2025 Las Vegas Raiders Fantasy Preview
2025 Las Vegas Raiders Preview Perhaps no team needed a total cultural change as badly as the Las Vegas Raiders. Mission accomplished. Enter first-time general manager John Spytek, the former assistant GM in Tampa and an integral part of Tampa’s top-5 2025 NFL Draft haul. On the sidelines, the Raiders hired a proven coach in Pete Carroll. Collectively, the new regime feels like their rebuild began last season, and 2025 is prime for a new era. Refreshingly, an era of optimism. The first order of business for the club was trading for Carroll’s former quarterback, Geno Smith. Smith quietly threw for a career-best 4,320 yards and a 70.4 percent completion rate in 2024. He will bring much-needed stability to a woefully inadequate position since the franchise released Derek Carr ahead of the 2023 season. Smith is unlikely to post top-10 fantasy numbers with this supporting cast, but he can be a reliable streamer with week-to-week QB upside. No. 6 overall pick Ashton Jeanty profiles as the next great RB1 for years to come. Jeanty is a three-down workhorse with elite tackle-breaking ability, strong contact balance, and superb vision. He led the nation in yards after contact twice, including a record-shattering 1,970 in 2024. And the fit couldn’t have been better. The Raiders had very little depth in the backfield, assuring Jeanty will get all the work he can handle on his compact frame. Instant first-round RB1. WR Jakobi Meyers finished as the WR20 after setting career-best marks in targets (129), receptions (87), and receiving yards (1,027). Meyers once again proved to be a savvy mid-round draft value but remains a WR2 masquerading as a team’s WR1. The 2025 NFL Draft brought more depth to a receiving corps needing a youth infusion. Second-rounder Jack Bech is a favorite of the dynasty football community with sticky hands coming off a Senior Bowl MVP performance. Bech can also be employed all over the field. Fourth-rounder Dont’e Thornton is huge (6-5, 214) and is a dark horse to push Tre Tucker for playing time. Brock Bowers burst onto the scene, breaking the rookie reception record and becoming the second consecutive (after Sam LaPorta) first-year player to lead the tight end position in fantasy scoring. His 153 targets were third in the NFL, and he caught fewer than three balls only once.. And he didn’t just make an impression on fantasy managers, but also on his new signal-caller Smith, who told The Athletic that Bowers “is one of the best tight ends in the league already, and I still think he’s got so much room to improve. A big part of my job is to help him do that.” Bowers was a league winner last season and will be the top-ranked tight end in every format. Fantasy Grade: C QB Smith, Geno, LVR [QB1] Reunited and it feels so good. When the Raiders plucked Pete Carroll out of retirement, one of the first orders of business for Carroll was to engineer a trade for his old quarterback, Geno Smith. Carroll recognized the potential in Smith in Seattle. In two years together, Smith posted QB5 and QB19 numbers. Last year, without Carroll, Smith threw for a career-high 4,320 yards and thrived throwing the ball 20-plus yards, a staple of Raiders’ offenses. Smith brings stability and leadership to a young Las Vegas roster and projects to quietly be a solid QB2. ADVICE: Underrated QB2 who can be a decent streaming option week-to-week. RB Jeanty, Ashton, LVR [RB1] Here are the categories that Ashton Jeanty led in FBS in 2024: attempts (313), rushing yards (2,287), TDs (28), yards after contact (5.42/att.), missed tackles forced (125), first downs (106), and breakaway yards (1,247). These world-class metrics are indicative of how dominant Jeanty was at Boise State and why he’s considered the best incoming rookie rusher since Saquon Barkley. And as luck would have it, Jeanty landed in the perfect spot as Pete Carroll’s next Marshawn Lynch. Jeanty is a three-down workhorse who could lead the league in touches in his first season. ADVICE: Every bit worthy of a first-round selection in every fantasy format. RB Mostert, Raheem, LVR [RB2] ADVICE: Aging veteran won’t see much of a role playing behind Ashton Jeanty. Mostert is relegated to a handcuff role for fantasy managers lucky enough to land Jeanty in Round One. WR Meyers, Jakobi, LVR [WR1] Sleeper Jakobi Meyers was one of fantasy’s unheralded stars last season. Meyers had 10 games with nine or more targets, eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards for the first time, and finished as the WR20 overall. Meyers had the most targets (126) without a drop in the league last season. Since moving to the Raiders, Meyers has run 69.8 percent of his routes from the perimeter after being used inside in New England. However, a new coach, a first-round running back, and added target competition are obstacles that will make repeating those outstanding numbers challenging. ADVICE: Remains an underrated value in the middle rounds who provides a steady source of targets and receptions. WR Bech, Jack, LVR [WR2] Sleeper Jack Bech’s older brother, Tiger Bech, was killed in the New Orleans terrorist attack on New Year’s Eve. Jack, wearing his brother’s No.7 jersey, then won Senior Bowl MVP with a walk-off TD grab. In addition to that inspirational moment, Bech has good size (6-1, 214), sticky hands, outstanding ball tracking skills, and uses leverage well. He had a 62/1,034/9 season at TCU in 2024 that resulted in Second-team All-Big 12 accolades. Bech also landed in a great location with a Raiders’ offense that needed a youth infusion. Bech profiles as a reliable possession receiver. ADVICE: Bech’s hands, ability to create space, and opportunity make him one of the top late-round sleeper wideouts. WR Tucker, Tre, LVR [WR3] ADVICE: Tucker has made strides in each of his two seasons. He’ll enter camp as the Raiders’ No. 2 but will face stiff competition from rookies Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton Jr. WR Thornton, Dont’e, LVR [WR4] Super
