- Jaxon Smith-Njigba remains unstoppable: For the third straight week, Smith-Njigba holds the No. 1 spot in PFF receiving grade. He went off again for 167 yards on eight catches this past week.
- George Pickens enters elite territory: The Cowboys wideout is up to a 90.0-plus PFF receiving grade ahead of Week 13, joining Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Puka Nacua, Drake London and Amon-Ra St. Brown.
- 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 12 of the 2025 NFL season. To qualify, players need to have logged at least 100 receiving snaps.
1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks (94.2)
Smith-Njigba simply cannot be stopped. He caught eight of 10 targets for 167 yards (most) against the Tennessee Titans, while also bringing in two touchdown catches. He dusted Amani Hooker for a 63-yard strike on third-and-6 early in the second quarter. He later found space along the back of the endzone for a 13-yard score on the first drive in the third quarter. That play was preceded by a 56-yard catch two plays earlier.
Smith-Njigba finished the game with a perfect passer rating when targeted and the highest PFF receiving grade for the week (92.0). It was his fifth 90.0-plus PFF receiving grade of the season and his fourth in his past six games.
The 2023 first-round pick's 80 catches are tied with Puka Nacua for the league lead. He now has 1,313 receiving yards, powered by 21 catches of 20-plus yards (most) — including four of 50-plus yards.
Smith-Njigba remains perfect from on deep passes (99.9 PFF receiving grade), where he has now caught 16 of 22 targets (second) for 614 yards (first) — nearly 300 yards more than the next closest receiver. Four of his seven touchdowns this season have come on 20-plus-yard targets.
2. Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams (93.5)
Nacua logged nine targets against the Buccaneers on Sunday Night Football, hauling in seven for 97 yards. He gained five first downs and notched three explosive plays in the first half. He was chased down for a 31-yard gain midway through the first quarter, and three plays later, he converted a third-and-18 with an 18-yard catch to move the Rams inside the red zone. Nacua also recorded a 24-yard catch late in the second quarter.
He briefly exited the game in the third quarter but was able to return and finish out the Rams' win. He earned an 86.3 PFF receiving grade for the outing (fifth best).
The electric playmaker moves up to third in receiving yards this season (947) across 80 catches. He is tied for seventh in explosive gains (22) and ranks in the top five in missed tackles forced (14), yards after contact (223) and yards after the catch (364). Nacua is averaging 4.5 yards after the catch per reception and also places in the top five in catches of 20-plus yards (13).
3. Drake London, Atlanta Falcons (90.9)
London did not play in Week 12 due to a knee injury.
4. George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys (90.4)
The Eagles kept Pickens quiet in their Week 1 matchup (three catches for 30 yards), but he went off in Round 2, bringing down each of his nine targets for 146 yards and a touchdown. The score came from one yard out against Adoree' Jackson, who Pickens also beat for catches of 17 and 23 yards, and put Dallas on the board at the end of the first half.
Jackson was not the only defender to struggle to defend Pickens, who also spun Cooper DeJean around for a 43-yard gain early in the fourth quarter. He later beat Quinyon Mitchell for a 24-yard pickup with 45 seconds remaining to move Dallas just outside of the red zone, setting up the game-winning field goal a few plays later. Pickens earned an 89.7 PFF receiving grade in the victory (third best) and generated a near-perfect 155.8 passer rating when targeted.
The 24-year-old star receiver has now eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards for the season on 67 catches. He ranks in the top three in receiving yards, touchdowns (eight), first downs (57) and catches of 20-plus yards (17). He has also recorded 29 explosive plays and forced 17 missed tackles.
Pickens continues to thrive in contested situations, having brought down 18 of 28 contested targets for 340 yards and 17 first downs — both top-ranked figures. He’s averaging 18.6 depth yards per target (sixth) and leads the league with nine explosive gains off contested looks. He boasts a league-best 90.8 PFF receiving grade on contested targets.
5. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions (90.0)
St. Brown caught nine of 12 targets for 149 yards in the Lions' overtime win over the New York Giants. He knifed his way through the defense on a screen play for an 11-yard touchdown on third down in the second quarter. That catch was his ninth score of the season (second most). St. Brown also recorded five explosive plays — including catches of 20, 27 and 30 yards — in the second half. He gained seven first downs in all and notched an elite 91.1 PFF receiving grade (second best).
