Wide Receiver Tiers, Value Picks and Players to Avoid

Sigmund Bloom runs down the 2025 wide receivers by tiers with highlighted value picks and players to avoid

Sigmund Bloom's Wide Receiver Tiers, Value Picks and Players to Avoid Sigmund Bloom Published 07/10/2025

© Bill Streicher-Imagn Images wide receiver

 

Utilizing tiers in fantasy football provides several strategic advantages beyond simple rankings. Rankings are linear, but tiers group players of similar value together. This helps you recognize when there's a big drop-off in talent, so you don't overreact to slight differences in rank. For example, suppose multiple wide receivers are left in a tier but only one player in the current running-back tier. In that case, you're more likely to take the running back before that tier is eliminated.

We'll cover every positional tier as the offseason moves on; today, we wind up with wide receivers.

Cliff's Notes - The 12 Biggest Values at Wide Receiver

  1. Garrett Wilson, NYJ
  2. DeVonta Smith, PHI
  3. Demario Douglas, NE
  4. Adam Thielen, CAR
  5. George Pickens, DAL
  6. Jalen McMillan, TB
  7. Ricky Pearsall, SF
  8. Quentin Johnston, LAC
  9. Michael Pittman Jr., IND
  10. Jalen Coker, CAR
  11. Dyami Brown, JAX
  12. Calvin Austin III, PIT

Cliff's Notes - The 8 Wide Receivers to Avoid at ADP

  1. Drake London, ATL
  2. Rashee Rice, KC
  3. Marvin Harrison Jr, ARI
  4. Tetairoa McMillan, CAR
  5. Cooper Kupp, SEA
  6. Jerry Jeudy, CLE
  7. Jordan Addison, MIN
  8. Matthew Golden, GB

Elite WR1

Elite skill combined with likely high-volume pass offenses. Barring injury, the #1 overall wide receiver will be one of these two.

Chase had nearly 500 yards and five scores in the two games against Baltimore, and even if you take those two out, he was the #1 wide receiver last year. We are watching a special connection between him and Joe Burrow that will go down as one of the best quarterback to wide receiver connections in NFL history. 

Lamb was banged up last year and lost Dak Prescott to a season-ending injury, but he still managed to be a top 10 wide receiver. This year, he'll have the most dynamic running mate of his career in George Pickens, while playing in an offense that will likely have to lean pass-heavy by necessity.

Strong WR1

Take in that list of players in or approaching their peak years. The next generation of great receivers is here.

Jefferson was quiet (for him) for most of 2024, but finished strong and has produced through lots of quarterback transitions in Minnesota. There will be another one this year to J.J. McCarthy, and the offense will be more run-heavy with inexperience at the helm. Jefferson is a little overrated in drafts and probably shouldn't go ahead of CeeDee Lamb.

Nacua looked like a wasted pick when knee issues wiped out the first half of his season, but only Ja'Marr Chase was more productive in the second half of the season. His arrow is still pointing up, and he could easily finish in the top 3 this year.

Collins lost five games to a hamstring injury last year and was brought down by an inept Texans pass offense, but he still was top 10 on a points-per-game basis. The offense has nowhere to go but up, so there's upside to taking Collins in the late first.

Nabers transcended the Giants' quarterback play to put up a top 6-8 season as a rookie. Russell Wilson and Jaxson Dart don't exactly represent upgrades, but there's always a chance that Jameis Winston gets to start a significant number of games. Nabers' ADP is closer to his ceiling than his floor.

Thomas was a revelation down the stretch with Mac Jones and a lame duck coaching staff, so we should have even higher expectations with Trevor Lawrence and Liam Coen. Travis Hunter is just as likely to help Thomas's production as he is to hurt it. Thomas should be available in the late first.

St. Brown had fewer big plays in 2024 than he did in 2023, but he still lived up to his mid-first ADP with a top-five finish among wide receivers in PPR leagues. He did this even while the Lions' pass attempts dropped significantly and a #2 threat at wide receiver emerged in Jameson Williams. He's still a rock-solid first-round pick, but maybe a little later in the first than last year.

