- Byes and targets aplenty help Ja'Marr Chase move into the top three: The Bengals' top wideout is seeing targets in bunches and converting them into significant yardage. He earned an 82.0 PFF receiving grade this past week against the Jets.
- Jaylen Waddle and DeVonta Smith crack the top 10: Waddle caught five of six targets for 99 yards in the Dolphins' victory over the Falcons, while Smith made five catches of 10-plus yards in the Eagles' thrashing of the Giants.
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Estimated Reading Time: 17 minutes
We're diving into the top wide receivers by PFF receiving grade through Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season. To qualify, players need to have logged at least 100 receiving snaps.
1. Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams (92.7)
The Rams were on a bye in Week 8.
2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks (92.3)
The Seahawks were on a bye in Week 8.
3. Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals (87.6)
Chase finished the first half against the Jets with eight catches for 61 yards, but the story wasn’t the same after halftime. He brought in only four of seven targets for 30 yards in the third and fourth quarters as the Bengals relinquished their lead. Still, the elite wideout recorded 12 catches for 91 yards, earning an 82.0 PFF receiving grade (fourth best). He forced five missed tackles and gained five first downs, including two catches of 15-plus yards. Although he averaged only 3.6 depth yards per target (season low), Chase still averaged 6.8 yards after the catch per reception.
Chase is on a run of three straight games with double-digit catches — and two with 15 or more targets. In that span, he has caught 38 passes for 346 yards, two touchdowns and 19 first downs. He has eight catches of 15-plus yards and a 90.4 PFF receiving grade, too.
The 25-year-old ranks in the top 10 in PFF receiving grade against both zone and man coverages over that stretch, placing seventh against zone (83.7) and second against man (91.2). Chase has caught 23 zone targets for 199 yards and eight first downs. Meanwhile, he has secured 12 single-coverage targets for 118 yards, including five contested grabs.
4. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions (87.1)
The Lions were on a bye in Week 8.
5. George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys (83.8)
Pickens caught seven of nine targets for 78 yards and five first downs in the Cowboys' Week 8 loss to the Broncos. He forced two missed tackles and logged two 17-yard gains on separate conversion downs in the second half. One was an excellent sideline grab against zone coverage on a fourth-and-3 in the third quarter. On the second, he secured a pass across the middle on third-and-12 with Kris Abrams-Draine on his hip. Pickens finished the game with a 102.8 passer rating when targeted. He averaged only 8.4 depth yards per target in the game — his second outing this season below 10.
Pickens closed out October with 22 catches for 385 yards (fourth most), two touchdowns and 17 first downs. He earned an 83.4 PFF receiving grade over that stretch (seventh best). While his vertical routes dominated his highlight reel, Pickens has also been excellent close to the line of scrimmage, where he boasts a 91.6 PFF receiving grade within nine yards over the past four weeks.
The former Steeler has caught 13 of 16 such targets for 140 yards and a score, averaging 8.75 yards per route run (eighth best) and gaining eight first downs (tied for fourth most). He averaged 4.8 yards after the catch per reception from that short depth.
6. Drake London, Atlanta Falcons (82.7)
London did not play in Week 8 due to a hip injury.
7. Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts (82.6)
Downs returned to the field after missing Week 7 with a concussion, catching all three of his targets for 39 yards against the Titans. He recorded an 18-yard gain early in the first quarter, after being left alone across the middle of the field. He also notched his second touchdown of the season in the third quarter, freeing himself on a scramble drill for the red-zone score on third-and-8. Downs caught five passes for 73 yards in both games against the Titans this season, earning a 73.1 PFF receiving grade across the two outings.
The 2023 third-rounder is up to 29 catches for 256 yards with 18 first downs. He has been targeted seven times in the red zone this season, where he has five catches for four first downs, including both of his touchdowns. He owns a 73.5 red-zone PFF receiving grade entering Week 9.
8. Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins (82.0)
Waddle was good to go against the Falcons after leaving Week 7 with an injury and battling hamstring issues. He caught five of six targets for 99 yards in Miami’s upset win, with three gains of 15-plus yards — including a 43-yard touchdown where he cut across the middle of the field, untouched, and raced to the endzone. Waddle gained four first downs and ranked first in yards after the catch per reception (9.8, tied with DJ Moore) and yards per route run (3.96) in Week 8. He finished the game with a perfect passer rating when targeted.
Waddle now has four touchdowns and is tied for 10th in first downs (26) this season. He has tallied 35 catches for 504 yards through eight games, powered by three outings with 90-plus receiving yards in his past four appearances.
