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 Preseason Pro: Jody Smith (Free)
NFL training camps are underway. That means the fantasy football draft season has finally arrived! Our annual Flagship Feature is called Preseason Pro. This 2025 Preseason Pro: Jody Smith introduces the exclusive insight you can find only at FullTime Fantasy. Here at FullTime Fantasy, we’ve assembled the very best high-stakes players in the world: many of the Top 10 World-Ranked high-stakes players, and one of the top RANKERS in the country — to help you win your Fantasy Football league. No one else in the industry can provide you with this type of information. Additionally, we host the Fantasy Football World Championships, and these players are gracious enough to lend us a hand in promoting the very best content in the industry. Each of them is putting their reputation on the line for all to see and is providing us with their: ONE Top Sleeper, ONE Breakout, ONE Bust ONE Comeback, and ONE late-round Stash & Cash. to help you with your upcoming draft. However, it’s only one per category! They don’t know what anyone else has submitted, so you’re getting the genuine gut check from the best players in the world. High rollers have offered some of them hundreds of dollars for this kind of private advice. And that’s just one opinion. Here you’re getting no less than SEVEN, and Preseason Pro continues to be the elite product of the fantasy season. This year’s Preseason Pro picks are included FREE with your FullTime Fantasy Membership! What makes their opinion so worthy? Simple. They win. Year in and year out, they’re winners. While some may ask, “Why would they help me?”, there is no question that when their pride and integrity are on the line, they step up and make bold calls to help others. When we have questions on Sunday, this is who we call. We’re essentially bringing our high-stakes connections to FullTime Fantasy. When your league is on the line, who do you trust? A magazine that contains out-of-date news? No. Those days are over. Not all experts are considered equal. Starting with Jody Smith, who has more than 15 years of content experience. Jody was also previously Fantasy Pro’s Most Accurate Rankings Expert, and he’s fresh off a No. 2 overall finish in last year’s draft accuracy. Additionally, Jody topped the betting leaderboards in 2020 and holds a top-10 overall ranking for multi-year accuracy. He’s consistently been one of the best in the business for a long time! Finally, Jody recommended Hunter Henry as his late-round stash & cash last August, and Henry posted overall TE11 numbers, making him one of the top values. Let’s see who Jody picks in his 2025 Preseason Pro. JODY SMITH (below) – ADAM KRAUTWURST – IAN RITCHIE – SCOTT ATKINS – ANGELOS LILAS — BREAKOUT — Kenneth Walker (RB) Seattle Seahawks It was hard to narrow this down to one single breakout player for 2025. So as a bonus, I chose one position player and a pair of second-year signal callers. At running back, Ken Walker is already a well-known name in the fantasy community. Last year, he was RB12 in PPR points per game, but missed six games due to oblique and leg injuries. But when he played, Walker was the staff’s preferred backfield option. Zach Charbonnet only averaged four carries in games that Walker started and finished. Per FantasyPoints Data, Walker led all running backs with 0.50 missed tackles forced per attempt, ranked third with 70.9% of his yards coming after contact, and was RB8 in expected fantasy points per game. Those tell the story of an explosive player whose breakout ability has already been displayed. Walker’s involvement in the passing game last season was also encouraging. Despite playing just 11 games, he snagged 46-of-53 targets. He’s going to be the featured back in a Klint Kubiak offense that resulted in Alvin Kamara leading all running backs in targets per game last season.