Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Best Ball Rankings For 2025 (Tiers 4-8)

The most dormant weeks of the offseason have concluded as we steadily advance toward the onset of free agency. Many of you have intensified your involvement in the best ball draft process which provides an opportunity for you to avoid in-season roster management.

However, this enhances the importance of constructing rosters that will withstand the challenges that will emerge during the season despite your inability to utilize a waiver wire or execute a trade. The team at RotoBaller is supplying the resources you need to assemble potent rosters in the best ball format. That includes continual news updates, comprehensive analysis, and updated tiered rankings.

This article will focus on the 27 wide receivers that are contained in tiers 4-8 of our latest rankings. These receivers also have ADPs that are located from Rounds 3-9 in current FFPC best ball drafts. We will continually update our rankings throughout the offseason and you can find the latest rankings for Tiers 1-3 here.

• 2025 fantasy football rankings (redraft)
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings
• 2025 NFL rookie fantasy football rankings
• Best ball fantasy football rankings
• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
• Running back fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
• Tight end fantasy football rankings

Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Best Ball Rankings

Tier 4

Garrett Wilson, George Pickens, Davante Adams, D.J. Moore, Chris Godwin, Chris Olave, Terry McLaurin, Marvin Harrison Jr. 

Garrett Wilson assembled career-best numbers in multiple categories during 2024 even though his usage and output were impacted by the arrival of Davante Adams in mid-October

GARRETT WILSON TD CATCH OF THE SEASON WOW 😱

(via @nyjets)pic.twitter.com/wfLlYdbwwO

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 1, 2024

Wilson captured a league-high 67 targets (11.2 per game) from Weeks 1-6. He was also fifth in target share (30.1 percent), second in receptions (41/6.8 per game), and 12th in targets per route run (26.5 percent) during those contests, which transpired before New York acquired Adams.

Wilson experienced decreases in target share (23.5 percent), and targets per route run (20.1 percent), from Weeks 7-18, while both numbers dropped even further from Weeks 14-18 (20.6 percent/17.8 percent).

Wilson still tied for fourth in targets (154/9.1 per game) and tied for fifth with a career-high 101 receptions (5.9 per game) from Weeks 1-18. He also finished 11th in receiving yards (1,104/64.9 per game) while rising to fourth in first-read targets (131) according to Fantasy Points Data.

🚨The Jets have informed Aaron Rodgers that they will be moving on from him 🚨 as our @JayGlazer first reported exclusively on FOX during the Super Bowl pregame show. pic.twitter.com/qwkAlz2I6A

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) February 13, 2025

New York’s offseason transformation already includes a transition from Aaron Rodgers to Wilson's collegiate teammate Justin Fields, along with the Jets' release of Adams. Those factors have positioned Wilson to function as the unchallenged WR1 in New York’s reconstructed aerial attack without the encumbrance of competing for targets with Adams.

Pittsburgh’s trade that jettisoned Diontae Johnson to Carolina in March of 2024 cemented George Pickens atop the Steelers’ depth chart. He functioned as the preeminent receiving weapon in a Pittsburgh aerial attack that finished just 29th in passing attempts (29.4 per game). However, his role as the Steelers' unquestioned WR1 has concluded due to the team's acquisition of D.K. Metcalf.

Pickens established a career-high in targets per route run (23.5 percent) last season. while finishing 15th in target share (26.3 percent), and securing career-best averages of 7.4 targets/4.2 receptions per game.

George Pickens punted the ball after his touchdown 😂

(via @NFL)

pic.twitter.com/LxO8c4S71g

— Yahoo Sports (@YahooSports) December 1, 2024

Pickens also doubled his previous career high in red zone targets (16), rose to seventh in air yards share (43.4 percent), tied for eighth in receptions of 20+ yards (17), and finished 16th in receiving yards market share  (29 percent) according to Fantasy Points Data.