The fifth-year All-Pro receiver ranks fourth in catches (75) and receiving yards (884) entering Week 13. He places ninth in yards after contact, has 11 catches of 20-plus yards and ranks in the top five in several other categories.
St. Brown's 94.8 PFF receiving grade on short passes (0-9 yards) is tied for fifth best, and he has tallied 44 catches for 397 yards (top three in both) on such plays. Four of his scores have come from that level of the field. St. Brown also owns a 98.4 PFF receiving grade at the intermediate level (tied for fourth best), with 18 catches for 358 yards.
6. Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins (85.2)
The Dolphins were on a bye in Week 12.
T-7. Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals (84.2)
Chase did not play in Week 12 due to a one-game suspension.
T-7. DeAndre Hopkins, Baltimore Ravens (84.2)
Hopkins caught two passes for 13 yards in the Ravens' win over the Jets. He converted on a third down with a nine-yard reception early in the third quarter, stiff-arming Jarvis Brownlee Jr. to make the play.
The 13th-year veteran now has 15 catches for 232 yards and 10 first downs in his first year with the Ravens. He’s been targeted 10 times on late downs, bringing in six passes for 78 yards and five conversions.
9. Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers (83.4)
Watson continues to rise after recording an 84.0 PFF receiving grade against the Minnesota Vikings (fifth best among Week 12 receivers with at least 15 snaps). He secured five of seven targets for 49 yards, with three catches of 10-plus yards. His longest gain came on his first catch of the day, a 12-yard pickup near the sideline on third-and-3 early in the first quarter between Josh Metellus and Byron Murphy Jr.
The 26-year-old now has 17 catches for 283 yards with 13 first downs this year. Eleven of his 24 targets have come on conversion downs, where he’s caught eight passes for 157 yards — all for first downs. Watson's 90.5 PFF receiving grade on late-down targets ranks second among receivers with at least 10 such targets.
10. Davante Adams, Los Angeles Rams (82.4)
Adams rebounded from his one catch, one-yard day in Week 11 against the Seahawks with five catches for 62 yards on Sunday Night Football against the Buccaneers in Week 12. Each of his receptions moved the chains, and all but one went for 10-plus yards — and it was a one-yard touchdown grab in the first quarter. That play came against Zyon McCollum, who Adams later beat for a second touchdown, this time gliding with ease to the endzone for a 24-yard catch. He did drop a wide-open pass in the game, giving him four in his past three games and eight on the season.
The former second-round pick has 48 catches for 631 yards in his first season in Los Angeles, with 20 explosive gains (tied for 10th most). He has notched 90.0-plus PFF receiving grades at every level of the field beyond the line of scrimmage.
He has eight deep catches for 219 yards and three touchdowns, earning a 94.2 PFF receiving grade on those plays (tied for fifth best). Meanwhile, he has 19 catches at the intermediate level for 315 yards. Adams ranks in the top 10 in intermediate targets (35) and receiving yards and sports a 95.1 PFF receiving grade at the depth.
While most of his yardage comes from downfield targets, Adams has been most dangerous at the short level, especially in the red zone, where he continues to be a magnet. He has caught 21 short targets for 97 yards, 14 first downs and eight touchdowns, leading to an elite 93.3 PFF receiving grade on those plays.
11. Demario Douglas, New England Patriots (81.8)
Douglas recorded an explosive gain on his lone target against the Bengals in Week 12. The play came on third-and-11 early in the third quarter when he ran through the middle of the defense to secure a falling grab for 37 yards.
The former sixth-round pick out of Liberty is up to 24 catches for 369 yards, with six receptions of 20-plus yards. He remains the only receiver outside of Jaxon Smith-Njigba with a perfect 99.9 PFF receiving grade on 20-plus-yard targets, as he has now caught four of six deep targets for 192 yards.
12. Stefon Diggs, New England Patriots (81.2)
The Bengals held Diggs to two catches for 20 yards in Week 12, but he did convert on a third-and-11 late in the fourth quarter with a 14-yard catch to extend the Patriots' drive while the team held a narrow lead.
The catch was a slot target, an alignment from which Diggs has now secured 24 of 30 targets for 258 yards and 11 first downs. He owns an 80.7 slot PFF receiving grade (13th best) entering Week 13. The Maryland product now has 61 catches for 679 yards in his first season in New England.
13. Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins (81.0)
Hill is out for the season with a knee injury.
T-14. Rashee Rice, Kansas City Chiefs (80.6)
The third-year receiver secured his first 100-yard game of the season in the Chiefs’ overtime win against the Colts. He caught eight of 12 passes for 141 yards and six first downs. He recorded four explosive gains in the second half, including two catches of 40-plus yards. Rice averaged 3.62 yards per route run and finished the contest with an 86.3 PFF receiving grade (fourth best).
Rice made his 2025 season debut in Week 7 against the Las Vegas Raiders after missing time due to a suspension. Since returning to the field, he leads the Chiefs in catches (34) and receiving yards (394). He’s been targeted 47 times at a rate of 29.8% while moving the chains 20 times and notching three touchdown catches. He also has seven catches of 20-plus yards and is averaging 8.0 yards after the catch.
T-14. Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens (80.6)
Flowers caught five passes for 58 yards against the Jets. His longest reception came late in the second quarter after he freed himself across the middle, spun around a defender and forced a missed tackle before finally going down for a 20-yard gain.
The third-year Pro Bowler has 58 catches for 761 yards this season, fueled by 22 explosive gains and 12 catches of 20-plus yards.
Flowers remains one of the best play-action threats, as he’s now caught 22 passes off play action for 416 yards (second most) and 16 first downs (third most). Fourteen of his 22 explosive gains have come off play-action passes (first), leading to a third-ranked 92.0 PFF receiving grade.
16. Nico Collins, Houston Texans (80.5)
Collins caught three of four targets for 55 yards in the Texans' Thursday Night Football upset win over the Bills. He accounted for two explosive gains in the second quarter, both with Christian Benford in coverage. He stretched the field with a 24-yard catch midway through the period. Collins later held on for a 19-yard pickup after taking a shot from safety Cole Bishop. He finished the night with a 116.7 passer rating when targeted.
The fifth-year receiver now has 52 catches for 697 yards and 31 first downs this season. He is up to 19 explosive gains, including nine catches of 20-plus yards. Collins owns 90.0-plus PFF receiving grades at every level of the field, with at least 200 receiving yards at each, too. He ranks 10th in intermediate-level PFF receiving grade (96.9) and 10th in deep-target yardage (242). All of his touchdowns this season (four) have come on targets 10-plus yards downfield.
17. Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers (80.0)
The Chargers were on a bye in Week 12.
18. DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles (79.9)
Smith was targeted 10 times in the Eagles’ upset loss to the Cowboys, catching six passes for 89 yards. He gained four first downs and recorded two explosive gains. One of those was a 41-yard catch on third-and-12 early in the second quarter where he adjusted and fell backward to secure the catch. Smith finished the contest with a 74.8 PFF receiving grade.
The 2020 Heisman trophy winner now has 55 catches for 754 yards in his fifth season. He has gained 32 first downs and tallied 18 explosive gains — including 10 catches of 20-plus yards.
Smith has been at his best against zone coverage, catching 37 passes for 519 yards and 22 first downs. He has secured six of 10 contested targets against zone and ranks ninth in passer rating when targeted (125.3). He owns a 76.8 PFF receiving grade against zone coverage.
19. Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers (78.9)
The 49ers frustrated McMillan in Week 12, holding the top-10 pick to two catches for 35 yards across eight targets. He recorded his fifth drop of the season on a third down midway through the second quarter. However, McMillan also caught his fifth touchdown of the year, pulling away from Renardo Green for a 29-yard endzone catch late in the third quarter.
Despite the rough outing on Monday Night Football, McMillan still ranks ninth in receiving yards (783). He also places fifth in the league in touchdown catches (five) and in the top five in explosive gains (24) and first downs (45).
20. Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders (78.0)
The Commanders were on a bye in Week 12.
21. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings (77.9)
Jefferson secured two contested catches for 34 yards in the first half against the Packers. He caught a 15-yard pass across the middle on the third play of the game and later brought in a 19-yard pass between an outstretched Carrington Valentine and a closing Evan Williams. Jefferson finished the game with four catches for 48 yards, earning a 70.7 PFF receiving grade for the week.
