2025 Detroit Lions Fantasy Preview
2025 Detroit Lions Fantasy Preview Preceding Washington, head coach Dan Campbell showed how much difference one person can make in reinventing a franchise. The Lions’ 2025 offseason was a calculated effort to build on their 15-2 season and NFC No. 1 seed, despite a playoff loss to the Commanders. Camebll and GM Brad Holmes prioritized depth to address 2024’s injury-plagued defense (ranked 18th in EPA/play), while new offensive coordinator John Morton replaced Ben Johnson, bringing a less trick-play-heavy scheme (10.8% play-action rate). With $40M in cap space, Holmes made strategic signings, re-signings, and drafted seven players, focusing on the defensive line and secondary. Key losses like Carlton Davis and Za’Darius Smith were offset by health recoveries (Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill) and additions like D.J. Reed. Jared Goff is locked in as the starter, with a 69.2% completion rate and 7.8 yards per attempt. He comes off a career-best 4,629 passing yards and a 37-touchdown season. It resulted in an overall QB9 finish. But losing Johnson is a concern. Goff should be viewed as a borderline fantasy QB1, but expect some regression. RBs Jahmyr Gibbs (1,929 total yards, 20 TD) and David Montgomery (1,076 yards, 11 TDs) form an elite tandem. The unit’s 4.9 yards per carry (6th in NFL) thrives in Morton’s zone-heavy run game, with Gibbs’ 5.4 yards after contact driving explosiveness. The Lions are expected to stick with their successful rotation, with Gibbs having an outside shot at repeating last year’s overall RB1 finish. Montgomery is a solid RB2 who comes with a significant discount. Amon-Ra St. Brown saw his targets and catch numbers dip, but retained top-5 value thanks to a career-best 12 touchdown grabs. With two straight overall WR3 finishes and a WR7 showing in 2022, St. Brown is one of the safest first-round bets in all of fantasy. Jameson Williams was the subject of trade rumors but will be back as the club’s No. 2. Williams broke 1,000 yards and ranked 12th in yards after catch despite ranking just 51st in target share (18.9 percent). Second-round pick Isaiah TeSlaa will push Tim Patrick for WR3 duties. Whoever wins that job has sneaky late-round sleeper appeal. Under Johnson, Detroit ranked third (32.2 percent) in utilizing 12 formations. However, Sam LaPorta is the real star here, ranking 6th in receiving yards (726), 3rd in deep targets (9), and 5th with 19 red-zone targets. LaPorta didn’t replicate his rookie totals, but is still an elite option who will come with a discounted price. Fantasy Grade: A QB Goff, Jared, DET [QB1] Everything peaked for Jared Goff last year, but the loss of OC Ben Johnson complicates his chances of matching his career-best numbers. Goff ranked 6th in QBR (68.4) and 3rd in red zone attempts per game, benefiting from Detroit’s aggressive offensive scheme. While he offers minimal rushing upside, his consistency is bolstered by elite weapons like Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta. The Lions’ 2025 QB strength of schedule ranks 17th, suggesting a neutral but manageable slate. Despite the departure of Johnson, Goff remains a reliable weekly starter in most formats. ADVICE: Unlikely to repeat last year’s numbers, but capable of being a low-end QB1. RB Gibbs, Jahmyr, DET [RB1] It was Jahmyr Gibbs, not Saquon Barkley, who led all running backs in total fantasy points. Gibbs produced 1,912 scrimmage yards and led the league with 20 total touchdowns. With David Montgomery sidelined, Gibbs feasted in Weeks 16-18, accumulating 487 scrimmage yards and scoring six touchdowns to secure countless fantasy championships. Montgomery will be back, but Gibbs scored more than 12 fantasy points in every game, giving him the highest floor of any player. That makes him, arguably, the safest bet to warrant consideration for the fantasy 1.01. ADVICE: The reigning RB1 is poised to post top-3 fantasy numbers once again in his third season. RB Montgomery, David, DET [RB2] David Montgomery delivered a strong 2024 campaign, finishing as the RB18 in PPR formats despite missing three games due to a torn MCL. He accumulated 775 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on 185 carries, complemented by 36 receptions for 341 yards, averaging 15.8 PPR points per game, which ranked 16th among running backs. Montgomery’s role as Detroit’s primary goal-line back remained secure, even with Jahmyr Gibbs’ increased involvement. The Lions’ high-powered offense, averaging 32.8 points per game, provided ample scoring opportunities. With a full recovery expected for 2025, Montgomery should continue to be a reliable RB2 option, particularly in non-PPR and half-PPR formats. ADVICE: Steady producer who remains a strong RB2. WR St. Brown, Amon-Ra, DET [WR1] St. Brown delivered another incredible season in 2024. He was the WR3 in total and per-game scoring while also leading the NFL in red-zone receptions. However, his target share dipped to 23 percent over the final seven games. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson left for Chicago, and that could be cause for concern. Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta pose significant threats to St. Brown’s target share in 2025, possibly capping upside. St. Brown is talented and has a rapport with QB Jared Goff that is undeniable, and that should be enough to keep him in the elite WR1 conversation. ADVICE: Reliable WR1–Look to draft in the late first/early second. WR Williams, Jameson, DET [WR2] There were rumors that Jameson Williams was on the trade block, but returning to the Lions keeps the fourth-year speedster in the upside WR2 conversation. Williams broke out in 2024 (58 receptions, 1,001 yards, eight total TDs in 15 games). His 17.3 yards per catch and 21-percent target share (post-suspension) highlight elite efficiency, ranking 3rd in YAC per reception. Despite a crowded offense with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, and Jahmyr Gibbs, new OC John Morton projects a “huge” season. Williams’ boom-or-bust nature (seven top-24 weeks) and a potential role shift under Morton make him a WR3 with WR1 upside. Draft as a top-30 wideout in 2025. ADVICE: High-upside weekly WR2/3 with potential to score from anywhere on the field. WR TeSlaa, Isaac, DET [WR3] A
2025 Chicago Bears Fantasy Preview
2025 Chicago Bears Fantasy Preview Chicago’s 2025 offseason was transformative. New head coach Ben Johnson, formerly Detroit’s offensive coordinator, brings a dynamic, play-action-heavy scheme (13.2 percent play-action rate) to maximize quarterback Caleb Williams. GM Ryan Poles overhauled the roster, trading for guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, signing center Drew Dalman, and drafting eight players, including three offensive starters.) Free agency additions like DT Grady Jarrett and DE Dayo Odeyingbo bolster a defense that ranked 14th in DVOA, while offensive line upgrades signal a shift toward protecting Williams and enhancing the run game. Caleb Williams, the 2024 No. 1 pick, remains the Bears’ cornerstone. Johnson’s hire is pivotal, as his work with Jared Goff (72.4 percent completion rate in 2024) suggests Williams could leap in Year 2. Williams’ improvisational style (9.8% scramble rate) aligns with Johnson’s quick-pass offense, projecting a 4,000-yard season if the line holds. Although his rookie season was below expectations, Williams is a prime rebound candidate supported by an improving roster and a more fantasy-friendly scheme. D’Andre Swift (1,049 yards, 4.8 YPC, 2024) leads the backfield, complemented by Roschon Johnson. Seventh-round pick Kyle Monangai (669 college carries, 0 fumbles) adds power and pass-blocking, fitting Johnson’s outside zone scheme. Swift is an interesting name to keep in mind on