Fantasy Football Rankings: Hayden Winks' WR Blueprint for Week 6

The Blueprint is my weekly column and basically everything that I use to build out the most accurate rankings I can. There will be an RB column , this WR column on Thursdays and a combination column on the onesie positions . You will find film notes and endless charts. Maybe enough charts to stress test the Yahoo website. I kid.

It's impossible to get every ranking thoroughly early in the week, so be sure to keep checking in on these columns through Sunday morning. As always, my full rankings at every position are available .

1. Puka Nacua (vs. BUF) - 92.5 proj. receiving yards

Nacua's "pre-hernia" injury could be a serious long-term issue, but while he's in the lineup, he has the best projection every week. He got the best of an impressive Eagles secondary last week (WR5 on WR7 usage) while re-entering the lineup, and this matchup is far easier. The Rams have a monster 28.75-point team total (third) while hosting the Bills on Monday Night Football. Buffalo has allowed the third-most fantasy points to WRs this year, including a 2-TD game from Romeo Doubs (WR8) on top of big games from Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR4) and Nico Collins (WR9). They've missed CB1 Christian Benford recently, and the size issue from CB2 Maxwell Hairston will be one the Rams will certainly target here. They've allowed five TDs on just 27 man coverage reps this year.

2. Amon-Ra St. Brown (at ARI) - 79.5 proj. receiving yards

St. Brown is the WR5 on WR1 overall usage this season. His 11.5 targets per game keep him on pace for 196 targets this year. Dating back to last year, St. Brown has cleared 14.2 expected half PPR points in eight straight games with the Lions' secondary falling apart.

The Lions project for a league-high 30.0 points this week against a sorry Cardinals defense. They've allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to WRs so far, including top-17 finishes to Malik Nabers (WR10), Deebo Samuel (WR17), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR1) and Ladd McConkey (WR11). It's go time.

3. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (vs. SF) - 89.5 proj. receiving yards

JSN drafters on Yahoo have won 62% of their games, the highest of any WR through four weeks. He's the WR1 overall on WR3 overall usage, averaging a ridiculous 120 YPG on 10.3 targets.

Smith-Njigba faced the 49ers five times since 2024, scoring 7.8, 9.4, 11.4, 14.9, and 16.8 half PPR points in them. He's only scored a touchdown once in them while clearing 84 yards in 3 of 5. They've played him well all things considered, but their lack of pass rush right now works in JSN's favor. The Seahawks are at home with a 24.25-point team total (ninth). The 49ers gave up a score to Jaylen Waddle last week and Michael Wilson finished as the WR4 overall the week prior. It's a totally fine matchup for JSN.

4. CeeDee Lamb (vs. TB) - 79.5 proj. receiving yards

Lamb has 25 receiving first downs this year, only trailing 2011 Wes Welker for the most in NFL history through four weeks. He's shredded the Ravens and Texans defenses most recently, too. Lamb played a season-high 38% snaps in the slot to get away from CB1 Derek Stingley, including on his game-winning in-cut versus safety Jalen Pitre. It's a well-coached offense with quality protection and elite skill players. Dallas will compete for the scoring title. Lamb is the WR2 on WR4 usage so far, leading in receptions (9.3 per game) and yards (125 per game).

The blitz-heavy Bucs can catch bad OLs and QBs by surprise, but Prescott is amongst the best against the blitz over years of data. Lamb can be a quick outlet, as he was last week, but he can also get downfield where the Bucs have been exposed by Jordan Addison (WR10) and Denzel Boston (WR11) recently. Dallas has a 29.0-point team total (second).

5. Drake London (vs. BAL) - 89.5 proj. receiving yards

In 14 games with Michael Penix Jr. since 2024, London is now the WR3 (17.2 half PPR points) on WR8 usage (15.8 expected), WR1 overall target share (35%) and WR1 overall air yards (116 per game). He's finished as the WR2 overall and the WR24 overall (without a TD) in his two games with him this year. Penix has executed his under-center play action reps and is moving just enough to have a productive season. Penix wants to drive the ball, and London is running more deep breaking routes in this offense to fit in. There will be some underneath work, but London could be a killer on intermediate throws. Penix had an awesome anticipation throw before a zone defender had time to make a play on the ball on a corner route last night. London has an obvious case to be an early Round 2 pick if drafting today.

