Unearthing the best fantasy football WR sleepers and fantasy football WR breakouts can be the difference between a good roster and a championship roster in 2025. Savvy managers know that finding wide receivers who can outperform their draft position is one of the most reliable paths to fantasy football success. That’s why we’ve turned to our collection of FantasyPros Featured Pros experts, who have identified their favorite late-round sleeper WRs and breakout wide receiver candidates for the upcoming season. These players combine upside, opportunity, and draft-day value-giving you the best chance to outscore the competition and win your league.
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Fantasy Football Breakouts: Wide Receivers
Which one wide receiver inside the top-40 in our half-PPR WR consensus rankings do you think has the highest breakout potential relative to his draft cost and why?
Tetairoa McMillan (CAR)
“Tetairoa McMillan. He hasn’t played an NFL game yet, and fear of the unknown is holding down his cost. McMillan is a terrific prospect who was drafted eighth overall and averaged 108.8 yards per game over his final two college seasons at Arizona. He’s an advanced rote runner who just happens to stand 6-foot-5, which should make him an immediate red-zone threat. The Panthers’ other receivers are Adam Thielen, who’s about to turn 35; Xavier Legette, who was unimpactful as a rookie; and Jalen Coker, a former undrafted free agent from Holy Cross. McMillan should be the leading man in the Carolina passing game right away, and he looks like a splendid value at WR28.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
“The one wide receiver outside the 2025 fantasy football top 40 half-PPR Wide Receiver consensus rankings that I think has the highest breakout potential relative to his draft cost is Tetairoa McMillan of the Carolina Panthers. If Bryce Young progresses and Carolina’s offense improves, McMillan is positioned for WR2-like production as a rookie in half‑PPR formats. High-upside rookie receiver going in mid-rounds (around WR29 consensus) with a path to overperformance based on skills, early target share, and camp buzz. Tetairoa McMillan offers one of the most compelling breakout profiles among 2025 rookie receivers thanks to a clear and prominent role in the Panthers’ offense. He has elite size, hands, and contested-catching ability. He is showing strong early chemistry with Bryce Young. He offers excellent fantasy value relative to his ADP of 64.0. If you’re looking for a high-upside WR to anchor your receiving corps or surprise as a rookie difference-maker, McMillan is definitely one to target.”
– Jeff Boggis (Fantasy Football Empire)
“Tetairoa McMillan is ranked right inside the top 30 WRs at WR29. Love the cost for a player that has all of the tools to be a year 1 breakout. The Panthers have a solid schedule, a bad defense, and this offense showed progress down the stretch last season. Love the cost and the upside for McMillan right now.”
– David Heilman (Sports Gambling Podcast Network)
“Tetairoa McMillan is going to be targeted early and often in 2025 for the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers’ offense and QB Bryce Young have been craving a dominant X receiver that can win 50/50 balls at will, and that is McMillan’s forte. It feels like McMillan will walk to 110-120 targets in this offense in 2025. To get that kind of player at the cost of WR29 is excellent business. ”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
Calvin Ridley (TEN)
“Calvin Ridley, Tennessee Titans – The opportunity for targets with Ridley this season is about as high as any receiver in the league. Only one team has a second receiver ranked lower than the Titans’ WR2, the over-the-hill Tyler Lockett. Last season, after DeAndre Hopkins was traded, Ridley was on an 80-catch, 1,289-yard pace with the likes of Will Levis and Mason Rudolph throwing him the ball. Even if rookie quarterback Cam Ward takes some time to adjust to the professional level, Ridley will be a low-end WR2. If Ward is above average, then Ridley could reach the top ten at the position.”
– Michael Tomlin (Fantasy Six Pack)
George Pickens (DAL)
“George Pickens is set to explode in fantasy football for 2025, and his current draft cost is a steal for the fireworks he’s about to bring! After being traded to the Dallas Cowboys, Pickens is now catching passes from Dak Prescott, a major upgrade from the inconsistent quarterback play he faced in Pittsburgh, where he still managed 59 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns in 14 games last season. The Cowboys’ pass-heavy offense, which could reach upwards of 600 pass attempts this season due to a subpar defense facing stiff competition and a running game that does not inspire much excitement, should boost Pickens’ targets as the No. 2 receiver behind CeeDee Lamb, giving him a chance to shatter his previous career highs. His big-play ability is undeniable, with a 15.3 yards per reception among qualified players, and Dallas’ system is perfect for him to stretch the field and rack up touchdowns. Despite the underwhelming WR35 finish in fantasy points per game last year, his current valuation as WR31 in FantasyPros consensus rankings screams value, as the expectation of his role in the Cowboys’ offense could elevate him to a high-end WR2 in 2025. Snag Pickens at his draft cost, and you might just be celebrating a fantasy championship with his highlight-reel catches lighting up your roster.”