draft day. The fantasy community seems down on him, but he still posted RB19 numbers last season. Additionally, he checks boxes that make him a good fit in Johnson’s scheme, and the team chose not to target an early-round back in a deep class. Swift might be an excellent sleeper RB2. D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze (No. 9 pick, 2024) form a top-tier duo. Moore saw a steep decline in his numbers but still posted WR14 overall numbers. With Keenan Allen gone, Odunze will be the undisputed WR2. The duo is joined by second-rounder Luther Burden III (940 yards at Missouri). Burden’s 5.1 yards after catch projects him as a WR3 starter in 11 personnel, adding explosiveness. Olamide Zaccheaus and Devin Duvernay provide depth and special-teams value. The group’s separation ability (Moore: 2.8 yards per route) eases Williams’ reads. No. 10 overall pick Colston Loveland joins Cole Kmet to form a formidable tandem should Johnson choose to run ’12’ personnel- something the Lions did on 32.3 percent of their snaps in 2024, third-most in the league. Loveland’s slot usage (48% at Michigan) and separation skills complement Kmet’s in-line blocking. Chicago ranked dead last in offense one year ago. With Ben Johnson calling plays and a much-improved roster, that’s not going to happen again. Fantasy Grade: B- QB Williams, Caleb, CHI [QB1] Expectations were probably too high for Caleb Williams in Year One. While his stats (62.5 percent completion rate, 20 TDs, 6 INT) were fine, Chicago’s abundance of weapons had many fantasy analysts projecting top-10 rookie stats. Instead, Williams ranked 27th in adjusted yards per attempt, 27th in QBR, and 40th in Accuracy Rating. Much of that had to do with ranking 1st in deep-ball attempts and 2nd in air yards. With Ben Johnson calling plays and an overhauled offensive line, expect Williams to be more efficient. Williams improved down the stretch and should be a real value in drafts after an innocuous rookie campaign. ADVICE: Rebound candidate and value with QB1 upside. RB Swift, D’Andre, CHI [RB1] Sleeper The Bears were rumored to be attempting to trade up to draft Ashton Jeanty, but the 2025 NFL Draft came and went without Chicago adding a running back until the seventh round. Fantasy managers seem to be done with D’Andre Swift, but he’s been quietly productive. Swift ranked 10th in snap share (66.9 percent) and carries (253). He also ran the eighth-most routes, and with Ben Johnson now in the Windy City, Swift has underrated value in an offense littered with skill-position talent. Johnson coached Swift to a pair of RB2 finishes in 2022-2023, where he averaged 13 PPR points per game. ADVICE: Potential sleeper target for Zero-RB drafters. RB Johnson, Roschon, CHI [RB2] Sleeper If Ben Johnson follows the model he succeeded with in Detroit, multiple Chicago running backs will have value in 2025. Johnson (6-0, 219) has a similar style to David Montgomery, but Johnson offers more speed and burst. Last year, Johnson ranked 10th in the league with 1.03 fantasy points per opportunity, two spots ahead of Montgomery (0.99). Johnson is also an excellent short-yardage option, cashing in six touchdowns on nine carries inside his opponent’s 5-yard line. Finally, Johnson caught 34-of-40 targets in 2023, showing underrated three-down skills…just like David Montgomery. ADVICE: Quietly a sneaky value pick in the mid-to-late rounds of fantasy drafts, with plus TD potential. WR Moore, D.J., CHI [WR1] D.J. Moore has become one of the NFL’s healthiest producers, missing just two games across seven seasons and finishing as a top-25 fantasy WR in each of the past six. While his 2024 numbers dipped from WR9 in points per game to WR28, that drop came in a crowded receiver group with a rookie quarterback. Still, Moore ranked top 10 in both targets and receptions. His production surged post-Week 10, averaging 17.3 fantasy points per game after OC Shane Waldron’s departure. Now under offensive-minded head coach Ben Johnson, and with Caleb Williams entering Year 2, Moore has room to thrive. With added competition from rookies Luther Burden and Colston Loveland, he’s more volatile than elite. ADVICE: WR2 with spike-week upside. A target in the early 4th round. WR Odunze, Rome, CHI [WR2] Sleeper The 101 targets Rome Oduze drew in his rookie season were in line with preseason expectations. However, the results were slightly disappointing. Oduze only caught 54 of those passes, resulting in a (-1.6) yards per target over expectation figure. Caleb Williams played a big part, as all of Chicago’s pass-catchers were in the minus on that metric. Odunze only had seven plays designed for him, and he was first read on just 18.9 percent. With Keenan Allen gone, expect an increase in Year Two. Odunze is a good value at
2025 Washington Commanders Fantasy Preview
2025 Washington Commanders Fantasy Preview If one needs an example of the impact that changing toxic culture can have, reference the 2024 Washington Commanders. In the first full year (second season) away from Dan Snyder, the Commanders took astonishing steps, going 12-5 and reaching the NFC championship game. After inheriting Snyder’s last staff, new owner Josh Harris hired GM Adam Peters, went against the grain and gave Dan Quinn another shot, and nabbed Kliff Kingsbury to run the offense. The results speak for themselves. Paramount for Washington’s turnaround was hitting on QB Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. Daniels was sensational in Year One, throwing for 3,568 yards, tossing 25 touchdowns, and accumulating the second-most QB rushing yards (891) with an additional six scores. Daniels is firmly in the top tier of signal-callers and has vaulted to the head of the Dynasty class. The Commanders did not draft a running back before Round 7, so Brian Robinson Jr. looks like a good value pick. Robinson posted his usual numbers in 2024, but saw an increase in rushing touchdowns (8) while missing three games. Robinson ceded a lot of targets to Austin Ekeler, who is back in his age-30 season. Jeremy McNichols and Chris Rodriguez also return as reserves. In all, Washington ranked third with 154.1 rushing yards per game. Robinson and Ekeler are fine middle-round targets. Daniels formed a formidable connection with WR Terry McLaurin, who broke out with 13 touchdown receptions. What’s scary for Scary Terry is that there is still room for more. McLaurin dipped below 120 targets for the first time since his rookie campaign. Even a 10 percent boost would put McLaurin in the top five of fantasy wideouts. However, we don’t expect a repeat of those gaudy TD numbers. He’s closer to WR10 than WR6, where he finished last season. The Commanders acquired Deebo Samuel from San Francisco. Samuel adds a new wrinkle to Kingsbury’s offense and is a massive upgrade over Olamide Zaccheaus. It will be interesting to see how Samuel is employed in the attack and how many touches he takes away from McLaurin and the backs. Noah Brown returns as WR3, but keep an eye on fourth-round Virginia Tech rookie Jaylin Lane, a twitchy speedster with massive potential. Washington re-signed TE Zach Ertz after his impressive TE8 showing. Eriz ranked second on the team with 91 targets. He’ll be 35 in December, but Ertz ran a route on a career-high 92.2 percent of his snaps. His ADOT and contested catch rates also increased. Father Time is looming, but Ertz still looks like a solid TE1. Fantasy Grade: B+ QB Daniels, Jayden, WAS [QB1] In last year’s preview, we mentioned Daniels had top 5 upside. That’s precisely what happened, as Daniels showcased his immense, dual-threat value. Washington ranked 4th in pace of play, and Daniels posted 12 QB1 weekly finishes. He ranked 2nd at the position in rushing (891) and red-zone totes (39). However, he also proved to be a