The Dolphins' top pass catcher has been excellent between the numbers, securing 14 of 16 targets for 232 yards (eighth most) and two scores. He ranks ninth in PFF receiving grade from that area of the field (84.8).
9. DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles (81.7)
Smith cracks the top 10 this week after a six-catch, 84-yard day against the Giants. He made five catches of 10-plus yards, with his longest gaining 26 yards, and averaged 3.11 yards per route run. Smith completed his regular-season set against the Giants with 10 catches for 133 yards and four explosive plays.
The 26-year-old has now caught 44 passes for 588 yards (sixth most), with 25 first downs and eight gains of 20-plus yards. He ranked third in PFF receiving grade in October (89.8), with three games of 80-plus receiving yards in that stretch. Smith has caught 15 passes for 267 yards and seven explosive gains across his past two outings. He is averaging 5.04 yards per route run across that span, with a 133.3 passer rating when targeted.
10. Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins (81.0)
Hill is out for the season with a knee injury.
11. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings (80.1)
Jefferson was on fire in the first half against the Chargers on Thursday Night Football, making six catches for 72 yards. He accounted for three explosive gains in the half, including a 16-yard reception on the third play of the game and a 17-yard gain to move Minnesota into field range with 26 seconds left in the second quarter. Jefferson had five catches alone in the second quarter — but only one in the second half.
Despite the quiet finish, Jefferson now has six consecutive games with at least 70 receiving yards, padding his fifth-ranked season-long receiving total (602). He has moved the chains 23 times on 41 catches, with 18 gains of 15-plus yards.
Jefferson has been at his best against zone coverage, where he ranks fourth in PFF receiving grade (84.8). He has caught 27 passes for 414 yards (sixth most) and ranks in the top five in yards after the catch (202) and yards per route run (3.29) against zone schemes.
12. Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers (79.5)
Allen caught four of five targets for 44 yards against the Vikings, headlined by a 17-yard gain on a third-down play early in the first quarter. Each of his receptions moved the chains, and he finished the night with a 103.3 passer rating when targeted.
Allen is up to 48 catches for 479 yards with 31 first downs in his age-33 season. He ranks in the top 10 in slot targets (27) and catches (25) entering Week 9, gaining 225 yards (fifth most) and 15 first downs (second most) from that alignment.
13. Davante Adams, Los Angeles Rams (79.2)
The Rams were on a bye in Week 8.
14. Stefon Diggs, New England Patriots (79.1)
Diggs had a quiet day in the Patriots' win over the Browns, logging three catches for 14 yards. He did get his first touchdown of the season, turning a slant route into points on a third-down play in the third quarter.
Diggs is up to 42 catches for 470 yards through Week 8. Like Keenan Allen, the veteran receiver has continued to perform well from the slot, catching 14 of 18 passes for 126 yards and four first downs, earning a 77.1 PFF receiving grade on those plays.
He has also been great on the outside, ranking fifth in PFF receiving grade (85.6). Diggs has made 28 catches for 344 yards and 19 first downs when lined up out wide.
15. Michael Pittman Jr., Indianapolis Colts (79.0)
Pittman caught eight of nine passes for 95 yards against the Titans, including potentially one of the best catches of the season — a one-handed 21-yard touchdown grab with Jalyn Armour-Davis on his back. Pittman recorded three explosive gains, moved the chains five times and secured three contested catches in the game. He generated a 147.7 passer rating when targeted and finished the week with a league-best 90.3 PFF receiving grade.
Pittman enters Week 9 with 45 catches for 453 yards and six touchdowns (tied for second most). He has gained 29 first downs, with 10 gains of 15-plus yards, and forced five missed tackles. Pittman is proving to be particularly valuable in contested situations, securing five of eight targets for 69 yards and two scores. Each of those receptions has moved the chains, and he owns an 82.7 PFF receiving grade on contested plays.
16. Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers (78.6)
McMillan graded out well in defeat, earning a season-high 85.9 PFF overall grade. He caught seven of his 10 targets for 99 yards, with four gains of 15-plus yards. Each of his receptions moved the chains, and he finished with six catches that went for 10 or more yards.
McMillan was targeted three times on conversion downs, where he now has 27 targets this season (tied for second most). He has caught 14 late-down passes for 182 yards and 13 first downs (tied for fourth most), earning a 75.0 PFF receiving grade on those plays.
He also continues to shine at the intermediate level (96.1 PFF receiving grade), where he now has 13 catches for 258 yards (fourth most). McMillan is up to 37 catches for 512 yards, with 17 explosive gains and 31 first downs.
17. Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens (78.6)
Flowers helped the Ravens get back into the win column against the Bears, contributing seven catches for 63 yards. He gained four first downs and made two catches of 10-plus yards, including a gain of 20 yards early in the second quarter.
