NFL Wide Receiver Rankings Following Week 1: Jaxon Smith Njigba, Zay Flowers Lead the Way Despite Tough Losses

Wide receivers were on fire in Week 1 of the 2025 NFL season, but which one graded as the best, according to PFSN's metrics?

The first week of the 2025 NFL season showcased impressive performances by wide receivers, with several players surpassing 100 yards on the day. Others performed just as well or better, but didn’t receive the same snap count and target share — but may have had career games if not for more volume.

Thanks to our metrics, which measure counting stats, yards per route run, overall efficiency, and everything in between, we compiled a list of the top wide receivers from Week 1. We ranked them 25-1 with full analysis before unveiling numbers 26-87. Let’s get into it.


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25) Travis Hunter, Jacksonville Jaguars

WRi Score and Grade: 76.2 (C)

Though Travis Hunter amassed just 33 yards, he was a reliable target for quarterback Trevor Lawrence as he caught six passes. The part-time cornerback played primarily at wide receiver in Week 1 and should compile more yardage with more game reps.

24) Drake London, Atlanta Falcons

WRi Score and Grade: 76.4 (C)

Drake London was injured on the Atlanta Falcons’ final drive with a shoulder injury, but caught eight of his 15 targets for 55 yards when he was healthy.

Week 1 NFL Injury Recap: Brock Bowers, Drake London, and Chris Olave Among Injured Players To Monitor

With new starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr.’s rifling arm, London could be in store for a big year.

23) Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins

WRi Score and Grade: 76.5 (C)

The Miami Dolphins were dominated in every facet of the game against the Indianapolis Colts, scoring just eight points, but Hill tied for the team lead in catches (four) and led the team in receiving yards (40) despite his first game after some questionable comments on the team.

He broke off a 21-yard reception in the game, which is routine in Hill’s career, as there could be more to come.

22) Kayshon Boutte, New England Patriots

WRi Score and Grade: 76.8 (C)

Kayshon Boutte stood out in the New England Patriots’ loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, catching six passes for 103 yards.

The former LSU receiver was overlooked early in his career but showed up big for the Patriots and figures to be one of their top pass catchers this season.

21) Keon Coleman, Buffalo Bills

WRi Score and Grade: 77.0 (C)

Leading a team in catches and receiving yards says something about the second-year Keon Coleman, who finished with eight catches for 112 yards and a circus touchdown catch as part of the Buffalo Bills’ fourth-quarter comeback. With Josh Allen at quarterback, the future looks bright for the former Florida State star.

20) Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers

WRi Score and Grade: 78.2 (C+)

Keenan Allen disappointed with the Chicago Bears a season ago, but provided an immediate impact with the Los Angeles Chargers in the debut of his second stint with the team.

He amassed seven catches for 68 yards and a touchdown in the Chargers’ upset victory over the Kansas City Chiefs in Sao Paolo, Brazil.

19) Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, Kansas City Chiefs

WRi Score and Grade: 78.3 (C+)

With Xavier Worthy injured early, a receiver had to step up for the Chiefs. Hollywood Brown did just that, catching ten of Patrick Mahomes’ passes for 99 yards.

He also caught a 49-yard pass, Kansas City’s longest pass of the day. In a crowded receiver room, Brown made a statement that he can’t be forgotten.

18) Marvin Harrison Jr., Arizona Cardinals

WRi Score and Grade: (C+)

Marvin Harrison Jr. led the Arizona Cardinals with five catches for 71 yards and a touchdown in their 20-13 victory over the New Orleans Saints.

He was targeted just six times, converting on five opportunities for a solid day. Moving forward, there will be more emphasis on involving Harrison, who has all the tools to be a difference-maker.

17) Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts

WRi Score and Grade: 78.6 (C+)

Playing with new starting quarterback Daniel Jones, Michael Pittman Jr. caught six passes for 80 yards and a nice touchdown grab down the right sideline.

Now in his sixth season, Pittman has gone under the radar as a solid receiver in Indianapolis despite erratic quarterback play. If Week 1 is any indication, Jones could provide stability at the quarterback position in Indy.

