It’s fitting that Tucker Kraft became the first tight end to lead all players in receiving yards in 2025 on National Tight End Day.
In a week of uncompetitive game states, only two players reached the 100-yard receiving mark, the lowest of the season and well below the previous low of six in Week 6.
Kraft had 25.7% of the Packers' targets and converted 77.8% into receptions.
Rome Odunze, who also eclipsed 100 yards, had 28.6% of the Bears' targets, which supports the recent trend of volume and efficiency as a key to leading receiving yards.
Despite it being National Tight End Day, wide receivers hit a season high 59.9% target rate in Week 9.
There is a lot of variance chasing most receiving yards, as there are more players who can potentially lead each week.
However, chasing volume in condensed target trees is critical as game state is less important for receivers.
NFL Weekly Receiving Leaders, 2025:
| Week | Wide Receiver | Receiving Yards | Opponent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Zay Flowers | 140 | Buffalo Bills |
| 2 | Malik Nabers | 167 | Dallas Cowboys |
| 3 | Tre Tucker | 145 | Washington Commanders |
| 4 | Puka Nacua | 170 | Los Angeles Rams |
| 5 | Emeka Egbuka | 163 | Seattle Seahawks |
| 6 | George Pickens | 168 | Carolina Panthers |
| 7 | Devonta Smith | 183 | Minnesota Vikings |
| 8 | Tucker Kraft | 143 | Pittsburgh Steelers |
Most Week 9 Receiving Yards Prediction (Sunday): Jauan Jennings (+4000)
Despite all the injuries the 49ers have sustained on both sides of the ball, the offense has flown under the radar in terms of pace of play.
Kyle Shanahan’s offense is averaging 65.6 offensive plays per game, four more plays per game than any 49ers offense over the previous four seasons.
Prior to last week, in which the Texans held the ball for more than 24 minutes in the first half, the 49ers averaged 68.7 plays per game.
Shanahan is not holding back despite missing his starting quarterback, his top three wide receivers, and his tight end for the majority of the season.
To make this matchup even more interesting, the New York Giants are facing 36.9 pass attempts per game, the sixth most in the league.
In their opening eight games, the Giants have allowed four 100-yard receiving games and use man coverage at the second-highest rate.
Given the state of the Giants secondary, with several injuries, the willingness to play man coverage could be a recipe for explosive plays against a Shanahan-led offense.
Jauan Jennings has battled through some injuries this season, but when the opposition plays man coverage, Jennings is the 49ers' go-to guy.
He has been targeted on 34.5% of his routes against man.
Over the past two weeks, Jennings has run a route on 86.7% and 91.7% of the 49ers' dropbacks, which indicates his health is improving after missing Week 5 and only running a route on 60.7% of the first half dropbacks in Week 6.
The matchup and play volume provide a great opportunity for Jennings.
However, this game could also become a shootout as the 49ers have defensive issues of their own.
The 49ers are 31st with a 3.2% sack rate and have generated a 26.6% pressure rate since Week 4, after Nick Bosa was lost for the season due to an injury.
The 49ers have allowed 293 passing yards per game and 8.0 yards per pass attempt over their past four games, which provides fuel for this game to take off.
Don't Miss Out on the Best Betting Recommendations Available
Warren Sharp is entering his 20th year providing winning betting recommendations to clients.
A $100 bettor has won $4,422 following Warren’s picks so far this season.
A $100 bettor won $15,636 following Warren’s picks last season.
Click here to learn more about 2025 Betting Packages!
Week 9 Receiving Yards Longshot Bet: Tyler Warren Bets
- Over 58.5 Receiving Yards (-111)
- 80+ Receiving Yards (+209)
- 100+ Receiving Yards (+449)
- Anytime Touchdown (+140)
Warren came out of the gates hot in his rookie season, opening the year with back-to-back games of more than 75 yards.
However, the counting stats have slowed down since the opening two weeks.
Over the past 6 weeks, the Indianapolis Colts have led at halftime in five games, and in four of those games have led by 10 or more points, which has translated into a run-centric approach in the second half of games.
Warren is averaging 43 receiving yards per game in the first half of games, which drops to 18.5 receiving yards in the second half of games.
He is averaging 2.0 yards per route as a rookie in the second half of games.
The route volume has plummeted because the Colts have dominated the opposition.
Enter Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers at home, who could potentially work some magic to have the Steelers hang around this week.
The Steelers built a double-digit halftime lead against the Packers on Sunday, which propelled Tucker Kraft to the most receiving yards on Sunday.
The Steelers are allowing a league high 79.3 yards per game, 14 explosive passes, and 7.3 yards after the catch to opposing tight ends this season.
The Steelers provide an excellent matchup for Warren, which could turn into a big day for the rookie tight end if this game remains competitive.
