2025 Fantasy Football Rankings

Fantasy football draft season is just around the corner. The first step in securing a championship is accurate and dependable rankings. FullTime Fantasy‘s 2025 Fantasy football rankings and projections are now LIVE! These aren’t just any fantasy football rankings. FullTime Fantasy has won numerous awards, including Jody Smith taking down Fantasy Pros’ Most Accurate Expert award. Our legacy FFToolbox site is your one-stop home for all things fantasy football. This includes rankings customizable for your league settings, which include IDP and kick returners! It also has tons of useful tools like scheduling grid, strength of schedule, outlooks for all 32 teams, and much more! 2025 Fantasy Football Rankings These rankings will be continuously updated. The default scoring is 1QB, full PPR. Quarterbacks The QB position is deep, with 20 or more viable options to choose from. While landing one of the top-tier dual-threat options is a great plan, that depth means it might be wiser to load up on position depth early and land a quality start in the middle-to-late rounds. Running Backs Mark Morrison foretold of everything being cyclical in fantasy football with his 1996 banger Return of the Mack Backs. Running backs dominate the first two rounds of most fantasy drafts, with good reason. Our No. 1 overall player and six of the top-10 are running backs. Wide Receivers Nothing wrong with sticking to the recent trend of attacking elite wideouts early and often. Wide receivers tend to stay healthier, and the recent infusion of talented pass-catchers makes them an inviting target in the early rounds. Tight Ends Brock Bowers and Trey McBride are going to be expensive. We prefer McBride, but generally advocate for loading up on RB and WR early and waiting until the middle rounds to address tight end. GET THE UPDATES! Turn on your email notifications below for Breaking Fantasy news & real-time draft kit updates! Like and share our new Facebook page! Be sure to pay attention to our giveaways for your shot at some sweet prizes!
Running Back Regression After Leading the NFL in Rushing

Running Back Regression After Leading the NFL in Rushing Leading the NFL in rushing is a career highlight for most running backs. It also leads to banner fantasy football totals. However, most RBs see a precipitous decline in production the season after topping the league in rushing yards. This running back regression after leading the NFL in rushing has happened in 22 of the past 25 seasons and paints a worrisome fantasy outlook for the league’s reigning rushing king. Many different factors can lead to a sudden dropoff. As my friend Gary Davenport first divulged in his Curse of 370 and revisited for 2025, heavy usage is a key contributor to predicting running back regression. Other variables like coaching changes, strength of schedule, supporting cast, and age also play a role. Before I take a deep dive back through the past 25 seasons, let’s recap all the running backs that have led the NFL in rushing this century and find some key takeaways. NFL Rushing Leaders 2000-2025 Over the past 25 seasons, 20 different running backs led the NFL in rushing yards. Only LaDainian Tomlinson, Adrian Peterson, Ezekiel Elliott, and Derrick Henry have done it more than once. You could also doff your proverbial cap to Edgerrin James, who ascended the leaderboard in 1999, becoming the first player since Eric Dickerson (1983-1984) to lead the league in his first two pro campaigns. In all, league-leading backs averaged 340 carries for 1,716 rushing yards (4.98 yards per carry) and scored 15.7 total touchdowns. That averaged out to just under 349 fantasy points (PPR), or 21.9 points per game. The splits were 15 rushing champs from the AFC, while 10 represented the NFC. The NFC East produced five, while the NFC South is the only division that has not had an NFL rushing champ in the last 25 years, nor has there ever been one from that division. The Saints’ George Rogers led the league with 1,674 yards back in 1981, but New Orleans was then part of the NFC West. Leading the league in rushing is more than an individual honor. Coaching, schemes, quarterbacking, and the offensive line all play a pivotal role. There are also numerous other elements that play a role in a team’s ability to manufacture a rushing leader. Contributing Factors for Success Health One of the most important factors for posting big numbers is staying healthy. From 2000-2015, no running back who led the league in rushing missed a single game. Even the backs who missed one were rested by their team in the season finale. Derrick Henry is the only running back in the last 25 years to lead the league in rushing but miss a game due to injury. Henry missed Week 16 of the 2019 season with a hamstring injury and returned to action in the season finale to rush for a season-high 211 yards to top the league. Every other running back in the past 25 seasons to lead the league in rushing has stayed healthy for every game or sat out the regular-season finale to rest for the playoffs. Winning Team Speaking of playoffs, teams that produced the leading rusher averaged 9.96 wins versus 6.2 losses, making the postseason in 18 of the 25 seasons (72%). However, only three of those teams made the Super Bowl, and the only squad to win is the reigning champions, the 2024 Philadelphia Eagles. Having a winning record also leads to more friendly game scripts for the rushing attack. Teams nursing second-half leads tend to rely on their lead backs to grind down the clock. Age The wear and tear that NFL running backs accumulate takes a toll. 20 of the 25 (80%) rushing leaders were under 28 entering the season in which they finished first. Looking at the averages, RBs had a mean age of 25.4 in those seasons. They also averaged 4.6 years of experience. Only two backs (Curtis Martin in 2004, Adrian Peterson in 2015) were older than 28. No rusher who was 29 when the season started has led the NFL in rushing since Barry Sanders did it back in 1997. NFL RUSHING LEADER AGE DISTRIBUTION AGE OCCURANCES RATE 21-23 6 24% 24-26 10 40% 27-28 7 28% 29+ 2 8% Skill Set & Fantasy Production Volume is king in fantasy, and rushers who accumulate enough touches to post elite numbers are typically three-down workhorses. 24 of the 25 RBs posted top-5 fantasy finishes. The only back who did not, Adrian Peterson in 2008, caught only 21 passes for 125 yards in 16 games. In the other 24 seasons tracked, running backs averaged 44 receptions annually. Derrick Henry is an outlier, but part of the formula for RB success in today’s high-octane NFL is to stay on the field on passing downs. However, the inability to do just that, stay on the field, is one of the main reasons we see noteworthy running back regression the year after they lead the league in rushing yards. Immediate Regression in the Next Season While winning a rushing crown is a notable accomplishment for a pro running back, there is usually a staggering dropoff in play the following season. 88% have seen an immediate dip in effectiveness, and it is usually a significant decline. Only three running backs since the 2000 season have posted better fantasy numbers the year after they led the NFL in rushing yards. As for the other 22, they averaged a 36.8% decline in fantasy points the following season. Notable Declines Running backs have always been a hot commodity on draft day. Particularly three-down workhorse backs coming off a rushing crown who finished the previous campaign at an average rank of RB 2.76. But fantasy draft history is loaded with first-round RB busts who stumbled after they broke out the previous season. Running Backs who led the league in rushing in 2000-2024 finished as the RB 2.7 in PPR leagues, but plummeted to an average of RB22.3 the following season.
High-Stakes Fantasy Football Strategy

