High-Stakes Fantasy Football Strategy
High-Stakes Fantasy Football Strategy: Building a Champion By Adam Krautwurst Fantasy football in 2025 is a different beast than it was four to five years ago. The explosion of dual-threat quarterbacks, evolving backfield committees, and the increasing unpredictability of weekly
High-Stakes Fantasy Football Strategy: Building a Champion
By Adam Krautwurst
Fantasy football in 2025 is a different beast than it was four to five years ago. The explosion of dual-threat quarterbacks, evolving backfield committees, and the increasing unpredictability of weekly usage make high-stakes fantasy formats—where entry fees can top four or even five figures—a razor’s edge game of risk management, foresight, and cold-blooded decision-making. High-Stakes Fantasy Football Strategy covers it all.
If you’re reading this, you’re not here for fluff. You’re playing to win. You’re not satisfied with “making the playoffs”—you want the trophy, the cash, and the clout. Whether you’re in FFWC or private high-stakes leagues, this deep-dive strategy guide will help you prepare for the chaos ahead.
1. Master the 2025 Draft Landscape: Know the Shifts
Quarterback Chaos and the Tier Cliff
We’re firmly in the golden age of elite fantasy QBs. Jalen Hurts, Josh Allen, and Lamar Jackson have company now. Jayden Daniels and Joe Burrow (when healthy) could be season-defining picks. But here’s the key in high-stakes: you must draft with tier cliffs in mind.
Elite QBs aren’t just luxuries—they’re weekly matchup-proof war machines. In 6-point TD leagues, grabbing one early is not just viable—it’s often necessary. In traditional formats, the decision is trickier.
Strategy Tip:
If you want an elite QB, you have to be ready to pounce by the end of Round 4. If not, just wait and take the value that falls in the middle rounds.
2. RB Strategy in the Age of the Split Backfield
Zero RB truthers had a tough year in 2024 with the lack of injuries to older running backs like Joe Mixon, Alvin Kamara, and James Conner.. Handcuffs like Trey Benson and Blake Corum rarely saw the field. Committees aren’t inherently bad. They make your job harder.
2025 Trends:
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“Wide Zone” Offenses are spreading, emphasizing speed backs and unpredictability.
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Rookie RBs like Quinshon Judkins and TreVeyon Henderson are walking into opportunity-rich systems.
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Contracts and Usage: Veteran bell-cows are nearly extinct—except for a few like Christian McCaffrey and Saquon Barkley.
Strategy Tip:
Anchor or Hero RB is viable again—but only if you nail it. Draft a stud in Round 1 (McCaffrey, Bijan, Saquan), then hammer WRs while loading up on RBs from ambiguous situations in Rounds 7–11 (think D’Andre Swift, Brian Robinson, Jaylen Warren). Monitor OL upgrades closely—bad lines destroy upside.
3. Wide Receiver Depth Wins Leagues
The WR pool is deeper than ever, but high-stakes leagues reward top-end scorers more than mid-tier consistency. Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, CeeDee Lamb, Puka Nacua, and Amon-Ra St. Brown are not luxuries in high-stakes—they’re your weekly WR1 floor.
Why Stud WRs Matter More Than Ever:
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Rule changes and softer defensive coverage favor wide receivers.
