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Oct 3, 2026, 11:00 AM CUT

Top 10 NFL WRs stepping into Game Week 4

Week 4 is here, and several NFL wide receivers are coming off big performances to start the season. Some have been putting up strong numbers, while others made their mark in Week 3 with big plays when their teams needed them.

With another full slate ahead, these are 10 wide receivers heading into Week 4 after making an impact through the opening three games.

1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks

Jaxon Smith-Njigba heads into Week 4 at the top of PFF’s wide receiver rankings after another strong start to the season. The Seahawks receiver has been a steady part of Seattle’s passing game and has continued to make the most of his opportunities.

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“Smith-Njigba remains the most efficient high-volume receiver in football," analyst Gordon McGuinness wrote on PFF on September 30.

Smith-Njigba is averaging 4.35 yards per route run through three weeks, the highest mark among wide receivers with at least 30 receiving snaps.

2. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings

Justin Jefferson's Week 3 ended earlier than expected after he picked up an ankle injury against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Even with only a short appearance, the Vikings star still managed to make an impact before leaving the game.

“Jefferson was on the field for just three receiving snaps before leaving Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with an ankle injury,” wrote McGuinness.

Jefferson caught two passes for 32 yards before exiting. He appears to have avoided a long-term injury, but his availability for Week 4 remains something to follow.

3. Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals

Ja'Marr Chase is coming off another big game for the Bengals. After a quiet opening week, the wideout has picked things up over the last two games and has become a major part of Cincinnati's passing attack.

“Chase delivered another big performance in the Bengals’ loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday,” McGuinness wrote.

Chase finished with nine catches for 98 yards and a touchdown on 12 targets. He has caught all 18 catchable passes thrown his way over the past two weeks.

4. Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions

Amon-Ra St. Brown had a quieter game in Week 3, but he still found the end zone as the Lions picked up a win over the New York Jets. The receiver also continued to see plenty of targets from Detroit's offense.

“St. Brown struggled in Sunday’s win over the New York Jets,” McGuinness wrote.

St. Brown finished with four catches for 19 yards on eight targets and recorded his first drop of the season. Through three weeks, only Chris Olave and Smith-Njigba have seen more targets.

5. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys

CeeDee Lamb gave the Cowboys another strong performance in their game against the Baltimore Ravens in Brazil. He was heavily involved throughout the afternoon and finished as one of Dallas' biggest contributors through the air.

“Lamb had another strong showing against the Baltimore Ravens in Brazil on Sunday afternoon," McGuinness added.

Lamb caught seven of eight targets for 112 yards. Through three weeks, he ranks fourth among wide receivers with at least 30 receiving snaps in yards per route run.

6. Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints

Chris Olave has been one of the busiest receivers in the Saints' offense early this season. Three weeks in, he has already put together 375 receiving yards and continues to be a regular target for New Orleans.

McGuinness called it “a phenomenal start to the 2026 season.”

Olave's 375 receiving yards are second only to Smith-Njigba. He has also received 29.4% of the Saints' targets through three games and has a 90.2 PFF receiving grade.

7. Drake London, Atlanta Falcons

Drake London finally had the kind of game the Falcons were looking for in Week 3. After struggling through the first two weeks with poor quarterback play, London got more help from Michael Penix Jr. and put together a much stronger performance.

“London exploded on Thursday Night Football with competent play from Michael Penix Jr,” McGuinness wrote.

London is averaging 3.81 yards per route run through three weeks, second only to Smith-Njigba among receivers with at least 30 receiving snaps.

8. DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles

DeVonta Smith entered the season with plenty of attention around his expected role in Philadelphia's passing game. Three weeks in, he has backed that up with a strong start and has remained an important target for the Eagles.

“Much of the preseason hype centered on what DeVonta Smith could do as the focal point of the Eagles’ passing game, and he has delivered so far in 2026," McGuinness wrote.

Smith has caught 19 passes for 235 yards and a touchdown on 26 targets. His 90.2 PFF receiving grade is tied for fourth among wide receivers.

9. Zay Flowers, Baltimore Ravens

Zay Flowers returned for the Ravens in Week 3 and did not need much time to make an impact. Despite being limited as he worked his way back, Flowers led Baltimore in receiving yards.

“Flowers returned to action for the Ravens in Week 3 and was on a pitch count but still led the team in receiving yards,” McGuinness wrote.

Flowers has 11th-most receiving yards among wide receivers this season despite running just 25 routes. He also has 9.36 yards per route run on 10 or more targets.

10. Parker Washington, Jacksonville Jaguars

Parker Washington made the most of his chances during Jacksonville's Week 3 win over the New England Patriots. He only received four targets, but two of those opportunities helped him finish the game with a touchdown and 40 yards.

“Washington saw just four targets in Sunday’s win over the New England Patriots but made the most of them,” McGuinness wrote.

Washington is averaging 2.91 yards per route run this season, while his 90.5 PFF receiving grade ranks third among wide receivers.

The first three weeks have already given us plenty to watch at the wide receiver position. From Smith-Njigba continuing his strong start to Chase, Lamb and Olave putting together big numbers, each of these receivers has played a role in his team's offense.

Week 4 now brings another chance for them to build on those starts.

Written by

Debanjali Rakshit