Fantasy football rankings: Eric Karabell’s WR tiers

Authors: Eric Karabell

Publisher:

ESPN

Published: 8/14/2025

Language:English

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Aura Windfall

Good morning 老王, I'm Aura Windfall, and this is Goose Pod for you. Today is Wednesday, August 27th. I'm here with my co-host, Mask, and we are here to explore a topic that speaks to the very spirit of preparation: Fantasy football rankings and Eric Karabell’s wide receiver tiers.

Mask

Preparation is everything. Today isn't just about a list of names; it's about a superior strategy. We're dissecting a system designed to give you a decisive edge in your fantasy draft. Forget consensus, we're here to talk about how to win.

Aura Windfall

Let's get started then. What I know for sure is that a simple list can be deceiving. The space between rank 4 and 5 might feel the same as between 5 and 6, but the truth is, there can be a huge drop-off in value. That's the purpose of tiers, to illuminate those cliffs.

Mask

Exactly. And Karabell’s list starts with a disruptive bang. His first six overall picks are all wide receivers: Ja'Marr Chase, Justin Jefferson, Puka Nacua, CeeDee Lamb, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and the rookie, Malik Nabers. This isn't just a ranking; it's a declaration of war on outdated, run-heavy draft strategies.

Aura Windfall

That is a bold and powerful statement. Choosing a rookie like Nabers over every single running back in the league requires immense gratitude for talent and a belief in future potential. It invites us to question our own assumptions about what a 'safe' first-round pick truly is. What does that stir in you?

Mask

It stirs a desire to win. While others are playing checkers, grabbing a so-called 'safe' running back who will inevitably get injured, this strategy is playing chess. You lock down the most reliable position with elite talent. Puka Nacua at number three? Ahead of CeeDee Lamb? That’s the kind of high-risk, high-reward thinking that builds dynasties.

Aura Windfall

Moving to his second tier, we find names like Nico Collins, A.J. Brown, and Tyreek Hill. He says there's just a small step down from Tier 1. This feels like finding a community of players who all share a similar purpose: to be the cornerstone of a fantasy roster without the first-round price tag.

Mask

But even here, there's a calculated gamble. He's ranking Tyreek Hill lower than other analysts might, acknowledging his past greatness but maybe seeing the ceiling. At the same time, he's putting his faith in the rookie Brian Thomas Jr. in this tier. It's a relentless push for future upside over past performance. You don't get ahead by looking in the rearview mirror.

Aura Windfall

I see that. And as we go deeper, into Tiers 3 and 4, we find players like Mike Evans, who always seems to find his way to 1,000 yards, and DK Metcalf, a player whose talent feels limitless. It’s a beautiful reminder that value and truth can be found in every round of the draft.

Mask

Value is about exploitation. Evans slips every year because people get bored. You exploit that. Metcalf underachieved, so people are scared. You exploit their fear. This is where you build not just a good team, but a dominant one, by capitalizing on the market's irrationality. This is the core of a winning mindset.

Aura Windfall

And what about the players some might see as 'must-drafts' that Karabell might be lower on? I've seen chatter about R.J. Harvey, the running back in Denver, and the dual-threat Travis Hunter in Jacksonville. These are players with incredible stories and potential. How do they fit into this tiered worldview?

Mask

They're lottery tickets. Fun narratives. But narratives don't win championships, raw production does. Karabell's tiers are focused on the highest probability outcomes at the most crucial position. You can take a chance on a guy like Hunter, but not at the expense of a foundational receiver from a top tier. That's just bad business.

Aura Windfall

To truly appreciate the wisdom of tiers, I think it’s essential to understand the journey of how we got here. In the early days of fantasy football, everything was based on a single, linear list. It was a simple path, one name after another, from one to one hundred. It was our only map.

Mask

A primitive map for a primitive time. It was fundamentally flawed because it created a false equivalency. The gap between player 10 and 11 looked the same on paper as the gap between 11 and 12. In reality, number 11 could be the last elite player at his position, the edge of a cliff. Following that list was like walking in the dark.

