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 Drake London? 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 Drake London? 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.
Drake London, Atlanta Falcons (WR9)
Drake London found his rhythm late in 2024, closing with 1,271 yards and nine touchdowns on 100 catches. He dominated over his final six games, averaging 94 yards on 11.3 targets, and immediately clicked with rookie quarterback Michael Penix.
In the final three weeks with Penix, London averaged 117 yards and 0.67 touchdowns on 13 targets per game. He also ranked in the 90th percentile in team air yards share, reinforcing his alpha role in Atlanta's passing game.
But the early season production was inconsistent; London had just one 100-yard game through Week 16 and was held to less than six catches seven times. The volume spiked once Penix took over, and the gamble is that volume/production remain.
The bottom line: London has strong WR1 upside tied to his growing connection with Penix. He offers a great blend of role, draft pedigree and QB chemistry.
Stay informed with fantasy football news and track usage roles with the NFL depth charts.
Final Thoughts on Fantasy Football ADP WR Values
Both of these receivers have upside beyond their ADP, but their paths vary widely.
Nabers has elite target volume and the hope of improved QB play, a perfect combo of floor and ceiling. London showed WR1 form late with Penix, and his blend of floor, ceiling and improving QB rapport makes him my favorite pick in this tier.
Best ceiling/floor combo: Malik Nabers
Safest ceiling/floor combo: Drake London
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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