- Jaxon Smith-Njigba holds onto No. 1 for a second straight week: The third-year receiver has blossomed into the NFL's most productive pass catcher, and his nine catches for 105 yards — including a sensational one-hander — keep him in the top spot ahead of Week 12.
- Puka Nacua and Drake London round out the 90.0-plus club: They join Smith-Njigba in having elite PFF receiving grades ahead of Week 12.
- Get PFF+ for 40% off: Use promo code BLACKFRIDAY to unlock the PFF Player Prop Tool, Premium Stats, fantasy dashboards, the PFF Mock Draft Simulator, industry-leading fantasy rankings and much more — everything you need to win your season.
Estimated Reading Time: 20 minutes
We're diving into the top wide receivers by PFF receiving grade through Week 11 of the 2025 NFL season. To qualify, players need to have logged at least 100 receiving snaps.
1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks (93.5)
Smith-Njigba made a highlight-reel grab in Week 11, separating downfield from Rams cornerback Darious Williams for a one-handed, 28-yard catch along the sideline midway through the second quarter. It was his only explosive gain of the day, although he did record five catches of 10-plus yards and seven first downs (tied for third most). Smith-Njigba finished the day with nine catches for 105 yards and a third-ranked PFF receiving grade (82.5).
The third-year sensation continues to lead the league in receiving yards and explosive gains, now with 72 receptions for 1,146 yards and 29 catches of 15-plus yards. Eighteen of his explosive gains have come outside the numbers (first), where he has notched a near-perfect 95.0 PFF receiving grade (first). Smith-Njigba has racked up 34 catches overall outside the numbers for 616 yards and 29 first downs, ranking first in each category. He also leads the league in yards per route run on outside targets (5.76).
2. Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams (93.3)
Nacua secured seven of eight targets for 75 yards and three first downs against the Seahawks, although he also lost a fumble. He made four catches of 10-plus yards, adding his own highlight play as he spun in the air for a 19-yard grab over Josh Jobe. Nacua averaged 3.57 yards per route run and brought in four of five contested targets. He finished the game with a 105.7 passer rating when targeted.
The 24-year-old All-Pro remains ranked fourth in receiving yards (850). He has gained 43 first downs and recorded 19 explosive gains. He has also secured 16 of 20 contested targets. Nacua continues to dominate all coverage schemes, ranking as a top-three wide receiver against single coverage (90.9 PFF receiving grade) and zone coverage (92.4).
Against single coverage, Nacua has caught 20 of 23 targets for 248 yards (fifth) and three touchdowns while averaging 4.4 yards after the catch per reception. He places in the top five in first downs (14), yards per route run (3.59) and passer rating when targeted (151.2) on such plays.
Meanwhile, against zone, he has caught 47 passes for 529 yards (eighth) and a touchdown. He slots into the top five in yards per route run (3.78) and missed tackles forced (nine) on such plays.
3. Drake London, Atlanta Falcons (90.9)
London secured seven of nine passes for 119 yards in the Falcons' overtime loss to the Panthers. He moved the chains five times and averaged 6.9 yards after the catch per reception. He also recorded three catches of 20-plus yards, including gains of 30 and 41 yards in the first quarter. While London generated a 118.8 passer rating when targeted, he also had a costly drop (his first of the season) with three minutes remaining in regulation that would have extended a drive and moved Atlanta just outside the red zone, up by two at the time. Atlanta kicked a field goal on the next play. London still earned the second-best PFF receiving grade for the week (85.2).
The fourth-year man out of USC now has 60 catches for 810 yards (fifth most) in 2025. He has accounted for 20 explosive gains, with 12 catches of 20-plus yards (tied for fourth most). London’s 30-yard gain in Week 11 came off a play-action pass, another chapter in his year-long play-action success. He has now caught 12 of 15 targets for 215 yards and eight explosive gains off play action this season. London boasts an 81.2 PFF receiving grade on play action this season.
4. George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys (88.8)
Pickens exploded for nine catches and 144 yards against the Raiders on Monday Night Football. He gained eight first downs and recorded five gains of 15-plus yards. He was on the end of back-to-back gains of 19 and 15 yards late in the first quarter, before spinning around Kyu Blu Kelly and evading two other defenders for a 37-yard touchdown to put Dallas up by 17 near halftime.
The former Steeler slipped two more tackles on a 21-yard third-down conversion early in the third quarter and forced two more missed tackles for a 17-yard gain shortly after to move the Cowboys inside the Raiders' five-yard line. Pickens averaged 8.0 yards after the catch per reception (tied for fourth best) and led the league in yards per route run (5.14) and PFF receiving grade (93.2) for the week.