2025 Kansas City Chiefs Fantasy Preview
2025 Kansas City Chiefs Fantasy Preview The Chiefs won another AFC title, but the humiliating blowout loss to the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. Andy Reid somehow got 17 wins out of a team that regressed to 17th in total offense and scored just 22.6 points per game. Kansas City’s defense, however, was exemplary. For fantasy football, the main concern is if this regression is permanent or if the Chiefs can rebound after two ‘down’ seasons for Patrick Mahomes. After posting overall QB1 numbers in 2022, Mahomes barely qualified as a QB1 in 2025. He posted his fewest passing yards (3,928) and touchdowns (26) since becoming a starter. With a promising second-year class of signal-callers, Mahomes is no longer a locked-in top-5 fantasy option. Instead, he should be viewed as a solid QB1, but no longer one for fantasy managers to go out of their way to target early on draft day. Kansas City’s backfield will be productive, but not necessarily in a predictive manner for fantasy purposes. Kareem Hunt re-signed, which indicates the committee backfield with Isiah Pacheco will continue. Additionally, the addition of Elijah Mitchell adds another player to the mix. Pacheco’s stock has plummeted, making him and Hunt mere late-round fliers. Overall, Kansas City’s receiving corps has three fantasy options worth targeting and offers some hope that the powerhouse offenses we’re accustomed to can return. The Chiefs re-signed Marquise Brown, who missed most of the 2024 campaign. Rashee Rice got off to a fast start before tearing his LCL in Week 4. Rice is expected to be fully recovered and ready to resume his role as KC’s No. 1 wideout. 2024 first-rounder Xavier Worthy produced nine touchdowns but never hit 80 receiving yards in a regular-season tilt. Rookie Jalen Royals and veteran Juju Smith-Schuster will vie for reserve roles. Gone are the days of TE Travis Kelce carrying fantasy squads to titles. Kelce, who turns 35 in October, is on a three-year slide in receptions, yards, touchdowns, and yards after catch. He should still be viewed as a fantasy TE1, but the days of dominating with Mahomes/Kelce stacks appear firmly in the past. No. 2 tight end Noah Gray has made strides in each of his four NFL seasons and could factor into Kansas City’s weekly game plan. Gray offers plenty of late-round sleeper appeal for fantasy managers with deeper rosters. Fantasy Grade: B- QB Mahomes, Patrick, KC [QB1] One down season is a coincidence, but Patrick Mahomes has now had two rather disappointing campaigns. Granted, he set the bar incredibly high, but we’re starting to wonder if this is who Mahomes is now. His yardage, touchdowns, adjusted completion rate, and yards per attempt have all declined in three consecutive years. Despite an improved supporting cast, Mahomes bottomed out in 2024, finishing as QB11. With most of the same group back, it’s now hard to see Mahomes rebounding to his previous glory days. Instead, view him for what he has been recently: a decent QB1 who lacks a path to top-5 numbers. ADVICE: Decent QB1 well behind the top tier. QB Minshew, Gardner, KC [QB2] If Patrick Mahomes misses time, Minshew will be in a prime position to throw three touchdowns and two interceptions a week. A name to keep in mind in really deep Superflex formats. RB Pacheco, Isiah, KC [RB1] Isiah Pacheco was a hot commodity last summer but had a forgettable, injury-marred season (fractured fibula, 310 rushing yards, one TD in seven games). He got 41 touches in KC’s first two games before sitting out until Week 13. Once he returned, Pacheco was clearly behind Kareem Hunt. With Hunt back in Kansas City, Andy Reid will resort to a committee backfield, with Elijah Mitchell also in play. Pacheco’s high-energy style gives him the most potential, but Hunt’s presence means fantasy managers should approach this backfield with caution. ADVICE: Has the highest ceiling in Kansas City’s backfield, but Pacheco looks like an RB4/Flex option at best. RB Hunt, Kareem, KC [RB2] Hunt took over as Kansas City’s main back after Isiah Pacheco fractured his fibula in Week 2. Andy Reid re-signed Hunt fairly early in the off-season, indicating that he will have a role with the Chiefs in 2025. Hunt has lost his burst, accounting for just 2.86 yards created per touch (51st) and ranking 41st in explosive play rate (71.4). But he did rack up 50 red-zone touches and will play valuable snaps in a high-octane Chiefs’ offense. That gives Hunt RB4/flex value. ADVICE: The Chiefs seem destined to use multiple backs, and Andy Reid likes what Hunt offers. He’s got week-to-week flex value. RB Smith, Brashard, KC [RB3] Sleeper As for the question of which KC back fantasy zealots should target, take a late-round stab on Brashard Smith. Smith’s usage in the passing game is intriguing, and he’s been seen throughout OTAs lining up in the slot. He racked up 1,659 yards and 18 scores last year and caught 108 passes in college. He also blazed a 4.39 40, making him an interesting weapon in Andy Reid’s offense. Read more about Smith in Jody Smith’s Preseason Pro. RB Mitchell, Elijah, KC [RB4] ADVICE: After three injury-marred seasons in San Francisco, where he averaged 4.7 yards per carry, Mitchell has an opportunity to carve out a valuable role in a Kansas City backfield that is decidedly unsettled. Solid late-round target in deeper leagues. WR Rice, Rashee, KC [WR1] Rashee Rice was off to a blistering start in 2024 before a knee injury ended his second season in Week 3. The good news on that front is that Rice did not tear his ACL and is already participating in OTAs. Before the injury, Rice looked like a WR1, averaging 96 receiving yards per game and scoring twice. Year Three breakouts are a popular target for fantasy managers, and Rice is shaping up to have his first 1,000-yard season. UPDATE: Rice is looking at a 4-6 game suspension THIS YEAR, which complicates his fantasy outlook.