legitimate passing weapon, boasting a 25-to-9 TD-to-INT ratio and leading the entire NFL in completion rate versus man coverage (78 percent). Daniels was a league-winning mid-to-late round pick last season, but the price has risen significantly. Still, he’s one of the top QBs to target. ADVICE: Firmly in elite tier and worth targeting early. RB Robinson, Brian, WAS [RB1] Washington is running it back in 2025. Having added no competition before Round 7, Brian Robinson’s role as the Commanders’ lead back keeps him in the RB3 conversation. Robinson will cede some change-of-pace work to Austin Ekeler, but he will take the majority of early-down carries. He ranked 20th with 44 red-zone touches, resulting in eight scores. Also, Robinson chipped in 20 receptions with only one drop. Washington was 5th in the league with 30.8 rushes per game, so B-Rob will have ample opportunities to contribute RB3/flex numbers. ADVICE: Middle-round RB3/flex option with plus touchdown potential. RB Ekeler, Austin, WAS [RB2] The days of Austin Ekeler earning 20 touches are over, but he can still contribute as an RB3/4. Metrics highlight a decline in his efficiency: a 2.55 yards after contact per attempt and 10 forced missed tackles on 77 carries. His opportunity share stood at 41 percent, with a snap share of 55.6 percent, indicating a reduced role in the Commanders’ backfield. Despite these changes, Ekeler’s receiving prowess remained evident, maintaining a significant role in the passing game. However, with the emergence of Brian Robinson Jr. as the primary rusher, Ekeler’s fantasy value has shifted. ADVICE: Decent flex option, particularly valuable in PPR leagues due to his receiving capabilities. WR McLaurin, Terry, WAS [WR1] Terry McLaurin put together his most productive season yet in 2024, ending the year as the WR6 overall with 82 receptions, 1,110 yards, and a career-high 13 touchdowns. He flourished with rookie Jayden Daniels at quarterback, finishing as a top-24 fantasy wideout in 69 percent of his games, tied for third-best among all receivers. His breakout campaign was fueled by exceptional touchdown efficiency, and he posted the highest contested catch rate of any WR in the past six seasons. While some regression in scoring is expected, McLaurin remains a steady option in an improved Washington offense. He’s a reliable WR2 with top-20 upside. ADVICE: Stable WR2 with proven volume and ADP in the late 3rd round. WR Samuel, Deebo, WAS [WR2] As more time passes, Deebo Samuel’s breakout 2021 campaign looks like an outlier. Samuel finished as the WR3 that season with 1,405 receiving yards and 14 total TDs. His 2023 season was also strong, but Samuel has battled nagging injuries and a decreased involvement as a rusher. Now, he’s dealing with a new team, system, and quarterback. Granted, Washington isn’t a downgrade, but the Commanders funneled their offense through Terry McLaurin. And with Jayden Daniels, Samuel would, at best, be fourth in line for carries. Kliff Kingsbury is creative enough to utilize Samuel as a weapon, but can he get back
2025 Philadelphia Fantasy Preview
2025 Philadelphia Eagles Fantasy Preview The Philadelphia Eagles’ 2025 offseason was marked by significant roster changes following their Super Bowl LIX victory. The Eagles faced significant losses in free agency, particularly on defense. GM Howie Roseman navigated a tight salary cap while addressing key departures and bolstering depth for a repeat title run. Another strong draft class should put the reigning champs in a good position to defend their crown. It all starts with QB Jalen Hurts. While Hurts’s passing numbers were depressed, he made up for it by rushing for 632 yards and a position-best 14 rushing scores. Philly’s offense is returning mostly intact, which keeps Hurts in the Tier One quarterback rankings. And with the tush push back for another year, Hurts is poised to continue to bring a positive return on his early-round investment. When you look at what Saquon Barkley did in his first season in Philadelphia, you have to wonder how the Giants’ staff kept their jobs. Barkley sat out Week 18 but still rushed for 2,005 yards, scored 15 times, and won a Lombardi Trophy. Barkley was a league winner last season but won’t come with a discount in 2025. Will Shipley and newcomer A.J. Dillon will fill in as reserves, but are off the fantasy radar. Philly’s dynamic duo of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith is back for another run. Brown missed four games with hamstring and knee issues but still ranked 13th with 16.7 fantasy points per game. He remains an elite WR1 to target in the second or third round. Smith also missed four games but wasn’t as prolific. However, he scored the most fantasy points per game of his career. Smith is still a solid middle-round value who will have a handful of WR1 showings. The Eagles utilized three-wide sets at a 60 percent clip. That ranked 14th, but you’d never know it from the stat sheets. Nick Siriani does not draw up many targets for his ancillary wideouts. The team signed Jahan Dotson to fill that role, but Dotson has no fantasy value unless one of the team’s starting tandem is re-injured. There were rumors that Dallas Goedert would be traded. However, Goedert returns and is the best bet to rank third in target share. In 10 games, Goedert caught 42 balls and ranked 10th in fantasy points per contest. As long as he stays on the roster, Goedert is a borderline TE1 and a good value pick. Fantasy Grade: A- QB Hurts, Jalen, PHI [QB1] For the second consecutive year, Hurts averaged 21 fantasy points per game, ranking inside the top 5 for the position. Even after missing two games with a concussion, Hurts ranked as the QB5 in fantasy points per game due to his dominance on the ground. He led the position in rushes (150, red-zone carries (47), and touchdowns (14). He also completed a career-best 68.7 percent of his throws and thrived against man coverage. With a pair of top-notch wideouts and the league’s best running back, Hurts is primed for another dominant season for the defending Super Bowl champions. ADVICE: Firmly in the top tier of fantasy quarterbacks. RB Barkley, Saquon, PHI [RB1] The New York Giants let Saquon Barkley walk, and he responded by delivering a historic season in which he could have set the NFL’s all-time rushing record had he not been a team-first guy and sat out the regular-season finale. Barkley’s 2,005 rushing yards were the eighth-most in history, and he led all RBs in averaging 22 PPR points per game. But Barkley accumulated 482 touches, including the postseason–the 10th-most all-time. He also only scored four touchdowns inside the 5-yard line last season, which points toward regression. He’s also missed multiple games in four of his seven seasons. ADVICE: Nobody is fading Barkley, but he’ll have a difficult time matching last year’s numbers. RB Shipley, Will, PHI [RB2] ADVICE: With Kenneth Gainwell now in Pittsburgh, Shipley can emerge as the Eagles’ change-of-pace back. He was used sparingly as a rookie, but has modest value behind Saquon Barkley after Barkley’s massive workload in 2024. RB Dillon, AJ, PHI [RB3] Dillon missed the 2024 season with a neck injury. He projects to be a change-of-pace, short-yardage option behind Saquon Barkley. However, if Barkley missed time, Dillon would split touches with Will Shipley, limiting his handcuff value. WR Brown, A.J., PHI [WR1] Despite missing 3.5 games due to injury, A.J. Brown still delivered a solid 2024 season, finishing as the WR10 in fantasy points per game (14.1) and WR18 overall. He led the NFL in air yard share, accounting for a massive 51% of the Eagles’ total, making him the only receiver to eclipse the 50% mark. Brown also ranked second in target share (30 percent), showcasing his alpha role in the offense. While