NFL Fantasy 2025 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Wide receivers for Week 5

Last week’s dud felt much different than in Week 1, when Jalen Hurts rarely looked Brown's way. Against the Bucs last week, Brown saw nine targets, a 38 percent target share and 73 percent air yard share. I know Brown has underwhelmed for the most part this season and fantasy managers are frustrated, but he is averaging nine targets per game over the last three weeks. Brown is now getting the volume; combine that with his talent and his upside is too high to pass up even against a tough Broncos D. Plus, if you believe in squeaky wheel games -- or in this case, a let's keep our star receiver happy game -- big numbers should be on tap.

Wilson had a very good outing Monday night and could have had a great one if not for a penalty taking a second TD off the board. He has 21 targets in his last two games, posting 80-plus yards in each contest, and has scored a touchdown in three of four games this season. Wilson has a fantastic matchup against the Cowboys, who have allowed the most yards and TDs to receivers this season. They have also been torched on deep throws, allowing over 200 more yards than any other team on such passes. Play Wilson in this matchup.

A lot of people owe Johnston an apology. He's showing up for this Chargers offense and for his fantasy managers as well. He leads the team in target and air yard share and is second in end zone targets. Johnston had 14.9 points in his worst fantasy game this season. He is a must-start option until that changes. Allen is behind Johnston in target and air yard share and leads the team in end zone targets. This week's opponent, Washington, has allowed the ninth-most yards to receivers this season and struggles against the deep ball -- which is great for Johnston. Look to get both players in the lineup.

The Chiefs offense vastly improved with Worthy back on the field. The speedster led them in targets (eight), receiving yards (83) and rushing yards (38) against the Ravens, good for 17 fantasy points. This week, he has an opportunity to build on that performance, as the Jaguars have allowed the 12th-most yards to WRs. They also have allowed the third-most yards to receivers lined up out wide, which is where Worthy lined up on nearly 70 percent of his routes last week. The upside is sky high until Rashee Rice returns. Marquise Brown is a sleeper in this one.  

The Giants have allowed the most catches and second-most FPPG to receivers this season. Olave has the second-most targets in the league behind only Puka Nacua. The Saints' No. 1 wideout has had double-digit targets in three of four games. That sort of volume is too valuable to pass on. Plus, the Giants have given up the fourth-most yards on deep passes, and we know Olave can win against DBs downfield. Olave brings a higher ceiling than usual this week. 

I admit I was too low on Samuel coming into the season. He has topped 17 fantasy points in three of his first four games with the Commanders. With Terry McLaurin dealing with a quad injury, he could be the top target for Washington again this week. The ceiling is high with the Chargers giving up the fourth-most yards to slot receivers and the fifth-most YAC to receivers this season. Samuel is a strong play if Jayden Daniels suits up.

Thomas had his best fantasy game of the season last week, finishing with 10.6 fantasy points. He has been targeted more than seven times in only one game this season. Even when the ball is thrown his way, it hasn't gone well. Thomas has caught just 37.5 percent of his targets this season, which has led to him owning the fourth-lowest catchable target rate. Plus, the Chiefs have allowed the fifth-fewest yards to WRs lining up out wide, which is where Thomas lines up 71 percent of the time. Right now, he is more of a buy-low candidate than a must-start. You'll likely have to stick with him in deep leagues, but turn to another option if you have one.

It was awesome to see Diggs doing his thing again. He had his best game as a Patriot last week, turning seven targets (42 percent share) into six catches for 101 yards. Diggs was the clear top receiver for Drake Maye, so why sit him now? Well, the Bills have allowed just 126 passing yards per game this season, the fewest in the NFL. In the last three weeks, they have held Garrett Wilson, Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Chris Olave to 50 yards or less. Diggs could make me look foolish because he loves the prime-time stage, but this matchup is tough to trust.

Godwin was heavily utilized in his first game of the 2025 season. He was targeted 10 times but finished with three catches for 26 yards. He might still be rusty against the Seahawks defense, which has allowed the third-fewest FPPG to receivers and the third-fewest yards to WRs lined up out wide. Last week, Godwin lined up out wide on 67 percent of his snaps. Play it safe and look elsewhere. 

It's been tough sledding for the Bengals offense. In the last two games with Jake Browningat QB, Higgins has finished with 15 and 32 receiving yards, respectively. He is averaging 34 yards and 7.4 FPPG on the season. Simply put, you can't trust Higgins right now. There isn't much upside and his floor is too low. Ja'Marr Chase might be worth a dice roll against the Lions, but even that feels risky.  

Through the first month of the season, Jeudy has averaged 7.8 fantasy points per game. The struggles could continue this week against the Vikings, who have allowed the fewest yards to receivers lined up out wide, where Jeudy has played 83 percent of his snaps in 2025. Brian Flores' unit has also allowed the fewest FPPG to receivers. Outside of one long touchdown to DK Metcalf, they have been very tough on the position.

Unfortunately, Ridley has reached unusable territory. He is quickly heading into drop range. Not only has he scored fewer than nine fantasy points in each game so far, but the usage is getting even worse. Last week, he played just 54 percent of snaps, which was third among receivers on the Titans. He ran just 12 routes, fifth on his own team. Stay far away until this trend reverses course.