2025 Seattle Seahawks Fantasy Preview
2025 Seattle Seahawks Fantasy Preview Year One for Mike Macdonald was a big success as the Seahawks went 10-7. Seattle’s offense improved to 14th, while the defense also ranked 14th after finishing 30th in 2023. Despite the immediate improvements, the Seahawks will look drastically different in Macdonald’s second campaign after trading QB Geno Smith to Las Vegas and signing Sam Darnold to a three-year deal. Macdonald also replaced offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb with Klint Kubiak and traded No. 1 WR DK Metcalf. That’s a lot of changes for a team with a winning record. New signal-caller Sam Darnold is a great case of perseverance. After busting out in New York and making meandering stops in Carolina and San Francisco, Darnold signed with the Vikings as insurance to first-rounder J.J. McCarthy. But McCarthy suffered a season-ending knee injury in the preseason, resulting in Darnold putting up improbable numbers in Kevin O’Connell’s system. Now. Darnold is poised to lead the rebuilding Seahawks. As good as the numbers were in Minnesota, fantasy managers should approach with caution. Darnold is a risk/reward QB2. The hiring of Kubiak was intended to place more emphasis on the rushing attack. Seattle has a pair of superb runners, and Kubiak’s previous two stints as play-caller resulted in a top-10 designed run rate. That’s good news for Kenneth Walker, an excellent fit in a wide-zone scheme. Walker dealt with injuries last year but had his most productive fantasy output (16.5 ppg) and caught a career-high 46 passes in 11 games. Walker has RB1 upside. Zach Charbonnet is nearly as good, posting three top-10 weeks in six starts. Charbonnet is the top handcuff in the league and will have standalone value, making him an astute mid-draft target. Seattle’s entire passing attack will look different this season. Jaxon Smith-Njigba moves up to the No. 1 role after leading the league with 701 slot snaps. JSN ran the sixth-most routes (617) and boasted the No. 4 EPA (95.0). We’re expecting JSN to remain inside, with newly signed Cooper Kupp moving outside. Kupp isn’t the force he once was, but wants to prove he’s still in his prime. Circle those two matchups against the Rams as potential blowup spots. Health is always a factor, but Kupp has some WR3 appeal. Marquez Valdes-Scantling and fifth-round Colorado State rookie Tory Horton (6-3, 185) will battle for WR3 honors. The Seahawks haven’t incorporated tight ends into their offense for some time. Noah Fant ranked 27th in fantasy points per game, with just three TE1 weeks in 14 games. Fant is also in the final year of his rookie deal. Enter second-round Miami TE Elijah Arroyo (6-5, 254), who has the potential to be a mismatch nightmare in the slot. Fantasy Grade: B- QB Darnold, Sam, SEA [QB1] Bust Perseverance paid off for Sam Darnold in 2024. After signing a one-year deal to mentor J.J. McCarthy, Darnold thrived in Kevin O’Connell’s system. Starting in place of the injured McCarthy, Darnold ranked 5th in passing (4,319) and touchdowns (35), while leading the league in deep-ball completion rate (50.8 percent). However, Darnold now moves to Seattle, where he’ll adjust to Klint Kubiak’s run-first scheme. In two previous stints as offensive coordinator, both of Kubiak’s offenses ranked below average in passing attempts. It’s too early to call Darnold’s breakout an outlier, but there’s plenty of risk with his elevated ADP impacted by recency bias. ADVICE: Don’t overpay for last year’s breakout. RB Walker III, Kenneth, SEA [RB1] Sleeper Walker quietly had his most efficient fantasy season, posting RB12 numbers in PPR points per game. Calf, oblique, and ankle injuries limited Walker to 11 games, but his increased role in the passing game (ranked 4th with a 13.8 percent target share) resulted in Walker ranking 6th in expected fantasy points per game. While Zach Charbonnet will also be involved, this is Waker’s backfield. Charbonnet averaged only four carries in games where Walker played. Seattle’s offense could rely on the pass more with Sam Darnold under center, and Walker’s newly expanded role as a receiver gives him RB1 potential. ADVICE: Excellent middle-round sleeper with top-10 upside. RB Charbonnet, Zach, SEA [RB2] Charbonnet saved many fantasy seasons last year, especially in the playoffs when he scored 51.9 PPR points in Weeks 14-15. However, 57 percent of Charbonnet’s total fantasy points came in the six games that Kenneth Walker was sidelined. In games where Walker played, Chabonnet averaged just 6.9 PPR points. This appears to firmly be Walker’s backfield. That doesn’t mean Chabonnet has no value. He’s one of the top handcuff backs in the league, and Walker has never played more than 15 games in a season. Consider him a high priority if you draft Walker. ADVICE: High-end handcuff, but Charbonnet may not offer a ton of stand-alone value. WR Smith-Njigba, Jaxon, SEA [WR1] Heading into his third NFL season, Jaxon Smith-Njigba is coming off a breakout 2024 campaign where he finished top 10 among wide receivers in routes run, catches, yards, and placed 19th in fantasy points per game. Despite Seattle’s shift toward a run-heavy, defensive identity under new coordinator Klint Kubiak, JSN remains the focal point of the passing attack, especially with Sam Darnold at quarterback. Darnold’s tendency to lock onto his primary read and the lack of serious competition (an aging Cooper Kupp and unproven depth) point to a healthy target share. Used mostly in the short and intermediate zones, JSN logged just six touchdowns and ranked 16th in end-zone looks (11). ADVICE: Volume-driven WR2 who should settle into the 2-3 turn in fantasy drafts. WR Kupp, Cooper, SEA [WR2] After being released by the Rams, Cooper Kupp returned to Washington. Kupp played for Eastern Washington from 2013-2016 and will get to play against his former team twice per year. The Rams chose to move on from Kupp to sign an older Davante Adams, but Kupp’s PFF grade has declined for four consecutive years. Additionally, both Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba are slot merchants, so it’s unknown how they’ll be
2025 San Francisco 49ers Fantasy Preview
2025 San Francisco 49ers Fantasy Preview The San Francisco 49ers underwent a significant offseason overhaul, marked by a strategic roster purge and a youth-focused rebuild following a disappointing 6-11 season. The team lost key contributors in free agency and traded WR Deebo Samuel to Washington. In the draft, GM John Lynch leveraged 11 picks, starting with DE Mykel Williams, DT Alfred Collins, and LB Nick Martin to bolster the defense, while adding depth at CB, WR, and RB. Robert Saleh’s return as defensive coordinator signals a shift to a high-pressure scheme, but head coach Kyle Shanahan has work to do on offense. A long-term extension is pending for QB Brock Purdy, who has outplayed his seventh-round billing. Purdy’s numbers dipped in his second season as the starter, but injuries played a big part. He still ranked 12th in fantasy points per game and was cool under pressure. San Francisco projects to have the NFL’s easiest schedule in 2025, which bodes well for Purdy’s fantasy potential. He’s a borderline QB1 that can be targeted late in drafts. RB Christian McCaffrey remains an enigma. Few players have the ceiling that McCaffery offers, but the heavy usage he’s endured has taken a toll. CMC was limited to four games last season and torpedoed most fantasy rosters that invested an early pick on his services. Supposedly healthy, that boom/bust potential remains in 