The Steelers have restructured their receiving weaponry with the addition of Metcalf. He should also confiscate a sizable target share, after securing a five-year, $150 million contract. His arrival and the likelihood that the team will maintain a steady commitment to their rushing attack will impede Pickens from replicating last year's numbers. That will prevent Pickens from exceeding WR3 production for fantasy managers, regardless of who ultimately emerges under center for Pittsburgh.

Davante Adams requested a trade following the Raiders’ Week 4 matchup with Cleveland. This led to his exodus from Las Vegas while providing the opportunity for Adams to stockpile targets and yardage during a reunion with Aaron Rodgers in New York. Now, he will resurface in Los Angeles after signing a two-year, $46 million contract with the Rams.

WOW❗❗

What a deep ball by Aaron Rodgers 🔥🔥

71 yards to Davante Adams for the touchdown#Jets pic.twitter.com/o5mzGx4tMv

— Harrison Glaser (@NYJetsTFMedia) December 15, 2024

Adams soared to second among all wide receivers with 99 targets (11.0 per game), and seventh in receiving yards (770/85.6 per game) from Weeks 9-18. He was also fifth in receptions of 20+ yards (12), and fourth in touchdowns (seven).

Those numbers propelled Adams to eighth in targets (141/10.1 per game) and fifth in first-read target percentage  (34.7 percent) from Weeks 1-18 according to Fantasy Points Data.

We have released WR Davante Adams.

— New York Jets (@nyjets) March 4, 2025

The 32-year-old Adams had two years remaining on his contract, which included a base salary of $38.3 million during 2025 and 2026. However, the money was not guaranteed, and the departure of Rodgers reduced Adams’ incentive to remain with New York.

Rams signing WR Davante Adams to 2-year, $46M deal with $26M guaranteed. (via @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/PhoZxNCLnU

— NFL (@NFL) March 9, 2025

That facilitated the Jets’ decision to move forward without Adams, which supplied his pathway to a new deal with the Rams. Adams should flourish with his new role in Sean McVay's offense and is now primed to reward anyone who selects him at his Round 5 ADP (49/WR22)

D.J. Moore maintained his unquestioned role as Chicago’s WR1 during his initial season with Caleb Williams under center. However, Moore failed to replicate the career-best numbers that he assembled during 2023.

DJ Moore has been all the @ChicagoBears had hoped for and more through the first five games:

🔶 531 receiving yards
🔶 5 TDs

📺: #MINvsCHI — Sunday 1pm ET on FOX
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/SPNwDoeaHb

— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2023

Moore had soared to sixth in receiving yards (1,364/80.2 per game) and was seventh in touchdowns (eight) with Justin Fields operating as the Bears’ starting signal caller. He was also fourth in receptions of 20+ (25), fifth in air yards share (42.6 percent), and ninth in points per game (16.9).

Caleb Williams to DJ Moore for a Bears touchdown!

📺: #CARvsCHI on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/gRWf6oKOjx

— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2024

Moore did establish career highs in receptions (98/5.8 per game), and red zone targets (21), in 2024, while finishing fourth in routes run (671) and third in yards after catch (613).

Moore was also 26th in receiving yards (996/56.8), 34th in receptions of 20+ (11), 50th in air yards share (25.1 percent), and 28th in points per game (14.0). He also registered career lows in yards per target (6.9) and yards per reception (9.9).

Moore should benefit from the impending transition into Ben Johnson’s redesigned offense. That provides the rationale for targeting him in Round 4 of your drafts.

Chris Godwin was in the process of constructing the most productive season of his career in 2024 before he sustained a dislocated ankle in Week 7.

Chris Godwin wide open 🙌 A 41-yard TD for the @buccaneers!

📺: #TBvsDET on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/kxcTAKc9uD

— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2024

Godwin had secured a 28.2 percent target share from Weeks 1-6 as he operated from the slot on 77.1 percent of his routes. Godwin also accumulated a league-best 334 yards after catch and was tied for the league lead in touchdowns (five).