2025 Denver Broncos Fantasy Preview
2025 Denver Broncos Fantasy Preview The Denver Broncos were one of the league’s biggest surprises last year, making the playoffs after a 10-7 season that far surpassed the preseason over/under of 5.5 wins. Sean Payton did a tremendous job rebuilding both sides of the ball and hit a home run with first-year quarterback Bo Nix. Integral to Denver’s success is an offensive line that ranked first in pass protection. Nix jelled after a slow start. He averaged 165 passing yards with one touchdown and four interceptions in his first four starts. After that, Nix totaled 31 touchdowns and eight picks the rest of the way. With an improving cast of pass-catchers supporting him, Nix enters his second pro season firmly in fantasy QB1 territory. Payton has long preferred a committee backfield approach. However, with Javonte Williams in Dallas, Payton nabbed UCF RB RJ Harvey with the 60th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Harvey became just the fourth running back taken before Day 3 of a draft by Payton. The other three- Reggie Bush, Mark Ingram, and Alvin Kamara. Harvey is a tackle-breaking machine and offers a three-down skill set. One of the top sleeper RBs of 2025. Courtland Sutton returns as the top wideout in Denver. Sutton had the best season of his career with Nix, posting WR15 numbers that included five games with 95-plus yards in the second half of the season. Marvin Mims also excelled down the stretch and will be one of the top third-year breakout wide receivers to target. Third-round Illinois WR Pat Bryant has excellent hands and shows well in contested-catch situations. Payton compared the rookie to Michael Thomas. He’s the favorite to earn Denver’s WR3 role. Evan Engram signed a two-year, $23 million deal to stabilize Denver’s tight end position. Payton’s offense has an extensive history of utilizing the tight end heavily, and Engram will be a massive upgrade over Denver’s previous trio of unassuming veterans. Engram posted back-to-back top-5 fantasy finishes in 2022 and 2023 and has sneaky potential to contend for those lofty numbers again in 2025. Fantasy Grade: B- QB Nix, Bo, DEN [QB1] One of the biggest surprises of last season, Bo Nix finishing as the QB9 overall. His 5.1 percent touchdown rate surpassed rookie-year marks of Joe Burrow and C.J. Stroud. Nix amassed 3,775 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and 430 rushing yards with four scores, ranking fifth among quarterbacks in carries. Nix demonstrated deep-ball prowess, completing 31 of 73 passes over 20 air yards for 932 yards and eight touchdowns. His explosive play rating (EPX) of 103.2 ranked 14th league-wide. With Sean Payton’s system and Denver’s strong offensive line, Nix projects as a high-floor QB1 in 2025 drafts ADVICE: Value target in the second tier of fantasy quarterbacks. RB Harvey, RJ, DEN [RB1] Sleeper Sean Payton has only selected three running backs before Day 3 of any NFL Draft. Those backs, Reggie Bush, Mark Ingram, and Alvin Kamara, turned out to be excellent fantasy bets. R.J. Harvey rushed for over 1,400 yards in back-to-back seasons at UCF and showed elite tackle-breaking ability. In 2024, Harvey ranked 2nd in FBS in breakaway runs (32), 7th in missed tackles forced (69), scored 22 touchdowns, and reeled in 20 catches. Harvey checks all the boxes to be a three-down weapon and landed with a coach who knows how to make that happen. ADVICE: One of the top sleepers to target, with top-15 upside in Sean Payton’s scheme. RB Dobbins, J.K., DEN [RB2] The Broncos signed Dobbins to a one-year deal. This is good news for Dobbins, but bad for RJ Harvey and the Denver backfield from a fantasy perspective. It looks like the Broncos will stick with a frustrating committee, limiting the potential for each player. RB McLaughlin, Jaleel, DEN [RB3] McLaughlin got an extended look down the stretch, surpassing double-digit carries in three of his final four outings. However, Sean Payton using Day Two draft capital on RJ Harvey ends any chance McLaughlin had of making a fantasy impact in his third season. Harvey will be given every opportunity to command a three-down workhorse role, which will reduce McLaughlin and Audric Estime to change-of-pace duties. McLaughlin is a decent receiver who caught 24 of his 27 targets in 2024. Expect him to see limited carries this season as Harvey’s understudy. ADVICE: Change-of-pace option with limited upside. RB Estime, Audric, DEN [RB4] ADVICE: Estime is over two years younger than R.J. Harvey, who is expected to lead Denver’s backfield. Of course, Sean Payton isn’t adverse to trotting out a committee, so Estime makes sense as a late-round flier. WR Sutton, Courtland, DEN [WR1] The ascension of Bo Nix led to a career-best 14.8 PPR points per game average for Courtland Sutton, who finished as the overall WR15. Sutton was a man-coverage killer, who ranked 2nd among all wideouts with 1,787 air yards and 3rd in contested catch rate. He ended the season on a heater, catching 45-of-77 targets for 582 yards and six touchdowns in Denver’s final eight regular-season contests. He’s indisputably Denver’s No. 1 wide receiver and could benefit from Sean Payton’s reinforcements that arrived in the draft. ADVICE: Locked-in No. 1 wideout on an offense that is trending up. Sutton is an excellent WR2 target for fantasy managers who attack RB early. WR Mims, Marvin, DEN [WR2] Sleeper If you’re looking for players who ended the year on a hot streak, then Marvin Mims is your guy. Over the final three games of the 2024 season, Mims had 16 receptions for 216 yards and four touchdowns. That average of 20.6 PPR points per game ranked 7th for Weeks 16-18. After a nearly invisible first half of the season, Mims became a factor in Denver’s offense beginning in Week 10. From that point on, he averaged 14.4 PPR points per game, which would have ranked as the WR24 for the full season. Mims excels at creating separation, and Sean Payton finally figured it out. ADVICE: Must-have mid-round sleeper with
The 2025 Fantasy Football Draft Kit
FullTime Fantasy presents our 2025 Fantasy Football Draft Kit that will have you DOMINATING your competition all season long!
2025 Tennessee Titans Fantasy Preview