🚀 Seattle’s O-line is a concern, but first-round OG Grey Zabel will be a good fit as a pulling guard in Kubiak’s versatile system. A healthy Walker is top-5 upside and can readily be drafted in the 4th round. I also love J.J. McCarthy and Drake Maye as sophomore quarterbacks with breakout potential. I was high on McCarthy last year, but his season was over before it began. We saw how Kevin O’Connell’s offense, which has ranked top-6 in passing in every season, led to a career resurrection for Sam Darnold. Now it’s McCarthy who has the keys to O’Connell’s offense, and we’re starting to see some of his potential in camp. Drake Maye is a dark horse to lead all QBs in rushing. Despite playing in just 10 full games, Maye ranked 9th among QBs last season with 421 rushing yards. He’s also got a strong arm and will be helped exceptionally by the additions of Mike Vrabel, Josh McDaniels, Stefon Diggs, Kyle Williams, and a vastly improved offensive line. Both of these second-year QBs will contend for QB1 fantasy production and can be drafted in the mid-to-late rounds of most fantasy drafts. — SLEEPER — Jakobi Meyers (WR) Las Vegas Raiders Another season, another year of Jakobi Meyers being overlooked on draft day. He’s been a top-25 wideout in back-to-back seasons and got significant upgrades in coaching and at quarterback. Yet Meyers is still being drafted outside of the top-40 wide receivers, well into the middle rounds. At that point in drafts, Meyers is the ideal fantasy WR3 for managers who already have targeted a tight end/quarterback, and have both backfield spots occupied. Taking WR/WR to open the draft and targeting Meyers in that range allows for a deep weekly lineup. Meyers isn’t flashy, but he’s averaged over 13 fantasy points in three straight seasons. Last year, with arguably the worst quarterback play in the NFL, Meyers posted his first 1000-yard campaign. He absorbed 129 targets in 15 games, even with TE Brock Bowers setting NFL records. Now, the Raiders have made significant changes for the better. Pete Carroll and Chip Kelly will be a boon for an
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
2025 Cincinnati Bengals Fantasy Preview
Cincinnati Bengals No team embodies the Tecmo Bowl spirit of ‘all offense, no defense, no punting’ mentality quite like the Cincinnati Bengals. By signing QB Joe Burrow, WR Ja’Marr Chase, and WR Tee Higgins to expensive long-term deals, the Bengals should field a potent offense for years to come, with little salary cap space to fortify a defense that ranked 25th in 2024. That makes Bengals players highly desirable fantasy targets. Burrow led the NFL with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns. He finished as fantasy’s QB2 after missing seven games in 2023. Playing behind a suspect offensive line, Burrow engineered an offense that ranked 6th in scoring (27.8), 8th in yards per play (5.8), and 10th in EPA per play (0.07). Burrow/Chase stacks won countless fantasy titles last season and will be one of the most sought-after stacks again in 2025. Defacto GM Duke Tobin evenly split Cincinnati’s six 2025 NFL Draft picks on defense and offense, targeting the trenches. Tobin did not address the RB position until he selected Tahj Brooks in the 6th round, cementing Chase Brown as a legitimate RB1 target. Brown produced 1,350 scrimmage yards and 11 scores despite not starting until Week 4. Brown scored 13-plus fantasy points in 12 of his 13 starts and will see plenty of touches in his third season. Ja’Marr Chase was fantasy football’s No. 1 wideout who commanded a league-high 175 targets. Those ample looks resulted in Chase pulling the receiving Triple Crown. Duplicating last year’s production will be difficult, but Chase warrants 1.01 attention in all leagues. Now locked into Cincinnati for four years, Tee Higgins ranked 5th with 18.7 PPR points per game, giving the Bengals the top duo in football. Higgins missed five games with hamstring and quad injuries but scored 12-plus fantasy points in nine of the 10 full games he played. Andrei Iosivas returns as the WR3 after the Bengals ignored the position in free agency and the draft. Iosivas will need to improve his consistency, but he is worth late-round consideration in deeper leagues. And just because the QB and wideouts got extensions didn’t exempt the tight ends. Mike Gesicki re-signed for three years and returns to lead Cincinnati’s TE rotation. Gesicki finished just outside TE1 range last season and ranked 12th with 83 targets. He’s a solid TE2 fantasy option but will continue to split playing time with Drew Sample and Erick All, who missed most of his rookie campaign. The Bengals should once again be able to score and surrender plenty of points. That makes targeting Cincinnati skill position players a solid investment on draft day. Fantasy Grade: A QB Burrow, Joe, CIN [QB1] Joe Burrow delivered a stellar 2024 fantasy season, leading the NFL in passing yards (4,918), touchdowns (43), and completions (460), while maintaining a 70.6 percent completion rate. He averaged 22-plus fantasy points per game, ranking as the QB3 overall. Burrow’s