Top 200 Value Based Rankings

Robinson finished as the fantasy RB4 in 2024, racking up 1,456 rushing yards, 431 receiving yards, and 15 total touchdowns while averaging 17.6 half-PPR points per game. He saw a big jump in usage and efficiency with a more consistent offensive structure under Zac Robinson, and now he’ll enter 2025 with Michael Penix Jr. under center. While young quarterbacks can be volatile, Penix’s downfield ability could help open up space underneath for Robinson in both the run and pass game. The Falcons didn’t add serious backfield competition, so Bijan should once again be in line for 300+ touches. With a playcaller committed to using him as a true three-down weapon, Robinson is locked in as a top-five fantasy back with a realistic path to finish as the overall RB1.

Chase bounced back in a massive way in 2024, finishing as the overall WR1 in both total points and per-game average. He racked up 127 receptions on 171 targets for 1,708 yards and 17 touchdowns, once again showcasing why he belongs in the elite tier of fantasy receivers. From an efficiency standpoint, Chase was as good as ever. Among 88 qualified receivers, he finished 8th in yards per route run, 12th in YAC per reception, and 11th in targeted QB rating—a testament to both his own talent and his chemistry with Joe Burrow. He was dominant at all levels of the field and continued to be a nightmare for opposing defenses. With the Bengals returning one of the league’s most potent passing attacks and Chase still firmly in his prime, there’s no reason to overthink this one. He’s an elite fantasy WR1 and one of the safest high-end first-round picks on the board in 2025.

Henry rushed for nearly 2,000 yards (1,921), and scored 18 total touchdowns. He should continue to defy Father Time, at least for one more season, probably more. He looked great last year, posting the highest yards after contact per attempt (2.8), the fourth-highest yards before contact per attempt (3.1) and the most broken tackles per attempt (0.13). He also posted the highest run grade (93.5) at PFF.

In his final collegiate season, Jeanty racked up 2,739 total yards and 30 touchdowns for Boise State. His receiving numbers (23-238-1) were modest, but he was far more utilized as a receiver in the previous season (43-569-5), so he has the receiving chops to be a dual-threat in the NFL. The Raiders struggled to run the ball last year (3.6 YPC as a team), and Jeanty should vastly improve the team's per carry and overall production. He's a dual threat and should see a bell cow workload, so he's a threat for fantasy RB1 numbers from the get-go. The only knocks on his game appear to be his shaky pass protection and suspect ball security. The former might impact his snaps if the Raiders elect to pull him out on obvious passing downs. Regardless, I’m expecting a huge workload, and that should lead to RB1 fantasy production. Follow the touches.

After finishing as the overall WR1 in 2023, Lamb followed it up with a WR5 campaign in 2024, cementing himself as one of the league’s elite fantasy wideouts. In 25 games with Dak Prescott over the last two seasons, Lamb has averaged a whopping 7.5 receptions for 96 yards and 0.64 touchdowns—essentially WR1 numbers every week. He was 13th in yards per route run and 28th in YAC/rec. The addition of George Pickens gives Dallas another capable receiver, but Lamb remains entrenched as the alpha in this passing game. Lamb may ultimately be helped by Pickens' presence as the defense won't be able to focus solely on stopping Lamb.

Collins broke out in 2023 and followed it up with another great season, catching 80 passes for 1,209 yards and eight touchdowns in just 12 games. He finished WR26 overall, but he was the WR7 on a per-game basis, clearly cementing himself as C.J. Stroud’s go-to target in the Texans’ high-powered passing attack. Efficiency metrics continue to paint Collins as one of the league’s most dangerous receivers. Among 88 qualified WRs, he ranked 2nd in yards per route run (YPRR), a stat that correlates strongly with fantasy success. He was also 23rd in YAC per reception and 25th in contested catch rate, showing he's effective both after the catch and in tight coverage. His blend of size, route-running precision, and efficiency makes him an extremely tough cover, particularly in the intermediate game—an area of the field where Matt Harmon of Reception Perception says Collins “might just be the best route runner in the NFL.” With Stefon Diggs gone and Tank Dell recovering from multiple injuries, Collins is locked in as Stroud’s WR1 and has the skill set and role to finish as a fantasy WR1 (perhaps THE fantasy WR1) in 2025.

After finishing as the WR6 in his breakout rookie campaign, Nacua delivered another strong season in 2024, finishing WR23 overall but WR6 on a per-game basis. He once again proved to be a monster in advanced metrics—1st in yards per route run and 14th in YAC per reception (among 110 qualified receivers). With Cooper Kupp finally out of the picture, Davante Adams steps in, but Nacua is already entrenched as a target hog in Sean McVay’s offense. There’s continuity with Matthew Stafford under center and no major red flags in terms of usage or efficiency. Nacua should be considered a midrange WR1 with weekly top-5 upside, especially in PPR formats.

After leading the league in rushing in 2022 with 1,653 yards, Jacobs missed four games in 2023 and ultimately signed with the Packers last spring. He finished as the fantasy RB5 overall with 337 touches for 1,671 total yards and 16 touchdowns. At 27 years old, he’s still in his prime and now entrenched as the lead back in a high-scoring Packers offense orchestrated by Matt LaFleur. He ranked just 32nd in yards before contact per attempt among 46 qualified backs, but he more than made up for it with elite tackle-breaking and post-contact production. He was 8th in yards after contact per attempt, 3rd in broken tackles per attempt, and earned the 5th-highest rushing grade at PFF. That kind of efficiency, paired with a huge workload and goal-line role in a top-tier offense, makes Jacobs a rock-solid RB1. He's a dual threat with dependable volume and a nose for the end zone.

St. Brown followed up his WR3 finish in 2023 with another WR3 season in 2024, finishing fifth on a per-game basis. He continues to be one of the most reliable receivers in football, having missed just two games in his four-year career. A new offensive coordinator could shake things up a bit in Detroit, but St. Brown’s role as the focal point of the passing attack should remain intact. He finished 11th in yards per route run and has proven to be both efficient and volume-driven—a rare combo. Fantasy managers should feel comfortable drafting him as a midrange to high-end WR1 once again.

