12 Wide Receivers to Watch This Week
Opening week has brought a rare start to the NFL season. For the first time, opening day occurred on a Wednesday, and the league also staged a rematch from the previous season’s Super Bowl as the opening-night game. Typically, the Super Bowl winner shines on Thursday while the loser gets a primetime Friday, Saturday, or Sunday showcase. This year’s Thursday game is in Australia, marking another unusual twist for the league.
These scheduling quirks have disrupted usual writing deadlines, so this weekly feature focuses on one offensive skill position per installment, starting with wide receivers (WRs) for Week 1. Because some Thursday and Wednesday games have already been played, certain players who would normally appear on this list have already seen action. For example, players such as Jaxon Smith-Njigba and A.J. Brown could have been included in a standard week-one breakdown, but their early appearances meant they weren’t part of the Week 1 WR roster here. With that in mind, here are 12 WRs to consider this week.
12. Luther Burden (Bears)
The status of Rome Odunze, the Bears’ primary WR, is currently listed as questionable for the matchup against the Panthers. When healthy, Odunze will likely be the top target, but Burden and Odunze function as a 1a/1b pairing for quarterback Caleb Williams. The Bears project to throw frequently, so there should be ample opportunities for both receivers. If Odunze is limited or out, Burden could see the majority of targets.
11. Jaylen Waddle (Broncos)
A change of scenery looks like a good fit for Waddle, who now teams with a quarterback who delivers accurate passes and can maximize his skill set. While Waddle was a strong contributor in Miami behind Tyreek Hill, he’s poised to carve out a substantial role in Denver. The season-opening game in Kansas City on Monday night presents a strong first showcase.
10. Zay Flowers (Ravens)
On a team that leans on the run, Flowers projects as the clear WR1 for Lamar Jackson. The Ravens aim to start strong on the road in Indianapolis, with Flowers likely drawing a heavy target share. Entering his fourth season, Flowers has improved each year, setting career highs last season with 86 receptions and 1,211 receiving yards.
9. Tetairoa McMillan (Panthers)
As a rookie, McMillan drew 122 targets and secured 70 receptions. Despite a 57.37% catch rate last season, the organization showed substantial faith in him, and that confidence continues. McMillan posted more than 1,000 receiving yards and seven touchdowns last year, and he enters his second season as the Panthers’ clear WR1. A Week 1 home game against the Bears, who can put up points, should force Bryce Young to sling it, likely sending a large portion of targets toward McMillan. Expect around 80 receiving yards and at least one touchdown.
8. Nico Collins (Texans)
There’s been some skepticism about Houston’s offense, especially regarding CJ Stroud, but Collins stands as the top WR in the Texans’ group when healthy. Tank Dell and Jayden Higgins have dealt with injuries, and Houston recently acquired Kayshon Boutte to be a secondary option. Collins held steady as a reliable target, with at least 1,000 receiving yards in each of the past three seasons and around 120 targets last year. Houston faces a Bills defense that can still yield points, so Collins should see ample looks and opportunities to move the chains early.
7. CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys)
Cowboys fans are hoping this season marks a breakout year for Lamb after a dip in production last season. Lamb has been a consistent target, averaging over 100 targets in his career, but last year’s total was his lowest since his rookie year. Dallas will rely on Lamb to produce as Dak Prescott seeks a stronger offensive balance. The Week 1 matchup against the Giants in New York carries significant importance for the Cowboys to reestablish offensive pace, and Lamb is expected to be central to that effort.
6. Ja’Marr Chase (Bengals)
Chase has posted exceptional production, with 252 catches and 3,120 receiving yards across the last two seasons, along with 25 touchdowns in that span. He forms one of the league’s premier quarterback-wide receiver connections with Joe Burrow. The Bengals host the Buccaneers in Week 1, a defense that allowed a moderate scoring pace last season. Chase is dealing with a minor ankle issue after an August practice scare, but he has resumed practicing and is expected to be ready for Week 1. His presence still places him among the league’s top producing WRs despite the injury question.
5. Justin Jefferson (Vikings)
Jefferson’s production hinges on ensure consistent target volume this season, especially with quarterback changes affecting the offense. Last year, Jefferson’s catches (84) and yardage (1,048) marked a down season by his standards, though he still delivered at a high level when healthy. Minnesota opens at home against Green Bay, where coach Kevin O’Connell will aim to get Jefferson involved early and frequently to set the tone for the offense.
4. DeVonta Smith (Eagles)
With the departure of AJ Brown, Smith steps into a leading role in Philadelphia’s passing game. The quarterback and coaching staff appear confident in Smith, who is poised for a big season as the Eagles’ top WR. Week 1 features a home game against the Commanders, a matchup that could showcase Smith’s expanding role and produce strong fantasy and real-world numbers. This could be a breakout year as Smith becomes the focal point of the receiving corps.
3. Chris Olave (Saints)
Olave has long been underrated, partly due to playing on a team not always in the spotlight. The Saints’ offense, with quarterback Tyler Shough, has shown potential, and Olave has already demonstrated durability and reliability. Last season he caught 100 passes on 156 targets, accruing 1,163 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. This week’s matchup against the Lions presents a favorable scenario, as Detroit struggled to contain the pass last season. Olave could threaten triple-digit receiving yards and find the end zone at least once in Week 1.
2. Puka Nacua (Rams)
Nacua is a weekly standout, and this week brings a particular question mark due to the international game setting in Australia. Still, with Matt Stafford delivering the football, Nacua remains a premier target. In three NFL seasons, he’s averaged around 121 receptions, 1,619 receiving yards, and seven touchdowns per year, numbers that underline his high-scoring potential. The Rams also face the 49ers twice annually, giving him familiarity with top competition, which could translate into strong numbers Down Under.
1. Amon-Ra St. Brown (Lions)
St. Brown has surpassed 100 receptions in four straight seasons and has recorded double-digit touchdowns in the last three. Known for durability, he rarely misses games and is a central figure in Detroit’s offense. Week 1 pits him against the Saints in a likely shootout, setting up a potential high-scoring duel between St. Brown and Olave. This game could be the week’s standout for fantasy and real-world production, with both teams anticipated to post strong points totals.
Final note: Week 1 presents a mix of established stars and emerging talents, with several matchups expected to yield high-scoring games. Keep an eye on injury reports, especially for players with recent practice irregularities, as they can quickly shift projections. As the season unfolds, these receivers are positioned to play pivotal roles for their teams and fantasy rosters alike.
