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We're diving into the top wide receivers by PFF receiving grade through Week 15 of the 2025 NFL season. To qualify, players need to have logged at least 100 receiving snaps.
1. Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams (95.4)
The 24-year-old's 181 receiving yards in Week 15 against the Lions tied a career high. Nacua caught nine of 11 targets, gained eight first downs and forced three missed tackles in the game. He also accounted for four explosive gains, including three catches of 30-plus yards.
He recorded a 36-yard gain early in the second quarter, separating from D.J. Reed with ease to move the Rams inside Detroit’s 10-yard line. Nacua burned Reed again for a 37-yard catch after the cornerback stumbled downfield, giving Nacua all the space he needed for the catch. Nacua added receptions of 22 and 39 yards in the third quarter, capping the day with a 94.6 PFF receiving grade (first among wide receivers in Week 15).
The BYU product is a top-two receiver in catches (102) and receiving yards (1,367) entering Week 16, while ranking fourth in targets (124). He leads the league in yards after contact (300) and is tied for first in forced missed tackles (20) and first downs (66). Nacua also ranks second in yards after the catch (497) and explosive plays (33), with 23 of those catches going for 20-plus yards (third most).
Nacua has dominated off play action this season, catching 22 of 28 targets for 375 yards (sixth most) and a touchdown. He has 15 first downs and 12 explosive gains while averaging 6.9 yards after the catch per reception from play-action passes — all top-10 marks. That work has culminated in a seventh-ranked 90.2 PFF receiving grade on play action.
PFF Widget — Slot PFF Receiving Grade 1Rams Puka Nacua 96.9 Slot PFF Receiving Grade 2Falcons Drake London 92.8 Slot PFF Receiving Grade 3Seahawks Jaxon Smith-Njigba 91.9 Slot PFF Receiving Grade 4Lions Amon-Ra St. Brown 89.3 Slot PFF Receiving Grade T-5Patriots Demario Douglas 88.1 Slot PFF Receiving Grade T-5Bengals Ja'Marr Chase 88.1 Slot PFF Receiving Grade 7Rams Davante Adams 84.5 Slot PFF Receiving Grade 8Texans Nico Collins 84.0 Slot PFF Receiving Grade 9Chargers Keenan Allen 82.7 Slot PFF Receiving Grade 10Cowboys CeeDee Lamb 82.6 Slot PFF Receiving Grade Swipe →2. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks (93.2)
Smith-Njigba caught seven of nine targets for 113 yards in the Seahawks' win over the Colts, powered by three explosive gains. He found space across the middle for receptions of 18 and 29 yards, with the second catch coming on third-and-short to close out the third quarter. He also notched a 39-yard grab with just under six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter and the Seahawks trailing by one. Smith-Njigba forced three missed tackles and averaged 9.0 yards after the catch per reception, generating a 118.8 passer rating when targeted.
The third-year superstar continues to pace the league in receiving yards (1,541) while ranking third in catches (96) and targets (126). He has nine touchdowns on the season (tied for third most), has forced 15 missed tackles (fifth most) and has racked up 66 first downs (tied for first with Puka Nacua). Smith-Njigba also continues to lead the league in explosive plays (37) and catches of 20-plus yards (25).
Similar to Nacua, the former Buckeye has dominated off play action, leading the NFL in receiving yards (631) and PFF receiving grade (93.0) on such plays. Smith-Njigba has caught 27 of 35 play-action targets for five touchdowns and ranks second in first downs gained (22) and explosive plays (15).
3. Drake London, Atlanta Falcons (90.9)
London missed his fourth consecutive game due to a knee injury.
4. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions (90.5)
The electric receiver secured his fourth consecutive 1,000-yard season with a 13-catch, 164-yard performance against the Rams in Week 15.
St. Brown split Los Angeles' defense for a 17-yard touchdown midway through the first quarter and later slipped by Josh Wallace on a scramble adjustment for a 52-yard dash midway in the second frame. He capped the drive with a second touchdown three plays later and finished the day with an 87.8 PFF receiving grade (fifth best). He logged six catches of 10-plus yards, moved the chains nine times, forced two missed tackles and generated a 145.2 passer rating when targeted.