Brian Thomas Jr. turned in an excellent rookie season and was one of my favorite late-round targets (typically available in the 9th round). He vastly outperformed that ADP, finishing as the overall WR4 and WR10 on a per-game basis thanks to a 87-129-1,282-10 receiving line. He hit the ground running in Jacksonville and quickly emerged as Trevor Lawrence’s favorite target. Among 88 qualified receivers, Thomas finished 6th in yards per route run and 10th in YAC per reception—elite efficiency for any wideout, let alone a rookie. With Christian Kirk and Evan Engram both gone and Travis Hunter expected to play part-time on offense, Thomas should continue to see plenty of volume in 2025. He checks all the boxes: size, speed, route running, and now proven production. It’s wheels up from here.

Bowers had a terrific rookie campaign, finishing with 112 catches for 1,194 yards and five touchdowns on a whopping 153 targets. The stars aligned early, with Davante Adams traded away and Michael Mayer missing significant time, clearing the runway for Bowers to immediately become the focal point of the Raiders’ passing attack. He handled the volume with ease, showcasing the athleticism and route-running prowess that made him a generational tight end prospect coming out of Georgia. With Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews now in the twilight of their careers, Bowers enters 2025 with a strong case to be the fantasy TE1. He offers elite volume, consistency, and a high floor typically reserved for top-tier wideouts. The arrival of Geno Smith should also provide a boost in quarterback play, potentially improving Bowers' efficiency after a solid (but not spectacular) rookie-season catch rate of 73.2%. In a thinning elite tight end landscape, Bowers stands out as a weekly advantage and should be a second-round pick in most formats. In TE-premium, he's a surefire first-rounder.

After a WR5 finish in 2023, Brown slipped to WR14 last season, though he was WR12 on a per-game basis after missing a few games. His targets dropped from 9.3 per game to 7.5, a noticeable decline that was mostly due to the Eagles' emphasis on the running game with Saquon Barkley in the fold. There’s optimism that new offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo will open things up more in 2025, which would be good news for Brown. He finished 3rd in yards per route run among 110 qualified receivers, a strong indicator that he’s still among the most efficient wideouts in the league. A solid-yet-unspectacular YAC per reception mark (29th) suggests he wasn’t quite as explosive after the catch as he was in his first couple of seasons, but Brown remains a premier talent with a strong rapport with Jalen Hurts. He’s priced slightly below the WR1 tier in early drafts, but another top-five season is well within reach if the Eagles throw a little more.

Brown was a pleasant surprise in 2024, finishing as the fantasy RB11 overall and RB16 on a per-game basis. He took over the backfield after Zack Moss went down and made the most of his opportunity, ranking as the RB6 from Week 9 to Week 17. He caught 54 passes—5th among running backs—and played a key role in one of the league’s best offenses with Joe Burrow under center. Efficiency-wise, Brown impressed before contact (11th out of 46 qualified backs) and showed strong elusiveness (6th in broken tackles per attempt), though he struggled to generate extra yardage after contact (43rd). The Bengals brought Moss back and added Samaje Perine, who could siphon off passing-down work and limit Brown’s weekly floor. Still, Brown looks like the favorite to lead this backfield in touches and carries high-end RB2 value in a high-scoring offense. If he holds onto the passing-game role, there’s room for more.

McConkey was one of the most pro-ready receivers in the 2024 class, and he backed that up with a stellar rookie campaign. A favorite of Matt Harmon during the pre-draft process, McConkey caught 91 passes for 1,346 yards and 8 touchdowns, finishing as the WR13 overall and WR20 on a per-game basis. His smooth route running and advanced feel for coverages translated immediately. His underlying metrics support the breakout: McConkey finished 4th among 88 qualified receivers in yards per route run and ranked 13th in contested catch rate despite not being a prototypical “above-the-rim” player. He was also 10th in targeted QB rating and 26th in YAC per reception, showing how efficient and quarterback-friendly he was across the board. Looking ahead to 2025, McConkey is expected to build on his strong debut, though the addition of rookie Tre Harris and the return of Mike Williams could put a ceiling on his target share. Still, with Justin Herbert at quarterback, McConkey should remain a high-floor WR2 with room for more.

McBride followed up his 2023 breakout with another highly productive season, catching 111 passes for 1,146 yards in Year 3. While he only scored two touchdowns—bringing his career total to just six on 292 receptions—his elite target share and efficiency keep him firmly in the top tier of fantasy tight ends. He finished third among all tight ends in yards per route run (2.14), just ahead of Brock Bowers, and continues to operate as Kyler Murray’s most trusted target in the Cardinals' passing game. Arizona still lacks serious firepower at wide receiver, which solidifies McBride’s weekly usage. While the lack of touchdowns is frustrating, he’s essentially functioning as a high-floor WR2 from the tight end slot in half- and full-PPR formats. The hope is that positive regression hits in the red zone, and if it does, he has the potential to finish as the overall TE1.

Higgins played 12 games last season on the franchise tag and made the most of it, finishing as the WR18 overall and WR3 on a per-game basis. He set a career high with 9.1 targets per game (previous best: 7.9 in 2021) and parlayed that volume into his most productive season yet. Matt Harmon of Reception Perception said 2024 “may have been his best campaign as a pro,” and the Bengals clearly agreed, rewarding him with a long-term deal in March. Higgins finished 26th in yards per route run—solid WR2 territory—but his YAC/reception rank (86th out of 110 qualified receivers) underscores his more traditional, downfield possession role. That said, he doesn’t need YAC to win. He wins with size, physicality, and high-value targets from one of the league’s best quarterbacks. He’s finally locked into the Bengals’ long-term plans and should remain a high-volume WR2 with weekly WR1 upside in 2025.