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Elite wideouts are…
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FFWC Starter League Draft Review
While NFL training camps still haven’t opened, fantasy football draft season is already underway at the Fantasy Football World Championship. Some of the best and brightest in the FFWC world joined an early Starter League. This FFWC Starter League Draft Review recaps the draft. FFWC Full Season Starter Leagues FFWC Starter Leagues are a great way to start off your 2025 draft season. Starter leagues are full-season leagues where you set a lineup each week, with FAAB and FCFS roster management. They are a great way to introduce new players to the wonderful world of high-stakes, competitive prize league fantasy football. They have a $50 entry, with $500 in prizes per league and a grand prize of over $1500! These are 18-round drafts that use PPR scoring. Starting lineups include 1 QB – 2 RB – 3 WR – 1 TE – 1 FLEX (RB-WR-TE) – 1 DST (No kickers). No trades are allowed. Here are the results from a recent Starter League draft. Roster Construction With full PPR scoring and the ability to start three running backs or four wide receivers, quarterbacks plummeted down the draft board. In an era of Superflex roster construction, this seems unusual. However, it is the right approach in this format. 13 of the first 20 picks were wide receivers. The first signal caller, Josh Allen, wasn’t taken until the first pick of Round 6. With the QB position being so deep, waiting on quarterback, and attacking the needed positional depth was the strategy du jour. In fact, two teams had yet to take a starting quarterback in the first 12 rounds! This shows how deep the position is this season, and is a fascinating example of just how much draft strategy can change from league to league. Draft Bargains James Conner (5.10) – Conner’s FFWC ADP is 54.8 as RB19. Los Lobos got a nice bargain with Conner falling a few spots, but all the way down to RB25 looks tremendous. Conner has finished as RB15, RB13, and RB9 in PPR points per game in his last three seasons. Calvin Ridley (7.09) – With abysmal quarterback play last year, Ridley still drew 120 targets and finished as the WR27 in full-point PPR leagues. Ridley has posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, and Cam Ward is substantially better than any QB the Titans had in 2024. He’s a top-25 wideout on my board. Jakobi Meyers (8.03) – Three years in a row, Meyers has been a top-30 fantasy wideout in PPR points per game. He ranked 20th last year, and that was sharing targets with Brock Bowers. The Raiders have a huge upgrade at quarterback with Geno Smith, and the addition of RB Ashton Jeanty should also help the passing attack. Snagging Meyers as the 43rd wideout is a strong +EV move. Team 1 late-round WR – I love that Mad Dads didn’t waste a draft pick on a kicker or defense. Smart move in a league that has waivers open before Week 1. I love three of his final four picks: Xavier Legette, Devaughn Vele, and Amari Cooper. These are potential depth pieces, making them excellent late-round dart throws. Questionable Selections Chris Godwin WR22– I rostered Godwin everywhere last year, so I know he’s a stud. But his current FFWC ADP is WR30. It’s a risk/reward pick, and I’m a fan of Godwin. But it feel like Godwin could have waited another round-especially if there was no plan to stack with Baker Mayfield. Mike Evans WR17 – There’s nothing wrong with Evans at WR17. That is his current FFWC ADP. However, Terry McLaurin’s is WR16 and would have been a sweet stack with Respected Money’s QB, Jayden Daniels. I’m sure he didn’t know Daniels would last until Round 6, which is understandable. Brian Robinson RB22 – I don’t get this one at all. Robinson’s FFWC ADP is 83.7 as RB30. He ranked 30th with 11.7 PPR points per game last season. I would have taken each of the next five running backs selected before Robinson, who went three full rounds earlier than his ADP suggests. Joe Burrow QB4 – This is not a bad pick at all, I just wanted to point out that Lucky Mike savagely prevented Mad Dads from stacking Burrow with the overall 1.01, Ja’Marr Chase. All part of the fun, but that must’ve hurt. Speaking of hurt, Jalen Hurts wasn’t a bad consolation prize two spots later. Jordan Love QB14 – Nothing wrong with the value here, just don’t like the idea of clogging up the roster with three good signal-callers in a league without trades. I do like the addition of Kareem Hunt two rounds later. Cedric Tillman WR49 – Tillman’s current ADP is 165.1 as WR67. Nice late-round target, but not in Round 9. Top Contenders Team 1 – Aside from the Burrow snipe, Mad Dads compiled a nice roster, with plenty of late-round values. RB depth is light, but he did a good job attacking depth in Rounds 11-14. Team 4- I love this team’s start, with two quality backs and three solid wideouts right out of the gate. Pirate Munkees punted tight end and still managed to land two decent options. He was also the last team to target QB, but still got a quality tandem in Drake Maye and C.J. Stroud Team 8 – Any FFWC veteran knows Respected Money is going to be a force. Even with Mike Evans over Terry McLaurin, this team’s first dozen picks were solid. Additionally, we know this team will be well managed all year long, making them a force to e reckoned with. Team 10 – Los Lobos picked Godwin a little early, but made up for it with excellent value recognition. They have quality depth, but can we talk about Kyle Pitts SZN yet? Team 12 – Always Smooth is a formidable opponent. This draft shows that. He got Christian McCaffrey in Round 2, then was able to handcuff him with Isaac Guerendo in Round 12. He
The Data-Driven Edge
The Data-Driven Edge The Data-Driven Edge: Using Vegas Betting Markets to Help You Dominate In Fantasy Football by Frank Taddeo Incorporating player proposition betting markets into my yearly projections has played an integral role in becoming the No. 1-ranked high-stakes
The Data-Driven Edge
The Data-Driven Edge: Using Vegas Betting Markets to Help You Dominate In Fantasy Football
by Frank Taddeo
Incorporating player proposition betting markets into my yearly projections has played an integral role in becoming the No. 1-ranked high-stakes season-long fantasy football player in Las Vegas. My draft model, which came into existence while working for one of the most prominent Vegas sportsbooks back in 2010, enables me to possess a data-driven edge when making key informed decisions. The player proposition betting markets reflect expert analysis, statistical models, and market trends on player performance expectations.