his fantasy output dipped slightly, his yards per route run hit a career-high. Brown remains an elite weapon, though his weekly floor is less stable given Philly’s diverse arsenal. His quiet playoff run wasn’t skill-related—it reflected the team’s adaptability to defenses. It was Saquan’s time. ADVICE: Elite WR1 talent —high-upside Round 2 pick. WR Smith, DeVonta, PHI [WR2] Smith’s 2024 campaign was defined by inconsistency. He excelled when teammates were sidelined, but disappeared when the offense was fully healthy. Smith set career lows in receptions, yards, and targets, but had a personal-best eight touchdowns, finishing as the WR30 overall and WR23 in points per game across 13 outings. In games where both A.J. Brown and Dallas Goedert were active, Smith managed just 8.3 fantasy points (WR63 pace). That jumped to 14.7 (WR8) when either missed time. He’s posted at least a 22 percent target share every season and has scored seven-plus touchdowns in three straight years. ADVICE: A very talented WR with matchup-driven upside and could be a massive 5th-round value. WR Dotson, Jahan, PHI [WR3] The Eagles don’t incorporate their WR3 into the offense much. Philly’s 59.6% 11-personnel rate ranked 16th, but Dotson only drew 33 targets last
2025 New York Giants Fantasy Preview
2025 New York Giants Fantasy Preview The Giants bottomed out last year, going 3-14. Yet, ownership retained both GM Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll. However, there was significant roster turnover as the regime scrambles to retain their jobs for one more season. A solid draft gives some hope for 2025, but competing in the treacherous NFC East won’t be easy. New York wisely moved on from Daniel Jones, who will be replaced by veteran Russell Wilson. Although he’s not the quarterback he once was, Wilson is an adequate NFL starter. He protects the ball, which is a welcome change. Along with Wilson, Jameis Winston gives the club solid veteran depth. The club also made a splash in the draft by trading back up into the first round to secure a future franchise signal caller. Jaxson Dart is accurate, has excellent ball placement, an NFL arm, and can be a dangerous rushing threat. Don’t be shocked if he gets a shot at playing this year if Wilson falters. The Draft also brought depth to the backfield. Arizona State RB Cam Skattebo is a favorite of the analytics crowd, reminding many of Austin Ekeler. Skattebo loves to lower his shoulder and create havoc after contact. He’s also an excellent receiver. Expect the Giants to employ a committee, with Tyrone Tracy retaining most of the early-down work and Skattebo playing a change-of-pace role. Both are desirable RB3 targets with RB2 potential. Russell Wilson’s arrival should mean good things for Malik Nabers. Nabers missed two games but still absorbed 170 targets, just five off the NFL lead. The dynamic rookie finished 8th in fantasy points per game despite starring in an offense that ranked 28th in passing. Nabers is a superstar and the early favorite to lead the entire NFL in targets. Daboll retains the same supporting cast, ensuring Nabers will be a highly sought-after first-round target. Wan’Dale Robinson ran 78.1 percent of his snaps out of the slot and finished as a low-end WR3. Darius Slayton is locked into the WR3 spot but took a step back last year due to the lousy QB play. No New York tight end finished inside the top 36 fantasy scorers last season. Rookie Theo Johnson was starting to emerge before a foot injury ended his season. Johnson was a fourth-round selection by this staff last season and will open his sophomore campaign as the starter. He has modest fantasy value but will be hard-pressed to rank inside the top 20 options in this offense. Fantasy Grade: D QB Wilson, Russell, NYG [QB1] Wilson took over as Pittsburgh’s starter in Week 7 and played adequately. In 11 games, he had four QB1 weeks and four performances outside of the weekly top 20. That’s not exactly what fantasy managers are looking for. Wilson ranked 17th in fantasy points per game, 24th in EPA, and ran for just 14 yards per game. The modest one-year deal Wilson signed with the Giants indicates that he is viewed as a bridge quarterback. Additionally, the Giants play the league’s toughest schedule this season, further limiting Wilson’s potential. Fantasy enthusiasts can just hope Wilson will target Malik Nabers early and often. ADVICE: Middling QB2 with limited upside. QB Winston, Jameis, NYG [QB2] Winston’s YOLO approach would have been great for Malik Nabers. Alas, he’ll sit behind Russell Wilson. But with this Giants’ staff on this ice, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Winston earn starts this season. That puts him on the dynasty Superflex radar. RB Tracy, Tyrone, NYG [RB1] Tracy is a volatile RB2 for 2025 after a promising 2024 (839 rushing yards, 5 TDs, 284 receiving yards, 1 TD, RB26 in PPR). Advanced metrics reveal inefficiencies: 2.84 yards after contact (26th), 34th in rush grade, 28th in Elusive Rating (PFF), and one of the worst EPAs (-24.6) in football. His 4.4 YPC and 34 forced missed tackles (35th) highlight explosiveness but inconsistency. Also, rookie Cam Skattebo, who stands out as a receiver with a nose for the stripe, threatens Tracy’s 58.2 percent snap share. ADVICE: Tracy will have a tough time repeating last year’s surprising numbers, making him a middling RB3. RB Skattebo, Cam, NYG [RB2] Sleeper The dynasty and fantasy community loves Arizona State RB Cam Skattebo. At 5-9 and 219 pounds, Skattebo’s bruising style and versatility shine. In 2024, he racked up 1,715 rushing yards, 21 TDs, and 45 receptions for 605 yards and 3 TDs, totaling 2,320 scrimmage yards. His 4.09 YAC per attempt and 102 forced missed tackles (second in FBS) highlight his elusiveness. With a 15 percent target share and 11.1 yards per reception, he’s a dual-threat weapon. Russell Wilson likes to target his backs, so Skattebo has a path to immediate PPR relevance. ADVICE: Mid-round sleeper with burst (89th-percentile), red-zone upside, and refined receiving chops. RB Singletary, Devin, NYG [RB3] Singletary was phased out of New York’s offense last season once Tyrone Tracy got up to speed. Now, Cam Skattebo is another obstacle in the way of Singletary, who is barely fantasy-relevant. WR Nabers, Malik, NYG [WR1] Nabers impressed in his rookie season with 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns, despite a rotating cast of quarterbacks. With Russell Wilson now at the helm, his efficiency is set to increase, and he already led the league in 2024 with 11 targets per game. Wilson had the 3rd best accuracy rate in 2024 at 68 percent. The Giants made no significant changes to the receiving corps, so Nabers’s role shouldn’t change. Malike Nabers’s playmaking ability makes him a breakout candidate for 2025. ADVICE: Explosive WR1 upside with a rising floor—target in the late first round. WR Robinson, Wan’Dale, NYG [WR2] One of the most surprising stats from 2024: Wan’Dale Robinson tied D.J. Moore for 10th among all WRs in targets (140) and ran the second-most slot snaps (640). However, Robinson didn’t get much fantasy production from all those opportunities. He ranked 102nd in fantasy points per target (1.31) and had one of the worst
2025 Dallas Cowboys Fantasy Preview