Wilson finally broke through in 2024, finishing as the WR10 after a WR30 campaign the year before. He managed the jump despite playing with a diminished version of Aaron Rodgers for most of the season, which makes his breakout all the more impressive. Wilson caught 96 passes for 1,242 yards and seven touchdowns on 157 targets. Matt Harmon of Reception Perception called Wilson “one of the best separators in the NFL,” and expects big things from new offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand. Harmon notes that if Engstrand brings over the design philosophy from Detroit, “Wilson’s deployment is going to get a profound and much-needed shift.” That could lead to even better efficiency, especially if new quarterback Justin Fields is able to replicate the rapport he had with D.J. Moore in Chicago (92 yards and 0.67 touchdowns per game in 12 contests with Fields). Fields may not be a prolific passer, but he's shown the ability to support a true WR1 — and Wilson certainly fits the bill.

Smith-Njigba took a massive leap in his second season, finishing as the WR8 after a modest WR46 rookie campaign. JSN seized a featured role in the Seahawks’ passing attack, posting 100 catches for 1,130 yards and six touchdowns. His efficiency was solid as well—he ranked 38th in yards per route run and 35th in YAC per reception (among 110 qualified receivers), both above average marks that reflect his route polish and ability after the catch. Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf are both gone, and Cooper Kupp joins the receiver room, but at this stage of his career, he doesn’t profile as the high-volume option he once was. JSN should lead the way in targets, and with Sam Darnold under center, the passing offense should remain steady. There’s enough passing volume in Klint Kubiak's system to support another high-end WR2 season—or possibly a repeat WR1 finish.

Cooper Kupp’s 8.3 targets per game are up for grabs. Adams has seen 10+ targets per game for seven straight seasons, so it’s possible that either he or Puka Nacua may see a slightly reduced role than what they’ve been used to. Considering Adams’ age (32), he’s more likely to cede work than Nacua, who is just entering his prime target-earning years. Still, Adams’ is riding a five-year streak of at least 1,000 yards and if he can stay healthy, he’s likely to make it six with Sean McVay scheming the offense. That puts him squarely in the WR2 range.

After leading the league with 1,799 receiving yards in 2023, Hill surprisingly failed to crack the 1,000-yard mark in 2024 despite playing all 17 games. He injured his wrist during training camp and gutted out the season, ultimately undergoing a pair of surgeries this offseason. The Dolphins are hopeful he’ll be ready for the start of camp. Matt Harmon of Reception Perception noted a “pretty concerning dropoff” across the board in Hill’s performance last year, particularly against man coverage, which had been a strength throughout his career. Now entering his age-31 season, it’s fair to question whether Hill’s elite days are behind him or if the wrist injury played a larger role in last year’s inefficiency than we realize. Given his track record, Hill shouldn’t be written off, but drafters may want to bake in a bit more risk. If healthy, he still has the speed and role to return WR1 value, but the floor is lower than it’s been in years.

In a bit of a surprise, the Panthers signed Rico Dowdle in free agency. Last year, Dowdle and Hubbard both averaged 2.2 yards after contact per attempt, while Hubbard had the advantage in broken tackles (17.9 att/broken tackle vs. 21.4 att/broken tackle for Dowdle) and PFF rush grade (87.0 vs. 74.4). Hubbard handled 73.1% of the team's backfield carries and 60.6% of the receptions. With a healthy Dowdle in the mix, I could see those shares being closer to 65% of the carries and 50% of the receptions. That being said, Miles Sanders fared a lot better as a receiver than Hubbard did (6.2 YPR vs. 4.0 YPR) yet Hubbard nearly doubled Sanders in receptions (43 to 24), so Hubbard's backfield shares may depend mostly on his playing time versus specific roles for him and Dowdle.

After four straight years with 1,000+ yards and five or fewer touchdowns, McLaurin finally delivered a true breakout season--82 catches, 1,096 yards, and 13 touchdowns--finishing as the WR6 overall thanks in large part to Jayden Daniels’ impressive rookie campaign. On a per-game basis, he was the WR16, so he did benefit from playing a full slate. McLaurin finished 30th (of 112 qualifiers) in yards per route run, and while that’s not elite, it’s a solid mark for a player who has long produced despite questionable quarterback play. Turning 30 in September, McLaurin could see his target share squeezed a bit with Deebo Samuel joining the fold, but his biggest obstacle might be his contract situation. He said he’s “pretty frustrated” with the lack of progress in negotiations and that “it’s hard to see me stepping on the field” without progress towards a new deal. If things get resolved, McLaurin should slot in as a low-end WR2 with upside, assuming the offense keeps humming.

Burrow was the fantasy QB3 last season after an injury-shortened QB23 finish the year before. He was the QB4 in 2022 and the QB6 in 2021, so he has a history of midrange QB1 finishes. The defense isn’t particularly good and the Bengals re-signed Tee Higgins, so Burrow has all of his weapons back. I’m expecting another strong season from Burrow and Co.

After a WR7 finish in 2023 with Justin Fields under center, Moore took a step back last season, finishing WR21 overall and WR32 on a per-game basis as the Bears’ passing game struggled to find consistency. Despite the dip in production, Moore still flashed his big-play ability, ranking 20th in YAC per reception among 110 qualified receivers. With Keenan Allen no longer in the picture and Ben Johnson taking over the offense, Moore’s outlook is looking brighter. Johnson orchestrated one of the league’s most creative and productive passing attacks in Detroit, and if he can replicate even a portion of that success in Chicago, Moore stands to benefit. He is still the top dog in the Bears’ receiving room, and if the offensive upgrade materializes, he could return to midrange WR2 territory with WR1 upside in spike weeks.