The 2021 fourth-round pick ranks in the top five in targets (128), catches (94) and receiving yards (1,140) entering Week 16. He is up to 11 touchdowns (second most) and 30 explosive plays (fourth most) with 14 catches of 20-plus yards. St. Brown has also forced 11 missed tackles and gained 56 first downs (tied for fourth most).
The two-time All-Pro receiver has also greatly benefited from play-action passes, catching 27 such passes for 481 yards and three touchdowns. He leads the league in first downs (23) and explosive gains off play action (16). He also ranks fourth in passer rating when targeted (147.0) and PFF receiving grade (90.5) on those plays.
5. Christian Watson, Green Bay Packers (87.3)
Watson exited the Packers’ battle against the Broncos with a chest injury in the third quarter and did not return. The injury occurred on a deep target that was intercepted by cornerback Pat Surtain II. Watson finished the outing with three catches for 29 yards, buoyed by a 19-yard grab late in the second quarter.
The former second-rounder from North Dakota State has made 28 catches for 481 yards with five touchdowns this season. He has moved the chains on all but seven of his catches (21) and has accounted for 14 plays of 15-plus yards.
Watson’s 19-yard reception against the Broncos came between the numbers, where he has now caught 12 of 19 passes for 229 yards and 10 first downs. Three of his five touchdowns have come on throws between the numbers, along with eight explosive gains and five contested catches, leading to an 84.4 PFF receiving grade from that area of the field (top 15).
6. George Pickens, Dallas Cowboys (86.8)
The Vikings‘ defense limited Pickens to 33 yards on three catches on Sunday Night Football, although he gained two first downs. Pickens' longest catch of the day was a 17-yard gain midway through the fourth quarter with the Cowboys down by eight and backed up at their own 10-yard line. It was his second straight game with fewer than 40 receiving yards.
Over the past two weeks, the former Georgia Bulldog has caught eight of 13 targets for 70 yards and four first downs. He forced a missed tackle to go along with his explosive gain against the Vikings, but he still owns just a 56.2 PFF receiving grade in that span — second worst among receivers with at least 10 targets.
Still, the fourth-year player remains ranked third in receiving yards (1,212) in a breakout year. He also places in the top five in touchdowns (eight), explosive gains (31), catches of 20-plus yards (18), missed tackles forced (20) and yards gained after contact (274).
7. Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins (85.9)
Waddle had a quiet week, logging just two catches for 26 yards in the Dolphins' Monday Night Football loss to the Steelers. His longest catch was a 16-yard gain early in the fourth quarter.
The former sixth overall pick now has 59 catches for 838 yards and six touchdowns this season. He’s tied for eighth in first downs (44) and ranks in the top 15 in explosive plays (23).
Waddle hasn’t put up gaudy numbers over the past four weeks — 13 catches for 168 yards — but he still has a 71.1 PFF receiving grade in that span with 11 first downs and four catches of 15-plus yards.
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Game grades, positional splits and high-level metrics for Waddle's 2025 season.
Open Waddle's Profile8. Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals (85.5)
Chase was the primary source of offense for the Bengals in their shutout loss to the Ravens, tallying 10 catches for 132 yards. He dropped two targets in the game — including a costly one just outside of the red zone in the first quarter — but still ripped off three explosive plays, including catches of 27 and 34 yards. Chase gained five first downs and averaged 5.5 yards after the catch per reception and 3.07 yards per route run in the game. He finished the day with a 71.8 PFF receiving grade.
Last year’s “Triple Crown” winner now has 101 catches for 1,147 yards this season, both top-five marks. His 152 targets also lead the NFL. Chase has five touchdown catches this season and continues to pace the league in yards after the catch (521) and missed tackles forced (20, tied).
He holds a 73.4 PFF receiving grade against single coverage, making 20 catches for 159 yards. He has secured seven of 12 contested targets for 13 first downs against single coverage.
Zone defenders have also had their hands full with him, as he ranks in the top five in catches (63) and receiving yards (772) against zone looks. He has brought in seven of 12 contested targets and gained 30 first downs versus zone. Chase boasts the ninth-best PFF receiving grade against zone schemes (85.5) this season.
