Best Fantasy Football Landing Spots for 2025 Rookie Wide Receivers: NFL Trades and Free Agency Impact

With the NFL Draft quickly approaching, the ramifications of where some of these players get selected will significantly impact their fantasy football value. In dynasty leagues, fantasy managers may not worry about landing spots as much because once you draft them in that kind of league, you have them for their entire career if you want. Due to this, dynasty managers recognize that environments can change, but talent is talent. However, for redraft leagues, a player’s environment and landing spot have a giant impact on their ranking.

This article will identify some of the best landing spots for rookie receivers for the 2025 fantasy football season. While you may prefer Luther Burden over Emeka Egbuka or vice versa in the long term, their 2025 fantasy football value could be decided by circumstances outside their control. This comes down to four areas: team offense/quarterback play, target competition, playing time availability, and target volume.

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• 2025 fantasy football rankings (redraft)
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings
• 2025 NFL rookie fantasy football rankings
• Best ball fantasy football rankings
• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
• Running back fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
• Tight end fantasy football rankings

Just a Few Things…

When we look at two of the four factors we’ll be assessing for each, the player's prospect status will impact the score. This article primarily focuses on these teams drafting a receiver in the first or second round. While that undoubtedly means the player is a good prospect, the differences can still be vast.

That’s something to remember when looking at the scores for playing time availability and target competition. Someone like Tetairoa McMillan will command more playing time than Jaylin Noel. If you look at the scores while thinking of McMillan, bump up the playing time availability. If you’re thinking of a late-round second-rounder, maybe bump it down a bit.

Each prospect will require a different response from each team. These numbers are to be used as a starting point to give us a general idea of the best landing spots for the top 2025 wide receiver rookies. Each reader will need to add nuance and context when determining what these numbers mean for McMillan compared to Noel because (obviously) these prospects will be used, valued, and managed differently.

Best Landing Spots

1. Denver Broncos

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 7.5/10
• Playing Time Availability: 10/10
• Target Competition: 9/10
• Target Volume: 9/10
• Overall: 8.87

Bo Nix was excellent as a rookie, and he will only get better under Sean Payton’s tutelage. Denver has a very strong offensive line, which will offer consistency for the offense. The team depends heavily on Courtland Sutton, who will turn 30 in October. Outside of him, they have Marvin Mims Jr. and Devaughn Vele. A good rookie could immediately become the team’s No. 2 receiver. If Sutton’s game takes a step back with age, there’s even more upside. This is one of the more appealing landing spots.

2. Dallas Cowboys

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 8/10
• Playing Time Availability: 10/10
• Target Competition: 7/10
• Target Volume: 10/10
• Overall: 8.75

A rookie receiver would have to compete for targets with CeeDee Lamb and, to a lesser degree, Jake Ferguson. Still, there's ample passing volume in Dallas, and Dak Prescott is a criminally underrated quarterback. There is plenty of volume to support two receivers and a tight end here in Dallas, especially with their current roster construction. The team does not boast a strong running game, so much of the scoring responsibility falls on the shoulders of Prescott and the passing game. There's no quality receiver behind Lamb, giving whatever rookie ends up here an almost guaranteed starting spot.

3. Los Angeles Rams (assuming Cooper Kupp is traded)

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 8/10
• Playing Time Availability: 10/10
• Target Competition: 9/10
• Target Volume: 7/10
• Overall: 8.5

Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay are still at the top of their games. Their offense boasts Kyren Williams, Puka Nacua, and a solid offensive line. It’s a healthy offensive environment, and while Nacua will demand a significant piece of the pie, there’s very little target competition behind him, assuming Kupp is moved. The defensive attention Nacua demands will make the job easier for whichever rookie receiver is lucky enough to land here. There’s WR2/3 potential her,e depending on the prospect.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 6/10
• Playing Time Availability: 10/10
• Target Competition: 9/10
• Target Volume: 9/10
• Overall: 8.5

Jacksonville has traded Christian Kirk and released Evan Engram. Their best pass-catcher behind Brian Thomas Jr. is... Parker Washington? Brenton Strange? It looks incredibly bleak behind Thomas, giving any rookie a chance to start immediately and earn a quality target share. Trevor Lawrence gets more flak than he deserves, but I still believe he's a quality quarterback. Liam Coen, the new head coach for the Jaguars, helped get the best out of Baker Mayfield, and fantasy managers shouldn't be surprised if he has that kind of effect on Lawrence, which would only boost the entire Jacksonville offense.