LaPorta’s steep decline in targets per game (7.1 to 5.2) in his second season was surprising, as Jameson Williams (91 targets) took over as the team’s No. 2 target. LaPorta will likely settle in as a perennial top 5 fantasy tight end, but perhaps lacks the overall TE1 target upside with a healthy Williams and Amon-Ra St. Brown in the mix. Among tight ends, he finished 11th in YAC/rec and 12th in yards per route run, so the efficiency was there. He finished strong, seeing at least six targets in his final eight games and was the TE5 in that span. Hopefully, we’ll look back on his early-season struggles as just a blip in his career as a fantasy producer.

Metcalf had a disappointing sixth season, posting his lowest yardage (992) since 2021 and the fewest touchdowns (5) of his career. George Pickens has moved on, so Metcalf is the lone established threat at receiver. Under OC Arthur Smith, the Steelers attempted the fourth-fewest passes and threw for the sixth-fewest yards in 2024, though Aaron Rodgers may boost the team’s pass percentage a bit. Metcalf should see all the targets he can handle, though the precisness of his route-running may eventually irk Rodgers.

After a rocky start to his career, Williams broke out in Year 3, turning 91 targets into 58 catches for 1,001 yards and seven scores in 15 games, finishing as the WR19. He was a big-play threat all year, ranking 3rd in YAC per reception and 30th in yards per route run—both strong indicators of his development as a more complete receiver. Matt Harmon noted in Reception Perception that Williams "revived what was at one point looking like a shaky career," though he still has technical refinement and off-field consistency to prove. Still, the physical tools are clearly translating. A new offensive coordinator could introduce some volatility to the Lions’ passing game, but with Williams now firmly established as a strong No. 2 behind Amon-Ra St. Brown, another top-20 finish is well within reach. He’s a high-upside WR3 pick in the middle rounds.

Sutton turned in a WR15 finish last year, buoyed by Bo Nix’s unexpectedly strong rookie campaign and a continued lack of serious target competition in Denver. Sutton was 32nd in yards per route run—an above-average mark—but remained near the bottom of the league in YAC/rec, underscoring his role as more of a contested-catch, sideline-winning presence than a post-catch dynamo. The Broncos did add Evan Engram in free agency and Pat Bryant in the draft, and Marvin Mims could take a step forward in Year 3 after a strong finish last season, but Sutton should once again be Nix’s go-to guy on the outside. His profile suggests another solid WR2 season is within reach, though his weekly ceiling may be capped if Mims or Engram emerge as more dynamic after-the-catch options.

The Patriots used the No. 38 overall pick on Henderson, and that kind of early second-round draft capital strongly suggests they view him as more than just a change-of-pace back. Since 2010, second-round running backs who played at least 14 games have averaged 188 touches for 931 total yards and 5.4 touchdowns as rookies—production well within Henderson’s range if he can carve out a consistent role. New GM Eliot Wolf called him “a three-down back and a really good complement,” which doesn’t clarify much, but it’s notable considering Rhamondre Stevenson has averaged just 3.91 yards per carry over the last two seasons. Henderson offers another gear—he ran a 4.43 with an 81st percentile speed score and 91st percentile burst score per Player Profiler—and he ranked 4th in PFF rushing grade in this year’s draft class. Chad Graff of The Athletic wrote that Henderson “might be the most exciting player for Patriots fans to watch in camp” and that “it’s frankly astounding how quickly he gets to top speed.” If that explosiveness translates early, he could quickly leapfrog Stevenson and push for lead-back duties. For now, Henderson profiles as a high-end, upside RB3 with the potential to be a weekly RB2 if he grabs the top spot in what should be an improving offense.

Swift finished as the RB19 in half-PPR scoring last season, and while the Bears didn’t make any major moves at running back—only adding seventh-rounder Kyle Monangai—there’s still some uncertainty about how this backfield will shake out. Roschon Johnson was wildly inefficient (2.7 YPC), so Swift has a clear path to lead the backfield, even after a mediocre 2024 campaign of his own (3.8 YPC). Efficiency was a real concern: among 46 backs with at least 100 carries, Swift ranked 28th in yards before contact, 39th in yards after contact, and 45th in broken tackles per attempt. His PFF rush grade (45th out of 57 qualifiers) supports what the numbers and tape showed—he left a lot of meat on the bone. Still, new head coach Ben Johnson has a strong track record with running backs, and Swift played under him in Detroit back in 2022, when he averaged 5.5 YPC in a reduced role behind Jamaal Williams. The Lions moved on from Swift due to durability concerns, not talent. If he stays healthy, he should be the lead back in an offense that could take a big step forward with Johnson calling plays and Caleb Williams under center. Volume alone gives him RB3/FLEX value, with upside for more if Johnson can unlock his big-play ability.

Mayfield rounds out the Top 6, which is not something I ever thought I’d be saying after his career began to go sideways in his fourth season. But he has finished QB5 and QB9 the last two seasons, has one of the best receiving corps–Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, and Cade Otton–in the league, and he can run a little bit (378 yards, 3 rushing touchdowns last season). My only concern is that he’s on his third offensive coordinator in three years, but new OC Josh Grizzard was promoted from within and was the pass game coordinator last season. Mayfield should post midrange QB1 numbers once again.

Rice picked up right where he left off in 2023, starting the 2024 season on a tear with 7-103, 5-75-1, and 12-110-1 lines before tearing his right LCL just four snaps into Week 4. Setting aside that injury-shortened game, he has averaged 5.4 catches for 64.5 yards and 0.47 touchdowns on 6.9 targets per game in his career—solid WR2 production. Through three full games last season, he was on a 164-target pace. That workload may be harder to come by in 2025. Xavier Worthy didn’t really emerge until after Rice’s injury, and the rookie’s speed could force a more even distribution of targets. Rice is reportedly fully healthy but is facing a multi-game suspension (per Adam Schefter) after pleading guilty to two third-degree felonies. He was sentenced to five years of probation and 30 days in jail. Depending on how far his ADP falls, Rice could become a value since he’s already shown he can produce at a high level in this offense.