– Brandon Murchison (RotoBaller)
Xavier Worthy (KC)
“Xavier Worthy is the WR27 in the rankings, but could finish the 2025 season as a top-12 wide receiver. He was the WR33 as a rookie, averaging 9.3 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. However, the former Texas star finished the year on fire, ranking as the WR10 during the fantasy playoffs, averaging 10.3 targets and 17.5 fantasy points per game, totaling 16.6 or more in every contest. According to Fantasy Points Data, his 0.51 fantasy points per route run ranked 17th out of 88 wide receivers with at least 50 routes during the fantasy playoffs, posting a higher average than Ja’Marr Chase (0.38). Furthermore, Worthy was outstanding in the Super Bowl, totaling eight receptions for 157 receiving yards, two touchdowns, and 31.7 fantasy points. With Rashee Rice likely facing a lengthy suspension, don’t be surprised if Worthy has a breakout season and becomes a league winner.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
“Xavier Worthy surged late in his rookie season and earned consistent targets from Patrick Mahomes during the Chiefs’ playoff run. With Rashee Rice facing a likely suspension and now nursing a groin injury, and Travis Kelce entering his age-35 season, Worthy has a clear path to becoming Mahomes’ most dynamic weapon. He’s more than just a track star; his route nuance and after-catch ability give him upside beyond gadget plays. Kansas City’s run game is in flux, and Mahomes needs a bounce-back year after a down fantasy season. At a half-PPR WR27 ranking, Worthy offers top-15 upside at a mid-round price.”
– Lawrence Iacona (Gridiron Experts)
“Over Xavier Worthy’s final six games in 2024 (counting the postseason), he averaged 16.3 Half-PPR Points per Game, which would have been good enough for WR2 on the season. Take away his explosion in the Super Bowl, and he still would have averaged 13.2 (WR16), well above his ADP of WR25. Teammate Rashee Rice is awaiting his suspension and is simultaneously returning from a season-ending knee injury. Even after Rice returns from injury, there is a world where Worthy has cemented himself as the WR1 during his absence. The Chiefs have ranked bottom 4 in aDOT each of the past seasons, should this regress even to league average, Worthy and his 4.21 speed would be the clear beneficiary, although he can succeed even if it does not.”
– Charlie Sisian (The Fantasy DC)
Travis Hunter (WR, CB – JAC)
“I think Travis Hunter is going to come firing on all cylinders from the get-go. Everyone knows Hunter is an incredible athlete, being one of the best wide receivers and cornerbacks in college last year. The only thing people are worried about is which side of the ball he’s going to mostly play. Here’s the thing: not only have they invested a lot of draft capital in him, but they’ve also invested a lot of money in Trevor Lawrence; so it would be in the Jaguars’ best interest to set Lawrence up to succeed, which would be Hunter playing more on the offensive side. I think he’s going to easily outplay his current ADP this season.”
– Joey Meinerding (Fantasy Dink)
“When NFL execs were asked if Travis Hunter was in last year’s heralded draft class, where would he be drafted? They said he would be graded in the same tier as Marvin Harrison Jr. and Malik Nabers. That’s pretty high praise, especially for a guy who hasn’t even dedicated 100% of his time to the nuances of being a WR, due to time constraints because he’s splitting time playing defense. (Translation- Travis Hunter is just scratching the surface of his vast potential.) To sum it up, Travis Hunter is in Ringo’s draft neighborhood- very talented players who don’t cost a lot. Ringo’s comp- Travis Hunter reminds me of a lighter version of Ja’Marr Chase. Honorable mention- Stefon Diggs.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)
Rome Odunze (CHI)
“Rome Odunze was massively underused in a Bears offense that struggled to push the ball downfield and was hindered by underwhelming play calling. With Ben Johnson in town and a significantly improved offensive line in tow, Caleb Williams should have far more opportunities to find Odunze. The former Top 10 pick also has the advantage of Keenan Allen moving on and Luther Burden far from establishing himself as a target threat.”
