Once the elite wide receivers are off the board, fantasy managers face a critical decision: Which breakout wideout can take the leap into the top tier? We broke down the best options in July, but now want to look at several critical player vs. player options near the WR7 to WR9 range in 2025 fantasy football ADP.
Each carries a different blend of volume potential, quarterback synergy and injury risk. Making the right call is a high-leverage fantasy decision, and one we practice for on the mock draft simulator that is part of the RotoWire draft kit.
So, who should you draft: Nico Collins or Drake London?
Nico Collins, Houston Texans (WR7)
Nico Collins opened 2024 red-hot, averaging 122 receiving yards and 7.5 catches per game through Week 4. A hamstring injury derailed his midseason, but he bounced back in the playoffs with two 100-yard performances.
Injuries remain the big concern. Collins has yet to play a full season and has missed 17 games in four years. While his per-game numbers are elite, 85 yards and 0.56 touchdowns since 2023, the inability to stay on the field drags down his fantasy reliability.
Even with added target competition in Houston, Collins remains the top perimeter weapon for C.J. Stroud. If he finally stays healthy, he could easily smash ADP.
The bottom line: Collins brings top-4 WR per-game upside but carries significant durability concerns. At WR8, he's a boom-or-(injury) bust selection who best fits aggressive team builds.
Drake
Once the elite wide receivers are off the board, fantasy managers face a critical decision: Which breakout wideout can take the leap into the top tier? We broke down the best options in July, but now want to look at several critical player vs. player options near the WR7 to WR9 range in 2025 fantasy football ADP.
Each carries a different blend of volume potential, quarterback synergy and injury risk. Making the right call is a high-leverage fantasy decision, and one we practice for on the mock draft simulator that is part of the RotoWire draft kit.
So, who should you draft: Nico Collins or Drake London?
Nico Collins, Houston Texans (WR7)
Nico Collins opened 2024 red-hot, averaging 122 receiving yards and 7.5 catches per game through Week 4. A hamstring injury derailed his midseason, but he bounced back in the playoffs with two 100-yard performances.
Injuries remain the big concern. Collins has yet to play a full season and has missed 17 games in four years. While his per-game numbers are elite, 85 yards and 0.56 touchdowns since 2023, the inability to stay on the field drags down his fantasy reliability.
Even with added target competition in Houston, Collins remains the top perimeter weapon for C.J. Stroud. If he finally stays healthy, he could easily smash ADP.
The bottom line: Collins brings top-4 WR per-game upside but carries significant durability concerns. At WR8, he's a boom-or-(injury) bust selection who best fits aggressive team builds.
Drake London, Atlanta Falcons (WR9)
Drake London found his rhythm late in 2024, closing with 1,271 yards and nine touchdowns on 100 catches. He dominated over his final six games, averaging 94 yards on 11.3 targets, and immediately clicked with rookie quarterback Michael Penix.
In the final three weeks with Penix, London averaged 117 yards and 0.67 touchdowns on 13 targets per game. He also ranked in the 90th percentile in team air yards share, reinforcing his alpha role in Atlanta's passing game.
But the early season production was inconsistent; London had just one 100-yard game through Week 16 and was held under six catches seven times. The volume spiked once Penix took over, and the gamble is that volume/production remain.
The bottom line: London has strong WR1 upside tied to his growing connection with Penix. He offers a great blend of role, draft pedigree and QB chemistry.
Final Thoughts on Fantasy Football ADP WR Values
Both of these receivers have upside beyond their ADP, but their paths vary widely. Collins has elite per-game production, but injuries make him a gamble. London showed WR1 form late with Penix, and his blend of floor, ceiling and improving QB rapport makes him my favorite pick in this tier.
- Safest ceiling/floor combo: Drake London
- Most risk/reward: Nico Collins
If you like these ADP battles, check this out:
For deeper insight into these fantasy football ADP battles, including other wide receivers with breakout potential, be sure to explore RotoWire's full library of fantasy football articles.
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