Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings: Time to React

After four weeks of the fantasy football season, it is no longer an option to avoid looking at struggling players closely. Putting the bad performances aside for one or two weeks is manageable. But after four weeks, we can begin to move players down our rankings that we thought would be big-time fantasy assets. 

Today, we will focus on 3 fantasy football wide receiver rankings and who struggled through their first four games. AJ Brown, Brian Thomas Jr., and Calvin Ridley are the trio under scrutiny.

AJ Brown Frustrated in Run-Heavy Eagles’ Offense

AJ Brown was drafted to be a top 12 wide receiver, and for good reason, as he was a top 12 during the 2024 season in the same Eagles system. Now four games in, Brown is averaging 8.8 points per game in fantasy football, which places him outside the top 36. That is a far cry from when he was drafted in the second round of fantasy football drafts just over a month ago. 

Brown’s lack of production has been due to the Eagles’ lack of use of their wide receivers in the passing game. Hurts has thrown fewer than 25 passes in three of the Eagles’ first four games, and if that continues, Brown is a player I want off of all of my fantasy football teams.

Brian Thomas Jr. Continues to Struggle in Jacksonville

Brian Thomas Jr. took the league by storm, finishing as the WR4 overall in his rookie campaign. Heading into year two, Thomas Jr. was expected to repeat as a top wide receiver option. He has yet to surpass 60 receiving yards or 11 fantasy points through four games. His 9.0 fantasy points per game is a slap in the face to fantasy football owners who drafted him in the second round of drafts. 

Despite his struggles, his team currently sits at 3-1 overall through four games. A stark improvement for a team that was picking in the top 5 of the NFL Draft last April. Although WR4 might not be in Thomas Jr.’s cards, I see him taking a step forward throughout the season. He is clearly the best wide receiver in the Jacksonville offense, and I expect him to find more endzone targets as the season continues. 

What Happened to Calvin Ridley?

Tennessee Titans wide receiver Calvin Ridley has been a disappointment through four games, to say the least. Ridley has averaged a laughable 6.0 points per game in an offense that has been less than inspiring. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward has struggled behind a below-average offensive line, which has made it tough for Ridley to see the quality targets he needs to succeed. Ridley had 21 targets through his first three games, but his target number shrank to three in the Titans’ Week 4 26-0 loss to the Texans. 

The hope for Ridley is that Ward will show promise throughout the year. If Ward improves, Ridley will have to get going. He is clearly the most polished pass catcher in the Titans’ offense. 

It won’t be a sexy move, but if you can trade for Ridley on the cheap, I suggest doing it in a heartbeat. Rely on talent, and Ridley has the talent to be a solid fantasy football asset going forward. 

What To Do Moving Forward?

Clearly, the above players have disappointed when it comes to fantasy football predictions. If you have any of the above players, look to make moves in your leagues to continue bettering your team. Some players I am looking to trade for before Week 5 are Kenneth Walker, Derrick Henry, and Chris Godwin. All players showed a lot of promise in Week 4, but the stat sheet didn’t show the star potential. 

The NFL 2025 season is long, so don’t quit now! Keep making moves and find a way to sneak into the playoffs. Once you get to the playoffs, anything can happen!

Conclusion: BullRush Sports

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Make your picks, stay alive, and show you belong at the top.

FAQs: Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Rankings

Q: Should I worry about AJ Brown?
Yes. He’s averaging 8.8 fantasy points, well outside WR2 range, due to the Eagles’ run-heavy offense.

Q: Why is Brian Thomas Jr. underperforming?
He hasn’t topped 60 yards yet, but as Jacksonville’s WR1, more endzone chances should come.

Q: What’s going on with Calvin Ridley?
Ridley is stuck in a weak Titans offense, averaging 6.0 points. Still, he’s a buy-low candidate if rookie QB Cam Ward improves.

Q: Who are smart trade targets now?
Kenneth Walker, Derrick Henry, and Chris Godwin are undervalued after quiet Week 4s.Q: Is it too soon to give up?
No. Stay active on trades and lineups. The season is long, and playoff runs are made with patience.