2025. There is significant risk, so limited exposure. Isaac Guerendo and fifth-round Oregon rookie Jordan James are must-have late-round handcuffs. The receiving room will look different with Samuel in DC and Brandon Aiyuk potentially missing time. Aiyuk tore his ACL and MCL on October 20 and could be brought along slowly even if he’s ready by Week 1. If that happens, Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall would be Shanahan’s top wideouts. Jennings broke out last season with a 77/975/6 line good enough for a WR24 finish. He’ll be in good position to be a quality middle-round target. Meanwhile, Pearsall ended his rookie campaign with two strong showings and looks like an appealing late-round sleeper to target. Demarcus Robinson, signed from the Rams, could also factor in early. Uncertainty in the receiving corps will lead to an enhanced target share for TE George Kittle. Fantasy’s TE3 last season, Kittle ranked 7th with 94 targets and 6th in target share (22 percent). An increase in looks would cement his place as the No. 3 fantasy option behind Brock Bowers and Trey McBride. Fantasy Grade: B- QB Purdy, Brock, SF [QB1] Although he finished as a QB1 in fantasy points per game, Brock Purdy took a step back as a passer in his third season. Purdy’s completion rate, touchdowns, and deep-ball accuracy declined. Injuries played a part, both to Purdy and his supporting cast, but opposing defenses also figured him out. Purdy ranked 2nd versus zone coverage but 32nd against man- a trend that will have to be cleaned up in a Kyle Shanahan offense. Additionally, Deebo Samuel was traded, but the return of a healthy RB Christian McCaffrey should help. The extension looms, and Purdy has to take advantage of the league’s easiest schedule in 2025. ADVICE: Fringe QB1 and adequate starter. RB McCaffrey, Christian, SF [RB1] Fantasy managers who burned the 1.01 on Christian McCaffrey last season will undoubtedly shy away in 2025. But at some point, McCaffrey’s league-winning upside will appeal to a manager willing to take the risk of him staying healthy– something he’s struggled to do since 2020. CMC is reportedly fully recovered from the Achilles and knee injuries that limited him to four games. A fully healthy McCaffrey still has elite upside in Kyle Shanahan’s offense, but Isaac Guerendo and fifth-round Oregon rookie Jordan James could see more touches to keep McCaffrey healthy in his waning years. ADVICE: Enormous upside makes McCaffrey an appealing gamble in the 2nd round. RB Guerendo, Isaac, SF [RB2] Isaac Guerendo is a great example of a late-round pick with league-winning upside. Guerendo is the next man up behind the oft-injured Christian McCaffrey. In the four games that Guerendo received double-digit carries last season, he averaged 16.8 fantasy points per game. Despite seeing a stacked front at the highest rate of any RB, Guerendo ranked 6th with 5.8 yards per touch. He’s an elite handcuff target to a player who has missed 37 games in the last five seasons. ADVICE: One of the top handcuffs to target in fantasy football, who could have standalone value as a change-of-pace back. WR Jennings, Jauan, SF [WR1] In 2024, Jauan Jennings posted career-highs with 77 receptions, 975 yards, and six touchdowns, averaging 14.0 PPR points per game. His 2.45 yards per route run ranked 11th among WRs, showcasing efficiency. Jennings thrived as Brock Purdy’s top target, earning an 8.5 targets-per-game average. With Brandon Aiyuk’s recovery uncertain and Deebo Samuel traded, Jennings could lead the 49ers’ receiving corps. Despite competition from George Kittle and Ricky Pearsall, his 32 percent target share signals strong fantasy upside. ADVICE: Asserted himself as a legitimate threat last year and will be San Francisco’s top wideout until Brandon Aiyuk is healthy. WR Pearsall, Ricky, SF [WR2] More than half of Ricky Pearsall’s fantasy production came in Weeks 17 and 18, after San Francisco’s season was over. And the 18.9 PPR points in the season finale came with Josh Dobbs under center. The trade of Deebo Samuel frees up Pearsall to take on a bigger role in his second season. While there’s a lot to like in Pearsall’s athletic measurables, recency bias has made him awfully expensive. However, we’re willing to potentially overpay on the upside. ADVICE: Pearsall will have an opportunity to contribute more, and he’s starting to look like a potential stud. WR Aiyuk, Brandon, SF [WR3] Another star wideout coming off a major knee injury, we would move Brandon Aiyuk up 10-15 spots if we knew he would be healthy and in San Francisco’s lineups for their season opener in Seattle. Aiyuk was having a pretty miserable 2024 campaign
2025 Los Angeles Rams Fantasy Preview
2025 Los Angeles Rams Fantasy Preview 2024 was projected to be a rebuilding year for the Rams. Instead, they went 10-7 for the second consecutive year and captured the NFC West crown. L.A. regressed on offense, falling from 8th in 2023 to 20th in scoring. The defense also slipped to 26th, but Sean McVay overcame obstacles and seized a weak division. Armed with a full allotment of draft picks for a change, McVay and GM Les Snead focused on reinforcing the offense to take advantage of QB Matthew Stafford’s closing window. Speaking of Stafford, his days as a quality fantasy option appear behind him. Stafford struggled under pressure and no longer has the mobility to help his own cause. Stafford ranked middle-of-the-pack in most analytics measures. His 47.3 percent red-zone completion rate ranked 25th and played a big part in the touchdown regression. At this stage in his career, Stafford is much more valuable in the NFL than in fantasy. He should be viewed as a middling QB2 who may have a handful of usable games to stream. The fantasy metrics crowd sure wants to get rid of Kyren Williams. However, Sean McVay feels differently. Williams was a tremendous value last season, as many fantasy analysts projected a breakout for Blake Corum. Corum barely played, and Williams led all running backs with an 88.4 percent snap share, ranked 3rd in carries, and produced 16 more touchdowns. Fourth-round Auburn RB Jarquez Hunter is this year’s Corum. But we will stick with what works, and that’s Kyren Williams as a workhorse RB1. Davante Adams, acquired to replace Cooper Kupp, brings elite production to McVay’s passing attack. In 2024, he posted 85 catches, 1,063 yards, and 8 TDs in a bad spot. His 2.6 yards per route run and 22 percent target share fit McVay’s motion-heavy scheme. And his red-zone prowess should be a big help for Stafford, who struggled in that area. Puka Nacua remains a co-WR1. Nacua’s 43.6 percent target rate and 4.07 yards per route run led all wideouts. The Rams boast two fantasy WR1s but have little depth. Tutu Atwell projects as the WR3 but is well off the fantasy radar. TE Tyler Higbee missed the first 15 games recovering from a knee injury but made an impact late. However, Higbee, 32, is nearing the end, which necessitated the Rams using their first pick (Round 2 after trading down) on standout Oregon TE Terrance Ferguson. Ferguson (6-5, 247) is uber-athletic with a 90th percentile catch radius and 94th percentile Speed Score. He’s a deep sleeper with breakout potential. Fantasy Grade: B- QB Stafford, Matthew, LAR [QB1] Entering his age-37 season, Matthew Stafford remains a quality fit in Sean McVay’s offense. But Stafford has become a middle-of-the-road fantasy starter who no longer adds rushing production. Stafford hasn’t posted QB1 numbers since 2021 and has settled in as a mid-range QB2. He only produced four top-10 weekly performances