The 2024 fantasy football season undoubtedly had its share of wide receiver disappointments.
Whether it was due to nagging injuries, inconsistent quarterback play, or simply a deviation from expected target shares, many high-profile pass-catchers left fantasy owners wanting more.
However, in the world of fantasy football, a “down” year often precedes a significant rebound. As we prepare for the 2025 season, the savvy drafter is already identifying those players who are primed to defy their recent struggles and return to elite production.
Here, we break down seven wide receivers who are in an excellent position to deliver a massive bounce-back for your fantasy teams in 2025.
A.J. Brown (Philadelphia Eagles): Brown missed three games early last season and also put up some duds in the middle of the season that were unbecoming of a prototypical WR1. Paired with the Eagles’ heavy usage of Saquon Barkley, this led to a low-end WR2 finish last year. Despite this, Brown’s elite efficiency kept him afloat. Looking to 2025, Brown is reportedly healthy and positioned for a heavy target share. While the Eagles’ run-first approach might remain, Brown’s undisputed alpha status and consistent ability to break tackles and gain yards after the catch make him a prime candidate for positive touchdown regression and increased volume if the passing game needs to carry more weight. His talent and proven WR1 capability make any dip in value a buying opportunity.
Nico Collins (Houston Texans): Collins had a breakout 2023, establishing strong chemistry with C.J. Stroud. However, a midseason injury in 2024 combined with a decline in play by Stroud caused a low-end WR2 finish. The Texans rewarded Collins with a massive contract extension after his 2023 campaign and then restructured it this spring. The team has a big belief in Collins’ abilities as Stroud’s clear top target. Entering 2025 healthy and with another year of rapport built with Stroud, Collins is expected to return to top form. His consistent efficiency and projected high volume make him an excellent bounce-back candidate.
Puka Nacua (Los Angeles Rams): Nacua exploded onto the scene in 2023, defying all expectations. So much so, it seemed all but certain he was going to regress in his sophomore season. He did, in fact, fall back to earth, but an early-season injury was a major culprit. The Rams’ offensive scheme still offers immense opportunities for its top receivers. With a full offseason to further hone his craft and continue building rapport with Matthew Stafford, Nacua is poised to cement his place as a high-volume, highly efficient receiver, potentially putting his 2024 “down” year firmly behind him and returning to WR1 form.
Calvin Ridley (Tennessee Titans): Ridley’s 2024 with the Titans was a mixed bag, as he topped 1,000 yards but may not have consistently produced the weekly fantasy numbers owners hoped for, perhaps due to inconsistent play from the quarterback position. However, he finished the season strong and has a golden opportunity awaiting him. The Titans drafted Cam Ward with the first overall pick and the quarterback is reportedly gelling well with Ridley. Despite the additions of Tyler Lockett and Van Jefferson, Ridley remains the clear No. 1 receiver and is getting high praise from Ward. With a clearer target hierarchy and a potentially more accurate and aggressive passer, Ridley is in an excellent position to convert his substantial air yard share into more tangible fantasy points.
Jaylen Waddle (Miami Dolphins): Waddle’s 2024 was frustrating for fantasy owners, as his production steadily declined. Aside from two WR1-range outliers, he was simply abysmal. He scored a career-low two touchdowns, and yet still played in 15 games. Despite consistent 1,000-yard seasons in the past, his catch, yardage, and target numbers all dipped. Waddle’s big-play potential still makes him an intriguing option, but he no longer has a safe and dependable floor, as we’ve seen that bottom out. If Waddle can stay healthy for a full 2025 season, his elite speed and chemistry with Tua Tagovailoa in Mike McDaniel’s explosive offense make him a prime candidate for significant positive touchdown regression and increased efficiency. He’s a mid-WR3 in early drafts, presenting a strong value play.
George Pickens (Dallas Cowboys): Pickens’ 2024 fantasy performance with the Steelers was extremely inconsistent, plagued by poor quarterback play and attitude issues. He had a couple of high-end WR1 finishes, a handful of WR2 finishes, and then completely cratered for the other half of a season. However, his trade to the Dallas Cowboys for the 2025 season dramatically alters his outlook. Now playing alongside CeeDee Lamb and catching passes from Dak Prescott, Pickens is in a vastly superior offensive environment. He’s reportedly been impressive at OTAs, building chemistry with Prescott and Lamb. Pickens is an “alpha WR” and one of the best ball-winners in the NFL. Despite no longer being the clear top target, the upgrade at quarterback and the potent, pass-heavy Dallas offense could unlock his upside.
Marvin Harrison Jr. (Arizona Cardinals): Harrison’s rookie season was highly anticipated but likely left dynasty owners slightly underwhelmed, finishing with 62 catches, 885 yards, and 8 touchdowns on 116 targets. While these are respectable numbers for a rookie, they fell short of his sky-high expectations. For 2025, Harrison benefits from a full offseason to acclimate to the NFL and build a deeper rapport with Kyler Murray, who is also further removed from his ACL recovery. The Cardinals’ offensive scheme funnels targets to its top receiver, and Harrison’s unparalleled talent and contested-catch ability suggest significant growth is coming. A more efficient Cardinals offense will undoubtedly elevate his fantasy production.
