Fantasy Football 2025: Upside Metrics: Wide Receivers

When it comes to wide receivers, we are greedy. Catch balls at a high volume, but also make sure you are picking up the yardage and streaking down the field for big plays. Oh, and while you are at, we’ll take some touchdowns as well. Of course, we know it’s that not easy. With that being said though, let’s use some upside metrics to dig into some wide receivers to target in your 2025 fantasy football drafts.

Upside Metrics: Wide Receivers

Rashid Shaheed, New Orleans Saints, 17.4 Yards Average Depth of Target

If you are targeted downfield, those aforementioned big plays become a lot easier to compile. In the case of Rashid Shaheed, that’s certainly the case, as he had 734 air yards last year and an average depth of target of 17.4 yards. If Shaheed didn’t injure his knee in Week 6 last season, we’d likely be thinking very differently about the wide receiver.

Before we go too crazy, though, there are multiple factors that go into his APD of 120. Shaheed did have a solid 2023 season, and he was on his way towards building on it last season. Prior to his injury, he caught 20 passes for 349 yards and three touchdowns. Averaging 17.5 yards per carry is certainly a recipe for success. That came after gaining 719 yards on 46 receptions the year prior, along with five touchdowns.

The biggest concern now is that Derek Carr retired, and rookie Tyler Shough will likely replace him. It’s hard to truly judge Shough just yet, but there likely will be some rough patches. Regardless, the price is right on Shaheed when he comes with the upside of being a 1,000-yard receiver. Based on his skill set and utilization, it won’t take much. The fact that New Orleans will likely be training on most occasions also helps.

Joshua Palmer, Buffalo Bills, 14.8 Average Depth of Target

While there are other receiving options in Buffalo, in Khalil Shakir and Keon Johnson, there isn’t anybody who is an obstacle to success for Joshua Palmer. Led by Josh Allen at quarterback, the Bills’ offense can certainly support it. That’s especially the case for a versatile option such as Palmer.

Palmer isn’t overwhelming when it comes to speed, but he’s versatile and a good route runner. Last year, he was used as more of a deep threat, hence the upside metrics of 14.8 average depth of target, but he can also be a possession threat. In 2024 with the Chargers, Palmer averaged 15 yards per catch on his way to a pedestrian season of 39 catches for 584 yards and a touchdown.

If we can combine Palmer’s upside metrics with increased utilization, there could be some real upside to be found. His current ADP of 172 also gives credence to that.

Christian Kirk, Houston Texans, 13.3 Average Depth of Target

It’s a fresh start for Christian Kirk this season, and he’s in a good position to capitalize. A broken collarbone didn’t do Kirk any favors in 2024, but the receiver has a strong track record of success.

Considering Kirk will likely be used in the slot, he’s more explosive than most other receivers who do their work in that space. Kirk had an average depth of target of 13.3 yards, which should lead to success with CJ Stroud.

Tank Dell is still sidelined, and Stefon Diggs is in New England, so there’s room for Kirk to make his mark. Nico Collins is still the number one receiver, and Houston did draft two receivers, but they’ll likely fall behind Kirk on the depth chart.

Prior to breaking his collarbone last year, Kirk caught 27 passes for 379 yards and a touchdown. He’s not your typical slot option, as Kirk averaged 78 air yards per game. That, coupled with his 13.3-yard average depth of target, means that Kirk is working in the field. With Collins attracting defenders out wide and Stroud still developing, that should lead to success for Kirk.

For more great fantasy football rankings and analysis, make sure to check out the 2025 FantraxHQ Fantasy Football Draft Kit!