Week 5 Wide Receiver Preview: You Need to Start Michael Wilson Now
Top Fantasy WRs for Week 5
Let's break down the key usage notes and matchups that are driving our Week 5 WR Rankings.
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1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, SEA
Smith-Njigba is coming off a floor game: 5 catches for 76 yards. QB Sam Darnold threw just 22 passes in that easy win over the Chargers. Expect more volume for Darnold and JSN in what should be a tight game vs. the 49ers this weekend. Smith-Njigba posted 9-124-0 and 6-84-0 lines against the Niners last year.
2. Puka Nacua, LAR
Nacua returned in Week 4 to post 125 yards on a 23.5% target share. He’s back to an elite option against a Bills squad that’s last in adjusted fantasy points allowed to WRs.
3. Amon-Ra St. Brown, DET
St. Brown's 4-catch Week 3 stands as an outlier, surrounded by 11+ targets and 8+ receptions in every other outing this season. Arizona arrives as a pass-boosting matchup, ranking 31st in pass DVOA and 10th vs. the run.
4. CeeDee Lamb, DAL
Played on Thursday Night
5. Ja'Marr Chase, CIN
Chase (concussion) put in a full practice on Friday, putting him on track to play at Miami. Bengals-Dolphins kicks off at 1PM on Sunday, so you'll know early in the day whether you can keep Chase in lineups.
6. Garrett Wilson, NYJ
Wilson had a quiet Week 4, catching 3 of 4 targets for 27 yards (WR69). That looks like a blip, as his 28.2% target share ranks ninth among WRs and he is averaging 15.75 PPR points per game (WR14). He has also caught 77.4% of his targets this season. Cleveland has been the 10th-most favorable WR matchup, allowing 36.94 adjusted PPR points per game. Wilson is a must-start WR1 with a strong chance to bounce back.
7. Michael Wilson, ARI
Wilson has racked up 30 targets over the past two weeks. Despite climbing to No. 21 among WRs in PPR points per game, he's still scoring under expectation (WR7 in expected PPG). This week's meeting against a Lions D that ranks fourth-friendliest to WR scoring should help with that balance.
8. Chris Olave, NO
Olave hits Week 5 leading the league in targets and ranking second in receptions and receiving yards. Minnesota's defense will be the toughest he and the Saints have faced so far, but the Vikings sit just 16th-toughest on WR scoring by our adjusted fantasy points allowed.
9. Nico Collins, HOU
Collins returned from his hamstring injury last week and instantly torched the Cowboys finishing as the WR3 in Week 4 with 30.8 PPR points. He’s commanded a 28.6% target share across his two games, ranking 8th among WRs. The Texans WR1 faces a Titans defense allowing the 14th most points to WRs, giving him a WR1 projection in Week 5.
10. Justin Jefferson, MIN
Jefferson returned to a limited practice Wednesday, indicating his ankle's on track to allow a Week 5 return. How much re-injury risk he'll carry will likely be a mystery, however. And we simply haven't seen him play with Kyler Murray enough yet to know how well that pairing will work. That's not enough to push Jefferson out of your starting lineup in most cases, but he's risky.
11. Drake London, ATL
London has been a WR1 since QB Michael Penix returned as starter, producing 21.5 PPR points per game over the past two weeks. That’s a massive improvement from his WR50 ranking when he was catching passes from QB Cooper Rush. London projects as a WR1 again in Week 5, this time facing a Ravens defense allowing the seventh most points to WRs.
12. Christian Watson, GB
Watson’s three-game scoring streak ended last week vs. Tampa Bay. He managed just a 10.0% target share, but consider it an outlier. Watson saw a 21.8% share over the first three weeks and belongs back in lineups against the Bears, despite Chicago’s surprising success vs. WRs in the early going. The Bears slot 28th in adjusted fantasy points allowed to WRs.