Vegas Markets Can Provide An Unbiased Edge…
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IDP Fantasy Strategy Guide
IDP Fantasy Strategy Guide – So You Think You’re Ready to Try IDP?by: Greg “Mean Machine” Blaszczynski When I started playing fantasy football in 1991, I did not have all the choices players have today. There was no Superflex, tight-tnd premium, or daily fantasy. Many people would say that it must have been boring, but the new generation will never know the “fun” of scouring the USA Today on Monday for all the stats or putting in your line-up over the phone with the first letter of the player’s first name and last three letters of their last name. “For Jamal Lewis…..press 1”. While fantasy football has exploded in popularity over the past 25 years, only a small group of us have enjoyed using defensive players to win us championships. People have always been excited about watching a five-touchdown explosion from Patrick Mahomes or Joe Burrow, or a long bomb to Justin Jefferson or Ja’Marr Chase, or a rumbling touchdown run that includes a textbook stiff arm or a hurdle over a ducking cornerback from Derrick Henry or Saquan Barkley. But they don’t realize the joy….and more importantly, the points, from a 15-plus tackle game from Roquan Smith or Fred Warner, or a three-sack effort from Maxx Crosby or Myles Garrett, or even another interception from Trevon Diggs or Jessie Bates. Leagues that use Individual Defensive Players are referred to as “IDP”, and I believe this represents the next level of fantasy football. IDP expands the type and number of statistics, introduces a whole group of additional players, and allows you to search for sleepers on the other side of the ball. Players begin to understand the importance of tackles, sacks, interceptions, forced fumbles, fumble recoveries, and, of course, when someone takes an interception or a fumble “TO THE HOUSE!” Embracing Change So why should you want to play IDP? In addition to helping you learn additional players, defensive schemes, and the differences between defensive coordinators, IDP offers the ability to offset some of your offensive weaknesses after you lose two wide receivers to injury in the first three games of the season. It can also help you survive the week where your opponent’s flex has a three-TD game or when your stud decides this is the week where he only has three catches for 45 yards and no touchdowns. IDP gives you more players to root for, which comes into play when you are a Carolina Panthers fan like me. The other thing I have experienced is that, for the most part, defensive players seem to get hurt less often than offensive players, so you are not constantly trying to fill a hole because your player is out for the week. Finally, you can be successful against those IDP players who still focus mainly on offense by being the manager who drafts the first linebacker in the 5th round rather than their second running back or third wide receiver. By playing in multiple IDP leagues for more than 25 years, I have only missed the playoffs a handful of times, and in all but three years, have had a top-3 scoring defense. That is how you make money! IDP Draft Prep So, what should you know when preparing for your IDP draft? First, and most importantly, IT IS ALL ABOUT TACKLES!!! I can’t say that enough. As a result, you should be focused on linebackers and safeties. A good tackling linebacker can be a consistent scorer for multiple years. Ray Lewis never had a season where he averaged less than 7.3 tackles per game, while Zach Thomas’s lowest season was 8.3 tackles per game. When I am preparing for a draft, I will be very disappointed if I don’t have at least two of my top 10 ranked linebackers and one of my top 5 defensive backs (all of whom will play safety). Consistency Matters Second, you need to understand that compared to tackles, sacks, and interceptions have substantially more variance and usually come in waves. With sacks, while there are a handful of guys who you can count on for double-digit sacks (Watt/Parsons/Garrett), you will also see a guy like Josh Hines-Allen, who has averaged 8.5 sacks per year over the past five years, but here are his stats: 2020 – 2.5, 2021 – 7.5, 2022 – 7, 2023 – 17.5, and 2024 – 8. You also occasionally have the “flash in the pan” players like Romao Okwara, who had 10 sacks for the Lions in 2020, but since then, has had only five total and is no longer in the league. This is generally why, if I don’t get one of the top 5-6 defensive linemen, I will pick them much later in the draft. Interceptions are even worse. There has not been a repeat leader in interceptions over the past 10 years, and the high over that time has ranged from six in 2019 and 2022 to 11 by Trevon Diggs in 2021. It should be noted that Diggs only had three interceptions in both 2020 and 2022. Schemes Matter Third, you should always pay attention to the defensive schemes that each team primarily plays. 