High-Stakes Fantasy Football Strategy: Building a Champion By Adam Krautwurst Fantasy football in 2025 is a different beast than it was four to five years ago. The explosion of dual-threat quarterbacks, evolving backfield committees, and the increasing unpredictability of weekly
The Data-Driven Edge

The Data-Driven Edge The Data-Driven Edge: Using Vegas Betting Markets to Help You Dominate In Fantasy Football by Frank Taddeo Incorporating player proposition betting markets into my yearly projections has played an integral role in becoming the No. 1-ranked high-stakes
IDP Fantasy Strategy Guide

IDP Fantasy Strategy Guide – So You Think You’re Ready to Try IDP?by: Greg “Mean Machine” Blaszczynski When I started playing fantasy football in 1991, I did not have all the choices players have today. There was no Superflex, tight-tnd premium, or daily fantasy. Many people would say that it must have been boring, but the new generation will never know the “fun” of scouring the USA Today on Monday for all the stats or putting in your line-up over the phone with the first letter of the player’s first name and last three letters of their last name. “For Jamal Lewis…..press 1”. While fantasy football has exploded in popularity over the past 25 years, only a small group of us have enjoyed using defensive players to win us championships. People have always been excited about watching a five-touchdown explosion from Patrick Mahomes or Joe Burrow, or a long bomb to Justin Jefferson or Ja’Marr Chase, or a rumbling touchdown run that includes a textbook stiff arm or a hurdle over a ducking cornerback from Derrick Henry or Saquan Barkley. But they don’t realize the joy….and more importantly, the points, from a 15-plus tackle game from Roquan Smith or Fred Warner, or a three-sack effort from Maxx Crosby or Myles Garrett, or even another interception from Trevon Diggs or Jessie Bates. Leagues that use Individual Defensive Players are referred to as “IDP”, and I believe this represents the next level of fantasy football. IDP expands the type and number of statistics, introduces a whole group of additional players, and allows you to search for sleepers on the other side of the ball. Players begin to understand the importance of tackles, sacks, interceptions, forced fumbles, fumble recoveries, and, of course, when someone takes an interception or a fumble “TO THE HOUSE!” Embracing Change So why should you want to play IDP? In addition to helping you learn additional players, defensive schemes, and the differences between defensive coordinators, IDP offers the ability to offset some of your offensive weaknesses after you lose two wide receivers to injury in the first three games of the season. It can also help you survive the week where your opponent’s flex has a three-TD game or when your stud decides this is the week where he only has three catches for 45 yards and no touchdowns. IDP gives you more players to root for, which comes into play when you are a Carolina Panthers fan like me. The other thing I have experienced is that, for the most part, defensive players seem to get hurt less often than offensive players, so you are not constantly trying to fill a hole because your player is out for the week. Finally, you can be successful against those IDP players who still focus mainly on offense by being the manager who drafts the first linebacker in the 5th round rather than their second running back or third wide receiver. By playing in multiple IDP leagues for more than 25 years, I have only missed the playoffs a handful of times, and in all but three years, have had a top-3 scoring defense. That is how you make money! IDP Draft Prep So, what should you know when preparing for your IDP draft? First, and most importantly, IT IS ALL ABOUT TACKLES!!! I can’t say that enough. As a result, you should be focused on linebackers and safeties. A good tackling linebacker can be a consistent scorer for multiple years. Ray Lewis never had a season where he averaged less than 7.3 tackles per game, while Zach Thomas’s lowest season was 8.3 tackles per game. When I am preparing for a draft, I will be very disappointed if I don’t have at least two of my top 10 ranked linebackers and one of my top 5 defensive backs (all of whom will play safety). Consistency Matters Second, you need to understand that compared to tackles, sacks, and interceptions have substantially more variance and usually come in waves. With sacks, while there are a handful of guys who you can count on for double-digit sacks (Watt/Parsons/Garrett), you will also see a guy like Josh Hines-Allen, who has averaged 8.5 sacks per year over the past five years, but here are his stats: 2020 – 2.5, 2021 – 7.5, 2022 – 7, 2023 – 17.5, and 2024 – 8. You also occasionally have the “flash in the pan” players like Romao Okwara, who had 10 sacks for the Lions in 2020, but since then, has had only five total and is no longer in the league. This is generally why, if I don’t get one of the top 5-6 defensive linemen, I will pick them much later in the draft. Interceptions are even worse. There has not been a repeat leader in interceptions over the past 10 years, and the high over that time has ranged from six in 2019 and 2022 to 11 by Trevon Diggs in 2021. It should be noted that Diggs only had three interceptions in both 2020 and 2022. Schemes Matter Third, you should always pay attention to the defensive schemes that each team primarily plays. 4-3 defenses can make an absolute star of a middle linebacker. In a 4-3 defense, middle linebackers have gap responsibility and benefit from two defensive tackles taking on blocks, thereby freeing up the linebacker to make the tackle. In addition, 4-3 linebackers are generally lighter and faster, with the ability to go sideline to sideline to make the play. Finally, while 4-3 linebackers are not asked to blitz as much as their 3-4 counterparts. When they do blitz, they often are untouched, or just have to take on a surprised running back. It should be noted that the top 3 linebacker tackle leaders came from predominantly 4-3 defenses. That being said, there are a lot of great tackling 3-4 linebackers, including Roquan Smith, Kaden Ellis, and Zach Baun. Roster Considerations In addition to knowing the defensive schemes, you should also
Nick Chubb 2025 Fantasy Value