Godwin was also first in receptions (43/7.2 per game), third in receiving yards (511/85.2 per game), fifth in yards per route run (2.69), and seventh in targets per route run (27.9 percent).

Tampa Bay had extended the void date on Godwin's contract until March 12. That prevented the Buccaneers from utilizing the franchise tag on Godwin since the latest void date will occur following the franchise tag deadline.

However, Godwin opted to re-sign with the Buccaneers, while securing a three-year, $66 million deal. That has opened the pathway for Godwin to regain the extensive role that he secured in 2024.

Chris Olave accumulated 257 targets (8.3 per game), 159 receptions (5.1 per game), and 2,165 receiving yards (69.8 per game) in 2022-2023. That placed him among the top 16 at his position in each category during his first two seasons. It also compelled fantasy managers to target Olave as a low-end WR1 during the 2024 draft season (ADP24/WR11).

However, two concussions sidelined Olave during nine matchups. That also expanded Olave’s total number of concussions to four since 2022.

Chris Olave WHAT. A. CATCH. pic.twitter.com/2Tj15qPRUh

— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) September 22, 2024

Olave’s shortened season unsurprisingly affected his overall numbers (44 targets/32 receptions/400 receiving yards/one touchdown). He also registered career lows in receptions, yards, and points per game (4.0/50.0/9.6).

There are numerous questions surrounding Olave’s outlook, as he enters the final year of his contract. The Saints’ offense will be revamped following the arrival of Kellen Moore, but New Orleans also needs a talent infusion at multiple positions. It is also unclear whether the Saints will pick up Olave’s fifth-year option.

The nebulous situation combines with Olave’s history of health issues and an uninspiring situation at quarterback to create risk in drafting him at his Round 6 ADP (62/WR30).

Jayden Daniels’ arrival in Washington became a transformative development for the Commanders’ offense. It also provided the perfect elixir for reinvigorating Terry McLaurin's career. McLaurin quickly established chemistry with Daniels and registered the second-highest targeted passer rating (135.3) according to PFF.

McLaurin rose to 16th with a career-best average of 15.8 points per game and was ninth from Weeks 12-18 (18.9).  He also accumulated a league-high five games with 100+ yards, and a career-best 15 red zone targets, while rising to fourth in touchdown market share (44.8 percent) according to Fantasy Points Data.

TERRY MCLAURIN WITH THE 86-YARD TOUCHDOWN 😱

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/trE7g2YFzM

— ESPN BET (@ESPNBET) November 24, 2024

He was also seventh in air yards (1,548), 12th in receiving yards (1,096//64.5 per game), and soared to second with a career-high 13 touchdowns, after averaging just 4.5 from 2020-2023.

Washington’s depth chart below McLaurin at wide receiver was underwhelming in 2024. However, the Commanders addressed the position by trading for Deebo Samuel on March 1.

This will intensify McLaurin’s competition for targets, but he remains an essential resource for Daniels in Washington’s aerial attack. That elevates him among the most viable options in Round 4 of your drafts.

Optimism surged in advance of Marvin Harrison Jr.'s NFL debut after he became the first non-quarterback to be chosen during the 2024 NFL Draft.  Harrison’s selection by Arizona had seemingly positioned him to operate as the Cardinals’ primary receiving weapon while supplying fantasy managers with WR1 production.

The numbers that Harrison assembled during his first season were hardly catastrophic. However, they did result in unfulfilled expectations, as he finished 42nd in points per game (11.6) after his ADP launched into Round 2 during the 2024 draft season (16/WR9).

Harrison finished third among members of his rookie class in targets (116/6.8 per game), and was a distant fourth behind Malik Nabers, Brian Thomas Jr., and Ladd McConkey in both receptions (62/3.6 per game), and receiving yards (885/52.1 per game). He finished 91st in yards after catch per reception (2.4) and was 76th in targeted pass rating (88.5) according to PFF.