advanced metrics underscore his elite performance: he topped the league in pass attempts (652), red zone throws (126), and air yards (4,609). His 6.6 percent touchdown rate and 1.7 percent turnover-worthy play rate highlight his efficiency and decision-making. Paired with an elite supporting cast and a defense that will lead to fantasy-friendly game scripts, Burrow remains a top fantasy option in an expanding QB class. ADVICE: Still elite, but likely to be overdrafted. RB Brown, Chase, CIN [RB1] Chase Brown was one of last year’s biggest breakouts. After Zack Moss went down with a Week 8 neck injury, Brown became Cincinnati’s feature back. Starting in Week 9, Brown averaged 23.6 touches, 116.2 scrimmage yards, and housed six touchdowns. Moss is slated to return in a backup role, and the Bengals reunited with Samaje Perine, but Brown is expected to have a prominent role as the team’s three-down starter. Brown will see favorable game scripts in a Cincinnati offense projected to be among the highest-scoring NFL offenses. ADVICE: Finished as the RB10 last season and is poised to have a more prominent role in 2025. RB Moss, Zack, CIN [RB2] Moss opened the season as Cincinnati’s lead back, scoring 12-plus PPR points in three of the club’s first four games. But Moss’s lack of explosive plays resulted in him losing snaps to Chase Brown before a neck injury ended Moss’s season after Week 8. Now, Moss is clearly behind Brown on the depth chart. But the Bengals may hesitate to keep giving Brown over 23 touches per game, freeing up Moss to see early-down work. Even if Brown remains the bellcow, Moss is one of the top handcuffs to target in a Bengals’ offense that averaged 27.8 points per game last season. ADVICE: Handcuff to Chase Brown, who could factor in as a short-yardage option. WR Chase, Ja’Marr, CIN [WR1] Fresh off a historic Triple Crown season, Chase remains the premier fantasy wideout. With Joe Burrow healthy and Tee Higgins re-signed, defenses can’t focus solely on him. The Bengals had one of the most explosive passing games in the league, and they made no changes to the staff or players involved in the passing game. Expect elite volume, red-zone dominance, and explosive plays. He’s the consensus WR1 and a strong candidate for the No. 1 overall pick in PPR formats. ADVICE: Elite WR1 with league-winning upside—worthy of the top overall pick. WR Higgins, Tee, CIN [WR2] Tee Higgins quietly delivered an elite 2024 season when on the field, finishing sixth among wide receivers in fantasy points per game (18.5) despite missing five contests due to injury. He set career highs in touchdowns (10) and was a top-20 fantasy scorer in seven of his 12 games. Cincinnati once again leaned heavily on the pass, especially near the goal line, where Higgins thrived—his eight end-zone targets from inside the 3-yard line ranked second in the league, producing four scores. The Bengals return the same offensive core, and Higgins remains locked in as a starting outside receiver opposite Ja’Marr Chase. His touchdown upside and target share remain strong as
2025 Baltimore Ravens Fantasy Preview
2025 Baltimore Ravens Fantasy Preview The Ravens won the formidable AFC North for the second consecutive season but fell to the Bills in a heartbreaking AFC Divisional Playoff loss. For GM Eric DeCosta and head coach John Harbaugh, reinforcing the offensive line and secondary were the top priorities for a roster that sits atop the NFL with a preseason over/under of 11.5 wins. QB Lamar Jackson had the finest season of his career en route to an overall QB1 finish. Jackson threw for a career-best 4.172 yards and 41 touchdowns while leading the position with 915 rushing yards. Jackson has zero bust games and accounted for multiple scores in 15 of his final 17 games, including the postseason. Securing Jackson on draft day will be expensive, but he’s one of the safest bets in fantasy for managers looking to secure an elite quarterback early. Derrick Henry (31) is old for a running back, but he is a unique physical freak who showed no signs of slowing down. He led the AFC with 1,921 rushing yards and scored a career-high 18 touchdowns. In his age-30 season, Henry forced the most missed tackles (89) and most breakaway runs (30) of his career. There are no metrics that indicate Henry is past his prime. He’s the perfect fit in Todd Monken’s offense and in fantasy lineups. Ancillary back Justice Hill averaged a solid 8.5 fantasy points as Baltimore’s change-of-pace runner. Hill never