last season, making him a poor best as a streamer and in Best Ball. Perhaps the addition of Davante Adams, who replaces Cooper Kupp, will help resurrect Stafford’s wanining red-zone efficiency (31st in accuracy inside the 20). ADVICE: Aging veteran in a decent offense, but his days as a QB1 are over. RB Williams, Kyren, LAR [RB1] Last year, Blake Corum was going to eat into Kyren Williams’s touches. This year, sixth-rounder Jarquez Hunter is being anointed as the threat. While Hunter projects to be a solid fit in Sean McVay’s scheme, we’re still in on Williams as a solid value. He led all running backs with an 88.2 percent snap share and handled a league-high 77 red-zone touches. Williams has found pay dirt 31 times in the last two seasons, tied with Jahmyr Gibbs for most in football. McVay prefers to lean on one featured runner, and Williams has performed extraordinarily well in that role. ADVICE: Once again being overlooked as a strong RB1. RB Hunter, Jarquez, LAR [RB2] ADVICE: Hunter blazed a 4.44 and has a lot of burst paired with plus pass-catching skills. He’s a popular sleeper target, but as long as Kyren Williams is commanding a league-leading 88.2 percent snap share, Hunter will struggle to earn touches. RB Corum, Blake, LAR [RB3] Not us, but other places were advocating Corum as a potential league-winning sleeper last year. Instead, he barely played and wasn’t effective when he did. The Rams also used a middle-round pick on Jarquez Hunter, which all but tells us they don’t believe in Corum. Neither should you. WR Nacua, Puka, LAR [WR1] Puka Nacua continued to build on his dominant rookie season with a record-setting 2024, leading the NFL with a 37.1 percent target rate, the highest ever recorded. He also led in yards per route run at 3.23. Puka injured his knee in Week 1 and missed the next 5 weeks, but dominated after he returned. WR Davante Adams has replaced Cooper Kupp as the veteran WR, but Stafford is a WR kingmaker who assures his top targets always eat. Even with Davante Adams joining the fold, Nacua remains the primary offensive weapon. ADVICE: Elite WR1 with proven volume; His ADP sits in the mid-first round. WR Adams, Davante, LAR [WR2] Even after splitting the 2024 season between the Raiders and Jets, Davante Adams secured his fifth consecutive 1,000-yard campaign and finished as the WR14 overall. He maintained elite efficiency with over 2.0 yards per route run and ranked top five in red-zone looks and target share (27 percent), proving he still plays at a high level at age 32. Now paired with WR kingmaker Matthew Stafford in Los Angeles, Adams joins an efficient passing attack led by Sean McVay. While Puka Nacua remains the top option, there are plenty of targets to sustain Adams’s fantasy relevance. With five top-10 weekly finishes in 2024, he remains a strong bet for high-end production. One of the best values on draft day. ADVICE: Veteran WR2 with weekly WR1 upside—great value in Round 4. WR Atwell, Tutu,
2025 Arizona Cardinals Fantasy Preview
2025 Arizona Cardinals Fantasy Preview Johnathan Gannon has done a good job coaching the Cardinals. In Gannon’s second season, Arizona improved to 8-9 and jumped from 24th in scoring to 12th. They also leaped to 15th in defense after ranking 31st in 2023. GM Monti Ossenfort made a concerted effort to fortify the trenches through free agency and the draft, which started with five consecutive defensive players. Don’t discount Arizona’s chances of competing in a wide-open NFC West. QB Kyler Murray had his lowest output in fantasy points per game but still finished the season as the QB10.His 0.52 EPA per dropback ranked 12th among QBs, showcasing efficiency despite inconsistent protection. He also ran for 572 yards, proving he’s back in form after the knee injury that limited him to eight games in 2023. Murray is unlikely to contend for top-5 fantasy production at the loaded QB position, but he is a good bet to post QB1 numbers at a discounted price. RB James Conner remains a reliable RB2 in fantasy, thriving in Arizona’s run-heavy scheme (11th in run plays per game). In 2024, he racked up a career-high 1,094 rushing yards, with a 2.1 yards after contact per attempt. He also chipped in 47 grabs for 414 yards and totaled nine touchdowns. Just 29, Conner led all running backs in juke rate (32.5 percent) and tackles evaded (92), showing he has plenty left in the tank. He remains a high-end RB2. Trey Benson projects as the club’s RB2 and would be a high-end handcuff for the oft-injured Conner. Fantasy managers were expecting big things from first-round WR Marvin Harrison Jr. While Harrison didn’t bust, his 62/885/8 numbers were…fine…but he was outshone by Malik Nabers. The Cardinals used Harrison downfield more than anticipated, and he ranked just 37th in target rate. The plan is to get Harrison more involved closer to the line of scrimmage in 2025. Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch return as the uninspiring supporting cast. Expect Harrison to remain blanketed by opposing defensive backs. While Arizona’s receiving corps is thin, TE Trey McBride will lead the offense in opportunities. McBride, who signed a record four-year, $76 million extension, caught 111-of-147 targets for 1,146 yards. He led all tight ends in target share (29.3 percent), route participation (86.3 percent), air yards share (25.3 percent), and EPA (19.2). McBride has become a force, with the elite fantasy production of a strong WR1 from a premium position. He’s every bit worth an early-round investment on draft day. Fantasy Grade: C QB Murray, Kyler, ARI [QB1] After missing half of the 2023 season with a knee injury, Kyler Murray rebounded nicely in 2024. He finished 10th in fantasy scoring and showed no ill effects of the injury, rushing for 572 yards (4th among QBs) and running in five scores on his own. Additionally, Murray made strides as a passer in his second season in Drew Petzing’s offense. Murray completed 68.8 percent of his attempts and ranked 5th in catchable pass rate (79.7 percent) and completion rate versus man coverage (60.7 percent). Murray delivered nine weekly QB1 finishes against only one dud game. He’s a quality target likely to be overlooked. ADVICE: Underrated QB1 with questionable weapons. RB Conner, James, ARI [RB1] James Conner is an underrated value each season, and 2025 is no different. In 2024, he posted 1,094 rushing yards, eight TDs, and 47 receptions for 414 yards (RB15 in PPR). Conner’s elite 3.7 yards after contact (1st among RBs) and 22 percent evasion rate (4th) show he still has plenty left in the tank as a dual-threat weapon. His 14.3 percent broken tackle rate showcases durability in high-volume roles (236 carries). With a $9.5M contract through 2026, Conner’s secure as the lead back, though Trey Benson may steal some touches if he can stay healthy. ADVICE: Conner remains an excellent RB2 value to target in Rounds 6-7. RB Benson, Trey, ARI [RB2] James Conner is an underrated value each season, and 2025 is no different. In 2024, he posted 1,094 rushing yards, eight TDs, and 47 receptions for 414 yards (RB15 in PPR). Conner’s elite 3.7 yards after contact (1st among RBs) and 22 percent evasion rate (4th) show he still has plenty left in the tank as a dual-threat weapon. His 14.3 percent broken tackle rate showcases durability in high-volume roles (236 carries). With a $9.5M contract through 2026, Conner’s secure as the lead back, though Trey Benson may steal some touches if he can stay healthy. ADVICE: Conner remains an excellent RB2 value to target in Rounds 6-7. WR Harrison Jr., Marvin, ARI [WR1] The hope for Marvin Harrison Jr. after a somewhat disappointing rookie season is that the Cardinals figure out how to get their prized wideout involved closer to the line of scrimmage. While that might eat into Tre McBride’s massive volume, it would fit Harrison’s skill set. Harrison ranked 6th in air yards (1,566) last season and drew 26 deep-ball targets (7th most). That resulted in poor target quality, and, inexplicably, Harrison only commanded 14 red-zone looks. Head coach Jonathan Gannon predicts Harrison will ‘take a huge jump’ in Year Two. If he does, Harrison is a screaming value. ADVICE: Muted rookie numbers versus expectations will make Harrison a strong fantasy value in Rounds 5-6. WR Wilson, Michael, ARI [WR2] ADVICE: Wilson’s sophomore numbers improved across the board, and the Cardinals didn’t make any substantial additions to threaten his WR2 role. Limited upside, but Wilson is a decent end-of-bench guy with some streaming value. WR Dortch, Greg, ARI [WR3] ADVICE: Even though he is Arizona’s third wideout, Dortch has posted back-to-back seasons with fewer than 350 receiving yards. His 4.1 ADOT last year ranked 108th and foreshadowed a role around the line of scrimmage that has little fantasy relevance. TE McBride, Trey, ARI [TE1] If you miss out on Brock Bowers, Trey McBride’s volume is an excellent consolation prize. McBride was second in targets (147) but led all tight ends with a massive
2025 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Fantasy Preview
2025 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Fantasy Preview Tampa Bay has reeled off four straight NFC South titles. And after a good offseason and a division filled with rebuilding opponents, the Buccanners are heavy favorites (+110) to win another division championship in 2025. GM Jason Licht focused on retaining core players and addressing defensive needs, particularly pass rush and secondary depth. Key moves included signing edge rusher Haason Reddick and adding a pair of corners and edge rushers in the draft. Tampa ranked third in offense and fourth in scoring (20.5 ppg) last season and appears poised to light up scoreboards again in 2025. It all starts with QB Baker Mayfield. The overall QB4, Mayfield threw for a career-best 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns. Mayfield’s 7.8 percent big-time throw rate and a 2.5 percent turnover-worthy play rate showcased improved decision-making under pressure (68.5 percent completion rate under pressure ranked 2nd). He also ran for 378 yards after never topping 165 in his previous six seasons. With Liam Coen in Jacksonville, Josh Grizzard plans to keep the offense intact, which is good news for Mayfield’s fantasy prospects. Rachaad White had an RB4 finish in 2023, but this is now Bucky Irving’s backfield. Irving had a dynamite debut, compiling 1,513 scrimmage yards and eight touchdowns. Irving was top-5 in yards per touch (6.0), yards created per touch (4.94) while posting top-10 weekly numbers in six of his final nine. Meanwhile, White maintained usable touches, especially in the red zone. White also hauled in 51 grabs, so there’s enough touches left over for him to be a solid handcuff or fantasy RB4. The Bucs boast a deep and talented group of pass-catching weapons. WR Mike Evans tied an NFL record with his 11th consecutive 1,000-plus yard season. Evans, who turns 32 in August, has shown no signs of slowing down. Teammate Chris Godwin was the WR3 in fantasy points per game before dislocating his ankle in Week 7. If recovered, Godwin will once again thrive from the slot. That gives Tampa one of the top duos in football, but the group was further boosted by the addition of first-rounder Emeka Egbuka from Ohio State. Egbuka is the Buckeyes’ all-time leading receiver with 205 receptions. Egbuka and Jaelen McMillian, who scored eight TDs in 2024, give Tampa one of the best receiving corps in the NFL. TE Cade Otton continues to improve each season. He finished as a high-end TE2. However, the additions of Egbuka and a healthy Godwin will cut into Otton’s 19 percent target share. Fantasy Grade: A- QB Mayfield, Baker, TB [QB1] Baker Mayfield’s 2024 season marked a career resurgence, as he led the NFC with 41 passing touchdowns and ranked third in the NFL with 4,500 passing yards. His 71.4 percent completion rate and 7.9 yards per attempt showcased his efficiency, and he tied Lamar Jackson for 2nd in TD strikes (41). Mayfield got even better after his breakout 2023 showing, and the Bucs invested a first-round pick on another pass-catching weapon. Interceptions remain an issue, but are part of the risk/reward of employing a gunslinger like Mayfield. As long as the value is right, Mayfield is a quality option in an elite offense. ADVICE: Likely peaked, but quality QB1. RB Irving, Bucky, TB [RB1] After being drafted in the fourth round by Tampa Bay, Bucky Irving broke out as a rookie, finishing with 1,121 rushing yards, 392 receiving yards, and eight total touchdowns over 17 games. Irving averaged 14.4 PPR points per game, ranking RB19 overall, and led all rookies in scrimmage yards (1,513). His 5.4 yards per carry and 91 missed tackles forced showcased elite efficiency. With Rachaad White moving into a complementary role, Irving is expected to remain Tampa Bay’s primary back in 2025. The Buccaneers’ high-scoring offense and Irving’s dual-threat ability make him a strong RB2 with RB1 upside in PPR formats. ADVICE: Irving finished as the RB19 last season and is poised to have a more prominent role in 2025. RB White, Rachaad, TB [RB2] Rachaad White enters the 2025 season with tempered expectations after a diminished role last season. In 2024, White recorded 144 rushing attempts for 613 yards (4.2 YPC) and three touchdowns, adding 44 receptions for 303 yards and four receiving touchdowns across 16 games. His touches dropped significantly (11.8 per game vs. 19.6 in 2023) as rookie Bucky Irving emerged, out-touching White in key games. White’s 91.4 percent catch rate remained elite, but a costly fumble and reduced carries (zero touches Week 18) hurt his value. For 2025, White projects as a high-end RB4, likely a backup to Irving. ADVICE: White’s pass-catching keeps him relevant in PPR leagues, but volume concerns cap his ceiling. RB Tucker, Sean, TB [RB3] ADVICE: Tucker had that Week 6 blow-up game in New Orleans with 31.2 fantasy points. Then, he averaged just 4.2 carries per game behind Bucky Irving and Rachaad White. With both still in Tampa, Tucker is little more than a depth target with flex appeal if there is an injury. WR Evans, Mike, TB [WR1] Mike Evans remains a dependable force in fantasy football, entering his 12th NFL season. With a more experienced quarterback and an offense designed to maximize vertical threats, Evans is a solid WR2 with upside. His red-zone dominance hasn’t wavered—expect double-digit touchdown potential and steady target volume. While age and minor injuries are considerations, his route-running and physicality keep him a reliable option, especially in standard and half-PPR leagues. Draft him confidently as a high-floor receiver with weekly scoring upside, particularly against weaker secondaries. Evans may not be flashy, but his consistency remains unmatched. ADVICE: High-floor WR2 marching toward a record 12th-straight 1,000-yard campaign. WR Godwin, Chris, TB [WR2] Countless first-place fantasy squads were devastated when Chris Godwin dislocated his ankle in the waning moments of a Week 7 loss. C’est la vie. Before that, Godwin was leading the NFL in receptions and was second in receiving yards. He thrived after being put back into the slot full-time. The