Since being drafted in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft, Nick Chubb has been a popular target in fantasy football drafts. However, after his latest devastating injury, Chubb’s future is up in the air. FullTime Fantasy‘s Nick Chubb 2025 Fantasy Value looks back at his accomplishments and breaks down his potential role in 2025. Nick Chubb, the four-time Pro Bowl running back and Cleveland Browns icon, has long been celebrated as one of the NFL’s premier pure runners. Known for his explosive power, relentless work ethic, and quiet leadership, Chubb’s career has been a testament to both his athletic prowess and his ability to overcome adversity. However, the past two seasons have tested his resilience like never before, with devastating injuries threatening to derail his storied career. As Chubb enters free agency in 2025, his recent viral workouts, past accomplishments, health status, and potential landing spots have sparked widespread intrigue. A Storied Career Drafted in the second round (35th overall) by the Cleveland Browns in 2018 out of Georgia, Nick Chubb quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the franchise. Over seven seasons, he has amassed 6,843 rushing yards on 1,340 carries with 51 touchdowns, averaging an astonishing 5.1 yards per carry (YPC). His consistency is remarkable: until 2024, Chubb averaged at least 5.0 YPC every season, a feat that places him among the NFL’s elite. Key Career Highlights •Four Consecutive Pro Bowls (2019–2022): Chubb’s dominance as a runner earned him recognition as one of the league’s top running backs. •1,525 Rushing Yards in 2022: His career-high season showcased his ability to carry the Browns’ offense, finishing second in the NFL in rushing yards. •Breakaway Ability: In 2019, Chubb led the NFL with 17 Breakaway Runs and a 5.7% Breakaway Run Rate, highlighting his home-run threat on every touch. Chubb’s ability to gain tough yards, paired with his vision and burst, made him a fantasy football darling and a nightmare for opposing defenses. His 52 red zone touches in 2019 ranked fifth in the NFL, though his touchdown efficiency (eight TDs) suggested room for positive regression, which he later capitalized on. Despite sharing the backfield with Kareem Hunt for much of his career, Chubb’s role as the Browns’ lead back remained secure. His rush share and red zone opportunity share consistently ranked among the league’s best. However, injuries in 2023 and 2024 have shifted the narrative, raising questions about whether Chubb can reclaim his elite status. The Injury Saga: Health and Recovery Challenges Chubb’s career has been marred by two significant injuries to his left knee, which have shaped his current trajectory. 2015 College Injury While at Georgia, Chubb suffered a catastrophic knee injury, tearing his MCL, PCL, and LCL. Remarkably, he returned in 2016 to rush for 1,130 yards, though his YPC dropped to 5.0 from his career average of 6.8 at Georgia, hinting at a slight loss of explosiveness. This resilience set the stage for his NFL success, but also foreshadowed the fragility of his knee. 2023 NFL Knee Injury In Week 2 of the 2023 season against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chubb suffered a gruesome knee injury, diagnosed as tears to his ACL, MCL, and meniscus. The injury required two surgeries and sidelined him for over a year. The severity of the injury, combined with it being the second major trauma to the same knee, led many to question whether Chubb could return to form. NFL Insider Ian Rapoport noted that the injury “would be career-ending for many lesser backs,” but Chubb’s “incredible athleticism” offered hope for recovery. 