the minimum fantasy points scored for a peak season to 258 (roughly top-10 production) then the sample size drops to 224 seasons. 12 wide receivers in 2023 scored at least 258 PPR fantasy points. Since 2000, an average of 9.3 receivers make this list per season.
The full list of players to qualify is included below.
Player | Season | Age | Team | G | PPR | PPR/G |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cooper Kupp | 2021 | 28 | LAR | 17 | 439.5 | 25.85 |
CeeDee Lamb | 2023 | 24 | DAL | 17 | 403.2 | 23.72 |
Antonio Brown | 2015 | 27 | PIT | 16 | 388.2 | 24.26 |
Antonio Brown | 2014 | 26 | PIT | 16 | 386.9 | 24.18 |
Randy Moss | 2007 | 30 | NWE | 16 | 385.3 | 24.08 |
Marvin Harrison | 2002 | 30 | IND | 16 | 384.2 | 24.01 |
Tyreek Hill | 2023 | 29 | MIA | 16 | 376.4 | 23.53 |
Randy Moss | 2003 | 26 | MIN | 16 | 376 | 23.5 |
Julio Jones | 2015 | 26 | ATL | 16 | 375.1 | 23.44 |
Michael Thomas | 2019 | 26 | NOR | 16 | 374.6 | 23.41 |
Justin Jefferson | 2022 | 23 | MIN | 17 | 368.7 | 21.69 |
Calvin Johnson | 2011 | 26 | DET | 16 | 359.2 | 22.45 |
Torry Holt | 2003 | 27 | STL | 16 | 359.1 | 22.44 |
Davante Adams | 2020 | 28 | GNB | 14 | 358.4 | 25.6 |
Marvin Harrison | 2001 | 29 | IND | 16 | 351.7 | 21.98 |
Tyreek Hill | 2022 | 28 | MIA | 17 | 347.2 | 20.42 |
Davante Adams | 2021 | 29 | GNB | 16 | 344.3 | 21.52 |
Calvin Johnson | 2012 | 27 | DET | 16 | 342.4 | 21.4 |
Demaryius Thomas | 2014 | 27 | DEN | 16 | 340.9 | 21.31 |
Brandon Marshall | 2015 | 31 | NYJ | 16 | 339.2 | 21.2 |
Deebo Samuel | 2021 | 25 | SFO | 16 | 339 | 21.19 |
Steve Smith Sr. | 2005 | 26 | CAR | 16 | 337.8 | 21.11 |
Hines Ward | 2002 | 26 | PIT | 16 | 337.1 | 21.07 |
Wes Welker | 2011 | 30 | NWE | 16 | 335.9 | 20.99 |
Davante Adams | 2022 | 30 | LVR | 17 | 335.5 | 19.74 |
Brandon Marshall | 2012 | 28 | CHI | 16 | 334.6 | 20.91 |
Tyreek Hill | 2018 | 24 | KAN | 16 | 334 | 20.88 |
DeAndre Hopkins | 2018 | 26 | HOU | 16 | 333.5 | 20.84 |
Terrell Owens | 2001 | 28 | SFO | 16 | 332.3 | 20.77 |
DeAndre Hopkins | 2015 | 23 | HOU | 16 | 331.1 | 20.69 |
Amon-Ra St. Brown | 2023 | 24 | DET | 16 | 330.9 | 20.68 |
Justin Jefferson | 2021 | 22 | MIN | 17 | 330.4 | 19.44 |
Davante Adams | 2018 | 26 | GNB | 15 | 329.6 | 21.97 |
Muhsin Muhammad | 2004 | 31 | CAR | 16 | 329 | 20.56 |
Tyreek Hill | 2020 | 26 | KAN | 15 | 328.9 | 21.93 |
Stefon Diggs | 2020 | 27 | BUF | 16 | 328.6 | 20.54 |
Jordy Nelson | 2014 | 29 | GNB | 16 | 327.9 | 20.49 |
Marvin Harrison | 2000 | 28 | IND | 16 | 327.3 | 20.46 |
Julio Jones | 2018 | 29 | ATL | 16 | 325.9 | 20.37 |
Antonio Brown | 2018 | 30 | PIT | 15 | 323.7 | 21.58 |
Rod Smith | 2000 | 30 | DEN | 16 | 322.1 | 20.13 |
Terrell Owens | 2002 | 29 | SFO | 14 | 321.9 | 22.99 |
Terrell Owens | 2000 | 27 | SFO | 14 | 321.2 | 22.94 |
Andre Johnson | 2008 | 27 | HOU | 16 | 320.5 | 20.03 |
Odell Beckham Jr. | 2015 | 23 | NYG | 15 | 319.3 | 21.29 |
Demaryius Thomas | 2013 | 26 | DEN | 16 | 319 | 19.94 |
Rod Smith | 2001 | 31 | DEN | 15 | 318 | 21.2 |
Stefon Diggs | 2022 | 29 | BUF | 16 | 316.6 | 19.79 |
Roddy White | 2010 | 29 | ATL | 16 | 316.2 | 19.76 |
Dez Bryant | 2014 | 26 | DAL | 16 | 316 | 19.75 |
Michael Thomas | 2018 | 25 | NOR | 16 | 315.5 | 19.72 |
Antonio Brown | 2013 | 25 | PIT | 16 | 314.9 | 19.68 |