9. Nico Collins, Houston Texans (84.9)
Collins put up an efficient line in Week 15: three catches for 85 yards and two touchdowns. He blew by Cardinals cornerback Garrett Williams across the middle on his way to a 57-yard touchdown on the second play of the game. Collins found daylight across the middle again for a 24-yard catch in the fourth quarter, bouncing off a tackle for additional yards.
He recorded his second touchdown of the day with a four-yard catch along the back of the end zone on a third down late in the game. Collins finished the day with a near-perfect 156.3 passer rating when targeted and the eighth-best PFF receiving grade for the week (84.4).
The 2024-Pro Bowler is up to 64 catches for 1,001 yards — his third consecutive 1,000-yard season. He has 42 first downs and six touchdown catches and places in the top 10 in explosive gains (28) and catches of 20-plus yards (16).
Collins' 57-yard touchdown came from a slot alignment, where he has made 13 catches for 198 yards on the season. He has gained 10 first downs, caught three touchdowns and hauled in four contested catches from the slot. Collins also ranks in the top 10 in passer rating when targeted (132.5) and PFF receiving grade (84.0) from the slot.
10. Davante Adams, Los Angeles Rams (84.1)
Adams left the Rams' contest with the Lions in the fourth quarter after reaggravating a nagging hamstring injury, putting his availability for Week 16 at risk. He recorded four catches for 71 yards in the game.
The veteran gained 17 yards near the sideline with Amik Robertson in coverage early in the first quarter. Two plays later, he turned D.J. Reed around on another outside catch for 18 yards. Adams went across the middle for a 15-yard pickup on a third-down play late in the third quarter. Two plays after that, he got Robertson again for a 21-yard gain across the middle.
The elite receiver's 2025 resume includes 60 catches for 789 yards and a league-best 14 touchdowns. He also ranks in the top 10 in first downs (51) and explosive gains (26).
Adams owns an 81.0 PFF receiving grade on passes between the numbers, with 32 catches for 423 yards. He has notched 21 first downs and six touchdowns on those plays while ranking in the top 10 in targets (56) and catches of 15-plus yards (15).
Meanwhile, Adams has been equally strong outside of the numbers, where he sports an 84.4 PFF receiving grade (16th best). He has caught 28 passes for 366 yards, eight touchdowns, 24 first downs and 11 explosive gains on throws outside of the numbers.
11. Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders (83.5)
McLaurin helped the Commanders snap an eight-game losing streak and complete a season sweep over the Giants with three catches for 69 yards in Week 15. He accounted for two explosive gains — including a 51-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter to give the Commanders a 14-point lead. He finished the day with a 156.3 passer rating when targeted and an 81.8 PFF receiving grade.
The seventh-year receiver remains elite downfield in his age-30 season. While he has caught just three of 11 targets from 20 yards out, they’ve gone for 132 yards and a touchdown, giving him a 95.2 deep PFF receiving grade.
McLaurin is also dangerous at the intermediate level (10-19 yards downfield), where he has brought down 13 of 20 passes for 204 yards and a touchdown. He owns a 94.9 PFF receiving grade on those plays.
McLaurin is up to 26 catches for 409 yards and three touchdowns in an injury-riddled season. He has gained 22 first downs and logged nine plays of 15-plus yards.
12. A.J. Brown, Philadelphia Eagles (82.9)
Brown secured both of his targets for 41 yards in the Eagles' shutout victory over the Raiders. He gained first downs with both catches, including a 27-yard touchdown over Jeremy Chinn and Isaiah Pola-Moa across the middle on a third down to start the fourth quarter. Brown generated a perfect passer rating when targeted in the outing.
He is up to 64 catches for 840 yards and is tied for sixth in touchdown catches (seven). He has gained 38 first downs, forced seven missed tackles and made 12 catches of 20-plus yards.
Brown's touchdown against the Raiders came from a slot alignment, where he has hauled in seven of 14 targets for 102 yards and four first downs, earning an 84.5 PFF receiving grade.