Aura Windfall

That's a powerful image. And what I know for sure is that managers felt that darkness. They would draft a player at pick 20, and the person at 21 would get someone who felt just as good. But then, the player at 22 would be a significant step down. There was no language for this feeling, no framework to guide those crucial decisions.

Mask

It was inefficient. Managers were making decisions based on flawed data representation. The problem was obvious: how do you visually and strategically represent talent drop-offs? The market needed a disruption, a new technology to better map the talent landscape. The simple, linear ranking was a model destined for failure.

Aura Windfall

And so, the concept of tiers was born out of this need for a deeper truth. It wasn't just about who was next, but about who was 'alike'. Tiers grouped players into communities of similar value. It allowed you to see, with gratitude and clarity, that you could get a player of a similar caliber ten picks later.

Mask

It weaponized information. Suddenly, you could see the cliff before you reached it. If you were picking at the end of a tier, you knew the well was about to run dry. It forced a strategic choice: do I take the last player from this elite group, or do I pivot to another position where the top tier is still full? It turned a simple draft into a multi-layered strategic battle.

Aura Windfall

It empowered the manager. It gave them permission to trust their gut, backed by a structure. If you loved three wide receivers in a tier equally, you could wait, knowing one would likely come back to you. It introduced a sense of flow and flexibility, allowing your draft to become a story you write, not a script you follow.

Mask

It’s the difference between being a passenger and a pilot. The linear list makes you a passenger. Tiers put you in the cockpit. You control the draft. You dictate the flow. You can see when a run on a position is about to happen and you can either start it to create panic or pivot away to capitalize on the value elsewhere. It's about proactive domination, not reactive selection.

Aura Windfall

The evolution also brought in different scoring formats, like PPR, which stands for points per reception. This change elevated the spirit of pass-catching players, especially wide receivers. A simple ranking couldn't capture this nuance, but tiers could be customized to reflect these new sources of value, showing how different players fit different purposes.

Mask

PPR was another disruption. It broke the old model where bell-cow running backs were kings. Tiers adapted instantly. You could have a player like Christian McCaffrey in his own tier because his receiving ability made him a unicorn. Tiers aren't just a list; they are an adaptable operating system for fantasy analysis. They evolve as the game evolves.

Aura Windfall

It's a beautiful evolution, from a single, rigid path to a dynamic, flowing river of possibilities. It honors the complexity of the game and, more importantly, it honors the intelligence and intuition of the fantasy manager, giving them the tools to truly become the architect of their own team's destiny.

Mask

Destiny isn't given, it's taken. Tiers are the tools for that hostile takeover. It's the framework that allows you to systematically dismantle your opponents' drafts while building your own empire. That's the real history and purpose of the tiered system. It's an intellectual weapon.

Aura Windfall

And this weapon, as you call it, certainly creates some beautiful points of conflict and conversation. Looking at Karabell's tiers, the debate starts right at the top. Placing Puka Nacua and Malik Nabers in the same tier as Justin Jefferson and Ja'Marr Chase is a powerful statement that will certainly challenge many people's truths.

Mask

It should challenge them! Consensus is comfortable, and comfort is the enemy of progress. Jefferson and Chase are phenomenal, but Nacua’s target volume is undeniable and Nabers has the profile to be a league-altering talent from day one. To win, you have to be willing to make the call that others are too scared to make. That’s the whole point.

Aura Windfall

What I know for sure is that there is a tension between proven production and projected potential. A manager who values the spirit of consistency might look at A.J. Brown in Tier 2 and see a safer investment than Nabers in Tier 1. How do we reconcile those two deeply personal approaches to value?

Mask

You don't reconcile them. You pick the one that wins. Sticking with A.J. Brown is playing not to lose. Drafting Malik Nabers is playing to win. One is risk-averse, the other is risk-tolerant. History is written by the risk-takers. The debate isn't about safety, it's about the audacity to project greatness. Karabell is showing that audacity.

Aura Windfall

Another fascinating conflict arises in Tier 6, with the two Kansas City receivers, Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice. He places them in their own tier and explicitly states he is 'fading' them. This goes against the powerful narrative of 'I want any piece of a Patrick Mahomes-led offense.' He's challenging a core belief.

