- Nico Collins made the most of his healthy games in 2024: A fully healthy Collins is primed for a bounce-back season as a top wide receiver in 2025.
- Brian Thomas Jr. delivered an elite rookie season: Thomas dominated as the Jacksonville Jaguars’ top receiving threat, setting expectations high for Year 2 should this offense take a step forward under Liam Coen.
- Subscribe to PFF+: Get access to player grades, PFF Premium Stats, fantasy football rankings, all of the PFF fantasy draft research tools and more!
This fantasy football article series breaks down the toughest draft-day decisions facing fantasy managers, using Underdog’s average draft position (ADP) as a guide. Each installment compares similarly ranked players at the same position, using key stats from previous seasons and contextual factors — including team situation — to identify the better pick.
Today’s article spotlights Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins and Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. — two high-upside options being drafted near the first-/second-round turn in fantasy leagues. Which one deserves the edge in 2025? Let’s break it down.
NICO COLLINS (WR7) vs. BRIAN THOMAS JR. (WR8)
Collins missed five games during the 2024 fantasy season, which dropped his overall finish to WR26. However, he was far more impactful on a per-game basis, ranking as the WR8 in points per game. Before his injury, he delivered two top-five weekly finishes — including a run as the PPR WR2. After returning in Week 11, he added two more top-12 finishes and closed the season as the WR27 over the final six weeks.
Thomas Jr., meanwhile, had a standout rookie campaign, finishing as the PPR WR5 overall. He posted five top-10 weekly finishes and quickly became the focal point of Jacksonville’s passing game. His 129 targets more than doubled the next closest Jaguar and ranked third among all rookies in 2024.
INVOLVEMENT IN THE OFFENSE
Despite playing in only 12 games in 2024, Collins led the Texans in every major receiving category, including targets (99), receptions (68), yards (1,006) and touchdowns (seven). He was clearly the top option in the offense, even if not always the first read. His 28.3% target rate led the team and ranked third among 103 qualifying wide receivers last season.
Thomas also operated as his team’s primary target, posting a 24.7% target rate, a top-15 mark among qualifying wide receivers in 2024. His heavy involvement stemmed partly from necessity, as fellow starters Evan Engram, Christian Kirk and Gabe Davis each played 10 games or fewer. But Thomas made the most of that opportunity, quickly establishing himself as a high-end receiving threat in his rookie season.
PRODUCTION AND PERFORMANCE
Collins was a top-five wide receiver in both yards per game (88.0) and yards per route run (2.87) in 2024, continuing the momentum from his breakout 2023 campaign. He’s proven to be one of the league’s most efficient and productive receivers, and that status holds up over a larger sample — his 2.64 yards per route run over the past three seasons ties him with Justin Jefferson for fourth among all wideouts.
Thomas also impressed in the efficiency department, leading all rookies in yards per route run last season. His mark was the second-highest by a qualifying rookie wide receiver over the past three years, trailing only Puka Nacua.
HIGH-VALUE TARGET INVOLVEMENT
The Texans offense ranked top-10 in red-zone plays during the 2024 season, and Collins was the primary beneficiary. Five of his seven touchdowns came on red-zone targets, and his 27.1% red-zone target rate ranked inside the top 10 among wide receivers (minimum 40 routes). With his established role in high-leverage situations, there’s every reason to expect Collins to remain a go-to option in 2025.
Thomas was also a focal point in the red zone, though Jacksonville ranked just 26th in red-zone plays last season. Still, his reliability in tight spaces helped him deliver eight red zone touchdowns — the most by a rookie since Odell Beckham Jr.’s breakout in 2014, further solidifying his standing as a premier scoring threat.
TEAM PASSING AND QUARTERBACK SITUATION
C.J. Stroud and the Texans are coming off a stronger overall season than Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars, though both quarterbacks — and their offenses — still have untapped potential heading into 2025.
Stroud delivered a top-12 campaign by PFF passing grade, but his accuracy ranked outside the top 32 at the position, and he took 63 sacks, second-most in the league. That pressure could persist, as Houston’s offensive line lost four starters this offseason and failed to make major upgrades, leaving Stroud vulnerable again in Year 2.
Lawrence, meanwhile, played in just 10 games in 2024 — the fewest of his career — but will look to bounce back under new head coach Liam Coen. Coen’s offense in Tampa Bay last season ranked top five in both overall offensive grade and passing grade. If he can bring even some of that success to Jacksonville, where the Jags ranked 24th and 22nd in those categories, respectively, Lawrence and the passing game could see a significant rebound.
