2025 Fantasy Football WR/CB Matchup Report Week 1: Nico Collins, Ja'Marr Chase

Published: Sep 04, 2025

Updated: Sep 04, 2025

Welcome to the 2025 Fantasy Football WR vs. CB Matchup Report Week 1, the ultimate guide for managing the crucial wide receiver-cornerback matchups that will make or break your lineup! Our fantasy football WR/CB matchup report breaks down the WR/CB matchups Week 1 by examining which wideouts have the advantage over their defensive men and which corners will shut down your studs. If you're setting your lineup or need a sleeper selection, the fantasy football WR/CB matchup report points out the key WR/CB matchups Week 1 so you'll have the edge over the competition. From world-class cover corners to vulnerable secondaries, the Week 1 fantasy football WR/CB matchup report has all the inside information so you'll be the boss of your league!

2025 Fantasy Football WR/CB Matchup Report For Week 1


Left WR vs Right CB
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Marvin Harrison	ARI	12 / 10.1
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Kool-Aid McKinstry	NO	Moderate
After being selected #4 overall by the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL Draft and being an early second round pick in most fantasy leagues last year, Marvin Harrison's WR42 finish in half PPR fantasy points per game was a disappointment to say the least. With one year under his belt, and the talent that got him drafted so highly still being there, it's fair to be optimistic for a leap in year two. If he continues to see similar target numbers as last year, averaging almost 7 targets per game, but the Cardinals are able to draw up more horizontal breaking routes I believe we will be much more pleased with the results. The matchup with Saints CB Kool-Aid McKinstry can be a somewhat difficult one, but he's also expected to see snaps against both Isaac Yiadom and Alontae Taylor as well, which will make for easier matchups.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
KhaDarel Hodge	ATL	1.5 / 4.5
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Jamel Dean	TB	Risky
This is a spot we can expect to be filled by Darnell Mooney for most of the season, however, he’s in jeopardy to miss week 1 due to a shoulder injury that he’s been battling with since July. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect much out of KhaDarel Hodge in his place, after only managing a 2.1% target share across the 102 routes that he ran last season.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Rashod Bateman	BAL	10.8 / 10
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Tre'Davious White	BUF	Safe
Fresh off a three-year, $36.75M contract extension with the Ravens this offseason, Rashod Bateman is expected to be the primary left WR for Baltimore’s offense. His fantasy production has been somewhat boom or bust, with 5 finishes inside the top 17 WRs on the week, but another 6 weeks outside of the top 50 WRs last season. He has the ability to put up big weeks when the passing volume is there due to his big play ability, with a team high in yards per reception and yards per target among Ravens pass catchers that ran at least 25 routes last year. Bateman can be a solid dart throw in weeks that Baltimore projects to throw the ball more, especially whenever he has a good matchup.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Keon Coleman	BUF	7.6 / 6.6
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Jaire Alexander	BAL	Risky
After being drafted 33rd overall by the Buffalo Bills in the 2024 NFL Draft, Keon Coleman didn’t quite deliver on the hype, finishing as the WR56 in half PPR fantasy points per game. The good news is that Buffalo didn’t add any big names to the WR room this offseason, so the opportunity is still there. The bad news is that the week 1 matchup against the Ravens projects to be a really difficult one. With Coleman only being able to generate a 14% target share after running almost 300 routes last season, I’d hold off on adding him to your starting lineup this week.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Tetairoa McMillan	CAR	0 / 0
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Tyson Campebll	JAC	Moderate
To say I’m high on Tetairoa McMillan coming into his rookie season would be an understatement. While he’s being drafted as a borderline top 24 WR, I’ve got McMillan up at WR15 in my personal WR rankings for the 2025 season. And while rookie WR’s typically take some time to get acclimated to the NFL, I’m fully expecting McMillan to hit the ground running. With Adam Thielen being traded to the Vikings and Jalen Coker starting the season on IR, Bryce Young should rely on McMillan early and often.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
DJ Moore	CHI	14.4 / 11.5
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Jeff Okudah	MIN	Safe
While there’s a ton of potential among the Bears pass catchers, there’s only one guy with a proven track record in the NFL, DJ Moore. Chicago’s leader in target share and yards per route run from last season should benefit from Ben Johnson taking over as the head coach and play caller for this offense. The possibility of some of the young investments made into the Bears offense developing down the stretch of the season certainly exists, but Moore should get off to a good start with a plus matchup against Jeff Okudah.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Tee Higgins	CIN	19.1 / 16
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Greg Newsome	CLE	Safe
The only ability we have ever had to worry about with Tee Higgins is his availability. As long as he’s on the field, he’s been productive for fantasy. Coming off an offseason where Higgins received a four-year, $115M contract extension, expectations are high for this Bengals offense. Targets are very consolidated between the top two targets in this offense, so while Higgins might be the WR2 in the Bengals offense, you can feel confident starting him as a WR1 for your fantasy team.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Cedric Tillman	CLE	7.4 / 7.3
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Cam Taylor-Britt	CIN	Moderate
In games that all of Cedric Tillman, Jerry Jeudy, and David Njoku were healthy last season, targets were pretty evenly spread out between the three. Tillman only played in 11 games due to injuries but was 2nd among Browns pass catchers in yards per reception and 1st in yards after contact per reception. In a plus matchup where the Browns are going to need to put up points, Tillman is a viable dart throw for DFS lineups and flex spots in your season long leagues.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
George Pickens	DAL	12.7 / 10.5