75% of Marvin Harrison Jr.'s targets came on the perimeter, the second-highest rate among qualified WRs in 2024.

They were not successful targets. https://t.co/yn7uN7sS5Z pic.twitter.com/7rwwLuDc1U

— Jacob Gibbs (@jagibbs_23) February 3, 2025

It will be incumbent upon Arizona offensive coordinator Drew Petzing to maximize Harrison’s abilities with his deployment of the second-year receiver. Harrison can justify his Round 4 ADP (40/WR19) if that transpires.

Tier 5

Xavier Worthy, Cooper Kupp, DeVonta Smith, Jordan Addison, Zay Flowers, D.K. Metcalf, Jameson Williams, Courtland Sutton, Rashee Rice 

Kansas City traded up to select Xavier Worthy (28th overall) during the 2024 NFL Draft, and he rewarded the Chiefs for their decision.

Mahomes finds Xavier Worthy for the LONG touchdown 🚨

pic.twitter.com/GMGCqs7KU9

— PlayerProfiler (@rotounderworld) September 29, 2024

Worthy assembled promising numbers during his rookie season, while leading Kansas City wide receivers in snap share (65.8 percent), targets (98/5.8 per game), receptions (59/3.5 per game), and receiving yards (638/37.5 per game), and paced the Chiefs in receiving touchdowns (six). Worthy also rose to eighth overall in yards after catch per reception (7.1).

Worthy’s usage and output increased from Weeks 11-17, as he averaged 7.9 targets/5.6 receptions/56 yards per game, and vaulted to eighth in yards after catch (265).

The Chiefs signed a one-year deal with Marquise Brown on March 8 and could make more additions to their arsenal of wide receivers in the coming weeks. The eventual return of Rashee Rice will also impact the distribution of targets from Patrick Mahomes. However, Worthy will sustain an ongoing role that warrants targeting him in Round 5 of your drafts.

Cooper Kupp led his position in receiving yards (4,092/95 per game), and receptions (331/6.9 per game) from 2019-2021, while rising to second in targets (449/9.4 per game), and fourth in touchdowns (29) during that three-year span.

However, his per-game averages have decreased since 2022 (8.9 targets/6.1 receptions/68.5 yards). His touchdown total has also declined (17), while he has missed at least five games during his last three seasons.

Cooper Kupp’s tenure in LA officially is over:

🏈634 receptions
🏈7,776 yards
🏈57 TDs
🏈Super Bowl LVI MVP
🏈NFL Offensive Player of the Year (2021).
🏈Most yards by a WR in a season (1,965).
🏈Most catches by a receiver in a single postseason (33). https://t.co/oTreNXMLiQ pic.twitter.com/xVRHKUUXFO

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 12, 2025

Kupp announced the Rams’ intention to trade him in early February before Los Angeles eventually opted to release him. That created a path for Kupp to secure a three-year, $45 million contract with Seattle, where he can still operate as a resource in the best ball format.

However, Kupp will turn 32 in June. His advancing age and the recent failure to elude injuries should encourage you to wait until Round 6 before drafting him.

DeVonta Smith delivered WR2 production during his fourth season with Philadelphia despite the Eagles’ increased reliance on their rushing attack. That modification in Philadelphia’s offense was fueled by the arrival of Saquon Barkley. 

The Eagles ranked ranked 32nd in both passing attempts per game (26.4), and first down passing percentage (46.7 percent). while pacing the league in rushing attempts per game (36.5), and first-down rushing percentage (45.6 percent).

DEVONTA SMITH ONLY NEEDS ONE HAND 😱

A REMARKABLE GRAB FOR THE TOUCHDOWN 🔥

(via @Eagles)pic.twitter.com/rf0gtsDmsJ

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) November 3, 2024

Smith was also sidelined during four matchups but still finished seventh overall in target share (28.5 percent), and 11th in snap share (88.8 percent). He also accumulated a career-best eight touchdowns and finished 17th in points per game (15.3).