The Ravens have a good defense, but they are still working out the kinks and don't have an overpowering pass-rushing unit in general. They've allowed the eighth-most fantasy points to WRs so far, including a career-high 145 yards to Carnell Tate last week. CeeDee Lamb (WR13) and Chris Olave (WR9) had their usual games against them as clear-cut top targets. Atlanta has a 23.25-point team total (12th) at home.

6. Nico Collins (at TEN) - 79.5 proj. receiving yards

Collins is the WR3 on WR5 usage this season, averaging 9.0 targets per game as one of the most dominant players on tape. There is no competition for targets in Houston with its run game in shambles once again; it'd make sense to start leaning into the pass game more than ever. CJ Stroud is playing well.

The matchup is also a solid one. Houston has a 23.0-point team total (13th) in Tennessee, and its defense is far more dominant at DT than anywhere else right now. Teams should be comfortable passing against them in neutral situations. I've seen DeVonta Smith (WR6), Dontayvion Wicks (WR27) and Zay Flowers (WR6) give them major trouble this year. CB1 Alontae Taylor and CB2 Cor'Dale Flott are players to target as mismatches for Collins' size and speed. He has 79+ yards or a TD in all five career games against the Titans, including a WR4 overall finish in Week 11 last season.

7. Michael Wilson (vs. DET) - 72.5 proj. receiving yards

Wilson has some of the best WR tape of 2026. He's a great route runner at the top of his break, he's physical and he has moments at the catch point. His third-and-1 deep out route last week was sensational stuff. Down six points with seconds remaining at the 5-yard line, Wilson was targeted on first-, second- and fourth-down. Were they completed? No, but that's a great sign that he's trusted down there.

Through four weeks, Wilson is the WR22 on WR6 usage. Since Week 11 of last year, Wilson only trails Puka Nacua, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Chris Olave and Amon-Ra St. Brown in fantasy points per game (15.5). He's WR2 in air yards per game and WR3 in targets per game during that stretch, too. I think he's far more of a fantasy WR2 than the market believes.

The matchup is the best one in the NFL. WR rooms facing the Lions are averaging 56 more yards per game against them compared to the rest of their schedule right now, easily the most in the NFL. They desperately miss S Brian Branch (Achilles) and other starting CBs, and they're put in tough spots because the Lions offense is scoring at will. Just look at Tetairoa McMillan (WR1 overall), Garrett Wilson (WR3) and Chris Olave (WR6 without a TD) versus the Lions. The Cardinals project for 24.5 points at home, while the Lions have a league-leading 30.0 total. Get excited.

8. Davante Adams (vs. BUF) - 62.5 proj. receiving yards

Adams is the WR16 on WR6 usage in 18 games with Puka Nacua since last year. He busted last week after multiple fingertip missed plays for explosives and touchdowns, but the underlying numbers were otherwise there with WR10 expected points (15.6) and nine targets. Nacua is a baller still but also maybe a step slower while playing with this "pre-hernia" injury, and Adams is moving quite well on tape right now.

The matchup with the Bills is tasty. It's at home with extra rest on Monday Night Football, and they've been shredded by physical WRs this year, especially without CB1 Christian Benford. Romeo Doubs (WR8) and Efton Chism III had SportsCenter moments last week, while Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR4) and Nico Collins (WR9) did their thing in previous outings. A 28.75-point team total (third) is the final obvious tell to start Adams as an upside WR1/2.

Jefferson (ankle) expects to play after missing last week with a low-ankle sprain, even with the Vikings having a bye next week. They'd only let him play if he was truly ready to go given that context. I'm not docking him for injury. Jordan Addison is also dealing with a hamstring injury, though he was back at practice Thursday.

10. Chris Olave (vs. MIN) - 79.5 proj. receiving yards

Olave has a seven-game streak of 15+ half PPR points and 14+ expected half PPR points. He's the WR6 overall on WR2 usage this year with Tyler Shough comfortably leading the NFL in dropbacks. He'd be an early Round 2 pick if redrafting today.

The Vikings will easily be the toughest test yet, especially with LT Kelvin Banks Jr. (IR) being replaced by an inexperienced player who is allowing a near league-high rate of pressures. That gets turned up against DC Brian Flores, who is as good as anyone in league history at destroying protection rules. They also play with two deep safeties often, so it's a bit harder to find the explosive plays that have made Olave one of the best fantasy WRs in the game. Minnesota has allowed the 19th-most fantasy points to WRs, largely driven by a massive downfield outing from Christian Watson (WR2) in Week 1. They haven't allowed a top-30 fantasy WR since then versus the Dolphins, Bucs and Bears. The Saints project for 19.5 points (22nd), far fewer than normal.

11. Garrett Wilson (vs. CLE) - 69.5 proj. receiving yards

Wilson was rug-pulled by a Jets outing that resulted in the fourth-fewest plays (32) in a single game in NFL history. The Bears also did a good job of limiting Wilson on their dropbacks, but that will go down as an outlier game. Wilson was the WR15 on WR25 usage and the WR3 on WR9 usage in the previous two outings with Breece Hall (quad), AD Mitchell (finger) and Mason Taylor (thumb) all sidelined. They're all still injured, so Wilson's ceiling is far higher than usual.

The Browns are the only team in the NFL actually playing man coverage at a notable rate. They've used it 88 times. The next closest is at 57, by the Patriots. They can do it because CB1 Denzel Ward is having another great season, and they are enjoying a great season from S Ronnie Hickman. This will be a "ball up top" matchup. The Jets are projected for 21.0 points (21st) while at home.

12. George Pickens (vs. TB) - 69.5 proj. receiving yards

Pickens is the most obvious buy-low ever. He's only the WR39 on WR23 usage this season, but the tape is showing plenty of DPIs called on him and some bad luck. There will be huge games coming with the Cowboys already leading the NFL in points per drive (3.4) without star LG Tyler Smith, who returns for Thursday Night Football. Dating back to last year, Pickens is the WR17 on WR12 usage with 22% of the targets in games with CeeDee Lamb.

The Cowboys are projected for the second-most points at home against an 0-4 Bucs team. This historically is a pass-funnel defense, and the Todd Bowles blitzes aren't going to catch Dak Prescott by surprise as much as they've worked against lesser offenses. Splash plays from Jordan Addison (WR10) and Denzel Boston (WR11) are reasons for upside WR2 faith. We can panic if Pickens doesn't come through tonight ...

13. Christian Watson (vs. CHI) - 59.5 proj. receiving yards

Watson had his worst game of the year last week, but nothing has materially changed other than Tucker Kraft is becoming more involved after a horrible start to his season coming off a torn ACL. That could hurt Watson at the margins, especially when (if) Josh Jacobs returns. Watson is still the WR8 on WR12 usage and WR14 targets per game (7.8).

A matchup with the Bears may be a little more difficult than it seemed pre-season after DC Dennis Allen has gotten the most of his injured defense, but it's still a fun game to target. Jalen Coker had a WR1 overall finish against them in Week 1, for crying out loud. The Packers are projected for 22.0 points (16th) as slight home dogs. Watson had three games against the Bears last year; 36 yards with a score in the playoff loss, a 17-yard dud in Week 16 and a WR5 overall finish in Week 14.

14. Matthew Golden (vs. CHI) - 59.5 proj. receiving yards

Golden is the WR17 on WR10 usage and WR9 targets per game (9.0) this season, with 10+ half PPR points and 10+ expected half PPR points in 3-of-4 contests. He's been a more explosive version of the Romeo Doubs role from last year, but now there's not a No. 3 receiver to get "gimme" looks. Those can trickle down to Golden, too.

See more about the matchup in the Christian Watson blurb from above, noting the primary difference is Golden's matchup with CB2 Tyrique Stevenson is far better than against CB1 Jaylon Johnson.

15. Zay Flowers (at ATL) - 69.5 proj. receiving yards

Flowers is not expected to have Lamar Jackson this time around, which obviously impacts his efficiency a ton, but OC Declan Doyle is very reliant on Flowers being the focal point of the pass game. He's being used underneath in ways that should keep his floor high with Tyler Huntley at QB. His yards per route being in his own stratosphere is helpful when readjusting for his new situation. He's the WR6 on WR15 usage, including two half-games.