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Quinyon Mitchell	PHI	Risky
There’s a lot of excitement surrounding George Pickens being traded to the Dallas Cowboys, with him ending up as a borderline top 20 WR in fantasy drafts this offseason. That excitement might have to wait another week, with a difficult matchup against Quinyon Mitchell on tap for week 1. However, the passing volume could still be there, and Pickens has the ability to put up big fantasy weeks off just a few plays with his big play ability.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Courtland Sutton	DEN	14.6 / 12.9
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Jarvis Brownlee	TEN	Safe
While it’s tough to know how the targets will be distributed beyond him, it’s very clear that Courtland Sutton is Denver’s WR1. Last year he led all Broncos pass catchers in target share, air yard share, first read share, and averaged 64 receiving yards per game. You should start Sutton with confidence in your season long leagues, and he’s a solid play for DFS this week as well.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Jameson Williams	DET	14.7 / 12.9
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Nate Hobbs	GB	Safe
Jameson Williams has been a popular pick to breakout this season, and rightfully so after we saw what he could do in a full-time role last season. Williams was 2nd among Lions pass catchers in target share, air yard share, and receiving yards per game. He also led the team in yards per target and yards per reception, showing off his big play ability. I’m expecting Jameson Williams to get off to a strong start with a plus matchup in week 1.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Romeo Doubs	GB	9.7 / 8
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
D.J. Reed	DET	Risky
Due to injuries to QB Jordan Love, the Packers ran the ball more last year than they have in years past. And when they did pass the ball, the targets were very spread out. Romeo Doubs actually led all Packers pass catchers in targets per game, with only 5.5. While touchdowns are tough to predict, the most enticing thing about Doubs fantasy value is probably the fact that he had 6 end zone targets, which was tied for the 2nd most for Green Bay last season. While I expect him to have some good weeks for fantasy managers this season, I’m not sure this will be one of them in a less than ideal matchup against D.J. Reed.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Nico Collins	HOU	18.9 / 16
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Ahkello Witherspoon	LAR	Safe
Nico Collins battled with some injuries last season, but whenever he was on the field he was great for your fantasy teams. Collins ended up finishing as the WR7 in fantasy points per game and should once again be the clear #1 option in this Texans passing offense. Nico has started to show himself to be one of the best WRs in the NFL, finishing 6th in targets per route run, 3rd in yards per route run, and 5th in 1st downs per route run last season. As long as he’s healthy, you should feel good about having him in your lineup, but especially in plus matchups like the one he has against the Los Angeles Rams this week.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Alec Pierce	IND	10.7 / 9.5
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Rasul Douglas	MIA	Safe
Alec Pierce has been a pretty boom or bust fantasy option, with 4 finishes inside the top 12 WRs last season, but 6 finishes outside the top 50. Improved QB play could help that some, but Pierce is likely to be the 4th option in this passing offense at best. As someone that’s more reliant on big plays, he can be a good dart throw in DFS whenever he has a good matchup, which he does this week.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Brian Thomas	JAC	17.4 / 14.9
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Jaycee Horn	CAR	Safe
Even with QB Trevor Lawrence having to miss games due to injury, Brian Thomas still managed to finish as the WR12 in fantasy points per game as a rookie. The WR room got a little more crowded this year with Jacksonville using the #2 overall pick in the NFL Draft on Travis Hunter, but there should still be plenty of targets to go around for BTJ to once again be a top 12 fantasy WR. With talks of new head coach Liam Coen moving Thomas Jr. around the formation, there’s a lot of reason to be excited about the WR that already led the team in targets per game, receiving yards per game, and yards per route run as a rookie. With a plus matchup in week 1, you should start him with confidence, and he’s a great play for DFS as well.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
JuJu Smith-Schuster	KC	4 / 4.1
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Cam Hart	LAC	Safe
JuJu Smith-Schuster should have a consistent path to playing time with Rashee Rice serves his 6-game suspension to start the year, but I wouldn’t expect much out of him while he’s out there. Last season JuJu ran over 200 routes but only saw 2 targets per game. This passing offense should be pretty consolidated between Xavier Worthy and Travis Kelce while Rashee Rice misses time. I’ll be staying away from JuJu in all formats, despite the plus matchup and path to playing time.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Tre Tucker	LV	7.6 / 6.2
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Christian Gonzalez	NE	Risky
I‘ve got Tre Tucker projected to start the season as the Raiders left WR, but this is purely due to Amari Cooper’s late arrival to the team. I expect this to be Cooper’s job sooner rather than later, if that doesn’t end up being the case as soon as week 1. It’s tough to find a reason to believe in Tre Tucker after ran almost 600 routes last season but only managed to see 4.7 targets per game. He’s especially a player to avoid this week given that he also has a difficult matchup against Christian Gonzales.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Quentin Johnston	LAC	11.3 / 9.6
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Kristian Fulton	KC	Moderate
With 2nd round rookie WR Tre Harris dealing with an injury, Quentin Johnston is expected to be the left WR for the Chargers to start the season. Best case scenario, Johnston ends up being the 3rd option in this passing offense. He did have some spike games last season, with three weeks inside the top 10 fantasy WRs, but I’ll wait for a better matchup to consider using Johnston as a DFS dart throw. I’m staying away in all formats this week.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Davante Adams	LAR	17.9 / 14.8
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Kamari Lassiter	HOU	Risky