Jones remains one of the most productive dual-threat running backs in the league. He racked up the seventh-most yards from scrimmage (1,546) and the eighth-most receptions (51) at his position, finishing as the fantasy RB15 on the year. His 306 touches were a career-high and it’s unlikely that the 30-year-old back will be able to hold up to that kind of workload. The Athletic’s Alec Lewis reported that the Vikings want more of a “by-committee approach” in 2025, and they traded for a solid committee back (Jordan Mason), so Jones is shaping up to be a low-end RB2/high-end RB3 type.

Montgomery continues to be a reliable fantasy option in Detroit’s high-powered offense, finishing as the RB17 in 2024 despite missing three games—he was the RB13 on a per-game basis. That followed a strong 2023 campaign where he finished RB14 overall and RB8 in per-game scoring. As Jahmyr Gibbs' role grew, Montgomery’s touches dipped slightly from 16.8 per game in 2023 to 15.8 in 2024, but he made up for it with a larger receiving role—jumping from 16 receptions to 36 year-over-year. Efficiency-wise, he remains a tough, physical runner: he ranked 36th in yards before contact but 15th in yards after contact and 4th in broken tackles per attempt. His 16th-place PFF rushing grade was solid, reinforcing his reputation as an above-average grinder who can get the tough yards and score touchdowns. Montgomery’s weekly upside is somewhat TD-dependent, but his consistent workload and role near the goal line make him a dependable RB2, even as Gibbs becomes the flashier fantasy asset. If Gibbs were to get injured, Monty would have top-five upside.

Over the past two seasons, Mahomes has finished QB7 (2023) and QB10 (2024) after three straight top-4 finishes in 2020-22. He seems to be settling into midrange QB1 territory, but we know he has overall QB1 upside. Rashee Rice is back, which helps, especially given the apparent decline of Mahomes’ go-to target, Travis Kelce. Xavier Worthy is a weapon, and Hollywood Brown rounds out a good starting receiving unit. Mahomes’ touchdown percentage and passing volume are both down relative to his fantasy hayday, and that’s not a recipe for an elite-level finish.

Hockenson returned from ACL/MCL surgery in Week 9 and was a serviceable but uninspiring fantasy option the rest of the way. In 10 games played, he failed to find the end zone and averaged just 7.1 half-PPR points per game, a midrange TE2 pace. That’s a far cry from his 2023 output (95 catches for 960 yards), and it remains to be seen if he can return to that level post-injury. The good news: He plays in a strong Kevin O’Connell offense, and rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy appears ready to run the show. The volume should be there, but whether Hockenson can capitalize hinges on his ability to recapture his pre-injury explosiveness and red zone involvement. He has top-5 upside, but with a TE5 ADP, there’s not a ton of value baked in—making him a slightly risky pick for drafters hoping for a full bounce-back.

The Bears’ offense is trending up with the arrival of new HC Ben Johnson, who spent the last several years as the primary playcaller for the Detroit Lions. Keenan Allen (121 targets) is gone, and the Bears drafted Luther Burden in the second round as a replacement. Odunze caught 54 passes on 96 targets for 734 yards and 3 touchdowns as a rookie. While his 73rd-ranked yards per route run (among 88 qualified receivers) suggests he has room to grow in overall efficiency, he was elite in contested catch rate (2nd) and solid after the catch (29th in YAC per reception). With Allen gone, Odunze is primed to make a Jameson Williams-type leap in his second season and could perhaps surpass D.J. Moore to become the team’s primary target. Matt Harmon of Reception Perception says that his charting of Odunze “is still pointing us in an extremely positive direction.” With a growing role in what should be a much more productive offense, Odunze is a strong candidate to outproduce his low-end WR3 ADP.

Andrews got off to a painfully slow start in 2024, likely due in part to a preseason car accident that may have lingered into the regular season. Through four weeks, he managed just six catches for 65 yards on nine total targets. But once the season got rolling, so did Andrews. From Week 5 on, he played at a 64-catch, 795-yard, and 14.4-touchdown pace and finished as the fantasy TE5 during that stretch—even while playing just 63% of the snaps and averaging the 20th-most targets per game. That production speaks to his elite red-zone usage and chemistry with Lamar Jackson, but there are red flags. Isaiah Likely continues to push for a larger role, and head coach John Harbaugh publicly challenged Likely to “be an All-Pro” in 2025—something that may not coexist with a high-end fantasy season for Andrews. He turns 30 in September, but tight ends tend to age well, and the fact that Andrews was sixth in yards per route run speaks to his continued production. (Though he was 41st of 44 eligible tight ends in YAC/rec, another red flag.) He remains a strong bet for low-end TE1 numbers with week-winning upside if the touchdowns hold.

Samuel is entering his age-29 season, which isn’t ancient by receiver standards, but there’s reason to wonder if he’s already on the downslope. Last year, he set career lows in receptions per game (3.4) and receiving yards per game (44.7), and posted his fewest rushing yards (136) since 2020. Despite playing 15 games, he finished as the fantasy WR47, a far cry from his WR9 campaign the year before. Now in Washington, Samuel is hoping to bounce back in what could be an ascending Commanders offense led by rookie Jayden Daniels. The fit is intriguing—Samuel could thrive on manufactured touches and short-area work if the offense clicks under Kliff Kingsbury—but his declining production and age-related concerns make him tough to trust as more than middle-round pick. He’ll need a significant role and efficiency bump to return to weekly fantasy relevance.

Reed followed up a WR26 rookie campaign with a WR25 finish last season, continuing to produce despite modest usage in the Packers’ balanced, spread-it-around passing attack. His targets dipped from 5.9 per game to 4.4, but he became more involved in the run game (20 carries for 163 yards and a score), and his efficiency remained strong—he finished 18th in yards per route run and 10th in YAC/rec. Even with Christian Watson recovering from a torn ACL and rookie Matthew Golden stepping in, Reed's role likely won’t change much. He still only plays around 60% of the snaps since he’s not typically on the field in two-WR sets. As a result, he projects for another high-end WR3 finish with occasional spike weeks, but it’s hard to get too excited about his ceiling unless LaFleur unexpectedly features him more prominently.