Wilson is going a round later than he did last year, even though Justin Fields might be the best quarterback for his fantasy stock that he has played with in his NFL career. Fields and Wilson were teammates back at Ohio State, and Fields fueled DJ Moore's most productive season when the two were together in Chicago. Wilson is one of the best value picks early at wide receiver.

Brown missed three games with a hamstring injury, and his targets per game dropped off along with the Eagles' team passing attempts, so he was a slight disappointment as a first-round pick who returned low WR1 value. His ADP has dropped a half-round to match the value he returned in 2024, so Brown is a solid redraft investment.

Budding WR1s

All of these guys were fantasy WR2s last year, but their arrows are pointing up, and they could be first-round fantasy picks in 2026. They won't cost a first this year.

McConkey emerged quickly as Justin Herbert's favorite target and should only get better in year two. He is being drafted closer to his ceiling than his floor, as he only missed one game in his pro season after missing five in his last college campaign due to ankle and back injuries.

London is being drafted where he was last year when expectations were high with Kirk Cousins taking over. Save for one big Thursday night game vs. Tampa Bay, he didn't exactly break out, although he still very much looked the part of an NFL #1 wide receiver. The last two games of 2024 with Michael Penix Jr. were promising, but still below the scoring level that is being assumed with London going in the second round.

Smith-Njigba was a target magnet in his second season and leveled off as a consistent low WR1 in the second half of 2024. New offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak is going to establish the run, and Sam Darnold is probably a downgrade from Geno Smith. However, Smith-Njigba's ADP is discounted a round from the other players in his tier.

WR2s With WR1 Game

These guys aren't the most productive wide receivers in their offenses, but they are more valuable than the #1s on most teams.

Higgins was actually #3 on a points per game basis last year (barely edged out by Chris Godwin for #2), but he did miss five games with two different injuries. He's available right after the reliable WR1 tier dries up, which feels correct.

Smith had some boom/bust weekly stretches and missed three contests, but his per-game fantasy scoring actually increased from 2024, even though the Eagles' passing attempts took a dip. His redraft ADP remains very affordable for a high-floor WR2 with WR1 upside.

Aging WR1s

All of these receivers will be in their 30s when the season ends. One or more could start to slide as evidence to avoid aging receivers, but we have also seen elite wide receivers' top production persist into their football golden years. One or more of them will deliver value because of the age discount.

Adams should get a massive upgrade in offense and quarterback quality in Los Angeles. He didn't look washed up last year and benefited from Aaron Rodgers favoring him over Garrett Wilson. His ADP is down a round from last year despite going into 2024 with Gardner Minshew II and Aidan O'Connell as his quarterbacks.

Evans produced at a WR1 level in 2023, but fantasy drafters still let him fall into the WR2 ranks because he's in his 30s. Evans did miss three games with a hamstring injury, but remained in the top 10 on a points-per-game basis despite a slow start. His ADP is still hovering in the mid-WR2 range. If Chris Godwin is full speed to start the season, Evans' ADP is accurate.

McLaurin crushed his career high in touchdowns with 13 and rode the resurgence of the passing game with the arrival of Jayden Daniels to the best fantasy season of his career. He showed no signs of slowing down last year, but is turning 30 during the season. His ADP is up significantly from last year, and he is being drafted at his ceiling, not to mention he stayed away from OTAs in pursuit of a new deal.

A wrist injury and a toothless Dolphins offense last year hampered Hill. The wrist was surgically repaired, but the offense may be the same bum joint it was last year. Hill's ADP is down two rounds from last year's top 5 heights, but that might not be pessimistic enough.

Boom/Bust WR2

There's reason to believe that this tier will produce a WR1, but there's also downside here. Where the previous tier is about betting on experience, this one is about betting on youth.

