The Blueprint is my weekly column and basically everything that I use to build out the most accurate rankings I can. There will be an RB column, this WR column and a combination column on the onesie positions. You will find film notes and endless charts. Maybe enough charts to stress test the Yahoo website. I kid.
It's impossible to get every ranking thoroughly by Thursday Night Football, so be sure to keep checking in on these columns through Sunday morning. As always, my full rankings at every position are available.
1. Puka Nacua (vs. ARI) - 89.5 proj. receiving yards
Nacua is going to be really sore. His 24 targets were not just a career high but also the most since 2009, when Brandon Marshall set the NFL record. His 37.0 expected half PPR points were the most since at least 2022 when I built my model, too. The Rams aren't quite as explosive this year, which meant a healthy 44% target share on relentless quick-hitting routes against the Bills. Despite the pre-hernia issue, Nacua is half PPR's per-game WR2 on WR1 overall usage.
The Cardinals defense has surrendered the fourth-most half PPR points per game to WRs this season, and the Rams enter with a week-high implied team total of 33 points (first). Nacua has a 3-game streak of 100+ receiving yards against them, and the Rams hung 37 and 45 points, respectively, against them last year.
2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (at DEN) - 89.5 proj. receiving yards
JSN is the WR1 on WR3 usage this season, averaging an elite 117 YPG even with backup Drew Lock and a regressed Sam Darnold not playing as well as last year. Smith-Njigba’s 33% target share over the past month and the state of Seattle’s RB room give him the highest floor among WRs. A minor ankle injury that he played through last game is the only new thing to "worry" about short term, but he’s not on the injury report for TNF.
Denver ranks 29th in half PPR points allowed to opposing WRs, but they are suddenly really injured. Superstar CB1 Pat Surtain (ankle) is doubtful, SS Talanoa Hufanga (ankle) is out and CB2 Riley Moss (ribs) is questionable. This isn't the standout defense it's been for the past 2-5 years. Seattle has a 21.75-point implied total (17th) on the road on a short week.
3. Drake London (vs. CHI) - 89.5 proj. receiving yards
London has been the WR2, WR24 and WR16 in the three games with Michael Penix Jr. in the mix this year, and he's been a top-five WR if we include Penix starts from years prior. He's cleared 95 yards in all three games on a 31% target share as one of the best fantasy WR1s out there.
The Bears were just destroyed by Christian Watson and Matthew Golden last week (50.6 WR points allowed), and they won't have EDGE1 Montez Sweat due to suspension this time around. It's possible slot CB Kyler Gordon makes his debut, but London is just way better than Chicago’s starting CBs in 1-on-1 matchups. Atlanta is a 3-point home underdog with an implied total of 22.75 points (12th).
4. CeeDee Lamb (at GB) - 79.5 proj. receiving yards
Lamb surprisingly dudded last week and had to battle with a late-game quad bruise, but that was the outlier game. He's still the WR4 on WR5 usage this season, averaging 101 yards per game on the second-most receptions per game (7.8). His 28% target share is in line with what it was last year, with George Pickens operating as his lower-volume, albeit star secondary threat. Both can be excellent fantasy assets in this high-flying offense, especially with LG Tyler Smith back.
Green Bay ranks 23rd in half PPR points allowed to opposing WRs, but it’s faced backup QBs in back-to-back games. Drake London hung 28.4 points on them in Week 3 with his starter, and Garrett Wilson was the WR15 with his starter. Dallas heads on the road carrying a 25.5-point implied total (seventh). This should be an absolute shootout with the Pack projected for 27.0 points.
5. Christian Watson (vs. DAL) - 79.5 proj. receiving yards
Watson is the fantasy MVP when adjusting for ADP:
He's the WR3 on WR12 usage this season, maintaining his usual elite efficiency but on far more volume. His 7.8 targets per game are 16th in the league, and they happen both in the end zone and way down the field, where usage is most valuable. Watson is also undersold in ability. He's a well-rounded player at this point with truly special athleticism and size. Nothing about this is fake. He's one of the best quick out and slant WRs in the league all of a sudden.
The Cowboys are a total joke in the pass game once again. Nico Collins (WR3), Zay Flowers on a couple dozen snaps (WR23) and Stefon Diggs (WR8) have had standout outings against them. It's not a surprise to see the Packers projected for 27.0 points (fourth) while at home. I can't wait for this game.
6. Chris Olave (at NYG) - 79.5 proj. receiving yards
Olave has commanded heavy downfield attention, ranking as the WR14 in half PPR per game on WR7 expected points over his last four outings. He recorded double-digit targets in three straight contests from Weeks 2-4, before a predictably tough matchup with the Vikings sunk him to a season-low in all categories while Tyler Shough battled it out with a broken left hand and a backup LT.