Andre Johnson | 2009 | 28 | HOU | 16 | 314.9 | 19.68 |
Josh Gordon | 2013 | 22 | CLE | 14 | 314.4 | 22.46 |
Randy Moss | 2000 | 23 | MIN | 16 | 313.2 | 19.58 |
Larry Fitzgerald | 2008 | 25 | ARI | 16 | 311.1 | 19.44 |
Antonio Brown | 2017 | 29 | PIT | 14 | 310.3 | 22.16 |
DeAndre Hopkins | 2017 | 25 | HOU | 15 | 309.8 | 20.65 |
Reggie Wayne | 2007 | 29 | IND | 16 | 309.4 | 19.34 |
Larry Fitzgerald | 2005 | 22 | ARI | 16 | 308 | 19.25 |
David Boston | 2001 | 23 | ARI | 16 | 307.3 | 19.21 |
Antonio Brown | 2016 | 28 | PIT | 15 | 307.3 | 20.49 |
Adam Thielen | 2018 | 28 | MIN | 16 | 307.3 | 19.21 |
Terrell Owens | 2007 | 34 | DAL | 15 | 307 | 20.47 |
A.J. Green | 2013 | 25 | CIN | 16 | 306.6 | 19.16 |
Brandon Marshall | 2013 | 29 | CHI | 16 | 305.5 | 19.09 |
Jordy Nelson | 2016 | 31 | GNB | 16 | 304.7 | 19.04 |
Ja'Marr Chase | 2021 | 21 | CIN | 17 | 304.6 | 17.92 |
Mike Evans | 2016 | 23 | TAM | 16 | 304.1 | 19.01 |
Allen Robinson | 2015 | 22 | JAX | 16 | 304 | 19 |
Calvin Johnson | 2013 | 28 | DET | 14 | 303.2 | 21.66 |
Joe Horn | 2004 | 32 | NOR | 16 | 301.9 | 18.87 |
Emmanuel Sanders | 2014 | 27 | DEN | 16 | 301.8 | 18.86 |
Marvin Harrison | 2006 | 34 | IND | 16 | 301.6 | 18.85 |
CeeDee Lamb | 2022 | 23 | DAL | 17 | 301.6 | 17.74 |
Braylon Edwards | 2007 | 24 | CLE | 16 | 300.9 | 18.81 |
A.J. Green | 2012 | 24 | CIN | 16 | 299.8 | 18.74 |
Dez Bryant | 2012 | 24 | DAL | 16 | 299.7 | 18.73 |
A.J. Brown | 2022 | 25 | PHI | 17 | 299.6 | 17.62 |
Puka Nacua | 2023 | 22 | LAR | 17 | 298.5 | 17.56 |
T.J. Houshmandzadeh | 2007 | 30 | CIN | 16 | 297.7 | 18.61 |
Chad Johnson | 2005 | 27 | CIN | 16 | 297.5 | 18.59 |
Julio Jones | 2014 | 25 | ATL | 15 | 297.4 | 19.83 |
Jimmy Smith | 2001 | 32 | JAX | 16 | 297 | 18.56 |
JuJu Smith-Schuster | 2018 | 22 | PIT | 16 | 296.9 | 18.56 |
Odell Beckham Jr. | 2016 | 24 | NYG | 16 | 296.6 | 18.54 |
Tyreek Hill | 2021 | 27 | KAN | 17 | 296.5 | 17.44 |
Andre Johnson | 2012 | 31 | HOU | 16 | 295.8 | 18.49 |
Javon Walker | 2004 | 26 | GNB | 16 | 295.2 | 18.45 |
Odell Beckham Jr. | 2014 | 22 | NYG | 12 | 295 | 24.58 |
Larry Fitzgerald | 2007 | 24 | ARI | 15 | 294.9 | 19.66 |
Randall Cobb | 2014 | 24 | GNB | 16 | 293.4 | 18.34 |
Dez Bryant | 2013 | 25 | DAL | 16 | 292.4 | 18.28 |
Demaryius Thomas | 2012 | 25 | DEN | 16 | 291.4 | 18.21 |
Torry Holt | 2004 | 28 | STL | 16 | 291.2 | 18.2 |
Mike Evans | 2018 | 25 | TAM | 16 | 290.4 | 18.15 |
Randy Moss | 2002 | 25 | MIN | 16 | 290.3 | 18.14 |
Eric Moulds | 2002 | 29 | BUF | 16 | 289.9 | 18.12 |
A.J. Brown | 2023 | 26 | PHI | 17 | 289.6 | 17.04 |
Wes Welker | 2012 | 31 | NWE | 16 | 289.4 | 18.09 |
Torry Holt | 2005 | 29 | STL | 14 | 289.3 | 20.66 |
Anquan Boldin | 2005 | 25 | ARI | 14 | 288.7 | 20.62 |
Ed McCaffrey | 2000 | 32 | DEN | 16 | 288.7 | 18.04 |
Victor Cruz | 2011 | 25 | NYG | 16 | 287.9 | 17.99 |
DeAndre Hopkins | 2020 | 28 | ARI | 16 | 287.8 | 17.99 |
Chad Johnson | 2007 | 29 | CIN | 16 | 287.7 | 17.98 |
Randy Moss | 2009 | 32 | NWE | 16 | 287.4 | 17.96 |
Isaac Bruce | 2000 | 28 | STL | 16 | 287.2 | 17.95 |
D.J. Moore | 2023 | 26 | CHI | 17 | 286.5 | 16.85 |
Brandon Lloyd | 2010 | 29 | DEN | 16 | 286 | 17.88 |
Stefon Diggs | 2021 | 28 | BUF | 17 | 285.5 | 16.79 |
Chad Johnson | 2003 | 25 | CIN | 16 | 285.5 | 17.84 |
Wes Welker | 2009 | 28 | NWE | 14 | 285.4 | 20.39 |