Flowers continues to excel downfield, where he now has 12 catches for 264 yards and a 90.0 PFF receiving grade. Twenty-three of his 54 targets have come from 10-plus yards downfield. Flowers has also seen 20 targets within nine yards of the line of scrimmage, catching 18 for 165 yards and seven first downs. He sports a 73.1 PFF receiving grade on those plays. In all, he has caught 41 passes for 486 yards.
18. Kayshon Boutte, New England Patriots (78.3)
Boutte dropped his first target of the Patriots' win over the Browns but quickly brushed it off with a 15-yard sideline catch to close out the first quarter, causing Denzel Ward to stumble in the process. From there, he went on to bring in a 21-yard catch with Tyson Campbell in coverage, nearly converting on third-and-23. His final reception turned into his fifth touchdown of the season, as he was able to get behind Dom Jones for a 39-yard catch in the closing seconds of the third quarter. Boutte finished the day with three catches for 75 yards and a 143.8 passer rating when targeted.
The 23-year-old now has tallied 23 catches for 431 yards, helping open up the Patriots' passing game with his vertical ability. He has nine catches of 20-plus yards and is one of three NFL receivers with a perfect deep-field PFF receiving grade (Jaxon Smith-Njigba and DeAndre Hopkins).
He also boasts a perfect passer rating when targeted on 20-plus-yard throws. Boutte has caught nine of 10 deep targets for 236 yards (third most), and all of his touchdowns have come from that range.
19. Rome Odunze, Chicago Bears (78.0)
Odunze caught seven of his 10 targets for 114 yards against the Ravens, his highest totals since Week 2. Each of his catches moved the chains, and he accounted for three gains of 20-plus yards. Odunze finished with four explosive gains, two contested catches and 2.85 yards per route run. He earned a 74.8 PFF receiving grade for his efforts.
Odunze enters Week 9 with 31 catches for 473 yards. He has notched 27 first downs, 15 explosive gains and 75.9-plus PFF receiving grades against man and zone coverages.
The second-year receiver has caught 18 passes against zone coverage for 316 yards and three touchdowns. He’s averaging 6.3 yards after the catch per reception and is tied for fourth in first downs (18). Odunze has also caught 11 of 16 single-coverage targets for 153 yards and two scores, moving the chains nine times. Caleb Williams is producing an excellent 138.8 passer rating when targeting Odunze against man coverage.
20. Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders (78.0)
McLaurin returned to action Monday night after a four-game absence (quad injury), picking up right where he left off. He worked his way across the field on a crossing route 11 yards out, getting to the sideline and maintaining perfect balance and extension for a toe-tap score — his first score of the season. It also accounted for Washington’s only points in the game.
McLaurin ended the contest with three catches for 54 yards, all first downs. He recorded two explosive gains, including a diving 25-yard catch with Trent McDuffie on his back. That catch, along with his touchdown, converted third-downs. McLaurin earned an 87.4 PFF receiving grade for the game, the second-best mark among Week 8 receivers with at least 15 snaps.
Things were looking up for Washington’s offense with McLaurin back in the mix, but the star receiver reaggravated his quad injury and is now set to miss Week 9’s matchup against the Seahawks. He got off to a bit of a slow start in his first two games, with seven catches for 75 yards. Although he gained five first downs, he didn’t record any explosive plays. In his past two games, McLaurin has caught six of eight targets for 128 yards, all first downs. He’s been targeted 16.3 yards downfield on average in that span on his way to a near-elite 89.9 PFF receiving grade.
21. D.K. Metcalf, Pittsburgh Steelers (77.0)
Metcalf caught five passes for 55 yards in the Steelers' Sunday Night Football loss to the Packers. He gained four first downs and brought in his fifth touchdown on the season — a one-yard grab near halftime to give the Steelers an eight-point lead. Metcalf was also able to shed a tackle for a 24-yard gain in the third quarter.
In his first season with the Steelers, Metcalf has tallied 27 catches for 461 yards, with nine gains of 20-plus yards. He caught 12 passes for 200 yards and two touchdowns in October. Fourteen of his 22 targets during the month came against zone coverage, and he hauled in nine for 111 yards and six first downs.
22. Ricky Pearsall, San Francisco 49ers (77.5)
Pearsall remains sidelined due to a knee injury.
23. A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles (77.2)
Brown missed Week 8 with a hamstring injury.
24. Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts (76.9)
Pierce was on the end of just two catches in Week 8 — but he racked up 69 yards with a pair of explosive gains. He spun Jalyn Armour-Davis around for a 19-yard gain early in the first quarter. He later made a leaping 50-yard catch on third-and-13 in the third quarter with Darrell Baker Jr. hanging on.