5. Seattle Seahawks (with DK Metcalf traded)

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 6/10
• Playing Time Availability: 10/10
• Target Competition: 9/10
• Target Volume: 8/10
• Overall: 8.25

This landing spot took a hit when they traded Geno Smith to the Raiders, leaving a black hole at quarterback. However, reports indicate they will be aggressive in obtaining Sam Darnold. While teams aren't permitted to talk to players and NFL agents yet, it'd be surprising to see Seattle make this move without having another plan they feel comfortable about. If Metcalf is traded, as is the assumption here, any rookie would walk into an immediate starting role opposite Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Klint Kubiak worked wonders with Derek Carr until injuries struck the New Orleans offense.

6. Los Angeles Chargers

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 9/10
• Playing Time Availability: 9/10
• Target Competition: 9/10
• Target Volume: 6/10
• Overall: 8.25

Justin Herbert is a stud. He’s one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. However, Greg Roman and Jim Harbaugh have been doing this long. We shouldn’t expect them to crank up the passing game fully. This will be a balanced offense, which somewhat limits the upside because we won’t see many pass attempts. The Chargers have Ladd McConkey, who looks like a star in the making, and Quintin Johnston is a decent role player, but there’s plenty of room here for a rookie to command a sizable piece of the pie.

7. New Orleans Saints

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 6/10
• Playing Time Availability: 10/10
• Target Competition: 9/10
• Target Volume: 7/10
• Overall: 8.0

The Saints have Chris Olave, but after that, there are many question marks at receiver and tight end. Rashid Shaheed has shown some potential, but injuries have negatively impacted his ability to contribute consistently. Juwan Johnson is a fine tight end, but he's not someone who demands a lot of targets. The most significant barrier for a rookie receiver in New Orleans is the offensive coordinator, Derek Carr, and the offense. The passing volume will be solid because the defense isn't as good as it's been in the past. Playing time and target competition are optimal, but can Carr support two fantasy-relevant receivers?

8. New England Patriots

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 5/10
• Playing Time Availability: 10/10
• Target Competition: 10/10
• Target Volume: 6/10
• Overall: 7.75

Drake Maye showed potential in New England last season, but at this time, that's all it is - potential. We don't know if that will translate to production and passing efficiency. We hope it will. We might even believe it will, but there are no guarantees. Josh McDaniels is back as the offensive coordinator, and while he's failed miserably as head coach, he has been a capable offensive coordinator. Outside of Maye, there are also some questions about the overall volume. Generally, teams with young quarterbacks tend to focus on the running game to take pressure off their quarterback. That happened last season in New England. If Maye takes the next step, though, there's much potential here.

9. Carolina Panthers

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 6/10
• Playing Time Availability: 9/10
• Target Competition: 9/10
• Target Volume: 7/10
• Overall: 7.75

Bryce Young played quite well after his early-season benching. He started to show some of the promise and skillset that made him the No. 1 overall pick two years ago. Carolina has a tremendous offensive line, good coaching, and a strong group of role players. Xavier Legette, Jalen Coker, Adam Thielen, and Chuba Hubbard are a solid group but lack "the guy". If they were to draft McMillan or Egbuka, they'd have tremendous upside in this offense. There's a clear pathway to playing time and target volume immediately.