Mask

He's not challenging it, he's shattering it with logic. The offense runs through Travis Kelce and the run game. The idea that Mahomes 'needs' a dominant receiver is a fallacy. Last year proved that. Karabell is making a data-driven decision, not an emotional one. He's exploiting the inflated value that comes with the 'Mahomes tax'. Let someone else overpay.

Aura Windfall

Then there’s Tier 8, a place of immense debate. It holds players coming back from significant issues, like Chris Godwin’s injury, Jordan Addison’s suspension, and Stefon Diggs' ACL tear. The conflict here is medical science and risk tolerance versus pure, unadulterated talent. It feels like a crossroads of faith and pragmatism.

Mask

It's a calculated risk, a market inefficiency. The public is scared of the injuries, so the price drops. But the talent is still there. Buying low on a player like Diggs in the 8th round could single-handedly win you your league. It's about having the stomach to take on risk when others are running for the hills. Fear creates value for those bold enough to seize it.

Aura Windfall

The most immediate impact of embracing tiers is a profound shift in perspective on draft day. It moves you from a narrow, linear view—'who is the next best player?'—to a broad, holistic one: 'which tier of value should I be targeting right now?' It’s about finding peace in abundance.

Mask

Peace? It’s about creating pressure. When you see there's only one running back left in a tier, you don't feel peace, you feel urgency. You can either take him, starting a run on the position and creating panic for your opponents, or you can let him go, knowing you're comfortable with the players in the next tier. It’s a tool for psychological warfare.

Aura Windfall

I see it as empowering the drafter. For example, if you're drafting in an auction format, tiers become your sacred text. You know the maximum price you're willing to pay for any player in a given tier. It prevents emotional overspending and keeps you grounded in your own truth and valuation. It gives you a strong foundation.

Mask

In an auction, it's about price enforcement. You identify the last player in an elite tier, and you force your opponents to overpay for him. You drive up the price, drain their budgets, and then you pivot to the next tier, where the value is better. It's a direct assault on the financial stability of your competition. It’s ruthless, and it’s effective.

Aura Windfall

This strategy also has a deep impact on your roster construction. By understanding the tier drop-offs, you might realize that the receivers in Tier 5 are nearly as good as those in Tier 4. This insight gives you the freedom to address another position, like tight end or quarterback, knowing you can find wonderful value at receiver later.

Mask

It’s about maximizing value across your entire portfolio. You don't just draft players; you build a balanced, high-upside machine. If the drop-off at running back is a cliff and the wide receiver tiers are a gentle slope, you take the running back. It's that simple. Tiers provide the topographical map of the draft board. The impact is that you stop guessing and start executing a precise, calculated plan.

Aura Windfall

Looking toward the horizon, how do you see this beautiful tool of tiered rankings evolving? What does the future hold? I imagine a world where data and analytics become even more integrated, perhaps offering us even deeper truths about player performance and potential. It’s an exciting path to ponder.

Mask

The future is about hyper-personalization and predictive modeling. Forget static, pre-draft tiers. We're moving toward dynamic, live-updating tiers powered by AI. These systems will analyze your league's specific scoring, your opponents' drafting habits, and real-time news to constantly recalibrate player value. It will be a relentless optimization engine.

Aura Windfall

That sounds incredibly powerful. It could help managers make decisions with even greater confidence and clarity. What I know for sure is that as we get more data, from player tracking and advanced metrics, our understanding of what creates value will expand. The tiers of the future might be based on metrics we can barely even imagine today.

Mask

Exactly. We'll move beyond simple production and into predictive indicators of success. Things like separation speed, contested catch rates, and defensive formations faced will be weighted by machine learning models to generate the most accurate tiers possible. The human element of 'gut feeling' will be rendered obsolete by the crushing superiority of data. The future is efficient. The future is absolute.