2025 Dallas Cowboys Fantasy Preview Queue up “Ch-Ch-Changes” from David Bowie as background music. With owner Jerry Jones and executive VP Stephen Jones under pressure to rebound, the Cowboys faced significant roster turnover and a coaching shakeup after a disappointing 7-10 finish. And with expensive extensions for QB Dak Prescott and WR CeeDee Lamb, very little cap maneuverability. With two new coordinators and a new head coach in former OC Brian Schottenheimer, 2025 could be a year for Cowboys fans to “turn and face the strain.” Prescott’s season ended with a Week 9 hamstring injury in Atlanta. Before that, Prescott had his worst fantasy output since his rookie campaign. He ranked 18th with 0.08 EPA per play and 20th with a 46.7 percent success rate. Additionally, he isn’t the runner he once was. With a questionable supporting cast and an offensive line that is rebuilding, Prescott is a mid-range QB2 that will go undrafted in many single-QB leagues. Dallas was thought to be in the market for a first-round running back. However, the retirement of G Zack Martin and little cap space prompted a draft focus on fortifying the trenches. They brought in veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders on team-friendly short-term deals. It projects to be another split backfield, with Williams offering more fantasy appeal due to his pass-catching prowess. The draft did bring Texas alum Jaydon Blue, who ran the fastest 40 (4.28) in the 2025 running back class. Blue also ranked fourth in the class in yards after contact per attempt and second with a 25 percent target share. He’s not built to be a three-down workhorse, but he has enough big-play ability for fantasy managers to rejoice, “You’re my boy, Blue!” when he emerges as a game-breaker. Before the 2025 NFL Draft, Dallas employed one of the weakest wide receiving corps in football. However, after the draft, the Cowboys *checks notes* added…nobody? That is, until Jones overpaid for George Pickens, who the Steelers didn’t want. Pickens is a malcontent, but he is entering a contract year. If he’s a good citizen, he’ll be a big upgrade at WR2 over Jalen Tolbert, who drops down to WR3. Kavonte Turpin offers some big-play ability, particularly in the return game, and also warrants attention in the closing rounds. Expect the club to be active trying to attract a veteran wideout. Perhaps a reunion with Amari Cooper? Tight end Jake Ferguson missed three games with a concussion and fell to 24th in fantasy points per game. A full season of Dak Prescott would help, but Ferguson is just a modest TE2 with some week-to-week streaming value for managers who punt the position. Fantasy Grade: C+ QB Prescott, Dak, DAL [QB1] After finishing 4th in fantasy points per game in 2023, Dak Prescott regressed to 22nd before his 2024 season in Week 9 after suffering a hamstring avulsion. From a weekly standpoint, last year was the poorest performance of Prescott’s career. He no longer makes an impact as a runner, and ADOT has declined for three consecutive seasons. However, the addition of George Pickens should help, and Dallas ranked 1st in pace of play and 4th in plays per game (39.7) under Brian Schottenheimer, who is now the head coach. Prescott was QB3 as recently as 2023 and is a sleeper to outproduce his deflated ADP. ADVICE: Mid-range QB2 with QB1 upside. QB Milton, Joe, DAL [QB2] There are reports that Milton was traded because he viewed himself as a starting quarterback. That wasn’t going to happen in New England, which landed Drake Maye as their franchise signal caller last April. But could it happen in Dallas? Dak Prescott missed nine games with a hamstring injury, but he wasn’t playing all that well. However, Prescott’s contract ties him to Dallas until 2028, leaving Milton to high-end reserve duties. Milton is athletic, posting an 88th percentile agility score, and might possess the strongest arm in the league. He’s a name to know in dynasty formats. ADVICE: High-end handcuff to Dak Prescott in Superflex leagues. RB Williams, Javonte, DAL [RB1] Per FantasyLife’s Ian Hartitz, Javonte Williams is a middling running back, ranking 29th in explosive run rate, 32nd in yards per tote, and 35th in yards over expected per carry. These are woefully unimpressive metrics. Williams is a plus receiver, but isn’t breaking tackles or creating yards. He’ll likely be stuck in a committee and could get passed on the depth chart by speedy Texas rookie Jaydon Blue. ADVICE: Williams looks like he’ll be part of a committee but doesn’t have much upside as a runner. RB Blue, Jaydon, DAL [RB2] Sleeper Jaydon Blue, the Dallas Cowboys’ 2025 fifth-round pick, is a fantasy football sleeper with significant upside. At Texas, he tallied 730 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 134 carries (5.4 YPC), adding 42 receptions for 368 yards and six receiving scores in 2024. His 4.38-second 40-yard dash time was the second-fastest among incoming rookie rushers. Blue’s dual-threat ability and elite speed could earn him early touches in Dallas’ revamped offense. While ball security (seven fumbles over two seasons) is a concern, his receiving skills and agility make him a valuable late-round fantasy stash, especially in PPR formats. ADVICE: Sleeper to emerge as the best fantasy option on the Cowboys. RB Sanders, Miles, DAL [RB3] ADVICE: Sanders is in play for a rotational spot in Dallas. He’s a decent receiver and scored 11 touchdowns in 2022. He’s worth a late-round flier on the chance he emerges as the Cowboys’ starter at some point in 2025. WR Lamb, CeeDee, DAL [WR1] Lamb remains the centerpiece of the Cowboys’ passing attack. Over the first eight weeks, Lamb started as a top-seven fantasy wide receiver, averaging 18.9 fantasy points per game. Despite some inconsistencies in 2024, due to an injury to QB Dak Prescott, he still posted over 1,100 receiving yards. The addition of WR George Pickens should help Lamb avoid as many double teams, creating better efficiency. With a healthy Dak Prescott and
2025 Los Angeles Chargers Fantasy Preview
2025 Los Angeles Chargers Fantasy Preview Jim Harbaugh’s first season in Los Angeles was a racing success. The Chargers improved from 5-12 in 2023 to 11-7 and a Wild Card playoff appearance in Year One of their rebuild. Harbaugh’s immediate impact saw the club climb from 28th in defense to 11th. The offense regressed slightly, but injuries played a big role in that. With plenty of cap space and key reinforcements via free agency and the draft, the 2025 Chargers are trending up. QB Justin Herbert gutted out leg and foot injuries to start all 18 games. In his first season in Greg Roman’s system, Herbert set career-highs in yards per attempt (7.7), ADOT (9.0), QB rating (101.7), and threw the fewest interceptions (3) in the league. The touchdown numbers dipped, but Herbert also took the most sacks of his career (41). L.A. signed Mekhi Becton and Andre James in free agency to help protect Herbert. Other additions in the backfield and at wideout will also help. Even battling injuries throughout the year, Herbert still ranked 15th in fantasy points per game and rushed for 306 yards and two scores. He’s a sleeper pick to post top-10 fantasy numbers and can be targeted much later in drafts. The Chargers improved from 96.6 rushing yards per game to 110.7 in 2024. J.K. Dobbins averaged 14.8 fantasy points per game but will be replaced by the tandem of Omarion Hampton and Najee Harris. Hampton was selected No. 22 overall and profiles as a downhill runner who will fit well in Roman’s scheme. Hampton has an intriguing blend of size (5-11, 221), speed (4.47 40-yard dash), and power. Harris has rushed for 1,000-plus yards in all four of his NFL seasons, giving Harbaugh one of the top tandems in the NFL. Expect the Chargers to be among the most run-heavy offenses, with plenty of play-action opportunities for Herbert to exploit. Ladd McConkey was sensational as a rookie, snagging 82-of-112 targets for 1,149 yards and seven scores in 16 games. He finished his first season as the WR13 and is now firmly ranked in WR1 territory. The Chargers also re-signed Mike Williams and used a second-rounder on sizable Mississippi wideout Tre Harris. Harris was a yards per route run terror who led the nation in receiving yards per game. The rookie will be an instant upgrade