– Ben Wasley (The Fantasy First Down)
“I’m buying into the year two Rome Odunze breakout. Last year was a mess, no doubt, but even as the third receiving option, he posted decent numbers comparable to Marvin Harrison Jr. Now he’s ascending to at least the second option and the X WR role he always should have been for the Bears. If Caleb Williams can put it all together in this offense, Odunze has 75 catches for 1200 yards and 10 TD type of production in him, and you can get him as a low-end WR3.”
– Justin Frye (Pro Football Network)
Jameson Williams (DET)
“Jameson Williams is poised to take another massive step forward in 2025. The former 12th overall pick ended the 2024 season on a tear, as the WR10 in PPG. He’s been the human hype-piece out of Detroit since the start of the offseason with new OC John Morton, calling this year Williams’ “breakout season.” Jamo is a big play waiting to happen – 11 career TDs of 30-plus yards – and seems primed to see more volume under a new OC that knows he needs to feature Williams more in the passing game.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
“Based on the 2025 Half PPR WR Consensus Rankings, Jameson Williams at WR25 has the highest breakout potential relative to his draft cost. The Lions’ speedy wideout has elite deep-threat ability and is poised for a larger role in Detroit’s high-powered offense after a strong finish to 2024. With Jared Goff‘s accuracy and the team’s pass-heavy scheme, Williams could see increased targets, especially if defenses focus on Amon-Ra St. Brown. His big-play potential makes him a steal at his current price, but you may not get to enjoy that cost for much longer as the coaching staff’s frequent mentions of his involvement have been driving his cost up daily from his original WR38 price.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Sports Advice Network)
“I will not leave a draft without Jameson Williams in 2025. His half-PPR WR25 price tag places him squarely in the 5th round, and I’m smashing the draft button there every time. Jamo is the buzziest camp name that isn’t Tank Bigsby, and new Lions OC John Morton cannot stop singing his praises. With another year under his belt and all the talent and athleticism in the world, Williams should easily eclipse his WR19 finish from a year ago in just 15 games. Expect him to best his 58 receptions and 1062 total yards from a year ago, at least hitting his 8 TDs yet again. Jamo has WR1 upside with a mid-range WR2 floor in 2025.”
– Jeremy Shulman (Fantasy Football Universe)
Chris Olave (NO)
“I’m still relatively high on Chris Olave in New Orleans. He’s currently ranked as WR32, but I think there is a very good chance he finishes as a top-20 WR. Rookie QB Tyler Shough might not be the answer for the Saints, but their offense will be a funnel for Olave and RB Alvin Kamara. Those two are both players I’m targeting in drafts all month as we head into the season. WR32 seems like a crazy discount to me, so I’m sure I’ll end up with a lot of Olave on my rosters.”
– Andrew Hall (FantasyPros)
Jaxon Smith-Njigba (SEA)
“Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been growing on me lately. With the departure of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, this offense has vacated 191+ targets. Smith-Njigba finished as the WR10 last season, but only ranked as the WR22 in points per game. Even with Cooper Kupp joining the offense, I believe there are plenty of targets to go around for both receivers. In Week 9 last year, without DK Metcalf, JSN posted a season-high 33.5 fantasy points. You can draft Smith-Njigba at his floor as a WR2 in the third round, with the potential for a breakout WR1 season.”
– Brady Auer (BA Sports Podcast)
Tre Harris (LAC)
“Tre Harris has the opportunity and talent to be a big breakout after WR 40. He has the ability to play in the short passing game with YAC and can also pull in the deep ball. Yes, they signed Keenan Allen, but he looked like he took a step back in 2024 and should be working out of the slot, which leaves the spot opposite Ladd for Tre. Especially in PPR, Tre showed in college that he has play-making ability even from even or behind the line of scrimmage.”
– Brandon ‘B_Don’ Myers (Razzball)
Jakobi Meyers (LV)
“Jakobi Meyers has been one of the most consistent, yet under-the-radar, receivers of the last four years. He’s averaged 77 receptions and almost 900 yards over those seasons with his QBs being Mac Jones, Aiden O’Connell, and Gardner Minshew. 2024 was Meyers’ best statistical season with 87 catches for 1,027, even with Brock Bowers‘ breakout. With a massive QB upgrade in Geno Smith and very little WR competition, Meyers is the perfect WR3 with WR2 upside, and you can draft him in round 7 or later.”
– Lee Wehry (FantasyPros)
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