Aura Windfall

Ultimately, today's discussion reveals a powerful truth: tiers are a framework, not a cage. They provide structure, illuminate value, and empower you to make informed decisions. The key takeaway is to use these rankings as a guide to help you draft your own unique story for the season.

Mask

The takeaway is that you are either a disruptor or you are being disrupted. Use these tiers to build a team that doesn't just compete, but dominates. That's the end of today's discussion. Thank you for listening to Goose Pod. See you tomorrow.

# Fantasy Football Rankings: Eric Karabell's 2025 Wide Receiver Tiers This article by Eric Karabell, a senior writer for fantasy sports at ESPN, provides a tiered ranking system for wide receivers for the 2025 fantasy football season, specifically for 10-team leagues with standard PPR (Point Per Reception) scoring. Karabell emphasizes the importance of tiered rankings over simple full-season rankings to better evaluate positional value and identify significant drops in perceived quality and supply/demand. ## Key Information and Findings * **Purpose of Tiers:** Tiered rankings help fantasy managers understand where talent drops off at each position, highlighting significant changes in statistical value. * **Author's Recommendation:** Karabell strongly advises fantasy managers to prepare their own rankings and tiers for draft day, combining statistical knowledge with gut feelings, rather than solely relying on others. He also suggests conducting mock drafts to identify talent drop-offs. * **Unconventional Approach:** Karabell places the top six wide receivers ahead of all running backs in his overall rankings, citing their safety and reliability. ## Wide Receiver Tiers for the 2025 Season The following is a breakdown of Eric Karabell's tiered wide receiver rankings, including the projected draft rounds for each tier: ### Tier 1: Early Round 1 * **Players:** Ja'Marr Chase (Bengals), Justin Jefferson (Vikings), Puka Nacua (Rams), CeeDee Lamb (Cowboys), Amon-Ra St. Brown (Lions), Malik Nabers (Giants) * **Karabell's View:** These are his first six picks overall. He acknowledges that the order might be debated but is comfortable with all players in this tier. ### Tier 2: Rounds 2/3 * **Players:** Nico Collins (Texans), Brian Thomas Jr. (Jaguars), A.J. Brown (Eagles), Tyreek Hill (Dolphins), Drake London (Falcons), Tee Higgins (Bengals) * **Karabell's View:** These players are a "step below the top tier but not so much." He believes it would be difficult to let any of these receivers fall to Round 3. He notes that Tyreek Hill's ranking might differ from other analysts, but he values Hill's performance in his first two seasons with the Dolphins. ### Tier 3: Rounds 3/4 * **Players:** Ladd McConkey (Chargers), Davante Adams (Rams), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (Seahawks), Garrett Wilson (Jets), Mike Evans (Buccaneers), Terry McLaurin (Commanders) * **Karabell's View:** This tier offers "safe options galore." He advises not to overreact to Adams' move to a third franchise, Wilson getting a new QB, or McLaurin's contract situation. He projects Mike Evans to achieve his 12th consecutive season with over 1,000 receiving yards, noting that Evans often slips in drafts. ### Tier 4: Rounds 5/6 * **Players:** Marvin Harrison Jr. (Cardinals), DJ Moore (Bears), DK Metcalf (Seahawks), Courtland Sutton (Broncos), Zay Flowers (Ravens) * **Karabell's View:** This tier includes some players who were disappointing last season but for whom great things are still expected (e.g., Harrison Jr.). Metcalf is considered too talented to underachieve again. Moore and Sutton are seen as having high-WR2 upside if their young quarterbacks continue to develop. ### Tier 5: Rounds 6/7 * **Players:** Calvin Ridley (Titans), Jaylen Waddle (Dolphins), DeVonta Smith (Eagles), Jameson Williams (Lions), Travis Hunter (Jaguars), Jerry Jeudy (Browns) * **Karabell's View:** He expresses belief in Williams and Hunter, suggesting that Hunter playing defense will not significantly hamper his offensive performance. Other players in this tier need quality QB play to recapture their previous numbers. ### Tier 6: Round 7 * **Players:** Xavier Worthy (Chiefs), Rashee Rice (Chiefs) * **Karabell's View:** Karabell is generally "fading KC