After signing a 2-year, $44M contract to join the Rams this offseason, Davante Adams has a tough test in front of him for week 1 against this Houston Texans secondary. Sean McVay’s offense typically has a pretty consolidated target share between the top two targets, and McVay does a good job of scheming touches for his top guys as well. So, while this is a tough matchup, I’m still starting Adams in season long leagues and will consider him in DFS as well.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Jaylen Waddle	MIA	10.4 / 8.4
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Jaylon Jones	IND	Moderate
Last year was a struggle for the Dolphins offense as a whole, including Jaylen Waddle who finished down at WR56 in fantasy points per game. I still believe he’s a talented player that posses plenty of upside if this offense can regain the downfield passing attack that was so effective a couple of years ago, and the matchup isn’t one to be scared away from. With Jonnu Smith no longer in Miami, that could also open up the opportunity for more short and intermediate targets so that Waddle isn’t as dependent on big plays.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Justin Jefferson	MIN	19.1 / 16.1
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Jaylon Johnson	CHI	Risky
I’m not sure there’s much that needs to be said here. There should never be a week that you’re considering sitting Justin Jefferson, regardless of the matchup. Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell also does a good job moving Jefferson around the formation, so he’ll have better matchups compared to the snaps he’ll be lined up against Jaylon Johnson. I could understand not wanting to pay up in DFS this week since we don’t know how J.J. McCarthy is going to look either, but he’s a no brainer for your season long lineups.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Kayshon Boutte	NE	8.3 / 6.9
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Kyu Kelly	LV	Safe
I’m giving Kayshon Boutte the nod as the starting left WR for the Patriots to begin the year, but I expect this to be a competition between Boutte and rookie Kyle Williams as the year goes on. I’m not sure how heavy of a passing offense the Patriots will be, but I expect Boutte to be behind both Demario Douglas and Stefon Diggs, who is expected to be ready for week 1. Even in a good matchup, I’ll be staying away from Boutte this week.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Chris Olave	NO	10.1 / 8
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Max Melton	ARI	Safe
The biggest concern with Chris Olave coming into last season was his health after suffering multiple concussions last season and then tweaking his ankle during practice prior to the Saints first preseason game. All indications are that Olave will start this season healthy, but there’s big time QB concerns as well. Spencer Rattler ended up winning the QB competition over rookie Tyler Shough, although I’m not sure either one is the right answer for the Saints pass catchers. Olave has shown himself to be a very talented WR while he’s on the field, so I’m comfortable starting him in season long leagues with a good matchup this week.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Darius Slayton	NYG	7.3 / 6.4
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Marshon Lattimore	WAS	Risky
One piece of news that felt like it flew under the radar this offseason was the fact that the Giants gave Darius Slayton a 3-year, $36M extension. While he doesn’t earn a ton of targets, only averaging 4.4 targets per game last year, he does offer big play ability with a team high in yards per target and yards per reception last year. Rather it’s Russell Wilson or Jaxon Dart, either QB should be able to do a better job of taking advantage of Slayton’s field stretching ability than Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, and Tommy DeVito did last year. He’s unlikely to be someone that you can depend on week in and week out, but he should be a decent DFS dart throw this year in plus matchups. Unfortunately, this week is not likely to be one of those with Slayton projected to line up across from Marshon Lattimore.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Garrett Wilson	NYJ	15.6 / 12.6
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Joey Porter	PIT	Moderate
Garrett Wilson once again has a new QB under center this year, but at least it’s one he has familiarity with from their time at Ohio State. A lot has been made this offseason about what Justin Fields being the starting QB means for the Jets weapons, but one thing is certain, Garrett Wilson is going to be the top dog in this offense. There’s a chance that Wilson will be shadowed by Steelers CB Joey Porter, who gave up about 39 receiving yards per game on average. However, Porter only had a 55.6 PFF coverage grade last season. We’ll see if Porter still shadows Wilson with Darius Slay now in Pittsburgh as well.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Jahan Dotson	PHI	2.7 / 2.8
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Trevon Diggs	DAL	Safe
All right we are down to four more weeks until DeAndre Hopkins comes back and Brown's target share is going to take a hit. He had a great 11 targets last week and caught six of them for 68 yards. Unfortunately, this week he did not find the end zone, but the Raiders secondary has a couple good playmakers in it. Ramsey was much more himself last week, allowing just 40 percent of passes against him to be caught, but he did surrender another touchdown. That is three scores in two weeks for perhaps the best corner in football. That makes me comfortable playing Brown in seasonal leagues, especially with how many looks he has been getting, but there are going to be better options in DFS games with the Cardinals offense being a little inconsistent. His value gets a little more of a bump if James Conner misses the game as the Cardinals might throw a bit more.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
DK Metcalf	PIT	13.5 / 11.1
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Brandon Stephens	NYJ	Safe
This offseason DK Metcalf was traded from the Seattle Seahawks to the Steelers, upon which he signed a five-year, $150M contract extension to remain in Pittsburgh. Once George Pickens was traded to the Dallas Cowboys a couple of months later, that cleared the way for Metcalf to be the runaway favorite to Aaron Rodgers #1 option for the 2025 season. Metcalf’s situation brings an intriguing combination of volume and big play upside, with DK averaging over 15 yards per reception last season. Metcalf should be solid starter for you in season long formats all year, but he’s also a great option in DFS this week with a plus matchup against Brandon Stephens as well.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Ricky Pearsall	SF	8.8 / 7.4