13. George Pickens, DAL
Played on Thursday Night
14. Malik Nabers, NYG
Nabers turned in his best outing of the season in Week 4 … and then missed Wednesday’s practice with knee soreness. Health might be a nagging issue for him all season, but he’ll be very tough to leave out of fantasy lineups if he plays this weekend. Nabers gets a Commanders defense that sits 28th in our Pass Defense Power Rankings and 20th in adjusted fantasy points allowed to WRs. Washington has already coughed up an 8-153-2 line to CeeDee Lamb and a 10-128-2 to Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
15. Davante Adams, LAR
Adams managed just 4 catches for 32 yards in Puka Nacua’s return, while his target share dipped to 17.6%. Even so, he remains an easy fantasy starter at home against Buffalo. The Bills haven’t given us much reason to downgrade opposing WRs, even if CB Christian Benford (toe) returns. Los Angeles’ 29-point implied total also keeps Adams in a favorable TD environment.
16. Zay Flowers, BAL
No WR is averaging more than Flowers’ 37.5% targets per route or 6.29 yards per route this season. The Ravens top WR is producing 22.4 PPR points per game to rank as the WR6, but he’ll catch passes from backup QB Tyler Huntley this week. Flowers produced 14.1 and 13 PPR points in Huntley’s two starts last year and projects as a WR2 in Week 5.
17. Matthew Golden, GB
Golden draws a Bears defense that’s eighth in our pass defense power rankings, which blends DVOA, EPA, and PFF’s coverage grades. Still, his team-high target share keeps Golden in must-start fantasy range. The second-year pro has 14.5 PPR points per game, enough to rank as the WR16.
18. Parker Washington, JAC
Even with his weird 3-target, 1-catch Week 4, Washington still ranks 16th among wideouts in target share and tied for 25th in expected PPR points per game. That ranking sat 16th as well before the Cincinnati game. Expect a rebound.
19. Jaylen Waddle, DEN
Waddle caught 5 of 6 targets for 35 yards and a TD in Week 4, finishing as WR25. He is averaging 6.5 targets per game with a 20.8% target share in a Broncos offense that throws on 60.9% of plays. The production hasn’t been elite at 10.98 PPR points per game (WR36). The Chargers are a neutral matchup, ranking 17th at 32.94 adjusted PPR points allowed per game. Waddle is a low-end WR2 this week.
20. Luther Burden III, CHI
Burden still wasn’t a full-time player in Week 4, his first game alongside backup QB Tyson Bagent. Still, he turned a 66.7% route rate and a modest 17.6% target share into 4 catches for 63 yards. He profiles as a WR2 in a plus matchup vs. the Packers.
21. Mike Evans, SF
Evans battled through his rib injury to post a 5-76-0 line on 8 targets and a 74% route rate last week. We’re projecting him to be a full-go this weekend, but he’s still likely at risk of aggravating that injury. The matchup is also brutal against Seattle’s top-ranked WR defense. But QB Brock Purdy is playing well enough to keep Evans in the WR2 mix.
22. Jameson Williams, DET
Williams' 8 targets in Week 4 didn't even mark a season high. (He got 9 in Week 1.) But he turned them into a season-best 6-102 receiving line. There's room for more of that against a Cardinals D that ranks 31st in pass DVOA, compared with 10th against the run.
23. Tee Higgins, CIN
Higgins (groin, neck) missed practice on Wednesday and Thursday before putting in a full session on Friday. If active, he'll be tough to bench against a Miami secondary that sits 29th in our pass defense power rankings.
24. D.K. Metcalf, PIT
Metcalf caught 5 of 9 targets for 115 yards in Week 4, finishing as WR16. He is averaging 8.25 targets per game (WR13) in a Steelers offense that throws on 66.1% of plays. The issue has been converting those looks, with a 48.5% catch rate leaving him 3.45 points per game below expectation. Indianapolis has been the sixth-most favorable WR matchup, allowing 38.21 adjusted PPR points per game. Michael Pittman missing the game may funnel more targets to Metcalf. Metcalf is a low-end WR2 with upside if more targets turn into catches.
