It’s Labor Day weekend! The sun will be shining, the beers will be flowing, and the drafts will be rolling!
As we enter the final week of the offseason before the NFL season kicks off, this is one of the busiest stretches for fantasy football drafts and auctions on the calendar.
Here’s your final cram session ahead of your late drafts. Print this article and bring it with you to your draft as a helpful guide for ranking and organizing your 2025 fantasy football options.
The Elite Wide Receivers
Ja’Marr Chase (Cincinnati Bengals): Ja’Marr Chase is an elite fantasy wide receiver because he is the primary target in a high-volume, pass-first offense with an elite quarterback in Joe Burrow, providing both a high floor and unmatched ceiling.
CeeDee Lamb (Dallas Cowboys): CeeDee Lamb is an elite fantasy wide receiver because he consistently commands a massive target share in a pass-heavy Cowboys offense and offers week-winning upside with his ability to create after the catch.
The Near-Mint Wide Receivers
Malik Nabers (New York Giants): Malik Nabers is a great fantasy player because he commands a massive target share and proved he could produce at an elite level as a rookie, even with poor quarterback play, making him a breakout candidate with an improved passing offense.
Justin Jefferson (Minnesota Vikings): Justin Jefferson is a great fantasy player because he is arguably the most dominant wide receiver in the NFL, consistently producing elite numbers regardless of his quarterback situation, ensuring a sky-high floor and ceiling.
Amon-Ra St. Brown (Detroit Lions): Amon-Ra St. Brown is a great fantasy player due to his consistent high-volume target share and his role as the focal point of a potent Lions passing attack, providing a safe floor with immense weekly upside.
The Next-Level Wide Receivers
Brian Thomas Jr. (Jacksonville Jaguars): Brian Thomas Jr. is a next-level fantasy option because he is a dominant target now in a high-efficiency offense under new head coach Liam Coen, putting him in a position to push for a top-tier fantasy finish.
Nico Collins (Houston Texans): Nico Collins is a next-level fantasy option due to his demonstrated elite efficiency and a likely increase in target share as the clear top wide receiver in a high-octane offense led by quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Drake London (Atlanta Falcons): Drake London is a next-level fantasy option because he has proven to be a high-volume target hog and has the potential for a massive breakout with quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who showed an impressive connection with him in limited starts.
Puka Nacua (Los Angeles Rams): Puka Nacua is a next-level fantasy option because he commands an elite target share and has a history of producing at a top-five level, even with new teammate Davante Adams in the fold, making him an exceptionally high-floor and high-ceiling player.
A.J. Brown (Philadelphia Eagles): A.J. Brown is a next-level fantasy option because he consistently ranks among the league leaders in advanced metrics and is poised for a significant increase in volume in 2025, as the Eagles are likely to shift away from their run-heavy approach from last year.
The Handle With Care Wide Receivers
Tee Higgins (Cincinnati Bengals): Fantasy managers should be cautious with Tee Higgins due to his history of soft-tissue injuries and the fact that he is the clear second option on his own team behind Ja’Marr Chase, which can lead to frustratingly inconsistent production.
Ladd McConkey (Los Angeles Chargers): You have to be cautious drafting Ladd McConkey because of the Chargers’ run-heavy offensive scheme under Greg Roman and the fact that the team’s signing of Keenan Allen along with two rookie receivers could lead to a less explosive role for McConkey than what was projected.
Tyreek Hill (Miami Dolphins): Tyreek Hill is a risky fantasy draft pick because he will be entering his age-31 season, and a combination of declining efficiency, a potential for reduced volume, and recurring off-field issues introduces a great deal of risk.
Davante Adams (Los Angeles Rams): You must be cautious drafting Davante Adams due to his age, the fact that he’ll be competing for targets with Puka Nacua, and the possibility of a dip in production as he adjusts to a new offense and quarterback.
The Top Dog Wide Receivers
Mike Evans (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Mike Evans is a consistent fantasy option because he has a proven track record of elite production, a strong connection with his quarterback, and consistently earns high-value targets in the red zone.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seattle Seahawks): Jaxon Smith-Njigba will be a good fantasy option in 2025 because he is now the clear number one target in the Seahawks’ passing offense, giving him a massive target share and a chance to build on his breakout second season.
Terry McLaurin (Washington Commanders): Terry McLaurin will command a target share and be a good player in 2025 because his strong connection with quarterback Jayden Daniels has made him the undisputed top option in a dynamic offense.
