NFL Season 2025: Forecasting the Fantasy Football Performance of Nico Collins
In the upcoming 2025 fantasy football season, Nico Collins of the Houston Texans is shaping up to be a standout wide receiver with league-winning potential. Comparable to elite players like Julio Jones, Collins is projected as a strong Tier 1 option [1][3].
Last season, despite being limited to just 12 games due to a hamstring injury, Collins averaged an impressive 17.6 fantasy points per game, ranking him as the WR8 during that period [5]. This consistent performance suggests high reliability and the potential to be a top fantasy performer if he stays healthy.
However, Collins' injury history presents some risk, leading certain analysts to advise caution at his current average draft position (ADP) [4]. Despite these concerns, the prevailing view among experts is that if Collins remains injury-free, he offers league-winning upside and could outperform many other receivers in 2025 [1][3].
Collins' size, standing at 6-foot-4, makes him a threat in jump-ball and contested catch situations. He thrives in the red zone and against man coverage, and he has better speed and route running than many give him credit for [2].
The Texans' receiver finished the 2023 season with 80 catches for 1,297 yards and 8 touchdowns. However, his 2024 season was marred by injury, and he ranked slightly worse (23rd) in PPR leagues with 210.6 fantasy points [3].
Collins' projected numbers for the 2025 season suggest he could have massive numbers if he stays healthy. ESPN projects him to have 98 receptions, 1,346 yards, and 8 touchdowns [6].
Collins returned to the field after his injury and earned a Pro Bowl nod. He will face competition for targets from rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, as well as Christian Kirk [1].
In some fantasy football leagues, Collins is being drafted in the late first round. According to fantasypros.com, he is ranked as the number seven receiver and number 13 player overall [7].
It's important to note that Collins played his last game with the Houston Texans in the 2024 season, and there may be changes in team dynamics for the 2025 season. Additionally, running back Joe Mixon has been dealing with injury issues during training camp.
In standard leagues, Collins is expected to be slightly better than in PPR leagues. Before his injury in Week 5 of the 2024 season, Collins had the most yards (567) in the NFL. In the 2024 season, he ranked as the number 20 fantasy football receiver with 142.6 standard points [4].
Leading the NFL in receiving yards and/or receiving touchdowns is a legitimate possibility for Collins in the 2025 season. However, drafters should be aware of the injury risk and consider their comfort level with high-risk, high-reward players when making their decisions.
[1] ESPN Fantasy Football
[2] CBS Sports
[3] FantasyPros
[4] Yahoo Sports
[5] Footballguys
[6] ESPN Fantasy Football
[7] FantasyPros
- In drafts for the 2025 fantasy football season, Nico Collins of the Houston Texans is frequently selected in the late first round, according to FantasyPros.com, placing him as the seventh ranked receiver and the 13th overall player.
- Despite his injury history, Nico Collins' projected numbers for the 2025 season indicate he could have massive scores, with ESPN predicting 98 receptions, 1,346 yards, and 8 touchdowns.
- Collins' injury risk is a concern for some analysts, leading them to advise caution with drafting him at his current average draft position (ADP).
- In the 2025 season, if Nico Collins stays healthy and manages to avoid injuries, he has the potential to perform exceptionally well in sports news, outperforming many other receivers and potentially leading the NFL in receiving yards and/or receiving touchdowns.