25. Deebo Samuel, SF
Samuel continued his unconventional scoring last week, totaling just 26 receiving yards but scoring a TD and running for 44 yards. He gets a brutal matchup this Sunday against Seattle’s top-ranked WR defense. But Samuel’s diverse role – plus a red-hot Brock Purdy – keep him in the WR3 mix. But QB Brock Purdy is playing well enough to keep Evans in the WR2 mix.
26. Carnell Tate, TEN
Tate is coming off a career-high 42.9% target share against the Ravens. But his 21.9 PPR points from Week 4 were the second-fewest by the WR with at least a 40% target share this season. QB Cam Ward ranks 31st in adjusted yards per attempt, keeping Tate projected for a WR3 finish in a Week 5 matchup against the Texans.
27. Khalil Shakir, BUF
Shakir stands to benefit most from the likely absence of D.J. Moore. We have his projected target share at a team-high 21.5% following last Sunday’s breakout game vs. New England (7-82 on 8 targets). The likely high-scoring game environment against the Rams only adds to his WR3 appeal.
28. Malik Washington, MIA
Washington has quietly posted three straight games with 4+ catches and 40+ yards. There’s not a high ceiling to project here, but Washington figures to remain a go-to target, especially with Caleb Douglas (ankle) likely to miss Sunday’s game vs. the Bengals.
29. Josh Downs, IND
Downs caught 3 of 4 targets for just 16 yards in Week 4, finishing as WR77. He is averaging 7 targets per game with a 22.8% target share, but he has yet to score a TD. That has him 2.65 points per game below his expected output. Pittsburgh is a neutral matchup, ranking 19th at 31.82 adjusted PPR points allowed per game to WRs. Downs is a low-end WR2 whose volume should lead to better results.
30. Romeo Doubs, NE
Doubs finally broke out last week, posting 6 catches for 58 yards and 2 TDs against Buffalo. The matchup gets tougher against a Raiders defense sitting 10th in adjusted fantasy points allowed to WRs. Still, Doubs remains a solid WR3 with A.J. Brown out and Mack Hollins likely to miss Sunday as well.
31. KC Concepcion, CLE
Concepcion caught 5 of 8 targets for 64 yards in Week 4, finishing as WR39. The opportunity has been strong, with a 24.3% target share that ranks 21st among WRs. The production hasn’t followed, as he is averaging just 5.14 yards per target with no TDs, leaving him 3.62 points per game below expectation. The Jets have been the seventh-toughest WR matchup (27.11 adjusted PPR allowed per game), and the Browns are implied for just 18.8 points. Concepcion is a WR3 whose volume keeps him in flex range.
32. Denzel Boston, CLE
Boston caught 4 of 7 targets for 89 yards in Week 4, finishing as WR30. His volume is modest at 5.5 targets per game, but he has made the most of it with 12.91 yards per target and 27.3 yards after the catch per game (WR10). That has him averaging 13.85 PPR points per game (WR23), more than 4 points per game above expectation. The Jets have been a tough WR matchup, ranking 26th at 27.11 adjusted PPR points allowed per game. With the Browns implied for just 18.8 points, Boston is a WR3 who will need another big play to pay off.
33. Rome Odunze, CHI
Odunze led the Bears with 6 catches and 94 yards in his first game with backup QB Tyson Bagent. The third-year WR finished second in targets (7) behind Colston Loveland’s 9. Now he draws a struggling Packers defense that’s second-worst in adjusted fantasy points allowed to WRs.
34. Tre Harris, LAC
Harris caught 3 of 5 targets for 60 yards in Week 4, finishing as WR49. He has been efficient on limited volume, averaging 9.95 yards per target, but he is still looking for his first TD. Denver has been the fifth-toughest WR matchup, allowing 24.85 adjusted PPR points per game. The Chargers are also implied for just 19.5 points. Harris is a WR3 with a limited ceiling this week.