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Tariq Woolen	SEA	Moderate
Ricky Pearsall has been another popular breakout pick this offseason, which has been largely fueled by his last two games of last season, where Pearsall finished as the WR8 and WR14. Brandon Aiyuk is expected to be out for several weeks to start the year, but it appears Jauan Jennings is going to be healthy and ready to go to start the season, presenting more target competition than most Pearsall drafts were anticipating as he stormed up draft boards over the last month. Pearsall will likely be the lead WR for San Francisco to start the year, but there’s already plenty of target competition even before you factor in Aiyuk’s eventual return. To top things off, Pearsall also has a difficult matchup against Seahawks CB Tariq Woolen as well.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Jaxon Smith-Njigba	SEA	15.4 / 12.5
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Deommodore Lenoir	SF	Risky
JSN ended up with a very solid season last year, finishing the year as the WR22 in half PPR fantasy points per game. There’s reason to believe he could continue to improve on this as well, with DK Metcalf being traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers as we already discussed. Seattle did bring in Cooper Kupp who will also be a factor in this offense, but at this point in his career he should have less of an impact than what DK Metcalf previously had. The Seahawks going from Geno Smith to Sam Darnold at QB might be a slight downgrade, but it shouldn’t hurt JSN’s value too much since the target volume should still be there. JSN does have a tough matchup on tap, with Deommodore Lenoir having a respectable 70.8 PFF coverage grade from last season.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Mike Evans	TB	17.9 / 15.2
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
A.J. Terrell	ATL	Moderate
Another year, another 1,000 yard 10+ TD season for Mike Evans, ho-hum. His week-to-week fantasy production can be somewhat boom or bust at times, but you know what the numbers are going to look like by the end of the year. Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan starting on the IR provides Evans with an opportunity to get off to an even hotter start than usual, and Falcons CB A.J. Terrell shouldn’t keep us from being confident in rolling out Mike Evans for Week 1.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Elic Ayomanor	TEN	0 / 0
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Riley Moss	DEN	Safe
Despite not being selected until the 136th overall pick in the 4th round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Elic Ayomanor has already made such a strong impression that the team has announced that he will be the WR2 for this new look Titans offense. Ayomanor offers Cam Ward a big target, coming in at 6’2 206 pounds and posses the physical skills to be strong at the catch point. While Ridley should be the more productive WR for the majority of the season, there’s a chance Ayomanor outproduces him in Week 1 while Ridley is being shadowed by Surtain. I’d prefer to avoid this passing game altogether, but if you want exposure to it, I think Ayomanor is the way to go.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Terry McLaurin	WAS	16.9 / 14.5
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Deonte Banks	NYG	Safe
After holding in for the majority of the offseason, Terry McLaurin finally got his well-deserved contract extension in late August when he signed a three-year, $96M extension to secure Jayden Daniels top target for the foreseeable future. McLaurin was awesome for fantasy managers last season, finishing the year as the WR15 in fantasy points per game, but the touchdown production might be tough to replicate this season. McLaurin saw an insane 13 red zone targets last year and converted those into 10 TDs. Even with Deebo Samuel now in Washington, I’m still fully expecting McLaurin to be the go-to guy in this passing attack, but I think it’s fair to expect some regression in the receiving touchdown department. However, McLaurin has an opportunity to get off to a great start with a plus matchup against Deonte Banks.


Right WR vs Left CB
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Michael Wilson	ARI	7.8 / 6.3
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Isaac Yiadom	NO	Safe
While Michael Wilson might be the #2 WR for the Cardinals, he's the clear third target in this passing offense behind both Trey McBride and Marvin Harrison, which only led to him seeing just over 4 targets pe game. After a WR74 finish last season, most fantasy managers shouldn't be relying on Michael Wilson as a contributor for their fantasy teams early in the season. Even in a plus matchup this week, it's difficult to make the case for Wilson as a dart throw in DFS after failing to eclipse 15 half PPR fantasy points in a single game last season. I would fade Wilson to start the year until we see an increase in his usage from last season.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Drake London	ATL	17.1 / 14.1
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Zyon McCollum	TB	Moderate
Drake London took a big leap last season, finishing as the WR14 in half PPR fantasy points per game. London was heavily involved in the Falcons passing offense the entire season, but it was taken to another level whenever Michael Penix replaced Kirk Cousins as the starting QB for the final three weeks of the year. During that time, London had an absurd 39% target share and 45% first read percentage. While we can’t expect those numbers to be sustainable for a full season, London is the clear WR1 for this offense. Atlanta also does a good job moving London around in the formation, so you can expect him to get looks against multiple Tampa Bay CBs.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
DeAndre Hopkins	BAL	8.5 / 6.9
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Christian Benford	BUF	Risky
While DeAndre Hopkins hasn’t been a cornerstone fantasy piece for several years now, he still averaged a respectable 0.24 targets per route run and 0.105 first downs per route run last year, showing that he can still get open and earn targets and move the chains. Competing with Mark Andrews, Zay Flowers, and Rashod Bateman for targets in an offense without a lot of pass attempts to go around is already not ideal, and once you factor in the matchup with Christian Benford, I’m staying away from Hopkins in all formats this week.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Joshua Palmer	BUF	7.2 / 5.9
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Nate Wiggins	BAL	Risky