4-3 defenses can make an absolute star of a middle linebacker. In a 4-3 defense, middle linebackers have gap responsibility and benefit from two defensive tackles taking on blocks, thereby freeing up the linebacker to make the tackle. In addition, 4-3 linebackers are generally lighter and faster, with the ability to go sideline to sideline to make the play. Finally, while 4-3 linebackers are not asked to blitz as much as their 3-4 counterparts. When they do blitz, they often are untouched, or just have to take on a surprised running back. It should be noted that the top 3 linebacker tackle leaders came from predominantly 4-3 defenses. That being said, there are a lot of great tackling 3-4 linebackers, including Roquan Smith, Kaden Ellis, and Zach Baun. Roster Considerations In addition to knowing the defensive schemes, you should also
George Pickens Trade Rumors
George Pickens Trade Rumors: Could the Steelers’ Wideout Land with the Dallas Cowboys? The NFL offseason is no stranger to blockbuster trade rumors, and one of the hottest names circulating in recent weeks is Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens. With the Dallas Cowboys reportedly in the market for a dynamic playmaker to complement star CeeDee Lamb, Pickens’ name has been frequently linked to America’s Team. As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the buzz around a potential Pickens-to-Dallas trade has fans and analysts alike speculating about the feasibility, implications, and drama surrounding such a move. The Origin of the Rumors Trade rumors involving George Pickens began to gain traction ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, fueled by the Steelers’ acquisition of veteran wide receiver DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks in a high-profile trade. Pittsburgh sent a second-round pick to Seattle and subsequently signed Metcalf to a five-year, $150 million extension, signaling their commitment to him as the centerpiece of their receiving corps. This move sparked speculation that Pickens, a 2022 second-round pick entering the final year of his rookie contract, could be deemed expendable. The Cowboys, coming off a disappointing 7-10 season in 2024 that snapped a streak of three consecutive playoff appearances, have been vocal about their need to bolster their receiving corps. Despite drafting CeeDee Lamb, one of the league’s premier wideouts, Dallas failed to add significant depth during the 2025 draft, with undrafted free agent Treshon Holden being their only notable addition. This has left the Cowboys searching for a high-caliber No. 2 receiver to pair with Lamb and support quarterback Dak Prescott under new offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer. Reports from multiple outlets, including ESPN and The Athletic, confirmed that Dallas inquired about Pickens during the draft, with Cowboys owner Jerry Jones reportedly stirring the pot during a pre-draft press conference by hinting at potential roster moves. The rumors gained further momentum when Lamb posted a cryptic message on social media, which some interpreted as a nod to Pickens potentially joining the Cowboys. Why Pickens Makes Sense for Dallas At 24 years old, George Pickens is a tantalizing talent with the potential to transform Dallas’ offense. In three seasons with the Steelers, he has recorded 174 receptions for 2,841 yards and 12 touchdowns across 48 regular-season games, showcasing his ability to stretch the field and make highlight-reel catches. His 2023 campaign, where he posted 1,140 yards, demonstrated his capability as a No. 1 receiver, though his role in Pittsburgh has been complicated by inconsistent quarterback play and the arrival of Metcalf. For the Cowboys, Pickens would represent an immediate upgrade over their current options. Playing alongside Lamb, who commands significant defensive attention, Pickens could exploit single coverage and softer matchups, potentially elevating his production in Dallas’ pass-heavy offense led by Prescott, a three-time Pro Bowler. Additionally, Pickens’ $6.75 million rookie contract for 2025 makes him an affordable short-term addition, though his impending free agency and likely demand for a lucrative extension could complicate long-term planning. Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay has been among those advocating for the trade, noting that Dallas is “desperate for an upgrade in the receivers room” and that Pickens could be the key to returning the Cowboys to playoff contention. Kay argues that the Steelers’ financial commitment to Metcalf and Pickens’ reported frustration with his reduced role make Dallas a “logical spot” for the young receiver. The Case Against the Trade Despite the appeal, there are significant red flags surrounding a potential Pickens trade. The most prominent concern is his off-field behavior and locker room presence. Pickens has been fined 10 times by the NFL in three seasons for various infractions, including taunting, an obscene gesture, and writing “OPEN (EXPLETIVE) ALWAYS” on his eye black during a 2024 game against the Cowboys. His emotional outbursts and reported friction with the Steelers’ coaching staff, including an incident where he arrived late to a Christmas Day game, have raised questions about his maturity. Adding a player with Pickens’ reputation could be risky for a Cowboys team navigating a high-pressure environment. Heavy.com’s analysis urged Dallas to avoid the trade, labeling Pickens a “diva” whose behavioral issues outweigh his on-field contributions. The Cowboys’ front office, known for its reluctance to invest heavily in players with character concerns, may hesitate to part with significant draft capital for a player who could disrupt team chemistry. Steelers On the Steelers’ side, parting with Pickens is not a straightforward decision. While Metcalf’s arrival has shifted the pecking order, Pittsburgh values Pickens’ talent and sees him as a complement to Metcalf, particularly with the potential addition of a high-profile quarterback like Aaron Rodgers in 2025. Steelers GM Omar Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin have publicly expressed their desire to keep Pickens, with Khan stating, “We’re glad we have George and DK here. I think they’re gonna be exciting for everyone to watch.” Moreover, the Steelers are unlikely to trade Pickens without substantial compensation. Reports suggest Pittsburgh would demand at least a second-round pick, similar to what they received for Chase Claypool in 2022, and possibly more given Pickens’ higher upside. For Dallas, surrendering a high draft pick for a player with one year left on his deal and a history of disciplinary issues may not align with their long-term strategy. The Latest Developments As of May 7, 2025, the Pickens trade rumors have taken a dramatic turn. ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that the Steelers and Cowboys are working to finalize a trade that would send Pickens to Dallas in exchange for a third-round pick and a late-round pick swap, with the deal expected to be official soon. This development suggests that Pittsburgh’s stance may have softened, possibly due to ongoing tensions with Pickens or a strategic shift toward building draft capital for a quarterback-heavy 2026 NFL Draft. However, conflicting reports have muddied the waters. Steelers insider Gerry Dulac previously downplayed the rumors, stating there were “no negotiations” with Dallas and that trade talks were overstated.
2025 Dynasty Rookie ADP & Startup ADP
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Nick Chubb 2025 Fantasy Value
Since being drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Nick Chubb has been a popular target in fantasy football drafts. However, after his latest devastating injury, Chubb’s future is up in the air. FullTime Fantasy‘s Nick Chubb 2025 Fantasy Value looks back at his accomplishments and breaks down his potential role in 2025. Nick Chubb, the four-time Pro Bowl running back and Cleveland Browns icon, has long been celebrated as one of the NFL’s premier pure runners. Known for his explosive power, relentless work ethic, and quiet leadership, Chubb’s career has been a testament to both his athletic prowess and his ability to overcome adversity. However, the past two seasons have tested his resilience like never before, with devastating injuries threatening to derail his storied career. As Chubb enters free agency in 2025, his recent viral workouts, past accomplishments, health status, and potential landing spots have sparked widespread intrigue. A Storied Career Drafted in the second round (35th overall) by the Cleveland Browns in 2018 out of Georgia, Nick Chubb quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the franchise. Over seven seasons, he has amassed 6,843 rushing yards on 1,340 carries with 51 touchdowns, averaging an astonishing 5.1 yards per carry (YPC). His consistency is remarkable: until 2024, Chubb averaged at least 5.0 YPC every season, a feat that places him among the NFL’s elite. Key Career Highlights •Four Consecutive Pro Bowls (2019–2022): Chubb’s dominance as a runner earned him recognition as one of the league’s top running backs. •1,525 Rushing Yards in 2022: His career-high season showcased his ability to carry the Browns’ offense, finishing second in the NFL in rushing yards. •Breakaway Ability: In 2019, Chubb led the NFL with 17 Breakaway Runs and a 5.7% Breakaway Run Rate, highlighting his home-run threat on every touch. Chubb’s ability to gain tough yards, paired with his vision and burst, made him a fantasy football darling and a nightmare for opposing defenses. His 52 red zone touches in 2019 ranked fifth in the NFL, though his touchdown efficiency (eight TDs) suggested room for positive regression, which he later capitalized on. Despite sharing the backfield with Kareem Hunt for much of his career, Chubb’s role as the Browns’ lead back remained secure. His rush share and red zone opportunity share consistently ranked among the league’s best. However, injuries in 2023 and 2024 have shifted the narrative, raising questions about whether Chubb can reclaim his elite status. The Injury Saga: Health and Recovery Challenges Chubb’s career has been marred by two significant injuries to his left knee, which have shaped his current trajectory. 