Marvin Harrison | 2004 | 32 | IND | 16 | 285.3 | 17.83 |
Reggie Wayne | 2009 | 31 | IND | 16 | 284.4 | 17.78 |
Jordy Nelson | 2011 | 26 | GNB | 16 | 284.3 | 17.77 |
Keenan Allen | 2017 | 25 | LAC | 16 | 284.2 | 17.76 |
Larry Fitzgerald | 2009 | 26 | ARI | 16 | 284.2 | 17.76 |
Santana Moss | 2005 | 26 | WAS | 16 | 284 | 17.75 |
Alshon Jeffery | 2013 | 23 | CHI | 16 | 283.6 | 17.73 |
Terrell Owens | 2006 | 33 | DAL | 16 | 283 | 17.69 |
Anquan Boldin | 2003 | 23 | ARI | 16 | 282.7 | 17.67 |
Mike Evans | 2023 | 30 | TAM | 17 | 282.5 | 16.62 |
Marques Colston | 2007 | 24 | NOR | 16 | 282.2 | 17.64 |
Derrick Alexander | 2000 | 29 | KAN | 16 | 281.6 | 17.6 |
Calvin Ridley | 2020 | 26 | ATL | 15 | 281.5 | 18.77 |
Calvin Johnson | 2008 | 23 | DET | 16 | 281 | 17.56 |
Wes Welker | 2007 | 26 | NWE | 16 | 280.9 | 17.56 |
Larry Fitzgerald | 2015 | 32 | ARI | 16 | 280.5 | 17.53 |
Reggie Wayne | 2010 | 32 | IND | 16 | 280.5 | 17.53 |
Chad Johnson | 2004 | 26 | CIN | 16 | 280.3 | 17.52 |
Brandon Marshall | 2007 | 23 | DEN | 16 | 280.2 | 17.51 |
Eric Decker | 2013 | 26 | DEN | 16 | 279.8 | 17.49 |
Andre Johnson | 2013 | 32 | HOU | 16 | 279.7 | 17.48 |
Marvin Harrison | 2003 | 31 | IND | 15 | 279.5 | 18.63 |
Keenan Allen | 2023 | 31 | LAC | 13 | 278.9 | 21.45 |
Miles Austin | 2009 | 25 | DAL | 16 | 278.8 | 17.43 |
Dwayne Bowe | 2010 | 26 | KAN | 16 | 278.6 | 17.41 |
Terrell Owens | 2004 | 31 | PHI | 14 | 278.5 | 19.89 |
Torry Holt | 2000 | 24 | STL | 16 | 278.2 | 17.39 |
Roddy White | 2011 | 30 | ATL | 16 | 277.6 | 17.35 |
Pierre Garcon | 2013 | 27 | WAS | 16 | 277.5 | 17.34 |
Hines Ward | 2003 | 27 | PIT | 16 | 277.4 | 17.34 |
Joe Horn | 2000 | 28 | NOR | 16 | 277 | 17.31 |
Drew Bennett | 2004 | 26 | TEN | 16 | 276.9 | 17.31 |
Brandon Marshall | 2009 | 25 | DEN | 15 | 276.9 | 18.46 |
Jeremy Maclin | 2014 | 26 | PHI | 16 | 276.8 | 17.3 |
Chris Godwin | 2019 | 23 | TAM | 14 | 276.1 | 19.72 |
Cris Carter | 2000 | 35 | MIN | 16 | 275.4 | 17.21 |
Jarvis Landry | 2015 | 23 | MIA | 16 | 275.4 | 17.21 |
Greg Jennings | 2010 | 27 | GNB | 16 | 274.4 | 17.15 |
Diontae Johnson | 2021 | 25 | PIT | 16 | 274.4 | 17.15 |
Derrick Mason | 2003 | 29 | TEN | 16 | 274.4 | 17.15 |
Justin Jefferson | 2020 | 21 | MIN | 16 | 274.2 | 17.14 |
Julio Jones | 2019 | 30 | ATL | 15 | 274.1 | 18.27 |
Stefon Diggs | 2023 | 30 | BUF | 17 | 273.8 | 16.11 |
T.Y. Hilton | 2016 | 27 | IND | 16 | 273.8 | 17.11 |
A.J. Green | 2015 | 27 | CIN | 16 | 273.7 | 17.11 |
Reggie Wayne | 2006 | 28 | IND | 16 | 273 | 17.06 |
Joey Galloway | 2005 | 34 | TAM | 16 | 272.1 | 17.01 |
D.K. Metcalf | 2020 | 23 | SEA | 16 | 271.3 | 16.96 |
Donald Driver | 2006 | 31 | GNB | 16 | 271.1 | 16.94 |
Steve Smith | 2009 | 24 | NYG | 16 | 271 | 16.94 |
Cooper Kupp | 2019 | 26 | LAR | 16 | 270.5 | 16.91 |
Randy Moss | 2001 | 24 | MIN | 16 | 270.3 | 16.89 |
Troy Brown | 2001 | 30 | NWE | 16 | 270 | 16.88 |
Peerless Price | 2002 | 26 | BUF | 16 | 269.9 | 16.87 |
Torry Holt | 2006 | 30 | STL | 16 | 269.8 | 16.86 |
Reggie Wayne | 2004 | 26 | IND | 16 | 269.6 | 16.85 |
Tim Brown | 2001 | 35 | OAK | 16 | 269.4 | 16.84 |
Eric Decker | 2012 | 25 | DEN | 16 | 269.4 | 16.84 |
DeSean Jackson | 2013 | 27 | PHI | 16 | 269.4 | 16.84 |
Larry Fitzgerald | 2011 | 28 | ARI | 16 | 269.1 | 16.82 |
