Fantasy Football Redraft

Print

Week 1 Wide Receiver Preview: Jaylen Waddle Highlights WRs Set to Score

Top Fantasy WRs for Week 1

Let's break down the key usage notes and matchups that are driving our Week 1 WR Rankings.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Ladd McConkey, Chargers

McConkey opens his sophomore campaign with a tough matchup against a talented Chiefs secondary led by CB Trent McDuffie, who will see a lot of McConkey in the slot on Friday night.  McConkey posted a 5-67-1 line in his lone meeting with Kansas City last year. He should have volume on his side, though, as the clear top target for a Chargers team that's a three-point underdog.

Xavier Worthy, Chiefs

Worthy should be the clear top WR for the Chiefs in Friday night's opener, with Rashee Rice serving the first of his six-game suspension. Over the final 10 games of his rookie season -- all without Rice -- Worthy averaged 5.8 catches, 68 yards, and 0.6 TDs. He also tacked on 75 total rushing yards and a TD to average 17.5 PPR points per game. That would have been good for 11th among WRs on the season.

Marquise Brown, Chiefs

Brown should be Kansas City's No. 2 WR in Friday night's opener vs. the Chargers, with Rashee Rice serving the first of his six-game suspension. But he'd be tough to trust in fantasy lineups after missing most of August with a foot/ankle injury. The matchup is at least good against a Chargers defense that ranked 22nd in adjusted fantasy points allowed to WRs last year.

Keenan Allen, Chargers

Allen signed with the Chargers just a month ago, but he should be one of the team's top three WRs in Friday night's opener vs. the Chiefs. He's familiar with QB Justin Herbert and the offense, while rookie WR Tre Harris doesn't look ready for a big early-season role. You shouldn't need Allen in your season-long fantasy leagues, but he's in play for one-game DFS contests.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons

Mike Evans, Bucs

Evans’ target count shouldn’t be an issue given the absence of Chris Godwin (ankle). The veteran posted 5 catches, 62 yards, and 2 TDs in his lone outing vs. Atlanta in 2024. They’ll roll out a new-look secondary with CB Billy Bowman Jr. and S Xavier Watts, plus new DC Jeff Ulbrich.

Emeka Egbuka, Bucs

Egbuka generated an absurd amount of hype over the summer. His pro-ready, sure-handed style showed up at Ohio State, and it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him excel right away. He’ll handle a good chunk of the short-range targets that would have gone to veteran Chris Godwin, who's sidelined with an ankle. Treat the rookie as a fantasy WR3 vs. Atlanta’s unproven unit.

Drake London, Falcons

London led the league in target share over the final three games of last season (38.2%). That stretch covered Michael Penix’s brief stint as the starter, and it supplies a window into London’s potential volume. That’s especially true this week with Darnell Mooney working through a shoulder injury. 

Darnell Mooney, Falcons

Mooney was limited in practice on Wednesday and Thursday, so we’ll keep an eye on the health of his shoulder leading up to kickoff. If active, he’ll carry some added risk after missing nearly all of training camp.

Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns

Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals

Fresh off a season in which he won the receiving triple crown (leading the NFL in receptions, yards, and touchdowns), Ja'Marr Chase faces a Cleveland secondary he had no issues exploiting last season. Chase scored a touchdown in both games against the Browns, posting WR12 and WR9 weekly PPR finishes. The Bengals have the second-highest implied total in Week 1, so expect another banner day for the NFL's top wideout. 

Tee Higgins, Bengals

In terms of PPR PPG, Higgins was the overall WR5 in 2024. He missed 5 games with separate hamstring and quad injuries, but was elite when active. That included an 8/58/1 line on 11 targets against the Browns in Week 16. Cincinnati's first-team offense was clicking this summer, so Higgins should be viewed as a borderline WR1 with weekly top-5 upside. 

Jerry Jeudy, Browns

Jeudy thrived last season with Jameis Winston under center, a veteran known to aggressively push the ball downfield. Joe Flacco has similar traits, setting up Jeudy to receive excellent target volume. The Browns will be challenged to keep up with Cincinnati's potent offense, setting up a fantasy-friendly game script for Jeudy. 

Cedric Tillman, Brown

Tilman opens the season as Cleveland's undisputed No. 2 WR, which sets him up for a promising start against a vulnerable Cincinnati secondary. Last season, Tillman drew a season-high 12 targets against the Bengals, catching 8 balls for 81 yards. The matchup remains solid for the Browns' passing attack, making Tillman flex-worthy in Week 1. 

Miami Dolphins at Indianapolis Colts

Tyreek Hill, Dolphins

Trade rumors, drama-inducing comments, and mysterious injuries. It’s been a bizarre offseason for Hill, but the good news is that he’s on track to play through calf and oblique injuries vs. Indy. The Colts allowed the third-highest completion rate in 2024 and project to have an exploitable secondary in 2025.

Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins

Waddle enters the regular season looking to bounce back from a forgettable 2024. He’ll do so against a thinned-out Colts secondary that’s already lost third-round CB Justin Walley to an ACL tear. View Waddle as a fantasy WR2.

Josh Downs, Colts

After dealing with hamstring trouble, Downs wasn’t even listed on the Colts’ Week 1 injury report. He’s in a great spot to produce alongside Daniel Jones, who loves short-range throws. Miami presents an excellent matchup, too. They’re slated to play fifth-round rookie CB Jason Marshall Jr. in the slot.

Michael Pittman, Colts

Pittman draws an excellent matchup vs. an underwhelming set of outside CBs (Storm Duck and Jack Jones). An inconsistent Daniel Jones adds risk, but Pittman still profiles as a FLEX option.

Carolina Panthers at Jacksonville Jaguars

Brian Thomas Jr., Jaguars

Carolina ranked mid-pack in adjusted fantasy points allowed to WRs last year. But the Panthers checked in just 31st in pass-defense DVOA. Translation: There's nothing to worry about with this matchup. Let's see just how much target share Thomas gets under new HC Liam Coen. But this first/second-round pick makes for an easy start.

Tetairoa McMillan, Panthers

We know the Panthers want McMillan to lead their receiving. We can't know how much target share that'll mean right away.

McMillan's matchup will likely be a little tougher than last year's fantasy and advanced stats indicate. The Jags got just nine full games last year from lead CB Tyson Campbell, who enters this season healthy. 

Still, Jacksonville will need to show it's anything other than a positive matchup for opponent offenses.

Travis Hunter, Jaguars

The Jaguars list Hunter as a starting WR and backup CB on their "unofficial" depth chart. We can't know yet exactly what that means for playing time, but it's encouraging for his offensive role. 

Jacksonville has displayed that it doesn't want to rush Hunter's development, so don't be surprised if he opens with a quieter stat day. There's obvious upside to the player, the offense, and the matchup, though, if you're looking for a flier in this range at WR.

Xavier Legette, Panthers

Legette generated positive buzz this summer. But he comes off a fairly stinky rookie season. He carries opportunity and talent upside into 2025, but you should make him prove it some before popping the wideout into your lineup.

Las Vegas Raiders at New England Patriots

Jakobi Meyers, Raiders

Despite a late offseason contract dispute, Meyers locks in as the Raiders top WR again this season. After Davante Adams was traded, Meyers ranked fifth among WRs in target share at 28.2%. He also gets an upgrade at QB going from Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew to Geno Smith. The Raiders offense under OC Chip Kelly could lean more on the run, but Meyers is a good bet for passing volume. He should be a WR3 this week with upside for higher if he finds the end zone

Stefon Diggs, Patriots

Diggs tore his ACL last October, but he has been practicing with the Patriots throughout training camp. He took a step back with the Texans last season, averaging six catches for 62 yards per game. He should step in as the top WR for the Patriots with a weak WR unit behind him. Even so, the pass volume could be subdued with the Raiders completely overhauling their secondary this offseason. Diggs sits as a WR4 this week.

Demario Douglas, Patriots

Douglas appears to have seized the starting slot role again this season after leading Patriots WRs with 621 receiving yards last season. He played primarily in the slot in the preseason, and should be locked into 11 personnel packages again this season. Even so, the addition of Stefon Diggs will limit Douglas’ targets consistently. He should stay on the bench this week.

Arizona Cardinals at New Orleans Saints

Marvin Harrison Jr, Cardinals

Harrison Jr. opens in a nice spot in a dome against a middling Saints secondary. His Cardinals are implied for 24.75 points -- tied for eighth-highest on the week. Expect a run-leaning attack from Arizona, but Harrison boasts nice TD upside.

Chris Olave, Saints

The Spencer Rattler-led Saints are implied for just 18.5 points in Sunday's opener vs. the Cardinals. This offense probably won't be pretty. But Olave should have volume on his side, with his team a 6.5-point underdog. And there's nothing particularly scary about Arizona's secondary.

Rashid Shaheed, Saints

Shaheed was a nice value in drafts all summer ... but try not to use him in Week 1 fantasy lineups. The Spencer Rattler-led Saints are implied for just 18.5 points in HC Kellen Moore's debut.

Pittsburgh Steelers at New York Jets

Garrett Wilson, Jets

Last season, Wilson caught 101 passes for 1,104 yards and 7 TDs with Aaron Rodgers at QB. He extended his 1,000-yard receiving streak to three years. Despite this, he has never cleared WR20 in PPR points per game for a full season. The Jets could lean on the run with Justin Fields at QB, but Wilson should dominate the WR target share with Allen Lazard and Josh Reynolds. Plug Wilson in as a solid WR2 this week. 