2025 Tennessee Titans Fantasy Preview Those sweet Oilers throwbacks were about the only positive thing to happen to the Tennessee Titans in 2024. Sadly, ditching those duds is part of the new vision in Tennessee, where the franchise will attempt to move forward with second-year head coach Brian Callahan and a new franchise signal-caller. Selected first overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, Cam Ward will be sporting Warren Moon’s old No. 1 and represents a much-needed franchise reset for the Titans. Ward has a talented arm who thrives outside structure and has the clutch gene. He’s very accurate in the short and intermediate parts of the field, which will be a huge upgrade over erratic Will Levis. Tennessee finished 26th in passing last season but should be markedly improved with Ward under center. The club was better on the ground, averaging 109.1 rushing yards per contest. Tony Pollard produced 1,079 rushing yards on a career-high 260 carries and caught 41 passes. Tyjae Spears showed well down the stretch, but is firmly the RB2 when Pollard is healthy. Pollard is a good mid-round target for fantasy managers who attack pass-catchers early on draft day. Last year, the Titans ranked 26th in passing. 71.7 percent of that production came when they were trailing. However, they ranked 9th in time of possession. Expect Callahan to ease his rookie in and rely on the rushing attack. While the passing attack projects to be significantly improved with Ward under center, the receiving room looks shallow. Calvin Ridley is the unquestioned No. 1. Ridley got 120 targets last season and surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the second straight season. However, lack of touchdown upside keeps him in WR3 territory. Ridley is the only receiver for fantasy managers to consider. The club signed Tyler Lockett, but the soon-to-be 33-year-old veteran is on a four-year decline in production and metrics. Van Jefferson and 2022 bust Treylon Burks have legitimate shots at contributing this season. That shows the lack of depth in Tennessee. Chigoziem Okonkwo was a popular breakout target last summer but essentially mirrored his 2023 output. Okonkwo ranked 21st in target share (13.8 percent), 22nd in yards (479), and 23rd in yards per route run (1.62). There is hope that Okonkwo will see more targets as the rookie QB’s safety valve, but he’s a middling TE2 with little upside. Fantasy Grade: D QB Ward, Cam, TEN [QB1] The No. 1 overall pick, Cam Ward, steps into a starting role with QB2 fantasy upside. His performance at Miami showcased a pro-ready arm and improvisational flair. Advanced metrics highlight his clean-pocket efficiency (30:3 TD-to-INT, 5.9 percent big-time throws). Ward also displayed maturity, poise, and pocket presence, and he offers good rushing upside. The Titans have the eighth-easiest schedule, and Ward’s introduction comes against a manageable early slate (Bears, Jets, Colts). However, a limited supporting cast beyond Calvin Ridley may cap consistency, making him a volatile weekly starter. ADVICE: There will be highs and lows, but Ward has mid-range QB2 potential in Year One. RB Pollard, Tony, TEN [RB1] In 2025, Tony Pollard is poised for another quality fantasy season. After a 2024 campaign averaging 4.2 yards per carry and 1,317 total yards, Pollard’s dual-threat ability shines. His 57 targets in 2024 highlight his PPR value, but he fell to just five touchdowns in Tennessee’s 26th-ranked offense. With Tennessee’s revamped offensive line and playcaller Brian Callahan’s pass-heavy scheme, Pollard’s touches should climb to 250+. Advanced metrics like a 0.25 missed tackles forced per attempt and 3.8 yards after contact signal elite elusiveness. Draft Pollard as a mid-range RB2. ADVICE: Fairly safe and consistent RB2 who is durable and reliable. RB Spears, Tyjae, TEN [RB2] Tyjae Spears had a modest 2024 season, finishing as the RB35 in PPR formats with an average of 9.5 fantasy points per game over 12 appearances. He logged 84 carries for 312 rushing yards and four touchdowns, chipping in 30 receptions for 224 receiving yards and an additional score. While Tony Pollard dominated the Titans’ backfield, Spears showcased his potential late in the season, notably scoring two touchdowns in Week 15 against the Bengals. With Tennessee’s offense expected to improve in 2025, Spears could see increased opportunities, especially if he capitalizes on his pass-catching abilities. ADVICE: Handcuff to Tony Pollard, who will see 8-10 touches per week. WR Ridley, Calvin, TEN [WR1] Sleeper The Titans ranked 26th in passing last season, but Ridley was the team’s top (only) target. He surpassed 1,000 yards for the second consecutive season thanks to the nature of his high-impact 120 targets (18th). Ridley was one of the top deep threats in football last season, leading the league in air yards (1,883). and finishing top five in ADOT (15.7) and deep targets (32). No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward is a massive upgrade under center, and Tennessee still has a lesser supporting cast (Tyler Lockett, Treylon Burks). ADVICE: The 120 targets Ridley drew last season look like his floor, setting him up to be an undervalued WR2. WR Lockett, Tyler, TEN [WR2] Over the Hill After 10 productive seasons in Seattle, Tyler Lockett moves on to the rebuilding Titans. There, Lockett will compete for WR2/3 duties in a revamped offense. 33 this year, Lockett is a declining slot receiver who no longer gets open downfield or creates yards after contact. Last year, Lockett’s 1.10 yards per route run was the lowest mark of his career. He could become Cam Ward’s safety valve underneath, but Lockett has very little big-play ability, which seriously caps his fantasy appeal. ADVICE: Declining veteran who should see a decent number of targets, but no longer has the big-play ability that made him a quality bench option. WR Ayomanor, Elic, TEN [WR3] Super Sleeper ADVICE: A fourth-round rookie WR out of Stanford, Ayomanor has good size (6-2, 206) and ran a 4.44. He should have the inside track to emerge as Tennessee’s No. 3 wideout. Don’t be surprised if he ends up as the team’s No.
2025 Jacksonville Jaguars Fantasy Preview
2025 Jacksonville Jaguars Fantasy Preview The Jacksonville Jaguars are at a pivotal juncture, with new head coach Liam Coen and general manager James Gladstone tasked with turning around a franchise that stumbled to a 4-13 record in 2024. Despite high expectations for quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the former No. 1 overall pick has yet to realize his potential, and the clock is ticking to justify his massive contract extension. Lawrence’s 2024 season was plagued by inconsistency and a shoulder injury that required surgery. He completed 59.8 percent of his passes for 2,045 yards, with 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions before missing most of the second half of the season. Coen, known for his offensive acumen, was hired to stabilize the quarterback position and unlock Lawrence’s potential. The Jaguars made roster tweaks to bolster the offense, but poor play-calling and offensive line struggles in 2024 exposed vulnerabilities. The unit returns LT Cam Robinson and RG Brandon Scherff, but the loss of depth pieces and injuries exposed the group’s fragility. Running back Travis Etienne’s efficiency continued to erode after a strong rookie showing. Etienne dipped to 3.7 yards per carry and scored only twice while losing touches to Tank Bigsby. Fourth-round rookie Bhayshul Tuten was one of the Combine’s fastest risers and is a legitimate sleeper to unseat Etienne. Coen has preached about looking forward and creating a new culture in Jacksonville. Expectations are that the committee backfield approach will continue, with Bigsby handling more of an early-down role and Etienne or Tuten being used in the passing game and as a change-of-pace option. It’s a situation for fantasy managers to monitor this summer, but not one to necessarily target. Jacksonville’s passing game ranked 24th with 204.5 yards per