Roddy White | 2012 | 31 | ATL | 16 | 269.1 | 16.82 |
Reggie Wayne | 2012 | 34 | IND | 16 | 269 | 16.81 |
Doug Baldwin | 2015 | 27 | SEA | 16 | 268.9 | 16.81 |
Marvin Harrison | 2005 | 33 | IND | 15 | 268.6 | 17.91 |
DeAndre Hopkins | 2019 | 27 | HOU | 15 | 268.5 | 17.9 |
Percy Harvin | 2011 | 23 | MIN | 16 | 268.2 | 16.76 |
Amon-Ra St. Brown | 2022 | 23 | DET | 16 | 267.6 | 16.73 |
Demaryius Thomas | 2015 | 28 | DEN | 16 | 267.4 | 16.71 |
Roddy White | 2009 | 28 | ATL | 16 | 266.5 | 16.66 |
Stefon Diggs | 2018 | 25 | MIN | 15 | 266.3 | 17.75 |
Chad Johnson | 2006 | 28 | CIN | 16 | 266.3 | 16.64 |
Calvin Johnson | 2010 | 25 | DET | 15 | 266.2 | 17.75 |
Robert Woods | 2018 | 26 | LAR | 16 | 265.6 | 16.6 |
Davante Adams | 2023 | 31 | LVR | 17 | 265.4 | 15.61 |
Tyler Lockett | 2020 | 28 | SEA | 16 | 265.4 | 16.59 |
Greg Jennings | 2008 | 25 | GNB | 16 | 265.2 | 16.58 |
Chris Chambers | 2005 | 27 | MIA | 16 | 265 | 16.56 |
Roddy White | 2008 | 27 | ATL | 16 | 264.6 | 16.54 |
Amani Toomer | 2002 | 28 | NYG | 16 | 264.5 | 16.53 |
Jordy Nelson | 2013 | 28 | GNB | 16 | 264.4 | 16.53 |
Steve Smith Sr. | 2011 | 32 | CAR | 16 | 264 | 16.5 |
Joe Horn | 2001 | 29 | NOR | 16 | 263.9 | 16.49 |
Joe Horn | 2002 | 30 | NOR | 16 | 263.4 | 16.46 |
Allen Robinson | 2020 | 27 | CHI | 16 | 262.9 | 16.43 |
Ja'Marr Chase | 2023 | 23 | CIN | 16 | 262.7 | 16.42 |
Mike Evans | 2021 | 28 | TAM | 16 | 262.5 | 16.41 |
Julio Jones | 2012 | 23 | ATL | 16 | 261.8 | 16.36 |
Alshon Jeffery | 2014 | 24 | CHI | 16 | 261.6 | 16.35 |
Keenan Allen | 2019 | 27 | LAC | 16 | 261.5 | 16.34 |
Larry Fitzgerald | 2017 | 34 | ARI | 16 | 261.4 | 16.34 |
Calvin Johnson | 2015 | 30 | DET | 16 | 261.4 | 16.34 |
DeSean Jackson | 2009 | 23 | PHI | 15 | 261.3 | 17.42 |
Nico Collins | 2023 | 24 | HOU | 15 | 260.4 | 17.36 |
Vincent Jackson | 2012 | 29 | TAM | 16 | 260.4 | 16.28 |
Jimmy Smith | 2000 | 31 | JAX | 15 | 260.3 | 17.35 |
Sidney Rice | 2009 | 23 | MIN | 16 | 260.2 | 16.26 |
Keenan Allen | 2018 | 26 | LAC | 16 | 260.1 | 16.26 |
Brandon Marshall | 2008 | 24 | DEN | 15 | 260.1 | 17.34 |
Jarvis Landry | 2017 | 25 | MIA | 16 | 260 | 16.25 |
Julio Jones | 2016 | 27 | ATL | 14 | 259.9 | 18.56 |
Steve Smith Sr. | 2006 | 27 | CAR | 14 | 259.7 | 18.55 |
Anquan Boldin | 2008 | 28 | ARI | 12 | 259.5 | 21.63 |
Marty Booker | 2001 | 25 | CHI | 16 | 259.3 | 16.21 |
Torry Holt | 2001 | 25 | STL | 16 | 259.3 | 16.21 |
Jaylen Waddle | 2022 | 24 | MIA | 17 | 259.2 | 15.25 |
Hunter Renfrow | 2021 | 26 | LVR | 17 | 259.1 | 15.24 |
Golden Tate | 2014 | 26 | DET | 16 | 259.1 | 16.19 |
Eric Moulds | 2000 | 27 | BUF | 16 | 259 | 16.19 |
T.Y. Hilton | 2014 | 25 | IND | 15 | 258.5 | 17.23 |
Michael Thomas | 2017 | 24 | NOR | 16 | 258.5 | 16.16 |
Steve Smith Sr. | 2008 | 29 | CAR | 14 | 258.1 | 18.44 |
The average age ever so slightly drops by 0.03 years to 27.04. Below is a distribution graph of the ages.
With the higher parameter, no player over 35 has accomplished a peak season. The former peak range from ages 23 to 30 jumps to include 81.7 percent of the seasons, while 58.04 percent fall within the 25 to 29 age range.
What can we learn from re-defining the peak? If we’re looking for higher-end seasons, it’s helpful to learn from the characteristics of the players who have accomplished the feat.