Dallas' splash trade acquisition moved up to second in receiving yards (908) after the strong showing. He ranks tied for third in touchdown catches (seven), tied for first in missed tackles forced (16) and third in catches of 20-plus yards (14). Pickens has also been dominant against both coverage schemes.
He ranks sixth in PFF receiving grade against single coverage (90.3), having secured 17 of 25 passes for 305 yards (most). He is averaging 7.6 yards after the catch per reception and leads the NFL in first downs gained (16) on single-coverage targets.
Pickens also ranks fifth in PFF receiving grade (86.7) against zone coverage, with 38 catches for 574 yards (fifth most). Five of his touchdowns have come against zone (tied for most), and he ranks third in passer rating when targeted (142.5).
5. DeAndre Hopkins, Baltimore Ravens (87.1)
Hopkins brought in just one of his four targets for 11 yards against the Browns. The catch was a contested grab against Tyson Campbell on second-and-12 late in the fourth quarter. He was stopped just shy of the first-down marker.
The 2013 first-round pick now has 13 catches for 219 yards on the season. He has secured seven of 10 contested targets for 143 yards and six first downs. Both of his touchdowns have been contested, and he leads the league with a 98.1 PFF receiving grade in contested situations.
The first-year Raven has also been great outside the numbers, where he has logged eight catches for 153 yards. He ranks second in PFF receiving grade in that area of the field among receivers with at least 10 such targets (92.5).
6. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions (85.5)
The Eagles blanketed St. Brown, holding the electric receiver to just two catches on 11 targets for 42 yards. He was still able to make one big play, running free upfield for a 34-yard catch late in the second quarter.
St. Brown is up to 66 catches for 735 yards (eighth most) this season, with 21 catches of 15-plus yards (tied for fourth most). The USC product remains excellent from the slot, where he leads the league in touchdown catches (six) and ranks in the top three in receiving yards (381) and missed tackles forced (seven). He ranks third in slot targets (48) and sixth in passer rating when targeted from the slot (130.3).
St. Brown has also been excellent on the outside, with 29 catches for 354 yards and 16 first downs. He has recorded 10 explosive gains from outside passes, while securing six of 10 contested catches. He ranks ninth in PFF receiving grade on outside targets (82.5).
7. Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins (85.2)
The Commanders‘ injury-riddled defense still made life difficult for Waddle in Week 11. The former Alabama star was held to three catches on seven targets for 52 yards in the NFL's inaugural Spain game, his lowest receiving total since Week 7.
Waddle recorded two catches of 10-plus yards, including a 31-yard gain across the middle early in the third quarter with Mike Sainristil in coverage. He managed to force two missed tackles but also dropped two passes in the fourth quarter — his first drops since Week 6.
Waddle now has 49 catches for 722 yards (ninth most) in 2025. He ranks in the top 10 in explosive gains (20) and catches of 20-plus yards (11). Waddle continues to dominate between the numbers, with 27 catches for 405 yards. All of his scores (five) have come in that area of the field. He has gained 21 first downs and notched 12 catches of 15-plus yards on those plays, leading to an 86.1 PFF receiving grade (ninth best).
8. Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals (84.2)
The Steelers frustrated Chase in Week 11, limiting him to three catches for 30 yards on nine targets. It was his lowest receiving total since Week 4. Chase picked up two first downs and recorded a 16-yard reception with two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter of the Bengals' lopsided loss.
Chase continues to lead the league in catches (79) and ranks third in receiving yards (861). He is also tied for seventh in explosive gains (20). The Bengals will be without his services in Week 12 against the Patriots, as the star receiver was suspended for spitting on cornerback Jalen Ramsey.
9. Stefon Diggs, New England Patriots (82.5)
Diggs put the Patriots' offense on his back in Week 12, with nine catches for 105 yards against the Jets on Thursday Night Football. It was his first 100-yard game since Week 5. Diggs was targeted 11 times and gained six first downs. He recorded three explosive gains in the second half, including two separate catches of 20-plus yards. Diggs finished the night with a 76.1 PFF receiving grade.
The 31-year-old has caught 59 passes this season and ranks in the top 15 in receiving yards (659) and first downs (34). He has 15 explosive gains on the year, including nine catches of 20-plus yards. Diggs can still go one-on-one against defenders in his 11th season, having secured 17 of 21 targets against single coverage for 211 yards (ninth most) and 15 first downs (second most). Two of his three touchdowns have come against single coverage, against which he boasts a 90.2 PFF receiving grade (seventh most).
10. Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens (81.5)
Flowers caught three of five targets for 78 yards against the Browns in Week 11. Each reception led to an explosive play. He was left free against zone coverage for a 45-yard pickup late in the second quarter and found himself wide open against zone again for gains of 15 and 18 yards in the fourth quarter.
The 25-year-old playmaker is up to 53 catches for 703 yards this season. He has racked up 20 explosive gains, including 11 catches of 20-plus yards. Flowers ranks 10th in yardage against zone coverage (470). He is averaging 6.0 yards after the catch per reception, has secured five contested targets and has forced seven missed tackles (tied for seventh most) against zone. Flowers has also amassed 18 first downs against zone looks, against which he ranks seventh in PFF receiving grade (84.0).
11. Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins (81.0)
Hill is out for the season with a knee injury.
12. Demario Douglas, New England Patriots (80.8)
Douglas caught three passes for 36 yards and two first downs in Week 11. Most of his production came on a third-down play late in the third quarter. He initially fell after the catch, before getting up with room to run for additional yards.
The former sixth-round pick has 23 catches for 332 yards, with seven catches of 15-plus yards, this season. In November, Douglas has caught nine of 11 targets for 170 yards. His 92.4 PFF receiving grade this month leads all Patriots receivers.
13. Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers (80.6)
McMillan caught eight passes for 130 yards in the Panthers' overtime win over the Falcons, both season highs. He was targeted 10 times in the contest and got into the endzone for the first time since Week 6, with two touchdown catches. His first score came late in the first quarter — a seven-yard catch with Jessie Bates III closing in coverage. The second came with a minute remaining in the fourth quarter, as he was able to uncover from a stumbling Kaden Elliss for a 12-yard grab on third down. That play gave the Panthers a one-point lead.
McMillan gained seven first downs and forced two missed tackles in Week 11. He recorded three explosive gains of 15-plus yards, including catches of 29 and 39 yards. He also generated a perfect passer rating when targeted.
The top-10 pick now ranks sixth in receiving yards on the season (764) across 55 catches. He is also tied for sixth in targets (86) and tied for third among rookie receivers in touchdown catches (four). McMillan is up to 24 explosive gains, including 12 catches of 20-plus yards. He’s one of two rookie receivers to have recorded double-digit gains of 20-plus yards (Emeka Egbuka).
The Arizona product's 75.8 PFF receiving grade over his past three games ranks 13th among wide receivers. He has caught 17 of 24 targets for 236 yards and 13 first downs in that span. He also places in the top 10 in explosive gains (six), yards per route run (2.38) and receiving yards during that run.
14. Nico Collins, Houston Texans (80.5)
Collins caught nine of 10 targets for 92 yards against the Titans, only seven of which came after the catch. He gained seven first downs and recorded his first touchdown since Week 5 when he got behind the defense for a three-yard catch along the back of the endzone.
Collins finished the outing with five catches of 10-plus yards. He delivered a clutch play with 50 seconds remaining in the game, a toe-tapping 17-yard conversion on third-and-16 on what became Houston’s game-winning drive. He earned an 82.0 PFF receiving grade for the day.
The 26-year-old is up to 49 catches for 642 yards in his fifth season. He has tallied 29 first downs and 17 explosive gains, and his Week 11 touchdown catch was his second red-zone score of the season. Collins is now tied for sixth in red-zone targets (13), bringing in six for 50 yards, two scores and four first downs. He sports a 74.2 red-zone PFF receiving grade.
15. Davante Adams, Los Angeles Rams (80.3)
Adams was targeted seven times in Week 11, but the Seahawks held him to one catch for one yard — albeit a touchdown. He also dropped two passes, giving him three in his past two games. On the score, he separated from cornerback Riq Woolen late in the first quarter. He finished the day with a poor 47.0 PFF receiving grade.
Adams now has 10 touchdown catches in 2025. He’s the only receiver with double-digit scores through this stage of the season. He also leads the league in red-zone targets (24). Adams has caught 10 red-zone passes for nine scores and ranks third in red-zone PFF receiving grade (84.4).
16. Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers (80.0)
Allen caught four passes for 53 yards and two first downs in the Chargers’ loss to the Jaguars. Most of his yards came late in the second quarter on a third-down play when he separated from Montaric Brown for a 30-yard gain. He finished the day with a 110.8 passer rating when targeted.