While he might not be a household name, Joshua Palmer was the biggest acquisition for the Bills offense this offseason. I know, Joshua Palmer, who cares? But in an offense that is still searching for a go-to guy, I’m intrigued. Last year, Palmer averaged a respectable 9.59 yards per target and 14.97 yards per reception, which should pair well with Josh Allen and his big arm. Palmer has a tough task in front of him for week 1, but keep an eye on him moving forward. He could be an early season waiver wire add and solid DFS dart throw in better matchups later in the year.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Xavier Legette	CAR	7.8 / 6.7
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Jarrian Jones	JAC	Moderate
As one of the older WRs in the 2024 NFL Draft class, you would have hoped to see more immediate production from Xavier Legette during his rookie season after being drafted 32nd overall. Despite playing in 16 games, Legette finished as the WR74 in half PPR points per game and was outperformed by fellow rookie Jalen Coker. In theory, Legette should have an opportunity to make an early impact with Coker starting the season on IR, but I would need to see it before I feel comfortable putting him in my fantasy lineup or taking a shot on him in DFS.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Rome Odunze	CHI	8.9 / 7.3
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Isaiah Rodgers	MIN	Risky
Rome Odunze didn’t have the rookie season most were hoping for after the Bears selected him 9th overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. Similar to DJ Moore, Odunze should benefit from the lift this offense is expected to receive with Ben Johnson calling the shots. Even more important that the coaching upgrades for Odunze could just be getting on track with his quarterback. Last year, among WRs with at least 75 targets, Odunze was dead last with only 61% catchable targets. The week one matchup isn’t projected to be an easy one while lined up on the right side of the field, but Odunze also spent 36% of his snaps in the slot last season as well.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Ja'Marr Chase	CIN	24.6 / 20.9
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Denzel Ward	CLE	Moderate
I’m not sure much needs to be said here. If you have Ja'Marr Chase on your fantasy team, of course you’re starting him. And while Denzel Ward is a respectable CB, it’s not enough to scare me off having Chase in my DFS lineups for week one either. Whenever you have one of the best WRs in the NFL seeing double digits targets per game from one of the best QBs in the NFL, you start that WR with confidence.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Jerry Jeudy	CLE	14.7 / 12.1
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
DJ Turner	CIN	Moderate
With Joe Flacco being named as the starting QB, the stage is set for Jerry Jeudy to get off to a hot start this season. Jeudy is expected to be the Browns WR1 after coming off a season where he led all Cleveland pass catchers in target share, yards per route run, and yards per reception. Last year the Browns did a good job moving Jeudy around the formation, with him logging 30%+ snaps as a left WR, right WR, and in the slot so expect him to get looks from multiple different CBs.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Jalen Tolbert	DAL	8.9 / 7.5
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Kelee Ringo	PHI	Moderate
Whenever you look at the season Jalen Tolbert had last year, it’s not hard to see why the Cowboys thought they needed to go trade for George Pickens and upgrade their WR room. Despite running over 500 routes, Tolbert was only able to earn a 12% target share and averaged just over 35 receiving yards per game. With Pickens now in Dallas, Tolbert should only be on the field while the Cowboys are in 11 personnel. Even though he might have the best CB matchup of any Cowboys WR this week, I’m not interested in playing him in season long leagues or DFS.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Troy Franklin	DEN	4.7 / 3.9
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
L'Jarius Sneed	TEN	Safe
Watching how the targets shake out beyond Courtland Sutton will be interesting in week 1 after the Broncos added Evan Engram in the offseason and Marvin Mims is expected to take on a bigger role. Despite this, it’s Troy Franklin expected to line up as the right WR to start the year for Denver after Devaughn Vele was traded to the New Orleans Saints this offseason. There’s not much to get excited about whenever you look back at Franklin’s rookie season, but he’s got a chance to get off to a better start in year two with a plus matchup. However, if I’m looking to play a second WR from the Broncos this week, it’s Marvin Mims.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Kalif Raymond	DET	4.9 / 4.1
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Keisean Nixon	GB	Safe
While Kalif Raymond is expected to start the season as the Lions WR3, the main question is how long he can hold off rookie Isaac TeSlaa for that role. As long as Raymond is the WR3, it’s not a role you should depend on for fantasy purposes. Raymond is likely to be the 5th option in the passing game at best. Even in a plus matchup, he’s not someone I’m considering in season long or DFS formats.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Matthew Golden	GB	0 / 0
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Terrion Arnold	DET	Safe
I think it’s fair to say expectations are pretty high for rookie Matthew Golden after the Packers drafted him in the 1st round with the 23rd overall pick, ending the over 20-year drought of not using a first-round pick on a WR. While rookie WRs can tend to get off to slower starts as they adjust to the NFL, Golden is expected to be in a full-time role right from the jump and has a plus matchup against Terrion Arnold to begin his NFL career.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Jayden Higgins	HOU	0 / 0
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Darious Williams	LAR	Safe
There’s been questions of just how many snaps 2nd round rookie WR Jayden Higgins would play in his first career game, but with Christian Kirk popping up on the injury report with a hamstring injury, the chances of Higgins playing significant snaps this week continues to increase. Although not as talented, he has a very similar skill set to Nico Collins and should be a solid WR2 for this Texans offense. He should have a good opportunity to produce during his first career start as well, with a favorable matchup against Rams CB Darious Williams.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Michael Pittman	IND	10.8 / 8.6
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Storm Duck	MIA	Safe
Despite dealing with back injuries most of last season, Michael Pittman still managed to finish the season with the most total targets among Colts pass catchers. With the Colts spending their first-round pick in this years NFL Draft on TE Tyler Warren, and Josh Downs expected to take a step forward, the big question with Michael Pittman is if he will continue to be the target leader for this team or not. Expected to start the 2025 season healthy, and with better QB play, Pittman has a plus matchup against a beatable Dolphins secondary in week 1.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Dyami Brown	JAC	5.8 / 4.8
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Mike Jackson	CAR	Moderate
Dyami Brown came over to Jacksonville as a free agent after a season with the Commanders in 2024 where he put up only 2.6 targets per game. It won’t be any easier for Brown to earn targets in Jacksonville either, where he will be competing with TE Brenton Strange to be the third option in this passing offense. I’ll be staying away from Brown this week in both season long leagues and DFS.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Xavier Worthy	KC	12.8 / 11.5
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Donte Jackson	LAC	Safe
Xavier Worthy came on strong down the stretch of his rookie season last year after the Rashee Rice injury, and he projects to start the season as the Chiefs top option at WR with Rice suspended for the first six games as well. After finishing as top 16 WR in each of his last three games last season, expectations from fantasy managers are high for Worthy to start the year. He’s in a good spot to deliver on those expectations this week as well, with a plus matchup against Chargers CB Donte Jackson.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Dont'e Thornton	LV	0 / 0
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Carlton Davis	NE	Risky
The Raiders drafted WR Dont’e Thorton Jr. in the fourth-round of the 2025 NFL Draft, and then he proceeded to force himself into an immediate full-time role due to his impressive performance during camp and preseason. That full-time role will likely lead to being 3rd in targets among Raiders pass catchers at best, but in better matchups he could be a fun dart throw due to his speed and big play ability. However, I’m staying away this week in all formats.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Keenan Allen	LAC	12.6 / 10.2
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Jaylen Watson	KC	Risky
Welcome home! Keenan Allen has returned to the place where he spent the first 11 seasons of his career, which could end up being pretty important with rookie Tre Harris dealing with an injury to start the season. While he might not be in his prime anymore, Allen still showed the ability to earn targets last season, with almost 8 targets per game during his time with the Chicago Bears. It’s a tough matchup this week, but the Chargers could end up needing to put up points, which could end up with a decent number of targets coming Allen’s way. I’m not looking to start him in season long formats unless I have too, and I think there’s higher upside options for DFS as well.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Puka Nacua	LAR	19 / 15.6
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Derek Stingley	HOU	Risky
While he delt with some injuries last year, it can’t be understated how good Puka Nacua was when he was on the field. Among pass catchers with at least 50 targets last year, he was 1st in targets per route run, 1st in yards per route run, and 1st in 1st downs per route run as well. He’s got a really tough assignment against Houston CB Derek Stingley, but like I mentioned with Adams, Sean McVay does a really good job getting his top options involved and scheming them touches. I’ll probably avoid paying up for him in DFS this week, but there’s no way I’m benching Puka in season long leagues regardless of the matchup.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Tyreek Hill	MIA	13.4 / 11
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Charvarius Ward	IND	Safe
There might not be anyone that was harder to evaluate this draft season than Tyreek Hill. We know what the upside is, finishing as a top 6 fantasy WR for four straight years prior to last season. But it’s also hard to ignore the fact that Tyreek is coming off a down year and entering his age 31 season, where he would be a reasonable time to expect a WR to continue to decline once they’ve shown signs of it. With both Tyreek and Tua healthy, in a plus matchup, I think you have to take that risk and trust Hill to start the season.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Jalen Nailor	MIN	6.1 / 5.9
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Tyrique Stevenson	CHI	Safe
Jalen Nailor is going to make a couple of appearances in this article to start the season due to the two-game Jordan Addison suspension, but he’s not someone I’m interested in for either season long or DFS formats while he’s here. He’ll likely be the 4th option in this passing offense and hasn’t shown much to lead us to believe that he’ll earn more targets beyond that.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Stefon Diggs	NE	15.2 / 12.3
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Eric Stokes	LV	Safe
Prior to tearing his ACL, Stefon Diggs was having a solid season for the Texans, averaging 12.3 half PPR points per game through the first 8 weeks of the season. His performance was still good enough to earn him a 3-year, $69M contract with the Patriots this offseason despite the injury. Now expected to start the season healthy, Diggs should compete with TE Hunter Henry to be Drake Maye’s top target in this passing offense. I thought he was a solid value during fantasy drafts, and now he’s got a plus matchup in week 1 against the Las Vegas Raiders secondary.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Brandin Cooks	NO	7 / 5.7
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Will Johnson	ARI	Moderate
While Brandin Cooks returning to the team where he started his career is a cool story, I’m not sure it’s going to mean much for fantasy purposes. Even if you ignore the issues with QB play, there’s still the fact that he hasn’t been a top 35 fantasy WR since 2021, and he’ll likely be competing with TE Juwan Johnson as the 3rd option for targets in an offense that I don’t have very high expectations for at all. Rashid Shaheed should be your target if you want to start a second pass catcher from this offense.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Malik Nabers	NYG	18.8 / 15.2
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Trey Amos	WAS	Safe