New Orleans holds an implied total of 23.5 points (10th) as 1.5-point road favorites in a slightly easier matchup, but don't take the Giants as pushovers. They've allowed the eighth-fewest pass yards per game (210) this season and were doing a Brian Flores impression against the Commanders for a chunk of the game last week. New York's pass rush should be a problem for the Saints, but they don't have high-end starters in the secondary. This should be a neutral spot for Olave all around.
7. Nico Collins (at JAX) - 69.5 proj. receiving yards
Collins is the WR5 on WR10 usage this year. I have extended thoughts in another column on how he and Marvin Harrison Jr. can fit together, but long story short — Collins is 5x better on film and Harrison can be a nice upgrade in a more creative role over the Xavier Hutchinson and Kayshon Boutte types. Collins will remain in this deep downfield and quick-hitting role as the clear alpha. Perhaps his red-zone dominance takes a hit moving forward, as a low-end WR1. I do think the Texans' season-high 63% neutral pass rate should be their plan moving forward with their pass game so much better than their rushing attack.
The Jaguars rank ninth in fantasy points allowed per game to opposing WR rooms this season. Tee Higgins posted 11 catches for 157 yards on 16 targets against Jacksonville in Week 4, and Jaylen Waddle produced 138 yards on eight receptions back in Week 2 for his lone good game of the year. Teams facing Jacksonville have the highest neutral pass rate in the NFL because they have absolute units up front who have allowed a league-low 64 rushing YPG. Houston's implied team total sits at 19.75 points (22nd), but I'm expecting enough dropbacks to overcome the lowly total.
8. Mike Evans (vs. WAS) - 79.5 proj. receiving yards
Evans set season highs across the board last week with Deebo Samuel Sr., De'Zhaun Stribling, Christian Kirk, Demarcus Robinson and others injured at WR. It's just him and Brandin Cooks now. Evans was the WR6 on WR5 usage last week, dunking on a potent Seahawks defense. Another 38% target share wouldn't be a surprise in the league's best offense through five games.
This matchup goes from difficult to easy, too. Washington ranks fifth in fantasy points allowed per game to opposing WRs this season. Just this month, the Commanders have allowed a WR4 finish to Malik Nabers, a WR1 overall finish to JSN and a WR3 overall finish to CeeDee Lamb. They play "birds on a fence" Cover 0 defense often, and Evans has a major size advantage over Mike Sainristil. San Francisco is favored by 7.5 points with a strong implied total of 29 points (third). This will be the highest I'll rank Evans this entire year.
9. Zay Flowers (at CLE) - 59.5 proj. receiving yards
It's amazing Flowers is the WR6 on WR19 usage this season, as two of those games were partial contests and last week's game was with backup QB Tyler Huntley. We straight-up haven't seen much of Flowers and Lamar Jackson yet, and Flowers still leading the NFL in every per-route metric. He's had 25% targets in each contest under OC Declan Doyle, who has used him creatively each week. He had a screen, a man-coverage-schemed slot route hiding behind a "rub" and at-snap motion targets just last week, as an example.
Now he faces a Browns defense that has allowed the seventh-most fantasy points per game to opposing WRs this year. Cleveland surrendered 14 half PPR points and 115 yards to DK Metcalf in Week 4, followed by 19.9 points to Garrett Wilson last week. Flowers will face off with star CB1 Denzel Ward in the Browns' league-leading man defense. Baltimore carries an implied team total of 22.5 points (14th) as 4.5-point road favorites.
10. Malik Nabers (vs. NO) - 69.5 proj. receiving yards
Nabers has seen his workload explode recently with Jameis Winston, averaging out as the WR22 in half PPR points per game on WR10 expected points over his last four games. His volume surged in a bonkers Week 5 OT tie, earning a massive 38% target share with 20 targets, 245 air yards, and 11 receptions for 121 yards and one touchdown. That led to a career-high 31.6 expected half PPR points. He was given screens that showed his best burst of the year, to my eyes, but he really took advantage of risky reps without safety help against the Commanders' struggling CBs. Having that day in the rain should be a big confidence booster, as he's made comments about needing to trust his knee throughout the summer and fall.
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He draws a Saints defense that ranks 20th in fantasy points allowed to opposing WR rooms. New Orleans is a run funnel under two-high DC Brandon Staley. They've allowed the third-most rushing YPG compared to the 20th-most passing YPG (228) this season, with an alarming amount of missed tackles. Justin Jefferson was able to create just enough separation for a WR15 finish last week, but they've done a very good job against everyone else at WR. The Giants carry an implied team total of 22 points (15th) as 1.5-point home favorites.
