• Calvin Austin III will make noise with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback: The third-year receiver is one of the few holdovers from last year’s wideout group, thanks in large part to a strong finish in 2024 that helped steady the Steelers’ offense down the stretch. It’s a performance that hasn’t gone unnoticed—Rodgers has already pointed it out this offseason.

• Xavier Legette will have to battle for targets: Legette struggled in 2024, posting a 59.1 PFF receiving grade—107th out of 111 qualifying receivers—and catching just 76.5% of his catchable targets. That inefficiency led to the addition of Tetairoa McMillan, who is expected to take over as the focal point of the passing attack.

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The brand new PFF Player Props tool is LIVE!

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These are some of the best player prop bets to target in Week 1 for the 2025 NFL season. 

Calvin Austin III, Pittsburgh Steelers vs. New York Jets

• Over 2.5 receptions (+120)

Much has changed in the Steelers’ offense this offseason, but Calvin Austin III remains a steady presence. The third-year wideout is one of the few returning receivers from last season, thanks in large part to a strong finish in 2024.

From Week 12 on, Austin posted a 142.8 passer rating when targeted (fifth-highest in the NFL) and hauled in 80% of his contested targets, showcasing a well-rounded skill set that extends beyond just speed and vertical ability.

Now catching passes from Aaron Rodgers, Austin has already drawn praise from the veteran quarterback for both his downfield burst and his toughness over the middle. That kind of early trust bodes well for his involvement right out of the gate.

He’ll get a favorable Week 1 matchup out of the slot against the Jets. While New York’s secondary is elite on the outside, slot corner Michael Carter II struggled in 2024, earning a 47.9 PFF coverage grade, ranking 68th out of 72 qualifying slot defenders.

Xavier Legette, Carolina Panthers vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

• Under 34.5 receiving yards (+105)

The former first-rounder’s rookie season fell short of expectations in Carolina, as Legette struggled with drops, separation, and finishing through contact. He posted a 59.1 PFF receiving grade — 107th out of 111 qualifying receivers — and caught just 76.5% of his catchable targets.

Those issues led Carolina to double down at the position, selecting Tetairoa McMillan in Round 1 this offseason. McMillan is expected to be a key piece of the offense from Day 1. With additional competition from Jimmy Horn Jr. and Hunter Renfrow — both of whom flashed during camp — Legette may be fighting for targets early in the season.

He’ll face a tough test in Week 1 against a revamped Jaguars secondary. Jacksonville added Jourdan Lewis to man the slot and rookie Travis Hunter, who will be worked in gradually alongside Tyson Campbell and Montaric Brown. Given Legette’s uneven rookie year and the crowded depth chart, he could be in for a slow start.