POTENTIAL 2025 TARGET COMPETITION
Both Thomas Jr. and Collins could face their biggest target competition in 2025 from highly drafted rookie wide receivers, with Travis Hunter and Jayden Higgins arriving as major offseason additions.
Hunter, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, is expected to step in as the Jaguars’ clear No. 2 receiving option behind Thomas Jr. While that could be seen as a reason to temper expectations, the likely improvement in Jacksonville’s passing game should create enough volume for both players to thrive.
In Houston, Higgins — selected 34th overall — will push for a starting role and may emerge as a consistent No. 2 option based on his collegiate usage profile. While Christian Kirk joins the Texans as a potential slot specialist, his presence didn’t meaningfully impact Thomas Jr.’s production when healthy in 2024 and shouldn’t be a major obstacle to Collins maintaining his status as the offense’s top target.
Nico Collins vs. Brian Thomas Jr.: Target Maps (2024)
Powered by PFF
This news was originally published on this post .
About the author
Twins’ Byron Buxton celebrates bobblehead night by hitting for the cycle in win over Pirates
Byron Buxton had his bobblehead day on Saturday — and decided to celebrate by putting on a show. The Minnesota Twins center fielder hit for the cycle in the Twins' 12-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates, putting up a dominant performance in front of an appreciative home crowd.Buxton achieve the feat in the seventh inning, after hitting a solo homer that went 447 feet into deep center. It's the first time that Buxton has hit for the cycle in his career.Buxton opened the game with a leadoff single in the top of the first inning. Then, in the second, he hit a deep triple, and scored on the next play to give Minnesota a 4-0 lead. An RBI double from Buxton in the third inning sent Ty France home and brought the Twins' lead to 7-0.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBuxton had another single in […]
Phillies upset by Jacob Misiorowski’s selection to All-Star Game over Cristopher Sánchez: ‘What a joke’
Getty Images Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Jacob Misiorowski was named to the All-Star Game as a replacement for Chicago Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd on Friday night. Misiorowski's selection was notable and surprising for the same reason: his designation came after just five big-league starts, setting him up to make history as the All-Star with the fewest previous games to his credit if he makes an appearance. (The 2025 All-Star Game will be played on Tuesday night at Truist Park in Cumberland, Georgia.) 2025 MLB All-Star Game rosters: Jacob Misiorowski, Paul Skenes, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and more join teams R.J. Anderson Predictably, it was also an unpopular decision in one particular clubhouse. The Philadelphia Phillies have two southpaws who they feel merited inclusion instead: Cristopher Sánchez (165 ERA+ in 18 starts) and Ranger Suárez (221 ERA+ in 13 starts). The Phillies weren't […]
Nos acréscimos, Internacional derrota o Vitória e deixa o Z-4, mas torcida alerta: “Não anula a atuação patética”
Bruno Tabata comemora gol da vitória do Internacional (Foto: Ricardo Duarte/Internacional)Após um mês de pausa por conta do Mundial de Clubes, Internacional e Vitória se enfrentaram na tarde deste sábado (12), pela 13ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. Atuando em casa, o Colorado encontrou muitas dificuldades para furar a defesa adversária e venceu por 1 a 0, com um golaço de Bruno Tabata, nos acréscimos do segundo tempo. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADEO duelo era direto na luta contra o rebaixamento. Inter e Vitória começaram a partida com 11 pontos cada. O Colorado ocupava a 17ª colocação, dentro da zona de rebaixamento, enquanto o Rubro-Negro era o 16º. Com a triunfo, o Inter subiu para a 13ª posição na tabela. O Clube do Povo ainda pode ser ultrapassado pelo Vasco na rodada, mas não corre o risco de voltar ao Z-4.Sem brilho, Inter vence […]
Flamengo vence São Paulo no Brasileirão com direito a “lei do ex” de Luiz Araújo