11. Matthew Golden (vs. DAL) - 69.5 proj. receiving yards
Golden is quickly climbing the best-WR tape rankings as a lightning-fast 23-year-old. He's the WR17 on WR16 usage over the past month with the ability to reach a monster single-game ceiling. His vertical role has fueled elite underlying opportunity, ranking fourth among wideouts with 115 air yards per game. He set a new high in Week 5 by turning seven targets into six receptions for 123 yards against Chicago. Across his past four outings, Golden has posted a steady 22% average target share while clearing 55 receiving yards in three contests.
He gets a favorable home spot against Dallas, who has allowed the 10th-most half PPR points per game to WRs this season. The Cowboys were beaten for 118 yards and two touchdowns by Nico Collins (WR3) in Week 4, followed by six receptions and a rushing touchdown from Emeka Egbuka in Week 5 (WR17). Green Bay is a 1.5-point favorite and carries a strong 27-point implied team total (fourth). I don't think Daron Bland and the boys are ready for this speed on the outside.
12. Davante Adams (vs. ARI) - 59.5 proj. receiving yards
Adams isn't going to win target share leagues, but he is going to get it done while healthy as a fringe WR1. In 19 games with Puka Nacua since 2025, Adams is the WR5 in expected half PPR points on a league-leading red-zone role. He once again had two red-zone scores in Week 5, leading to a WR10 on WR8 finish. That came in spite of Nacua's 24 targets, a record since 2009. Adams has juice early in the season, and the rest of his game is going to age gracefully.
Now Adams catches an Arizona defense allowing the fourth-most half PPR points per game to opposing WRs. The Cardinals just gave up multi-score outings to Jaxon Smith-Njigba (9-155-3) and Jameson Williams (two scores) across recent weeks. The Rams enter as 12.5-point home favorites with a slate-leading 32.5 points (first) implied team total.
13. George Pickens (at GB) - 69.5 proj. receiving yards
Pickens ranks as the WR20 in half PPR points per game on WR8 expected-points usage over his past four appearances. He had a season-high 23.5 half PPR points (WR5) on 19.6 expected half PPR points (WR4), while CeeDee Lamb played through a minor quad injury. His 91 air yards and 8.8 targets over the past month are that of an upside fantasy WR1, especially with a fringe MVP candidate returning his best offensive lineman, LG Tyler Smith. I don't think Lamb will have as much separation in points to Pickens moving forward. They're both awesome players.
On paper, Green Bay is a tough assignment, but they've faced backup QBs in back-to-back games. Before that, Drake London (194 yards) and Garrett Wilson (57-1) had solid games. This is more of a neutral matchup than anything, even after factoring in the outside road environment. The Cowboys are 1.5-point dogs with a strong 25.5-point team total (seventh). This game will be a treat.
14. Garrett Wilson (at NE) - 69.5 proj. receiving yards
Wilson enters Week 6 as half PPR's WR11 on WR17 usage across his last four contests, 14.2+ points in 3 of 4 games. Last week, Wilson was the WR9 on 11 targets and the scheme was encouraging. Browns CB1 Denzel Ward plays on the right side, so the Jets moved Wilson over to the left side on 63% of his snaps. He was also put in motion on some of his right-side snaps to get away from Ward, and it worked all game long. They only matched up ever so often. We'll see if AD Mitchell (finger) can return this week, but if not, Tim Patrick wind sprints are helping Wilson's target share.
This Patriots matchup really depends on whether elite CB1 Christian Gonzalez and CB2 Carlton Davis can suit up. Even without them, New England's defense has been stout in both phases with a physical defensive front. The Jets are 7-point road underdogs with an implied team total of 18.25 points (26th).
15. Parker Washington (vs. HOU) - 59.5 proj. receiving yards
Washington sits as the WR18 in half PPR per game on WR20 expected-points usage over his last four games. He bounced back from a quiet 1-catch showing in Week 4 by exploding for 6-124-2 against Philly. Washington is one of the best contested-catch players in the NFL on tape, and we saw that with a 1-on-1 rep against oversized CB Riq Woolen in the end zone last week. He also exploded on a leak route for a YAC touchdown, showing more speed than given credit for. There's a Steve Smith Sr. element to his game. I think he's that good.
I don't care what the data says about the Texans defense. This is a difficult spot, even if they’ve allowed the second-most fantasy points to WRs. Washington will be hidden away from their top-2 CBs by moving around the formation and will catch their struggling LBs, making his matchup better than Brian Thomas Jr.'s and Jakobi Meyers'. If Jacksonville drops back at a high rate like everyone else has against the Texans, then there should be enough volume for Washington to be valued as a fantasy WR2. Jacksonville is a 3-point home favorite with an implied team total of 22.75 points (13th).