10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (without Chris Godwin)

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 8/10
• Playing Time Availability: 8/10
• Target Competition: 6/10
• Target Volume: 8/10
• Overall: 7.5

If Godwin signs elsewhere, this becomes a very appealing landing spot for a rookie. They still have Mike Evans and Jalen McMillan, but McMillan isn't a fully proven player yet. Evans is, but he's getting older, too. Baker Mayfield was an MVP candidate last season, and there are plenty of pass attempts to go around. The strength of the overall offense and the quarterback would give any rookie plenty of potential to make an immediate impact. If McMillan doesn't take a step in year two or Evans's play declines ever so slightly, a rookie could earn enough targets to make an immediate impact.

11. Green Bay Packers

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 9/10
• Playing Time Availability: 7/10
• Target Competition: 7/10
• Target Volume: 6/10
• Overall: 7.25

The Packers are an ideal landing spot for a rookie, but it doesn't come without some questions. They still employ Romeo Doubs, Christian Watson (who will return later in the year), Jayden Reed, and Dontayvion Wicks. If they were to select a receiver in the second round, that player may struggle to get on the field regularly. That would make targets challenging to come by. However, the receivers the Packers have aren't "that" good (or good at all, really) to stop a talented rookie from leapfrogging them. If they added someone like McMillan or Egbuka, they'd have a much easier pathway to playing time. Jordan Love and Matt LaFleur is a strong quarterback and head coach tandem.

12. Tennessee Titans

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 4/10
• Playing Time Availability: 10/10
• Target Competition: 10/10
• Target Volume: 5/10
• Overall: 7.25

The offense isn't good, and the quarterback is a massive question mark. There are reports that they'll add a veteran quarterback. They can also take Cameron Ward since they hold the No. 1 overall pick. The chances are good that they'll add another quarterback to give their pass-catchers the potential for better quarterback play. There's no target competition sans Calvin Ridley. He's not a true No. 1 receiver anymore. He's far from an alpha. Tennessee has no quality No. 2 pass-catcher behind him at receiver or tight end.

13. New York Giants

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 4/10
• Playing Time Availability: 10/10
• Target Competition: 8/10
• Target Volume: 7/10
• Overall: 7.25

Like Tennesee, the Giants' offense is dreadful, and their quarterback situation might be worse. There are reports they are interested in Aaron Rodgers, but they'll also be able to draft Ward or Shedeur Sanders if they choose to move up in the draft. If they improve their quarterback play, this destination becomes more favorable. Malik Nabers is a stud, but there are no other good options behind him. With a questionable defense, they'll continue to have adequate team passing volume. There's a hole that a rookie could fill as the Giants' No. 2 receiver.

14. New York Jets

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 3/10
• Playing Time Availability: 10/10
• Target Competition: 9/10
• Target Volume: 7/10
• Overall: 7.25

They're not in a position to draft Ward or Sanders, although they could reach to draft Jaxson Dart if they are so inclined. If they don't do that, they may end up rolling with Tyrod Taylor, which would not be ideal for any rookie's fantasy prospects. The Jets have Garrett Wilson, who will command most of Taylor's attention. Taylor, or a rookie quarterback, may struggle supporting two fantasy-relevant receivers. However, behind Wilson, there is only Allen Lazard and Malachi Corley. A rookie would have an immediate pathway to playing time and the ability to be the No. 2 pass-catcher for the Jets.

15. Las Vegas Raiders

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 7/10
• Playing Time Availability: 10/10
• Target Competition: 5/10
• Target Volume: 7/10
• Overall: 7.25

The acquisition of Geno Smith makes the Raiders a more appealing destination for a rookie receiver. He'll make the offense better and improve their passing attack. The Raiders do not have another quality receiver behind Jakobi Meyers. Any rookie can start immediately, but he'll have to compete with Meyers and Brock Bowers for targets. That won't be easy, but the Raiders can provide ample playing time, quality quarterback play, and adequate team passing volume.