Smith accomplished those numbers despite being limited to career lows in targets (89/6.8 per game), receiving yards (833/64.1 per game), and air yards (821). His role as the Eagles’ WR2 should be sustained as he delivers low-end WR2/high-end WR3 production to managers. 

Jordan Addison's ADP placed him in Round 10 during the 2024 draft season (120/WR50) despite the promising numbers that he delivered in 2023.
The tepid reaction from fantasy managers was a byproduct of uncertainty surrounding Minnesota’s transition from Kirk Cousins, and the potential for Addison to serve a suspension following his DUI arrest.

Jordan Addison.

My goodness.

📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/aM1msezXyx

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) December 29, 2024

However, Addison averaged 6.6 targets/4.2 receptions/58.3 receiving yards per game during 2024, while finishing 24th in points per game (14.2). Those averages also rose to 8.6 targets/5.9 receptions/82.4 yards per game from Weeks 11-17, while he was also 10th in points per game (20.1), and 11th in yards per route run (2.36).

The Vikings’ situation under center is currently unsettled, and the potential for a suspension still looms. However, Addison has proven that he can operate as a WR2 in Kevin O’Connell’s aerial attack. That justifies prioritizing him in Round 6 of your drafts.

Zay Flowers ascended atop Baltimore’s depth chart during his second season while leading the Ravens with a 25.3 percent target share. Flowers also tied for fourth among all wide receivers in receptions of 20+ yards (19), and fourth in missed tackles forced (21) according to Fantasy Points Data. He was also 13th in yards after catch (463), and 16th in receiving yards (1,059/62.3 per game).

💐 ZAY FLOWERS TD 💐

📺: #DENvsBAL on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO8ZBqG pic.twitter.com/7BQwh04FLL

— NFL (@NFL) November 3, 2024

Those numbers include a five-game span from Weeks 5-9 when Flowers led the league in receiving yards (496 /99.2 per game), games of 100+ yards (four), and receptions of 20+ yards (11) while rising to second in yards per route run (3.28).

Flowers is currently positioned to function as Baltimore’s WR1, providing that the Ravens do not add formidable competition for targets as the offseason continues.

Breaking: Seahawks WR DK Metcalf has requested a trade, a source told @AdamSchefter.

The request came today after a series of conversations over the past two weeks. Metcalf prefers a contender. pic.twitter.com/GlHoRJzyUK

— ESPN (@espn) March 5, 2025

D.K. Metcalf expressed his desire to be traded as he entered the final year of his contract. This fueled the trade with Pittsburgh that will launch Metcalf atop the Steelers' restructured depth chart at wide receiver. It also extracted the six-year veteran from a Seattle offense that is being overhauled under coordinator Klint Kubiak.

The Seahawks’ aerial attack had already been reshaped in 2024 by the ascension of Jaxon Smith-Njigba into a prolific role as Seattle’s WR1. Smith-Njigba’s statistical surge also transpired as Metcalf registered the second-lowest target total of his career (108/7.2 per game).

Metcalf finished 2024 with his third-lowest yardage total (992/66.1 per game), established a career-low in red zone targets (nine), and was 34th in points per game (12.7).

TRADE: Seahawks trading DK Metcalf to the Steelers for a 2025 second-round pick.

Metcalf is signing a five-year, $150 million contract with Pittsburgh. (via @tompelissero, @rapsheet) pic.twitter.com/fefRvz59Ud

— NFL (@NFL) March 9, 2025

The emergence of Smith-Njigba, uncertainty at quarterback, and Metcalf's trade request combined to create sizable risk in selecting him at his Round 5 ADP (53/WR25). However, Metcalf is now positioned to operate as Pittsburgh's primary receiving weapon and should deliver WR2 production to fantasy managers.