The superstar receiver is up to 60 catches for 795 yards (seventh most). He slots into the top 10 in yards after the catch (303) and yards after contact (149) while tying for fifth in explosive gains (23). Jefferson has been strongest against zone coverage this season, ranking in the top 10 in targets (59), catches (41) and receiving yards (559). He is averaging 6.7 yards after the catch against zone and has picked up 22 first downs, powering an 83.1 PFF receiving grade against zone looks (tied for ninth best).
22. Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts (77.7)
Pierce was held to one catch against the Chiefs, albeit a 26-yarder on which he split zone coverage for the pickup.
The fourth-year pro still leads Colts receivers in catches (29) and receiving yards (611) entering Week 13. He is up to 11 gains of 20-plus yards. Pierce's catch in Week 12 came from an intermediate target, adding to his totals of 15 catches on 27 passes for 276 yards (11th) on such plays. He owns an elite 96.9 PFF receiving grade on 10-19-yard passes (tied for 10th best).
23. Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts (77.3)
Downs joined teammate Alec Pierce in his Week 12 struggles, finishing with two catches for 10 yards across five targets. The former North Carolina Tar Heel has been held to three catches for 13 yards in his past two games, leading to a 52.2 PFF receiving grade. He has 38 catches for 326 yards on the season.
Despite his recent down games, Downs is still highly efficient out of the slot. He has turned 17 of his 29 slot catches into first downs (top five). Both of his scores this season have come with him in a slot alignment, and he ranks 11th in receiving yards (264) and 10th in PFF receiving grade (83.3) on those plays.
24. A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles (76.8)
Brown had one of his best games of the season, racking up eight catches for 110 yards — his first 100-yard game since Week 7 against the Vikings. He recorded seven catches of 10-plus yards and three explosive plays.
Brown was able to stack and shed DaRon Bland for a 16-yard touchdown midway through the first quarter. He also separated from rookie cornerback Shavon Revel for a 22-yard gain later in the period. Both of those catches came on third-down plays. Brown got the best of Bland again, this time for a 19-yard pickup in the fourth quarter. He finished the game with a 72.6 PFF receiving grade and a 145.8 passer rating when targeted.
The Ole Miss superstar now has 46 catches for 567 yards and four touchdowns this season. He has recorded 11 explosive gains, including eight catches of 20-plus yards. Brown ranks fourth in PFF receiving grade on conversion downs (84.6), having hauled in 15 of 23 late-down targets for 248 yards (ninth) and 11 first downs. Two of his four touchdowns have come on third and fourth downs.
25. Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts (76.2)
All three of the Colts' top receivers were held to fewer than 30 receiving yards against the Chiefs. Pittman caught five of his eight targets for 27 yards, including a six-yard touchdown midway through the first quarter. He is now tied for fourth in touchdown catches this season (seven).
The 28-year-old receiver has 59 catches for 607 yards entering Week 13. He has caught seven of 10 red-zone targets for 48 yards. Five of his scores have come inside the red zone, but he has also logged the third-most negatively graded plays in the red zone (six), lowering his PFF receiving grade on such plays to 64.8.
26. Luther Burden III, Chicago Bears (75.7)
Burden caught three passes for 46 yards — all first downs — against the Steelers, including two grabs of 15-plus yards. He came across the middle for a 17-yard gain early in the first quarter and picked up 19 yards on a screen play on third-and-9 on the last play of the first half.
Chicago’s second-round pick has now caught 22 of 28 passes for 295 yards and 11 first downs this season. He has the 11th-lowest average depth of target (7.8 yards) among wide receivers but has still ripped off nine gains of 15-plus yards.
Burden has secured all three of his targets against single coverage for 47 yards, earning a 72.2 PFF receiving grade on such plays. His 75.5 PFF receiving grade against zone coverage leads Bears receivers, fueled by 15 catches on 19 targets for 213 yards. He is generating an impressive 130.9 passer rating when targeted against zone coverage.
27. Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals (75.2)
Higgins tallied only 31 receiving yards on five catches against the Patriots in Week 12. He averaged 4.7 depth yards per target, his first game under 10 this season. He was still able to rip off one explosive gain — a 16-yard catch to close out the first half.