over the inconsistent Josh Palmer. The tight end rotation that Harbaugh employed last season looks to be back, this time, with newly signed Tyler Conklin competing with Will Dissly for snaps. Both options lack upside because of their unpredictable usage. They should only be viewed as reserves to target late in deeper leagues. Fantasy Grade: C+ QB Herbert, Justin, LAC [QB1] On the surface, Justin Herbert had a modest showing in 2024, but Herbert gutted through several injuries and guided the Chargers to an improbable Wild Card appearance. Despite playing in Greg Roman’s run-first scheme that ranked 28th in pace of play, Herbert ranked 15th in fantasy points per game. Accuracy was key, as Herbert threw a league-low three interceptions and shined in deep-ball accuracy (5th in deep-ball completion rate). Play-action was key, and with the Chargers signing Najee Harris and drafting Omarion Hampton in the first round, look for Herbert to continue to game manage and take deep shots. ADVICE: Mid-round value pick with top 10 upside. RB Hampton, Omarion, LAC [RB1] Omarion Hampton joins a crowded Chargers backfield with Najee Harris. However, this staff targeted Hampton in the first round when running back wasn’t LA’s biggest need. Hampton’s powerful running and superior pass-catching ability, akin to Nick Chubb, position him as a mid-tier RB2 in PPR leagues. In 2024, Chargers’ running backs recorded just 43 receptions for 270 yards and two touchdowns on 55 targets. That should trend up with Hampton replacing J.K. Dobbins. There is a chance that Jim Harbaugh opens the season with a committee, so Hampton could get off to a slow start. ADVICE: Three-down talent on a run-first team that could be limited to committee work. RB Harris, Najee, LAC [RB2] Harris looked like a quality RB2 before the Chargers selected Omarion Hampton with the 22nd overall pick. Hampton (4.46 40) is faster than Harris (4.57), is a better receiver, and has first-round draft capital. Clearly, the staff liked what Hampton did at North Carolina. Harris has been sturdy, playing all 17 games and rushing for 1,000-plus yards in all four of his seasons. But this is likely to be a committee backfield led by Hampton. The Chargers project to be one of the run-heaviest teams in the league, but Harris is unlikely to command enough touches to post another RB2 campaign. ADVICE: RB3/4 with limited path to being a consistent fantasy starter. WR McConkey, Ladd, LAC [WR1] McConkey exceeded expectations in his rookie campaign, pacing the 2024 class with 2.6 yards per route run and finishing as the WR13 in total fantasy points. From Weeks 8 through the playoffs, he surged to WR10 levels, drawing a 25% target share and averaging 98.7 yards and 16.4 fantasy points per game, trailing only Ja’Marr Chase over that stretch. Although the Chargers drafted Omarion Hampton in Round 1, potentially shifting toward the run, McConkey’s late-season dominance remains impossible to ignore. His connection with Justin Herbert is already elite, and with the coaching staff remaining intact, McConkey is set up for a big leap in year two. ADVICE: High-floor WR2–a mind 2nd round target. WR Harris, Tre, LAC [WR2] Tre Harris had a standout college career at Louisiana Tech and Ole Miss, amassing 220 receptions, 3,532 yards, and 29 touchdowns over four seasons. His receiving yards grew annually (562, 935, 985, 1,030), with explosive play at Ole Miss (18.2, 17.2 yards per catch). Despite a groin injury sidelining him for five games last season, Harris shone in 2023, surpassing 100 yards in five games. Harris has good size (6-2, 205), 2nd-round NFL Draft capital, and landed with a Chargers’ offense that needs a perimeter
2025 Las Vegas Raiders Fantasy Preview
2025 Las Vegas Raiders Preview Perhaps no team needed a total cultural change as badly as the Las Vegas Raiders. Mission accomplished. Enter first-time general manager John Spytek, the former assistant GM in Tampa and an integral part of Tampa’s top-5 2025 NFL Draft haul. On the sidelines, the Raiders hired a proven coach in Pete Carroll. Collectively, the new regime feels like their rebuild began last season, and 2025 is prime for a new era. Refreshingly, an era of optimism. The first order of business for the club was trading for Carroll’s former quarterback, Geno Smith. Smith quietly threw for a career-best 4,320 yards and a 70.4 percent completion rate in 2024. He will bring much-needed stability to a woefully inadequate position since the franchise released Derek Carr ahead of the 2023 season. Smith is unlikely to post top-10 fantasy numbers with this supporting cast, but he can be a reliable streamer with week-to-week QB upside. No. 6 overall pick Ashton Jeanty profiles as the next great RB1 for years to come. Jeanty is a three-down workhorse with elite tackle-breaking ability, strong contact balance, and superb vision. He led the nation in yards after contact twice, including a record-shattering 1,970 in 2024. And the fit couldn’t have been better. The Raiders had very little depth in the backfield, assuring Jeanty will get all the work he can handle on his compact frame. Instant first-round RB1. WR Jakobi Meyers finished as the WR20 after setting career-best marks in targets (129), receptions (87), and receiving yards (1,027). Meyers once again proved to be a savvy mid-round draft value but remains a WR2 masquerading as a team’s WR1. The 2025 NFL Draft brought more depth to a receiving corps needing a youth infusion. Second-rounder Jack Bech is a favorite of the dynasty football community with sticky hands coming off a Senior Bowl MVP performance. Bech can also be employed all over the field. Fourth-rounder Dont’e Thornton is huge (6-5, 214) and is a dark horse to push Tre Tucker for playing time. Brock Bowers burst onto the scene, breaking the rookie reception record and becoming the second consecutive (after Sam LaPorta) first-year player to lead the tight end position in fantasy scoring. His 153 targets were third in the NFL, and he caught fewer than three balls only once.. And he didn’t just make an impression on fantasy managers, but also on his new signal-caller Smith, who told The Athletic that Bowers “is one of the best tight ends in the league already, and I still think he’s got so much room to improve. A big part of my job is to help him do that.” Bowers was a league winner last season and will be the top-ranked tight end in every format. Fantasy Grade: C QB Smith, Geno, LVR [QB1] Reunited and it feels so good. When the Raiders plucked Pete Carroll out of retirement, one of the first orders of business for Carroll was to engineer a trade for his old quarterback, Geno Smith. Carroll recognized the potential in Smith in Seattle. In two years together, Smith posted QB5 and QB19 numbers. Last year, without Carroll, Smith threw for a career-high 4,320 yards and thrived throwing the ball 20-plus yards, a staple of Raiders’ offenses. Smith brings stability and leadership to a young Las Vegas roster and projects to quietly be a solid QB2. ADVICE: Underrated QB2 who can be a decent streaming option week-to-week. RB Jeanty, Ashton, LVR [RB1] Here are the categories that Ashton Jeanty led in FBS in 2024: attempts (313), rushing yards (2,287), TDs (28), yards after contact (5.42/att.), missed tackles forced (125), first downs (106), and breakaway yards (1,247). These world-class metrics are indicative of how dominant Jeanty was at Boise State and why he’s considered the best incoming rookie rusher since Saquon Barkley. And as luck would have it, Jeanty landed in the perfect spot as Pete Carroll’s next Marshawn Lynch. Jeanty is a three-down workhorse who could lead the league in touches in his first season. ADVICE: Every bit worthy of a first-round selection in every fantasy format. RB Mostert, Raheem, LVR [RB2] ADVICE: Aging veteran won’t see much of a role playing behind Ashton Jeanty. Mostert is relegated to a handcuff role for fantasy managers lucky enough to land Jeanty in Round One. WR Meyers, Jakobi, LVR [WR1] Sleeper Jakobi Meyers was one of fantasy’s unheralded stars last season. Meyers had 10 games with nine or more targets, eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards for the first time, and finished as the WR20 overall. Meyers had the most targets (126) without a drop in the league last season. Since moving to the Raiders, Meyers has run 69.8 percent of his routes from the perimeter after being used inside in New England. However, a new coach, a first-round running back, and added target competition are obstacles that will make repeating those outstanding numbers challenging. ADVICE: Remains an underrated value in the middle rounds who provides a steady source of targets and receptions. WR Bech, Jack, LVR [WR2] Sleeper Jack Bech’s older brother, Tiger Bech, was killed in the New Orleans terrorist attack on New Year’s Eve. Jack, wearing his brother’s No.7 jersey, then won Senior Bowl MVP with a walk-off TD grab. In addition to that inspirational moment, Bech has good size (6-1, 214), sticky hands, outstanding ball tracking skills, and uses leverage well. He had a 62/1,034/9 season at TCU in 2024 that resulted in Second-team All-Big 12 accolades. Bech also landed in a great location with a Raiders’ offense that needed a youth infusion. Bech profiles as a reliable possession receiver. ADVICE: Bech’s hands, ability to create space, and opportunity make him one of the top late-round sleeper wideouts. WR Tucker, Tre, LVR [WR3] ADVICE: Tucker has made strides in each of his two seasons. He’ll enter camp as the Raiders’ No. 2 but will face stiff competition from rookies Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton Jr. WR Thornton, Dont’e, LVR [WR4] Super
2025 Kansas City Chiefs Fantasy Preview
2025 Kansas City Chiefs Fantasy Preview The Chiefs won another AFC title, but the humiliating blowout loss to the Eagles in Super Bowl LIX. Andy Reid somehow got 17 wins out of a team that regressed to 17th in total offense and scored just 22.6 points per game. Kansas City’s defense, however, was exemplary. For fantasy football, the main concern is if this regression is permanent or if the Chiefs can rebound after two ‘down’ seasons for Patrick Mahomes. After posting overall QB1 numbers in 2022, Mahomes barely qualified as a QB1 in 2025. He posted his fewest passing yards (3,928) and touchdowns (26) since becoming a starter. With a promising second-year class of signal-callers, Mahomes is no longer a locked-in top-5 fantasy option. Instead, he should be viewed as a solid QB1, but no longer one for fantasy managers to go out of their way to target early on draft day. Kansas City’s backfield will be productive, but not necessarily in a predictive manner for fantasy purposes. Kareem Hunt re-signed, which indicates the committee backfield with Isiah Pacheco will continue. Additionally, the addition of Elijah Mitchell adds another player to the mix. Pacheco’s stock has plummeted, making him and Hunt mere late-round fliers. Overall, Kansas City’s receiving corps has three fantasy options worth targeting and offers some hope that the powerhouse offenses we’re accustomed to can return. The Chiefs re-signed Marquise Brown, who missed most of the 2024 campaign. Rashee Rice got off to a fast start before tearing his LCL in Week 4. Rice is expected to be fully recovered and ready to resume his role as KC’s No. 1 wideout. 2024 first-rounder Xavier Worthy produced nine touchdowns but never hit 80 receiving yards in a regular-season tilt. Rookie Jalen Royals and veteran Juju Smith-Schuster will vie for reserve roles. Gone are the days of TE Travis Kelce carrying fantasy squads to titles. Kelce, who turns 35 in October, is on a three-year slide in receptions, yards, touchdowns, and yards after catch. He should still be viewed as a fantasy TE1, but the days of dominating with Mahomes/Kelce stacks appear firmly in the past. No. 2 tight end Noah Gray has made strides in each of his four NFL seasons and could factor into Kansas City’s weekly game plan. Gray offers plenty of late-round sleeper appeal for fantasy managers with deeper rosters. Fantasy Grade: B- QB Mahomes, Patrick, KC [QB1] One down season is a coincidence, but Patrick Mahomes has now had two rather disappointing campaigns. Granted, he set the bar incredibly high, but we’re starting to wonder if this is who Mahomes is now. His yardage, touchdowns, adjusted completion rate, and yards per attempt have all declined in three consecutive years. Despite an improved supporting cast, Mahomes bottomed out in 2024, finishing as QB11. With most of the same group back, it’s now hard to see Mahomes rebounding to his previous glory days. Instead, view him for what he has been recently: a decent QB1 who lacks a path to top-5 numbers. ADVICE: Decent QB1 well behind the top tier. QB Minshew, Gardner, KC [QB2] If Patrick Mahomes misses time, Minshew will be in a prime position to throw three touchdowns and two interceptions a week. A name to keep in mind in really deep Superflex formats. RB Pacheco, Isiah, KC [RB1] Isiah Pacheco was a hot commodity last summer but had a forgettable, injury-marred season (fractured fibula, 310 rushing yards, one TD in seven games). He got 41 touches in KC’s first two games before sitting out until Week 13. Once he returned, Pacheco was clearly behind Kareem Hunt. With Hunt back in Kansas City, Andy Reid will resort to a committee backfield, with Elijah Mitchell also in play. Pacheco’s high-energy style gives him the most potential, but Hunt’s presence means fantasy managers should approach this backfield with caution. ADVICE: Has the highest ceiling in Kansas City’s backfield, but Pacheco looks like an RB4/Flex option at best. RB Hunt, Kareem, KC [RB2] Hunt took over as Kansas City’s main back after Isiah Pacheco fractured his fibula in Week 2. Andy Reid re-signed Hunt fairly early in the off-season, indicating that he will have a role with the Chiefs in 2025. Hunt has lost his burst, accounting for just 2.86 yards created per touch (51st) and ranking 41st in explosive play rate (71.4). But he did rack up 50 red-zone touches and will play valuable snaps in a high-octane Chiefs’ offense. That gives Hunt RB4/flex value. ADVICE: The Chiefs seem destined to use multiple backs, and Andy Reid likes what Hunt offers. He’s got week-to-week flex value. RB Smith, Brashard, KC [RB3] Sleeper As for the question of which KC back fantasy zealots should target, take a late-round stab on Brashard Smith. Smith’s usage in the passing game is intriguing, and he’s been seen throughout OTAs lining up in the slot. He racked up 1,659 yards and 18 scores last year and caught 108 passes in college. He also blazed a 4.39 40, making him an interesting weapon in Andy Reid’s offense. Read more about Smith in Jody Smith’s Preseason Pro. RB Mitchell, Elijah, KC [RB4] ADVICE: After three injury-marred seasons in San Francisco, where he averaged 4.7 yards per carry, Mitchell has an opportunity to carve out a valuable role in a Kansas City backfield that is decidedly unsettled. Solid late-round target in deeper leagues. WR Rice, Rashee, KC [WR1] Rashee Rice was off to a blistering start in 2024 before a knee injury ended his second season in Week 3. The good news on that front is that Rice did not tear his ACL and is already participating in OTAs. Before the injury, Rice looked like a WR1, averaging 96 receiving yards per game and scoring twice. Year Three breakouts are a popular target for fantasy managers, and Rice is shaping up to have his first 1,000-yard season. UPDATE: Rice is looking at a 4-6 game suspension THIS YEAR, which complicates his fantasy outlook.