Maybe the most overlooked story for fantasy from the Super Bowl blowout was Worthy finally looking like the dreamy deep threat we imagined when the Chiefs moved up for him in last year's first round. He's not the first Chief wide receiver off the board in most drafts, but he should be.

Harrison was misused last year. He and Kyler Murray couldn't get on the same page, which might be as much about Murray's inconsistency as a passer as it was about the targeted route and play design. We could (and should) see a year two improvement in the connection and Harrison's effectiveness, but his ADP has only dropped a round from last year's second-round disaster, so the risk might not be fully baked in.

Hunter is concentrating on wide receiver after winning the award as the best at the position in college while majoring in cornerback. He could have some growing pains against NFL corners, but Liam Coen's offense produced two fantasy WR1s in Tampa last year.

McMillan's price isn't nearly as steep as Harrison's was last year, but he's only going a few spots after Mike Evans, who, while in the autumn of his career, is the player we *hope* McMillan becomes in his prime. Unless Bryce Young and McMillan click from day one, he's overpriced.

High-Floor WR2

This group is comprised of players who have the potential to exceed the low WR2/strong WR3/Flex level they achieved in 2024, but structural factors will likely limit their ceilings to a similar level of production.

Sutton showed that it was offensive design and quarterback play, not lack of skill and talent, that were holding him back in Denver. He has the most potential to outproduce last year because of the growth of his second-year quarterback, Bo Nix.

With the trade of George Pickens, DK Metcalf is cleared to dominate downfield targets for the Steelers. There's the question of who will quarterback, and the Arthur Smith limiting factor looms. The aesthetics of Metcalf in black and gold are likely to outshine Metcalf's fantasy prospects as a Steeler.

Moore should be helped by the addition of Ben Johnson to the offensive staff and improvement on the offensive line, but the Bears' pass offense is still crowded, and we don't know if Caleb Williams is good yet. We know Moore is good, but there's only one football, and this team will try to establish the run to assist in Williams' growth.

Flowers' ceiling was lowered by the emergence of secondary targets Rashod Bateman and Isaiah Likely in a low-volume pass offense, but he did take a step forward in efficiency and posted his first 1000-yard season. He'll give you some spike weeks with his ability to get behind the defense.

Big-Play WR2

If you want a WR2 who can make your week with a long touchdown (or two), but could also disappear on any given Sunday, these guys are for you. 

Williams delivered on offseason buzz with a breakout season, going over 1000 yards despite missing two games and catching only 58 balls. He could continue to grow and will be undervalued if he takes a step forward from what he did last year.

Pickens could be unleashed if the Cowboys lean pass-heavy and CeeDee Lamb draws more attention from opposing defenses. His ADP is about the same as last season, even though his quarterback and surrounding offensive quality are significantly improved.

Injury Recovery WR2

This group could deliver WR1 production, but there are significant questions about injury recoveries that need to be addressed first.

Rice has a triple whammy of coming back from a serious knee injury, a possible suspension from a 2023 drag racing incident, and having a developing Xavier Worthy and hopefully healthy Marquise Brown as target competition. You wouldn't know it from his ADP, which assumes he'll pick up where he left off when Brown was hurt and Worthy was green. 

Godwin was a WR1 when he went down with a dislocated ankle. The Bucs believe enough in his recovery to sign him to a three-year, $66 million deal this offseason, but they also drafted Emeka Egbuka with the #19 overall pick, so they won't have to rush Godwin back. You won't have to count on production from him early either, since he only costs a low WR3 price tag in drafts.

Olave missed time with concussions twice last year, and the second in Week 9 ended his season. Not that he was doing much for fantasy before that - three of his last four games were for one or two catches for 13 yards or fewer. The Saints quarterback situation isn't getting better, but Kellen Moore could work some magic to make the offense viable and Olave a hit at a depressed ADP.