The 33-year-old receiver is up to 56 catches for 592 yards this season, powered by six catches of 20-plus yards. Allen has been great working outside the numbers, having recorded 25 catches for 279 yards from that area of the field. Three of his four touchdowns have come outside the numbers, along with all of his explosive gains. He has picked up 18 first downs and owns an 84.3 PFF receiving grade on those plays.
17. Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts (79.9)
The Colts were on a bye in Week 11.
18. Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers (79.1)
Watson caught four passes for 46 yards in the Packers' win over the Giants, also bringing in his first touchdowns of the season. He boxed out cornerback Deonte Banks for a one-yard endzone catch on a third-down play early in the second quarter and later secured a 17-yard touchdown grab near the back of the endzone with Korie Black in his face.
Those weren't Watson's only big plays, either. He also lost Cor'Dale Flott across the middle of the field for a 16-yard gain on third-and-1 early in the third quarter. Watson finished the day with an 81.5 PFF receiving grade (fourth best) and a 144.6 passer rating when targeted. Three of his four catches were contested grabs.
The 2022 second-round pick from North Dakota State has been making up for lost time since returning from ACL surgery in Week 8. He has caught 12 of 17 passes for 234 yards and 10 first downs since his return. He leads Green Bay in receiving yards over that span, while ranking second in first-down catches. He also leads the team with five catches of 20-plus yards and ranks 11th at the position overall in PFF receiving grade since reentering the lineup (79.1).
Watson is thriving in contested situations, having secured seven of 11 targets for 159 yards — all for first downs, including both of his touchdown catches. He boasts a 94.2 PFF receiving grade on contested plays, third best among receivers with at least 10 contested targets.
19. Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts (78.9)
The Colts were on a bye in Week 11.
20. DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles (78.5)
Defense was on full display in Lions-Eagles on Sunday Night Football. Philadelphia's receivers struggled to get anything going, including Smith, who was targeted five times and held to one catch for eight yards, which came early in the fourth quarter. He also recorded his second drop of the season.
The 2021 top-10 pick ranks 12th in receiving yards (665) ahead of Week 12. His catch against Detroit came outside the numbers, where he now has 21 receptions for 300 yards. He has moved the chains 13 times, caught two touchdown passes and notched nine explosive gains on those plays, fueling a 74.9 PFF receiving grade on throws outside the numbers.
21. Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders (78.0)
McLaurin remains sidelined by a groin injury.
22. Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts (77.9)
The Colts were on a bye in Week 11.
23. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings (77.3)
Amid season-long woes, Jefferson had a better statistical day in Week 11, with five catches for 61 yards against the Bears, but he still finished with fewer than 70 receiving yards for the third consecutive game. He recorded two explosive gains — one an 18-yard catch with Tyrique Stevenson on his hip late in the first quarter, and the other a 27-yard gain on third-and-6 late in the second, when he flew in front of Nahshon Wright into space.
The former LSU star remains ranked seventh in receiving yards (747 yards). He also slots into the top 10 in explosive gains (21) and catches of 20-plus yards (11). Jefferson is performing well in contested situations, having now caught eight of 15 such passes for 145 yards. All of his contested grabs have moved the chains, and five have resulted in explosive gains. He is averaging 9.67 yards per route run and owns an 85.5 receiving grade on those plays.
24. Kayshon Boutte, New England Patriots (77.2)
Boutte remains sidelined by a hamstring injury.
25. Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals (76.9)
Higgins fared better than teammate Ja'Marr Chase against the Steelers, posting three catches for 63 yards. He had two receptions of 20-plus yards in the game: The first was a 28-yard touchdown late in the first quarter off a scramble adjustment, and the second was a 22-yarder along the sideline to open the second quarter.
Higgins is up to 35 catches for 544 yards with 27 first downs this season. The former Clemson star is tied for third in touchdown catches (seven) and has logged nine grabs of 20-plus yards. He has dominated man coverage, catching 14 of 25 targets for 205 yards (10th most) and 12 first downs. Four of his scores have come against single coverage, and he ranks fifth in PFF receiving grade (90.4) on those plays.
26. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys (76.4)
Lamb joined George Pickens in putting together great outings against the Raiders. He secured five of six catches for 66 yards and a touchdown. The score came early in the second quarter when he ran through Las Vegas' coverage and into the endzone untouched. He gained four first downs and recorded three catches of 10-plus yards in the contest. Lamb finished the night with a 152.1 passer rating when targeted.