The three-time All-Pro also has 34 catches for 383 yards and 20 first downs on throws between the numbers. Four of his touchdowns have come between the numbers, and he has 10 catches of 15-plus yards on such plays, leading to an 83.5 PFF receiving grade.
13. DeAndre Hopkins, Baltimore Ravens (82.2)
Hopkins was targeted only once in the Ravens' victory over the Bengals, but he turned the short pass into 32 yards, giving him his fifth gain of 20-plus yards this season.
The five-time Pro Bowler has made 18 catches for 289 yards in his 13th season, and first with the Ravens.
His catch against the Bengals came from a short depth, where he has caught 10 of 11 targets for 126 yards and five first downs. He leads the Ravens in passer rating when targeted (114.4) and PFF receiving grade (93.5) on throws within nine yards of the line of scrimmage.
14. Demario Douglas, New England Patriots (81.7)
Douglas was not targeted in the Patriots' loss to the Bills, although he did have a five-yard rush on a second-and-6 play early in the first quarter to move the Patriots into the red zone.
The sixth-round pick out of Liberty stands at 27 catches for 402 yards and three touchdowns. He has nine explosive gains, including six catches of 20-plus yards. Douglas also maintains a perfect 99.9 PFF deep PFF receiving grade, tying Puka Nacua and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He has caught four of six passes from 20 yards out for 192 yards and a touchdown.
T-15. Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins (81.0)
Hill is out for the season due to a knee injury.
T-15. Stefon Diggs, New England Patriots (81.0)
While Diggs starred in his return to Buffalo in New England’s Week 5 matchup against the Bills (week-high 92.2 PFF receiving grade), it was a different story in Week 15. Although he caught all three of his targets, the three-time Pro Bowler was held to 26 receiving yards. His longest catch of the outing came late in the third quarter — a 16-yard gain on a third down.
Diggs is up to 67 catches for 731 yards and three touchdowns in 2025. His resume also includes 38 first downs and 16 explosive gains. Although he leads the Patriots in receiving yards, he has been held to fewer than 30 receiving yards in three consecutive games. During that span, Diggs has caught eight of 10 targets for 72 yards and four first downs, with his explosive play against the Bills being his longest catch. He holds a 65.1 PFF receiving grade since Week 12.
Most Receiving First Downs Since 2022
PFF Widget — First Downs Leaders 1Lions Amon-Ra St. Brown 295 First Downs 2Bengals Ja'Marr Chase 263 First Downs 3Chiefs Travis Kelce 256 First Downs 4Cowboys CeeDee Lamb 253 First Downs 5Eagles A.J. Brown 238 First Downs 6Dolphins Tyreek Hill 236 First Downs 7Vikings Justin Jefferson 235 First Downs 8Rams Davante Adams 225 First Downs 9Patriots Stefon Diggs 210 First Downs 10Eagles DeVonta Smith 203 First Downs Swipe →17. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys (80.9)
Lamb was able to play on Sunday Night Football after clearing concussion protocol. He was targeted nine times against the Vikings, catching six passes for 111 yards.
He found himself all alone downfield for a 30-yard grab late in the first quarter. He recorded a 17-yard gain on fourth-and-3 midway through the second. Lamb brought in a strike down the sideline early in the third quarter for another 30-yard pickup with Harrison Smith and Isaiah Rodgers in coverage. Finally, he notched another 17-yard gain across the middle in the final seconds of the game. He finished the night with an 80.7 PFF receiving grade in the loss.
The 2020 17th overall pick moves up to seventh in receiving yards (976) in his sixth season. He has three touchdowns, 25 explosive gains and 15 catches of 20 or more yards (tied for eighth most).
Lamb was targeted three times versus zone coverage against the Vikings, bringing in one for 13 yards. Don’t be fooled by that number, though. He has been strong against zone all season, bringing down 31 of 39 targets for 452 yards and 15 first downs. He has forced seven missed tackles and averaged 5.1 yards after the catch per reception against zone defenders. All of his touchdowns this season have come against zone looks, and he ranks second in passer rating when targeted against those looks (140.6).
18. Alec Pierce, Indianapolis Colts (80.6)
Pierce was targeted only once in the Colts' loss to the Seahawks, but his 16-yard gain helped keep the Colts' hopes alive, down by two with just under two minutes remaining. It was a highlight-reel reception, as he was able to turn for the back-shoulder catch as Josh Jobe wrapped him up the entire time.
