Jameson Williams showed significant progress in 2024, taking steps forward both on and off the field. He matured as both a person and a player, and the results were evident in his performance. Although he experienced some expected inconsistencies during the season, Williams still finished as a low-end WR1 (WR10 in standard scoring from Week 1-17) or a WR2 (WR23 in full PPR), depending on the scoring format. His fantasy output might have been even better if not for missing two games and having a few notably poor weeks where he ranked outside the top-100 wide receivers. Despite that, he certainly delivered value for those who drafted him as a WR4, relative to his average draft position (ADP). Heading into the 2025 season, it’s possible Williams could reach another level, and the key question will be where his ADP ends up next summer.
Jameson Williams is also being placed in a distinct tier of fantasy wide receivers for 2025. Nic Bodiford from Pro Football Focus recently looked at potential WR1 candidates for fantasy football in 2025, focusing on players who did not finish as WR1s (top-12 in PPR scoring) in 2024. Some of the names on the list include Puka Nacua, Nico Collins, Zay Flowers, Xavier Worthy, and, notably, Williams.
Bodiford highlighted Williams’ ability to excel in downfield throws and after the catch. He noted that Williams led the NFL in both yards per reception (30.9) and yards after the catch per reception (13.9) among 65 wide receivers with at least 12 targets on passes thrown 10 or more yards downfield between the numbers during Weeks 1-17. With 22 targets and 14 receptions in that category, he ranked near the top of the league. Williams also ranked highly in other key metrics, such as yards per route run (YPRR), where he came in 21st overall among 65 wide receivers with 410 or more receiving snaps.
While Williams may never surpass Amon-Ra St. Brown as the Lions’ top target, it’s worth noting that his target share increased late in the season, with 23.5% in Week 17 and 24.2% in Week 18. Additionally, Williams had the third-most first-read targets among Detroit’s pass catchers from Weeks 16 through the Wild Card Weekend. His involvement in the running game (11 carries for 61 yards and a touchdown) adds another layer to his fantasy potential, especially if it continues with new offensive coordinator John Morton. With 91 targets in 15 games this season, it’s very possible Williams could surpass 100 targets in 2025.
Taking into account his missed games due to suspension and the occasional rough weeks, it’s clear that Williams had the potential to finish as a WR1 this season. With an improved path ahead, his chances for a breakout year in 2025 are certainly on the radar for fantasy managers.