16. Michael Wilson (at LAR) - 59.5 proj. receiving yards
The impact of the Marvin Harrison Jr. trade should be fairly minimal for Wilson, but it's possible his red-zone role increases. It's also a good reminder of how valued Wilson is by the Cardinals. Last week was a big-time disappointment against the Lions, but he was nearly missed on a few downfield throws. Those will even out. Speaking of which, Wilson is the WR27 on WR7 usage this season, as one of the biggest spreadsheet-regression candidates of the year. Fantasy WR1s average 10.0 targets and 93 air yards per game. He's scored like a fantasy WR1 since Week 11 of last year, but recent box scores haven't reflected that yet.
The Rams have allowed the fewest passing yards per game (165) in a well-coached bend-don't-break defense. They will have star CB1 Trent McDuffie on Wilson for chunks of this game, and the Cardinals will have their hands full against this DL without their own star LT Paris Johnson. Arizona heads into Los Angeles as 12.5-point underdogs with an implied total of 20.0 points (20th). It, of course, should be pushed into a garbage-time feast:
17. DeVonta Smith (vs. CAR)
Smith (hamstring) has a chance to return after missing Weeks 4-5, but he was a DNP on Wednesday. The Eagles have had their top neutral pass rate games of the year during them with Saquon Barkley injured and the OL falling apart. That would be a great sign for Smith's WR2 appeal, even if the Philadelphia season is a wasteland.
If he suits up, his matchup against the Panthers' CB backups is a great one. That unit should be able to stop the Eagles' non-existent ground game, forcing the usual sideline shots to Smitty. He's been the WR17 on WR22 usage this season in three healthy games against equally bad Commanders, Titans and Bears defenses.
18. D.J. Moore (at LV) - 49.5 proj. receiving yards
We'll learn more about his AC joint later on.
19. DK Metcalf (at TB) - 49.5 proj. receiving yards
The target competition has taken a big hit with Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson sustaining multi-week injuries. This is a pass-first offense, so Metcalf's WR43 on WR27 usage from this season is the worst-case outcome for him moving forward, even if he's a frustrating player on tape with too many ill-timed drops.
The Buccaneers represent a neutral-to-stingy test, sitting 22nd in half PPR points allowed per game to WRs. Tampa Bay is enjoying a breakout from CB Jacob Parrish and size-speed CB1 Zyon McCollum is playing sticky coverage, but teams are so pass-heavy against them that it's still not enough to shut down fantasy WRs. They allowed WR5, WR10 and WR11 games to deep threats George Pickens, Jordan Addison and Denzel Boston this month. Pittsburgh enters as a 3-point road favorite with an implied team total of 21.75 points (16th).
20. Denzel Boston (vs. BAL) - 59.5 proj. receiving yards
Boston keeps making downfield plays, resulting in touchdowns. He's the WR21 on WR36 usage this season, winning at the catch point and on impressive route running for a massive 6’4”, 210-lbs target. Boston can hit the breaks on stop routes better than most vertical X receivers and really does move like a mini Mike Evans. His 19% target share should go up with KC Concepcion (concussion) not getting cleared in time after his vicious hit from Minkah Fitzpatrick. RBs Quinshon Judkins (ankle) and Rocket Sanders (IR, hip) were also banged up.
Baltimore's secondary has been generous to WRs, ranking 11th in half PPR points allowed to the position at 29.2 points per game. It's been similar big-bodied vertical players who have won in particular, with Drake London (118 yards), Carnell Tate (145), CeeDee Lamb (112) and Chris Olave (86-1) all having top-16 outings this month. Cleveland faces them at home as 4.5-point underdogs with an implied total of 18.0 points (27th). A lot of that should belong to the OROY candidate.
21. Tetairoa McMillan (at PHI) - 69.5 proj. receiving yards
This assumes Jalen Coker (quad) is back. McMillan had a career-best outing without him last game (38.2 half PPR on 21.3 expected points) on a bonkers 41% target share. He was the WR22 on WR22 usage from 2025 Week 10 through Week 3 with Coker, as a more conservative baseline moving forward. The upside is more evident than ever.
The Eagles' matchup may look easy on the spreadsheets (sixth most points to WRs), but they are healthier than ever now. Their starters at CB, LB and DT are back to normal, while their new S and DE rooms are still looking to improve. This should be a top-five defense moving forward. That said, McMillan can stress teams across the middle where they've been most vulnerable. A lower-than-normal 20.5-point team total (19th) is the final evidence to treat him as a fantasy WR2 than WR1.
22. Terry McLaurin (at SF)
We'll learn more about Stefon Diggs' (hamstring) availability later on. McLaurin drew a DPI in addition to his 4-62-0 receiving line without Diggs last week in rainy conditions. His tape looks good as usual.
San Francisco presents a stiff test, ranking 25th in half PPR points allowed to opposing WRs (23.0). The top-end WRs have fared well (Jaxson Smith-Njigba was the WR8 and Michael Wilson was the WR4), but everyone else has been stifled despite facing positive game script. Washington will be pushed to throw, and Jayden Daniels will have All-Pro LB Fred Warner tracking his every move as a scrambler. A 21.5-point team total (19th) will have to come through the air more than normal here.
23. Jalen Coker (at PHI) - 59.5 proj. receiving yards
We'll learn more about his status later this week. Coker has been the WR6 on WR13 usage over his past four games, including the Panthers’ NFL Playoff loss.
The Eagles' matchup may look easy on the spreadsheets (sixth most points to WRs), but they are healthier than ever now. Their starters at CB, LB and DT are back to normal, while their new S and DE rooms are still looking to improve. This should be a top-5 defense moving forward. That said, Coker can stress teams across the middle where they've been most vulnerable. A lower-than-normal 20.5-point team total (19th) is the final evidence to treat him as a fantasy WR2/3 than WR1.
24. Josh Downs (vs. TEN) - 49.5 proj. receiving yards
I regret to inform you it is another "Josh Downs Week." What can go wrong?
Downs has flopped since the Alec Pierce injury, but he is the WR25 in expected half PPR points over the past month on 7.3 targets per game as Indy’s best wideout. The Colts' lack of a downfield presence is going to hurt their efficiency throughout and funnel even more passes underneath to Downs and Tyler Warren. He's gone under or even with his expected points total in eight straight games, however, so we can only get somewhat optimistic, even when things do look good on paper.
The Titans rank 12th in half PPR points allowed per game to opposing WR rooms, and upon review, a lot of that is on underneath passes specifically. They've allowed the second-most points to WRs on passes under 10 air yards. Undersized WRs like Jaylin Noel (WR19), Zay Flowers (WR6) and DeVonta Smith (WR6) have given them issues. Indianapolis heads into this divisional clash with a 25.75-point implied team total (sixth) as a 7-point home favorite.
25. Luther Burden III (at ATL) - 49.5 proj. receiving yards
The Bears are getting Caleb Williams back this week, and they've really only had one game together in normal conditions this year. We can't throw out the rest of the season, but I'm unsure if it's that helpful moving forward. The only real stock I'm putting into things for Burden is that he's up to 79% of routes now and has a 22% target share this season. Those are good enough to be an every-week WR3 if the Bears offense lives up to the hype. He's the WR30 on WR14 usage this season. There's an easy argument for positive regression.
Atlanta has surrendered plenty of production to pass catchers, ranking eighth in half PPR points allowed to WRs at 30.4 points per contest. They're missing CB1 AJ Terrell and their top pure pass rushers, while only allowing 80 rush YPG so far. It's a pass funnel in neutral spots. Chicago is a 3-point road favorite with an implied team total of 26.0 points (fifth), so this is undeniably a good spot for all pass catchers.
26. Rome Odunze (at ATL) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards
We can't throw out what happened in the last four games, but the reality is we have one game with Caleb Williams in normal conditions this season and that was when Odunze was a part-time player coming off injury. Now healthy, Odunze played 99% of snaps last week as the primary deep threat. His hands have been extremely frustrating once again, leaving dozens of fantasy points on the field. He's only the WR59 on WR31 usage this month, as a positive regression candidate. At some point though, Odunze simply has to make more plays.
Atlanta has surrendered plenty of production to pass catchers, ranking eighth in half PPR points allowed to WRs at 30.4 points per contest. They're missing CB1 AJ Terrell and their top pure pass rushers, while only allowing 80 rush YPG so far. It's a pass funnel in neutral spots. Chicago is a 3-point road favorite with an implied team total of 26.0 points (fifth), so this is undeniably a good spot for all pass catchers.
27. Romeo Doubs (vs. NYJ)
Doubs didn't produce in the box score, but he did draw a couple of DPIs and was given jump-ball opportunities in the end zone multiple times last week. The pathway to a spike week is pretty evident on film. He is the WR29 on WR41 usage this month without A.J. Brown, so even with some plays left on the field, Doubs is in the fantasy WR3 conversation after the offense seemed to take a big leap forward in Week 5.
The Jets' defensive numbers look great on paper, but rainy conditions and poor QB play explain a lot of that. They don't have high-end CB or EDGE talent right now, and we'll eventually see that play out. The betting markets agree. New England is favored by seven points at home with an implied total of 25.25 points (ninth). Big-bodied WRs Denzel Boston (WR20), Rome Odunze (WR21) and Christian Watson (WR18) were just fine against them in recent outings.
28. Jaylen Waddle (vs. SEA) - 49.5 proj. receiving yards
Waddle is just not nearly as involved as I thought he'd be this year and is tracking to be a Round 4 bust as a weekly WR3. He's the WR31 on WR32 usage this month, and last week's game with Sean Payton calling plays didn't move the needle (WR40 usage). Denver had its lowest neutral pass rate of the year (43%) last week, for what it's worth.