2015 College Injury While at Georgia, Chubb suffered a catastrophic knee injury, tearing his MCL, PCL, and LCL. Remarkably, he returned in 2016 to rush for 1,130 yards, though his YPC dropped to 5.0 from his career average of 6.8 at Georgia, hinting at a slight loss of explosiveness. This resilience set the stage for his NFL success, but also foreshadowed the fragility of his knee. 2023 NFL Knee Injury In Week 2 of the 2023 season against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chubb suffered a gruesome knee injury, diagnosed as tears to his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. The injury required two surgeries and sidelined him for over a year. The severity of the injury, combined with it being the second major trauma to the same knee, led many to question whether Chubb could return to form. NFL Insider Ian Rapoport noted that the injury “would be career-ending for many lesser backs,” but Chubb’s “incredible athleticism” offered hope for recovery. 2024 Foot Fracture Chubb made a triumphant return in Week 7 of the 2024 season, playing in eight games and rushing for 332 yards and three touchdowns on 102 carries. However, his performance was lackluster, with a career-low 3.3 YPC, reflecting a loss of explosiveness. His season was cut short in Week 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs when he suffered a broken foot, which fortunately did not require surgery. Advanced Metrics Post-Injury Yards After Contact (YAC): In 2024, Chubb’s Yards After Contact per Attempt dropped to 2.1, down from a career average of 3.2, per Pro Football Focus (PFF). This suggests diminished power and ability to break tackles. Elusiveness Rating: PlayerProfiler’s Elusiveness Rating for Chubb in 2024 fell to the 30th percentile among running backs, a stark contrast to his pre-injury 80th percentile rankings. Breakaway Run Rate: His Breakaway Run Rate plummeted to 1.9% in 2024, compared to 5.7% in 2019, indicating a significant reduction in long-gain potential. These metrics paint a picture of a player who, while still functional, was a shadow of his former self in 2024. However, Chubb’s recent viral workouts suggest he’s far from finished. A Glimmer of Hope Throughout his recovery, Chubb has showcased his superhuman strength and determination through viral workout videos that have captivated fans and analysts alike. These displays of power have fueled optimism about his potential comeback in 2025. July 2024: 540–585-Pound Squats This is #Browns RB Nick Chubb squatting 540+ pounds—just 8 months after undergoing multiple significant knee surgeries. Insanity.pic.twitter.com/JlWnad2Wdm — Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 15, 2024 Eight months after his second knee surgery, Chubb was filmed squatting 540 pounds with ease, a video that garnered 417 votes and 100 comments on Reddit’s r/fantasyfootball. Just days later, FOX Sports reported him squatting 585 pounds, an astonishing feat for a 227-pound running back recovering from major knee surgery. These lifts demonstrated that Chubb’s lower-body strength remained intact, a critical factor for a power runner. April 2025: 500+ Pounds and Power-Cleaning 405 Mannn, Nick Chubb power-cleaning 405 after knee injuries & a broken foot just ain’t human pic.twitter.com/qGvxIoNHf7 — Jon Tweets Sports (@jontweetssports) April 29, 2025 In April 2025, Chubb posted an Instagram video squatting over 500 pounds, accompanied by the caption, “They’ve already wrote my ending when I’m just getting started.” The NFL’s official X account amplified the video, noting its jaw-dropping nature. Implications of the Workouts While squatting massive weights is impressive, it doesn’t directly translate
2025 Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings (UPDATED POST DRAFT)
Once you get into Dynasty Leagues you learn that the fantasy football season never ends. As soon as the champion is crowned, dynasty zealots start looking ahead to the next crop of rookies. For those serious fantasy fanatics, this is
Overall, the 2025 class is deep at running back and tight end. However, an underwhelming quarterback class will shake up Superflex leagues.