The 2022 second-round pick has made 39 catches for 785 yards this season, including 27 receptions of 15-plus yards (tied for seventh most).
His reception against the Seahawks was his 11th contested catch this season. Pierce has gained 276 yards and 10 first downs with nine explosive plays (tied for second most) on contested targets. Both of his touchdowns this season have been contested grabs, and he ranks seventh in PFF receiving grade (91.3) on those plays.
T-19. Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens (78.1)
Flowers notched his first touchdown since Week 1 — a 28-yard end-zone catch to close out the first half and extend Baltimore’s lead. However, two costly drops marred his outing. The first came earlier in the second quarter and resulted in an interception. The second occurred midway through the third quarter, another end-zone pass on a third down that would have given him his second touchdown of the day. Flowers still recorded two explosive gains, with his first being a 26-yard catch in the second quarter that preceded his touchdown. He finished the game with a 72.2 PFF receiving grade.
The shifty speedster is up to 71 catches for 959 yards (eighth most) and is closing in on his third consecutive 1,000-yard season to start his young career. He ranks in the top 10 in explosive gains (27) and catches of 20-plus yards (17). Despite his two drops, his 6.3% drop rate still ranks in the middle of the pack among receivers with at least 50 targets this season.
Flowers has struggled in the red zone, catching five of eight passes for just 16 yards with zero touchdowns or first downs. He owns a 50.8 PFF receiving grade in the red zone this season.
The Boston College product has fared better on conversion downs, bringing in 19 of 32 targets for 231 yards and 13 first downs. He has secured three of five contested targets and recorded seven gains of 15-plus yards on those plays, leading to a 69.2 PFF receiving grade.
T-19. Keenan Allen, Los Angeles Chargers (78.1)
Allen was held to 36 receiving yards on five catches as the Chargers completed their season sweep of the Chiefs. His longest catch of the day was a 12-yard gain early in the third quarter. Allen dropped his first pass since Week 5, and while he was also charged with a fumble in the game, the play came as a result of a failed lateral on a designed play late in the second quarter. He finished the day with a 59.2 PFF receiving grade.
The 13th-year veteran remains one of the most reliable receivers in the league, ranking 10th in threat rate (24.8%) and 16th in catch rate (70.1%). He’s up to 68 catches for 680 yards, four touchdowns and 42 first downs (tied for 11th most).
However, the six-time Pro Bowler has struggled to generate big plays in his past three games, producing a modest 63.4 PFF receiving grade since Week 13. In that time, he has caught 12 of 15 passes for 88 yards with six first downs — but with no touchdowns or explosive gains.
21. DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles (77.3)
Smith joined A.J. Brown in having a quiet game in the Eagles' victory, although he caught both of his targets for 50 yards. Most of his yards came late in the first quarter when he got behind Darien Porter with ease for a 44-yard catch. He finished the game with a 74.1 PFF receiving grade.
The former 10th overall pick is up to 66 catches for 889 yards (11th most), including 13 catches of 20-plus yards. His 44-yard reception came outside the numbers, where he continues to perform well, with 30 catches for 445 yards (11th most). Smith has 18 first downs and 12 explosive gains (tied for ninth most) on those plays. Two of his three touchdowns have come on throws outside the numbers, powering a 75.3 PFF receiving grade.
T-22. Luther Burden III, Chicago Bears (77.2)
The second-rounder caught six of seven targets for 84 yards against the Browns, earning a 67.9 PFF receiving grade for the game. Burden found himself open across the middle for a 40-yard pickup late in the first quarter, accounting for nearly half of his receiving total. He also forced four missed tackles.
Burden is up to 36 catches for 479 yards with 18 first downs. He has forced nine missed tackles and recorded 12 catches of 15-plus yards.
Most of Burden’s yardage comes off play action, from which he has brought down 20 of 22 targets for 314 yards (ninth). His only touchdown this season came from a play-action pass. Meanwhile, he has gained 12 first downs and recorded nine explosive gains on those plays. He ranks third in play-action threat rate (34.4%) and fourth in play-action PFF receiving grade (91.3).
Highest PFF Receiving Grades Among Rookies
PFF Widget — PFF Receiving Grade 1Bears Luther Burden III 77.2 PFF Receiving Grade 2Panthers Tetairoa McMillan 77.1 PFF Receiving Grade 3Packers Mathew Golden 70.3 PFF Receiving Grade 4Buccaneers Emeka Egbuka 69.7 PFF Receiving Grade 5Texans Jayden Higgins 69.2 PFF Receiving Grade Swipe →T-22. Rashee Rice, Kansas City Chiefs (77.2)
Rice caught seven passes for 51 yards in the Chiefs' loss to the Chargers. Although he forced two missed tackles and notched an 11-yard pickup on third-and-short late in the second quarter, he recorded his third dropped pass in his past three games.
The 2023 second-rounder has cooled off a bit after a hot start following his return to action in Week 7. In his past two games, Rice has caught 11 of 18 targets for 85 yards with one explosive play. He has forced three missed tackles but owns just a 59.3 PFF receiving grade across that stretch.
T-22. Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals (77.2)
Higgins was held out of Week 15 against the Ravens due to concussion symptoms. He has been in the protocol twice since Week 12, although he was able to play in Week 14 against the Bills.
T-22. Courtland Sutton, Denver Broncos (77.2)
Sutton had a big day against the Packers, racking up 113 receiving yards across seven catches. It was his first 100-yard day since Week 3 against the Chargers.
Sutton turned Keisean Nixon around and broke free for a 42-yard catch late in the second quarter. He was able to get by Nixon again for a 14-yard touchdown in the third quarter to bring the Broncos within three points. Sutton also recorded explosive gains of 16 and 26 yards in the fourth quarter and finished the game with an 83.0 PFF receiving grade (10th best among wide receivers in Week 15).
The 2018 second-rounder is up to 63 catches for 886 yards and six touchdowns this season. He has forced eight missed tackles, recorded 21 explosive gains and racked up 15 catches of 20-plus yards (tied for eighth most).
Sutton remains one of the best contested-catch players in the league, having brought in 14 of 25 such passes for 189 yards and 11 first downs. He has five explosive gains in contested situations, while four of his six touchdowns have been contested grabs. His 90.0 PFF receiving grade on contested throws ranks 12th among qualifying receivers.
26. Tetairoa McMillan, Carolina Panthers (77.1)
McMillan tallied a 58.6 PFF receiving grade against the Saints, making it his third consecutive game with a sub-60.0 mark. He caught two passes for only 25 yards, with the bulk of it coming on a 21-yard gain late in the second quarter on fourth-and-3.
Since Week 12, the eighth overall pick has the ninth-worst PFF receiving grade at the position (56.0). He has caught five of 14 targets for 103 yards and two touchdowns in that span.
Still, the Arizona product continues to have his bright moments. His 21-yard catch against New Orleans came from the slot, where he has now caught 16 of 19 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns. Thirteen of his slot receptions have moved the chains, and he ranks seventh in both yards per route run (2.30) and passer rating when targeted (124.1) from the slot. McMillan owns the 11th-best slot PFF receiving grade entering Week 16 (81.6).
27. Jameson Williams, Detroit Lions (76.9)
Williams debuts in the rankings after one of his best games of the season. He caught seven passes for 134 yards and five explosive gains in the Lions' loss to the Rams.
He gained separation from Emmanuel Forbes for a 22-yard catch on the third play of the game. He later found space for a 25-yard catch on a third down late in the frame. Williams broke upfield for a wide-open 31-yard touchdown late in the second quarter to give the Lions a nine-point lead. He also notched gains of 16 and 17 yards in the fourth quarter, putting a bow on his 155.8 passer rating when targeted and 86.5 PFF receiving grade (sixth best) for the game.
The 2022 12th overall pick from Alabama has caught fire as of late, seeing at least nine targets and making seven catches in three straight games. He has caught 21 of 28 targets for 374 yards and two touchdowns and 13 explosive plays in that span. Williams ranks second, behind the Rams' Puka Nacua, in PFF receiving grade since Week 13 (90.9).