D.K. Metcalf, Steelers

Metcalf makes the move from Seattle to Pittsburgh, having never been a top-20 WR in PPR points per game. He thrives as a deep threat and should be in a similar role to George Pickens in OC Arthur Smith’s system. Smith’s offenses have never had a higher pass rate than expected, but Aaron Rodgers will likely want to throw the rock a bit more. With little WR depth behind Metcalf, he should be a good target bet, but draws a tough match-up against Sauce Gardner. High-end WR3 this week.

New York Giants at Washington Commanders

Malik Nabers, Giants

Malik Nabers drew a career-best 18 targets, catching 10 for 127 yards and a touchdown against the Commanders last September. With Russell Wilson now under center, New York's QB play should be improved, setting up Nabers for another peak performance. He's an elite talent who will garner a massive target share against an opponent he thrived against. Buckle up. 

Terry McLaurin, Commanders

It would be tough to sit Terry McLaurin after his breakout showing last year, but Week 1 expectations should be tempered. McLaurin missed most of training camp and the preseason and could be shaking off some rust. His last game against this secondary resulted in just two receptions, but both produced touchdowns. View McLaurin as a WR3/flex option, but one you'll likely want to keep in lineups. 

Deebo Samuel, Commanders

Deebo Samuel looked noticeably thinner this summer, which is an encouraging sign for his rebound prospects.  Terry McLaurin's lack of preseason reps could result in more opportunities for Samuel, who gets a decent matchup against a Giants' secondary that was league-average a year ago. Samuel is on the WR/flex radar. 

Wan’Dale Robinson, Giants

Volume has sustained Wan'Dale Robinson as a modest WR4/flex option, but he has a precariously low ceiling. He drew 6-plus targets in 11 games last season, but produced three top-24 PPR performances. Robinson should continue to command a decent share of targets, but offers precious little for fantasy managers to get excited about. 

Tennessee Titans at Denver Broncos

Courtland Sutton, Broncos

Sutton inked a contract extension in July, while the Broncos didn't make any significant upgrades at WR this offseason. By all measures, he's poised for another high-volume role alongside second-year QB Bo Nix. In Week 1, Sutton should see a lot of top CB L‘Jarius Sneed, who missed most of the offseason with a knee injury.

Calvin Ridley, Titans

We like Ridley’s season-long outlook alongside Cam Ward and a thin group of pass catchers. But a road opener against CB Pat Surtain and a stacked Denver defense? It’s tough to project a ceiling outcome in that setup. While volume still puts the veteran in WR3 range, keep expectations in check.

San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks

Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks

JSN wound up just 29th among WRs in target share last season. But he overtook DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett as an NFL sophomore and then watched both guys leave town. Sam Darnold's arrival doesn't boost the outlook, and new OC Klint Kubiak has promised more run focus than last year's offense showed. But JSN should open the year as at least a safe bet for target volume and solid WR2 option.

Ricky Pearsall, 49ers

Our WR29 PPR ranking on Pearsall for Week 1 might prove too low. We're excited about the upside on a guy who ranked among our top breakout picks all offseason. But let's temper our initial excitement a little after a rookie year that featured only flashes of his upside. That said, injuries around him could boost Pearsall's target share against Seattle and support a strong outing.

Jauan Jennings, 49ers

Jennings has remained limited in practice this week after returning from his August-long calf injury. If he's active and starting Sunday, there will be upside. But he'll carry plenty of risk as well. Try to lean away from him if you have sturdier options.

Cooper Kupp, Seahawks

Kupp stunk over the second half of his final season with the Rams. Now he lands in an offense whose new OC promises a run focus, with Sam Darnold at QB, and alongside a young WR (Jaxon Smith-Njigba) who grew into the lead-target role last season. Start your expectations low for Kupp.

Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers

Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions

St. Brown caught 115 passes for 1,263 yards and 12 TDs last season, the highest of his career. But TD regression for the offense has a whole could be coming, and St. Brown saw his target share dip to 23.4% in the final eight games, ranking 22nd among WRs over that span. He should still be Jared Goff’s first target with a solid floor, but St. Brown might be more of a low-end WR1 than a high-end one.

Jameson Williams, Lions

Williams broke out last season with 58 catches for 1,001 yards and 7 TDs. His 17.3 yards per catch ranked first among WRs with 50 or more catches. His big play ability to stretch the field was on display, and new OC Johnnie Morton has been raving about him. The match-up against the Packers Cover-2 defense does knock Williams down a bit, but trust him as a solid WR3 this week. 