Additionally, the veteran free agent signing period will shake up each team’s NFL Draft team needs. Therefore, we recommend you bookmark this page, as our 2025 Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings will be continuously updated through the winter and spring.
Ranking You Can Trust
With proven projections and former FantasyPro’s Most Accurate Expert Jody Smith, FullTime Fantasy Members get instant access to reliable and trustworthy weekly rankings.
Jody also ranks inside the top 10 at FantasyPros for multi-year accuracy as of the 2025 season! That makes his combined draft and weekly rankings one of the most accurate and reliable in the business.
Additionally, Jody and Adam Krautwurst co-host the FullTime Fantasy Podcast, which is live-streamed weekly on YouTube. The guys are also active in the FullTime Fantasy Discord channel, helping answer all fantasy and sports betting inquiries.
2025 Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings…
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2025 NFL Draft | Undrafted Free Agent Tracker
The 2025 NFL Draft is over. However, plenty of solid players are still available and are free to sign with any team. FullTime Fantasy‘s 2025 NFL Draft Undrafted Free Agent Tracker updates you on the undrafted free-agent (UFA) signings for all 32 teams. Arizona Cardinals Josh Fryar (OL) Ohio State Elijah Simmons (DT) Tennessee Oscar Cardenas (TE) UTSA Jeremiah Byers (OL) Florida State Atlanta Falcons Nick Nash (WR) San Jose State Quincy Skinner (WR) Vanderbilt Dontae Manning (CB) Oregon Simeon Barrow (DL) Miami Cobee Bryant (CB) Kansas Baltimore Ravens Desmond Igbinosun (DB) Rutgers Jayson Jones (DL) Auburn Sone Ntoh (RB) Monmouth Jay Higgins (LB) Iowa Buffalo Bills Hayden Harris (DE) Montana Kelly Akharaiyi (WR) Mississippi State Keleki Latu (TE) Washington Jacob Bayer (C) Arkansas State Hal Pressley (WR) Baylor Carolina Panthers Ethan Garbers (QB) UCLA Jacolby George (WR) Miami Michael Tarquin (OL) Oklahoma Mike Reid (CB) South Dakota Ryan Fitzgerald (K) Florida State Isaac Gifford (S) Nebraska Chicago Bears Power Echols (LB) North Carolina J.P. Richardson (WR) TCU Xavier Carlton (DE) Cal Major Burns (S) LSU Cincinnati Bengals Howard Cross III (DL) Notre Dame Eric Gregory (DT) Arkansas Seth McLaughlin (C) Ohio State Jamoi Mayes (WR) Cincinnati Rashod Owens (WR) Oklahoma State Payton Thorne (QB) Auburn Caleb Etienne (OT) BYU Kole Taylor (TE) West Virginia Cleveland Browns Jared Ivey (OL) NC A&T Donovan McMillan (S) Pitt Adin Huntington (DL) Tulane LaMareon James (CB) TCU Cam’Ron Johnson (OL) Missouri Dom Jones (CB) Colorado State Ahmani Marshall (RB) Appalachian State Brent Matiscik (LS) BYU Dartanyan Tinsley (OL) Cincinnati Eli Wilson (TE) Appalachian State Dallas Cowboys Zion Childress (DB) Kentucky Traeshon Holden (WR) Oregon Josh Kelly (WR) Texas Tech Tyler Neville (TE) Virginia Justin Barron (S) Syracuse Denver Broncos Clay Webb (OL) Jacksonville State J.B. Brown (LB) Kansas Jerjuan Newton (WR) Toledo Joaquin Davis (WR) North Carolina Central Joe Michalski (OL) Oklahoma State Jaden Robinson (DB) Oregon State Marques Cox (OL) Kentucky Detroit Lions Mason Miller (OL) North Dakota State Anthony Tyus III (RB) Ohio Jackson Meeks (WR) Syracuse Caden Prieskorn (TE) Ole Miss Green Bay Packers Nazir Stackhouse (DL) Georgia Jamon Dumas-Johnson (LB) Kentucky Brant Banks (OT) Rice Tyler Cooper (G) Minesota J.J. Lippe (G) Northern Illinois Amar Johnson (RB) South Dakota State Jalen White (RB) Georgia Southern Johnathan Baldwin (S) UNLV Kazir Brown (DB) FAU Tyron Herring (CB) Delaware Taylor Elgersma (QB) Canada Houston Texans Austin Brinkman (LS) West Virginia Alijah Huzzie (LB) North Carolina Daniel Jackson (WR) Minnesota K.C. 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2025 Rookie Profile: Mason Taylor
