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 (at LV) - 99.5 proj. receiving yards
Nacua isn't at 100% health to me based on his play speed right now, but it really does not matter — I can't stress that enough. Last week's dud should be fully ignored with news that Davante Adams (hamstring) is out for about 10 weeks. Nacua played three games without Adams last year, and he averaged 24.6 half PPR points on 19.6 expected half PPR points, both the highest since 2025. His 12.3 targets and 116 YPG are easily WR1 overall, too.
The Rams aren't firing on all cylinders right now (looking at you, Matthew Stafford), and it's almost all because they’re 16th in passing explosive play rate after being first last year. Stafford isn't targeting the deep part of the field as often, nor with the same efficiency. If that just means more underneath targets to Nacua, that's totally okay for fantasy. It's just something to track when watching the Rams try to dig out of this 2-4 hole.
The Raiders rank 12th in half PPR points allowed to opposing WR rooms, though they sit fifth in points allowed to deep WRs, where Nacua has recorded 13 targets. The Rams are 4.5-point road favorites with an implied total of 26 points (fifth).
2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (vs. KC) - 89.5 proj. receiving yards
Smith-Njigba will get home whether his QB is playing well or not. If he is, JSN is scoring TDs. If he isn't, then JSN is getting more targets. Last week's 21.5 expected half PPR points on 16 targets is the perfect example of just that. He's the WR1 on WR3 usage this season and is essentially matchup-proof with his RB room looking like one of the worst in the league.
He draws the league's toughest WR matchup against a Chiefs defense allowing the 32nd-most half PPR points to the position, including 32nd rankings across all depth zones. I have those bucketed as under 10 air yards (shallow), 5-20 air yards (intermediate) and 15+ air yards (deep). To be fair, KC has only faced the Chargers, Raiders, Dolphins, Colts and Broncos. JSN will battle with top-10 overall pick CB1 Mansoor Delane and underrated CB2 Nohl Williams. Neither are Pro Bowl talents quite yet, so the advantage remains with JSN. Seattle enters as 2.5-point home favorites with an implied team total of 22.5 points (16th).
3. Amon-Ra St. Brown (vs. GB) - 79.5 proj. receiving yards
It's rare to call St. Brown a buy-low regression candidate, but that's what he is right now coming off three straight off games. He's still the WR10 on WR2 overall usage this past month and is the WR5 on WR1 usage across the entire season. Nothing notable happened during these forgettable outings, still registering a 30% target share over the month.
The Packers rank 19th against fantasy WRs overall, but they allow the second-most points per game on underneath throws to WRs where St. Brown commands a 65% WR target share. Green Bay crowds the line and forces quick-hitting passes often, playing into Amon-Ra's strengths. Playing as 3-point home favorites, Detroit carries a week-high implied team total of 27.75 points (first). Drake London had 194 yards against Green Bay earlier this month in a similar role.
4. Ja'Marr Chase (at BAL) - 79.5 proj. receiving yards
5. Christian Watson (at DET) - 79.5 proj. receiving yards
6. Matthew Golden (at DET) - 69.5 proj. receiving yards
7. CeeDee Lamb (at PHI) - 79.5 proj. receiving yards
8. Drake London (vs. SF) - 79.5 proj. receiving yards
9. Chris Olave (vs. PIT) - 79.5 proj. receiving yards
10. Justin Jefferson (vs. IND) - 69.5 proj. receiving yards
11. Nico Collins (vs. NYG) - 69.5 proj. receiving yards
12. Malik Nabers (at HOU) - 69.5 proj. receiving yards
Nabers was making the occasional highlight play in September and set a career high in targets in Week 5, but the film was the best of the year in Week 6. Nabers is BACK back. His acceleration and adjustment on his post route were amazing. He also broke tackles underneath and was able to stay on his feet despite being re-routed on other reps, showing that his balance and confidence are in a better spot. Despite the slow start and brutally honest commentary, Nabers is the WR14 on WR7 usage, as one of the biggest hits in Round 3-4 this year. J.J. McCarthy immediately targeting him downfield in chase mode was encouraging for Nabers' odds of holding onto WR1 value long term.
13. DeVonta Smith (vs. DAL) - 69.5 proj. receiving yards
14. Zay Flowers (vs. CIN) - 69.5 proj. receiving yards
15. Tetairoa McMillan (vs. TB) - 69.5 proj. receiving yards
16. Jalen Coker (vs. TB) - 69.5 proj. receiving yards
17. Tee Higgins (at BAL) - 69.5 proj. receiving yards
Fresh off a bye, Higgins should be ready to go after a minor injury scare heading into Week 5, which ended up being his worst game and usage of the last 10 games, at least. Higgins has been the WR20 on WR20 usage this season, including that dud. That is his floor baseline, as he's had stretches with Joe Burrow inside the top 10 before. The Bengals offense is back to the shotgun spread style after failing to gain ground in a more balanced, under-center style. That's good for Higgins' outlook, most likely.
Cincinnati travels to face a Baltimore defense ranking 14th in half PPR points allowed to WRs at 27.4 per game. The Ravens have conceded substantial production to opposing boundary targets, including Drake London's seven catches for 118 yards in Week 5 and Carnell Tate's 145 yards on nine receptions in Week 4. For Higgins, whose 72% WR target share on throws between 5-15 air yards leads his distribution, Baltimore ranks seventh-worst in half PPR points allowed to this intermediate zone (16.4 per game). The Bengals are 2.5-point road underdogs with an implied total of 23.5 points (15th).
18. A.J. Brown (at CHI) - 69.5 proj. receiving yards
Brown had one of the worst games by any player all season. He couldn't catch the ball, adjust his body on potential splash plays and then even muffed an onside kick with time ticking down.
He ultimately turned 15.5 expected half PPR points (WR12) to just 4.2 half PPR points (WR60) with three receptions for 27 yards on 10 targets. Brown's ankle injury didn't seem to make him look that much slower in a straight line, but the plays at the margins and his ability to settle down in zone or at the top of his route did seem notably worse. Does that get completely fixed with another week of rest? Typically not. The good news is he did have 99 air yards, a 33% target share and didn't suffer a setback. Meanwhile, Romeo Doubs (shoulder) is now on IR. The Patriots will need Brown to play better moving forward. I wouldn't brace for prime AJB any time soon. He doesn't need to be that to be a boom-bust fantasy WR2/3, however.
Chicago represents a favorable overall matchup, ranking 13th in half PPR points allowed per game to opposing wide receivers. The Bears have been particularly vulnerable against downfield shots, ranking third in half PPR points allowed on throws over 15 air yards. The Patriots are listed as 3-point road underdogs with an implied team total of 23.75 points (15th).
19. George Pickens (at PHI) - 69.5 proj. receiving yards
Pickens sits as the WR18 in half PPR per-game scoring on WR9 expected-points usage over his last four contests with CeeDee Lamb healthy. That's a slight notch down from his 2025 numbers with Lamb, but nothing to fret over. A 22% target share in this offense with his talent will end up paying off long term.
This matchup will be a challenge, however. Pickens rarely moves off of the boundary X receiver spot, meaning he'll face off with superstar CB1 Quinyon Mitchell for most of this game. The rest of the secondary has been far more vulnerable, so the game plan could be to sacrifice Pickens more than normal. He was held to 30 scoreless yards against Philly in Week 1 of last year, then popped off for a WR4 overall finish in Week 12. This boom-bust nature of his talent and this matchup is summed up by that. Dallas enters as 4.5-point road favorites with an implied team total of 24.5 points (eighth).
20. Garrett Wilson (vs. MIA) - 59.5 proj. receiving yards
21. DK Metcalf (at NO) - 59.5 proj. receiving yards
Metcalf has posted WR30 half PPR per-game production on WR25 expected-points usage over his past four contests. He closed that stretch with his biggest volume spike of the campaign in Week 6 against Tampa Bay, setting new season highs with 11 catches on 15 targets for 93 yards and 21.6 expected points (WR3). He still commands an explosive role downfield, logging a 33% target share on looks beyond 15 air yards, while averaging 90.3 air yards per game. The Steelers being fourth in neutral pass rate helps his cause.
The Saints offer an appealing spot on deep targets, ranking seventh in half PPR points allowed per game to WRs on plays with air yards over 15, while checking in at 15th overall against WRs all across the field (26.4 points per game). New Orleans has been tested heavily by outside targets recently, ceding 165 yards to Malik Nabers (WR2), 68 yards with a score to Justin Jefferson (WR15), 96 yards to Drake London and even a WR22 finish to Jahan Dotson in their recent games. Pittsburgh heads into the matchup as 3.5-point road favorites carrying an implied team total of 24 points (11th).
22. Luther Burden III (vs. NE) - 59.5 proj. receiving yards
It's hard to get the right split for the Bears due to injuries and role changes. Burden is the WR23 on WR11 usage over the last month of the season, largely with backup QBs. In his last five games with Caleb Williams, he's the WR60 on WR34 usage.
The reality is Burden is an explosive player with size to be a red-zone factor, but the Bears are keeping him sidelined often when they use heavy personnel. He turned 20 routes into eight targets and catches last week, including two screens and a shallow drag route. When he's on the field, the ball does go his way often, so he doesn't have to be a full-time player to be an upside WR2/3 in fantasy. A 23% target share over the past month is enough to start.
New England ranks 18th against fantasy WRs, allowing 25.8 half PPR points per game on the season. Opposing slot and intermediate targets have found regular production against the Patriots, as Omar Cooper (WR6), Khalil Shakir (7-82-0), Keon Coleman (WR9) and Jakobi Meyers (WR16) have done well while working away from Patriots superstar CB1 Christian Gonzalez. The Bears carry a 26.75-point implied team total (third) as 3-point home favorites, and Luther's matchup is amongst the cleanest.
23. Jameson Williams (vs. GB) - 59.5 proj. receiving yards
Jamo is coming off his best fantasy outing of the season, scoring two touchdowns on four targets against Arizona in Week 5. Over his last four games, he sits at WR33 in per-game half PPR production on WR48 usage. Williams handled an average of 5.0 targets and 88 air yards per game across that span, with target shares ranging between 11% and 16%. Those are low enough to be perpetually worried about his weekly floor, but Jamo can run pure on deep targets at any time. The biggest difference between 2025 and 2026 is fewer shallow and intermediate passes, likely because Sam LaPorta is healthy and balling out. Jamo is far more of a boom-bust WR3 than a must-play WR2.
The Packers rank 19th in half PPR points allowed to WRs this season. Green Bay has been stingy against deep passing, ranking 27th in points allowed on targets over 15 air yards, which tests Williams' downfield profile. Offenses facing the Packers have the lowest yards per reception right now. Detroit enters this matchup as 3-point home favorites with a slate-leading team total of 27.75 points (first). Even with the schematic and spreadsheet issues mentioned here, the Lions are still too explosive at home to fully fade Jamo.
24. Michael Wilson (vs. DEN) - 49.5 proj. receiving yards
25. Jaylen Waddle (at ARI) - 49.5 proj. receiving yards
26. Emeka Egbuka (at CAR)
27. Germie Bernard (at NO) - 49.5 proj. receiving yards
In two games without Michael Pittman Jr. and Roman Wilson, Bernard has been the WR9 and WR3 overall on WR19 and WR9 usage, respectively. Both of those games were similar. Aaron Rodgers has found him underneath and over the middle on quick-hitting in-cuts, plus a wild amount of screens/RPOs, to utilize his versatility and toughness. He's playing in the slot and at flanker, while DK Metcalf runs the vertical routes from the X position. It's a good spot for Bernard to pad the box score in. The Steelers are fourth in dropbacks per game (42.0).
Rodgers seems to be very satisfied with the Bernard results, saying, "There comes a time when the confidence starts to match the potential and I think we're reaching that time with Germie. Very proud of him."
28. Carnell Tate (vs. CLE) - 49.5 proj. receiving yards
Week 6 was Tate's best film of the year. His highlight play was a jump ball where he perfectly timed a high-point grab with full extension in traffic. He also had an out route TD and a toe-tapping scramble drill first down. Some of his plays are a bit too out of structure to fully trust, but Tate is the WR31 on WR26 usage this month on WR19 targets per game (8.3). Cam Ward's inaccuracies and the Titans' lowly team totals put a lid on his ultimate ceiling as a fantasy WR3. For Titans fans, of which there are many, Tate is looking like a Round 1 hit as the long-term top target. He can be used all across the formation, too.
29. Tre Tucker (vs. LAR) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards
Tucker was the WR1 overall on WR20 usage in Week 6, scoring two touchdowns in totally different ways. Tucker flew by two DBs on a post route 50 yards down the field and had an out route at the pylon in the red zone versus zone coverage. Both throws were A+ from Kirk Cousins. Tucker was also the WR7 overall in Week 2 in a game without Brock Bowers, so the big play upside is pretty obvious in this explosive Klint Kubiak offense. Cousins' willingness to toss it up is great for his WR3/4 dart throw value. He's the WR22 on WR33 usage this year. I appreciate his film, primarily his speed and breaks as a lesser prime Tank Dell.
30. Xavier Worthy (at SEA) - 49.5 proj. receiving yards
Worthy was the WR25 on WR48 usage in Week 6 out of the bye with Rashee Rice (hamstring) and Tyquan Thornton (IR) out of the lineup. Worthy took on a version of the Rice role, operating on a 4.7 average depth of target. These shallow routes were best against zone coverage and with a mesh concept against man. He made a nice diving play and looked comfortable in this role, while Jalen Royals and Andrew Armstrong ran windsprints at WR next to him. If Rice is out again, Worthy is a must-play WR3 with upside. Even if Rice returns, Worthy is climbing the pecking order, as Rice's film hasn't been overly impressive before his injury.
31. Omar Cooper Jr. (vs. MIA)
Cooper returned from an ankle injury and immediately was the WR6 on WR30 usage in Week 6. He turned seven targets into 103 yards and even had a scramble drill red-zone TD called back due to penalty. The Jets designed a 48-yard TD on a rollout with Cooper running the first-read post, a la 2024-25 Bo Nix. He also had a screen and a few other underneath targets to round out his outing.
Cooper played 13 of 19 snaps outside of 3-WR sets and played in the slot on 64% of his 3-WR sets. That's a great role, at least until AD Mitchell (finger) returns, but when a first-round player gets going, they typically don't lose their job. Cooper is an upside WR4 and must-add in all leagues.
32. Denzel Boston (at TEN) - 49.5 proj. receiving yards
33. Devaughn Vele (vs. PIT) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards
34. Malik Washington (at NYJ) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards
35. Ja'Kobi Lane (vs. CIN)
36. Rome Odunze (vs. NE) - 49.5 proj. receiving yards
Odunze ran a route on 44 of 45 dropbacks last week, but he's being given the most difficult assignments and the fewest underneath routes. He's been the WR61 on WR34 usage over the past month after graduating from a part-time role due to injury. It's no longer about playing time — it's now about actually catching his targets. In his last five games with Caleb Williams active, dating back to their playoff games, Odunze is the WR75 on WR61 usage. He's dropped some passes and ran plenty of clear-out routes. His upside remains immense in an explosive offense with his size and athleticism, but it’s become impossible to predict. He's cleared 7.0 half PPR points in 1-of-10 recent games. He's a boom-bust WR4.
The matchup is difficult. Patriots superstar CB1 Christian Gonzalez figures to battle Odunze on the perimeter for much of this game, and the type of receivers who've given the Patriots trouble are more of the flanker/slot types. The Bears carry an implied team total of 26.75 points (third) as 3-point home favorites, so Odunze can still get home with a score or a big play.
37. Jordan Addison (vs. IND) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards
38. DeMario Douglas (at CHI) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards
Douglas has been on a heater over the past two weeks, finishing as the WR7 and WR10 with explosives galore. His speed as a vertical slot works well with Drake Maye, so the heater could continue despite being in a part-time role. Last week, routes were AJ Brown (34/35), Douglas (26), vertical X Kyle Williams (21) and dirty-work Efton Chism (10). They won't have Romeo Doubs (IR) or Mack Hollins (IR), so Douglas should be a top-four player in targets on Thursday Night Football. He's the WR29 on WR44 usage over the past month. His 11.2 expected half PPR points (WR24) were a season-high last week.
His matchup became more difficult with SCB Kyler Gordon back on the Bears. They've been middle of the pack against fantasy WRs this year (13th), but they're without their top edge rusher due to suspension and have been beating up on a fairly weak schedule so far. The Bears have been weakest defending deep passes, allowing the third-most fantasy points to WRs on throws over 15 air yards. Douglas can work the deep field as a change-up. The Patriots travel as 3-point road underdogs with an implied team total of 23.75 points (13th).
39. Keenan Allen (at MIN) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards
40. Josh Downs (at MIN) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards
41. KC Concepcion (at TEN) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards
42. Wan'Dale Robinson (vs. CLE) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards
43. Chris Godwin (at CAR) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards
44. Christian Kirk (at ATL)
45. Jaylin Noel (vs. NYG) - 24.5 proj. receiving yards
46. Courtland Sutton (at ARI) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards
47. Jordan Watkins (at ATL) - 24.5 proj. receiving yards
48. Kalif Raymond (vs. NE) - 24.5 proj. receiving yards
49. Kendrick Bourne (vs. DEN) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards
50. Dontayvion Wicks (vs. DAL)