Waddle only has five receptions for five yards on screens and has caught 2-of-6 targets on 15+ air-yard throws this season. This is where the usage isn't lining up as planned. Waddle has a 25% target share this month with a couple runs sprinkled in, but he hasn't had his signature YAC moment yet, while adding more drops than normal. His 1.34 yards per route run is a career low. The efficiency will rebound, but hopes of top-20 usage seem misguided.
Seattle's defense represents a difficult challenge, allowing the 30th-most half PPR points per game to WRs. The Seahawks have largely stifled opposing boundary wideouts, though Mike Evans did manage seven catches for 113 yards and a score against them in Week 5 by winning with size that Waddle doesn't have. Denver is listed as a 3-point home underdog with an implied team total of 18.75 points (23rd).
29. Devaughn Vele (at NYG) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards
Vele has been a winner of the Saints' (predictable) dropback scam, but the walls are caving in on the Saints without LT Kelvin Banks Jr. (ankle) and with Tyler Shough apparently playing with a left fractured hand. Teams are teeing off on their protection, and there's a breaking point with Shough's ability to throw under pressure. Vele's 6.9 expected half PPR points last week were a season low. He's still the WR26 on WR20 usage this season, but I'm recalibrating the faith.
The Giants rank 17th against fantasy receivers this season, giving up 25.8 half PPR points per game to the position. New York was torched by Davante Adams for 195 yards and two touchdowns in Week 2, but it’s otherwise been more of a run-funnel defense. They've ranked 26th in pass YPG (210) while being ninth in rush YPG (128). It's not that we can bank on any Saints' rushing attack here, nor are we actually threatened by the Giants' secondary, but the data is interesting. Treat Vele as a passable WR3 with the Saints projected for 23.5 points (10th) as road favorites.
30. Carnell Tate (at IND) - 49.5 proj. receiving yards
The Titans are painful. I've watched every game this season, and it's the offense with the fewest "normal" completions. It's either checkdowns, RPOs or out of structure. There aren't even the prayers deep that we can point to as upside opportunities. Tate is their best player, but he's the WR50 on WR29 usage this season despite seeing 7.4 targets per game. They're rarely near the end zone, and they're only on target half the time. It will be hard to project the weeks when things randomly come together. I'm losing whatever Cam Ward faith was remaining.
The Colts defense ranks 15th in half PPR points allowed to opposing WRs, yielding 26.6 points per game. Fellow rookie Germie Bernard had 84 scoreless yards last week against them while working some in-breakers and low-end deep threats Tyquan Thornton (80 yards) and Treylon Burks (47-1) have had nice games against them, too. The Colts have allowed 268 passing yards per game, and the Titans should have their usual passing game script as 7-point road dogs. They carry an 18.75-point team total (25th). It's been lower than that this year.
31. Ladd McConkey (at KC)
McConkey (foot) was only available in emergency fashion last week but could play in Week 6. It's hard to calibrate what his fantasy value is because he hasn't been available enough, so using per-route data is somewhat helpful. His 1.91 yards per route is solid but 19% targets per route in an offense that's dead last in EPA behind the worst OL in the NFL is a tough pill to swallow, until McConkey proves his health. The Chargers have a 17-point team total against the Chiefs, who have physical CBs and an elite play-caller coming off a bye week. They've allowed the fewest fantasy points to WRs this year, against an easy schedule to be fair.
32. Xavier Worthy (vs. LAC)
This assumes Rashee Rice (hamstring) and Tyquan Thornton (IR) are out.
Worthy is the WR59 on WR40 usage this season but was the WR41 on WR33 usage, a 26% target share and 115 air yards in Week 4 after both receivers left with injuries. They don't have starting-caliber replacements behind him, even if Worthy has very clear limitations on tape.
The Chargers rank 16th in half PPR points allowed to WRs, giving up 26.3 points per game. They allowed explosive pass plays to Tre Tucker for 119 yards and one score in Week 2 but have slowed speedsters down since then, even limiting JSN to 76 yards in Week 4. The matchup is easier if SCB Derwin James and CB2 Donte Jackson can't suit up again. Kansas City enters as home favorites with an implied team total of 25.5 points (eighth). You can do worse than dart-throwing with Patrick Mahomes during bye weeks.
33. Emeka Egbuka (vs. PIT) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards
Egbuka is the Bucs’ best pass-catcher by far, and the offense does build their go-to plays through him on tape. He's in motion often and should have better days when the QB play cooperates. Egbuka is not the most explosive player, but he can be a Jakobi Meyers presence at the very worst, with better skills for a flanker/slot role than as a downfield X receiver. He is playing inside more often this year with Ted Hurst taking on the vertical role, but it's asking a lot for an undrafted rookie QB to make these throws. Egbuka has been the WR66 and WR7 in expected points with Jalon Daniels under center, and that sums up the unpredictability of the situation. Egbuka is the WR32 on WR28 usage, smoothing out the entire season.