2025 Rookie Profile: Mason Taylor (TE) LSU Welcome to the 2025 fantasy football season. FullTime Fantasy‘s annual rookie reports next present 2025 Rookie Profile: Mason Taylor, the standout tight end for the LSU Tigers. College Resume Mason Taylor, a three-year
2025 Rookie Profile: Mason Taylor (TE) LSU
Welcome to the 2025 fantasy football season. FullTime Fantasy‘s annual rookie reports next present 2025 Rookie Profile: Mason Taylor, the standout tight end for the LSU Tigers.
College Resume
Mason Taylor, a three-year starter at LSU, emerged as one of the most productive tight ends in the program’s history. The son of Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive end Jason Taylor, he showcased a high football IQ and versatility, splitting time between in-line and slot alignments. A 2022 Freshman All-SEC selection and 2024 Third-Team All-SEC honoree, Taylor set LSU tight end records with 129 career receptions and 1,308 receiving yards, becoming the first LSU tight end to surpass 100 receptions and 1,000 yards.
He caught at least one pass in 28 straight games to close his college career and was named a 2025 Senior Bowl participant. His clutch performance, including a game-winning two-point conversion against Alabama in 2022, highlighted his reliability in high-pressure situations.
College Stats (2022-2024)
2022 (Freshman): 38 receptions, 414 yards, 3 TD
2023 (Sophomore): 36 receptions, 348 yards, 1 TD
2024 (Junior): 55 receptions, 546 yards, 2 TD
Career Totals: 129 receptions, 1,308 yards, 6 TD
Notable: 72 of 129 receptions (56%) resulted in first downs; 701 yards came after the catch (YAC). In 2024, he had a 1.8% drop rate and split snaps: 45.1% in-line, 44.6% slot, 9.0% wide.
Measurables (Pro Day)
Height: 6’5”
Weight: 246 lbs (down from 251 lbs)
40-Yard Dash: 4.64-4.66 seconds
Short Shuttle: 4.43 seconds
3-Cone Drill: 7.07 seconds
Bench Press: 28 reps
Hand Size: 9⅞”
Arm Length: 32⅞”
Wingspan: 78¼”
Scouting Profile
Strengths
Taylor is a chain-moving pass-catcher with reliable hands and sharp route-running instincts, particularly against zone coverage. His 68% conversion rate for first downs underscores his ability to keep drives alive. He manipulates defenders with subtle head fakes and tempo changes, displaying a nuanced understanding of spacing.
His versatility—splitting time nearly 50/50 between in-line and slot roles—makes him a scheme-fit for modern NFL offenses. Taylor’s contested-catch ability and low drop rate (1.8% in 2024) highlight his dependability, while his 701 YAC yards show he’s a threat after the catch. As a blocker, he’s more effective in space, using angles and timing to seal defenders, and he’s shown growth as a downfield receiver.
Weaknesses
Taylor’s blocking in-line needs refinement. His high pad level and technical flaws often lead to him being driven back by power rushers, limiting his effectiveness against defensive ends in one-on-one situations. He’s not an elite athlete, with average speed (4.65 forty) that may struggle to separate against NFL safeties in man coverage. His 6 TD in 38 games suggest he’s not a primary red-zone threat, and his play strength requires further development to handle the physicality of NFL defenses.
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