16. Buffalo Bills

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 10/10
• Playing Time Availability: 6/10
• Target Competition: 6/10
• Target Volume: 6/10
• Overall: 7.0

Josh Allen is excellent and arguably the best quarterback in the NFL. Is Dalton Kincaid good? Is Keon Coleman good? We don't know the answers to those questions yet, but Buffalo is highly dependent on Khalil Shakir if they're not. That would give a rookie plenty of opportunity to earn Allen's attention, especially if Kincaid and Coleman do not improve. Since Joe Brady took over as the team's offensive coordinator, the team passing volume hasn't been as high, but this offense continues to be highly effective because of how great Allen is. A rookie may not have immediate opportunities in Buffalo as Coleman and Kincaid will surely get their chances. Still, a talented rookie could have a second-half breakout in Buffalo if they struggle.

Decent Landing Spots

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 5/10
• Playing Time Availability: 10/10
• Target Competition: 7/10
• Target Volume: 5/10
• Overall: 6.75

18. Kansas City Chiefs

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 10/10
• Playing Time Availability: 5/10
• Target Competition: 3/10
• Target Volume: 9/10
• Overall: 6.75

19. Washington Commanders

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 9/10
• Playing Time Availability: 6/10
• Target Competition: 5/10
• Target Volume: 7/10
• Overall: 6.75

20. Cleveland Browns

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 4/10
• Playing Time Availability: 8/10
• Target Competition: 5/10
• Target Volume: 9/10
• Overall: 6.5

21. Houston Texans

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 8/10
• Playing Time Availability: 5/10
• Target Competition: 4/10
• Target Volume: 8/10
• Overall: 6.25

Bad Landing Spots

22. Baltimore Ravens

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 10/10
• Playing Time Availability: 5/10
• Target Competition: 7/10
• Target Volume: 4/10
• Overall: 6.5

23. Cincinnati Bengals

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 10/10
• Playing Time Availability: 4/10
• Target Competition: 2/10
• Target Volume: 10/10
• Overall: 6.5

24. Miami Dolphins

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 7/10
• Playing Time Availability: 6/10
• Target Competition: 4/10
• Target Volume: 8/10
• Overall: 6.25

25. San Francisco 49ers

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 8/10
• Playing Time Availability: 6/10
• Target Competition: 4/10
• Target Volume: 6/10
• Overall: 6.0

26. Arizona Cardinals

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 7/10
• Playing Time Availability: 6/10
• Target Competition: 5/10
• Target Volume: 6/10
• Overall: 6.0

27. Atlanta Falcons

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 6/10
• Playing Time Availability: 6/10
• Target Competition: 5/10
• Target Volume: 7/10
• Overall: 6.0

28. Seattle Seahawks (DK Metcalf is not traded)

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 5/10
• Playing Time Availability: 6/10
• Target Competition: 3/10
• Target Volume: 8/10
• Overall: 5.75

29. Detroit Lions

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 9/10
• Playing Time Availability: 4/10
• Target Competition: 3/10
• Target Volume: 7/10
• Overall: 5.75

30. Chicago Bears

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 6/10
• Playing Time Availability: 6/10
• Target Competition: 3/10
• Target Volume: 7/10
• Overall: 5.5

31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (with Chris Godwin)

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 8/10
• Playing Time Availability: 3/10
• Target Competition: 2/10
• Target Volume: 8/10
• Overall: 5.25

32. Minnesota Vikings

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 7/10
• Playing Time Availability: 4/10
• Target Competition: 1/10
• Target Volume: 7/10
• Overall: 4.75

33. Philadelphia Eagles

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 9/10
• Playing Time Availability: 3/10
• Target Competition: 3/10
• Target Volume: 4/10
• Overall: 4.75

34. Indianapolis Colts

• Team Offense/Quarterback: 5/10
• Playing Time Availability: 4/10
• Target Competition: 4/10
• Target Volume: 4/10
• Overall: 4.25

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