game, hindered by Lawrence’s struggles and a lack of cohesion. The obvious bright spot was No. 23 overall pick Brian Thomas Jr. Thomas posted overall WR5 numbers in his rookie campaign, catching 87 passes for 1,282 yards and 10 scores en route to making the Pro Bowl as a rookie. Thomas is one of the top young wideouts in the league and warrants first-round attention in every format. New GM James Gladstone announced the team’s bold new direction by making a huge trade up to select Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter with the No. 2 pick. Early indications are that Hunter will primarily play wide receiver, making him an intriguing sleeper as the Jags’ WR2. Ancillary WR Parker Washington emerged as a reliable No. 2 option, catching three touchdowns in his final six games. Washington will compete with Dyami Brown for WR3/4 duties. TE Evan Engram was released, freeing up Brenton Strange to take over as the starter. Strange flashed decent pass-catching ability in his second season and offers weekly streaming value for fantasy managers who ‘punt’ the position on draft day. Fantasy Grade: C+ QB Lawrence, Trevor, JAX [QB1] Sleeper Trevor Lawrence’s fourth season ended prematurely after a nasty hit resulted in a season-ending concussion. Lawrence also had surgery to repair his AC joint on his left (non-throwing) arm. He’s expected to be fully healthy and ready to learn an aggressive new system championed by new head coach Liam Coen. The Buccaneers ranked 3rd in total offense and 4th in points in Coen’s one season as Tampa’s offensive coordinator. And Lawrence has the athleticism and arm to be a good fit. Jacksonville also has the league’s sixth-easiest schedule in 2025. Lawrence should be an excellent value coming off his worst season. ADVICE: Late-round sleeper to contend for top 12 numbers. RB Etienne, Travis, JAX [RB1] After consecutive 1,000-yard rushing campaigns, Travis Etienne fell out of favor with Jacksonville’s previous regime. He rushed for a career-low 3.7 yards per carry and 558 yards last season, while Tank Bigsby took on a larger share of the workload. Now, the new regime added Travis Hunter and used a fourth-rounder on surging Virginia Tech RB Bhayshul Tuten. There are reports that Etienne, who is entering a contract season, could be on the trade block. His 2025 season has a wide range of possible outcomes, from an undervalued RB3 to a barely fantasy-relevant committee back. Draft (or fade) accordingly. ADVICE: Boom/Bust RB3 who may need a change of scenery. RB Bigsby, Tank, JAX [RB2] Bigsby was Jacksonville’s most effective runner last season, which forced Travis Etienne into a reduced role. Bigsby ranked 6th in juke rate (28.6 percent) and produced eight explosive runs. He’s got deceptive speed and breakaway ability, but doesn’t offer much receiving ability. Additionally, the Jaguars are breaking in a new regime that may not use their backs the same. And that new staff also just invested a fourth-round pick on surging Virginia Tech RB Bhayshul Tuten, one of the 2025 NFL Combine’s fastest risers. Bigsby is a committee back with plus short-yardage ability and limited upside due to a lack of catches. ADVICE: Likely to be part of a rotation. limiting his potential to be more than a situational flex option. RB Tuten, Bhayshul, JAX [RB3] One of the draft’s fastest risers after an impressive NFL Combine showing, Bhayshul Tuten is a PPR sleeper with explosive potential. At 5-9 and 206 pounds, Tuten’s 4.32 40-yard dash (100th percentile) and 118.3 speed score (98th percentile) scream big-play ability. In 2024 at Virginia Tech, he posted 1,159 rushing yards, 15 TDs, and caught 23 receptions. His 4.18 YAC/attempt and 54 percent breakaway run percentage rank elite. Tuten’s nine fumbles raise concerns, but his 10.2 target share and zone-scheme fit make him a stash. Travis Etienne’s contract is also expiring after an ineffective 2025 campaign. UPDATE: Tuten fumbled his first touch of the preseason, bringing up a recurring issue. ADVICE: Wide range of outcomes, but has massive big-play potential in Liam Coen’s offense. WR Thomas Jr., Brian, JAX [WR1] Thomas Jr. emerged as a key target in Jacksonville’s offense, especially after the departure of other pass-catchers. He averaged nearly 100 yards per game over the final stretch of 2024. Thomas ended the season with 2.45 yards
2025 Indianapolis Colts Fantasy Preview
2025 Indianapolis Colts Fantasy Preview The Colts are at a crossroads, with a regime firmly on the hot seat and mired in quarterback purgatory, despite investing the No. 4 overall pick on Anthony Richardson two years ago. Richardson has been a disaster as a passer and can’t stay healthy. He completed a horrendous 47.7 percent of his passes in his sophomore season, with eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions. Shane Steichen was forced to play musical chairs at QB with Joe Flacco before returning to Richardson in a lost season. Now, Steichen added Daniel Jones as insurance. Jones fizzled out in New York and has also been hampered by developmental issues. Indianapolis has plenty of skill-position talent, but poor play-calling and QB play are the biggest obstacles preventing this group from achieving success. The offensive line and RB Jonathan Taylor have been bright spots in an otherwise underwhelming Indy offense. The front five accumulated the No. 4 run-blocking grade per PFF, but lost C Ryan Kelly and LG Will Fries to the Vikings. Despite missing three games, Taylor had his finest campaign since 2021, ranking seventh at running back with 17.6 fantasy points per game. The Colts added Khalil Herber and rookie D.J. Giddens, but Taylor’s three-down role is secure, making him an excellent RB1 to target in the second round of fantasy drafts. Indianapolis ranked 25th with 197.7 passing yards per game and last in completion rate (56.3 percent). However, Josh Downs and Michael Pittman posted similar top-40 wide receiver numbers. Downs shined in his second season, snagging 72 of 107 targets. Pittman’s numbers (69/808/3) fell off dramatically, but both wideouts remain solid mid-round depth targets whose volume gives them weekly starter upside. WR Alec Pierce had the best showing of his career but remains an erratic fantasy option as the club’s main deep threat. Pierce had five games with 16-plus fantasy points and six with fewer than five points. A.D. Mitchell topped 50 yards once in a forgettable rookie campaign. Nabbed 14th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, Tyler Warren will stabilize an unproductive rotation of middling tight ends. Warren was considered the top tight end in the draft and was expected to warrant top-10 attention. He’s a phenomenal downfield threat and another weapon at Richardson’s disposal. It’s time for Richardson and the Colts’ brass to put up or shut up. Fantasy Grade: C QB Richardson, Anthony, IND [QB1] Anthony Richardson was a highly coveted breakout pick last summer, but his sophomore campaign brought more highs than lows. While Richardson is an extraordinary rusher who delivered three 20-plus point games, his erratic accuracy (47.7 percent) resulted in a benching and overall