Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Changes
A.J. Brown, Patriots: We may see Brown return to his best fantasy WR1 form in his first season as the needed No. 1 target for the ascending Drake Maye.
Jaylen Waddle, Broncos: He will be one of my favorite fantasy WR2 picks this season. Waddle is the big-play target that Bo Nix needed, and the former Dolphin could deliver a career year in his new environment.
Mike Evans, 49ers: The future Hall of Famer can still be a frequent TD threat at age 33, much in the same mold as Davante Adams was for the Rams last year.
DJ Moore: Josh Allen finally gets a trustworthy veteran WR again. Moore will be good for satisfying PPR production as a rather steady fantasy WR2.
Carnell Tate, Titans: The exciting rookie projects to be Cam Ward’s big-play target for many years. In their first season together, Tate at least figures to be a fantasy WR3 with the promise for some occasional big games.
Jordyn Tyson, Saints: This NFL newcomer fits perfectly next to Chris Olave in New Orleans at WR. Tyson is an authentic field-stretcher who can flash frequent upside. If he stays healthy as a rookie, Tyson may provide a few exciting fantasy performances.
Makai Lemon, Eagles: The Eagles moved Brown, but Lemon could be an instant impact rookie. The Eagles feature some notable names up and down the roster at WR and TE this year. Lemon, however, could earn a healthy amount of targets early in his career.
Michael Pittman Jr., Steelers: He fills the No. 2 WR void in Pittsburgh, and with a new coaching staff in place, Pittman can hopefully function as a regular fantasy starter.
Wan’Dale Robinson, Titans: Should be a trusted target for Ward, who needed a reliable and proven presence at WR. Robinson should be drafted as a WR3/flex for adequate fantasy output overall.
Romeo Doubs, Patriots: Seahawks fans will see Doubs and A.J. Brown as the new WR pairing for the Patriots on opening night this season at Lumen Field. Drawing the Seahawks’ secondary is a tough assignment to begin a tenure with a new team, but Doubs is a proven TD threat who can provide some possible fantasy WR3 production over the full season.
Jalen Nailor, Raiders: The ex-Viking has true sleeper appeal as a top target for the Raiders’ new QBs. Nailor demonstrated some TD promise when he was lower on the depth chart with his previous team.
More NFL WRs who will wear new uniforms in 2026
Jauan Jennings is a WR to monitor in Minnesota, as he is capable of providing a few statistical spike weeks. … Darnell Mooney might operate as a downfield playmaker for the Giants. … Dontayvion Wicks will have to battle for some targets with the Eagles, but he should be final round consideration. Hollywood Brown is also a new WR in Philadelphia, so keep a watch on the Eagles’ depth chart in the preseason and early in the regular season.
Other rookie WRs to watch include Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion in Cleveland, Omar Cooper Jr. with the Jets, and Antonio Williams with Washington. The Browns are building a young offense, so their new WRs can compete for quality playing time. Cooper and Williams could chase primary WR roles in their debut seasons.