The NFL season is upon us and it is time to get our wide receivers in a row. Will the rookies shine? Do the oldies still have a year left on their tires? Can Ja’Marr Chase dominate again? Will new offensive minded coaches in Chicago and Jacksonville pump up their passing games? There are so many questions we’ll start to learn answers for in Week 1.
WR injuries
Jalen Coker, Panthers
Coker suffered a quad injury in practice and ended up landing on IR, which will keep him out at least the first four weeks. This comes after the Panthers traded away Adam Thielen and Coker was set to take his slot position. At this point Xavier Leggette looks to get a bump for fantasy.
Darnell Mooney, Falcons
Mooney dealt with a shoulder injury which kept him out in preseason, but he has returned to practice. As long as he can get in a full practice or two this week he should be good to go.
Jayden Reed, Packers
Reed has a Jones fracture in his foot, which he plans to play through. It’s difficult to know how much it will effect his play, but it is concerning for his year-long outlook.
Josh Downs, Colts
Downs is dealing with a hamstring issue, but is supposed to return to practice this week. We’ll need to see how much he can practice this week before feeling good about his status or not.
Jauan Jennings, 49ers
Jenings returned to practice Monday after dealing with a calf injury and a contract dispute. He has a week to get ramped up for primetime, which might nt be enough time. At this I wouldn’t expect a full complement of snaps in Week 1.
Chris Godwin, Buccaneers
Godwin won’t go on I.R., but he also won’t play until October. Jalen McMillan is also out in Tampa Bay until mid-season. Both injuries help boost Emeka Egbuka into a full time role.
Week 1 odds
When looking at game odds for fantasy receivers, we want high scoring games that are close or where the receivers team trails. An example below could be the Cowboys, who are big underdogs, while their offense is pass first. We should expect 40+ attempts from Dak Prescott, which should keep his receivers from flopping.
Highest point totals
Ravens at Bills (-1.5) — 52.5
Lions at Packers (-2.5) — 47.5
Bengals (-5.5) at Browns — 47.5
Cowboys at Eagles (-7.5) — 47.5
Highest implied individual team totals
Eagles 27.5, Bills 27, Bengals 26.5, Commanders 26, Ravens 25.5, Packers 25
Lowest point totals
Steelers (-2.5) at Jets —37.5
Titans at Broncos (-7.5) —41.5
Cardinals (-5.5) at Saints — 42.5
Raiders at Patriots (-2.5) —43.5
Vikings (-1.5) at Bears —43.5
Lowest implied individual team totals
Titans 17, Jets 17.5, Saints 18.5, Giants 19.5, Cowboys 20, Steelers 20
Largest point spreads
Cowboys at Eagles (-7.5)
Titans at Broncos (-7.5)
Giants at Commanders (-6.5)
Streaming WRs
Darnell Mooney vs. Buccaneers
Mooney’s preseason injury has him only rostered at 51% at Yahoo, but he should be much closer to 100% after a strong 2024 and a QB upgrade for 2025. His PPR appeal isn’t as good as his standard league appeal, but he’s got great upside against the Buccaneers weak pass defense.
Adam Thielen vs. Bears
With Jordan Addison suspended the first three games, Addison should slot in to a strong role in Week 1. His upside is capped as he ages out of his prime, but his PPR appeal should be good as he’ll have fresh legs and opportunity to start the season,