Matthew Golden, Packers

The Packers finally invested a first round pick in a WR with Golden who ran a 4.29 40-yard dash at the Combine. He shined in the college football playoff with 411 yards in those three games. Golden’s buzz grew throughout training camp and he could pop off for a big play in Week 1. With the Packers likely to spread the ball around though, Golden should only be a flex play this week.

Jayden Reed, Packers

Reed delivered two top-two fantasy finishes at WR in PPR last season, didn’t finish better as a WR in any other game. Playing only out of the slot (and typically in 11 personnel only) the consistency lacked for Reed despite his athleticism. Now, he is dealing with a Jones fracture in his left foot. Reed should be benched in Week 1 until we see if he can play through the injury and be targeted more by Jordan Love.

Houston Texans at Los Angeles Rams

Nico Collins, Texans

With WR Christian Kirk out, a healthy Collins should dominate targets in Sunday's opener vs. the Rams. The Texans are three-point underdogs, so game flow could work in Collins' favor in this one. The Rams ranked 23rd in adjusted fantasy points allowed to WRs last year.

Puka Nacua, Rams

Nacua sits a bit lower than usual in the Week 1 rankings because of QB Matt Stafford's August back issues and a matchup against a talented Texans secondary. But let's be real: You're not benching Puka. He averaged 10.9 targets, 8.2 catches, and 105 yards in nine full games last season.

Davante Adams, Rams

Adams didn't get many reps with QB Matt Stafford this summer. And he opens against a tough Texans secondary led by CBs Derek Stingley and Kamari Lassiter. Adams should see a healthy number of targets in his Rams debut, though, keeping him in most fantasy lineups as a lower-end WR2.

Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills

Zay Flowers, Ravens

Flowers caught 74 passes for 1,059 yards and 4 TDs. He proved his reliability to Lamar Jackson, often operating as the first read on passing plays. His 14.3 yards per catch came due to increased usage down the field. The lack of red zone target (only 7 all season) does lower his ceiling. Consider Flowers a WR2 this week.

Khalil Shakir, Bills

Shakir caught 76 passes for 821 yards and 4 TDs last year. His 100 targets made Shakir a solid bet in PPR leagues early in the season. He played 70% of his snaps from the slot last year and only had three targets on the end zone last season. The lack of upside makes him only a WR4 this week. 

Keon Coleman, Bills

Coleman averaged a huge 19.2 yards per catch last year (fifth highest among 84 qualifying WRs) while also averaging 7.7 yards after the catch per reception as a rookie (also fifth). His deep threat ability combined with after catch ability makes him a candidate for a year two jump. He should probably stay on the bench this week, but Coleman could flash if the game becomes a shootout.

Rashod Bateman, Ravens

Bateman signed a contract extension this offseason. He had a career year catching 45 passes for 756 yards and 9 TDs. But Bateman’s 72 targets were unimpressive. He was a deep threat for the Ravens and needed a big play to make an impact, making him a risky start this week.

Minnesota Vikings at Chicago Bears

Justin Jefferson, Vikings

The Bears led all defenses in adjusted fantasy points allowed to WRs last year and limited Jefferson to 2-27-0 and 7-73-1 lines. But keep an eye on top CB Jaylon Johnson, who's on this week's injury report with calf and groin injuries. His absence would boost Jefferson's matchup.

D.J. Moore, Bears

We'll see exactly what Moore's role looks like under new HC Ben Johnson. But he opens with a nice matchup against a Minnesota defense that was much tougher against the run than the pass last year. In fact, the 2024 Vikings ranked dead last in adjusted fantasy points allowed to WRs.

Rome Odunze, Bears

There was plenty of talk from Bears camp that had Odunze looking like Chicago's No. 1 WR. We'll get our first look at the sophomore on Monday night in a plus matchup against a Minnesota defense that was much tougher against the run than the pass last year. In fact, the 2024 Vikings ranked dead last in adjusted fantasy points allowed to WRs.

Adam Thielen, Vikings

Thielen was acquired just a little over a week ago. But he spent 2022 in Minnesota under HC Kevin O'Connell. And with WR Jordan Addison serving the first of his three-game suspension, Thielen figures to play a significant role in Monday night's opener. The matchup is tough, though, against a Bears defense that ranked first in adjusted fantasy points allowed to WRs last year.

Next Up

Fantasy Football Start Sit Week 1 (2025): Fast Start for Ricky Pearsall?

Next Article  

Shane Hallam, Writer

Shane has over 20 years of experience creating content and playing every fantasy football format, including redraft, dynasty, devy, C2C, IDP, CFF, and more. He is a multi-year winner of $500 dynasty leagues on the FFPC and a King's Classic Champion. Shane utilizes deep film and scheme study to enhance his fantasy performance. He led the industry in 2024 preseason Kicker Rankings and ranked second in preseason QB Rankings. He also ranked eighth in preseason IDP rankings.