Upside WR3/Flex

The 49ers' pass offense should be more concentrated to begin the season with Deebo Samuel Sr. gone to Washington and Brandon Aiyuk coming back from a torn ACL. Either or both players could start hot and maybe even serve as a WR2 for your fantasy team early in the season.

Jennings posted one of the best wide receiver games of the year (11-175-3) in Week 3 against the Rams and had two other games with at least seven catches, 90 yards, and a score. He has shown the ability to be Purdy's go-to guy and should lead the team in targets.

Pearsall's 2024 campaign started with him recovering from a gunshot wound suffered in a robbery attempt and ended with two huge fantasy performances that point to a big 2025 brewing. He has been working with Brock Purdy extensively this offseason.

Aging WR3/Flex

This duo is on the back nine of their careers but could be set up for a renaissance of sorts with major changes to their surrounding situations this year. The WR3/Flex reflects the mix of age skepticism and potential for consistent production.

Ridley could be a major beneficiary of Cam Ward's arrival if he and the rookie get on the same page on extended plays, which is Ward's specialty. Pay close attention to reports about the chemistry between Ward and Ridley in training camp.

Samuel looked like he was going to have an impactful season, but wasn't the same after a midseason bout with pneumonia. The trade to Washington for a late-round pick is often the type of move that precedes a steep dropoff from a wide receiver, but Kliff Kingsbury's offense should have a tailor-made role for him, while Jayden Daniels' quick and accurate trigger should set up Samuel for ample run-after-catch opportunities.

Boom/Bust WR3/Flex

This group could help or hurt your lineup in any given week. They rely on big plays and probably won't be consistent producers unless injuries strike other key wide receivers or their situation ends up being a lot better than expected.

Waddle was hovering at a mediocre level of production for most of the season, then finally broke out in November, only to have a knee injury wipe him out for the fantasy playoffs. The Dolphins offense isn't on the upswing, but Waddle is still being drafted above his 2024 scoring, although it is 2-3 rounds after where he was going in 2024. He's probably overvalued on reputation, but the Jonnu Smith trade does free up short targets for Waddle (and others), which is how he caught over 100 balls as a rookie.

Odunze, like the rest of the Bears offense, was a disappointment last year, although his production wasn't bad for a rookie even if it wasn't on the level of Malik Nabers, or even Marvin Harrison Jr. He seems to have the favor of new head coach Ben Johnson, although the pass offense is crowded and won't be high volume by design. Odunze's ADP didn't drop at all from last year, which makes him seem overpriced,  but early indications are that he's Ben Johnson's favorite, which could be a track to a breakout season.

Reed was a solid contributor in 2024, but didn't take a big step forward in his second year. His target share was actually down, and Jordan Love's play was inconsistent. Christian Watson will likely miss part of the season as he's coming back from an ACL tear, but the team drafted deep threat Matthew Golden in the first round and another weapon, Savion Williams, in the third, so the target tree is getting more complicated. 

Mooney was a hit as a free agent signing and provided some ceiling games with his long speed when Kirk Cousins could successfully throw downfield. He only had limited success with Michael Penix Jr. late in the season, but Penix's history as an aggressive passer could increase Mooney's value this year if the second-year quarterback is ready for prime time.

Injury Recovery WR3/Flex

Unlike the other players in the WR3/FLEX tiers, you shouldn't expect Diggs and Aiyuk to be ready to start the season.  That will cost you a bench spot, which is more valuable in leagues with more teams or a smaller roster size - beware. The reason to take a chance on either of these veterans is if you think they'll be more than a WR3/FLEX for half of the season, which is a big ask when a player is coming back from an ACL tear.

The Patriots obviously believe Diggs will make a significant contribution this year. They gave him $16.6 million guaranteed on his three-year deal, with only $1.7 million of that due in 2026. His ACL tear was in late October, and he's turning 32 during the season, so this might be a case of wishful thinking from New England in a thin free-agent wide receiver market. Don't make the same mistake in your draft.