Pittsburgh represents a stingy test through the air, ranking 27th in WR half PPR points allowed at 22.3 per game. While Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins each topped 90 receiving yards and a touchdown against them in Week 3, the Colts and Browns failed to have a top-30 WR in recent games. This pass rush is intimidating, and the betting markets agree. Tampa Bay is a 3-point home underdog with an implied team total of 18.75 points (24th).
34. Germie Bernard (at TB) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards
Bernard is going to be a full-time player with Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson missing multiple weeks moving forward. He saw a career-high nine targets, 30% target share and 12.0 expected half PPR points last week with them missing. He'll play the flanker and slot positions, while DK Metcalf stresses defenses vertically as the X receiver. Bernard is trusted by Aaron Rodgers to win on underneath and intermediate in-breaking routes. He has made some very critical mistakes via drops or not knowing the play, but they have no choice but to live with them. His size, toughness and versatility are positive traits to build around.
Tampa Bay enters Week 6 ranked 22nd against fantasy receivers, allowing 24.2 half PPR points per game. While they were roasted for 130 yards and a score by George Pickens in Week 5, they held Green Bay's top receiver to 47 yards in Week 4 and have been stout with CBs Zyon McCollum and Jacob Parrish playing solid ball. Pittsburgh heads on the road as a 3-point favorite with an implied total of 21.75 points (16th).
35. Kendrick Bourne (at LAR) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards
Bourne's first game without Marvin Harrison Jr. resulted in a WR28 finish on WR16 expected half PPR points. He was a fine start due to predictable garbage-time stuffing, but Bourne is a valued underneath target and the Cardinals defense can't stop anyone. Things likely won't be as lopsided as they were last week against the Lions, but Bourne is looking like one of the better WR3/4 PPR scams of 2026. I don't think new starter, Jalen Brooks, is going to draw many targets as a slow vertical threat.
The Rams defense is a problem. They've allowed the fewest passing YPG (165). Some tertiary options like Darius Cooper and Pat Bryant have snuck in decent box scores against them, but it's an uphill climb to bank on that. The 12.5-point dog environment is somewhat exciting for projectable dropbacks, but Arizona carries a 20.0-point team total. You know what you sign up for when you go PPR-scam hunting.
36. Tre Tucker (vs. BUF) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards
Tucker has three straight games between 5.5 and 6.3 half PPR points with Brock Bowers back in the lineup. He has been the WR30, WR18 and WR61 in expected points based on his usage, however, so there's a little bit more hope for fantasy WR3/4 value during the bye weeks. The Raiders' WR depth is horrific with Jalen Nailor (concussion) not practicing again, and Tucker's downfield chops fit with coach Klint Kubiak's play-action scheme. A 14% target share from Week 5 with a minimal red-zone role won't cut it, however. He's best treated as a deep TD-or-bust dart throw. Tucker is the WR33 on WR38 usage this season, with his lone spike week coming sans Bowers.
The Bills defense represents an appealing on-paper spot, ranking dead last against fantasy WRs (34.4 half PPR per game). They've been roasted underneath by Puka Nacua (WR2 overall), Romeo Doubs (WR8) and Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR4), but those players are the antithesis to how Tucker wins. Buffalo has allowed the most WR points on throws under 20 air yards but just the 11th-most on throws over 15 air yards. It's still a great matchup with an underrated 23.25-point team total. We'll see if the scheme is tinkered with to fit their vulnerabilities.
37. Jakobi Meyers (vs. HOU) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards
Meyers is the WR40 on WR63 usage this year in a very volatile role in a high-flying offense. He's mostly an intermediate threat without a manufactured touch role, but Meyers can make plays in the red zone and over the middle, where the Texans have struggled more than normal this year. Jacksonville is 14th in projected points (22.75) in Europe's "home" game. He'll see some CB1 Derek Stingley here. It's a bad matchup, even if they've been dunked on at times this year. I don't see Meyers doing that here.
38. Wan'Dale Robinson (at IND) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards
Robinson is the WR35 on WR41 usage this season in half PPR formats. The floor doesn't exist for this offense, but it's a good sign that he's cleared at least 7.8 expected half PPR points in three straight games and is averaging 6.0 targets across the season. I can't say anything in this offense is wowing me, aside from some of their offensive linemen and I don't see that changing this year.
Tennessee holds an implied team total of 18.75 points (25th) this week against a pretty weak Colts defense that's allowed the sixth-most rushing YPG (130) and the fifth-most passing YPG (268). A dome environment against a bad defense is the best time to believe in the PPR scam. The Titans are expected to lose by a score.