Nix finished QB9 on the season, but after a rough start, he was the fantasy QB5 from Week 5 on. He has dual-threat ability and scored at least 16.1 fantasy points in 10 of his last 13 games. “Good” rookie quarterbacks tend to regress a bit in year two–fantasy points drop on average by 6.3%– but the Broncos added Evan Engram in free agency and two receiving weapons–second-round RB RJ Harvey and third-round WR Pat Bryant–in the Draft, and that could offset a sophomore regression.

The warning signs were there in 2023, and they materialized in 2024. Kelce posted career-lows in receiving yards, touchdowns, YAC per reception, and yards per route run—clear indicators that age may finally be catching up to the future Hall of Famer. Even so, Kelce still finished as the TE6 overall and was the TE8 on a per-game basis, so while the days of him lapping the field at the position may be over, he remains a viable low-end TE1. With Rashee Rice back and Xavier Worthy emerging, there’s more competition for targets than in recent years, but Kelce still plays in a high-functioning offense with Patrick Mahomes at the helm. He’s no longer a positional cheat code, but he’s a solid veteran option for those who wait until the middle rounds to draft a tight end.

He finished TE8 in his second season and is primed for another leap in production if he can earn a larger role in the offense. But that’s the problem with drafting Packer receivers–Matt LaFleur and Jordan Love spread the ball around so much it’s tough to count on anyone in a given week. But Kraft led the position in yards after contact and broken tackles per catch, so he’s got the talent to join the top 5. He should finish TE8 again at a minimum, barring injury.

Pacheco just couldn’t get it going after returning from a fractured fibula early in the season. He averaged just 35 rush yards on 9.8 carries post-injury and ultimately was playing behind Kareem Hunt in the Chiefs’ postseason run. I would normally not worry too much about Pacheco’s production immediately after a nasty leg injury, but the Chiefs re-signed Hunt and acquired Elijah Mitchell, so I’m certainly worried about Pacheco’s prospects of regaining the lead back role in Kansas City. This is a backfield to monitor this summer.

Shakir quietly delivered a solid season in 2024, finishing WR35 overall and WR42 on a per-game basis. Dig a little deeper, though, and there are signs of a potential breakout. He ranked 18th in yards per route run and an elite 5th in yards after catch per reception, showing he's making the most of his opportunities in a pass-heavy Buffalo offense. Matt Harmon of Reception Perception called him an "excellent starter as a slot option" and even floated the idea that Shakir’s career could follow a trajectory similar to Amon-Ra St. Brown’s. He plays with one of the best quarterbacks in the league in Josh Allen, and while the Bills did bring in Joshua Palmer and Elijah Moore, Shakir’s 6.7 targets per game should remain stable. The concern is that Buffalo still likes to spread the ball around, so a true WR1 leap might not be in the cards. Still, in the WR4 range, Shakir is a rock-solid pick with weekly WR2 upside.

The Seahawks cut Tyler Lockett and traded DK Metcalf away so they had some work to do at receiver. Kupp has ties to the area and should soak up plenty of targets playing alongside Jaxon Smith-Njigba, though both players typically line up in the slot (Smith-Njigba 83.6%, Kupp 65.3% last year). Kupp is not the type of player I'd pick to join JSN in the offense, but he can certainly teach the third-year player a thing or two. Kupp averaged 1.88 yards per route run last year, which was well off his career average (2.25), but still above average league-wide and better than JSN's mark (1.81). Kupp's arrival makes Sam Darnold more appealing as a QB2-type.

Tracy finished as the RB28 in 2024, but that doesn’t tell the whole story. He didn’t take over as the Giants’ lead back until Week 5, and from that point forward, he was the fantasy RB14—delivering strong RB2 value for much of the season. His speed and vision made an early impact, and he ranked 9th among 47 qualified backs in yards before contact per attempt, a credit to both his burst and the offensive line. He didn't break many tackles or generate many yards after contact, however. The cracks started to show down the stretch. From Week 12 to Week 18, Tracy averaged just 3.5 yards per carry, and while his receiving work propped up his value during that span, that role could be in jeopardy. The Giants added Cam Skattebo, a dual-threat back who trailed only Ashton Jeanty in PFF’s collegiate rushing grade and has drawn praise as the team’s most talented receiving option out of the backfield. Tracy enters 2025 as the presumptive starter, but Skattebo looms as a serious threat to his workload. Tracy is a viable RB3/FLEX for now, but his grip on the job isn’t as firm as his 2024 finish might suggest.

Somewhat limited as a passer, Fields still projects to be a solid fantasy quarterback provided he can hold onto the starting job in New York. In six starts for the Steelers, Fields was the fantasy QB6 at the time that Russell Wilson was installed as the rest-of-season starter. In those six starts, Fields threw five touchdowns and rushed for 289 yards and another five scores. That rushing upside makes him a dangerous fantasy asset. As the Bears' starter from 2022 to 2023 (28 starts), Fields racked up the ninth-most fantasy points with the seventh-highest per-game average, so he's done it before. He'll be ranked as a low-end fantasy QB1 as long as he's projected to start for the Jets.

Spears has shown flashes of explosiveness through his first two seasons, but the volume just hasn’t been there—he averaged 8.9 touches per game in 2023 and 9.5 in 2024, even after Derrick Henry was replaced by Tony Pollard. Despite the limited usage, Spears continues to impress on a per-touch basis, with 2.2 yards after contact per attempt and strong tackle-breaking metrics. He also finished 17th among 59 qualified backs in yards per route run, flashing legitimate receiving chops. Coaches have hinted at a more balanced approach in the backfield this season, which could open the door for Spears to carve out a larger role alongside Pollard. And with rookie quarterback Cam Ward now under center, the Titans’ offense may be more efficient and offer more scoring opportunities than in years past. As long as Pollard is healthy, Spears remains a high-end handcuff and occasional FLEX option. But if Pollard were to miss time, Spears would immediately become a plug-and-play RB2 with upside in both the run and pass game.

