3rd-Year Breakout Wide Receivers for Fantasy Football 2025
In the NFL, wide receivers often hit their stride in their third season. With two years of experience, they master playbooks, build quarterback chemistry, and adapt to the league’s physical demands. The 2025 NFL season promises exciting performances from third-year breakout wide receivers drafted back in the 2023 NFL Draft. This article explores the top 3rd-year breakout wide receivers for fantasy football in 2025.
Keep in mind, that this article is before the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Many wide receiver rooms will change at that time, so stay tuned for updates. Continue reading for these top 3rd-year breakout WRs for fantasy football this year.
Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens
First up is the explosive weapon for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Zay Flowers, Baltimore’s 2023 first-rounder, brings speed and agility to the Ravens’ offense. His rookie and sophomore seasons offered flashes of brilliance—quick cuts, separation, and yards after the catch. At Boston College, he was a dynamic playmaker.
As Jackson’s passing game evolves, Flowers’ third year could be his leap. His chemistry with Jackson and Baltimore’s growing aerial attack makes him a breakout candidate for 2025. With the recent acquisition of veteran WR DeAndre Hopkins, most of the focus should be on Derrick Henry, Mark Andrews, and Hopkins. Flowers will have his share of splash plays this year to go along with his third straight season with 100+ targets and 70+ receptions. Additionally, he will likely have his second 1,000-yard season in the NFL.
Jordan Addison, Minnesota Vikings
This is the first name that many fantasy football managers may already say has “broken out”. Jordan Addison, a 2023 first-round pick, has thrived in Justin Jefferson’s shadow. His college days at Pitt and USC showcased his route-running and hands. While Jefferson draws coverage, Addison finds openings.
Unfortunately, Addison had a case from back in July of 2024 where he was charged with a DUI. However, he recently had a court date where he pleaded not guilty. According to a recent report on Sports Illustrated, the potential suspension remains to be seen, but I’d expect he will get a three-game suspension for some time during the upcoming 2025 season.
After finishing as the WR23 and WR21 in his first two seasons, Addison has the potential to take that next leap forward this year. In 2025, Minnesota’s offense could elevate him further. Despite a likely suspension incoming, he still has a very bright future ahead of him, including a breakout season this year. As a third-year wide receiver, he’s a breakout candidate if defenses overcommit to his teammate.
Jayden Reed, Green Bay Packers
Drafted in the second round from Michigan State, Jayden Reed has dazzled as a receiver and returner for Green Bay. His speed and versatility shone in limited roles, hinting at untapped potential.
Last year, Reed finished the season as the WR26 in PPR fantasy football leagues. In his rookie campaign, he was the WR25. Unfortunately, he suffered a dislocated shoulder in the Packers’ playoff loss to the leagues. Thankfully, he didn’t need surgery and is expected to be 100% for the start of OTAs.
With Jordan Love entering his third year as the starter in 2025, Reed’s role could expand. His big-play ability—stretching defenses and breaking tackles—positions him for a breakout season. Among Green Bay’s young wide receivers, Reed stands out and could potentially take over the WR1 role if everything goes his way.
Quentin Johnston, Los Angeles Chargers
Quentin Johnston, a first-round pick from TCU, joined the Chargers in 2023 with elite size (6’4″, 215 pounds) and athleticism. Despite a quiet start—marked by inconsistent production—his potential remains sky-high. However, his college career showcased his ability to dominate as a big-play threat.
In 2025, Johnston could explode under Jim Harbaugh’s structured offense. Paired with Justin Herbert’s cannon arm, he’s a red zone weapon and a deep threat. Offseason buzz about his work ethic hints at a breakout year for this third-year wide receiver. Last year, he saw 91 targets and 8 touchdowns, which was very promising as well. Despite a lot of hate he’s received and the breakout of rookie Ladd McConkey last year, Johnston still has a very solid opportunity ahead of him.
Rashee Rice, Kansas City Chiefs
Rashee Rice, a second-round pick, benefits from Patrick Mahomes’ brilliance. His rookie year with Kansas City laid a foundation—solid stats and flashes of chemistry with the NFL’s best quarterback.
