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We went live with 2025 projections the day after the Super Bowl, putting us in a rare position of being among the first in the industry to have public numbers for you to reference, assess, question, and comment. It should go without saying that many of these projections and rankings will change significantly as rosters take shape and we get a clearer picture of each team's talent and skill profiles.

That said, we thought it would be helpful to compare my rankings (which are driven by my projections) against early industry consensus. I'm going to highlight some of the larger initial disparities, both to spark discussion and help frame things as you all begin working on your rankings for the season.

Wide Receiver Rankings: Players I'm High On

There are six receivers I have rated significantly higher than the industry consensus.

Mike Evans, Tampa Bay

• My Ranking: WR11
• Industry Ranking: WR17

We start this list with future Hall of Famer Mike Evans. Yes, he'll be 32 years old this season, but I'm not sure why that should matter when we've seen no evidence of decline. Despite playing only 14 games last year, he eclipsed 1,000 yards for the 11th time and scored double-digit touchdowns for the fourth time in five seasons. Although there's a new play-caller to contend with, the team may move on from veteran Chris Godwin. Either way, Evans will remain the team's top target and has undeniable chemistry with Baker Mayfield.

Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona

• My Ranking: WR14
• Industry Ranking: WR25

Harrison was wildly disappointing last year, finishing as WR42 despite being drafted as an instant fantasy WR1. While his rookie struggles are concerning, I'm not ready to write him off. Given his pedigree and skill set, I'm betting that he refocuses after last year's disappointment and emerges—one season later than expected—as one of the league's best. Look no further than Jaxon Smith-Njigba's ascendence last year as a case study of how important it is not to disregard elite talent because of rookie growing pains. 

DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia

• My Ranking: WR24
• Industry Ranking: WR31

On the surface, the industry consensus makes sense. While immensely talented, Smith is the No. 2 receiver on the most run-heavy team in the NFL, a role that typically limits fantasy production. But the Eagles aren't a typical run-heavy team, and Smith isn't a typical No. 2 receiver. Let's not forget that he was WR17 on a per-game basis last year in the same offensive context. As long as he's on the field, he'll deliver top-25 value, as he has in every season of his career. 

Stefon Diggs, Free Agent

• My Ranking: WR28
• Industry Ranking: WR43

I'm usually conservative when ranking free agents before they sign, so I'm surprised to see myself higher on Diggs than my peers. The reason? Diggs is a perennial WR1, and his 2024 season was only a disappointment because he got hurt. Landing spot is critical, but I expect Diggs to sign a multi-year deal with a high AAV as a team's clear-cut starting receiver. If that happens, the industry will move toward my ranking. If he signs a short-term deal or lands as a WR3 on a contender, I'll adjust accordingly. 

Tetairoa McMillan, Undrafted Rookie

• My Ranking: WR23
• Industry Ranking: WR54

McMillan is widely regarded as the No. 1 or No. 2 rookie receiver, depending on whether you project Travis Hunter as a wide receiver or cornerback at the NFL level. Either way, McMillan will be an early first-round pick in April and is almost certain to step into a high-volume role. Given his talent and expected opportunity, his industry ranking is too low. 

Darius Slayton, Free Agent

• My Ranking: WR52
• Industry Ranking: WR95

I never considered myself a Slayton apologist, but the industry will be shocked when he signs a lucrative multi-year deal in free agency. Expect him to land a contract that signals he'll be a full-time player, ideally as a WR2 in a high-volume passing offense. The best comparison here is Darnell Mooney last season—Mooney signed a big deal with Atlanta despite underwhelming production in Chicago and finished WR32. Slayton shouldn't be ranked as a top-36 receiver yet, but if he lands the deal I expect, he'll be draft-worthy in every 12-team league. 

Wide Receiver Rankings: Players I'm Low On

There are six receivers I have rated significantly lower than the industry consensus.

Garrett Wilson, NY Jets

• My Ranking: WR26
• Industry Ranking: WR17

Let me be clear: I don't actually believe Garrett Wilson is only the 26th-best fantasy receiver. I'm more likely to move my ranking toward consensus than vice versa. However, I'm discounting him for now because the Jets have no quarterback and an unproven offensive staff under new head coach Aaron Glenn. If the Jets acquire a league-average starting quarterback, Wilson's upside warrants a top-20 ranking. But I'm waiting until free agency begins—just in case the Jets end up losing the game of quarterback musical chairs. 

George Pickens, Pittsburgh

• My Ranking: WR32
• Industry Ranking: WR23

Pickens is a puzzling player to project. In 2023, he broke 1,100 yards receiving and looked like an emerging star despite playing in a passing scheme that mustered just 13 total touchdowns. We all saw Pickens as a breakout in 2024, thanks to the additions of quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Josh Fields. What's odd is that the Steelers offense improved, but Pickens dealt with injuries and never clicked with Wilson. I'm inclined to think my projections for Pickens will rise toward consensus, but I need to see how the quarterback situation unfolds and also get confirmation that Pickens is healthy and looks crisp in early team activities. 

Jaylen Waddle, Miami

• My Ranking: WR38
• Industry Ranking: WR30

Waddle is one of those players I never seem to be as high on as the industry. He has now finished outside the top 30 in consecutive seasons, though he was WR22 on a per-game basis in 2023. The Dolphins offense struggled in 2024, but they're bringing everyone back for another run. If you believe last season was an anomaly and Miami's offense will bounce back, you should have no issue ranking Waddle in the top 30. I need to dig deeper into the Dolphins' overall outlook before making that assumption. 

Deebo Samuel Sr., San Francisco

• My Ranking: WR47
• Industry Ranking: WR35

I love Deebo Samuel Sr., but I was shocked at how poorly he played last year—especially when Christian McCaffrey and Brandon Aiyuk were hurt. I assumed Samuel would return to the hybrid RB/WR role that made him a top-10 fantasy receiver in 2021 and 2023, but instead, he struggled to make an impact and voiced frustration about his role. Are the 49ers committed to Samuel? Or will they move forward with Aiyuk (who signed a mega-extension last offseason) and Jauan Jennings? Samuel's outlook will be volatile until we know his situation and the rest of the WR depth chart. 

Michael Pittman Jr, Indianapolis

• My Ranking: WR72
• Industry Ranking: WR47

My low ranking of Pittman is entirely based on how I view Anthony Richardson. If Richardson is the Colts' starter all year, Pittman's fantasy outlook is bleak. In 10 games with Richardson last season, Pittman ranked as WR62. In six games without Richardson, he ranked as WR32. The pattern is clear: If Richardson is starting, you should avoid Pittman—even at WR47. 

Keon Coleman, Buffalo

• My Ranking: WR61
• Industry Ranking: WR49

I'm normally inclined to bet on rookie receivers making a big leap in Year 2, especially those with strong draft pedigree and projected starting roles. I'm open to adjusting my stance on Coleman as the offseason unfolds, but right now, I'm skeptical. He didn't show improvement as the season progressed and was being outsnapped by Mack Hollins and Khalil Shakir in the final weeks. Meanwhile, Buffalo relied heavily on Amari Cooper and Curtis Samuel. Let's see how the Bills' WR depth chart shakes out, but for now, I'm unwilling to rank Coleman as a full-time player, making his industry ranking too aggressive. 

Wide Receiver Rankings: It Is Early in the Process

Please remember this is an incredibly early look at the 2025 fantasy landscape. We haven't had free agency or the pre-draft evaluation process yet, much less the draft, training camp, and the preseason. Suffice it to say that our opinions about these players and many others will evolve in the coming months.