It was justifiable to question whether Jameson Williams could consistently function as a productive receiving weapon after he entered his third season with career highs of 444 snaps (53 percent share), 42 targets (3.5 per game), 24 receptions (2.0 per game), and 354 receiving yards (29.5 per game). However, Williams flourished with his opportunity to operate as Detroit’s WR2 while accumulating 826 snaps (79 percent share), 91 targets (6.1 per game), 58 receptions (3.9 per game), and 1,001 yards (66.7 per game). That includes three games in which Williams eclipsed 120+ yards.

JAMESON WILLIAMS 70-YARD TOUCHDOWN.

📺: #SEAvsDET on ABC
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus and ESPN+ pic.twitter.com/yZneLwLl9v

— NFL (@NFL) October 1, 2024

He also rose to third in yards after catch per reception (8.4), and was 15th in yards per route run (2.21). Williams also averaged 14.1 points per game and finished as a WR1 during four different contests.

Jared Goff TO JAMESON WILLIAMS. 82-YARD TOUCHDOWN.

📺: #DETvsCHI on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/x2g80Yw1vV

— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2024

Williams has evolved into a valuable weapon within Detroit’s explosive offense, and his home run potential provides your incentive to secure him in Round 5 of your drafts.

Courtland Sutton was a comparative afterthought during the 2024 draft process as 41 other wide receivers were selected before him (ADP103/WR42). However, Sutton established career-highs in multiple categories during his seventh season, while tying for 25th in points per game (14.1). He also operated as Denver’s primary receiving weapon and thrived with Bo Nix spearheading the Broncos’ passing attack.

Sutton finished 12th overall with a career-best 135 targets (7.9 per game), rose to seventh in red zone targets (23), and finished 12th in first-read targets (108) according to Fantasy Points Data.

"COURTLAND SUTTON LASSOS A 32-YARD TOUCHDOWN PASS." - Kevin Harlan pic.twitter.com/Q0tr5kDI44

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) November 10, 2024

Sutton also vaulted to second in air yards (1,752), eighth in receptions of 20+ yards (seven), 13th in receiving yards (1,081/63.6 per game), and assembled eight touchdowns. Sutton will turn 30 in October but should retain a significant role in Sean Payton’s offense - even if the Broncos reshape their depth chart at wide receiver.

Exactly one year ago, Rashee Rice appeared primed to build upon the encouraging numbers that he assembled during the final six matchups of his 2023 rookie season. Rice had accumulated a league-high 373 yards after catch from Weeks 12-17 while vaulting to second in receptions (43/7.2 per game), and fourth in both targets (56/9.3 per game) and receiving yards (518/86.3 per game).

44-YARD TD FOR NO. 4 🍚 pic.twitter.com/bi81MMgSYq

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) September 15, 2024

Rice also collected a league-high 24 receptions (8.0 per game) from Weeks 1-3 last season while rising to third in targets per route run (30.5 percent), and fifth in yards per route run (3.03). However, Rice’s season abruptly concluded when he sustained a knee injury in Week 4.

Rice should be fully recovered before Week 1. However, his availability remains unclear due to the looming potential of a suspension. His unsettled status should be considered if you plan to target him near his Round 4 ADP (43/WR20).

Tier 6

Deebo Samuel, Jauan Jennings, Jerry Jeudy, Tetairoa McMillan, Jayden Reed, Jaylen Waddle, Rome Odunze, Brandon Aiyuk, Rashid Shaheed, Calvin Ridley 

49ers trading WR Deebo Samuel to the Commanders for a 5th-round pick. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/V5hiStDf66

— NFL (@NFL) March 1, 2025

Deebo Samuel expressed his desire for a trade which ultimately facilitated his departure from Sam Francisco after six seasons. Samuel's final year with the 49ers contained numbers that failed to justify his Round 3 selection during the 2024 draft season (ADP 31/WR15).