Coleman flashed at times during his rookie season, finishing with 32 catches on 64 targets for 578 yards and 4 touchdowns in 13 games. That was good enough for a WR67 finish overall and WR55 on a per-game basis—not terrible for a Day 2 rookie, but not enough to crack starting lineups in most leagues. Coleman’s best trait was his run-after-catch ability. He finished 6th out of 88 qualified receivers in YAC per reception, showcasing surprising elusiveness and physicality with the ball in his hands. However, the rest of his profile was underwhelming—he ranked 75th in contested catch rate and 50th in yards per route run, and struggled to separate or make plays downfield consistently. Matt Harmon of Reception Perception noted that Buffalo used Coleman as a vertical X-receiver in his rookie year and “seem to believe that’s his long-term role,” but also questioned that projection: “There is just nothing in his Reception Perception prospect or rookie year profile that indicates that he will become a high-volume consistent starter in that spot.” Coleman remains an intriguing dynasty stash, but he’ll need a significant jump in efficiency or usage to matter in redraft formats.

Charbonnet remains one of the most intriguing Zero RB targets in 2025 drafts. He’s shown high-end RB1 upside when given the chance—in eight games over the past two seasons where he saw extended run, he averaged 18.5 touches for 95 total yards and 0.88 touchdowns. That’s elite production if (or more likely, when) Kenneth Walker misses time. Walker has already missed 10 games in his first three seasons, so it’s a good bet Charbonnet will get a few usable starts even if Walker stays relatively healthy. The Seahawks want to "establish the run," according to John Boyle of Seahawks.com, and that philosophy could translate into a more balanced workload even when Walker is active. Charbonnet’s passing-game chops gives him standalone RB3/FLEX appeal, especially in favorable matchups. As a ninth- or tenth-round pick in most formats, he’s a great stash with plug-and-play upside. If Walker misses any time, Charbonnet becomes an instant RB1 candidate in a run-committed offense.

As a rookie, Williams finished as the fantasy QB14, though he had seven games with fewer than 10 fantasy points. He ran more than expected (28.8 yards per game), and if he keeps that up while also getting a bump from the arrival of new HC Ben Johnson and his brilliant play-calling, then Williams has a good shot to get into low-end QB1 territory. He has a good receiving corps–D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, Cole Kmet, and rookies Luther Burden and Colston Loveland–though the loss of Keenan Allen may sting a bit.

Mason posted the No. 20 PFF rush grade this year, was 16th in yards after contact per attempt, and 14th in broken tackles per attempt. Prior to Christian McCaffrey's return, he averaged 18.3 carries for 95.3 yards (5.21 yards per carry) and 0.43 touchdowns. He was the fantasy RB9 in that span. After the trade to Minnesota, Mason will likely form a 1-2 punch with Aaron Jones and could eventually take over as Minnesota's lead back if/when Jones moves on. Mason is a great target for Zero RB drafters given his 9th/10th-round ADP and upside if anything were to happen to the somewhat injury-prone Jones.

Diggs is 31 and coming off a torn ACL that cost him half of the 2024 season. Prior to his injury, he was averaging 62.0 yards per game, his lowest average since his third season in the league, but he was still on pace for his seventh straight 1,000-yard season had he played the full 17 games. Five months after his injury, he is reportedly ahead of schedule and is on track to be ready for the start of the season, which is key for his potential fantasy value. I'm not too alarmed by his 2024 numbers since he was joining a new team (Texans) in a lesser role, but his decline from 2022 (89.3 yards per game) to 2023 (69.6) was significant. As he enters his 11th-season, he's expected to continue a fairly steep drop off per Ryan Heath's excellent Age Curves Study. The one thing working in Diggs' favor, however, is the lack of target competition in New England. Hunter Henry and Demario Douglas led the Patriots with 66 catches apiece, so Diggs should see all the targets he can handle if he can still get open and can hold off rookie Kyle Williams. Per ESPN's Open Score, Diggs was as good (83) last year as he was in 2022 (83). It doesn't hurt that he'll have the up-and-coming Drake Maye throwing the ball, either. Diggs raised some eyebrows this offseason when video leaked of him on a boat holding a bag of pink powder was leaked, so that’s a situation to monitor.

Every fantasy discussion about Goff has to begin with his home/away splits. From 2023 to 2024, Jared Goff’s location splits were really stark: 21.3 fantasy points per game at home versus just 13.9 per game on the road. Those splits narrowed to 21.4 vs. 17.7 last season, so over the last two seasons he has averaged 21.5 at home versus 16.1 on the road. That’s basically the difference between Baker Mayfield (21.5) and Justin Herbert (16.1) last year, so it’s still pretty stark. Goff has 10 dome games in 2025, and his final six games are indoors. Start Goff at home, and start him in favorable (shaky defense) indoor road matchups. As Marcas Grant said on our pod last summer, “he’s an inside cat.” His ADP (QB10) is higher this year, so people are starting to recognize his fantasy value.

Prescott finished as the fantasy QB4 in 2023, throwing for 4,516 yards and 36 touchdowns against just nine interceptions. Last year, he left a couple of games early and only played eight total games, but he was on pace for 4,638 yards and 25.8 touchdowns. Those numbers would have made him a high-end QB2 type on a per-game basis. The Cowboys attempted the eighth-most passes in 2023 and were third last year. Since last year’s OC, Brian Schottenheimer, is now the head coach, I’m not expecting a huge sea change in the team’s offensive identity, especially since the team let Rico Dowdle walk and traded for George Pickens. Prescott being available as a midrange QB2 is a good example of the solid depth of the position this season.