Aiyuk held out and got his long-term contract and security last summer. He came out of the gate slowly before suffering a torn ACL in mid-October. We should expect it to take multiple games before Aiyuk is trustworthy in our lineups, possibly until midseason. He's a luxury pick that you should probably let someone else take.

High-Floor WR3/Flex

This group isn't inspiring, but they can hold the line as WR3/Flex plays and might be more with circumstances that concentrate more targets on their reliable skills.

Meyers became the de facto #1 wide receiver when Davante Adams was traded, but was overshadowed by rookie tight end revelation Brock Bowers. The pass offense should be improved with Geno Smith, but Meyers is being drafted below his 2024 production level. He's probably at least slightly underrated by fantasy drafters.

Shakir will be held back by the "everybody eats" structure of the pass offense, which added Joshua Palmer and Elijah Moore this offseason, but got an extension from the team and is Josh Allen's most trusted receiver. Shakir could surprise as a 25-year-old heading into his peak years.

Pittman battled a back injury, choppy quarterback play, and management last year, but he still leveled off to be more consistent, even with Anthony Richardson at quarterback. The prospect of Richardson - or Daniel Jones - throwing to Pittman is depressing, and Joe Flacco ain't walking through that door. Still, Pittman is being drafted outside of the top 50 wide receivers, which feels like an overreaction - buy low.

Downs could be a surprise if Daniel Jones wins the job and plays well, but he was a rollercoaster ride when Anthony Richardson was in last year. With Jones looking more likely to start Week 1 by the day, Downs has plenty of upside at his modest cost.

Priority Bench WR - Upside

Now we reach the part of your draft where you take shots on players who could become lineup mainstays, but they don't have to be at the beginning of the season, as they will start out on your bench. 

Tampa was excited to add Egbuka in the first round. It will be worth watching to see if he or McMillan are taking first-team slot reps in place of Chris Godwin while Godwin rounds into form, recovering from a dislocated ankle that ended his big 2024 campaign. Egbuka has been very impressive and generated a lot of buzz already, so he could be the #3 to open the season or even #2 if Godwin has a setback.

McMillan battled injuries in the first half of his rookie year, but finished the regular season on a seven-touchdown in five-game tear that should have put him high on the breakout list for 2025. The Bucs took a player in the first round of the draft, Emeka Egbuka, who shares a lot of overlap with his skill set. However, McMillan has already acclimated to the offense, and his ability to make an impact early in his career should not be overlooked. He's a layup at a depressed ADP.

Burden fits in the Amon-Ra St. Brown role in Ben Johnson's offense, which should get our attention for fantasy, but he'll need to really dazzle in camp and the preseason to carve out a big enough role to matter right away. We should wait for news this summer before taking a strong stance on Burden in redraft.

Priority Bench WR - Floor

In a best-case scenario, the members of this group are high-volume target earners who provide a solid WR3/FLEX presence in PPR leagues with occasional spike weeks. In a worst-case scenario, they are overshadowed by younger players in their pass offenses and show why they have been made available to their current teams via trade or free agency.

Thielen defied age to come back from a hamstring injury and post low-end WR1 numbers as part of the Bryce Young resurrection last season. He decided to come back for one more season, but fantasy players didn't notice. He's a free square in the second half of drafts.

Kupp looked washed at the end of the season, and the Rams did not have any interest in keeping him at a price tag in line with his contributions at his peak. The Seahawks were not daunted by his decline. But if Sean McVay couldn't get good football out of Kupp at the end of the season, Klint Kubiak isn't likely to do any better. Pass.

The Chiefs brought Brown back even though injuries made his first season on the team basically a wash. He could be a primary target if Rashee Rice isn't healthy to begin the season, but Brown could also become merely a complementary target if Rice is 100% and Xavier Worthy continues to progress.

Kirk was set to be released before the Texans tossed a seventh-round pick the Jaguars' way for their trouble. He was a cap cut that the new regime wasn't interested in, but Kirk could easily become the Texans' #2 receiver while rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel acclimate to NFL play. The Texans offense should also be at least incrementally improved under Sean McVay disciple Nick Caley.

