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2014 Top 20 fantasy point-per-touch wide receivers
Fantasy football success is all about points ... the more points you score, the better chance you have to win. However, simply looking at points as a basis for success isn't enough. Instead, you need to look at a player's touches and what he does with them. Does a player produce with fewer touches, or does he need a lot of work to make an impact? Let's take a look at the top 20 fantasy wideouts from 2014 and rank them not by total points, but by their point-per-touch average.

Tate is coming off his best fantasy season at the pro level, which is no surprise when you consider he left a run-based offense in Seattle to join Detroit's more pass-laden attack. It's also no surprise that his PPT declined from 1.92 in 2013 to 1.54 last season, based on a big increase in targets (144) and catches (99). One wonders if his numbers would have been as good had Calvin Johnson not missed time.

Smith resurrected his fantasy value in Baltimore, putting up his best reception, yardage and touchdown totals since 2011-2012. His PPT average was also up compared to his mediocre 1.54 total from the previous season. Of course, Smith's 1.78 average from 2014 is also his third-lowest in the last four years. With Torrey Smith now in San Francisco, however, Smith's value does remain in the No. 3 conversation.

Sanders is coming off a breakout 2014 campaign that saw him put up career bests across the board, both on the field and in fantasy football. His increase in targets and touches didn't have a negative affect on his PPT average either, as he went from a 1.68 clip in 2013 to 1.84 last season. The SMU product will be a high No. 2 option among wideouts in 2015, even if Peyton Manning isn't the same quarterback.

One of the most exciting, young wide receivers in fantasy football, Jones went off for career bests in both receptions and yards last season. The reason his PPT average wasn't more impressive is due in part to the fact that he scored a mediocre six touchdowns. If he can get into the end zone more often during what is a contract year, Jones would become a serious threat to post top-three totals among wideouts.

The No. 1 wide receiver in fantasy football last season, Brown's increased volume in targets and touches didn't equate to a decline in his PPT average. In fact, his 1.89 clip is the best he's had in the last four seasons. Brown is a good bet to remain the top option at the position in both standard and PPR formats next season, as his total numbers don't appear to be at risk of a decrease in the near future.

Jeffery did see a decline in his yardage totals compared to 2013, but he did experience an increase in touchdown catches and PPT average. If he can add to his yardage next season, which is a good bet when you consider the offseason trade of Brandon Marshall, Jeffery could be on the verge of making a leap into the top five fantasy receivers in 2015. He's a very good bet to be drafted in the second round.

A touchdown machine last season, Cobb posted career bests across the board to finish sixth in fantasy points among wide receivers. The fact that he re-signed with the Packers in the offseason was huge from the perspective of fantasy fans, as Cobb is a good bet to at least duplicate his point production from a season ago. He'll remain a top-10 fantasy wideout, even if his PPT average was outside of that in 2014.

Hopkins could be on the verge of putting up a monster fantasy season in 2015. The talented Clemson product is now the unquestioned top option in Houston's pass attack after the release of Andre Johnson, and his 2.04 PPT average is a sign of things to come. In fact, the lone issue that could hold Hopkins out of making a run at the top-10 fantasy wideouts is Houston's big question mark at the quarterback position.

Heading into the 2014 campaign, Wallace had seen his PPT average decline in four straight years from 2.91 in 2010 to 1.66 in 2013. He saw a major uptick last season, though, getting back over a two-point PPT average for the first time since 2010. Now in Minnesota, Wallace joins a team with a lot of mouths to feed but a coordinator in Norv Turner who has had more than his share of success with wide receivers.

Over the last three seasons, few wide receivers have been more reliable or productive than Thomas. He's finished no worse than fifth in fantasy points at the position during that time, and his PPT average has been consistent (2.10, 2.47. 2.07) while catching passes from Peyton Manning. Entering a contract year with the Broncos, there might not be a safer pick at the wide receiver spot than Thomas in 2015.

Beckham, who averaged a ridiculous 17 fantasy points per game as a rookie, has been mentioned in the first-round conversation after he finished with video-game numbers in his final four games. With the status of Victor Cruz (knee) in question for the start of next season, Beckham will no doubt be in the top-five conversation at his position. His talent alone makes him well worth a second-round selection.

Like Beckham, Benjamin was a fantasy star as a rookie with over 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns. At 6-foot-5 and 240 pounds, he's a good bet to continue his role as a red-zone threat for Cam Newton. That helps his chances of maintaining a healthy PPT average as an NFL sophomore. Look for Benjamin to be on the No. 2 fantasy wide receiver radar somewhere in the first five rounds during 2015 drafts.

Hilton didn't see an increase in receptions last season compared to his 2013 totals, but he increased his PPT average from 1.69 to 2.10. That shows some added value from a fantasy standpoint, as the Florida International product made more plays that turned him into a more effective fantasy starter. With three NFL campaigns under his belt and in a contract year, Hilton could be even better next season.

Anyone who is worried that Megatron is taking a step back in the stat sheets should take a look at his PPT average. Over the last five seasons, he's averaged 2.19 points or more per touch four different times. The real concern with Johnson has been injuries, as he's missed a combined five contests since 2013. Still, don't think that he's no longer the same playmaker he once was out there on the gridiron.

Maclin is in danger of being a major bust in 2015. That's the result of his move to Kansas City and an offense that didn't see a single touchdown from a wide receiver last season. When you also consider that Alex Smith has been inaccurate in the vertical pass attack, Maclin is going to be hard pressed to come close to the 2.26 PPT average he produced one season ago. Beware of drafting him too soon.

Simply put, Nelson is an absolute PPT monster. Over the last four seasons, he's averaged no fewer than 2.11 points per touch. Nelson even put up a ridiculous 3.18 average during the 2011 campaign, when he put up a touchdown for every 4.5 receptions and averaged almost 19 yards per catch. With Aaron Rodgers throwing him the football, Nelson should be considered a lock to produce big totals next season.

Jackson has lacked in terms of a consistent level of his production during his career, but he's been a tad more reliable in recent seasons. In fact, he's recorded better than two fantasy points per touch in each of his last two campaigns. While he's not going to be among the elite wideouts in fantasy football because of his reception totals, Jackson should be considered a solid No. 1 option in 2015.

Bryant has emerged into a touchdown monster for the Cowboys and fantasy fans alike, scoring 41 times in the last three seasons. During that time frame, he's also averaged no fewer than 2.12 fantasy points per touch. Now entering a contract year after being franchised, Bryant is going to have a lot of motivation to continue his statistical success ... both on the field and for your fantasy football squad.

Low reception totals and high touchdown numbers are going to equal an attractive PPT total. Enter Evans, who found the end zone 12 times in his rookie campaign and scored once for every 5.6 catches he made. A huge red-zone target at 6-foot-5 and 231 pounds, Evans will once again see more than his share of looks near the end zone. Now, if the Buccaneers could only secure their quarterback position, watch out.

Torrey became the touchdown maker last season, scoring 11 times in what would be his final season with the Ravens. He also scored once for every 4.4 catches, which is the main reason Smith saw such a high PPT average. This isn't odd for the veteran, though, as his consistently low reception totals but solid level of touchdown production have helped him keep a 2.51 PPT average during his NFL career.