2025 New Orleans Saints Fantasy Preview
2025 New Orleans Saints Fantasy Preview The Saints fell to 5-12 last season, finishing last in the division for the first time since 2008. Perpetually in cap trouble and with major questions at quarterback, Kellen Moore’s first stint as an NFL head coach will have major challenges. Without much cap space, the club extended Chase Young, added S Justin Reid, and brought back WR Brandin Cooks. The Saints reinforced both sides of the ball via the draft, but enter the 2025 season with one of the oldest rosters in the league. The biggest obstacle for the Saints is at the most important position. Derek Carr’s retirement made the selection of second-round QB Tyler Shough all the more important. Shough’s 65.9 percent completion under pressure rate at Louisville showed promise, and we expect him to beat out Spencer Rattler for the starting gig. New Orleans upgraded their pass-catching group, but the Shough/Rattler pairing is unproven. Jake Haener (QB3) adds depth. Alvin Kamara, a five-time Pro Bowler, leads with 1,151 rushing yards (4.6 YPC) and 466 receiving yards. His 5.3 yards after contact and 52 forced missed tackles (top-10) anchor a run game ranked 14th (114.9 YPG). Kamara’s 70+ receptions and 1,800 all-purpose yards are key in Moore’s screen-heavy attack, and he remains a solid RB2. Kendre Miller again battled injuries and could be pushed for No. 2 duties by sixth-round Kansas rookie Devin Neal. WR Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and Brandin Cooks form a compact but skilled trio. Olave’s 2.8 yards per route run and 13.9 yards per catch stood out, but Olave missed half the season with another concussion. Shaheed was having a breakout campaign before he tore his meniscus. Cooks, a veteran returnee, is a big upgrade over New Orleans’ other ancillary wideouts. When healthy, the receiving corps will be better, but dependent on questionable QB play. Juwan Johnson, extended for three years, leads with 378 yards and three TDs. His 1.5 yards per route run and 11.1 yards per catch thrive in 12-personnel (22% usage). He set career-best marks in targets (66), catches (50), and yards (548), putting him firmly in the TE2 conversation. Taysom Hill is coming off an ACL injury, which endangers his valuable gadget role. If Hill is healthy, he can be a real wild card in an offense that lacks a proven signal-caller. Fantasy Grade: C+ QB Shough, Tyler, NO [QB1] The Saints wisely used the 40th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to reinforce their quarterback position. Derek Carr’s surprising retirement sets the stage for Tyler Shough to win the starting job this summer over Spencer Rattler. Shough (6-5, 219) has an excellent arm and is adept at progressing through progressions. Shough passed for 3,195 and 23 scores last year at Louisville after three seasons at Texas Tech. But Shough will be 26 and has struggled against the blitz. The rookie growing pains could be significant on a rebuilding New Orleans roster. ADVICE: The favorite to win the Saints’ starting gig, but Shough is barely on the Superflex radar. QB Rattler, Spencer, NO [QB2] There’s a decent chance that Rattler will open the season as the Saints’ starter. However, he didn’t show the ability to retain that job in an uninspiring rookie season. New Orleans looks like a bottom-5 team in the NFL, so expect the Saints to take a hot hand/revolving door approach to many positions, including QB. Rattler is little more than a Dynasty Superflex stash with a low ceiling and floor. RB Kamara, Alvin, NO [RB1] Alvin Kamara delivered another strong fantasy season in 2024, finishing as the RB8 in PPR formats despite missing two games due to a groin injury. He amassed 950 rushing yards, 543 receiving yards, and eight total touchdowns over 14 games, averaging 19.0 fantasy points per game—5th among running backs. Kamara led all backs in targets per game (6.6) and remained a top-tier receiving threat. With rookie quarterback Tyler Shough expected to lean on short passes, Kamara should continue to be a PPR machine. The Saints’ backfield additions aren’t likely to impact his workload significantly. ADVICE: Kamara finished as the RB8 last season and remains a reliable PPR option heading into 2025. RB Neal, Devin, NO [RB2] ADVICE: Neal topped 1,000 rushing yards for three straight seasons at Kansas. He has good burst and also excels as a pass-catcher. The sixth-rounder has a legit shot at unseating Kendre Miller for RB2 duties behind Alvin Kamara. RB Miller, Kendre, NO [RB3] ADVICE: A promising resumé has been torpedoed by injuries. Added competition from Devin Neal further complicates Miller’s future as Alvin Kamara’s heir apparent. WR Olave, Chris, NO [WR1] Chris Olave is a risky WR3 for 2025 fantasy football due to health and quarterback concerns. In 2024, Olave played eight games, recording 32 receptions, 400 yards, and one touchdown, averaging 5.8 PPR points per game. His 2.15 yards per route run remained efficient, but two concussions sidelined him for the season’s latter half. With Derek Carr’s retirement and unproven quarterbacks (Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler), Olave’s outlook is murky. Despite a 25-percent target share, his injury history and quarterback uncertainty cap his upside. ADVICE: The Saints will see favorable game scripts for the passing attack, but Olave’s fantasy potential is dependent on completely unproven QBs, making him a risk/reward WR3. WR Shaheed, Rashid, NO [WR2] Shaheed was off to a blistering start, averaging 12.6 fantasy points per game before a meniscus injury ended his season in Week 6. Shaheed’s insane 50.3 percent air yards share led the NFL, and he was top-5 in ADOT (17.6) and yards per catch (17.5). Coming off a major knee injury is the first concern for Shaheed. Secondly, there is the Saints’ unsettled quarterback job, which will be led by unproven Tyler Shough or Spencer Rattler. Shaheed did enough last season to be the Saints’ No. 2 wide receiver, but he comes with noteworthy risk in his fourth pro season. ADVICE: Premier deep threat, but knee recovery and QB woes make
2025 Carolina Panthers Fantasy Preview
2025 Carolina Panthers Fantasy Preview After bottoming out in 2023, Carolina made some strides in Dave Canales’s first season. The offense improved from 32nd (265.3 yards per game) to 29th (298.0). However, the defense fell to last in 2024, and was a big focus for GM Dan Morgan in free agency and the draft. Tershawn Wharton, Tre’von Moehrig, Bobby Brown, and Pat Jones were all veteran additions, along with edge rushers Nick Scourton and Princely Umanmielen via Day Two draft selections. The club’s long rebuild made strides in Year One. Now, the young Panthers are looking to approach respectability. “All faces, all the voices blur. Change to one face, change to one voice. Prepare yourself for bed, the light seems bright and glares on white walls. All the sounds of Charlotte, sometimes.” After a rough start, Bryce Young was benched. Instead of pouting, he took it as an opportunity to learn from Andy Dalton. It worked. Young returned to the lineup in Week 8 and looked like a completely different player, especially in his deep-ball accuracy. In his final 10 starts, Young tossed 15 touchdowns compared to only six interceptions. This included three QB1 weeks in his final six outings. With an improved roster, Young has salvaged his dynasty appeal. There is hope the momentum will carry over into 2025, but Young is a lesser QB2 with some streaming potential in redraft. Chuba Hubbard (1,195 yards, 5.0 YPC) leads after a breakout 2024, with 41.8% of carries gaining 5+ yards. Hubbard received a four-year extension, cementing him as the club’s starter. He ranked 3rd with a 77.3 percent snap share and 7th in expected fantasy points per game. Hubbard is shaping up to be a solid mid-round target for #ZERORB drafters. Rico Dowdle (1,328 all-purpose yards) and fourth-rounder Trevor Etienne complement, with Etienne’s 6.2 yards after contact and return ability (9.8 yards/punt return) projecting him as a change-of-pace back. Dowdle’s 43% success rate bolsters depth, especially with Jonathon Brooks out (ACL). First-round pick Tetairoa McMillan (No. 8, Arizona) joins Adam Thielen and Xavier Legette in an improving wide receiver corps. McMillan’s 3.1 yards per route run and 12.8 yards per catch make him a good fit with Young’s downfield ability. Thielen, 34, adds reliability (4.8 catches/game), while Legette’s 14.1 yards per catch shifts to WR2. Jalen Coker, Hunter Renfrow, and sixth-rounder Jimmy Horn Jr. deepen a group with 2.6 yards per route run (12th in NFL). Tommy Tremble and Ja’Tavion Sanders will form a committee for Canales. Tremble was in on 68.4 percent of Carolina’s snaps last season and tops the depth chart. However, no Carolinas tight ends eclipsed Tremble’s 32 targets in 2024, so there is not a ton of fantasy appeal. Fantasy Grade: D QB Young, Bryce, CAR [QB1] Sitting behind Andy Dalton proved to be a valuable break for Bryce Young and a good tactic for head coach Dave Canales. Young handled the benching like a pro and looked like a brand-new quarterback by the time he reclaimed the starting job in Week 8. From that point on, Young began pushing the ball downfield and totaled 20 touchdowns. Additionally, the Panthers added the draft’s top wideout in Tetairoa McMilliam, giving Young a solid young nucleus. The hope here is that Young’s momentum carries over. If that happens, he will be a solid QB2 who will produce multiple top-10 weeks. ADVICE: Target Young as a backup with some streaming value. RB Hubbard, Chuba, CAR [RB1] Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers’ lead RB, is a high-end RB2 for 2025 after a breakout 2024. He amassed 1,195 rushing yards, 10 TDs, and 43 receptions for 171 yards (RB12 in half-PPR, 14.9 PPG). Hubbard averaged 4.8 YPC and boasted an average of 2.1 yards after contact (top-10) on a 77.3 percent snap share. Hubbard’s four-year, $33.2M extension cements his role, despite Rico Dowdle’s backup presence. Fourth-round rookie Trevor Etienne will also be in the mix for touches. Hubbard’s volume-driven output and improved offensive line make him a solid target on an offense trending up. ADVICE: Hubbard remains a quality Zero RB target with top-15 upside. RB Dowdle, Rico, CAR [RB2] ADVICE: Dowdle was a feel-good story from last year, but his move to Carolina, where he’s behind newly extended Chuba Hubbard, is a significant downgrade to his fantasy value. WR McMillan, Tetairoa, CAR [WR1] The Carolina Panthers landed the 2025 NFL Draft’s top wideout, former Arizona star Tetairoa McMillian. Standing at 6-4 and weighing 220 pounds, with a 4.50 40-yard dash time, McMillan’s size and speed make him a formidable red-zone target for quarterback Bryce Young. Projected as a WR3 in his rookie season, he bolsters a passing game that, in 2024, saw 210 receptions for 2,453 yards and 18 touchdowns on 339 targets. McMillan’s big-play potential elevates Carolina’s offense, promising a dynamic aerial attack that will improve from its 30th ranking of last season. ADVICE: McMilliam gives the Panthers an alpha presence they were missing. WR3 with weekly WR2 upside. WR Legette, Xavier, CAR [WR2] Despite Carolina ranking 30th in passing last year, Xavier Legette had a decent rookie season. The former Gamecock became the Panthers’ deep threat, ranking 29th with a 12.3 ADOT and 21st with 19 deep-ball targets. Drops (5) were an issue, but Legette’s 2025 value was rising. That is, until the club selected Tetairoa McMillian with the 8th pick in the NFL Draft. That will take some of the targets away, and for Legette to blossom into a decent fantasy option, he must be utilized closer to the line of scrimmage. Not sure that’s going to happen this season. ADVICE: Legette struggled against man coverage and must develop a more nuanced route tree before he can be a reliable fantasy target. WR Thielen, Adam, CAR [WR3] Thielen remains a reliable slot receiver for the Panthers despite a 2024 hamstring injury limiting him to 10 games (48 receptions, 615 yards, 5 TDs). His 77.4 percent catch rate and chemistry with Bryce Young ensure a PPR floor, but
2025 Atlanta Falcons Fantasy Preview
2025 Atlanta Falcons Fantasy Preview Head coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot return to Atlanta, which will look like a much different team after missing the playoffs. With $30M in cap space, the team focused on defensive upgrades, addressing a pass rush that ranked 28th in pressure rate (29.8%) and a secondary allowing 69.9% completion (32nd in NFL). Free agency additions like EDGE Leonard Floyd, DL Morgan Fox, and S Jordan Fuller, and the first four picks in the 2025 NFL Draft bolstered the defense. Atlanta has not had a winning season since 2017. Their projected win total for 2025: 7.5. Michael Penix Jr., the 2024 No. 8 pick, takes the helm after a rookie season with 775 passing yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions in three starts. His 65.2% completion rate and 7.9 yards per attempt under pressure show promise in Zac Robinson’s quick-read offense. Penix’s arm strength suits deep shots to the wideouts in play-action. Atlanta ranked 6th in pace of play last season, so there’s potential for Penix to be an above-average fantasy option after a trial run to close out 2024. RB Bijan Robinson, a 2024 Pro Bowler, anchors the backfield with 1,456 rushing yards (4.8 YPC) and 425 receiving yards. His 5.6 yards after contact and 68 forced missed tackles (2nd in NFL) drive a run game ranked 11th in EPA/rush. Robinson has not missed an NFL game and finished his sophomore campaign as the RB4. Tyler Allgeier (686 yards, 4.4 YPC, PFF grade: 76.3) complements as a power back, with 28.4 percent of carries gaining 5+ yards. Drake London (100/1,271/9) leads as WR1, with a 2.9 yards per route run (top-10) and 12 contested catches. And London’s usage with Penix as the starter was eye-opening. In those three games, London averaged 11.3 targets, 7.3 grabs, and 117.3 yards. ??Darnell Mooney and Ray-Ray McCloud (469 yards, PFF grade: 70.1) start in 11 personnel, with McCloud’s 5.2 yards after catch adding YAC. Mooney is coming off his best season, with six top-20 weekly performances. It’s time we had ‘the talk’ about Kyle Pitts. While many in the fantasy community are holding out hope, the odds are against Pitts ever living up to the hype. He ranked 25th in fantasy points per game with five weekly TE1 games and seven performances outside of the top 30. Pitts averaged 22 yards per game in Penix’s three starts. Let someone else fall for the Pitts #SZN Part IV. Fantasy Grade: C+ QB Penix Jr., Michael, ATL [QB1] In three late-season starts, Michael Penix finished as the QB30, QB25, and QB7. That three-game sample size led to some interesting results. Penix only completed 58 percent of his attempts and ranked 34th during the stretch in on-target throw rate. However, he also made some eye-opening throws, leading the NFL with a 9.0 big-time throw rate and ranking 2nd in ADOT (10.6). That paints the picture of a volatile young signal-caller with an extremely high ceiling and