Pierce now has 18 catches for 386 yards and 15 first downs this season. Seventeen of his 32 targets have come on play-action plays, where he has 11 catches for 253 yards and nine first downs. Pierce has caught six of nine contested targets from play-action looks, generating seven explosive gains on such plays. He owns a 77.4 PFF receiving grade on play action.
25. Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos (76.5)
Sutton caught four passes for 67 yards against the Cowboys, gaining three first downs. He made two catches of 10-plus yards, including a 39-yarder to open up the fourth quarter. It marked his ninth reception of 20 or more yards this season.
Sutton remains ninth in receiving yards (536) with November on the horizon. He has caught 19 passes for 270 yards and seven explosive gains over the past four weeks, earning a 73.3 PFF receiving grade for the month.
26. Ryan Flournoy, Dallas Cowboys (75.6)
Flournoy is the fourth Cowboy to appear on this list this season. He was targeted twice against the Broncos in Week 8, catching one pass for seven yards.
Flournoy has brought in 14 of 18 targets for 186 yards and 10 first downs this season. He stepped up for the Cowboys in CeeDee Lamb’s absence, with most of his production coming within that span (Week 3 through Week 6). He ranked second among Cowboys receivers in threat rate (21.9%) and forced six missed tackles, recorded two explosive gains and averaged 5.7 yards after the catch per reception over that span, contributing to an excellent 82.4 PFF receiving grade in that stretch.
27. Khalil Shakir, Buffalo Bills (74.6)
Shakir enjoyed his best performance of the season: six catches for 88 yards in the Bills' win over the Panthers. He recorded a 54-yard touchdown early in the third quarter, spinning through an initial tackle attempt and turning on the jets from there. He forced four missed tackles and tallied three catches of 10-plus yards. He finished the game with an 87.1 PFF receiving grade and a perfect passer rating when targeted.
Shakir now has 31 catches for 356 yards this season. He ranks second — behind Ja'Marr Chase — in yards after the catch (295) and yards after contact (162). He is also tied with Chase in forced missed tackles (14). They are the only receivers who have forced double-digit missed tackles entering Week 9.
28. Cooper Kupp, Seattle Seahawks (74.2)
The Seahawks were on a bye in Week 8.
29. Jaylin Noel, Houston Texans (74.1)
Noel saw six targets against the 49ers, catching five for 63 yards. He amassed most of his yards early in the second quarter, as he went through zone coverage untouched for a 44-yard gain. Four of his targets came on conversion downs, and he brought in all of them for 19 yards and three first downs.
Noel has caught 14 of 20 passes this season for 162 yards, eight first downs and a touchdown. He has four gains of 15-plus yards and is averaging 4.1 yards after the catch per reception. Most of his targets (15) have come from the slot, where he has tallied 10 grabs for seven first downs, including his score, and sports a 77.0 PFF receiving grade (ninth best).
30. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys (73.7)
Lamb recorded two explosive gains in the Cowboys' Week 8 loss to the Broncos. He freed himself across the middle on a deep crosser for a 29-yard gain, nearly taking it all the way before being stopped inside the five-yard line. He later recorded an 18-yard catch in the fourth quarter. Lamb was targeted 10 times on the day, catching seven passes for 74 yards. It was his first game with fewer than 100 receiving yards this season.
Lamb has logged 12 catches for 184 yards and a touchdown in his first two games back from injury. He now has 28 catches for 406 yards on the season.
31. Romeo Doubs, Green Bay Packers (73.1)
Doubs caught three passes for 44 yards against the Steelers, moving the chains each time. He came free across the middle for a 24-yard reception midway through the first quarter, forcing a missed tackle along the way. He finished the night with two grabs of 10-plus yards, averaging 4.0 yards after the catch per reception.
The 2022 fourth-rounder boasts an 84.0-plus PFF receiving grade at every level of the field, with elite PFF receiving grades from the short and intermediate ranges. He has caught 14 short targets for 121 yards, nine first downs and two scores. He has also secured six of seven contested targets and averaged a very healthy 7.56 yards per route run on short targets, leading to an elite 93.4 PFF receiving grade. Further out, Doubs has caught 10 of 19 intermediate targets for 161 yards and two touchdowns, earning a 92.2 PFF receiving grade.
Doubs leads Green Bay’s receiver group in receiving yards (350) this season. His stat sheet includes 21 first downs, four touchdown catches, 13 explosive gains and five catches of 20-plus yards.
32. Garrett Wilson, New York Jets (72.9)
Wilson missed Week 8 due to a knee injury.
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