Despite just brutal QB play, Malik Nabers shined last season, finishing as the WR8 in fantasy points per game as a rookie. Among WR’s with at least 75 targets last season, Nabers was 1st in target share and 2nd in targets per route run. With the same target competition around him, and improved QB play compared to last season, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t command similar target volume but see an improvement in quality of targets. In Week 1, Nabers gets to welcome Washington’s second-round draft pick Trey Amos to the NFL in his first career start. Welcome to the league, Trey.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Josh Reynolds	NYJ	4.3 / 4
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Darius Slay	PIT	Moderate
Now on his third team in two years, Josh Reynolds is expected to start the season as the WR2 for the Jets. This is essentially by default due to the lack of options behind Garrett Wilson, as Reynolds only had an 8% target share last season when he was on the field last year. Despite no real competition for targets beyond Wilson, I don’t want anything to do with the secondary WRs in this offense, especially in a somewhat difficult matchup. However, I will be keeping my eye on Mason Taylor as someone to potentially stash at TE.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
A.J. Brown	PHI	16 / 13.7
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Kaiir Elam	DAL	Safe
Despite playing in an offense with low passing volume, A.J. Brown continues to be one of the best WRs in the NFL. And whenever the Eagles do throw, Brown is still Jalen Hurts #1 option. Last year Brown led all Eagles pass catchers in targets per game, receiving yards per game, and first read target share. After being traded from the Bills to the Cowboys this offseason, Kaiir Elam’s first test of the season is to try to cover one of the most uncoverable WR’s in the NFL. You can start A.J. Brown with confidence this week in season long, and he should be a great DFS option for the season opener as well.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Roman Wilson	PIT	0 / 0
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Sauce Gardner	NYJ	Risky
After missing all of his rookie season with lower-body injuries, Roman Wilson is expected to start the season as the teams WR2, but he could vey well end up 3rd or 4th in the target order behind Calvin Austin and Jonnu Smith or Pat Freiermuth. It’s tough to know what to expect from Wilson since we didn’t get to see him on the field during his rookie season, but he did log 72 receiving yards on four targets in his last preseason game. While there’s a world where Wilson develops into a #2 option that we might be interested in for fantasy, I won’t be putting him in any of my season long or DFS lineups this week in a tough matchup against Jets CB Sauce Gardner.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Russell Gage Jr.	SF	N/A / 0
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Josh Jobe	SEA	Safe
Russell Gage Jr. might be the WR3 while Brandon Aiyuk is out, but there’s no reason for us to expect much if any production out of him since he will likely be behind Ricky Pearsall, Jauan Jennings, George Kittle, and Christian McCaffrey for targets. Gage does at least have an easier matchup than Pearsall, but I’m not touching him in season long or DFS this week. If there’s a 2nd 49ers WR that you want to start, it’s Jauan Jennings who is expected to be the primary slot WR to begin the year.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Tory Horton	SEA	0 / 0
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Renardo Green	SF	Risky
This right WR role was initially expected to be filled by Marquez Valdes-Scantling before rookie Tory Horton had such a strong showing during camp and preseason that motivated Seattle to release MVS to make room for Tory Horton to have a more immediate impact on the offense. Horton brings a ton of speed to the table and should be the perfect compliment to JSN and Cooper Kupp. While the target volume might not always be there, he will be an intriguing DFS dart throw in plus matchups once he shows that he’s comfortable at the NFL level during regular season action. However, I would wait for an easier matchup before I decide to put Horton in any of my DFS lineups.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Sterling Shepard	TB	5.4 / 4.9
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Mike Hughes	ATL	Risky
With both Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan starting the year on IR, Sterling Shepard has an opportunity to play a role in this offense while they’re in 11 personnel. We probably shouldn’t expect much, as he was on the field for over 300 routes last season and only ended up earning a 10% target share. His underlying metrics don’t exactly scream that he just needs more targets to be productive, so my expectations are not very high despite the opportunity that's in front of him. Whenever you add the tough matchup against Mike Hughes to all of this, Sterling should be avoided in all formats this week.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Calvin Ridley	TEN	12 / 10
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Pat Surtain	DEN	Risky
Calvin Ridley has been one of my favorite targets in fantasy drafts this year, because I don’t believe his ADP accurately reflects the QB upgrade that he got this offseason with the Titans drafting rookie Cam Ward #1 overall. Ridley had the 3rd lowest catchable target percentage among WRs last season, which should improve with Ward now in control of the offense. However, Calvin Ridley season might have to wait a week. Ridley is expected to spend the majority of his day in the Pat Surtain shadow realm, so he’s someone I’m looking to bench in my season long leagues where I can and avoid altogether in DFS.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Noah Brown	WAS	7.8 / 6.3
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Paulson Adebo	NYG	Safe
While Noah Brown is expected to be the right WR for this offense, slot WR Deebo Samuel will likely be the real WR2 for Washington. The departure of Dyami Brown should open up more snaps for Noah Brown, but he’ll likely be competing with TE Zach Ertz to be the third target in this offense. That’s also without factoring in RB Austin Ekeler and his pass catching ability. Last season, Brown was 2nd to only Terry McLaurin in yards per target and yards per reception, so there’s a possibility that Brown and Daniels could connect on some big plays in a beatable matchup against Giants CB Paulson Adebo. I’m not putting him in any season long lineups, but he could be a viable dirt cheap option for DFS this week.