Raising The Qualifier Again
If we raise the qualifying fantasy points scored for a peak season to 285 (on average, 4.78 receivers qualify for this list each season) then the sample size drops to 114 seasons. Out of wide receivers, only CeeDee Lamb, Tyreek Hill, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Puka Nacua, A.J. Brown, and D.J. Moore scored over 285 PPR fantasy points this past season. Again, the players are listed below.
Player | Season | Age | Team | G | PPR | PPR/G |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cooper Kupp | 2021 | 28 | LAR | 17 | 439.5 | 25.85 |
CeeDee Lamb | 2023 | 24 | DAL | 17 | 403.2 | 23.72 |
Antonio Brown | 2015 | 27 | PIT | 16 | 388.2 | 24.26 |
Antonio Brown | 2014 | 26 | PIT | 16 | 386.9 | 24.18 |
Randy Moss | 2007 | 30 | NWE | 16 | 385.3 | 24.08 |
Marvin Harrison | 2002 | 30 | IND | 16 | 384.2 | 24.01 |
Tyreek Hill | 2023 | 29 | MIA | 16 | 376.4 | 23.53 |
Randy Moss | 2003 | 26 | MIN | 16 | 376 | 23.5 |
Julio Jones | 2015 | 26 | ATL | 16 | 375.1 | 23.44 |
Michael Thomas | 2019 | 26 | NOR | 16 | 374.6 | 23.41 |
Justin Jefferson | 2022 | 23 | MIN | 17 | 368.7 | 21.69 |
Calvin Johnson | 2011 | 26 | DET | 16 | 359.2 | 22.45 |
Torry Holt | 2003 | 27 | STL | 16 | 359.1 | 22.44 |
Davante Adams | 2020 | 28 | GNB | 14 | 358.4 | 25.6 |
Marvin Harrison | 2001 | 29 | IND | 16 | 351.7 | 21.98 |
Tyreek Hill | 2022 | 28 | MIA | 17 | 347.2 | 20.42 |
Davante Adams | 2021 | 29 | GNB | 16 | 344.3 | 21.52 |
Calvin Johnson | 2012 | 27 | DET | 16 | 342.4 | 21.4 |
Demaryius Thomas | 2014 | 27 | DEN | 16 | 340.9 | 21.31 |
Brandon Marshall | 2015 | 31 | NYJ | 16 | 339.2 | 21.2 |
Deebo Samuel | 2021 | 25 | SFO | 16 | 339 | 21.19 |
Steve Smith Sr. | 2005 | 26 | CAR | 16 | 337.8 | 21.11 |
Hines Ward | 2002 | 26 | PIT | 16 | 337.1 | 21.07 |
Wes Welker | 2011 | 30 | NWE | 16 | 335.9 | 20.99 |
Davante Adams | 2022 | 30 | LVR | 17 | 335.5 | 19.74 |
Brandon Marshall | 2012 | 28 | CHI | 16 | 334.6 | 20.91 |
Tyreek Hill | 2018 | 24 | KAN | 16 | 334 | 20.88 |
DeAndre Hopkins | 2018 | 26 | HOU | 16 | 333.5 | 20.84 |
Terrell Owens | 2001 | 28 | SFO | 16 | 332.3 | 20.77 |
DeAndre Hopkins | 2015 | 23 | HOU | 16 | 331.1 | 20.69 |
Amon-Ra St. Brown | 2023 | 24 | DET | 16 | 330.9 | 20.68 |
Justin Jefferson | 2021 | 22 | MIN | 17 | 330.4 | 19.44 |
Davante Adams | 2018 | 26 | GNB | 15 | 329.6 | 21.97 |
Muhsin Muhammad | 2004 | 31 | CAR | 16 | 329 | 20.56 |
Tyreek Hill | 2020 | 26 | KAN | 15 | 328.9 | 21.93 |
Stefon Diggs | 2020 | 27 | BUF | 16 | 328.6 | 20.54 |
Jordy Nelson | 2014 | 29 | GNB | 16 | 327.9 | 20.49 |
Marvin Harrison | 2000 | 28 | IND | 16 | 327.3 | 20.46 |
Julio Jones | 2018 | 29 | ATL | 16 | 325.9 | 20.37 |
Antonio Brown | 2018 | 30 | PIT | 15 | 323.7 | 21.58 |
Rod Smith | 2000 | 30 | DEN | 16 | 322.1 | 20.13 |
Terrell Owens | 2002 | 29 | SFO | 14 | 321.9 | 22.99 |
Terrell Owens | 2000 | 27 | SFO | 14 | 321.2 | 22.94 |
Andre Johnson | 2008 | 27 | HOU | 16 | 320.5 | 20.03 |
Odell Beckham Jr. | 2015 | 23 | NYG | 15 | 319.3 | 21.29 |
Demaryius Thomas | 2013 | 26 | DEN | 16 | 319 | 19.94 |
Rod Smith | 2001 | 31 | DEN | 15 | 318 | 21.2 |
Stefon Diggs | 2022 | 29 | BUF | 16 | 316.6 | 19.79 |
Roddy White | 2010 | 29 | ATL | 16 | 316.2 | 19.76 |
Dez Bryant | 2014 | 26 | DAL | 16 | 316 | 19.75 |
Michael Thomas | 2018 | 25 | NOR | 16 | 315.5 | 19.72 |
Antonio Brown | 2013 | 25 | PIT | 16 | 314.9 | 19.68 |
Andre Johnson | 2009 | 28 | HOU | 16 | 314.9 | 19.68 |