Samuel registered his lowest season totals in targets (81/ 5.4 per game), and receptions (51/3.4 per game) since 2020, while his average of 44.7 yards per game established a career-low. The 29-year-old Samuel will now integrate into a Washington offense in which Terry McLaurin has already attained chemistry with Jayden Daniels.  Samuel’s impending role is ambiguous which leaves his ADP properly placed in Round 8 (91/WR40).

Purdy to Jauan Jennings! Ridiculous on both ends.

📺: #NEvsSF on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/SJ2wMenYOU

— NFL (@NFL) September 29, 2024

Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk failed to approach expectations during their disappointing seasons in 2024 while Jauan Jennings paced the 49ers in targets (113/7.5 per game). He also led San Francisco wide receivers in receptions (77/5.1 per game), receiving yards (975/65 per game), and touchdowns (six), while soaring to eighth in both targets per route run (28.2 percent), and yards per route run (2.43).

Samuel’s tenure with the 49ers has concluded and Aiyuk will remain absent during a protracted recovery. Jennings has displayed his ability to capitalize on opportunities whenever his role expands which makes him an enticing option at his Round 9 ADP (105/WR46).

Jerry Jeudy's career was resuscitated after four years of unfulfilled expectations when Denver jettisoned him to Cleveland in 2024. He soared to sixth overall in receiving yards (1,229/72.3 per game), seventh in targets (145/8.5 per game), and seventh in air yards (1,537). He also rose to sixth in first-read targets  (119) according to Fantasy Points Data, while finishing 24th in points per game (14.2).

JEUDY 89-YARD TD!! 😳

📺: #CLEvsNO on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/pPwT9dYWZs

— NFL (@NFL) November 17, 2024

Jeudy assembled those numbers while operating with Deshaun Watson, Jameis Winston, and Dorian Thompson-Robinson under center. That bodes well for his prospects of remaining a viable resource if the Browns can effectively address their deficiencies at quarterback.

Tetairoa McMillan is entrenched among the most enticing prospects from the 2025 class of wide receivers. He should also become the first newcomer at his position to be selected during the upcoming NFL Draft.

TETAIROA MCMILLAN NOW HAS FOUR TOUCHDOWNS AND 248 RECEIVING YARDS 🔥

IT'S ONLY THE THIRD QUARTER 😳 pic.twitter.com/WD7u2uTluc

— ESPN (@espn) September 1, 2024

The 6-foot-5, 210-pound McMillan accumulated 174 receptions (7.0 per game), 2,721 receiving yards (108.8 per game), and 18 touchdowns during his final two seasons at the collegiate level.

He also tied for third in missed tackles forced (29) and tied for seventh in congested catches (18) during 2024 according to PFF. McMillan’s Round 5 ADP (57/WR26) is 43 slots higher than any other rookie wide receiver, and he should emerge as an asset during his first season.

Jayden Reed's promising 2023 rookie season included a statistical surge from Weeks 12-17 when he averaged 7.8 targets/5.6 receptions/17.0 points per game. However, Reed dropped from 26th to 42nd in points per game (11.6) during 2024, while averaging 4.4 targets/3.2 receptions per game.

Reed also exceeded 110 receiving yards in three different matchups but failed to surpass 28 yards in eight other contests. Reed’s production will remain erratic as he operates in a Green Bay offense that distributes opportunities to an assortment of capable weapons. This fuels fluctuating touch totals while leaving his ADP properly placed in Round 8 (89WR39).

Jaylen Waddle averaged 7.7 targets/5.3 receptions/72 receiving yards per game from 2021-2023 while attaining season highs of 140 targets/104 receptions/1,356 receiving yards/15.4 points per game.

Waddle’s numbers plummeted during 2024 as he registered career lows in targets (83/5.5 per game), receptions (58/3.9 per game), receiving yards (744/49.6 per game), and averaged 9.4 points per game.