16) Tyler Johnson, New York Jets

WRi Score and Grade: 78.7 (C+)

With the New York Jets this season, Tyler Johnson was extremely efficient in a limited role in Week 1. He was targeted twice by quarterback Justin Fields and caught both passes, one for 24 yards and one for seven yards.

RELATED: What Jets’ Breece Hall Did to the Steelers Silenced Fantasy Football Doubters

Johnson should see more time in the coming weeks, considering how effective he was on limited routes.

15) Jakobi Meyers, Las Vegas Raiders

WRi Score and Grade: 79.0 (C+)

Despite requesting a trade from the Las Vegas Raiders just weeks before their first game, Jakobi Meyers had a strong outing against the New England Patriots, reeling in eight passes for 97 yards.

He’s operated with below-average quarterbacks in recent years, but with Geno Smith there now, Meyers could be poised for a career year.

14) Deebo Samuel Jr., Washington Commanders

WRi Score and Grade: 79.2 (C+)

Deebo Samuel’s first game with the Washington Commanders was as expected, as he caught several underneath passes and finished with 77 yards.

Brought over for his veteran presence and playmaking ability after the catch, the former San Francisco 49er fit well with his new team.

13) Jahan Dotson, Philadelphia Eagles

WRi Score and Grade: 79.5 (C+)

The Philadelphia Eagles have longed for a viable third receiver alongside AJ Brown and DaVonta Smith, and they may have found one in former Commander Jahan Dotson.

He didn’t have a huge impact last season but excelled in their Thursday night season-opener, catching three passes for 59 yards on limited routes run.

12) Ricky Pearsall, San Francisco 49ers

WRi Score and Grade: 79.6 (C+)

Operating as the de facto No. 1 receiver for the 49ers due to injuries, Ricky Pearsall had a career day in hauling in four passes for 108 yards. That came against a solid Seattle Seahawks secondary, proving that Pearsall is capable of a heavy workload in a contentious rivalry game on the road.

11) DK Metcalf, Pittsburgh Steelers

WRi Score and Grade: 79.6 (C+)

DK Metcalf stood out in his first game as a Pittsburgh Steeler, tying for the team lead in catches (four) while leading the team in yards (83). He was targeted on nearly a quarter of quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ throws, solidifying that he’ll be Rodgers’ go-to receiver this season.

10) Calvin Austin III, Pittsburgh Steelers

WRi Score and Grade: 80.7 (B-)

Though Calvin Austin may not be Rodgers’ top target, he had himself a day against the New York Jets as well, grading out higher than Metcalf.

Austin caught four passes for 70 yards and a key touchdown, significantly contributing to Pittsburgh’s close season-opening victory.

9) DeAndre Hopkins, Baltimore Ravens

WRi Score and Grade: 80.8 (B-)

Though veteran DeAndre Hopkins caught just two passes, they were on a limited sample size, and he made them count. With quarterback Lamar Jackson dropping back just 22 times, Hopkins finished with 35 receiving yards and a spectacular one-handed catch for a 29-yard touchdown.

MORE: Ravens WRs Fantasy Outlooks — Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, DeAndre Hopkins

As a contested catch artist, Jackson will likely become more comfortable throwing it Hopkins’ way as the season progresses.

8) Garrett Wilson, New York Jets

WRi Score and Grade: 81.3 (B-)

Despite a drop caused by a huge Jalen Ramsey hit that ended the Jets’ day, Garrett Wilson had a tremendous day against a tenacious Steelers defense.

He finished with seven catches for 95 yards and a touchdown from former Ohio State Buckeyes teammate Justin Fields. The duo could each be in for a career year if Week 1 is any indication.

7) Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers

WRi Score and Grade: 81.4 (B-)

Quentin Johnston’s first two seasons haven’t gone as planned for the 2023 21st-overall pick, as he’s dealt with a bad case of drops. But to open 2025, he was nails.

In the Chargers’ win in Brazil, Johnston reeled in five catches for 79 yards and two huge touchdowns. What a way to start the season and hopefully get his career back on track.

6) Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers

WRi Score and Grade: 82.3 (B-)

Romeo Doubs’ final stat line won’t completely impress you, as he caught two passes for 68 yards. But in a loaded Packers wide receiver room and with limited dropbacks from quarterback Jordan Love in a blowout victory, Doubs capitalized on the limited opportunities given to him.

5) CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys

WRi Score and Grade: 82.5 (B-)

CeeDee Lamb dropped several key passes in the Cowboys’ loss to the Eagles on opening night, yet he still graded out highly thanks to his seven catches for 110 yards.

That just shows how high the bar is for Dallas’ star receiver, who didn’t seem pleased with his performance after the game.

4) Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers

WRi Score and Grade: 83.5 (B)

In essentially the same situation as Doubs, having to operate with a blowout game script and in a loaded receiver room, Jayden Reed caught three passes for 45 yards and a touchdown. He did his best to take advantage of the reps that came his way, and he did precisely that in helping Green Bay secure a season-opening victory over the Detroit Lions.

3) Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks

WRi Score and Grade: 89.3 (B+)

It didn’t take any time for new starting quarterback Sam Darnold and standout WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba to get on the same page, as he caught nine passes for 124 yards against a stingy San Francisco secondary.

The issue was that no one else on the Seahawks had more than 15 receiving yards — a recipe for Smith-Njigba excellence, but not necessarily wins.

2) Puka Nakua, Los Angeles Rams

WRi Score and Grade: 89.5 (B+)

Despite entering the injury tent after a rough hit, Puka Nakua returned and had one of the best games of his young career against the Houston Texans on Sunday afternoon.

KEEP READING: Puka Nacua Injury Update — Latest on the Rams Superstar After Exiting in Week 1 vs. Texans

He caught 10 of quarterback Matthew Stafford’s passes for 130 yards, leading the game in both categories and having a significant hand in the Rams’ five-point win. He even had a couple of highlight-worthy circus catches.

1) Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens

WRi Score and Grade: 94.2 (A)

As mentioned, Lamar Jackson dropped back just 22 times against the Buffalo Bills, limiting his receivers’ chances of a big game — yet it didn’t impact Flowers, who caught seven passes for 143 yards and a touchdown.

He was open across the deep middle parts of the field several times, with Jackson repeatedly finding him and fueling one of Flowers’ best games of his career.

26) JuJu Smith-Schuster

27) Malik Nabers

28) Jaylen Waddle

29) Ladd McConkey

30) Courtland Sutton

31) Matthew Golden

32) Emeka Egbuka

33) Noah Brown

34) Xavier Hutchinson

35) Tre Tucker

36) Josh Palmer

37) Dont’e Thornton Jr. 

38) Tetairoa McMillan

39) Stefon Diggs

40) Wan’Dale Robinson

41) Troy Franklin

42) Khalil Shakir

43) Mike Evans

44) Dyami Brown

45) KaVontae Turpin

46) Tee Higgins

47) Justin Watson

48) Sterling Shepard

49) Tyquan Thornton

50) Chris Olave

51) Nico Collins

52) Ray-Ray McCloud

53) Davante Adams

54) Ja’Marr Chase

55) Marvin Mims Jr. 

56) George Pickens

57) Amon-Ra St. Brown

58) Xavier Legette

59) Cedric Tillman

60) Alec Pierce

61) DeVonta Smith

62) Jauan Jennings

63) Jalen Tolbert

64) Brandin Cooks

65) Kalif Raymond

66) Jerry Jeudy

67) A.J. Brown

68) Josh Downs

69) Josh Reynolds

70) Rashod Bateman

71) Terry McLaurin

72) Calvin Ridley

73) Casey Washington 

74) Elic Ayomanor

75) Jameson Williams

76) Tutu Atwell

77) Rashid Shaheed

78) Zay Jones

79) DeMario Douglass

80) Hunter Renfrow

81) Michael Wilson

82) Cooper Kupp

83) Brian Thomas Jr. 

84) Tyler Lockett

85) Darius Slayton

86) Andrei Iosivas

87) Tory Horton

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