Marvin Harrison Jr. (Arizona Cardinals): Marvin Harrison Jr. will command a target share because he is an elite talent who demonstrated his ability to be a top target as a rookie and will continue to be the focal point of the Cardinals’ passing attack.
DK Metcalf (Pittsburgh Steelers): DK Metcalf will be a good fantasy option because his new team has a clear need for a dominant outside receiver, and his elite physical traits make him a natural fit to be a high-volume target for Aaron Rodgers.
Courtland Sutton (Denver Broncos): Courtland Sutton will command a target share because he has a strong connection with Bo Nix, who relies on him as a go-to target, particularly in the red zone.
Garrett Wilson (New York Jets): Garrett Wilson will be a good fantasy option in 2025 because despite the Jets’ run-heavy scheme, he is still the unquestioned number-one target for Justin Fields, ensuring a reliable target share and a high floor.
The “It’s Complicated” Wide Receivers
D.J. Moore (Chicago Bears): D.J. Moore’s fantasy value for 2025 is that of a high-end WR2 with WR1 upside, as he remains the top option in an offense that is expected to be more dynamic with a new head coach and a promising quarterback.
Tetairoa McMillan (Carolina Panthers): Tetairoa McMillan has significant fantasy value as a potential breakout star, as his draft capital and role as the Panthers’ new number-one receiver with a weak depth chart gives him a clear path to a massive target share.
Zay Flowers (Baltimore Ravens): Zay Flowers is a solid WR2 option with a safe floor, but his ceiling is limited by the Ravens’ run-heavy offense and the presence of other established pass-catchers like Mark Andrews.
Calvin Ridley (Tennessee Titans): Calvin Ridley’s fantasy value is that of an undervalued WR2, as he is the clear top target in an offense that could be surprisingly pass-heavy and has the potential for a more efficient connection with his new quarterback, Cam Ward.
The Second Fiddle Wide Receivers
DeVonta Smith (Philadelphia Eagles): DeVonta Smith is a high-floor, high-upside WR2 because his elite route-running and strong connection with Jalen Hurts give him weekly touchdown potential, even while playing alongside A.J. Brown.
Xavier Worthy (Kansas City Chiefs): Xavier Worthy’s fantasy value is that of a high-end WR3 with league-winning upside, as his elite speed makes him a dynamic second option for Patrick Mahomes, providing huge spike weeks alongside Rashee Rice.
Jameson Williams (Detroit Lions): Jameson Williams is a boom-or-bust fantasy option who is a bit overvalued at his current price, as his role as a field-stretching deep threat makes him inconsistent week to week.
George Pickens (Dallas Cowboys): George Pickens’s fantasy value is that of a low-end WR2 with WR1 potential, as the Cowboys’ new pass-heavy scheme and his elite contested-catch ability will make him a consistent red-zone threat alongside CeeDee Lamb.
Jaylen Waddle (Miami Dolphins): Jaylen Waddle is a solid WR2 option who is a safe target in fantasy drafts, as his elite speed and quickness make him a consistent threat for big plays, even as the second option behind Tyreek Hill.
Travis Hunter (Jacksonville Jaguars): Travis Hunter is a high-upside WR2 with a unique fantasy profile, as his potential to contribute on both offense and defense gives him an exceptional floor and ceiling, even as the second option to Brian Thomas Jr.
The High Upside Wide Receivers
Jerry Jeudy (Cleveland Browns): Jerry Jeudy’s high-upside value stems from his proven ability to command targets and his role as the clear top wideout in a Browns offense that, if it finds quarterback stability, could see him consistently deliver top-15 fantasy numbers.
Rome Odunze (Chicago Bears): Rome Odunze possesses high-upside fantasy value as a potential breakout star, as his elite talent and status as a focal point of the Bears’ passing game, alongside an improving Caleb Williams, position him to deliver a significant jump in production.
The Retread Wide Receivers
Deebo Samuel (Washington Commanders): Deebo Samuel is a boom-or-bust veteran fantasy option, as he now plays in a run-heavy offense and will compete with Terry McLaurin for targets, limiting his upside despite his unique skill set.
Stefon Diggs (New England Patriots): Stefon Diggs is a risky veteran fantasy option due to his advanced age, recent ACL injury, and the uncertainty surrounding his role in a new offense with quarterback Drake Maye.