QB25 season. Time is running out for GM Chris Ballard, head coach Shane Steichen, and Richardson, who faces competition for his job from Daniel Jones. We anticipate Richardson opening the season as Indy’s starter, but he must make significant and immediate improvement as a passer to retain that job and deliver on his immense fantasy upside. ADVICE: Elite runner with top-10 upside, but an equally precipitous floor. QB Jones, Daniel, IND [QB2] After a tumultuous 2024 season, in which he threw for 2,070 yards, 8 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions over 10 games before being released by the Giants, Daniel Jones signed a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts. Currently positioned as the backup to Anthony Richardson, Jones’s fantasy relevance hinges on Richardson’s performance. Should Richardson struggle, Jones could step in, offering a dual-threat capability reminiscent of his 2022 season, where he amassed 708 rushing yards and seven touchdowns. While his 2024 QBR of 47.8 ranked 26th, a change in scenery might rekindle his fantasy potential. ADVICE: Could see some starts but is only relevant in deep Superflex leagues. RB Taylor, Jonathan, IND [RB1] Jonathan Taylor led all running backs with a massive 88.4 percent opportunity share and ranked 2nd in snap rate (80.5 percent). All that usage resulted in 1,431 rushing yards (4th), 12 touchdowns (8th), and 17.6 fantasy points per contest (RB7). However, Taylor missed multiple games with injury. That has now happened in four of his five NFL seasons. And, his usage in the passing game eroded. D.J. Giddens will further limit Taylor’s involvement in the passing game, as will the Colts’ worrisome quarterback situation. Taylor remains one of the best breakaway runners in the league, but he’s a notch below the three-down bellcow backs. ADVICE: RB1 that lacks the receiving chops to post top-5 numbers. RB Giddens, DJ, IND [RB2] ADVICE: Giddens posted back-to-back 1,500-plus yard seasons at Kansas State. He has elite metrics and excels as a receiver. Giddens has a clear path to be Jonathan Taylor’s backup and is one of the top handcuffs to target late. RB Herbert, Khalil, IND [RB3] Middling option on the track to be a journeyman. We expect Herbert to open camp as Indy’s No. 2 back, but he could eventually cede that role to D.J. Giddens. WR Downs, Josh, IND [WR1] Josh Downs overcame poor quarterback play to rank 32nd in fantasy points per game (13.1). The Colts ranked last in adjusted completion rate (67 percent) and 27th with 211.7 passing yards per game. Downs was targeted at a higher rate than Michael Pittman and was the more productive player. Downs was PFF’s No. 12-grade wideout, running 84.5 percent of his snaps in the slot. Indianapolis is bringing back the key players from last year and has added uninspiring Daniel Jones to the mix. Downs’s role is secure, making him a quality team WR1 that can be drafted in WR3 territory. ADVICE: Strong middle-round value target with WR2 upside. WR Pittman, Michael, IND [WR2] Pittman’s play dropped off after posting his best numbers in 2023. Even though he ranked 24th with 111 targets, Pittman’s weekly fantasy average declined by 24 percent. Like his running mate, Josh Downs, poor QB play was the catalyst. There wasn’t a significant dip in metrics or usage, and Pittman only missed one game. Downs’s ascension factors in, but the two teammates’
2025 Houston Texans Fantasy Preview
2025 Houston Texans After winning consecutive AFC South titles in his first two seasons, changes are coming for DeMeco Ryans and the Houston Texans. A mere months after Bobby Slowik was a hot head coaching candidate, Ryans jettisoned his offensive coordinator after the unit dipped from seventh in passing in 2023 to 23rd. The offensive line was also a major problem. The Texans allowed the third-most sacks (54) a year ago. Worsening that concern was the club shipping off Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil to Washington and signing veteran castoffs to fill in. Second-round OT Aireontae Ersery is enormous and adds some youthful potential to the team’s biggest area of need. New offensive coordinator Nick Caley was the Rams’ passing game coordinator last season. His biggest task will be to recapture the magic that QB C.J. Stroud had in his 2023 rookie campaign. Stroud’s play regressed last season under Slowik, as constant pressure led to poorer decisions and more turnovers. Caley will also be dealing with a revamped receiving corps. The Texans traded for Christian Kirk to man the slot. Kirk replaces Stefon Diggs, who departed for New England. No. 1 wideout Nico Collins missed five games but ranked 10th in fantasy points per game. Collins topped 13 PPR points in seven of his final eight games and remains a locked-in WR1. The Texans also added Iowa State teammates Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft, giving the club a vastly improved supporting cast. Both rookies should see ample playing time as Tank Dell is expected to miss the season. In the backfield, Joe Mixon’s three-down role looks secure. Mixon topped 1,000 rushing yards and scored a dozen touchdowns in his first season with the club. His 17.2 PPR points per game ranked 10th at running back, and he accumulated that volume despite leading the NFL with (-94) tackle loss yards due to Houston’s haggard O-line. Mixon is a good fit in this scheme and boasts the volume to post fantasy RB1 numbers. Fourth-round USC rookie Woody Marks will contend with Dameon Pierce for backup duties. Dalton Schultz had his poorest showing at tight end since becoming a starter in 2020. Caley’s background is as a tight ends coach, but he also comes from a Sean McVay system that implemented a committee approach to the position. Houston used a fourth-rounder on Cam Stover in 2024 and ran ’12’ personnel on 31.4 percent of their snaps last season- the fourth-highest rate in football. That makes Schultz merely a middling TE2 option with limited fantasy upside. Fantasy Grade: B+ QB Stroud, C.J., HOU [QB1] After a dynamic debut, C.J. Stroud regressed in his sophomore season. It wasn’t all on Stroud, as he suffered the second-most sacks (52) in the league. But defenses caught up to Stroud, who dropped to 20 touchdowns and jumped from five to 12 picks in Year Two. Reinforcements are on the way. The Texans added OT Aireontae Ersery and a pair of promising Iowa State wideouts (Jayden Higgins, Jaylin Noel) in the 2025 NFL Draft. Houston also brought in Nick Caley from the Rams to run the offense after ranking 27th in pace of play. Stroud should be better in 2025. However, he’s outside QB1 range. ADVICE: Fantasy QB2 with limited ceiling. QB Mills, Davis, HOU [QB2] Mills is one of the better backups in the league. However, he has no fantasy value unless C.J. Stroud gets injured. Just a name to keep in mind in deep Superflex leagues. RB Mixon, Joe, HOU [RB1] Despite seeing an average of 6.8 defenders in the box (3rd most) running behind Houston’s 26th-ranked run-blocking line, Joe Mixon ranked 9th in PPR points per game. Mixon topped 1,000 rushing yards for the second straight season and posted seven top-10 