X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Top Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Surprises: 2nd-Year WR Breakout Stars & Sleepers for 2025 Drafts

Jerry Jeudy - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

2nd-year wide receiver breakout stars and sleepers for 2025 fantasy football leagues. Top WRs to target in drafts: Jauan Jennings, Alec Pierce, Jerry Jeudy, and more.

The 2024 NFL season was full of surprises, from expected playoff teams like the Cowboys and 49ers faltering during the regular season to unexpected players breaking out.

While the top three wide receivers in fantasy scoring weren't a surprise to anyone (Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and Amon-Ra St. Brown), some of the names that followed them on the leaderboard were. There were mild surprises like Drake London finishing as the WR5 and Jaxon Smith-Njigba as the WR10, and then there were even bigger surprises.

Below are six big surprises at wide receiver from the 2024 fantasy football season.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

No one should be surprised by Brian Thomas Jr. being the best of this year's rookie wide receivers. Sure, Marvin Harrison Jr. was the consensus No. 1 receiver during the draft cycle, but Thomas was no slouch. There's a reason he was drafted in the first round.

However, Thomas finishing as the overall WR4 in half-PPR scoring was not on my bingo card in 2024. Thomas scored double-digit fantasy points in four of his first five games, coming strong right out of the gate.

In the end, Thomas finished with 87 receptions for 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns. His presence was felt at the end of the year, as he had double-digit targets in each of Jacksonville's final six games.

In addition, Thomas hit the 100-yard mark in three of the final four games. He'd only reached that level once before. His performance to close out 2024 has hopes high for a strong 2025 follow-up showing.

 

Ladd McConkey, WR, Los Angeles Chargers

As I said above, Brian Thomas Jr. being the best rookie wide receiver wasn't a surprise. What was a surprise is that three rookies finished in the top 12 in half PPR last season and one of those names was Ladd McConkey.

This was a deep rookie class, at least as far as how many players went early. Three wide receivers were taken in the top 10. Another four were taken in the first round, then the first pick of the second round was Keon Coleman.

Then, one pick later, McConkey went off the board as the ninth wide receiver drafted. Sure, he was drafted to a great position since the Chargers had an elite quarterback and one of the league's worst supporting casts around that quarterback, but to reach the heights he reached was very much unexpected.

McConkey caught 82 passes for 1,149 yards and seven touchdowns in his first NFL season. He closed the year with 80 or more receiving yards in seven of the final eight games, including the playoff loss to Houston.

 

Jerry Jeudy, WR, Cleveland Browns

Jerry Jeudy arrived in Denver with plenty of hype as the No. 15 overall pick in 2020, but he never really found his stride with the Broncos, topping out at 972 receiving yards in 2022 before falling off in 2023.

Jeudy's game was reborn in Cleveland this past season, though, where he posted career highs in targets, receptions, and receiving yards. After a bit of a slow start, Jeudy took over as the lead receiver once Cleveland traded away Amari Cooper.

The biggest moment of Jeudy's season came against Denver on a Monday night. While his former team got the 41-32 victory, Jeudy still got his revenge on the stat sheet, catching nine passes for 235 yards and a touchdown.

Cleveland has Jeudy under contract for three more seasons on a pretty reasonable deal. The Browns have a lot of questions about their quarterback position, but having Jeudy at wide receiver will make life easier for whoever the team starts under center.

 

Courtland Sutton, WR, Denver Broncos

In a vacuum, Courtland Sutton playing as well as he did in 2024 isn't a shock. Sure, this was his first 1,000-yard season since 2019, but he was coming off a 2023 campaign where he caught 10 touchdowns.

But with the Broncos making the move to rookie quarterback Bo Nix, no one had high hopes for Denver and its passing game. However, Nix adjusted exceptionally well to the NFL and Sutton was able to benefit from that.

Sutton, who will be entering his eighth year in the league next year, probably doesn't have much room to get better than he is now, but in 2024, he proved he can be a reliable No. 1 option for Nix.

Ideally, Denver will want to add a high-upside player across from Sutton this offseason, which could mean less production for the former SMU Mustang. In 2024, though, we got a perfect storm that led to arguably the best year of Sutton's NFL career.

 

Jauan Jennings, WR, San Francisco 49ers

There's no good way to slice this: Deebo Samuel Sr. was a disaster in 2024. After a nice start to the year, Samuel would average 3.1 catches for 28.9 yards over his final seven games. That's without taking into account another pair of stinkers earlier in the season, like when he was held without a catch by the Chiefs.

Then, add in Brandon Aiyuk tearing his ACL and MCL in October and you get a huge mess at wide receiver in San Fran. However, Jauan Jennings stepped up, catching 77 passes for 975 yards and six touchdowns, all career-best marks for the fourth-year pro.

Jennings finished as the overall WR25 in half PPR. On a per-game basis, he averaged more fantasy points than Tyreek Hill and DK Metcalf.

2024 was a forgettable season for the 6-11 Niners, but getting solid production out of Jennings was a silver lining. He can't be a team's true No. 1 receiver, but he can be a great complementary piece going forward.

 

Alec Pierce, WR, Indianapolis Colts

There shouldn't have been room in Indianapolis for Alec Pierce. Between the team drafting Adonai Mitchell and the projected breakout of Josh Downs, Pierce looked like he'd be the No. 4 receiver behind those two and Michael Pittman Jr.

Pierce wound up just third on the team in targets behind Pittman and Downs, but he was still able to make a big impact because the Colts used him as the primary deep threat. Despite catching just 37 passes, Pierce led the Colts in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns.

That allowed Pierce to finish as the overall WR39 in half PPR leagues. It wasn't great, but fantasy managers who pulled Pierce off the waiver wire were able to get an upside play who they could play in an emergency.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Theo Johnson

Prioritizing his Health this Offseason
Andrés Giménez

Andres Gimenez Hits 10-Day Injured List
Jermaine Burton

Continues to Show Growth
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
Austin Cindric

Remains an Overrated Road Racer
Brad Keselowski

Likely to Brush Past Chicago Street Course to Focus on Daytona
NASCAR

John H. Nemechek One of the Best Underdog Options After Strong Runs at Mexico City and Last Year
Cole Custer

Strong Mexico City Run and Xfinity Series Chicago Win Make Him a Solid DFS Option
Erik Jones

Likely Not Good Enough on Road Courses for DFS Consideration Despite Poor Qualifying Result
Noah Gragson

May Be Better Than Other Cheap DFS Options
Riley Herbst

Despite Decent Mexico City Run, Don't Expect Riley Herbst to Contend at Chicago
Cody Ware

Is a Road Course Veteran, but It's Rarely Helped Him in NASCAR
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Is The Heavy Favorite to Win at Chicago Street Course
Christopher Bell

Should Be Strong Despite Practice Struggles at Chicago Street Course
Cam Ward

"Not Expecting" to be handed Starting Job
Chase Claypool

Eager to Get Back on the Field
Wyatt Langford

Activated, Playing on Saturday
Jay Huff

on the Move to Indiana
Cam Whitmore

Wizards Acquire Cam Whitmore from the Rockets
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
Max Scherzer

Cleared to Start on Saturday
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Jacob Monk

Sees Plenty of Work With Starters
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF