WR Questions

Featuring Puka Nacua, Brian Thomas Jr., and more.

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Yooo!

We’re slowly inching closer to the NFL draft, but tonight we’re focusing on non-rookies, including 4 WRs and 1 QB.

In case you missed it, we dropped the newsletter cadence down to 1x per week for the early part of the offseason.

We’re working on some big updates to the website and can’t wait to share them with you as we make progress!

In the meantime, you can expect our newsletters to land in your inbox every Wed at 9pm EST up until the NFL draft (late April). We’ll increase the newsletter cadence again after that.

Last week, I asked you all: “Where will David Montgomery finish among RBs next season (PPR)?”

53.2% of you said “RB13-18”

Best subscriber comments:

  • RB25+: “He's competing with a 2nd year back that looked good last year. he's getting older and doesn't have the offensive line he had in Detroit. He won't get enough touches to get into top 25 territory.”

  • RB25+: “Offensive line is terrible. He’s not in the Lions offense anymore. No Ben Johnson.”

Our take: Below are last year’s RB final rankings (PPR):

Increased volume might push him into the RB19-24 range, but then again, Woody had almost 200 carries and finished RB29. The drop in the quality of his O-line is a legitimate concern. Here’s my gut take on these ranges for Monty:

  • RB1-6 = I’d be shocked

  • RB7-12 = I’d be shocked

  • RB13-18 = If everything breaks right

  • RB19-24 = Reasonable outcome

  • RB25+ = Reasonable outcome

Alright, now let’s get to some other news you might’ve missed this week.

Giddy up.

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Shouting out some great content in the industry:

WR - Puka Nacua (LAR)

Puka Nacua has entered a rehabilitation facility to address personal issues, with his attorney anticipating his return for OTAs.

  • Puka Nacua is projected to become the highest-paid wide receiver, potentially surpassing Jaxon Smith-Njigba's $42.15 million APY, based on his 2025 season where he led the league in receptions (129) and receiving yards per game (107.2). Despite recent off-field concerns and entering a rehabilitation facility, his attorney expects him to complete the program in time for the Rams' OTAs, indicating a commitment to personal and professional improvement.

  • Nacua's decision to enter a rehabilitation facility in Malibu was reportedly made before recent allegations and a civil lawsuit surfaced, though the public attention surrounding these issues was a contributing factor to his treatment decision. His attorney denies allegations of antisemitic comments and describes the alleged bite as 'horseplay'.

  • Concerns exist regarding Nacua's well-being, erratic behavior, and potential substance abuse issues, which could impact his future performance and upcoming contract extension with the Rams. The Rams organization, including coach Sean McVay and GM Les Snead, is aware of the situation and prioritizing his personal growth while evaluating his future with the team.

  • Our take: I was expecting much more negative sentiment to emerge after the rehab news, but it has been surprisingly quiet. It doesn’t seem like the Rams organization or the fantasy market is overly concerned with the repeated off-the-field issues.

QB - Kirk Cousins (LV)

Kirk Cousins signs with Raiders on a one-year, $20 million deal to start and mentor rookie QB Fernando Mendoza.

  • Kirk Cousins has signed a one-year, $20 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, with the Falcons absorbing a significant portion of his salary. This deal makes him the third highest-paid player in NFL history and reunites him with Klint Kubiak and offensive coordinator Andrew Janocko, with whom he previously worked in Minnesota.

  • Cousins' contract structure includes a $10 million roster bonus from Las Vegas and a $1.3 million base salary, with the Falcons contributing the remainder, effectively making it a team-friendly deal for the Raiders.

  • The primary role for Kirk Cousins in Las Vegas is to serve as a veteran bridge quarterback and mentor for rookie Fernando Mendoza, who is expected to be the Raiders' future franchise QB. This strategy allows Mendoza to develop without immediate pressure, with Cousins likely starting Week 1 and potentially ceding duties after a brief period or based on performance. Cousins' experience and knowledge of the Shanahan-McVay-Kubiak offensive system are seen as invaluable for Mendoza's transition.