received more than five carries in a regular-season game but corralled 42-of-51 targets. He’s a solid handcuff target for Henry managers and offers some weekly flex appeal in deeper PPR leagues. The Ravens add WR DeAndre Hopkins in free agency. Nuk saw steep drop-offs in yards after catch, yards per route run, and ADOT- all signs of a declining player. However, he still has tremendous hands and compiled a 54.2% contested catch rate. He has the potential to be a good possession option for Jackson, with plus red-zone potential. Zay Flowers finished one spot out of WR2 range with a solid 74/1,059/4 sophomore campaign. Flowers was most effective between the numbers, which bodes well for his potential to continue to ascend into the top-20 wideout range with Hopkins and Rashod Bateman commanding attention. Bateman broke out with a career-high nine scores, but is highly unlikely to approach last year’s gaudy stats as the fourth option. Baltimore has a pair of standout tight ends. Mark Andrews led all tight ends with 11 touchdowns and finished as the overall TE6 after a slow start. Isaiah Likely finished 16th with a 42/477/6 showing that included five weekly TE1 finishes. Andrews is on the TE1/2 radar, and Likely is a high-upside mid-to-late round depth target. Fantasy managers should also take note of sixth-round PK Tyler Loop from Arizona, who is the first kicker drafted in franchise history and is expected to take over for Justin Tucker. Fantasy Grade: B+ QB Jackson, Lamar, BAL [QB1] In his third season in Todd Monken’s system, Lamar Jackson posted QB1 overall numbers. He threw for a career-high 4,172 yards and 41 touchdowns against only four interceptions. Jackson has jelled in this offense, posting a +11.6 EPA when under pressure and leading the NFL in passing EPA versus zone coverage and against 2-high looks. In addition to becoming an elite passer, Jackson also ran for a position-leading 915 yards. Jackson is a cheat code that has improved each season in Monken’s offense. He’ll have a hard time topping last year’s numbers, but Jackson is locked in top-3 signal caller. ADVICE: Dual-threat weapon primed for another elite run. RB Henry, Derrick, BAL [RB1] Have you seen Derrick Henry’s workout regimen? If anyone can defeat Father Time, it’s Henry. At 30, when most mortal running backs are retired, Henry set a personal-best with 2,191 scrimmage yards and 5.9 yards per carry. He was second in the league in carries (325), rushing (1,921), and touchdowns (18). Henry was PFF’s top-graded running back and forced a league-high 89 missed tackles. There are no signs that Henry is slowing down in an offense that calls over 32 runs per game, the 2nd-most in the NFL. Finally, Henry won’t catch many passes, which puts him a notch below the elite, three-down studs. ADVICE: The best pure runner in the league, in the perfect offense. RB Hill, Justice, BAL [RB2] Derrick Henry stayed healthy, but Hill still received enough touches to finish as a top 40 running back in PPR leagues. That production’s main driver was putting up career-best numbers (42/j383/3) as an outlet receiver. Hill did not garner more than five carries in any regular-season tilt. He’s not a traditional handcuff because the Ravens wouldn’t use Hill or any other back in the same way they utilize Henry. However, Hill has some RB5/6 value as the Ravens’ main pass-catching weapon. ADVICE: Don’t count on another top-40 finish, but Hill has some value as a receiver. WR Flowers, Zay, BAL [WR1] Zay Flowers’s sophomore numbers were strikingly similar to his rookie season. He ranked 30th in fantasy points during his rookie season and 25th in 2024. Last year, he was top-20 in targets (116), target share (25.7 percent), and yards (1,059). However, Flowers only had four WR1/2 weeks, with two dud outings (not including Week 18). He has settled in as a dependable weekly source of targets and catches, who will occasionally pop a huge play (10th in YAC and 11th in deep targets). That makes him a high-upside WR3/flex option in the NFL’s top-ranked offense. ADVICE: Steady WR3 who offers weekly WR1 upside. WR Bateman, Rashod, BAL [WR2] Bust After averaging 78.5 fantasy points per season in three years, Rashod Bateman exploded to finish with 174.6 points in 2024. The main reason- he jumped up to nine touchdowns after scoring four total in three years. Not only was last season an outlier, it’s also not sustainable. Bateman only averaged 3.9 targets per game, scoring on six of his nine red-zone targets. DeAndre Hopkins will also