low floor. With the position being deep, Penix is a risk/reward QB2 in redraft and a Best Ball target to fade. ADVICE: Risky QB2 who will have highlight reel throws and plenty of head-scratchers. QB Cousins, Kirk, ATL [QB2] Atlanta has turned the page on Cousins, who had a disappointing debut with the Falcons. Cousins did not look fully recovered from the Achilles injury that ended his 2023 campaign. With Michael Penix starting, Cousins’s only route to contributing in 2025 is to waive his no-trade clause. Of course, a team would also have to be interested and be willing to take on his considerable salary. For now, Cousins’s only fantasy value is that of a speculative backup to roster in deeper leagues. ADVICE: Will have to wait for an injury to occur to drum up trade interest. RB Robinson, Bijan, ATL [RB1] Robinson checks all the boxes to be fantasy football’s No. 1 player in 2025. He is durable, led the NFL in weighted opportunities (17.4/game), yards created (81.9/game), and was top five in carries, receptions, and touchdowns. Robinson also played the fourth-most snaps and ranked third in red-zone rushes. And in Michael Penix’s three starts, Robinson logged 67 carries for 354 and 6(!) rushing scores. Bijan is an elite runner (ranked 3rd with 83 tackles evaded) and receiver. He’s a three-down workhorse who will see a ton of targets and valuable red-zone touches in an emerging offense. ADVICE: Top-3 pick in every format who has overall RB1 potential. Our 1.01 overall. RB Allgeier, Tyler, ATL [RB2] In the Arthur Smith day, Tyler Allgeier was a thorn in the side of fantasy managers. That isn’t the case now, as Allgeier ceded most work to Bijan Roinson. Allgeier’s touches have declined for three consecutive years. In 2024, he rushed for 644 yards (4.7 YPC) and 3 TDs on 137 carries, adding 17 receptions for 142 yards (6.0 PPG, PPR). His 18-carry, 105-yard Week 6 outburst showed RB2/3 potential, but Bijan Robinson’s dominance (259 carries, 19.0 PPG) caps his role. ADVICE: No longer offers consistent standalone value, but Allegier is a must-have handcuff for fantasy managers lucky enough to snag Bijan Robinson in Round One. WR London, Drake, ATL [WR1] In 2024, London established himself as a force near the goal line, racking up 23 red-zone targets—tied for the third-most in the league. He posted the third-best target rate per route (30 percent) and was thrown to on 41 percent of his routes with rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. under center. While his overall snap rate ticked up slightly in Year Two, a shift toward a more pass-focused offense came with a slight dip in target volume. A key factor in London’s improved production was his increased usage from the slot, jumping from an 18.6 percent slot rate in 2023 to 39.6 percent in 2024. He averaged 23.1 PPG with Penix, a strong indicator of what’s to come. ADVICE: Breakout WR2 with WR1 ceiling—target confidently in Round 2. WR Mooney, Darnell, ATL [WR2] Mooney wound
2025 Minnesota Vikings Fantasy Preview
2025 Minnesota Vikings Fantasy Preview The Vikings had a tremendous 2024 season, far exceeding expectations. But after an early playoff exit, GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah aggressively spent to reinforce a roster that won 14 games. Head coach Kevin O’Connell retained coordinators, Brian Flores and Wes Phillips, maintaining a quarterback-friendly offense and a blitz-heavy defense (48.7% blitz rate, 1st in NFL). Key departures like Sam Darnold and Danielle Hunter were offset by signing Ryan Kelly, Will Fries, and re-signing Aaron Jones, while drafting five players to address trenches and skill positions. Momentum is strong, with J.J. McCarthy’s recovery (no limitations post-meniscus tear) and a top-5 offense (PFF grade: 88.2). In three seasons with Minnesota, Kevin O’Connell’s offense has ranked 6th, 5th, and 6th in passing. O’Connell coaxed a 4,319-yard, 35-score campaign out of Sam Darnold, who was expected to be the backup. With Darnold now in Seattle, O’Connell turns the reins of his high-octane offense over to 2024 first-rounder J.J. McCarthy. McCarthy missed his first season due to a meniscus tear but projects to be an excellent fit in the offense. He has solid touch and accuracy and was adept at progressing through reads at Michigan. He’s in the perfect offense to make an immediate impact and will be a solid QB2 with QB1 upside. Aaron Jones, re-signed ($10M), leads with 1,351 all-purpose yards (PFF grade: 86.9). Jones stayed healthy and produced six RB1 performances. Despite turning 30, Jones’s metrics aren’t showing any noticeable declines. He’s firmly in the middle-round RB2 territory. Jordan Mason, acquired from San Francisco (789 yards, 5.2 YPC), adds a bruising backup (PFF grade: 78.3). The $19.3M invested (3rd in NFL) supports a run-heavy approach (4.7 YPC, 9th in NFL), with Jones’ 5.1 yards after contact and Mason’s power offering a good contrast to the passing attack. Justin Jefferson (1,622 yards, PFF grade: 92.1) and Jordan Addison (893 yards, 10 TDs) form an elite duo. Jefferson slipped from 20.4 PPR points per game to 18.4 in 2024. Yet, he still posted overall WR2 numbers. Hard to rank him anywhere else but there. Addison’s numbers also decline a hair, but he matched his rookie TD totals. Second-round pick Tai Felton adds speed (4.39 40-yard dash) and will push Jalen Nailor for WR3 duties. TE T.J. Hockenson missed half the season recovering from a knee injury. However, he still posted eye-opening metrics, leading all tight ends with a 35.6 percent target rate and ranking 3rd in yards per route run (2.61). Hockenson is a locked-in TE1 with top-3 potential. Fantasy Grade: A- QB McCarthy, J.J., MIN [QB1] Sleeper What might have been. J.J. McCarthy’s preseason injury resulted in a career-defining season for Sam Darnold. The Vikings have finished 6th,5th, and 6th in passing in Kevin O’Connell’s three seasons on the sidelines, averaging 4,295 passing yards and 31.7 TD passes. O’Connell let Darnold walk, showing tremendous confidence in his 2024 first-rounder. McCarthy looked terrific before the injury and excelled in Michigan’s pro-style offense. He’s accurate, adept at progressing through reads, and ran a 4.57. McCarthy has an excellent supporting cast and plays in a fantasy-friendly scheme with a coach who is a QB whisperer. One of 2025’s top breakout candidates. ADVICE: Must-have sleeper with top 10 upside. RB Jones, Aaron, MIN [RB1] Bust On the surface, Aaron Jones thrived in Minnesota, turning a career-high 255 carries into the best rushing season (1,138) on his resume. Jones stayed healthy and also hauled in 51-of-62 targets, ranking 8th. However, Jones will be 31 in December and there are signs he’s slowing down. His yards per carry, yards after contact per attempt, and Elusive Rating have all declined for three consecutive years. Additionally, Jordan Mason is a real threat to take carries away from Jones, especially in the red zone. Also, Minnesota is breaking in a promising but unproven signal-caller. ADVICE: Regression candidate after last season’s RB1 finish. RB Mason, Jordan, MIN [RB2] Sleeper Jordan Mason, now with the Minnesota Vikings, is a 2025 fantasy sleeper with RB3 potential. In 2024, he rushed for 789 yards (5.2 YPC) and three touchdowns in 12 games, ranking 6th among RBs in YPC (min. 100 carries). His three games with 20+ carries yielded 100+ yards, showcasing workhorse potential. Despite limited touches, Mason ranked 9th in breakaway runs (12) and 4th in explosive play rate. He’s to the top gear that Jones lacks. At 25, Mason’s youth and 4.53 40-yard dash