Josh Gordon | 2013 | 22 | CLE | 14 | 314.4 | 22.46 |
Randy Moss | 2000 | 23 | MIN | 16 | 313.2 | 19.58 |
Larry Fitzgerald | 2008 | 25 | ARI | 16 | 311.1 | 19.44 |
Antonio Brown | 2017 | 29 | PIT | 14 | 310.3 | 22.16 |
DeAndre Hopkins | 2017 | 25 | HOU | 15 | 309.8 | 20.65 |
Reggie Wayne | 2007 | 29 | IND | 16 | 309.4 | 19.34 |
Larry Fitzgerald | 2005 | 22 | ARI | 16 | 308 | 19.25 |
David Boston | 2001 | 23 | ARI | 16 | 307.3 | 19.21 |
Antonio Brown | 2016 | 28 | PIT | 15 | 307.3 | 20.49 |
Adam Thielen | 2018 | 28 | MIN | 16 | 307.3 | 19.21 |
Terrell Owens | 2007 | 34 | DAL | 15 | 307 | 20.47 |
A.J. Green | 2013 | 25 | CIN | 16 | 306.6 | 19.16 |
Brandon Marshall | 2013 | 29 | CHI | 16 | 305.5 | 19.09 |
Jordy Nelson | 2016 | 31 | GNB | 16 | 304.7 | 19.04 |
Ja'Marr Chase | 2021 | 21 | CIN | 17 | 304.6 | 17.92 |
Mike Evans | 2016 | 23 | TAM | 16 | 304.1 | 19.01 |
Allen Robinson | 2015 | 22 | JAX | 16 | 304 | 19 |
Calvin Johnson | 2013 | 28 | DET | 14 | 303.2 | 21.66 |
Joe Horn | 2004 | 32 | NOR | 16 | 301.9 | 18.87 |
Emmanuel Sanders | 2014 | 27 | DEN | 16 | 301.8 | 18.86 |
Marvin Harrison | 2006 | 34 | IND | 16 | 301.6 | 18.85 |
CeeDee Lamb | 2022 | 23 | DAL | 17 | 301.6 | 17.74 |
Braylon Edwards | 2007 | 24 | CLE | 16 | 300.9 | 18.81 |
A.J. Green | 2012 | 24 | CIN | 16 | 299.8 | 18.74 |
Dez Bryant | 2012 | 24 | DAL | 16 | 299.7 | 18.73 |
A.J. Brown | 2022 | 25 | PHI | 17 | 299.6 | 17.62 |
Puka Nacua | 2023 | 22 | LAR | 17 | 298.5 | 17.56 |
T.J. Houshmandzadeh | 2007 | 30 | CIN | 16 | 297.7 | 18.61 |
Chad Johnson | 2005 | 27 | CIN | 16 | 297.5 | 18.59 |
Julio Jones | 2014 | 25 | ATL | 15 | 297.4 | 19.83 |
Jimmy Smith | 2001 | 32 | JAX | 16 | 297 | 18.56 |
JuJu Smith-Schuster | 2018 | 22 | PIT | 16 | 296.9 | 18.56 |
Odell Beckham Jr. | 2016 | 24 | NYG | 16 | 296.6 | 18.54 |
Tyreek Hill | 2021 | 27 | KAN | 17 | 296.5 | 17.44 |
Andre Johnson | 2012 | 31 | HOU | 16 | 295.8 | 18.49 |
Javon Walker | 2004 | 26 | GNB | 16 | 295.2 | 18.45 |
Odell Beckham Jr. | 2014 | 22 | NYG | 12 | 295 | 24.58 |
Larry Fitzgerald | 2007 | 24 | ARI | 15 | 294.9 | 19.66 |
Randall Cobb | 2014 | 24 | GNB | 16 | 293.4 | 18.34 |
Dez Bryant | 2013 | 25 | DAL | 16 | 292.4 | 18.28 |
Demaryius Thomas | 2012 | 25 | DEN | 16 | 291.4 | 18.21 |
Torry Holt | 2004 | 28 | STL | 16 | 291.2 | 18.2 |
Mike Evans | 2018 | 25 | TAM | 16 | 290.4 | 18.15 |
Randy Moss | 2002 | 25 | MIN | 16 | 290.3 | 18.14 |
Eric Moulds | 2002 | 29 | BUF | 16 | 289.9 | 18.12 |
A.J. Brown | 2023 | 26 | PHI | 17 | 289.6 | 17.04 |
Wes Welker | 2012 | 31 | NWE | 16 | 289.4 | 18.09 |
Torry Holt | 2005 | 29 | STL | 14 | 289.3 | 20.66 |
Anquan Boldin | 2005 | 25 | ARI | 14 | 288.7 | 20.62 |
Ed McCaffrey | 2000 | 32 | DEN | 16 | 288.7 | 18.04 |
Victor Cruz | 2011 | 25 | NYG | 16 | 287.9 | 17.99 |
DeAndre Hopkins | 2020 | 28 | ARI | 16 | 287.8 | 17.99 |
Chad Johnson | 2007 | 29 | CIN | 16 | 287.7 | 17.98 |
Randy Moss | 2009 | 32 | NWE | 16 | 287.4 | 17.96 |
Isaac Bruce | 2000 | 28 | STL | 16 | 287.2 | 17.95 |
D.J. Moore | 2023 | 26 | CHI | 17 | 286.5 | 16.85 |
Brandon Lloyd | 2010 | 29 | DEN | 16 | 286 | 17.88 |
Stefon Diggs | 2021 | 28 | BUF | 17 | 285.5 | 16.79 |
Chad Johnson | 2003 | 25 | CIN | 16 | 285.5 | 17.84 |
Wes Welker | 2009 | 28 | NWE | 14 | 285.4 | 20.39 |
Marvin Harrison | 2004 | 32 | IND | 16 | 285.3 | 17.83 |
The average age drops again to 26.89. Below is a distribution graph of the qualifiers.