Jogadores do Flamengo comemoram golaço de Luiz Araújo. (Foto: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo)Na tarde deste sábado (12), o Flamengo venceu o São Paulo por 2 a 0 na 13ª rodada do Brasileirão 2025. O gol do time carioca veio dos pés de um ex-jogador do Tricolor Paulista, Luiz Araújo, que anotou um verdadeiro golaço no Maracanã. O jovem Wallace Yan, joia da base do Fla, decidiu o duelo. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADECom essa vitória em casa, o Flamengo se garante mais uma rodada na liderança do Campeonato Brasileiro. Com 27 pontos, o time tem um saldo de gol muito maior que o do Cruzeiro (22 a 9). Enquanto isso, o São Paulo perde na estreia de Hernán Crespo e fica na 15ª posição com 12 pontos, podendo entrar na zona de rebaixamento.Flamengo domina primeiro tempo, mas abusa de perder golsO Flamengo dominou completamente […]
Phillies rip MLB for naming Brewers’ Jacob Misiorowski to All-Star Game over Cristopher Sánchez, Ranger Suárez
One of the most intriguing stories during the 2025 MLB All-Star Game will be Milwaukee Brewers rookie pitcher Jacob Misiorowski being named to the National League squad.However, it's a story that several Philadelphia Phillies players aren't interested in hearing.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSeveral Phillies players criticized MLB and the All-Star selection process in putting Misiorowski on the team instead of Philadelphia pitchers Cristopher Sánchez or Ranger Suárez, or shortstop Trea Turner. The Phillies' only representative in Atlanta on Tuesday will be designated hitter Kyle Schwarber.The chief objection among the Phillies' gripers is that Misiorowski was named to the team despite making only five starts in his fledgling major-league career. Compare that to Sánchez, who has made 18 starts while collecting a 2.59 ERA and 7-2 record with 116 strikeouts in 107 2/3 innings. Suárez has a 1.94 ERA, 7-3 record and 78 strikeouts in […]
Historická medaile. Český super talent si pro ni odskočil z přípravy na olympiádu
Témě vše už podřizuje přípravě na olympiádu v Itálii během příští zimy, na evropský šampionát na kolečkách v Gross-Gerau si devatenáctiletý závodník jen tak odskočil, jak avizoval na sítích. Bylo z toho druhé místo ve vyřazovacím závodě na 15 km.Právě na kolečkových bruslích sbíral v minulosti mládežnické úspěchy, v minulé zimě už naplno předvedl sílu i na ledových oválech. Bral bronz na 10 km při MS v Hamaru.🥈 Metoděj Jílek je stříbrný! Z Evropy veze historicky první velkou medaili v kategorii dospělých pro české kolečkové...Posted by Český olympijský tým on Saturday, July 12, 2025Teď pro změnu zase udivil kolečkový svět, ohromujícím způsobem vyrazil v závěru do trháku. Catch me if you can!💨🔥 . #inlinespeedskating #speedskating #inlineskating #speed #viralreels #trendingPosted by Metoděj Jílek on Tuesday, July 8, 2025Čtvrtý skončil v bodovacím závodě.
Related
Twins’ Byron Buxton celebrates bobblehead night by hitting for the cycle in win over Pirates
Byron Buxton had his bobblehead day on Saturday — and decided to celebrate by putting on a show. The Minnesota Twins center fielder hit for the cycle in the Twins' 12-4 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates, putting up a dominant performance in front of an appreciative home crowd.Buxton achieve the feat in the seventh inning, after hitting a solo homer that went 447 feet into deep center. It's the first time that Buxton has hit for the cycle in his career.Buxton opened the game with a leadoff single in the top of the first inning. Then, in the second, he hit a deep triple, and scored on the next play to give Minnesota a 4-0 lead. An RBI double from Buxton in the third inning sent Ty France home and brought the Twins' lead to 7-0.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementBuxton had another single in […]
Phillies upset by Jacob Misiorowski’s selection to All-Star Game over Cristopher Sánchez: ‘What a joke’
Getty Images Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Jacob Misiorowski was named to the All-Star Game as a replacement for Chicago Cubs left-hander Matthew Boyd on Friday night. Misiorowski's selection was notable and surprising for the same reason: his designation came after just five big-league starts, setting him up to make history as the All-Star with the fewest previous games to his credit if he makes an appearance. (The 2025 All-Star Game will be played on Tuesday night at Truist Park in Cumberland, Georgia.) 2025 MLB All-Star Game rosters: Jacob Misiorowski, Paul Skenes, Jazz Chisholm Jr. and more join teams R.J. Anderson Predictably, it was also an unpopular decision in one particular clubhouse. The Philadelphia Phillies have two southpaws who they feel merited inclusion instead: Cristopher Sánchez (165 ERA+ in 18 starts) and Ranger Suárez (221 ERA+ in 13 starts). The Phillies weren't […]