2025 New York Jets Fantasy Preview
2025 New York Jets Fantasy Preview The New York Jets entered the 2025 offseason aiming to rebuild after a disastrous 5-12 season in 2024, marked by the failure of the Aaron Rodgers experiment and the longest active playoff drought in American professional sports (14 years). Under new head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey, the Jets adopted a measured approach, focusing on youth, depth, and fortifying the offensive line while addressing defensive and skill-position needs. Priority One for the Jets was to get younger and more athletic and quarterback. Enter Justin Fields, who signed a two-year, $40 million deal. Fields may not be the long-term answer to a fan base that has mostly never experienced a franchise signal caller. Still, he can be a formidable running weapon who offers enough potential as a passer to contend for QB1 numbers. In six starts for Pittsburgh a year ago, Fields averaged 18.9 fantasy points per game, which would have ranked seventh at the position. However, much of Fields’s production is based on his elite rushing upside. The Jets have a surplus of young running backs and lack proven pass catchers. That relegates Fields to QB2 territory, but one that has a high ceiling, particularly in best ball formats. Speaking of New York’s backfield, the club ranked 31st in rushing behind a line that ranked 28th in run-block win rate and allowed 48 sacks (27th). New offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand will employ a run-heavy, play-action scheme that the additions of first-round OT Armand Membou and veteran RT Chukwuma Okorafor will reinforce. Breece Hall’s numbers fell off after breaking out in 2023. Selected in the first round of many fantasy drafts, Hall declined to 876 rushing yards and 56 receptions. He still averaged 15.3 fantasy points per game, but the new regime has talked up using a three-man backfield this season. That and Fields’s presence keep Hall in RB2 territory. Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis will also be involved, but should be viewed only as handcuffs to Hall. No. 1 wideout Garrett Wilson was tied for 4th in targets (153) and ranked 9th with 253.3 PPR points. While Wilson is reportedly excited to be reunited with his former Ohio State teammate at quarterback, Fields has never attempted more than 370 passes in the NFL. Aaron Rodgers threw 584 last season. For Wilson to earn a similar target number this season, he would have to command an impossible 41.3 percent target share. Wilson is an elite wideout, but regression is in order. New York has little depth after Wilson. Allen Lazard and fourth-round rookie Arian Smith will vie for targets in an offense that projects to be bottom-10 in passing attempts. Second-round LSU tight end Mason Taylor takes over for Tyler Conklin and could be heavily involved from Day One. Taylor (6-5, 255 pounds) set an LSU record for tight ends with 129 catches. Taylor was the youngest player in the 2025 NFL Draft, has NFL bloodlines, and the skill set to make an immediate fantasy impact. Fantasy Grade: C QB Fields, Justin, NYJ [QB1] Sleeper Justin Fields has dealt with plenty of adversity, from a lame-duck head coach, revolving door of offensive coordinators, lack of talent, and a porous offensive line. Yet, Fields posted two top-10 showings in fantasy points per game while starting in Chicago. Most of that boils down to Fields being an elite runner, but his passing numbers and ability to lead an offense were enough for the QB-starved Jets. New York is similar to those Bears squads in employing a lack of receivers and a poor offensive line. But maybe that’s just what Fields needs to resurrect his career- and fantasy value. ADVICE: Elite rushing upside puts Fields in QB1/2 territory. QB Taylor, Tyrod, NYJ [QB2] The Jets signed Justin Fields to a 2-year deal. But Fields has never played a full season in the NFL. New York also wisely secured Taylor, a veteran backup who is more than capable of running Tanner Engstrand’s offense. Both players ran a 4.51 40 (99th percentile) at their respective NFL Combines. Taylor has been a solid veteran for over a decade and has slightly higher career completion and QB ratings than Fields. If Fields has another injury, which happens frequently with his style, Taylor can be more than capable of chipping in weekly QB2 stats. ADVICE: Justin Fields handcuff to consider in deeper Superflex leagues. RB Hall, Breece, NYJ [RB1] Hall did not live up to his first-round ADP, but it wasn’t a total loss. Hall led all running backs with 423 routes run and was 4th in receptions (57) and receiving yards (483). However, Hall wasn’t as effective as a runner. His breakaway rate declined by 35 percent, his yards after contact per attempt dropped from 3.41 to 3.04, and he fumbled six times. New head coach Aaron Glenn has stated that Hall could be put into a three-man committee. ADVICE: Still plenty of big-play potential, but there is some boom-or-bust potential with targeting Hall as an RB2. RB Allen, Braelon, NYJ [RB2] Braelon Allen posted a 96th-percentile Speed Score at the 2024 NFL Combine, but that didn’t translate onto the field. Allen averaged a meager 3.6 yards in his 92 carries as a rookie. He fared better as a receiver, snagging 19 balls for 148 yards and a score. New head coach Aaron Glenn plans to use multiple backs for the Jets, but Allen is clearly behind Breece Hall. Allen (6-1, 235) has the size to be a factor in short-yardage situations, so that role is worth monitoring. He’s an RB4/5 in his sophomore season. ADVICE: RB4/5 that could see his role grow with New York’s new staff. RB Davis, Isaiah, NYJ [RB3] ADVICE: In one of Aaron Glenn’s press conferences at the NFL Combine, he said, “I would say that we have three running backs on this team that we’re gonna utilize as much as possible.” That could be coach speak, but Davis averaged 5.8 yards
2025 New England Patriots Fantasy Preview
2025 New England Patriots Fantasy Preview The New England Patriots entered the 2025 offseason with a clear mandate to rebuild around second-year quarterback Drake Maye after consecutive 4-13 seasons in 2023 and 2024. With new head coach Mike Vrabel, the most cap space in the NFL ($120 million), and nine draft picks, the Patriots focused on bolstering the offensive line, adding playmakers for Maye, and reinforcing the defense. Maye far exceeded expectations in Year One. Despite playing behind the second-worst pass-blocking line and a questionable group of pass-catchers, Maye showed real promise. In 10 starts where Maye attempted 20-plus passes, he averaged 223.1 passing yards with 15 TD passes and 10 interceptions. He also chipped in another 41 yards with two more scores on the ground. That’s a 17-game pace of 3,793 passing yards, 697 rushing yards, and 29 total touchdowns. Even better, GM Eliot Wolf invested the No. 4 pick on OT Will Campbell, the premier tackle in the 2025 NFL Draft. Additional reinforcements and the arrival of Vrable bring a renewed sense of optimism to New England for the first time in three years. Second-round RB TreVeyon Henderson is one of those upgrades for a Patriots’ offense that ranked 31st in 2024. New England’s rushing attack ranked 26th in yards per carry (4.0) and 28th in EPA per rush (-0.08). Henderson’s 8.1 percent explosive run rate complements Rhamondre Stevenson (6-0, 227 lbs, 4.2 YPC) and Antonio Gibson (6-0, 228 lbs, PFF grade: 75.4), forming a dynamic backfield. Henderson is an excellent blocker and offers three-down potential in an ascending offense. Another significant addition for the club was signing WR Stefon Diggs to a three-year deal. Diggs is coming off a torn ACL but is expected to be ready for Week 1. Diggs brings slot/perimeter flexibility and an alpha mentality to a unit that sorely needed a veteran infusion. Third-round rookie WR Kyle Williams boasts 4.4 speed and excellent downfield ball skills. Williams also scored 14 touchdowns for Washington State and provides much-needed speed on the perimeter. With Diggs and Williams outside, Demario Douglas will remain a consistent source of targets in the slot. Douglas should be a reliable, high-floor source of targets. Maye relied on his tight ends a ton last year. New offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels prefers versatile tight ends, which bodes well for Hunter Henry, who is coming off a TE11 finish. Henry will likely see more in-line snaps, where he can’t be put in favorable mismatches. New England also re-signed Austin Hooper, who caught 45 balls for 476 yards and three scores last season. Fantasy Grade: C QB Maye, Drake, NE [QB1] There is a lot of hype around Drake Maye after a rookie season that resulted in 17 total touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Maye made a mark as a runner, where he led the league with 7.8 yards per rush. He wasn’t as effective as a passer. In 10 full games, Maye topped 250 yards only twice. He also ranked 30th in adjusted yards per attempt (5.7) and 