39. Dontayvion Wicks (vs. CAR)
Wicks saw his workload peak in Week 5, setting a season-high 10.3 expected half PPR points on eight targets and 110 air yards. He was just missed on a Cover 0 blitz, but the Eagles at least made some schematic changes in Week 5 to give them a chance. Of course, Wicks' WR77 and WR32 finishes during DeVonta Smith's absence are a sign that there's not much doing in terms of fantasy value if he returns this week. If Saquon Barkley misses again, then the Eagles could be a pass-first offense for the first time in forever and that could be enough for Wicks to hold onto WR4 value. He's been the WR36 on WR42 usage this season.
The Panthers are missing their top-two CBs and fellow outside deep threat Jameson Williams posted 102 receiving yards in Week 4 without them before the bye. Carolina looks like a pass-funnel defense on paper. Philadelphia sits as a 1.5-point home favorite with an implied team total of 21.5 points (18th).
40. Khalil Shakir (at LV)
41. Brandin Cooks (vs. WAS)
42. Rashod Bateman (at CLE) - 24.5 proj. receiving yards
Bateman's volume has swung between extremes, cratering at two targets and a 7% target share in Week 4 before rebounding to six targets (19% target share) for five receptions and 62 yards in Week 5 when pushed to overtime by the Falcons. Bateman should have better value when Lamar Jackson returns from his minor ankle injury, and I've enjoyed the OC Declan Doyle offense each week, but Bateman is pure desperation when Zay Flowers is healthy. Remember: Bateman had a real goose egg in Week 1. The loss of Isaiah Likely and washedness of Mark Andrews does open up more potential for Bateman as the No. 2 target in this 2026 offense. He's played decent ball on tape as an intermediate route runner.
Cleveland ranks seventh in half PPR points allowed to opposing wide receivers this season, though recent weeks have shown mixed results against secondary options. Roman Wilson had a 74-1 game two weeks ago, but nobody on the Jets beyond Garrett Wilson did anything. The Ravens are 4.5-point favorites with an implied team total of 22.5 points (14th).
43. Keenan Allen (vs. TEN) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards
44. Kalif Raymond (at ATL) - 24.5 proj. receiving yards
45. Marvin Harrison Jr. (at JAX) - 24.5 proj. receiving yards
I wrote an entire column on him on Yahoo Sports. Read words in 2026, like you're doing now. It's great for your brain.
46. Chris Godwin Jr. (vs. PIT) - 24.5 proj. receiving yards
47. Ryan Flournoy (at GB) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards
48. Keon Coleman (at LV)
Coleman was bailed out by a rub route red-zone score in Week 5 with DJ Moore (AC joint) ruled out. It was his lone target of the game with Buffalo starting with a run play on 71% of their series. That's a reflection of the WR group they had. Coleman has been better this year, but his limitations are still real and keep him as an improved role player, not a featured player. He won't sustain this WR34 on WR68 start.
The Raiders rank 13th in half PPR points allowed to opposing WRs, yielding 27.4 points per game. Las Vegas was tagged for three receiving scores by New England wideouts last week, following Chris Olave's 9-catch, 107-yard showing in Week 3. Buffalo sports an implied team total of 29.25 points (second), so there's a chance for another TD if you're extremely desperate.
49. Brian Thomas Jr. (vs. HOU) - 14.5 proj. receiving yards
50. Jaylin Noel (at JAX)
51. Darius Cooper (vs. CAR)
52. Courtland Sutton (vs. SEA) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards
Sutton ranks as half PPR's WR81 on WR54 expected half PPR points usage over his last four appearances. His weekly target totals have hovered between three and six looks, leaving him with a forgettable TD-or-bust profile. Denver hasn't been scoring many TDs this year either.
Seattle ranks 30th in half PPR points allowed to wide receivers, surrendering only 20.4 points per game to the position. Denver carries a modest implied total of 18.75 points (23rd) as a 3-point home underdog. Sutton will attempt to replicate the Mike Evans' 50/50 balls on CB2 Josh Jobe on a short week.
53. DeMario Douglas (vs. NYJ)
54. Antonio Williams (at SF)
55. Malachi Fields (vs. NO) - 24.5 proj. receiving yards
56. Xavier Hutchinson (at JAX)
57. Isaiah Williams (at NE)
58. Makai Lemon (vs. CAR)
59. Cooper Kupp (at DEN) - 24.5 proj. receiving yards
60. Efton Chism III (vs. NYJ)
61. Rashid Shaheed (at DEN) - 24.5 proj. receiving yards
62. John Metchie III (at PHI)
63. Jahan Dotson (vs. CHI) - 24.5 proj. receiving yards
64. Elic Ayomanor (at IND) - 14.5 proj. receiving yards