Top Matchups in The Slot for NFL Week 1


Slot WR vs Slot CB
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Zay Flowers	BAL	13.2 / 11
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Taron Johnson	BUF	Safe
I wasn’t in love with Zay Flowers price tag during fantasy drafts this season due to the low passing volume of this Ravens offense, but there’s a lot to like for week 1. While the fantasy value has been hit or miss, Flowers being a talented WR is without question. Among WR’s with at least 75 targets last year, Flowers was 10th in yards after the catch per reception, 14th in yards per route run, and 17th in targets per route run. In a week where the Ravens will likely need to put up points to keep up with the Buffalo Bills, Flowers should be a solid play in a plus matchup.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Khalil Shakir	BUF	12.4 / 9.8
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Marlon Humphrey	BAL	Risky
The Bills offense is about a strange as they come, because Josh Allen is one of the best QBs that this league has to offer, yet nobody wants his top option in the passing game from last season. Honestly, it’s tough to blame them. Khalil Shakir was the only Bills pass catcher to be able to eclipse a 20% target share last season and still only finished as the WR43 in half PPR points per game. Shakir’s role in the Bills offense offers a safe floor, but not much upside. In a week with a tough matchup against Marlon Humphrey, I’d look elsewhere in season long leagues unless you’re a heavy favorite that just needs a safe play in their flex.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
CeeDee Lamb	DAL	18.2 / 14.8
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Cooper DeJean	PHI	Risky
It’s tough to know if the addition of George Pickens will change anything with the Cowboys WR alignment, but last season CeeDee Lamb saw over 50% of his snaps in the slot. This sets up for a tough matchup with Cooper DeJean, but that shouldn’t scare you away from starting him. Lamb is firmly in the “start your studs” category, regardless of the matchup. After earning a 24% target share and 31% first read share last season, the volume and the talent should both be there to overcome the difficult CB assignments.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Amon-Ra St. Brown	DET	19.7 / 16.2
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Javon Bullard	GB	Safe
Coming off of back-to-back seasons as a top 5 fantasy WR, Amon-Ra St. Brown is set up to start off strong once again in 2025 with a plus matchup against the Green Bay secondary. Even with his targets coming down some compared to 2023, St. Brown was still the go-to guy in this passing offense, leading the team with a 25% target share. Combine that with the fact that Goff looks for him in the end zone, leading the team with 10 end zone targets last year, Amon-Ra has the chance to get off to a hot start.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Josh Downs	IND	13.3 / 10.8
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Jason Marshall Jr.	MIA	Safe
Despite poor QB play, Josh Downs established himself as a key piece of this Colts passing attack last season, leading the team in targets per game, receiving yards per game, yards per route run, and first read target percentage. While it remains to be seen if it’ll be the case or not, the Colts are clearly hoping that Daniel Jones will provide an upgrade at QB compared to what Downs played with last season. Downs has a great opportunity in front of him in week 1, expecting to line up against 5th round rookie Jason Mashall Jr.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Travis Hunter	JAC	0 / 0
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Chau Smith-Wade	CAR	Safe
Travis Hunter is a difficult evaluation for fantasy football, not due to questions about his talent, but about how often he’ll play on each side of the ball. Early indications are that he will be more of a full-time player at WR and part-time player at CB, but I’d understand if you would want to wait and see before starting him in your season long league or investing in him for DFS. However, it could be a good week to take the gamble while everyone else waits, because he has an exploitable matchup in week 1 against Chau Smith-Wade.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Ladd McConkey	LAC	16.9 / 14.2
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Trent McDuffie	KC	Risky
While there might be questions of how much passing volume will be there for the Chargers offense, there’s no questioning how great Ladd McConkey was last season. As a rookie, Ladd finished as the WR18 in fantasy points per game, and finished the season strong with 7 straight games inside the top 24 fantasy WRs to finish the season. Even with Keenan Allen back in Los Angeles, McConkey is still expected to be the #1 option in this passing offense. Despite the tough matchup, he’s still someone that will be tough to bench in season long formats, but there’s probably other DFS options with more upside this week.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
DeVonta Smith	PHI	14.5 / 11.4
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
DaRon Bland	DAL	Risky
The 2021 Heisman winner DeVonta Smith has been about as solid as they come throughout his career, averaging at least 6 targets per game in each of his first four NFL seasons. He should be projected to continue to operate as the Eagles #2 option in the passing attack, but he draws the toughest competition of any Philadelphia WR this week. While he might be known for breaking the NFL single-season record for interceptions returned for a touchdown, he also boasts an impressive 71.4 PFF coverage grade.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Cooper Kupp	SEA	14.2 / 11.6
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Upton Stout	SF	Safe
While I don’t think Cooper Kupp is completely washed, the numbers from last year don’t look great. Among the 50 WR’s with at least 85 targets last season, Kupp was 24th in yards per route run and 38th in 1st downs per route run. He was still able to earn targets at a high level when he was on the field, coming in at 5th among WR’s in targets per route run, but it’s hard to expect the chemistry he had with Matthew Stafford to carry over to his new QB Sam Darnold. Kupp will likely be the #2 target in this offense, and he does possess some touchdown upside with how smart of a WR he is and how well he operates in the red zone. He gets to start the year by welcoming San Fracisco’s 2025 3rd round draft pick Upton Stout to the NFL in his first career start. This could provide Kupp a chance to get off to a good start and possibly present some sell high opportunities for fantasy managers.
Wide Receiver	Team	DK / FD PPG
Emeka Egbuka	TB	0 / 0
Cornerback	Opp	Matchup
Billy Bowman Jr.	ATL	Safe
There might not be a player that shot up draft boards more over the last month than Emeka Egbuka did as it became more and more clear that Chris Godwin would not be healthy to start the year. Combine that with Jalen McMillan also starting the season on IR, and now you’ve got a full-on hype train. However, it’s for good reason. Egbuka was a very strong NFL draft prospect, and the Buccaneers clearly recognized that whenever they selected him 19th overall in the NFL draft despite having one of the deeper WR rooms in the league. I’m sure they’re even more thankful they did with how unkind injuries have been to their WR room so far this offseason, and Egbuka should have the opportunity to produce right away. Egbuka will kick off his career against a fellow rookie, expected to line up against Billy Bowman Jr., who Atlanta took with the 118th overall pick in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

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