Waddle’s career-low 16.2 percent target share also trailed Tyreek Hill (21,3 percent), and Jonnu Smith (19.7 percent), and was nearly replicated by De'Von Achane (15.3 percent). Waddle will contend with significant competition for targets in Mike McDaniels’ offense once again unless Hill is extracted from the Dolphins’ depth chart.

Rome Odunze was the third wide receiver to be selected during the 2024 NFL Draft.  However, he finished fifth among first-year receivers in targets (101/5.9 per game and receiving yards (734/43.2 per game). and sixth in receptions (54/3.2 per game). Odunze was also third among Chicago’s wide receivers in target share (19 percent) behind veterans DJ Moore (26.7 percent) and Keenan Allen (27.3 percent).

CALEB WILLIAMS 🎯 ROME ODUNZE

FIRST TOUCHDOWN CONNECTION OF THEIR CAREERS pic.twitter.com/KJx1SouC8n

— NFL Fantasy Football (@NFLFantasy) September 22, 2024

However, Ben Johnson will concoct an imaginative offense that includes the effective deployment of Odunze and a higher percentage of targets from Caleb Williams. Odunze’s ascension into an expanded role will also be accelerated if Allen departs via free agency.

Brandon Aiyuk appeared positioned to build upon the career-best numbers that he assembled in 2023 when he finished second in yards per route run (3.32), and yards per target (12.8), and averaged 83.9 yards/4.7 receptions/15.6 points per game.

However, Aiyuk’s efforts to secure a long-term contract fueled his absence from practice until September 3. He averaged 53.4 yards/3.6 receptions/8.9 points per game). before sustaining a season-ending knee injury in Week 7.

It is unlikely that he will complete his recovery before Week 1, and the prospects of a lengthy absence reduce your incentive for selecting him before Round 7 of your drafts.

The first touchdown of the first Sunday this season belongs to Derek Carr, Rashid Shaheed and the @Saints!

📺: FOX pic.twitter.com/hMbfIfFNpe

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) September 8, 2024

Rashid Shaheed was assembling the most prolific numbers of his career before a torn meniscus abruptly ended his season in Week 6. Shaheed had risen to 13th in receiving yards (338/67.6 per game) from Weeks 1-5 while soaring to a league-high 593 air yards, ascending to third in yards per reception (17.8), and rising to 17th in points per game (14.3).

Shaheed’s recovery should be complete by Week 1 and he will re-emerge in a New Orleans offense that will be reshaped under Kellen Moore. He was functioning as a difference-maker for the Saints which bolsters your incentive to target him at his Round 12 ADP (137/WR56).

Calvin Ridley operated as the unquestioned WR1 within a Tennessee offense that was impacted by shortcomings under center. Ridley easily paced the Titans’ receiving weaponry in snap share (81 percent) and target share (23.9 percent).

CALVIN RIDLEY. Elite 40-yard TD grab to tie the game!

📺: #NYJvsTEN on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/oqgFd24Dqi

— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2024

Ridley also eclipsed 120+ targets and 1,000+ yards for the third time in his career. He also led all wide receivers in air yards (1,838) and rose to fourth in receptions of 20+.

Ridley should retain his integral role within an aerial attack that would benefit greatly from an upgrade at quarterback. His outlook will improve if that transpires during the upcoming weeks.

Tiers 7-8

Khalil Shakir, Michael Pittman Jr., Jakobi Meyers, Josh Downs, Keenan Allen, Travis Hunter, Jalen McMillan, Darnell Mooney, DeAndre Hopkins, Amari Cooper, Marquise Brown, Romeo Doubs, Ricky Pearsall, Keon Coleman, Rashod Bateman, Quentin Johnston, Adam Thielen, Christian Kirk

The wide receivers that comprise these tiers are contained between WR43-WR60 in our latest rankings. Their stock could rise or descend due to various factors that may emerge as the offseason progresses.

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 Best-Ball League Strategy