Cooper Kupp (Seattle Seahawks): Cooper Kupp’s fantasy value as a veteran is that of a solid WR3 with a high floor, but his ceiling is capped by his new role as the second option to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and the Seahawks’ run-first offense.
The Breakout Wide Receivers
Ricky Pearsall (San Francisco 49ers): Ricky Pearsall has breakout potential as a fantasy player because he has established himself as the team’s top wide receiver with the injuries to Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings, giving him a clear path to a high target share in a high-powered offense.
Emeka Egbuka (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Emeka Egbuka is a potential breakout candidate because his polished route running and elite hands have made him a focal point in the Buccaneers’ offense, especially with Chris Godwin sidelined by an ankle injury.
Keon Coleman (Buffalo Bills): Keon Coleman has significant breakout potential as a fantasy player because his elite physical traits and status as the clear top wideout for an elite quarterback in Josh Allen give him a path to a high-volume role and consistent red zone targets.
Matthew Golden (Green Bay Packers): Matthew Golden has high breakout potential as a fantasy player because his elite speed and contested-catch ability have made him a favorite target of Jordan Love this offseason, making him a dynamic playmaker in a Packers offense seeking consistent receiver play.
The Asterisk Wide Receivers
Rashee Rice (Kansas City Chiefs): Despite his six-game suspension, Rashee Rice offers immense upside as a buy-low candidate since he has proven to be a favorite short-area target for Patrick Mahomes, making him a potential league-winner in the second half of the season when it matters most.
Chris Olave (New Orleans Saints): The risk of drafting Chris Olave is mitigated by his elite talent and ability to separate from defenders, giving him the potential to overcome a less-than-ideal quarterback situation and deliver WR2 numbers on a weekly basis.
Jordan Addison (Minnesota Vikings): While Jordan Addison’s suspension is a clear risk, his fantasy upside is undeniable as the clear WR2 in a dynamic offense with an improving J.J. McCarthy, giving him a great chance to return to his high-touchdown form and be a valuable asset for fantasy playoffs.
Chris Godwin (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Chris Godwin presents a high-risk, high-reward option, as his pre-injury fantasy production from 2024 shows he can be an elite producer once fully recovered from his ankle injury, a gamble that could pay off huge for patient fantasy managers.
The “What are you Doing?” Wide Receivers
Jakobi Meyers (Las Vegas Raiders): Jakobi Meyers’ fantasy value is complicated because his trade request from the Raiders creates immense uncertainty about his 2025 team and role, making him a volatile pick despite his proven production.
Jauan Jennings (San Francisco 49ers): Jauan Jennings’ fantasy value is complicated by his contract dispute with the 49ers and a calf injury that has kept him out of practice, raising concerns that he may miss games or hold out, which would limit his production in a crowded offense.
The Hang Around Enough to be Dangerous Wide Receivers
Michael Pittman Jr. (Indianapolis Colts): Michael Pittman Jr. is a solid fantasy option who should be a high-volume target for the Colts, but his outlook is capped by an offense that may continue to struggle with inconsistent quarterback play.
Keenan Allen (Los Angeles Chargers): Keenan Allen is a risky but high-floor veteran fantasy option, as his return to the Chargers and elite route-running ability will secure him a high number of targets despite a run-heavy scheme.
Brandon Aiyuk (San Francisco 49ers): Brandon Aiyuk’s fantasy value is severely limited by a torn ACL he suffered last season, and his return around Week 6, coupled with his new contract, makes him a volatile and risky fantasy pick.
The Good, But Not Enough Work Wide Receivers
Khalil Shakir (Buffalo Bills): Khalil Shakir’s fantasy value is limited because he has to contend with a run-heavy offensive scheme and is currently the number two option behind Keon Coleman, which makes his target volume inconsistent and hard to predict week to week.
Jayden Reed (Green Bay Packers): Jayden Reed’s fantasy value is capped by the Packers’ crowded and balanced offense, which features multiple effective pass-catchers and running backs, preventing him from consistently reaching the elite volume needed for a true breakout.
Josh Downs (Indianapolis Colts): Josh Downs’ fantasy production is hindered by an offense that heavily favors a ground attack and has a poor quarterback situation, preventing him from commanding a target share large enough to be a true fantasy difference-maker.
The Speedy Deep Threats
Darnell Mooney (Atlanta Falcons): Darnell Mooney’s elite speed gives him an edge by making him a consistent deep-ball threat, which can lead to huge yardage totals and long touchdowns that elevate his fantasy output in a single play.