WRs," not expecting Patrick Mahomes to return to 4,500 passing yards. He believes the offense will focus on the run game and retains a tight end who can achieve 1,000 receiving yards. ### Tier 7: Rounds 7/8 * **Players:** Jakobi Meyers (Raiders), Chris Olave (Saints), Tetairoa McMillan (Panthers), Rome Odunze (Bears), George Pickens (Cowboys) * **Karabell's View:** Meyers, Olave, and Pickens are considered "a bit too underrated." Youngsters McMillan and Odunze are in good situations for breakouts. ### Tier 8: Rounds 8/9 * **Players:** Chris Godwin (Buccaneers), Jordan Addison (Vikings), Stefon Diggs (Patriots) * **Karabell's View:** He anticipates missed games for these players. Addison faces a three-game suspension, Godwin is recovering from an ankle injury, and Diggs is recovering from an ACL tear. Karabell notes that byes don't start until October, making these players solid value if their talent and QB situations are believed in. He also mentions Brandon Aiyuk (49ers) might miss more time, targeting a Week 6 return and suggesting he be drafted later. ### Tier 9: Rounds 9/10 * **Players:** Khalil Shakir (Bills), Jauan Jennings (49ers), Matthew Golden (Packers), Cooper Kupp (Seahawks), Deebo Samuel (Commanders) * **Karabell's View:** Jennings is in a prime position to break out with Samuel's departure. Golden joins a young Packers WR corps. The article questions how much Kupp and Samuel have left as they join new franchises. ### Tier 10: Rounds 10/11 * **Players:** Ricky Pearsall (49ers), Rashid Shaheed (Saints), Darnell Mooney (Falcons), Adam Thielen (Panthers), Keenan Allen (Chargers), Keon Coleman (Bills), Jayden Reed (Packers) * **Karabell's View:** He highlights the achievements of veterans Mooney, Thielen (in 10 games), and Allen last season. Pearsall is considered an upside pick. ### Tier 11: Rounds 11/12 * **Players:** Jayden Higgins (Texans), Emeka Egbuka (Buccaneers), Jack Bech (Raiders), Luther Burden III (Bears) * **Karabell's View:** This tier consists of talented, young players awaiting opportunity. He notes that rookies can be risky but offer little risk in this draft round. ### Tier 12: Rounds 12/13 * **Players:** Hollywood Brown (Chiefs), Cedric Tillman (Browns), Xavier Legette (Panthers), Josh Downs (Colts), Michael Pittman Jr. (Colts) * **Karabell's View:** QB play is identified as crucial for these players, with questions about starting QBs in Cleveland and Indianapolis, and the potential breakout of Carolina's sophomore QB. ### Tier 13: Rounds 14 and Later * **Players:** Wan'Dale Robinson (Giants), Tre Harris (Chargers), Brandon Aiyuk (49ers), Marvin Mims Jr. (Broncos), Rashod Bateman (Ravens), DeMario Douglas (Patriots), Romeo Doubs (Packers), Michael Wilson (Cardinals), Joshua Palmer (Bills), Tyler Lockett (Seahawks), Christian Kirk (Texans), Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (Dolphins), Darius Slayton (Giants), Josh Reynolds (Jets), Ray-Ray McCloud III (Falcons), Brandin Cooks (Saints), Diontae Johnson (Browns), Quentin Johnston (Chargers), Jalen McMillan (Buccaneers), Tutu Atwell (Rams) * **Karabell's View:** This tier includes players with various situations, including those with injury concerns (Aiyuk), new team situations, or those needing QB development. ## Important Recommendations and Trends * **Prepare Your Own Rankings:** The most crucial advice is to create personal rankings and tiers. * **Focus on Talent and Situation:** Karabell emphasizes evaluating player talent and their surrounding team situations (especially QB play). * **Don't Overreact to Past Performance:** "Last year's numbers don't matter." The focus is on the upcoming season. * **Value Top Wide Receivers:** Karabell's unconventional placement of top WRs ahead of RBs highlights his belief in their consistent fantasy production. * **Identify Value in Later Rounds:** Tiers 8 and beyond offer opportunities to find value, especially for players with injury concerns who might slip in drafts. **News Metadata:** * **Title:** Fantasy football rankings: Eric Karabell’s WR tiers * **Author:** Eric Karabell (Senior Writer for Fantasy Baseball, Football, and Basketball at ESPN) * **Publisher:** ESPN * **Date:** August 14, 2025 * **Topic:** Fantasy Football (Wide Receivers) * **Format:** Tiered Rankings for 10-team leagues with standard PPR scoring.