2025 Denver Broncos Fantasy Preview
2025 Denver Broncos Fantasy Preview The Denver Broncos were one of the league’s biggest surprises last year, making the playoffs after a 10-7 season that far surpassed the preseason over/under of 5.5 wins. Sean Payton did a tremendous job rebuilding both sides of the ball and hit a home run with first-year quarterback Bo Nix. Integral to Denver’s success is an offensive line that ranked first in pass protection. Nix jelled after a slow start. He averaged 165 passing yards with one touchdown and four interceptions in his first four starts. After that, Nix totaled 31 touchdowns and eight picks the rest of the way. With an improving cast of pass-catchers supporting him, Nix enters his second pro season firmly in fantasy QB1 territory. Payton has long preferred a committee backfield approach. However, with Javonte Williams in Dallas, Payton nabbed UCF RB RJ Harvey with the 60th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. Harvey became just the fourth running back taken before Day 3 of a draft by Payton. The other three- Reggie Bush, Mark Ingram, and Alvin Kamara. Harvey is a tackle-breaking machine and offers a three-down skill set. One of the top sleeper RBs of 2025. Courtland Sutton returns as the top wideout in Denver. Sutton had the best season of his career with Nix, posting WR15 numbers that included five games with 95-plus yards in the second half of the season. Marvin Mims also excelled down the stretch and will be one of the top third-year breakout wide receivers to target. Third-round Illinois WR Pat Bryant has excellent hands and shows well in contested-catch situations. Payton compared the rookie to Michael Thomas. He’s the favorite to earn Denver’s WR3 role. Evan Engram signed a two-year, $23 million deal to stabilize Denver’s tight end position. Payton’s offense has an extensive history of utilizing the tight end heavily, and Engram will be a massive upgrade over Denver’s previous trio of unassuming veterans. Engram posted back-to-back top-5 fantasy finishes in 2022 and 2023 and has sneaky potential to contend for those lofty numbers again in 2025. Fantasy Grade: B- QB Nix, Bo, DEN [QB1] One of the biggest surprises of last season, Bo Nix finishing as the QB9 overall. His 5.1 percent touchdown rate surpassed rookie-year marks of Joe Burrow and C.J. Stroud. Nix amassed 3,775 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and 430 rushing yards with four scores, ranking fifth among quarterbacks in carries. Nix demonstrated deep-ball prowess, completing 31 of 73 passes over 20 air yards for 932 yards and eight touchdowns. His explosive play rating (EPX) of 103.2 ranked 14th league-wide. With Sean Payton’s system and Denver’s strong offensive line, Nix projects as a high-floor QB1 in 2025 drafts ADVICE: Value target in the second tier of fantasy quarterbacks. RB Harvey, RJ, DEN [RB1] Sleeper Sean Payton has only selected three running backs before Day 3 of any NFL Draft. Those backs, Reggie Bush, Mark Ingram, and Alvin Kamara, turned out to be excellent fantasy bets. R.J. Harvey rushed for over 1,400 yards in back-to-back seasons at UCF and showed elite tackle-breaking ability. In 2024, Harvey ranked 2nd in FBS in breakaway runs (32), 7th in missed tackles forced (69), scored 22 touchdowns, and reeled in 20 catches. Harvey checks all the boxes to be a three-down weapon and landed with a coach who knows how to make that happen. ADVICE: One of the top sleepers to target, with top-15 upside in Sean Payton’s scheme. RB Dobbins, J.K., DEN [RB2] The Broncos signed Dobbins to a one-year deal. This is good news for Dobbins, but bad for RJ Harvey and the Denver backfield from a fantasy perspective. It looks like the Broncos will stick with a frustrating committee, limiting the potential for each player. RB McLaughlin, Jaleel, DEN [RB3] McLaughlin got an extended look down the stretch, surpassing double-digit carries in three of his final four outings. However, Sean Payton using Day Two draft capital on RJ Harvey ends any chance McLaughlin had of making a fantasy impact in his third season. Harvey will be given every opportunity to command a three-down workhorse role, which will reduce McLaughlin and Audric Estime to change-of-pace duties. McLaughlin is a decent receiver who caught 24 of his 27 targets in 2024. Expect him to see limited carries this season as Harvey’s understudy. ADVICE: Change-of-pace option with limited upside. RB Estime, Audric, DEN [RB4] ADVICE: Estime is over two years younger than R.J. Harvey, who is expected to lead Denver’s backfield. Of course, Sean Payton isn’t adverse to trotting out a committee, so Estime makes sense as a late-round flier. WR Sutton, Courtland, DEN [WR1] The ascension of Bo Nix led to a career-best 14.8 PPR points per game average for Courtland Sutton, who finished as the overall WR15. Sutton was a man-coverage killer, who ranked 2nd among all wideouts with 1,787 air yards and 3rd in contested catch rate. He ended the season on a heater, catching 45-of-77 targets for 582 yards and six touchdowns in Denver’s final eight regular-season contests. He’s indisputably Denver’s No. 1 wide receiver and could benefit from Sean Payton’s reinforcements that arrived in the draft. ADVICE: Locked-in No. 1 wideout on an offense that is trending up. Sutton is an excellent WR2 target for fantasy managers who attack RB early. WR Mims, Marvin, DEN [WR2] Sleeper If you’re looking for players who ended the year on a hot streak, then Marvin Mims is your guy. Over the final three games of the 2024 season, Mims had 16 receptions for 216 yards and four touchdowns. That average of 20.6 PPR points per game ranked 7th for Weeks 16-18. After a nearly invisible first half of the season, Mims became a factor in Denver’s offense beginning in Week 10. From that point on, he averaged 14.4 PPR points per game, which would have ranked as the WR24 for the full season. Mims excels at creating separation, and Sean Payton finally figured it out. ADVICE: Must-have mid-round sleeper with