In July, we broke down the tier of wide receivers expected to go between picks 8-15 in 2025 fantasy football drafts as well as those just after those top two tiers. Now that we're at crunch time, let's look at specific player vs. player matchups and see how they compare.
There are some excellent options. But who should you draft: Malik Nabers or Brian Thomas Jr.? Each wide receiver brings a different blend of upside, risk and context. Making the right call is a high-leverage fantasy decision, and one we practice for on the mock draft simulator that is part of the RotoWire draft kit.
Malik Nabers, New York Giants (WR6)
Malik Nabers was a rookie breakout with WR1 traits last season. He posted 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns on 170 targets in just 15 games. After Week 1, he averaged 11.3 targets per game and never dropped to less than eight in any remaining week. That's elite volume.
His yards-after-catch rate ranked only 45th percentile, but that reflects QB play and defensive attention more than anything lacking in his skill set. As a result, he only topped 82 yards once after Week 4, as his floor stayed high due to volume.
Now, with Russell Wilson under center, his efficiency could spike. Wilson is a veteran QB who can load up a lead WR with targets. That said, if the Giants turn to rookie QB Jaxson Dart, Nabers could face similar challenges to what he saw in
In July, we broke down the tier of wide receivers expected to go between picks 8-15 in 2025 fantasy football drafts as well as those just after those top two tiers. Now that we're at crunch time, let's look at specific player vs. player matchups and see how they compare.
There are some excellent options. But who should you draft: Malik Nabers or Brian Thomas Jr.? Each wide receiver brings a different blend of upside, risk and context. Making the right call is a high-leverage fantasy decision, and one we practice for on the mock draft simulator that is part of the RotoWire draft kit.
Malik Nabers, New York Giants (WR6)
Malik Nabers was a rookie breakout with WR1 traits last season. He posted 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns on 170 targets in just 15 games. After Week 1, he averaged 11.3 targets per game and never dropped to less than eight in any remaining week. That's elite volume.
His yards-after-catch rate ranked only 45th percentile, but that reflects QB play and defensive attention more than anything lacking in his skill set. As a result, he only topped 82 yards once after Week 4, as his floor stayed high due to volume.
Now, with Russell Wilson under center, his efficiency could spike. Wilson is a veteran QB who can load up a lead WR with targets. That said, if the Giants turn to rookie QB Jaxson Dart, Nabers could face similar challenges to what he saw in 2024. Regardless, Nabers' target share is locked in, and that makes a difference when discussing NFL fantasy ADP.
Bottom line: Star power, elite usage and QB upgrade make Nabers a high-floor, high-ceiling WR1. He's the best bet in this tier with Wilson starting.
Brian Thomas, Jacksonville Jaguars (WR8)
Brian Thomas delivered a strong rookie campaign with 1,282 yards and 10 touchdowns, but his breakout truly began once Mac Jones took over at quarterback. Over his final six games, Thomas posted at least 76 receiving yards in each outing, racked up three 100-yard games and averaged 10-14 targets per game.
He showcased explosive after-the-catch ability (88th percentile), making plays regardless of route depth. His connection with Trevor Lawrence, however, was inconsistent. In 11 games with Lawrence, Thomas failed to clear 15 PPR points in eight matchups, including three with less than six points.
The Jaguars are reportedly building their offense around Thomas in 2025. If Lawrence can feed him the way Jones did, Thomas could return WR1 overall value. But that trust isn't a given, and early 2024 usage suggests the risk is real.
The bottom line: Thomas has excellent upside potential, but his fantasy success hinges on Lawrence. He's a volatile pick near WR8 and best suited for managers chasing upside over safety.
Stay informed with fantasy football news and track usage roles with the NFL depth charts.
Final Thoughts on Fantasy Football ADP WR Values
This is one of the most pivotal fantasy football ADP battles in early rounds. Both of these receivers has upside beyond their ADP, but their paths vary widely. Thomas is set to be the focal point of Jacksonville's offense, but his success depends on Lawrence. Nabers has elite target volume and the hope of improved QB play, a perfect combo of floor and ceiling.
Best ceiling/floor combo: Malik Nabers
Best if QB clicks: Brian Thomas
If you like these ADP battles, check this out:
For more wide receiver battles and player tiers, check out our fantasy football articles.
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