Read original at ESPN →

Eric KarabellAug 14, 2025, 06:56 AM ETCloseEric Karabell is a senior writer for fantasy baseball, football and basketball at ESPN. Eric is a charter member of FSWA Hall of Fame and author of "The Best Philadelphia Sports Arguments".Full-season fantasy football rankings play a critical role in what we do here at ESPN, but sometimes they lack bigger-picture context.

Is one wide receiver, perhaps ranked one spot higher than another one, considerably better than that player? Myriad fantasy managers wisely have turned to a tiered ranking system for drafts and salary cap formats to better evaluate positional value, because sometimes there is a rather large drop-off in perceived quality, and supply and demand matters.

For example, below you will see one analyst's tiers (for 10-team leagues with standard PPR scoring) at wide receiver for the 2025 season. The names at the top tend to be obvious, and there might be a surprise or two deviating from your opinion in the rankings and the tiers, which is a positive. Think for yourselves, make your own decisions for your teams.

As we get deeper into each position, we must further distinguish the players and where talent drops off. A tiered system does this, showing where statistical value changes, and on occasion it is significant.The most important piece of advice: Prepare your own rankings/tiers for your big draft day rather than relying on others.

Combine studious planning with gut feelings. Know your statistics but remember that last year's numbers don't matter. We look forward to this season.This is not an exact science, obviously, so try a few mock drafts and see where you believe talent drops off at each position. Planning ahead is key. We will update these tiers/rankings as August news dictates.

Check out all of the tiered rankings: QB | RB | WR | TETier 1: Early Round 11. Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals2. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings3. Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams4. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys5. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions6. Malik Nabers, New York GiantsThese are also my first six picks overall (ahead of the running backs).

It is unconventional, but top wide receivers are safer and more reliable. Quibble with the order -- and perhaps I like Nacua more than other analysts -- but I am OK with all that.Tier 2: Rounds 2/37. Nico Collins, Houston Texans8. Brian Thomas Jr., Jacksonville Jaguars9. A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles10.

Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins11. Drake London, Atlanta Falcons12. Tee Higgins, Cincinnati BengalsJust a step below the top tier but not so much. Hill's ranking might not match that of other analysts, but I cannot ignore how great he was his first two Dolphins seasons. I would have a tough time letting any of these receivers fall to Round 3.

Tier 3: Rounds 3/413. Ladd McConkey, Los Angeles Chargers14. Davante Adams, Los Angeles Rams15. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks16. Garrett Wilson, New York Jets17. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers18. Terry McLaurin, Washington CommandersThere are safe options galore at wide receiver, even with Adams moving to his third franchise in two seasons, Wilson getting another new QB and McLaurin unhappy with his contract.

For now, do not overreact. Evans will make it 12 consecutive seasons with more than 1,000 receiving yards, and yet he always seems to slip in drafts.Tier 4: Rounds 5/619. Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals20. DJ Moore, Chicago Bears21. DK Metcalf, Pittsburgh Steelers22. Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos23.

Zay Flowers, Baltimore RavensA few disappointments from last season show up in this tier, but great things remain expected for Harrison, and Metcalf appears too talented to underachieve again. Moore and Sutton have high-WR2 upside if their young QBs continue to develop, which they should.Tier 5: Rounds 6/724.

Calvin Ridley, Tennessee Titans25. Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins26. DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles27. Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions28. Travis Hunter, Jacksonville Jaguars29. Jerry Jeudy, Cleveland BrownsWilliams and Hunter might not warrant this generous tier yet, but I am a believer in both.