contrast with Aaron Jones’ age-31 wear. Mason is a threat to steal snaps, potentially splitting touches. ADVICE: His 1B role makes him a high-value handcuff with standalone flex appeal. WR Jefferson, Justin, MIN [WR1] Despite quarterback instability, Jefferson continues to produce at an elite level. He has surpassed 1500 receiving yards in multiple seasons and remains a focal point of the Vikings’ offense. He tied Ja’Marr Chase for the most WR1 weekly finishes (12). Jefferson’s production did drop slightly after T.J. Hockenson returned from injury, but QB JJ McCarthy will likely lock into his all-world WR this season. His route-running and hands make him QB-proof, ensuring consistent fantasy production. Jefferson plays the X receiver and slot, so the Vikings can move him around on mismatches. ADVICE: High-floor WR1 regardless of quarterback play. Mid to late first-round draft target. WR Addison, Jordan, MIN [WR2] Addison got a lot of production out of a 20.1-percent target share (64th), mainly because of his touchdown prowess. His 14.2 PPG (PPR) showed TD-driven value, but struggles against man coverage and seven games with single-digit fantasy points are concerns. A potential 1-3 game DUI suspension adds more risk. With Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson commanding targets and rookie QB J.J. McCarthy’s unproven arm, Addison’s volume may stagnate. Still, his 77/1,098/12 pace post-injury in 2024 suggests he’ll remain a TD-dependent WR3 with weekly boom/bust potential. ADVICE: Strong WR3, but Addison relies on touchdowns, making his prognosis uncertain with a new signal caller. WR Felton, Tai, MIN [WR3] Super Sleeper ADVICE: Felton (6-1, 185) is a burner with slot/perimeter flexibility and ranked third among
2025 Green Bay Packers Fantasy Preview
2025 Green Bay Packers Fantasy Preview With an average age of 25.6, the Green Bay Packers are the NFL’s youngest team. Coming off an 11-6 season and postseason berth, Green Bay is poised to be a problem in the NFC for the foreseeable future. Head coach Matt LaFleur retained coordinators Adam Stenavich and Jeff Hafley, ensuring continuity. Momentum remains high, with a top-10 offense (377.2 YPG) and a defense (9th in DVOA) poised for growth. The draft brought reinforcements at receiver and inside the trenches. Jordan Love, extended through 2028, is the franchise cornerstone (4,159 yards, 32 TDs, 2024 PFF grade: 87.4). His 8.2 yards per attempt and 68.7 percent completion rate under pressure highlight his growth in LaFleur’s West Coast scheme. Love’s ability to extend plays (8.9% scramble rate) and deliver in clutch moments makes him a solid fantasy QB2. In his first year with the Packers, RB Josh Jacobs didn’t catch as many passes but still posted overall RB6 numbers thanks to 1,671 scrimmage yards and 16 scores. Green Bay ranked 5th with 30.8 rushing attempts per game. Jacobs also ranked 5th with 62 red-zone touches. That usage keeps him firmly in the RB1 category. The hope is that MarShawn Lloyd can win the change-of-pace role after an injury-marred rookie season. For the first time in 22 years, the Packers selected a wide receiver in the first round. Texas speedster Matthew Golden ran the fastest 40 (4.29) of all wideouts in the class. However, Golden’s analytics profile is underwhelming, and a big chunk of his production came in a four-game stretch. He’s a bit of a boom-or-bust pick in redraft leagues. Godlen joins a crowded wideout room with Jayden Reed (55/857/6), Romeo Dobbs (46/601/4), and fellow rookie Savion Williams. Incumbent starter Christian Watson is expected to miss time with another knee injury. The influx of talent will help what was already a deep group, but the Packers need one of their young receivers to step up and become a true No. 1. Luke Musgrave (506 yards) and Tucker Kraft (405 yards, 7 TDs) form a dynamic duo in 12-personnel (25% usage). Kraft has become the clear starter on the heels of an overall TE10 finish. Among all tight ends, Kraft ranked 2nd in yards per route run (2.64), yards per target (10.1), and yards per catch (14.1). Kraft is in the second tier of tight ends, while Musgrave can be left on the waiver wire. Fantasy Grade: B QB Love, Jordan, GB [QB1] An MCL sprain in the season opener cost Jordan Love a pair of starts and hampered his mobility for most of the season. That resulted in an 18 percent dip in Love’s fantasy production. Love topped 300 passing yards once and failed to top 230 in Green Bay’s final six games. The injuries caused accuracy issues, and he only averaged 5.5 yards rushing per game. Love is now healthy, and the addition of WR Matthew Golden in Round One bodes well for Love’s chances at rebounding. The true Love is likely between 2023 and 2024, making him a fringe QB1. ADVICE: Love should bounce back and be a borderline QB1. RB Jacobs, Josh, GB [RB1] Following five seasons with the Raiders, Josh Jacobs’s first season in Green Bay was a success, culminating in a career-high 15 rushing scores and an overall RB6 fantasy finish. Jacobs was efficient, ranking 2nd in yards created (1,287), yards per route run (2.67), and tackles evaded (88). Green Bay’s RB2 role is still unsettled, so we expect Jacobs to remain heavily involved in a Green Bay offense that finished 5th in run plays per game (30.8). That usage gives Jacobs a high floor, making him a strong target in the 2nd or 3rd round. ADVICE: RB1 with a high-volume role that offers a high floor. RB Lloyd, MarShawn, GB [RB2] ADVICE: First, an ankle injury, then appendicitis, limited Lloyd to one game in his rookie season. The 2024 3rd rounder is healthy entering camp and should emerge as Green Bay’s RB2. WR Reed, Jayden, GB [WR1] Jayden Reed was a popular breakout pick last summer, but had a disappointing 2024 showing. Last season, he recorded 55 receptions, 857 yards, and six touchdowns, averaging 12.6 PPR points per game. His 2.20 yards per route run ranked 18th among WRs, with a team-leading 17% target share. Reed’s big-play ability shone with 6.9 yards after catch and three 100+ yard games, though inconsistency (four games under 10 yards) and 10 drops were concerns. With Christian Watson’s injury and first-rounder Matthew Golden in town, Reed is a WR3 who will have some boom weeks and bust performances. ADVICE: Lack of target volume and erratic week-to-week production make Reed a volatile WR3. WR Golden, Matthew, GB [WR2] With 4.29 speed, Matthew Golden brings excitement to a Green Bay receiving corps looking for an alpha threat. It’s been more than two decades since the Packers selected a wide receiver in the first round. Golden still needs development in running a full NFL route tree, but he has the straight-line speed to fill in for Christian Watson, who will miss significant time. His numbers at Houston and Texas don’t pop, but Golden’s speed and landing spot dictate that he’s got the potential to be an appealing target in the middle rounds. ADVICE: Elite speed but still needs refinement. Potentially impactful WR3/4 if he starts in Week 1. WR Doubs, Romeo, GB [WR3] ADVICE: Doubs will enter camp as Green Bay’s No. 3 receiver, but he’s been plagued by inconsistency. A pair of draft picks, including first-round Texas WR Matthew Golden, will push Doubs for playing time. He’s a low-floor WR5/6. TE Kraft, Tucker, GB [TE1] While many anticipated Luke Musgrave emerging as Green Bay’s main tight end, it was Tucker Kraft who blossomed in his sophomore campaign. Kraft played 85.8 percent of the Packers’ snaps and ranked 2nd in yards per target (10.1) and yards per reception (14.1) among tight ends. After seeing 40 targets as