Every fantasy season brings with it a fresh wave of optimism and inflated expectations. But when it comes to the wide receiver position in 2025, it's easy to get caught drafting players based on reputation, past performance, or name value. Here are several WRs you should be cautious of - or avoid altogether - when you're on the clock.
Tyreek Hill (MIA)
Tyreek Hill was once the epitome of fantasy explosiveness, but 2024 signaled a sharp decline. He finished as WR33 in points per game, with just 959 yards and six TDs - despite playing all 17 games. Injuries, a dip in separation, and a reduced role in Miami's increasingly horizontal passing game all contributed.
At 31 years old, the warning signs are hard to ignore. His yards per route run halved from the year before, and Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa's average depth of target continues to plummet. Hill's efficiency, durability, and chemistry with the team are all trending the wrong way. He's a hard pass at his current Top 20 ADP.
Chris Olave (NO)
Olave has shown flashes, but he's now entering year three without a WR1-level fantasy season. After an injury-riddled 2024 campaign, he's battling a new crop of issues: concussion history, diminishing air yard share, and an ugly quarterback situation in New Orleans.
Rashid Shaheed outperformed Olave in both target share and explosive plays over long stretches. Unless the Saints pull off a surprise at quarterback, Olave is unlikely to deliver on his WR2 price tag. The talent is there - but the ecosystem is broken.
Amon-Ra St. Brown (DET)
St. Brown is a great football player, but fantasy managers may be overestimating his upside in 2025. His per-game production dipped from 20.7 to 18.6 PPR points last season - despite career-high efficiency and a surge in touchdowns.
The Lions' offensive dynamics are shifting. Jameson Williams' breakout, Sam LaPorta's emergence, and Ben Johnson's departure as OC all suggest a reduction in volume. Add in off-season knee surgery and a decreasing target share, and you're looking at a player being drafted closer to his ceiling than his floor.
Terry McLaurin (WAS)
McLaurin finally delivered a WR1 season in 2024, but don't chase that production. His TD spike (13 scores) was an outlier compared to his first four years in the league. He ranked 37th in target share and 23rd in expected fantasy points per game.
With Deebo Samuel joining the team and contract drama swirling around McLaurin himself, the outlook is shaky. Add in the historical tendency of Kliff Kingsbury's offenses to spread targets thin, and McLaurin's 2024 output starts to look more like an aberration than a new norm.
DJ Moore (CHI)
Moore's surface stats were respectable, but a deeper look reveals a WR whose role shifted to low-value targets. He averaged just 11.1 fantasy points per game, ranked outside the top 30 in yards per route run, and lost end-zone looks to rookies down the stretch.
With Caleb Williams now under center and the addition of WR Luther Burden and TE Colston Loveland, Moore may be forced into a lower-ceiling role again. His history of boom-or-bust weeks makes him hard to trust as anything more than a volatile WR3.
Rashee Rice (KC)
Rice was electric at times in 2024 but now comes with serious risk. He's returning from LCL and hamstring injuries, and faces a potential suspension due to off-field issues. The Chiefs also brought in Marquise Brown and rookie Xavier Worthy, increasing target competition.
While the upside is undeniable, Rice has yet to show he can sustain WR1 production over a full season. With an ADP climbing into the WR1/WR2 range, you're paying for potential - not proven results.
Travis Hunter (JAC)
Hunter is one of the most exciting young players in football, but his two-way role makes him a fantasy landmine. Jacksonville insists they'll use him at both receiver and cornerback, which means his snap count as a WR may be significantly capped.
With Brian Thomas Jr. entrenched as the WR1 and a talented receiving corps around him, Hunter's path to consistent targets is murky at best. At WR31 in ADP, he's priced as if he'll play full-time on offense - a gamble that's hard to justify.
Josh Downs (IND)
Downs has become a trendy pick, but he's a slot receiver tethered to a questionable quarterback situation and a limited offensive ceiling. Rookie TE Tyler Warren and the running backs could sap the short-range targets that Downs thrives on.
His career touchdown total (7 in 31 games) suggests there's little upside. Even with a top-100 ADP, Downs offers more floor than ceiling - not what you want when filling out your starting WR slots.
Jalen McMillan (TB)
There's simply no clear path to fantasy relevance for McMillan in 2025. He's behind Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and rookie Emeka Egbuka on the Buccaneers' depth chart. While his rookie season ended with a strong TD run, it was driven by injuries to others.
With a projected WR4 role in a crowded offense, McMillan is the definition of a wasted draft pick. Let someone else chase the mirage.
Final Thoughts
The wide receiver position is deep, but that doesn't mean every big name or emerging talent is worth the cost. Whether it's age, injuries, usage concerns, or shifting offensive schemes, these wideouts bring more risk than reward in 2025. Choose wisely - your season could depend on it.