Rashid Shaheed (New Orleans Saints): Rashid Shaheed’s straight-line speed is a major fantasy asset because it makes him a big-play machine, giving him the ability to score a touchdown from anywhere on the field.
Marvin Mims (Denver Broncos): Marvin Mims’s elite speed and explosiveness create a fantasy edge by making him a high-efficiency playmaker who can turn a small number of targets into massive fantasy points through his ability to create after the catch.
Luther Burden III (Chicago Bears): Luther Burden III’s speed gives him an extra edge in fantasy because he can be a dynamic yards-after-catch weapon in the slot, turning short passes into long gains and providing a high floor with explosive upside.
The Shifty Slot Wide Receivers
Christian Kirk (Houston Texans): Christian Kirk projects as a high-floor WR3 with WR2 upside, as he has solidified his role as the primary slot receiver and a consistent “safety blanket” for quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Wan’Dale Robinson (New York Giants): Wan’Dale Robinson’s fantasy outlook is that of a low-end WR3 with a limited ceiling, as his role as a short-area, high-volume receiver may not translate to consistent production with a new quarterback in Russell Wilson.
DeMario Douglas (New England Patriots): DeMario Douglas’s fantasy outlook is that of a late-round flier, as he has shown flashes of being a reliable target but will need to earn a consistent target share in an offense led by his quarterback Drake Maye.
Marquise Brown (Kansas City Chiefs): Marquise Brown has a volatile fantasy outlook as a high-risk, high-reward pick, as his fantasy production is entirely dependent on his ability to stay healthy and build chemistry with Patrick Mahomes while competing for targets with Xavier Worthy and a returning Rashee Rice.
The Enticing Newbie Wide Receivers
Jayden Higgins (Houston Texans): Jayden Higgins projects as an immediate WR3 with WR2 upside, as he has quickly emerged as an intriguing receiver for quarterback C.J. Stroud in a pass-first offense.
Tre’ Harris (Los Angeles Chargers): Tre’ Harris’s fantasy impact will be limited to that of a late-round flyer with some big-play upside, as a run-heavy offensive scheme and stiff target competition will prevent him from being a consistent producer.
Dont’e Thornton (Las Vegas Raiders): Dont’e Thornton has the potential to be a fantasy sleeper, as his elite speed and contested-catch ability have made him a favorite target for quarterback Geno Smith, positioning him as the Raiders’ new deep threat and providing some week-winning upside.
Isaac TeSlaa (Detroit Lions): Isaac TeSlaa is a high-upside rookie who could deliver some spike weeks for fantasy managers, as his impressive training camp and preseason have earned him the WR3 spot in a high-powered Lions offense that loves to throw the ball.
The Old Fart Wide Receivers
Adam Thielen (Minnesota Vikings): Adam Thielen’s 2025 fantasy outlook is a low-floor WR3, where he returns to the place he started his career. He could be a decent option while Jordan Addison serves his suspension.
Amari Cooper (Las Vegas Raiders): Amari Cooper’s 2025 fantasy outlook is a high-risk, moderate-reward WR3. He returns to where he started his career, but things are much different and his age and injury history add considerable risk.
DeAndre Hopkins (Baltimore Ravens): DeAndre Hopkins’ 2025 fantasy outlook is that of a low-end WR3 with limited upside, as his declining target volume and his new role in a run-heavy Ravens offense will make him a sporadic and inconsistent fantasy contributor.
The Deep Sleeper Wide Receivers
Tory Horton (Seattle Seahawks): Tory Horton is a deep sleeper who doesn’t offer much value outside an injury.
Pat Bryant (Denver Broncos): Pat Bryant is a deep sleeper in a dynamic, high-volume offense led by Bo Nix.
Romeo Doubs (Green Bay Packers): Romeo Doubs is a deep sleeper because despite being in the crowded Packers’ receiving corps, he has consistently led the team in route participation and target share.
The Don’t Waste Your Time Wide Receivers
Xavier Legette (Carolina Panthers)
Rashod Bateman (Baltimore Ravens)
Cedric Tillman (Cleveland Browns)
Josh Palmer (Buffalo Bills)
Jack Bech (Las Vegas Raiders)
Quentin Johnston (Los Angeles Chargers)
Kyle Williams (New England Patriots)
Alec Pierce (Indianapolis Colts)