28th in air yards (190.8/game). But the additions of veteran WR Stefon Diggs and a pair of rookies (RB TreVeyon Henderson, WR Kyle Williams) will help. ADVICE: Rushing upside puts him in upside QB2 range. QB Dobbs, Joshua, NE [QB2] After trading Joe Milton, the Patritos signed journeyman Josh Dobbs as a mentor and insurance for Drake Maye, who missed four games in his rookie season with separate hand and head injuries. Dobbs was decent with extended playing time in 2023 and boasts a 103.4 Athletic Score. He performs well as a runner but is more limited than Maye as a passer. If a Maye injury occurs, Dobbs has some QB2 streaming appeal. But he is better off left on the waiver wire. ADVICE: Potentially a streamer if Drake Maye is injured. RB Henderson, TreVeyon, NE [RB1] Sleeper TreVeyon Henderson dazzled in his freshman year, with 184 carries for 1,255 yards and 15 touchdowns. He added 27 catches for 312 yards and four scores. Injuries and sharing carries with Quinshon Judkins later curbed his role, but his career 77 catches for 853 yards and six touchdowns on 95 targets, paired with a 4.43 40-yard dash, and 91st-percentile Speed Score, showcase his potential. Unfortunately, the presence of Rhamondre Stevenson complicates Henderson’s early role. However, he’s a better runner than Stevenson and had no fumbling issues at Ohio State. ADVICE: Potential three-down speedster is the most explosive back in New England. High-upside RB3. RB Stevenson, Rhamondre, NE [RB2] New England wanted to add speed to their backfield and did so by adding TreVeyon Henderson with the 38th pick of the 2025 NFL Draft. Stevenson has regressed for two consecutive years. He ranked 39th in yards per touch (4.0) last season, led all running backs with seven fumbles, and ranked 140th with a (-39.1) EPA. Mike Vrabel will likely start with a committee, but Henderson checks all the boxes to emerge as New England’s best back. That makes Stevenson a change-of-pace option with some plus pass-catching and red-zone value. ADVICE: More likely to be New England’s 1B than 1A, Stevenson has middling RB3 value. RB Gibson, Antonio, NE [RB3] Gibson was in and out of the starting lineup last season. Overall, he compiled 744 scrimmage yards and a single score on 143 touches (RB47). However, with TreVeyon Henderson now in the fold, it will be hard for Gibson to command enough touches to be fantasy-relevant. WR Diggs, Stefon, NE [WR1] Diggs saw a 52.8 percent slot rate last season in Houston before he tore his ACL. Now 31 and coming off a major knee injury, that inside usage makes sense for the Patriots, who desperately needed wide receiver help. Diggs posted top-20 weekly numbers in four of his eight games last season, catching four-plus balls in every game. Sans much established target competition in New England, Diggs will be the team’s No. 1 wideout. Reportedly, Diggs is running ahead of pace in his recovery, putting him tentatively in
2025 Miami Dolphins Fantasy Preview
2025 Miami Dolphins Fantasy Preview Despite having the easiest schedule in the NFL in the last 25 years, the Miami Dolphins sputtered to an 8-9 record and missed the playoffs. Now, pressure may be mounting for GM Chris Grier and head coach Mike McDaniel, who must quickly rebuild the trenches on both sides and navigate injury and off-the-field woes. The chief concern for the Dolphins is keeping QB Tua Tagovailoa healthy. Tagovailoa has a well-chronicled concussion history and can ill afford to put himself in a position to take another big hit. Worse, a Dolphins’ offensive line that ranked 20th in pass protection also lost LT Terron Armstead, who retired. Tagovailoa has missed 3-plus games in four of his five seasons and ranked just 16th in fantasy points per game last season. There is too much risk to consider Tagovailoa anything more than an adequate fantasy QB2 with modest week-to-week streaming appeal. A popular breakout pick last summer, RB De’Von Achane stayed healthy and lived up to those lofty expectations. The second-year dynamo ranked 5th in PPR scoring and led all running backs in receptions (78) and touchdown grabs (6). Raheem Mostert departed in free agency, leaving Jaylen Wright and Alexander Mattison as the only competition for touches. Achane should be viewed as an elite fantasy option who will command a second-round price tag in redraft formats. Miami led the league with 401.3 yards of offense per game in 2023 but fell to 20th last year, averaging 75 fewer yards per contest. Injuries played a big part in that, as Jaylen Waddle missed a pair of games and Tyreek Hill battled a wrist injury all season. Now, Hill is rumored to be on the trade block after some bizarre social media posts and on domestic incident clouded his future. A healthy Hill is still one of the most dynamic weapons in football, but he’s a risky WR2 in fantasy. Waddle failed to accrue 100 targets for the first time in his career, resulting in his worst fantasy performance. There’s some rebound potential here, especially if Hill is absent. Waddle is an upside WR3 in PPR formats. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine will be a WR3 upgrade over Odell Beckham and Malik Washington, who slides down to this year’s WR4 role. At tight end, Jonnu Smith proved to be a savvy late-round target, finishing as the overall TE4 on a career-high 111 targets. We don’t expect Smith to repeat that production, but the Dolphins will see plenty of fantasy-friendly game scripts and return more-or-less intact. Smith is a solid second-tier TE1 to target in the middle rounds. Fantasy Grade: B- QB Tagovailoa, Tua, MIA [QB1] Tua Tagovailoa’s 2025 fantasy outlook hinges on health and efficiency in Miami’s high-octane offense. In 2024, he posted a league-best 72.9% completion rate, 2,867 yards, 19 TDs, and 7 INTs in 11 starts, with a 2.36-second time-to-throw and 5.1 air yards per attempt, showcasing quick, precise decision-making. However, his injury history—missing six games (concussion, hip)—makes him a high-risk QB2. There are also concerns about Hill’s status on the roster, which increases the risk. Tagovailoa adds little as a runner, which caps his upside. It’s hard to envision a path to top 12 numbers, making him a mid-range QB2. ADVICE: Risky QB2 that may have already peaked. RB Achane, De’Von, MIA [RB1] After a dynamic rookie season, De’Von Achane again was one of the most efficient fantasy options. Despite seeing a middling 59.1 percent opportunity share (24th), Achane finished as the RB6, averaging 17.6 PPR points per game. The main catalyst for that production came via his high-volume role in Miami’s passing attack. Achane was essentially the Dolphins’ WR3. He led all RBs in receptions (78), receiving yards (592), and TD grabs (6). Raheem Mostert is gone, and Miami didn’t add any real competition to reduce Achane’s touches. He looks primed to post another top-5 season in 2025. ADVICE: Elite pass-catching potential keeps Achane in top-5 fantasy territory. RB Mattison, Alexander, MIA [RB2] ADVICE: Mattison has averaged under four yards per carry in four consecutive seasons. He’s not taking carries away from De’Von Achane. He can, however, play in short-yardage or give Achane a breather. Mattison profiles as a middling handcuff in deeper leagues. RB Wright, Jaylen, MIA [RB3] Had his moments as a rookie, but Wright will compete with Alexander Mattison for backup duties. WR Hill, Tyreek, MIA [WR1] Last season, Hill started strong (7/130/1) but struggled midseason (48/571/3), hampered by wrist and foot injuries. He rebounded in Weeks 14 and 17 but ended weakly. His 11.8 yards per catch was a career low. Even in a down season (by his standards), Hill still ranked 16th in targets (122) and caught 81 balls for 959 yards and half a dozen scores. Quarterback woes were the biggest factor in the drop-off, but off-the-field concerns also hold down his potential. At 31, Hill’s 2024 decline ranks him as a mid-tier WR2, with his value tied to Tagovailoa’s health. ADVICE: Boom/Bust WR2 with a massive ceiling. WR Waddle, Jaylen, MIA [WR2] After Tyreek Hill joined Miami, Jaylen Waddle’s explosiveness grew, though his 2022 targets dropped to 117 from 141. He recorded 75 catches for 1,356 yards and eight touchdowns, averaging 18.1 yards per catch. In 2023, injuries limited him to 14 games, with 72 catches for 1,014 yards and four touchdowns, his lowest marks in three years. Last season, Waddle’s yards per catch fell to 12.8, with 58 catches and two touchdowns, underperforming in 10 of 15 starts. His best games (5/109, 8/144/1, 9/99) were at home. As a mid-tier WR3, Waddle’s high ceiling offers value in 2025 drafts. ADVICE: Declining output makes him a solid value, dependent on his QB staying healthy. WR Westbrook-Ikhine, Nick, MIA [WR3] Don’t overreact to last season’s gaudy TD numbers. NWI won’t get many targets as Miami’s WR3. WR Washington, Malik, MIA [WR4] Mike McDaniel tends not to incorporate his ancillary receivers into the weekly game plan often. Washington had some early offseason hype, but