With training camps getting underway, I'm going through the four cornerstones of fantasy football -- quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end -- and providing tiered rankings for each position heading into the 2025 NFL season. It's an easy and efficient way to organize draft thoughts. Savvy? Let's take a look at today's subject matter: WRs.
Tier 1
- Ja’Marr Chase was not only the fantasy WR1 last year -- he scored the second-most points of any player, regardless of the position. Incredible run.
- Justin Jefferson is quarterback-proof. It doesn’t matter who is throwing him the ball. He’s one of the safest plays in the league.
- CeeDee Lamb will benefit from Dak Prescott returning from injury. Oh, and George Pickens pulling the top off the defense will help, too.
Tier 2
- Puka Nacua will benefit from playing opposite Rams offseason addition Davante Adams. I view Nacua as a real threat to unseat Ja’Marr Chase at the top spot.
- Malik Nabers will get all of the targets for the Giants. I just wish they had gone with Jameis Winston as their QB1. But he might get his chance. Even Jaxson Dart won’t deter my belief in Nabers, if the rookie eventually overtakes current starter Russell Wilson.
- Brian Thomas Jr. was the WR4 in total fantasy points last year, but there is still room for growth. He was the WR11 in fantasy points per game.
- Amon-Ra St. Brown should be fine, despite the changes to the Lions’ coaching staff.
- A hamstring injury limited Nico Collins to 12 games last season, but he still averaged 17.6 fantasy points per game (good for WR8).
- Drake London averaged 23.1 fantasy points in three games with Michael Penix Jr. as the Falcons’ starter last season. A small sample size, but it’s worth noting.
- And yes, I’m banking on the Ohio State connection between Garrett Wilson and Justin Fields paying off for the Jets.
Tier 3
- I love Ladd McConkey. I do. But can he continue to produce like he did as a rookie, when he was the fantasy WR13? I believe he can. He’s an ideal WR2 for me.
- I’m willing to take a huge swing on Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who should get so many targets in Seattle.
- Tee Higgins got paid this offseason, and he will still pay off for you.
- Tyreek Hill went so early in drafts last year, and now it seems like he’s free-falling. A potential steal if he and Tua Tagovailoa are on the same page.
- Davante Adams will be a solid WR2 for you.
- DJ Moore is one of the best receivers in the game, but the Bears have so many options to throw to this season. So many.
- Mike Evans just keeps on going. He averaged 17.2 fantasy points per game last season, ranking 10th in the league.
Tier 4
- Xavier Worthy posted 19-plus fantasy points in three of the final four games of the regular season. He’s my highest-rated Chiefs receiver.
- Keep an eye on Terry McLaurin’s holdout, but I won’t be surprised if it is settled quickly.
- Kyler Murray has vowed to establish a better connection with Marvin Harrison Jr. in their second year together. I’m expecting improvement.
- Courtland Sutton is way underrated in most fantasy circles.
- I’m excited to see DK Metcalf catching passes from Aaron Rodgers this season. I might be overvaluing Metcalf here, but it’s worth the risk.
- DeVonta Smith averaged 2.24 fantasy points per target last year, the fourth-highest figure among receivers.
- I’m including Zay Flowers in Tier 4, but I don’t know how I feel about it. He didn’t crack the top 30 wide receivers in fantasy points per game in either of his first two seasons.
- Calvin Ridley could benefit the most if Cam Ward takes off in Year 1.
Tier 5
- I was so confident coming out of drafts last year with Chris Olave, but he had his season derailed by concussions. He could be a tremendous value in 2025 if he can stay healthy.
- Jakobi Meyers averaged 14.5 fantasy points per game in 2024, good for WR20.
- While he's reportedly not happy with his contract, Jauan Jennings feels like he could be a steal given the injury situations the 49ers are working through at wide receiver.
Tier 6
- Colts receivers are the toughest to figure, but I’m going with Josh Downs as my top-rated Indianapolis pass catcher. He was targeted on 31.1 percent of his routes last season, which was the third-highest rate in the NFL (min. 100 routes run).
- I feel like I’d rather take the value on Rashod Bateman than reach for Zay Flowers.
Tier 7
- Luther Burden III is one of my favorite rookie receivers, and I’ll be keeping an eye on his status after he reportedly did not participate in the Bears’ first training camp practice. It’s tough with so many targets in Chicago.
- I expect Adam Thielen to be a crazy-good value in the first half of the season. I fear he will fall off toward the end of the year.