fantasy weekly performances. Unfortunately, six of those RB1 outings came in Houston’s first eight games. But Mixon remained a force thanks to his superior volume (77.7 percent opportunity share ranked 7th) and 60 red-zone touches (6th). The Texans added receiving help and worked to improve their beleaguered O-line. Mixon remains a high-end RB2 in 2025. UPDATE: Mixon opened training camp on the non-football injury list. We’ve downgraded his projections. ADVICE: High-end RB2 with RB1 potential. RB Chubb, Nick, HOU [RB2] The Texans signed Chubb to a one-year, $2.5 million deal. Chubb has missed 24 games over the past two seasons, most of which occurred after his second major knee injury. When he did play last year, he had no explosiveness and averaged a career-worst 3.3 yards per tote. Maybe an extra offseason of noted viral workouts will help him regain his form. Joe Mixon is also dealing with injury, so if Chubb can rebound, he could cause the Texans to employ a committee backfield. Finally, view Chubb as a low-risk depth piece in the latter rounds. RB Pierce, Dameon, HOU [RB3] ADVICE: Pierce will open the season in his customary spot as Houston’s No. 2 back. However, he could lose snaps to rookie Woody Marks. RB Marks, Woody, HOU [RB4] ADVICE: Prolific pass-catching back (83 receptions for Mississippi State in 2021) who ran the most routes in college from 2021-2024. He’s also got a compact frame that evokes Maurice Jones-Drew comps. Marks is a change-of-pace option behind Joe Mixon. WR Collins, Nico, HOU [WR1] Collins had a nice 2024 with 68 catches for 1006 yards and 7 TDs in only 12 games, while ranking second among all wide receivers in yards per route run (2.86). He finished as the WR6 in points per game (14.9), despite missing four games due to a midseason calf injury. WR Tank Dell may miss all of 2025, and WR Stefon Diggs is in New England, leading to more reliance on Nico in the passing game. His strong rapport with C.J. Stroud, especially on deep routes and in the red zone, makes him a high-ceiling asset in one of the league’s top passing offenses. ADVICE: WR1 with top-5 upside; target
2025 Pittsburgh Steelers Fantasy Preview
2025 Pittsburgh Steelers Fantasy Preview Mike Tomlin has famously never had a losing season in his coaching career. Tomlin excels at getting the most out of his roster. For the 2025 Steelers to keep that impressive streak going, Tomlin will once again have to coach up a roster that enters the season with a modest 8.5-win projection in Vegas. Last season, Pittsburgh ranked 23rd in total offense, dipping to 27th in passing with just 192 yards per game. Russell Wilson had one game with more than 280 yards and four with fewer than 200. Change was needed, and Wilson was allowed to walk. By missing out on the free agents and bypassing the position early in the draft, the Steelers are going all in with Aaron Rodgers. Even at 41, Rodgers seems like an upgrade, but his touchdowns, completion rate, yards per attempt, and ADOT have all been trending down for four years. Telltale signs of a declining asset. Additionally, the pretentious attitude and off-field behavior are potential trouble in a locker room filled with big personalities. Other options under center include Mason Rudolph and 6th-round Ohio State rookie Will Howard. Both would be downgrades over Rodgers and would further complicate an offense that ranked 23rd in passing last year. Najee Harris signed with the Chargers. resulting in the Steelers adding Iowa State RB Kaleb Johnson in Round 3. Johnson (6-1, 224) has power, elite ball security, and ranked 2nd in the nation in breakaway yards. Johnson projects as a terrific power back, allowing Pittsburgh’s tandem with Jaylen Warren to continue. Warren is a better receiver and gets enough touches to warrant RB3/4 consideration. With questions at quarterback, relying on the Steelers’ pass-catchers has risk. The team traded for DK Metcalf, who wanted out of Seattle. Metcalf is a legit alpha No. 1 receiver, but his presence will take away targets from George Pickens. Pickens has already raised concerns about his target share. Both wideouts are talented, with plenty of fantasy appeal. But it’s a potentially volatile situation that fantasy managers must consider before using early draft capital. Pat Freiermuth has his best season, averaging 10. 1 fantasy points per contest. He ranked 6th with 54.9 expected points added and 7th with 2.16 fantasy points per target. However, the looming QB change makes repeating those numbers unlikely. Freiermuth projects to be more of a high-end TE2 than a top 10 option. Fantasy Grade: D QB Rodgers, Aaron, PIT [QB1] The Jets elected to move on from Rodgers, who is expected to sign with the Steelers this summer. At this point in his career, Rodgers doesn’t want to participate in offseason activities, so the Steelers patiently wait. It’s hard to root for Rodgers off the field, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to rely on him for fantasy. Now 42, Rodgers’ QB Rating, ADOT, and adjusted completion rate have all been in decline for the past four years. The Steelers also don’t have much pass-catching depth. At best, Rodgers is a meh QB2 at this point. ADVICE: The QB-needy Jets didn’t even want Rodgers. Fantasy managers shouldn’t either. QB Rudolph, Mason, PIT [QB2] As expected, Pittsburgh signed Aaron Rodgers. That would put Rudolph in line to be the backup. At this stage, he’s more of a bridge quarterback, but Rudolph tossed nine touchdowns in six starts for Tennessee last year. He only has modest Superflex value if Father Time catches up to Rodgers. ADVICE: Uninspiring veteran with minimal Superflex value. RB Johnson, Kaleb, PIT [RB1] In 2024, the Pittsburgh running backs averaged 4.0 yards per carry and scored seven touchdowns, despite ranking fifth in attempts (428). Kaleb Johnson, a 6-1, 225-pound power runner who rebounded from a 2023 injury to record 240 carries for 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2024, plus 22 catches for 188 yards and two scores. His 4.57 40-yard dash caps his breakaway speed, but his vision and patience excel in short-yardage and goal-line situations. Johnson looks like an upgrade over Najee Harris and should see a similar role, splitting reps with Jaylen Warren. ADVICE: In a good spot to deliver 1,000-plus yards, making him an upside RB3. RB Warren, Jaylen, PIT [RB2] The fantasy community was ready to see Jaylen Warren as Pittsburgh’s primary running back after Najee Harris signed with the Chargers. However, the Steelers selected Kaleb Johnson in the 3rd round. Johnson is an intriguing three-down back and will likely take over Harris’s touches. That keeps Warren in his change-of-pace role. It’s still a quality role- Warren ranked 9th with 4.17 yards created per touch and 6th with 2.50 yards per route run. He’s a good receiver and quality change-of-pace option, but Warren’s lack of touchdown prowess (six scores in three seasons) caps his upside. ADVICE: Should maintain his usual role behind Kaleb Johnson, making Warren a PPR flex option. WR Metcalf, DK, PIT [WR1] After six seasons in Seattle, DK Metcalf was traded to Pittsburgh, where he steps in as the Steelers’ new top wideout. A model of durability—having missed only three games in his career—Metcalf has consistently produced but hasn’t fully met elite fantasy expectations. Since entering the league, he leads all receivers with 96 end-zone targets, yet has just one top-20 fantasy finish (WR10 in 2020). He wrapped up 2024 as the WR32 overall, logging 992 yards and a career-low five touchdowns in 15 games. He was a top-5 WR in targets and air yards before a Week 7 knee injury. Now, in Arthur Smith’s run-first scheme, his fantasy value will depend on red-zone volume and explosive plays. ADVICE: Boom-or-bust WR2 with upside if Steelers’ offense takes a step forward. WR Austin III, Calvin, PIT [WR2] ADVICE: The trade of George Pickens could free up more targets for Austin, who will compete with Robert Woods for WR2/3 duties in Pittsburgh. Austin has 99th-percentile speed but struggles versus man. He could develop into a big-play option for Aaron Rodgers. WR Woods, Robert, PIT [WR3] Should see plenty of snaps but has no