  • Our take: Can you think of two guys that would be better faces for the city of Las Vegas than Kirk Cousins and Fernando Mendoza? I can’t. Jokes aside, the team fit makes sense. If I had Kirk, I’d sell him for whatever I could get. And this doesn’t really change my view of Mendoza. If anything, I think it helps his long-term outlook.

WR - CeeDee Lamb (DAL)

CeeDee Lamb is considered overvalued in dynasty leagues due to a decreased target share and the emergence of George Pickens.

  • Experts recommend selling CeeDee Lamb in dynasty leagues, citing his reduced target share (under 8.4 per game in 2025) and the ascendance of George Pickens, who recorded 1,429 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in 2025. Lamb's production was also impacted by an ankle injury in 2025, and his unreliable hands are contrasted with Pickens' strong performance.

  • His 2025 season saw an anomalously low three touchdowns, despite being a top-12 receiver on a points-per-game basis in 12 full games; adding just three more touchdowns would have placed him as WR6 in PPR formats.

  • Only three games featured both Lamb and George Pickens exceeding 15 PPR points.

  • Our take: As an owner of CeeDee for the last 5 years, I’ve watched a lot of Cowboys games. Last year was weird. There were bad drops, frustrating big play misses, and an uncharacteristically low TD%. When I watched CeeDee last year, I didn’t see a player on the decline. This feels like the floor, and I expect better results this season.

WR - Chris Godwin (TB)

Chris Godwin is viewed as an overlooked dynasty buy with WR3 upside and potential for more in 2026.

  • Chris Godwin is considered an underrated receiver with versatility, capable of fulfilling various roles for an offense. He is attempting a comeback after injuries limited him to 16 games over the past two seasons, appearing in nine games in 2025 and reaching 11 fantasy points only twice.

  • Despite a recent injury-plagued season and entering his age-30 season, Godwin is being undervalued in dynasty leagues. His current market price (WR51 on FantasyPros, WR61 on KTC) reflects his struggles, but he offers significant WR3 upside with the potential for more if Baker Mayfield heavily targets him.

  • Before a Week 7 ankle injury in 2024, Godwin was performing at a WR1 pace, scoring 137.8 PPR points with a 19.7 points-per-game average, which would have ranked second among all wideouts for the season. He is now over a year removed from a severe ankle injury that impacted his effectiveness last season.

  • With Mike Evans no longer on the roster, Godwin faces reduced target competition, making him a viable option for immediate production in 2026. Emeka Egbuka is his primary competition for targets, but Godwin's history of elite production, including two top-10 finishes, suggests he can still be a difference-maker.

  • Our take: Godwin fits the archetype for my favorite type of contender BUY: should be cheap to acquire, good situation, high ceiling potential. Could age and injury history catch up with him and reduce his effectiveness? Very possible. But the cost to find that out makes it worth the upside if he does bounce back.

WR - Brian Thomas Jr. (JAX)

Brian Thomas Jr. is being discussed as a potential trade target for WR-needy NFL teams, while dynasty managers are advised to buy low on him.

  • Despite Jaguars GM James Gladstone publicly dismissing trade rumors as 'fraudulent claims,' the team might consider a strong offer due to their lack of a first-round pick in the upcoming draft, though Thomas Jr. has not requested a trade.

  • His 2025 season saw a significant production drop, moving from WR14 to WR46 per game, with his yards per route run decreasing from 2.46 to 1.51. His average depth of target (aDOT) increased to 17.6 in the latter half of the season, potentially pigeonholing him into a deep-threat role and limiting his overall target share and efficiency amidst competition from teammates like Jakobi Meyers and Parker Washington.

  • Some analysts express more confidence in established veterans like Tee Higgins, citing Higgins's proven production and Thomas Jr.'s recent struggles, including potential 'yips' and a dip in target share (25% to 10% red zone, 28% to 2% designed).

  • Our take: BTJ is one of the toughest players to value based on the ceiling he showed in year 1 vs the disappointing year 2 he just turned in. I’ll share my thoughts on him at the beginning of next week’s newsletter. What do you think of BTJ??? 👇️ 

Where will BTJ finish next year (PPR)?

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That’s all for tonight!

See ya pizza,

Joe

P.S. In case you missed it, catch up on our most recent newsletters below: