Every fantasy season, our strategy can differ depending on where positions and players go in drafts. One thing that remains the same for PPR leagues is that you must have reliable wide receivers in your starting lineup and on your bench to be a true championship contender. If you’re not stacked at this position, it will be extremely difficult to succeed.
Most fantasy leagues require you to start two wide receivers and have a flex position for you to potentially start three. That means in a 10-team league with two starting wide receivers, there will be 20 starters, and roughly half of the flex spots should be filled by wide receivers, totaling 25 starters. While it may seem like wide receiver options are infinite because most NFL teams utilize three in their base offense, the supply is quite limited.
Some receivers are simply much more skilled than others. Not all of them can beat their defenders consistently, which leads to fewer targets. Some receivers struggle with zone coverage and knowing where they need to be. Certain receivers even struggle to catch the ball consistently. I’m here to help you find six reliable guys with favorable schedules who should be able to take advantage of matchups and have a great season. I will be focusing on 10-team PPR leagues so adjust accordingly.
Fantasy Football Wide Receivers To Target
Malik Nabers
The LSU product had a historic rookie season, finishing as WR6 overall. Malik Nabers broke Puka Nacua’s rookie wide receiver record for receptions with 109 catches for over 1,200 yards and seven touchdowns in just 15 games played. His usage was unmatched, being first in target share (32 percent), targets per game (11.1), and expected fantasy points per game (20.3).
What makes it more impressive is that he put up these numbers with horrible play at the quarterback position all season. The trio of Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, and rookie Jaxson Dart should improve the quarterback production significantly in 2025. Even if his targets were to slightly decrease, which there is no reason for them to, just imagine what he could do with average quarterback play.
The New York Giants wide receivers have the easiest schedule from weeks 1-17 according to FullTime Fantasy. Look for Nabers to take advantage of these favorable matchups all season and potentially join the same tier as Ja’Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, and CeeDee Lamb. If you can grab him in the late first round or second round of your draft, take him without hesitation.
Drake London
The Atlanta Falcons wide receiver was a red-zone monster, ending the season with 23 red-zone targets, which was tied for third most. He was also a target hog, with the third-highest target rate per route run at 30 percent. Drake London was targeted on 41 percent of his routes once Michael Penix Jr. took over as the starting quarterback of the Falcons and it appears that Penix Jr. will be a big boost for London going into the 2025 season.
Red-zone targets have been one of the biggest predictors of high-end fantasy seasons at the position and this is someone who will certainly be near the top of that category as long as he remains healthy. He finished as the WR5 in PPR leagues last year while dealing with an ineffective Kirk Cousins for a good chunk of the season so if Penix Jr can live up to his potential the sky is the limit for London.
The Falcons wide receivers have the second-easiest schedule so look for London to have a lot of big games this season. For whatever reason it seems like he still doesn’t get the respect he deserves so there’s a chance you will be able to get him in the second or third round of your draft and if you are in a position to take him there, be sure to thank your league.
Mike Evans or Chris Godwin
I say “or” because I am not a fan of putting two wide receivers from the same team on my fantasy team, it can work, but the passing game from their respective team must be elite. Mike Evans wrapped up another stellar campaign in 2024, finishing as the WR10 in points per game for PPR. Despite playing just 14 games, he extended his streak to 11 consecutive 1000-yard seasons. After a mid-season hamstring injury, he came back strong, posting 68+ yards in eight straight games. He also set a career-high in yards per route run (2.52), proving he’s not slowing down.
Chris Godwin was on pace for a career year in 2024 before an ankle dislocation ended his season. Through seven games, he was the WR2 overall in fantasy, with an NFL-leading 50 receptions and a 26 percent target share. Godwin remains a focal point in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense and his track record in the slot is elite. Even with a new offensive coordinator, Godwin’s volume and consistency make him a high-floor fantasy option, especially in PPR formats.
The Buccaneers wide receivers have the third-easiest schedule in football so look for Evans and Godwin both to feast. Aim for Evans first in your draft, targeting him in the fourth round or later. If someone reaches for Evans, then target Godwin instead later on in your draft, preferably in the sixth round or later. If you can come out with either one of these guys that’s a win in my book.
A.J. Brown or DeVonta Smith
A.J. Brown finished last season as the WR12 in points per game. Brown was the only wide receiver to command over 50 percent of his team’s total air yards ranking first in the NFL with a 51 percent air yards share. He also finished second with a 30 percent target share. He had five 100-yard games, tied for the most among all wide receivers through 17 games. The 28-year-old is still an elite wide receiver who would benefit greatly if the ground game or defense experiences regression in 2025.
Devonta Smith presents a strong fantasy outlook for 2025. He has shown the ability to be a consistent producer, even if he doesn’t always reach elite WR1 numbers. His big-play ability and the Philadelphia Eagles‘ potent offense provide opportunities for touchdowns and big gains. He finished with a career-high eight touchdowns in 2024, finishing as the WR17 in points per game.
Philadelphia wide receivers have the fourth-easiest schedule this season so there will be plenty of opportunities for Brown and Smith both to succeed. You will want to aim for Brown first, of course, targeting him in the second or third round of your draft. If you are unable to grab Brown, then focus on adding Smith in the sixth round or later.
Main Image: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