Try not to overthink how much Hunter playing defense will hamper him on offense. I don't believe it plays any role. The other players here simply need quality QB play to deliver numbers we have seen from them before.Tier 6: Round 730. Xavier Worthy, Kansas City Chiefs31. Rashee Rice, Kansas City ChiefsSome are confident these young Chiefs will dominate and turn QB Patrick Mahomes back into a 4,500-yard passer again.

I don't see it happening, so I am generally fading KC WRs. Receiver play did not hold Mahomes back last season. This offense will run the football, and it retains a 1,000-yard receiver at tight end.Tier 7: Rounds 7/832. Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas Raiders33. Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints34. Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers35.

Rome Odunze, Chicago Bears36. George Pickens, Dallas CowboysMeyers, Olave and Pickens have become a bit too underrated by others. Youngsters McMillan and Odunze are in solid situations to break out.Tier 8: Rounds 8/937. Chris Godwin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers38. Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings39. Stefon Diggs, New England PatriotsExpect missed games here.

We know Addison faces a three-game suspension for a 2024 incident. Godwin is coming off of a major ankle injury in Week 7. The Buccaneers seemed to prepare as if he might miss most or all of September, too. Diggs is on the mend from an ACL tear. This is all OK in fantasy, though. Bye weeks don't start until October.

If you believe in the talent and their QBs, getting these stars in Round 8 is solid value. As for 49ers star Brandon Aiyuk, he might miss considerably more time. There is talk about targeting a Week 6 return. Take him later.Tier 9: Rounds 9/1040. Khalil Shakir, Buffalo Bills41. Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers42.

Matthew Golden, Green Bay Packers43. Cooper Kupp, Seattle Seahawks44. Deebo Samuel, Washington CommandersJennings is in a prime spot to break out with Samuel moved out of town. Golden joins a young Packers WR corps in which nobody approached 1,000 receiving yards last season. Everyone knows who Kupp and Samuel are, but as they join new franchises, how much do they have left?

Tier 10: Rounds 10/1145. Ricky Pearsall, San Francisco 49ers46. Rashid Shaheed, New Orleans Saints47. Darnell Mooney, Atlanta Falcons48. Adam Thielen, Carolina Panthers49. Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers50. Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills51. Jayden Reed, Green Bay PackersSome managers will covet rookies from the following tier instead, and that is OK.

Before you do that, just look at what veterans Mooney, Thielen (in only 10 games) and Allen achieved last season. It wasn't bad at all. Young Pearsall is an upside pick for sure.Tier 11: Rounds 11/1252. Jayden Higgins, Houston Texans53. Emeka Egbuka, Tampa Bay Buccaneers54. Jack Bech, Las Vegas Raiders55.

Luther Burden III, Chicago BearsA talented, young crew awaits opportunity. Rookies tend to break hearts, but in Round 11 there is little risk in investing.Tier 12: Rounds 12/1356. Hollywood Brown, Kansas City Chiefs57. Cedric Tillman, Cleveland Browns58. Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers59. Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts60.

Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis ColtsQB play will be key for these fellows. Who starts in Cleveland and Indianapolis? Will Carolina's sophomore QB break out?Tier 13: Rounds 14 and later61. Wan'Dale Robinson, New York Giants62. Tre Harris, Los Angeles Chargers63. Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers64.

Marvin Mims Jr., Denver Broncos65. Rashod Bateman, Baltimore Ravens66. DeMario Douglas, New England Patriots67. Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers68. Michael Wilson, Arizona Cardinals69. Joshua Palmer, Buffalo Bills70. Tyler Lockett, Tennessee Titans71. Christian Kirk, Houston Texans72. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Miami Dolphins73.

Darius Slayton, New York Giants74. Josh Reynolds, New York Jets75. Ray-Ray McCloud III, Atlanta Falcons76. Brandin Cooks, New Orleans Saints77. Diontae Johnson, Cleveland Browns78. Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers79. Jalen McMillan, Tampa Bay Buccaneers80. Tutu Atwell, Los Angeles Rams