Nos acréscimos, Internacional derrota o Vitória e deixa o Z-4, mas torcida alerta: “Não anula a atuação patética”
Bruno Tabata comemora gol da vitória do Internacional (Foto: Ricardo Duarte/Internacional)Após um mês de pausa por conta do Mundial de Clubes, Internacional e Vitória se enfrentaram na tarde deste sábado (12), pela 13ª rodada do Campeonato Brasileiro. Atuando em casa, o Colorado encontrou muitas dificuldades para furar a defesa adversária e venceu por 1 a 0, com um golaço de Bruno Tabata, nos acréscimos do segundo tempo. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADEO duelo era direto na luta contra o rebaixamento. Inter e Vitória começaram a partida com 11 pontos cada. O Colorado ocupava a 17ª colocação, dentro da zona de rebaixamento, enquanto o Rubro-Negro era o 16º. Com a triunfo, o Inter subiu para a 13ª posição na tabela. O Clube do Povo ainda pode ser ultrapassado pelo Vasco na rodada, mas não corre o risco de voltar ao Z-4.Sem brilho, Inter vence […]
Flamengo vence São Paulo no Brasileirão com direito a “lei do ex” de Luiz Araújo
Jogadores do Flamengo comemoram golaço de Luiz Araújo. (Foto: Gilvan de Souza/Flamengo)Na tarde deste sábado (12), o Flamengo venceu o São Paulo por 2 a 0 na 13ª rodada do Brasileirão 2025. O gol do time carioca veio dos pés de um ex-jogador do Tricolor Paulista, Luiz Araújo, que anotou um verdadeiro golaço no Maracanã. O jovem Wallace Yan, joia da base do Fla, decidiu o duelo. PUBLICIDADE PUBLICIDADECom essa vitória em casa, o Flamengo se garante mais uma rodada na liderança do Campeonato Brasileiro. Com 27 pontos, o time tem um saldo de gol muito maior que o do Cruzeiro (22 a 9). Enquanto isso, o São Paulo perde na estreia de Hernán Crespo e fica na 15ª posição com 12 pontos, podendo entrar na zona de rebaixamento.Flamengo domina primeiro tempo, mas abusa de perder golsO Flamengo dominou completamente […]
Phillies rip MLB for naming Brewers’ Jacob Misiorowski to All-Star Game over Cristopher Sánchez, Ranger Suárez
One of the most intriguing stories during the 2025 MLB All-Star Game will be Milwaukee Brewers rookie pitcher Jacob Misiorowski being named to the National League squad.However, it's a story that several Philadelphia Phillies players aren't interested in hearing.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementSeveral Phillies players criticized MLB and the All-Star selection process in putting Misiorowski on the team instead of Philadelphia pitchers Cristopher Sánchez or Ranger Suárez, or shortstop Trea Turner. The Phillies' only representative in Atlanta on Tuesday will be designated hitter Kyle Schwarber.The chief objection among the Phillies' gripers is that Misiorowski was named to the team despite making only five starts in his fledgling major-league career. Compare that to Sánchez, who has made 18 starts while collecting a 2.59 ERA and 7-2 record with 116 strikeouts in 107 2/3 innings. Suárez has a 1.94 ERA, 7-3 record and 78 strikeouts in […]
Historická medaile. Český super talent si pro ni odskočil z přípravy na olympiádu
Témě vše už podřizuje přípravě na olympiádu v Itálii během příští zimy, na evropský šampionát na kolečkách v Gross-Gerau si devatenáctiletý závodník jen tak odskočil, jak avizoval na sítích. Bylo z toho druhé místo ve vyřazovacím závodě na 15 km.Právě na kolečkových bruslích sbíral v minulosti mládežnické úspěchy, v minulé zimě už naplno předvedl sílu i na ledových oválech. Bral bronz na 10 km při MS v Hamaru.🥈 Metoděj Jílek je stříbrný! Z Evropy veze historicky první velkou medaili v kategorii dospělých pro české kolečkové...Posted by Český olympijský tým on Saturday, July 12, 2025Teď pro změnu zase udivil kolečkový svět, ohromujícím způsobem vyrazil v závěru do trháku. Catch me if you can!💨🔥 . #inlinespeedskating #speedskating #inlineskating #speed #viralreels #trendingPosted by Metoděj Jílek on Tuesday, July 8, 2025Čtvrtý skončil v bodovacím závodě.
Be the first to leave a comment