The matchup is a strong one, too. The Falcons are well coached but down CB1 A.J. Terrell and two impact pass rushers. They've allowed the fourth-most passing yards per game (277) and seventh-most fantasy points to WRs so far. Chris Olave (116 yards), Christian Watson (96 yards) and Tetairoa McMillan (101 yards) all have been excellent as the top targets in their offenses against them recently. Baltimore's 20.25-point team total is just about seven points less than normal, and Derrick Henry's has a disproportionate touchdown share in this offense.

16. Malik Nabers (at WAS) - 59.5 proj. receiving yards

Update: Nabers (knee) had soreness on Wednesday and missed practice, but returned on Thursday.

Hand up — I got this one way wrong last week when I ranked him closer to the WR3 range. Nabers was the WR10 on WR30 usage with multiple explosives. He beat a heavy-footed LB on a seam ball for a TD, high-pointed a lollipop from Jameis Winston on a deep corner route and had a great circus route with massive separation. There was some underneath success, too, including a hitch route that led to two broken tackles. We're inching closer to 90% health as we head into October, and with the Giants at 3-1, it'll likely be Jameis for the near future. Nabers is trending upwards as the WR33 on WR38 usage this season.

The matchup is a great one. The Commanders are doing the chaos at the line of scrimmage thing a lot more than others with new DC Daronte Jones (from the Brian Flores tree), and it's funneled a lot more yards via the air (eighth-most) than on the ground (27th). Star WRs have had big outings against them already; JSN (WR1 overall) and CeeDee Lamb (WR3 overall). There's no reason to believe in Mike Sainristill in boundary coverage right now. The Giants project for 19.0 points (26th), however and it will almost always be a fairly run-heavy plan under Harbaugh.

17. Parker Washington (vs. PHI) - 59.5 proj. receiving yards

18. Jaylen Waddle (at LAC) - 59.5 proj. receiving yards

Waddle's season-long ceiling isn't hitting as we'd hoped. His 21% target share and WR37 expected half PPR points sit too far down to be trusted as more than an inconsistent WR2/3 in fantasy. Bo Nix's quick trigger to the checkdown has left some potential intermediate and downfield throws on the field, and the Sean Payton offense will always have schemed up targets to others. Waddle did have two screen receptions in Week 4, and his overall involvement could tick up with valued WR3 Pat Bryant (IR, ankle) now injured. Waddle has also dropped a couple of passes for potential explosives this year to tilt us further. He's the WR32 per game. I'm waiting for the 50-yard YAC moment ...

19. Jameson Williams (at ARI) - 49.5 proj. receiving yards

Dud-dud-dud-boom. That's the story with Jamo. He had three comeback receptions, one screen, one quick out and one go ball Cover 3 hole shot heading into halftime in a wild loss to the Panthers. His day could've been bigger had he come down with two designed chunk plays (double move down the sideline and bootleg play-action dig). Williams ultimately finished WR19 on WR20 usage without scoring a touchdown, and the fact that the Lions defense yet again couldn't get stops bodes well for Williams' WR3 odds this year. He's been the WR45 on WR33 usage this season as a positive regression candidate.

20. DK Metcalf (vs. IND) - 49.5 proj. receiving yards

21. Josh Downs (at PIT) - 59.5 proj. receiving yards

22. Mike Evans (at SEA) - 49.5 proj. receiving yards

23. Romeo Doubs (vs. LV) - 49.5 proj. receiving yards

Doubs has been the wildest rollercoaster of the year, but Week 4 was nothing but a total smash. Aside from an extremely low ball that was tossed by Doubs into the air for an INT, Doubs played well. He had a skinny post TD, a 4th-and-3 slant win and a one-handed fade TD. His WR8 finish was on WR11 expected half PPR points, and the Patriots also lost Mack Hollins (calf) around halftime. They're running out of bodies for Drake Maye to throw to, so Doubs' value is absolutely trending up. His expected half PPR points have climbed every week: 2.6, 5.2, 6.7, 15.4.

25. Luther Burden III (at GB) - 49.5 proj. receiving yards

26. Rome Odunze (at GB) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards

27. Carnell Tate (vs. HOU) - 49.5 proj. receiving yards

Tate had a career-high 15.8 expected half PPR points in Week 4 and his usage has climbed in three straight games. Results were mixed, but things are generally trending up. Cam Ward delivered a couple of wow throws out of structure to Tate, who was only targeted five+ yards downfield on all 12 of his looks. There were some high throws with offbeat timing in there, but the volume is real and there will be go-ball explosives eventually. He had a double-move penalty drawn on him from All-Pro S Kyle Hamilton as an example. Tate is the WR34 on WR22 usage to start his career, and I don't see Calvin Ridley, Wan'Dale Robinson and others eating into his alpha status.