The former second-round pick is up to 40 catches for 575 yards and 14 explosive gains this year. He also boasts a 90.0-plus PFF receiving grade at every level of the field and is a dangerous deep-field pass catcher. Higgins has caught 20 short targets for 157 yards and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, he has hauled in 13 intermediate targets for 207 yards and is tied for sixth in deep PFF receiving grade (98.1), with six catches for 203 yards. He also has three touchdowns from 20-plus yards out.
28. Kayshon Boutte, New England Patriots (74.7)
Boutte returned to the field after missing two games with a hamstring injury. He caught both of his targets for 15 yards and a first down against the Bengals.
The 2023 sixth-round pick now has 25 catches for 446 yards this season. He leads all Patriots receivers in touchdown catches (five) and is tied with Stefon Diggs in catches of 20-plus yards (nine). Boutte has gained 21 first downs and recorded 16 explosive gains.
29. Cooper Kupp, Seattle Seahawks (74.5)
Kupp recorded two 12-yard catches against the Titans, moving the chains with both. Those were his only receptions of the day across four targets.
The former third-round pick now has 31 catches for 414 yards in his first season in Seattle. He’s been targeted 11 times in his past two games, but for only five catches and 47 yards. He owns a 60.1 PFF receiving grade in that span.
30. Khalil Shakir, Buffalo Bills (74.4)
Shakir exploded for his first 100-yard game of the season in the Bills' loss to the Texans. He secured eight of nine targets for 110 yards, gaining 99 yards after the catch and 50 yards after contact. He turned in a highlight-worthy play midway through the fourth quarter when he slipped two tackles off a glide route and flew up the sideline for a 44-yard gain on third-and-12. However, he also had two key miscues: a dropped pass in the second quarter with Buffalo just outside of the red zone, and a lost fumble late in the third quarter to give the Texans great field position.
That drop and turnover both came on third downs, where Shakir has otherwise been reliable, with 17 catches for 197 yards and 11 first downs. He sports a 73.8 PFF receiving grade on late-down targets (23).
The fifth-round pick from Boise State now has 54 catches for 564 yards and 24 first downs this season. He leads the league in yards after the catch (461), yards after contact (228) and missed tackles forced (18).
31. Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos (74.2)
The Broncos were on a bye in Week 12.
T-32. Parker Washington, Jacksonville Jaguars (73.8)
Washington caught five passes for 71 yards in the Jaguars' overtime win over the Cardinals, and he came up big with three explosive gains in the second half. He opened up the third quarter with a 15-yard catch and then forced a missed tackle en route to a 17-yard gain in the fourth quarter. His final catch came on the first play in overtime as he twisted in the air to secure a 25-yard pass over rookie Denzel Burke. Washington finished the day with a 75.1 PFF receiving grade and a 155.6 passer rating when targeted.
The former sixth-round pick has 35 catches for 421 yards in his third season and currently leads the Jaguars' receiving corps in receiving yards heading into Week 13. Washington has gained 22 first downs, caught three touchdowns and tallied five catches of 20-plus yards.
He has caught 25 passes against zone coverage for 300 yards while securing seven of nine contested looks and moving the chains 14 times. That has all led to a solid 71.4 PFF receiving grade against zone.
Washington is also strong against single coverage, making eight catches for 112 yards and five first downs. He has forced three missed tackles against man coverage and averages 6.4 yards after the catch per reception. He owns a 76.2 PFF receiving grade against single-coverage looks.
T-32. Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints (73.8)
Olave caught nine of 13 targets for 70 yards against the Falcons in Week 12. He made three catches of 10-plus yards, including a 16-yarder to close out the third quarter. Olave gained four first downs in the loss.
The 2022 11th overall pick is tied for second in the league with 104 targets and ranks fifth with 69 catches. Olave's 2025 resume includes 734 receiving yards, 31 first downs and four touchdown catches. He has 12 explosive gains, including seven catches of 20-plus yards.
Olave’s volume is spread nearly evenly across slot and wide alignments. He is tied for fifth in slot targets (41), turning that workload into 26 catches for 217 yards and 11 first downs. He has secured seven of 14 contested targets from the slot en route to a 75.9 slot PFF receiving grade.
Olave has also seen 63 outside targets, making 43 catches for 517 yards and 20 first downs. He boasts a 73.1 PFF receiving grade on outside targets.
© 2026 PFF - all rights reserved.