The two 35-year-old seasons no longer qualify – the oldest receivers to qualify since 2000 were 34: all-time greats Terrell Owens and Marvin Harrison. Note that since 2009, the oldest receiver to qualify is 31 years old – the most recent being Jordy Nelson in 2016.
We can’t say enough good things about Ja’Marr Chase. In 2021, he became the first 21-year-old to make this list.
As is the case every year, the percentage of players under 30 rises to 82.46 percent. As we continue to raise the PPR points threshold, the age of the players continues to drop. Let’s see if it continues if we raise the requirement one more time.
Raising The Qualifier One Last Time
If we raise the qualifying fantasy points scored for a peak season to 299 PPR fantasy points, the sample size drops to 79 seasons. These are the best of the best receiver seasons – only 3.3 receivers qualify per year. Here are the studs who qualified:
Player | Season | Age | Team | G | PPR | PPR/G |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cooper Kupp | 2021 | 28 | LAR | 17 | 439.5 | 25.85 |
CeeDee Lamb | 2023 | 24 | DAL | 17 | 403.2 | 23.72 |
Antonio Brown | 2015 | 27 | PIT | 16 | 388.2 | 24.26 |
Antonio Brown | 2014 | 26 | PIT | 16 | 386.9 | 24.18 |
Randy Moss | 2007 | 30 | NWE | 16 | 385.3 | 24.08 |
Marvin Harrison | 2002 | 30 | IND | 16 | 384.2 | 24.01 |
Tyreek Hill | 2023 | 29 | MIA | 16 | 376.4 | 23.53 |
Randy Moss | 2003 | 26 | MIN | 16 | 376 | 23.5 |
Julio Jones | 2015 | 26 | ATL | 16 | 375.1 | 23.44 |
Michael Thomas | 2019 | 26 | NOR | 16 | 374.6 | 23.41 |
Justin Jefferson | 2022 | 23 | MIN | 17 | 368.7 | 21.69 |
Calvin Johnson | 2011 | 26 | DET | 16 | 359.2 | 22.45 |
Torry Holt | 2003 | 27 | STL | 16 | 359.1 | 22.44 |
Davante Adams | 2020 | 28 | GNB | 14 | 358.4 | 25.6 |
Marvin Harrison | 2001 | 29 | IND | 16 | 351.7 | 21.98 |
Tyreek Hill | 2022 | 28 | MIA | 17 | 347.2 | 20.42 |
Davante Adams | 2021 | 29 | GNB | 16 | 344.3 | 21.52 |
Calvin Johnson | 2012 | 27 | DET | 16 | 342.4 | 21.4 |
Demaryius Thomas | 2014 | 27 | DEN | 16 | 340.9 | 21.31 |
Brandon Marshall | 2015 | 31 | NYJ | 16 | 339.2 | 21.2 |
Deebo Samuel | 2021 | 25 | SFO | 16 | 339 | 21.19 |
Steve Smith Sr. | 2005 | 26 | CAR | 16 | 337.8 | 21.11 |
Hines Ward | 2002 | 26 | PIT | 16 | 337.1 | 21.07 |
Wes Welker | 2011 | 30 | NWE | 16 | 335.9 | 20.99 |
Davante Adams | 2022 | 30 | LVR | 17 | 335.5 | 19.74 |
Brandon Marshall | 2012 | 28 | CHI | 16 | 334.6 | 20.91 |
Tyreek Hill | 2018 | 24 | KAN | 16 | 334 | 20.88 |
DeAndre Hopkins | 2018 | 26 | HOU | 16 | 333.5 | 20.84 |
Terrell Owens | 2001 | 28 | SFO | 16 | 332.3 | 20.77 |
DeAndre Hopkins | 2015 | 23 | HOU | 16 | 331.1 | 20.69 |
Amon-Ra St. Brown | 2023 | 24 | DET | 16 | 330.9 | 20.68 |
Justin Jefferson | 2021 | 22 | MIN | 17 | 330.4 | 19.44 |
Davante Adams | 2018 | 26 | GNB | 15 | 329.6 | 21.97 |
Muhsin Muhammad | 2004 | 31 | CAR | 16 | 329 | 20.56 |
Tyreek Hill | 2020 | 26 | KAN | 15 | 328.9 | 21.93 |
Stefon Diggs | 2020 | 27 | BUF | 16 | 328.6 | 20.54 |
Jordy Nelson | 2014 | 29 | GNB | 16 | 327.9 | 20.49 |
Marvin Harrison | 2000 | 28 | IND | 16 | 327.3 | 20.46 |
Julio Jones | 2018 | 29 | ATL | 16 | 325.9 | 20.37 |
Antonio Brown | 2018 | 30 | PIT | 15 | 323.7 | 21.58 |
Rod Smith | 2000 | 30 | DEN | 16 | 322.1 | 20.13 |
Terrell Owens | 2002 | 29 | SFO | 14 | 321.9 | 22.99 |
Terrell Owens | 2000 | 27 | SFO | 14 | 321.2 | 22.94 |
Andre Johnson | 2008 | 27 | HOU | 16 | 320.5 | 20.03 |
Odell Beckham Jr. | 2015 | 23 | NYG | 15 | 319.3 | 21.29 |
Demaryius Thomas | 2013 | 26 | DEN | 16 | 319 | 19.94 |
Rod Smith | 2001 | 31 | DEN | 15 | 318 | 21.2 |
Stefon Diggs | 2022 | 29 | BUF | 16 | 316.6 | 19.79 |
Roddy White | 2010 | 29 | ATL | 16 | 316.2 | 19.76 |
Dez Bryant | 2014 | 26 | DAL | 16 | 316 | 19.75 |
Michael Thomas | 2018 | 25 | NOR | 16 | 315.5 | 19.72 |
Antonio Brown | 2013 | 25 | PIT | 16 | 314.9 | 19.68 |