Similar to Addison, the Chiefs WR’s legal situation remains unclear. However, it’s very possible that we will see him suspended at some point for his hit-and-run incident.
In 2025, Rice could claim a bigger role in the Chiefs’ explosive offense. His third-year leap hinges on continued growth, making him a breakout name to watch. More importantly, his fantasy football breakout depends on his third-year leap.
Sleeper 3rd-Year Breakout Wide Receivers
Tank Dell, Houston Texans
Next up is Tank Dell, the talented wide receiver for the Houston Texans. Dell has shown flashes in his first two seasons in the league and has only played in 11 and 14 games.
Unfortunately, he’s dealt with some awful injuries and recently had surgery to repair torn ligaments in his left knee. Overall, he had a dislocated kneecap with a torn ACL, MCL, LCL, and meniscus damage.
I’d have Dell listed on the initial list, but the injuries are a major concern. Ultimately, this breakout depends on how healthy he will be. However, Stefon Diggs isn’t expected to be back with the team, leaving Nico Collins as the WR1. As a result, Dell will have a good opportunity to take the WR2 role in this potentially high-powered offense led by CJ Stroud, who also is a top candidate for a third-year breakout season.
Marvin Mims, Denver Broncos
Marvin Mims, a 2023 second-round pick, has shown big-play potential with 40 receptions, 600 yards, and 4 touchdowns despite limited chances. Notably, he has three games in his first two seasons with 100+ yards. Impressively, last year in Week 17 against the Bengals where he caught 8/8 targets for 103 yards and two touchdowns. The following week, he caught two touchdowns for 51 yards against the Chiefs.
His speed and return skills stand out, and under Sean Payton, he could see a bigger role in Denver’s offense. If Bo Nix continues to improve, Mims might get 80-90 targets in 2025, translating to 65 receptions, 850 yards, and 6 touchdowns. All in all, he’s a boom-or-bust Flex option with deep-threat appeal.
Tre Tucker, Las Vegas Raiders
Tre Tucker, a third-round pick from Cincinnati, boasts 4.3 speed—a nightmare for defenses. Impressively, his college tape showed deep-threat prowess, but his first two NFL seasons were quiet.
If the Raiders stabilize their passing game in 2025—via quarterback play or coaching—Tucker could emerge. This third-year wide receiver is a sleeper fantasy football breakout candidate with big-play upside. Ideally, he’s someone you can buy for very cheap in your dynasty fantasy football leagues this off-season.
Dontayvion Wicks, Green Bay Packers
Dontayvion Wicks, a fifth-round steal from Virginia, flashed potential in limited snaps. His college stats—reliable hands and production—caught Green Bay’s eye.
In 2025, alongside Reed and Christian Watson, Wicks could rise in the Packers’ young corps. His third-year breakout hinges on seizing opportunities in a crowded but talented offense.
3rd-Year Wide Receivers Who Already Broke Out
Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams
The biggest surprise of this 2023 NFL Draft class had to be Puka Nacua of the Los Angeles Rams. After getting drafted in the 5th round of the draft, Nacua shocked the world by racking up 1,486 yards and 6 touchdowns in his rookie campaign. This was despite Cooper Kupp playing in 12 games and totaling 737 yards and 5 touchdowns of his own. In the end, Nacua finished as the WR4 in PPR leagues during his fantastic rookie season.
Last year, Nacua finished the WR26 in fantasy football. Unfortunately, he missed significant time as he played in just 11 games. Moving forward, Kupp is no longer with the team and Nacua is going to lead the way as a high-end WR1 for fantasy football once again.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks
Recently, the top wide receiver from this 2023 rookie class broke out in a big way. Jaxon Smith-Njigba finished as the WR9 in PPR leagues last year. Additionally, veteran DK Metcalf was traded to the Steelers. Look for Smith-Njigba to be a low-end WR1 for the upcoming season.
Conclusion
The 2025 NFL season could redefine these third-year wide receivers. Quentin Johnston, Zay Flowers, and Jayden Reed headline the breakout candidates, while Jordan Addison, Rashee Rice, Tre Tucker, and Dontayvion Wicks offer star potential. Watch these players as they aim to take the leap and become strong fantasy football options for 2025 and beyond.
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