2025 Cleveland Browns Fantasy Preview
2025 Cleveland Browns Fantasy Preview The 2025 NFL Draft provided the perfect opportunity for GM Andrew Berry and head coach Kevin Stefanski to hit reset on a roster that fell to 3-14 last season. Mission accomplished. The Browns added weapons on both sides of the ball and acquired Jacksonville’s first-rounder in 2026. While the draft brought an infusion of youth, that didn’t necessarily apply to the most important position. Deshaun Watson’s albatross contract still hamstrings the Browns. Recovering from a torn Achilles, Watson is expected to miss most, if not all, of the 2025 season. 40-year-old Joe Flacco is expected to take over as the starter in his return to Cleveland. Kenny Pickett, third-rounder Dillon Gabriel, and embattled fifth-round rookie Shedeur Sanders give the Browns depth under center. Nick Chubb was not retained, which opens the door for second-round Ohio State rookie Quinshon Judkins to take over as the starter. Judkins (6-0, 219) has good size and ranked 4th in FBS with 179 missed tackles forced in 2024. He was the third running back selected in this deep class and has RB2 upside in an offense that wants to rely on the rushing attack. Judkins will form a solid tandem with Jerome Ford, who averaged 5.4 yards per tote last season and caught 37 balls. Fourth-round Tennessee RB Dylan Sampson has a three-down skill set and gives the Browns depth after they ranked 27th in rushing EPA last season. Flacco winning the starting job and staying there would be a welcome development for Cleveland’s underwhelming passing attack. Even in a lost season, Jerry Jeudy ranked 7th with 144 targets. He only caught 90 of those looks (62.5 percent catch rate), but still produced 1,229 receiving yards. Jeudy is locked into the WR1 slot, while Cedric Tillman looks like a solid late-round sleeper target. Tillman had a monster three-game stretch before a concussion ended his season. With Amari Cooper gone, Tillman projects to be Cleveland’s WR2. Michael Woods, DeAndre Carter, Diontae Johnson, and David Bell will vie for WR 3 duties. With David Njoku, the Browns were already set at tight end. However, they added promising Bowling Green rookie Harold Fannin Jr. in the third round. Njoku ranked 6th with 13.1 fantasy points per game, and Fannin set an FBS record with 117 receptions in 2024 for 1,555 yards. Cleveland only used multiple tight ends on 16.4 percent of their snaps in 2024, which ranked 22nd. The addition of Fannin and the lack of wideout depth indicate that rate will climb significantly in 2025. Fantasy Grade: D QB Flacco, Joe, CLE [QB1] It looks like Deshaun Watson (Achilles) won’t play in 2025. As insurance, the Cleveland Browns re-signed Joe Flacco as the transitional starter. Flacco famously went ham for the Browns in 2023, throwing for 323 yards and 2.6 touchdowns per game in a five-game stint to end the season and lead the Browns to the playoffs. We can’t expect that kind of production in the reunion, but Flacco is a reliable veteran who will push the ball downfield. As a pure passer, Flacco is a significant upgrade from anyone else on the roster, and good news for Cleveland pass catchers. ADVICE: Could post surprisingly decent numbers as a streaming option. QB Pickett, Kenny, CLE [QB2] The Browns first signed Kenny Pickett as insurance in case Deshaun Watson misses the 2025 season. Cleveland also added veteran Joe Flacco and drafted Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. These additions will make it difficult for Pickett to make much of an impact this season. ADVICE: Only has modest Superflex appeal if he somehow wins Cleveland’s starting job. RB Judkins, Quinshon, CLE [RB1] Cleveland’s rushing attack struggled without Nick Chubb last season, ranking dead last in attempts (312) and 31st in yards (1,253). They also averaged just 4.0 yards per carry with a mere seven touchdowns. Browns’ backs caught 63 passes for 429 yards and one touchdown on 87 targets. Enter Quinshon Judkins from Ohio State, who scored 50 touchdowns in 42 games. Despite fewer carries in 2024 (194 versus 274 and 271 previously), he scored consistently and added 59 receptions for 442 yards and five touchdowns on 72 career targets. Judkins will replace Chubb in a Cleveland offense that wants to establish the run. UPDATE: Judkins is facing serious charges for an offseason domestic assault. We’re now recommending that fantasy managers fade the rookie. Only the Cleveland Browns. ADVICE: Great landing spot, but Judkins’s offseason arrest complicates his immediate and long-term future. RB Ford, Jerome, CLE [RB2] Jerome Ford went from backing up Nick Chubb to potentially playing behind two rookie rushers. Ford performed well as Cleveland’s top back last year, ranking top 10 in routes run (236), yards per touch (5.6), and explosive play rate (106.8). But with the Browns adding Quinshon Judkins in Round 2 and Dylan Sampson in Round 4, Ford won’t be able to match last year’s 54.1 percent snap share. Instead, Ford is more likely to be the change-of-pace and main passing down option, but with Judins’s availability now in doubt, he becomes a nice value target. ADVICE: Has some PPR value as a stash, or low-end flex option in deeper leagues. RB Sampson, Dylan, CLE [RB3] ADVICE: Tennessee’s all-time single-season TD record holder (22), Sampson has explosive acceleration. With Judkins now in doubt, Sampson has an outside shot at posting usable fantasy stats. He’s a strong late-round draft target. WR Jeudy, Jerry, CLE [WR1] No wide receiver ran more routes last year than Jerry Jeudy’s 700. Despite being hampered by a Cleveland offense that scored the fewest points in the league, Jeudy delivered WR16 overall numbers. His massive target load (144) and sheer volume of catches (90) were enough to overcome low touchdown production and eight drops. With Joe Flacco projected to open the season under center, Jeudy will remain heavily involved in Cleveland’s game plan. Jeudy was primarily targeted downfield in 2024, but his elite route-running should open up more underneath targets. That could lead to an increased