35. Jordan Addison, MIN
Addison gets a potential opportunity boost from the re-injury risk with Justin Jefferson's ankle. The lead WR's return would also lower Addison's ceiling and floor, though, especially with iffy QB play the past two weeks. There's at least nothing intimidating about the matchup. The Saints arrive as the No. 26 defense in pass DVOA.
36. Keon Coleman, BUF
Coleman delivered a huge 6-116-1 line last week vs. New England on a 69% route rate and a 21.2% target share. Those usage marks are attainable this week with D.J. Moore looking unlikely to play. Coleman also draws a Rams pass defense slotted 12th-worst in adjusted fantasy points allowed to WRs.
37. Dontayvion Wicks, PHI
Wicks showed us last week DeVonta Smith's absence doesn't guarantee him a good target count, and Philly totaled just 246 passing yards over the past two games. Still, Wicks is the target leader among healthy Eagles, and his 16.4 yards per catch at least presents modest upside.
38. Courtland Sutton, DEN
Sutton caught just 1 of 6 targets for 4 yards in Week 4, finishing as WR104. He is averaging 5.5 targets per game, but a 40.9% catch rate and 3.91 yards per target have him scoring 5.44 fewer points per game than expected. The volume gives him a path to bounce back. The Chargers are a neutral matchup (17th at 32.94 adjusted PPR allowed per game). Sutton is a WR3/FLEX who is hard to trust right now.
39. Wan'Dale Robinson, TEN
Robinson is second in-line for targets, trailing WR Carnell Tate, on a Titans offense that’s passed for the fourth fewest yards. He’s produced 10.1 PPR points per game, ranking as the WR42. Facing a Texans defense that has allowed the fifth most passing yards, Robinsons projects as a WR3 in Week 5.
40. Tre Tucker, LVR
Tucker’s hit 4+ catches in three straight games. Now he draws a New England secondary that could be without both starting CBs (Christian Gonzalez and Carlton Davis). That, combined with the Raiders likely missing WR Jalen Nailor (concussion), puts Tucker in position for flex value with the potential for more.
41. Jakobi Meyers, JAC
Meyers has oddly had just one game with more than 4 targets. The biggest culprit looks like a downturn in passing volume so far. Trevor Lawrence is averaging just 26.0 attempts per game vs. 32.9 last season. That keeps Meyers outside WR3 range, but his playing-time lead over Brian Thomas Jr. makes him the next Jags WR up after Parker Washington. The Eagles arrive as merely the No. 22 defense in pass DVOA.
42. Devaughn Vele, NO
We're expecting decreased pass volume from the Saints against the combo of a difficult Vikings D and a Minnesota offense struggling to score points. Vele ranks 14th among all WRs in targets so far but just 48th in target share. So less pass volume could hit him particularly hard.
43. Antonio Williams, WAS
Williams is coming off season-best usage last week, registering a 75% route rate and 8 targets on a 22% share. That didn’t turn into many fantasy points in a game largely quarterbacked by Athan Kaliakmanis, but Williams will get Jayden Daniels back this weekend. With WRs Terry McLaurin and Stefon Diggs dealing with hamstring injuries, Williams could again play a big role vs. the Giants.
44. Keenan Allen, IND
Allen missed last week, but he has 6 catches in two of three games so far this season. The Steelers secondary is banged up, and that could lead to Allen getting a handful of targets.
45. Emeka Egbuka, TB
Played on Thursday Night
46. Makai Lemon, PHI
Lemon drew a season-high 6 targets with DeVonta Smith out last week. He turned that into just 3 catches for 27 yards, though. The rookie's averaging a meager 4.2 yards before catch per reception, which sets him up for low efficiency in a poor-performing offense.
47. Roman Wilson, PIT
Wilson caught 3 of 6 targets for 74 yards and a TD in Week 4, finishing as WR18. He is averaging 6 targets and 11.20 PPR points per game (WR32), with 2 TDs through four games. His 21 yards after the catch per game (WR23) has helped him produce beyond his 16.7% target share. Indianapolis has been the sixth-most favorable WR matchup, allowing 38.21 adjusted PPR points per game. Michael Pittman missing the game may funnel more targets to Wilson. Wilson is a WR4 flex option who is outplaying his ranking.
