In July, we broke down the tier of wide receivers expected to go between picks 8-15 in 2025 fantasy football drafts. Now that we're at crunch time, let's look at specific player vs. player matchups and see how they compare.
Just past the elite trio of fantasy wideouts, the next tier in fantasy football ADP has excellent options. So, who should you draft: Malik Nabers or Puka Nacua? 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
In July, we broke down the tier of wide receivers expected to go between picks 8-15 in 2025 fantasy football drafts. Now that we're at crunch time, let's look at specific player vs. player matchups and see how they compare.
Just past the elite trio of fantasy wideouts, the next tier in fantasy football ADP has excellent options. So, who should you draft: Malik Nabers or Puka Nacua? 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.
Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams (WR5)
Puka Nacua missed six weeks early in 2024 but picked up where he left off from his incredible 2023 rookie season. In his final 10 games, he posted seven outings with at least 95 yards and eight games with at least 17 PPR points. He also ranked in the 89th percentile in yards after the catch.
Usage was through the roof, as Nacua handled up to 46 percent of targets in some weeks. The addition of Davante Adams could eat into volume slightly, but coach Sean McVay has always fed his top wideout. Nacua still fits the mold.
The concern is durability. He missed six games in 2024 and plays a bruising, physical style. Nacua is often expected to block, taking on big collisions in the process. Another concern is the health of quarterback Matthew Stafford, who missed most of training camp with a back injury. If the 37-year-old Stafford has a setback, it would severely impact Nacua.
But for managers chasing NFL fantasy ADP upside, Nacua is well worth the risk if healthy.
Bottom line: Elite ceiling with volume to match. A top-5 WR finish is in play, but the injury risk must be managed.
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.
- Malik Nabers has elite target volume and the hope of improved QB play, a perfect combo of floor and ceiling.
- Puka Nacua offers elite overall upside if he stays healthy.
Best ceiling/floor combo: Malik Nabers
Elite upside if healthy: Puka Nacua
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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