The former first-round pick from Oklahoma is up to 40 catches for 557 yards and two touchdowns on the year. He has 13 explosive gains, including eight catches of 20-plus yards. Both of his scores have come from the deep part of the field, where he has caught seven of 13 passes for 244 yards (sixth). Lamb boasts a 94.9 PFF receiving grade on deep targets.
He also owns a 95.0 PFF receiving grade on intermediate targets, having brought in nine for 155 yards. Finally, Lamb sports a 75.9 PFF receiving grade on short targets — a mark that would likely be much higher if not for three drops. He has caught 19 of 25 short-area targets for 141 yards and seven first downs.
27. A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles (75.5)
Brown was targeted a season-high 12 times against the Lions but was held to 49 yards on seven catches without any explosive plays. He did secure three of five contested targets and recorded four gains of 10-plus yards. Brown was targeted five times on conversion downs, hauling in three for 28 yards and a first down.
The 28-year-old is up to 38 catches for 457 yards with 18 first downs in 2025. Brown has been excellent on conversion downs, with 13 receptions on 21 targets for 210 yards. He has moved the chains nine times with one touchdown catch on those plays, leading to a sixth-ranked PFF receiving grade (83.4).
28. Khalil Shakir, Buffalo Bills (75.1)
Shakir was held to one catch for a loss in the Bills' win over the Buccaneers. The grab came on a screen pass early in the third quarter, which was immediately blown up by rookie cornerback Jacob Parrish.
Shakir now has 46 catches for 454 yards on the year.
29. Luther Burden III, Chicago Bears (75.0)
Burden caught three of five targets for only 27 yards against the Vikings. His longest reception of the day came midway through the third quarter, when he converted on third down with a 16-yard gain on a screen. He also dropped a pass, his first since Week 2. Overall, Burden finished with a 60.6 PFF receiving grade.
The 21-year-old has now caught 19 of 23 targets for 249 yards and seven explosive gains. He is seeing a lot of work on screens and play action in his rookie season. Burden has secured each of his nine screen targets for 22 yards, forcing two missed tackles and picking up a first down. He currently ranks seventh in PFF receiving grade on screen plays (82.6). Burden also places sixth in play-action PFF receiving grade (90.1), securing 11 of 12 targets for five explosive gains and a touchdown.
30. Rome Odunze, Chicago Bears (74.9)
Odunze caught two of six targets against the Vikings, but both plays ended in explosive gains. He was on the end of a 24-yard strike over the middle late in the first quarter, nearly converting on second-and-25. He then recorded a 17-yard gain early in the third. He initially fell after the catch but got up and got help from multiple teammates who pushed him forward for extra yards.
The 2024 ninth overall pick has 39 catches for 600 yards this season. All but six of his catches (33) have gone for first downs, and he has recorded 21 gains of 15-plus yards. Odunze is also tied for fourth in catches of 20-plus yards (12). He has seen more than 20 targets at every level of the field beyond the line of scrimmage, making him one of two receivers with that split heading into Week 12 (Cardinals' Michael Wilson). Odunze owns 90.0-plus PFF receiving grades at every level, including a second-ranked 96.2 mark within nine yards of the line of scrimmage.
31. Cooper Kupp, Seattle Seahawks (74.8)
Kupp was targeted seven times in his first game against his former team. He brought in three passes for 23 yards — all on the same fourth-quarter drive to help Seattle score a touchdown and trim the lead to two with just over two minutes remaining.
The former receiving Triple Crown winner now has 29 catches for 390 yards this season. He remains a slot weapon, with 17 catches for 170 yards and eight first downs. He has caught all but five slot targets (22) and owns a 77.0 slot PFF receiving grade.
Kupp has also been great against single coverage, securing nine passes for 125 yards, five first downs and a touchdown. He has earned a 77.1 PFF receiving grade against single coverage.
32. Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos (74.2)
Sutton caught four passes for 59 yards in the Broncos’ narrow Week 11 win over the Chiefs. Each of his catches moved the chains, and he was on the end of two 20-plus-yard gains — both on third downs.
The former second-round pick from SMU is up to 45 catches for 649 yards with 32 first downs in 2025. He has 17 explosive gains, including 12 catches of 20-plus yards (tied for fourth most). Sutton continues to produce in late-down situations, ranking fourth in targets (34) and first in receiving yards (385). He has turned 23 late-down catches into 19 conversions (second most), with 12 explosive gains. He is the only receiver in the NFL with double-digit explosive gains on late downs, and he ranks third in PFF receiving grade (87.0) on those plays.
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