The 2025 preseason offered a clear look at which wide receivers are gaining momentum and which are sliding down fantasy football draft boards. Training camp performances, injuries, and depth chart shifts have already created ripple effects for key playmakers. As fantasy managers prepare for the final draft weekend, knowing who’s trending up and who’s falling off is more important than ever.
Preseason Fantasy Football Risers
Emeka Egbuka, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Emeka Egbuka has looked like a polished veteran throughout Tampa Bay’s preseason action, consistently winning his routes and building immediate chemistry with Baker Mayfield.
His preseason target distribution suggests the Tampa Bay Buccaneers already view him as a clear starter, and his ability to operate from multiple receiver positions gives him versatility that coaches love. The former Ohio State standout’s route precision and contested catch ability have been particularly impressive against NFL defensive backs.
Emeka Egbuka’s first NFL preseason touchdown was a thing of beauty. pic.twitter.com/1VEM8aJVLJ
— Eleven Warriors (@11W) August 16, 2025
Tampa Bay’s passing offense should provide plenty of opportunities for multiple receivers to eat, and Egbuka’s preseason usage patterns indicate he’s positioned to capitalize. His size and skill set make him a red zone threat, and his chemistry with Mayfield has been developing rapidly.
With Chris Godwin nowhere close to returning, Egbuka is set to open the season as the Bucs’ WR2 opposite Mike Evans. It would not be surprising at all if he finished the season as the team’s WR1.
Calvin Ridley, Tennessee Titans
Calvin Ridley has looked rejuvenated, displaying the route-running mastery and reliable hands that made him a fantasy star in Atlanta. His chemistry with Cam Ward has been building throughout August, and the Tennessee Titans’ commitment to him as the clear top target in their passing game attack creates significant opportunity for Ridley to return to WR2 territory. His preseason snap count and target share indicate he’ll be the clear alpha receiver in this offense.
The Titans’ offensive system appears designed to maximize Ridley’s strengths, particularly his ability to win intermediate routes and create separation. His preseason red zone usage has been encouraging, and his veteran presence should translate to consistent target volume throughout the season. Consider him a strong WR3 with weekly WR2 upside in favorable matchups.
Ricky Pearsall, San Francisco 49ers
Ricky Pearsall has flashed the speed and route-running ability that made him a first-round pick, showing impressive chemistry with Brock Purdy throughout San Francisco’s preseason action.
His usage demonstrates his versatility, and his ability to create separation has been consistently impressive. Pearsall’s preseason catch rate and yards after catch metrics suggest he’s ready to contribute immediately in Kyle Shanahan’s offense.
The 49ers’ receiver depth chart has room for Pearsall to carve out a significant role. Brandon Aiyuk is set to miss at least the first month of the season, likely more than half of it. Jauan Jennings has been out with a combination of a calf strain and a contract dispute. This has allowed Pearsall to cement himself as the team’s WR1.
The Brock Purdy and Ricky Pearsall hype is warranted. Remember this anticipation dot from Purdy in Week 17 last yearpic.twitter.com/kCwf1GfwDo
— Ben Cummins (@BenCumminsFF) August 17, 2025
Sophomore WRs are historically great bets in fantasy, and Pearsall has all the makings of a second-year breakout. Unfortunately, the price yesterday ain’t the price today.
Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers
Keenan Allen has looked completely healthy and sharp since rejoining the Los Angeles Chargers. Being just a year removed from the best season of his career, it’s entirely possible Allen has enough left in the tank to contribute floor-based WR3 production in fantasy.
Naturally, going from unsigned to the WR2 on the Chargers has propelled Allen from a late-round flier to a legitimate WR4 target. There’s no more ceiling in his game, but Allen can still be a “won’t get you zero” guy in an offense that lacks a clear second option behind Ladd McConkey.
Dont’e Thornton Jr., Las Vegas Raiders
Dont’e Thornton Jr. has been a pleasant surprise throughout training camp, showcasing the deep speed and big-play ability that the Las Vegas Raiders’ offense desperately needed. His preseason usage on vertical routes has been impressive, and his chemistry with Geno Smith has developed rapidly.
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The Raiders’ offensive system appears designed to maximize Thornton’s speed, and his preseason snap count suggests he’s passed second-rounder Jack Bech on the depth chart. Consider him a late-round flier with significant upside in deeper leagues.
Preseason Fantasy Football Fallers
Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins
Tyreek Hill is another player where the vibes are all bad. He’s coming off the worst season of his career. He’s 31 years old. There is a clear rift between him and Tua Tagovailoa. He’s also dealing with an oblique injury that has sidelined him for multiple weeks.
Hill is one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history. We may have seen the last of him as an elite fantasy option.
He’s gone from a surefire 2/3 turn pick to falling sometimes out of the third round. Hill is a major fade this season.
Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders
Terry McLaurin’s fall has nothing to do with his talent or role on the team. The Washington Commanders’ WR1 has fallen purely because of a contract dispute.
McLaurin has been holding in, not participating in practices or preseason games. As we get closer to the season, fantasy managers worry Scary Terry may not be on the field for Week 1.
It would be a major surprise if this were the case. Remember, Ja’Marr Chase held in for the entire month of August last season before signing just before Week 1. Then, he went out and won the WR triple crown.
Necessity is the mother of invention. It stands to reason the Commanders will get a deal done with their top receiver. Until that happens, enjoy the discount in fantasy drafts.
Jauan Jennings, San Francisco 49ers
We haven’t seen Jauan Jennings in a month as he recovers from a lingering calf strain…or is he? Jennings may very well be using the calf as a smokescreen for a de facto holdout. Either way, Jennings’ absence from training camp has sent his ADP tumbling.
“It is healed yes. I expect him to be back. I think he should be back from it but you never know with calves.”
Kyle Shanahan’s update on Jauan Jennings pic.twitter.com/84PxTwSEYq
— 95.7 The Game (@957thegame) August 24, 2025
While Jennings has been out, Ricky Pearsall has established himself as Brock Purdy’s go-to target. With Aiyuk likely out about half the season, Jennings could end up being a really good value, especially at his reduced cost. Recently, reports surfaced that he is expected to be ready for Week 1.
Tre Harris, Los Angeles Chargers
When the Los Angeles Chargers drafted Tre Harris, he was set to be their WR2. Since then, he’s been passed by Keandre Lambert-Smith, outplayed by Quentin Johnston, and now has to contend with the return of Keenan Allen. Suffice it to say, Harris’ trajectory has not been what fantasy managers want.
Harris is virtually free in fantasy drafts now. He’s still a second-round rookie. There is upside here. But you can probably leave him on the waiver wire and pick him up if he shows signs of breaking out.