Douglas has been riffing with Drake Maye in OTAs and should be in for a core top-three wide receiver role. He might even lead the team in targets until Stefon Diggs is back up to speed. He's one of the best values on the wide receiver board.

Doubs was a steady target for Jordan Love, but his wide receiver room got more crowded this offseason with a first and third-round pick spent at the position. He's not going to change your team's destiny, but could help during the bye week gauntlet, especially in short bench PPR leagues and as a last wide receiver pick in best ball leagues.

Priority Bench WR - Boom/Bust

This group could win your week for you, or have one catch, but they will be useful at least as bye/injury/emergency depth.

Addison had a big 2024, but the Vikings' offense should lean a lot more run-heavy this year. Also, he could face a three-game suspension for last year's DUI at some point. His ADP seems to assume he'll just pick up where he left off with Sam Darnold in a pass-first offense.

Shaheed was becoming one of the best deep targets in the league before suffering a season-ending meniscus injury that required surgery. His ADP is down a bit from last year, but maybe not enough with the Saints' inexperienced quarterback room.

Jeudy broke out with Jameis Winston, but Winston is now with the Giants. His ADP is around the same as other receivers with much more reliable situations and track records. Let someone else chase last year's numbers.

Bateman became one of Lamar Jackson's favorite downfield targets last year and scored in both playoff games. The low volume of the Ravens' pass offense will add variance, but he is finally looking like a former first-round pick and could exceed expectations.

Second-Tier Bench WR - Upside

All of these players are in the first three years of their careers and could show growth on the field and in the stat sheet, but they face obstacles to becoming consistent fantasy factors. Coleman is in the "everybody eats" offense, which added two more viable targets. Johnston's arrow is pointing up, but the Chargers brought back Mike Williams and took Tre Harris in the second round. Fantasy drafters are taking Johnston well after his production from last season, but he's a first-round pick entering his third season. Golden is in a low-volume pass offense with too many mouths to feed, especially when Christian Watson returns at some point this season. In addition, Golden, Higgins, and Williams could have growing pains in their rookie years. Watch the camp reports closely to determine whether any of these rookies should be on your target list. Higgins is getting the most buzz out of OTAs, but he and Golden are already being drafted close to their ceilings. Coker looked like the best downfield target in the Panthers' offense last year, and Legette should be in a role more suited to his talents now that Tetairoa McMillan has been added. However, the Panthers have four viable receivers, and old man Adam Thielen should lead the group in targets.

Second-Tier Bench WR - Boom/Bust

This group won't have large target shares, but can still matter with just one target because of their big-play abilities. Mims put the fantasy world on notice with a massive Week 17, but the Broncos don't appear to be ready to make him a foundational player in the pass offense. Austin and Brown are available very late in drafts, and they should be targets, especially in best ball. Austin could be the #2 receiver with George Pickens sent packing, and the Jaguars love Brown, who should be on the field a lot in three-wide sets, and maybe even two-wide sets if the team is rationing Travis Hunter's snaps at wide receiver. Iosivas had an impressive showing at OTAs and should be better poised to post occasional splash plays as the #3 wide receiver, while providing additional upside to your roster if Tee Higgins or Ja'Marr Chase miss time, pending the development of Jermaine Burton. Palmer and Pierce will have occasional splash plays as ball winners on deep shots, and it sounds like Burton will be given a chance to redeem himself and become a talented role player in one of the most productive pass offenses in the league.

End-of-Bench WR

Waiver-Wire Watch List

There are a lot of names here that will start the season as #3 or #4 receivers with a chance to grow into larger roles via merit, injuries, or maybe even opportunity opened up by a trade of an established player. A few names in this tier will drop off during the summer, a few new ones will be added, and a few will graduate to higher tiers. Stay tuned.

Photos provided by Imagn Images
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