2024 Foot Fracture Chubb made a triumphant return in Week 7 of the 2024 season, playing in eight games and rushing for 332 yards and three touchdowns on 102 carries. However, his performance was lackluster, with a career-low 3.3 YPC, reflecting a loss of explosiveness. His season was cut short in Week 15 against the Kansas City Chiefs when he suffered a broken foot, which fortunately did not require surgery. Advanced Metrics Post-Injury Yards After Contact (YAC): In 2024, Chubb’s Yards After Contact per Attempt dropped to 2.1, down from a career average of 3.2, per Pro Football Focus (PFF). This suggests diminished power and ability to break tackles. Elusiveness Rating: PlayerProfiler’s Elusiveness Rating for Chubb in 2024 fell to the 30th percentile among running backs, a stark contrast to his pre-injury 80th percentile rankings. Breakaway Run Rate: His Breakaway Run Rate plummeted to 1.9% in 2024, compared to 5.7% in 2019, indicating a significant reduction in long-gain potential. These metrics paint a picture of a player who, while still functional, was a shadow of his former self in 2024. However, Chubb’s recent viral workouts suggest he’s far from finished. A Glimmer of Hope Throughout his recovery, Chubb has showcased his superhuman strength and determination through viral workout videos that have captivated fans and analysts alike. These displays of power have fueled optimism about his potential comeback in 2025. July 2024: 540–585-Pound Squats This is #Browns RB Nick Chubb squatting 540+ pounds—just 8 months after undergoing multiple significant knee surgeries. Insanity.pic.twitter.com/JlWnad2Wdm — Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 15, 2024 Eight months after his second knee surgery, Chubb was filmed squatting 540 pounds with ease, a video that garnered 417 votes and 100 comments on Reddit’s r/fantasyfootball. Just days later, FOX Sports reported him squatting 585 pounds, an astonishing feat for a 227-pound running back recovering from major knee surgery. These lifts demonstrated that Chubb’s lower-body strength remained intact, a critical factor for a power runner. April 2025: 500+ Pounds and Power-Cleaning 405 Mannn, Nick Chubb power-cleaning 405 after knee injuries & a broken foot just ain’t human pic.twitter.com/qGvxIoNHf7 — Jon Tweets Sports (@jontweetssports) April 29, 2025 In April 2025, Chubb posted an Instagram video squatting over 500 pounds, accompanied by the caption, “They’ve already wrote my ending when I’m just getting started.” The NFL’s official X account amplified the video, noting its jaw-dropping nature. Implications of the Workouts While squatting massive weights is impressive, it doesn’t directly translate
2025 Fantasy Football Rookie Rankings (UPDATED POST DRAFT)

Once you get into Dynasty Leagues you learn that the fantasy football season never ends. As soon as the champion is crowned, dynasty zealots start looking ahead to the next crop of rookies. For those serious fantasy fanatics, this is
2025 Rookie Profile: Mason Taylor

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2025 Rookie Profile: Jayden Higgins

2025 Rookie Profile: Jayden Higgins (WR) Iowa State Welcome to the 2025 fantasy football season. FullTime Fantasy‘s annual rookie reports next present 2025 Rookie Profile: Jayden Higgins, a sleeper wide receiver out of Iowa State. College Resume Jayden Higgins began
2025 Rookie Profile: Cam Skattebo

2025 Rookie Profile: Cam Skattebo (RB), Arizona State Welcome to the 2025 fantasy football season. FullTime Fantasy‘s annual rookie reports next present 2025 Rookie Profile: Cam Skattebo looks at the Dynasty darling running back from Arizona State. College Resume Cam