Williams is on pace for his second consecutive 1,000-yard season, sitting at 52 catches for 936 yards (ninth most). He slots into the top 10 in touchdown catches (seven) and explosive plays (fifth) while tying for third in catches of 20-plus yards (19). Williams has also forced 10 missed tackles on the season (tied for 12th most).
28. Ryan Flournoy, Dallas Cowboys (76.2)
Flournoy had a quiet outing on Sunday Night Football after a monster performance against the Lions in Week 14. He caught four of five targets against the Vikings for 40 yards and three first downs. His longest catch of the night was an underneath grab on a glide route that went for 19 yards late in the first quarter. Flournoy finished the night with a 70.4 PFF receiving grade.
The 2024 sixth-round pick has now caught 33 of his 44 targets for 389 yards and three touchdowns. He has also gained 24 first downs and forced seven missed tackles.
Flournoy holds the 10th-best PFF receiving grade on short targets (94.4), having brought in 18 of 21 passes within nine yards of the line of scrimmage for 145 yards and 14 first downs. He is averaging 4.1 yards after the catch per reception on those plays.
29. D.K. Metcalf, Pittsburgh Steelers (76.1)
Metcalf caught each of his three targets for 55 yards in the Steelers' Monday Night Football win over the Dolphins. He nabbed his first touchdown since Week 8 — a tough 28-yard catch-and-run on a third down in the third quarter. He avoided three tackles on the play to extend Pittsburgh’s lead. That catch was his last of the night, and he finished with a perfect passer rating when targeted.
The seventh-year veteran is up to 55 catches for 808 yards in his first season in Pittsburgh. He has accounted for 14 catches of 20-plus yards and ranks in the top 10 in yards after the catch (401) and yards gained after contact (195). Metcalf also has six touchdowns and nine forced missed tackles.
His score against the Dolphins came on a throw between the numbers, adding to his already impressive totals on such plays: 29 catches for 405 yards, 16 first downs and nine explosive plays. Most of his missed tackles (eight) and half of his touchdowns (three) have come on throws between the numbers, helping him earn a 71.8 PFF receiving grade.
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Read More →30. Josh Downs, Indianapolis Colts (75.7)
Downs secured three catches for only 13 yards in the Colts' loss to the Seahawks, but he did tally his fourth touchdown of the season with an eight-yard underneath catch late in the second quarter on a third-and-4.
The third-year receiver has recorded 47 catches for 406 yards this season. His touchdown against Seattle was his 10th red-zone reception of the season across 13 targets. All of his scores have been red-zone grabs, and he’s moved the chains seven times, helping him earn a 75.8 PFF receiving grade on those plays.
31. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings (75.4)
Jefferson was targeted eight times against the Cowboys but brought in only two passes for 22 yards. Both of his catches were plays of 10-plus yards. He forced a missed tackle but also dropped a wide-open pass in the corner of the end zone late in the third quarter.
Jefferson has finished with fewer than 30 receiving yards in three straight games, bringing in six of 18 targets for 37 yards and three first downs in that span. He owns a 59.3 PFF receiving grade across that stretch. He now has 66 catches for 832 yards overall in a down year.
32. Ricky Pearsall, San Francisco 49ers (75.2)
Pearsall lands back in the top 32 after recording his highest PFF receiving grade of the season (89.2). He caught six of seven passes for 96 yards against the Titans, including five catches of 10-plus yards. His longest gain was a 38-yard catch to start the third quarter, as he broke free across the middle of the field before being brought down at the Titans' 15-yard line.
The 2024 first-round pick was off to a hot start this season, slotting in as PFF’s ninth-highest-graded receiver through the first four games (77.5). Since then, he suffered a knee injury that knocked him out for six games before returning to the field in Week 11. It’s taken him some time to shake the rust off, as he recorded five catches for 20 yards and a 54.8 PFF receiving grade in the three games leading up to Week 15.
Still, the former Florida Gator has racked up a team-high seven catches of 20-plus yards (tied) and has secured nine of 11 contested targets while gaining 23 first downs on 31 catches this season. Pearsall has 443 receiving yards entering Week 16.