This assumes Ja'Marr Chase (concussion) and Tee Higgins (adductor) are out. More later.

Diggs (hamstring) did not practice on Wednesday. More later.

30. Devaughn Vele (vs. MIN) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards

Vele is a real fantasy WR3. He became a full-time player in Week 12 last year, and he's the WR22 on WR17 usage in eight games since. This year, Vele is the WR21 on WR13 usage with Tyler Shough leading the NFL with 48 dropbacks per game. Only six other teams are above 40 for reference.

Vele's extreme catch radius comes in handy, as we saw with his toe-tapping garbage-time touchdown on Monday Night Football. He also has a goal-line fade as the lone WR on the field this season, and he's consistently targeted on breaking routes about 10 yards down the field. With Jordyn Tyson realistically targeting a Week 9 return, Vele is looking like a high-end rental.

31. Denzel Boston (at NYJ) - 49.5 proj. receiving yards

McConkey (foot) did not practice on Wednesday.

33. Malik Washington (vs. CIN) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards

34. Deebo Samuel Sr. (at SEA) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards

Update: Addison (hamstring) was back at practice on Thursday, and Justin Jefferson (ankle) plans to play.

Addison is the WR24 on WR36 usage over the past two weeks without Justin Jefferson (ankle), and it might be another outing as the alpha with the Vikings on bye in Week 6. Addison can be occasionally bullied out of his route, but there are enough downfield moments with the sprinkling of a screen to be trusted in fantasy lineups for the time being. Kyler Murray hasn't had too many anticipatory throws over the middle beyond quick seam balls, but they are using Addison on them whenever Kyler wants to deliver it. They did have a great corner route, so the rapport isn't non-existent. The bigger issue is the Vikings are 29th in neutral pass rate with a 9.1% sack rate (fifth-worst).

36. Marvin Harrison Jr. (vs. DET) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards

Marv had a productive Week 4 for the Cardinals, even if the box score was underwhelming again. He had a great ball-tracking fade TD early on, but he also drew two DPIs in and around the end zone on designed looks for him. The Cardinals also had him as the lone receiver at the goal line for a quick slant that was, of course, completely shut down. Harrison is going to be significantly better than this WR88 on WR84 usage start, and I've noticed more buy-in from him in recent weeks. If there's a week to buy low, it's against the Lions at home with a wild game total. That'd be especially true if Jeremiyah Love (ankle) is banged up.

37. KC Concepcion (at NYJ) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards

38. Keon Coleman (at LAR) - 49.5 proj. receiving yards

39. Tre Tucker (at NE) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards

40. Emeka Egbuka (at DAL) - 39.5 proj. receiving yards

Jalon Daniels was just fine in his debut as an undrafted free agent. That was the earliest into a rookie season that an UDFA QB has started a game. The Bucs tried to hide him with a season-low neutral pass rate, and Daniels is going to scramble around a bit, too. That said, Daniels has a live arm and is willing to sling it. There could be garbage-time production here. He's good enough for that.

Egbuka was only targeted three times last week, leading to a WR83 finish on WR66 usage. Playing him in fantasy is absolutely daring, as the Bucs made sure to get Chris Godwin Jr. and Cade Otton involved underneath more often. Egbuka is going to work downfield more than them, making it harder to find a floor. Egbuka hasn't been overly impressive on tape either, even if the offense is doing more creative things with him before and at the snap.

The Cowboys have the worst-graded zone defense this year, per PFF, if you're feeling risky or are just desperate. They've allowed the 10th-most fantasy points to WRs this year, most recently getting smoked by Nico Collins (WR3), Zay Flowers (104 yards on a couple dozen routes) and Stefon Diggs (WR8). The Cowboys will have new CB1 Joey Porter Jr. available for more snaps this week, and he'll very likely see Egbuka the most with Godwin hid in the slot more often. It's too much for me to bank on. The Bucs project for 19.5 points on the road.