48. Marvin Harrison Jr., ARI
Nice to see that Harrison can find the end zone, but he still managed just 1 catch among 4 targets at the Giants last week. That gives him 5 total catches through four games. The Lions matchup this week boosts everyone, but it's not enough to make Harrison a real starter consideration.
49. Chris Godwin, TB
Played on Thursday Night
50. Germie Bernard, PIT
Michael Pittman re-injured his foot, leading to Bernard taking his spot in the Steelers passing game. In the one game Pittman missed (against the Patriots), Bernard earned 8 targets, catching 4 of those for 35 yards. The Steelers offense throws on 66.1% of plays, so that could mean a few targets for Bernard this week against the Colts. Indianapolis has been the sixth-most favorable WR matchup, allowing 38.21 adjusted PPR points per game. Bernard is a deep league only option.
51. Chris Bell, MIA
Bell’s been limited by a low-volume passing game, as only the Falcons have fewer team pass attempts than the Dolphins. He’s only a deep-league play against a Bengals pass defense that’s presented a negative matchup for enemy WRs.
52. Kalif Raymond, CHI
Raymond managed only a 5.9% target share in his first game with backup QB Tyson Bagent. The result: a lowly 2-catch, 6-yard day. He’s a low-floor fantasy option against Green Bay.
53. Ryan Flournoy, DAL
Played on Thursday Night
54. Darius Cooper, PHI
Don't overrate the TDs. Cooper's probably not going to keep scoring on 60% of his receptions. He did lead the Eagles in Week 4 targets but also caught only 43% of them. His 12.3-yard average depth of target makes Cooper more difficult to target for a QB playing behind a battered O-line. The Eagles continue to miss LG Landon Dickerson and just lost RT Lane Johnson (retirement) and C/G Cam Jurgens (trade) this week.
55. Rashid Shaheed, SEA
Shaheed had more rushing yards (33) than receiving yards (20) last week. Not what you wanna see from your WR. He’s averaging just 3.8 targets, 1.8 catches, and 18.3 receiving yards per game. Shaheed can’t be trusted in Week 5 fantasy lineups.
56. Joshua Palmer, BUF
Palmer would benefit from D.J. Moore sitting out. Even so, we have him projected for just a 65% route rate and a 14% target share, making him a low-floor fantasy option against the Rams.
57. Brian Thomas Jr., JAC
Thomas' playing time rebounded somewhat in Week 4, from getting matched by Josh Cameron in snaps the game before to leading the rookie 19-9 in routes. But Thomas remains behind Parker Washington, Jakobi Meyers, and Brenton Strange in receiving opportunities in an offense that's averaging 6.9 fewer pass attempts than last season.
58. Dohnte Meyers, CIN
Meyers went off for a 7-82 line in a Week 4 loss to Jacksonville. His Week 5 fantasy value hinges on the status of Ja'Marr Chase (concussion) and Tee Higgins (adductor/neck). Losing either starter would give Meyers some streaming appeal in a nice scoring matchup with Miami.
59. Kayshon Boutte, HOU
Boutte has yet to eclipse 8 PPR points this season, but he’s coming off a season-high 15.4% target share in Week 4 despite fellow WR Nico Collins returning. Texans QB C.J. Stroud is producing the sixth most passing yards, but in a matchup against a Titans defense that’s allowing the third fewest passing TDs, Boutte projects as a fringe WR5.
60. Isaiah Williams, NYJ
Williams made the most of 3 targets in Week 4, catching 2 for 73 yards and a TD to finish as WR22. That big-play production hasn’t come with volume, as he is averaging just 3 targets per game with a 10.9% target share. He is outscoring his expected output by 3.01 points per game, which is hard to sustain. Cleveland has been the 10th-most favorable WR matchup (36.94 adjusted PPR allowed per game). Williams is a boom-or-bust WR5 for deep leagues.
