Many veteran NFL wide receivers had disappointing fantasy seasons in 2024. Will this trend continue into 2025?
Los Angeles: Fantasy football can be a real headache sometimes, especially when you’re trying to figure out if an aging player is still worth your time. Last season was tough for a lot of the older wide receivers, and it looks like things might not get any better in 2025.
So, I took a look at all the wide receivers aged 29 and up from last season. Honestly, the results were worse than I thought. Out of 12 players who had decent fantasy seasons, 11 of them dropped in performance this year. The only one who improved a bit was Cooper Kupp, but he barely moved up the ranks.
Injuries played a big role in this decline. Some players, like Mike Evans, still managed to be useful, and Adam Thielen had a solid finish after getting healthy. But overall, it seems like avoiding these veteran wideouts was the smart move last season. Aging isn’t fun, right?
Let’s break down a few of these players and see what went wrong. Tyreek Hill was a big surprise. He didn’t miss any games but struggled to make big plays. After a fantastic 2023, he just couldn’t find his groove. If he wants to bounce back in 2025, he’ll need to stay engaged and maybe even consider a change of scenery.
Then there’s Mike Evans, who actually held his own. He’s been consistent for years, and even with some missed games, he still performed well. If I had to pick one veteran to target next draft season, it’d be him. He’s got a solid connection with Baker Mayfield, and that could pay off.
Keenan Allen had a rough year too. He switched teams and didn’t get the same target share he was used to. It’s hard to see him being a top pick next season. Stefon Diggs had a decent start but ended up with a torn ACL, and his future looks uncertain. He might just be a depth piece now.
Davante Adams had a mixed bag of a season, reuniting with Aaron Rodgers but still not hitting his peak. Amari Cooper struggled after a midseason trade, and it’s hard to see him bouncing back at this point. Adam Thielen showed some promise late in the season, but I’m not sure I’d want to draft a 35-year-old receiver.
Calvin Ridley met expectations as a WR3, but I wouldn’t want to rely on him as a starter. DeAndre Hopkins had a decent year with the Chiefs, but his best days seem behind him. Tyler Lockett and Brandin Cooks are also fading from fantasy relevance.
Cooper Kupp missed a lot of games again, and his performance has dropped significantly. It’s tough to see him as a reliable option moving forward. As we wrap this up, remember that the 2025 fantasy season is still a long way off. There’s plenty of time for teams to make changes, and we’ll be keeping an eye on all the moves. Let’s enjoy the ride and see where it takes us!