Andre Johnson | 2009 | 28 | HOU | 16 | 314.9 | 19.68 |
Josh Gordon | 2013 | 22 | CLE | 14 | 314.4 | 22.46 |
Randy Moss | 2000 | 23 | MIN | 16 | 313.2 | 19.58 |
Larry Fitzgerald | 2008 | 25 | ARI | 16 | 311.1 | 19.44 |
Antonio Brown | 2017 | 29 | PIT | 14 | 310.3 | 22.16 |
DeAndre Hopkins | 2017 | 25 | HOU | 15 | 309.8 | 20.65 |
Reggie Wayne | 2007 | 29 | IND | 16 | 309.4 | 19.34 |
Larry Fitzgerald | 2005 | 22 | ARI | 16 | 308 | 19.25 |
David Boston | 2001 | 23 | ARI | 16 | 307.3 | 19.21 |
Antonio Brown | 2016 | 28 | PIT | 15 | 307.3 | 20.49 |
Adam Thielen | 2018 | 28 | MIN | 16 | 307.3 | 19.21 |
Terrell Owens | 2007 | 34 | DAL | 15 | 307 | 20.47 |
A.J. Green | 2013 | 25 | CIN | 16 | 306.6 | 19.16 |
Brandon Marshall | 2013 | 29 | CHI | 16 | 305.5 | 19.09 |
Jordy Nelson | 2016 | 31 | GNB | 16 | 304.7 | 19.04 |
Ja'Marr Chase | 2021 | 21 | CIN | 17 | 304.6 | 17.92 |
Mike Evans | 2016 | 23 | TAM | 16 | 304.1 | 19.01 |
Allen Robinson | 2015 | 22 | JAX | 16 | 304 | 19 |
Calvin Johnson | 2013 | 28 | DET | 14 | 303.2 | 21.66 |
Joe Horn | 2004 | 32 | NOR | 16 | 301.9 | 18.87 |
Emmanuel Sanders | 2014 | 27 | DEN | 16 | 301.8 | 18.86 |
Marvin Harrison | 2006 | 34 | IND | 16 | 301.6 | 18.85 |
CeeDee Lamb | 2022 | 23 | DAL | 17 | 301.6 | 17.74 |
Braylon Edwards | 2007 | 24 | CLE | 16 | 300.9 | 18.81 |
A.J. Green | 2012 | 24 | CIN | 16 | 299.8 | 18.74 |
Dez Bryant | 2012 | 24 | DAL | 16 | 299.7 | 18.73 |
A.J. Brown | 2022 | 25 | PHI | 17 | 299.6 | 17.62 |
The average age drops yet again to 26.84. Below is a distribution graph of the new qualifiers.
An incredible 84.81 percent of the seasons land within ages 23 to 30. 60.76 percent of the seasons fall between 25 and 29 years old.
Comparison of Thresholds
We can learn by comparing the results at each different threshold.
225 PPR | 258 PPR | 285 PPR | 299 PPR | |
Qualifiers | 401 | 224 | 114 | 79 |
Average Qualifiers Per Season | 16.7 | 9.3 | 4.8 | 3.3 |
Average Age | 27.07 | 27.04 | 26.89 | 26.84 |
Percentage Under 30 | 78.80% | 79.09% | 82.46% | 83.54% |
Players Age 23-30 | 80.05% | 81.70% | 81.58% | 84.81% |
Players Age 23-29 | 72.82% | 75.00% | 75.44% | 77.22% |
Players Age 25-29 | 56.36% | 58.04% | 61.40% | 60.76% |
With each increase in PPR points, the average age dropped. In addition, the percentage of qualifiers under 30 years old rose. It’s clear that peak seasons are less likely to take place after turning 30 – definitely past the peak age for an NFL wide receiver. For most receivers, the wheels start falling off shortly thereafter.
When playing in dynasty leagues, it’s worth remembering Bill Belichick’s mantra: rather trade a player too early than too late.
Should 2000-2009 Be Included?
The ages keep getting younger each year and from my research, at least anecdotally, it appears that the age of the players from the early 2000’s shouldn’t be included because it’s no longer relevant. Let’s see how 2000-2009 compares with 2010 to present.
We’ll use 258 PPR fantasy points as the threshold requirement – that keeps the sample at a reasonable size.
2000-09 | 2010-Present | |
Qualifiers | 92 | 132 |
Average Qualifiers Per Season | 9.2 | 9.4 |
Average Age | 27.78 | 26.52 |
Percentage Under 30 | 71.74% | 84.09% |
Players Age 23-30 | 78.26% | 84.09% |
Players Age 23-29 | 70.65% | 78.04% |
Players Age 25-29 | 55.43% | 59.85% |
The findings certainly support a huge swing in age-related production. Prior to 2010, the average age of a WR to score at least 258 PPR fantasy points was 27.78 years old. Now that number has called to 26.52 years old. Since 2010, wide receivers under 30 years old account for 84.09% of the peak WR seasons. Previously that number was 71.74%. It’s never been more clear that fantasy owners need to fade older WRs.
Below is the distribution graph of the peak age for WRs since 2010. In the future, perhaps we will only include 2010 or later when updating this study.