Downs missed three games last season and finished as the WR38 on a per-game basis, but his outlook for 2025 is far more intriguing than his recent production suggests. He ranked 18th in yards per route run and 23rd in yards after catch per reception—both strong indicators of underlying talent. Matt Harmon of Reception Perception called him “a near superstar player” who offers far more than the typical slot receiver. Harmon believes Downs has the potential to be the focal point of the Colts' passing attack, similar to how the Lions center their offense around Amon-Ra St. Brown. While the quarterback situation remains murky—Anthony Richardson’s health and Daniel Jones’s performance are both question marks—the team should at least have a functional passing game, and Downs’s role is locked in. If it's Jones, we've seen him feed a lesser player, Wan'Dale Robinson, plenty of targets. Downs is being drafted as a low-end WR4, but his route-running prowess and potential target share make him arguably the best upside bet in that range.

Mims is an intriguing receiver going in the WR5/WR6 range. He’s entering his third season after a strong finish in 2024. From Week 11 to Week 18, he averaged 4.0 receptions for 62 yards and 0.86 touchdowns on 4.7 targets per game. He only played 33% of the snaps in that span, and he isn’t likely to keep up that touchdown production without a bump in snaps, but he deserves to play more. In that span, he had the 18th-highest PFF receiving grade and posted the highest yards per route run (4.54). If his snaps don’t increase, he’s unlikely to become a major fantasy factor, but more playing time could result in fantasy-starter type numbers. Keep an eye on third-rounder Pat Bryant this summer as his progress could impede a potential Mims’ breakout season.

Kincaid followed up a promising TE15 rookie campaign with a disappointing sophomore season, finishing as the TE26 overall and TE21 on a per-game basis. He missed a few games, but even when active, his usage took a step back—his yards per game, receptions per game, and catch rate all declined from his rookie year. Despite the underwhelming second season, the ingredients for a breakout remain. Kincaid is an athletic pass-catcher operating in a high-powered offense with Josh Allen at the helm, and there’s still no target-dominating WR1 on the roster. If he can rebound and command consistent volume, he has the tools to emerge as a TE1 option in 2025.

Dobbins bounced back in 2024, finishing as the RB23 despite playing in only 12 games. On a per-game basis, he averaged 13.9 half-PPR points, good for RB17—solid production in a year where he showed flashes of his pre-injury form. The Chargers opted not to re-sign him, and he now lands in Denver, where he'll compete in a Sean Payton offense that could lean on rookie RJ Harvey. Dobbins was a tackle-breaking machine last year, ranking 2nd (behind only Derrick Henry) in broken tackles per attempt. He also finished 7th in yards after contact per attempt, though a surprising dip in PFF’s rush grade (43rd of 57) raises some eyebrows. He added 32 receptions, but his 54th-place finish (out of 59) in yards per route run suggests limited upside in the passing game. The backfield split with Harvey remains unclear, but Dobbins has a real shot to lead this backfield early. If he wins the starting job outright, he offers RB2 value with weekly touchdown upside. At worst, he’s a high-end handcuff with standalone FLEX appeal in a potentially run-friendly system.

Trying to decipher the Jaguars’ backfield in 2024 was like reading tea leaves. Travis Etienne opened the season as the starter, averaging 14.3 touches and a healthy 4.55 YPC through the first four games. But starting in Week 4, Bigsby began to carve out a role, rushing for 90 yards against the Texans. He followed that with a breakout performance against the Colts in Week 5 (14 touches, 129 yards, 2 TDs) with Etienne active, and then dominated in Week 7 against the Patriots (26 carries, 118 yards, 2 TDs) while Etienne was sidelined with a hamstring injury. Bigsby ultimately averaged 4.6 yards per carry—nearly a full yard more than Etienne (3.7)—though Etienne maintained the passing-down role. The Jags also added Bhayshul Tuten in the fourth round of the draft, a superior athlete who adds yet another variable to this backfield. With Etienne healthy and still involved, and Tuten now in the mix, the Jaguars’ backfield could unfold in several ways. But if Bigsby earns the lion’s share of early-down work and goal-line touches, he’s a viable RB3/FLEX with RB2 upside in the right game scripts.

Loveland was the first tight end off the board in April, going No. 10 overall to the Bears—a pick that signals serious intent to make him a key part of the passing game. He averaged 58.2 receiving yards per game as a junior at Michigan and brings 4.72 speed (72nd percentile speed score per Player Profiler) to a position that increasingly rewards athleticism. He’s currently recovering from AC joint surgery, but head coach Ben Johnson said he should be cleared "at some point" during training camp. Despite Cole Kmet's presence (47-474-4 in 2024), drafters aren’t concerned, targeting Loveland as a high-end TE2. Historically, first-round tight ends with full seasons under their belt have averaged 7.3 half-PPR points per game, which puts him squarely in the high-end TE2 conversation if the Bears’ offense takes a step forward. There’s some risk given the injury, Kmet's veteran presence, and rookie tight end learning curve, but Loveland is well-positioned for immediate production.

Tillman’s ADP has him ranked as a WR6 and I currently have him ranked as a low-end WR4, so there’s some value here. Reports suggest that he’ll be good to go this summer after being placed on IR due to a concussion. Once Amari Cooper was traded, things opened up for Tillman, and he went on a four-game run that included 8-81 on 12 targets against the Bengals, 7-99-2 on nine targets against the Ravens, 6-75-1 on 11 targets against the Chargers, and 3-47 on eight targets against the Saints. He was the WR8 on a per-game basis and averaged the sixth-most targets in that span. One way or another, the Browns’ quarterback situation should be better, and the Browns only added Diontae Johnson to the receiver room. (I think we’re past the point where Johnson’s arrival should be looked at as a detriment to the other receivers on the team.)

Maye is intriguing since he averaged low-end QB1 numbers–17.7 points per game–in his nine full-ish games. The Patriots added a talented yet aging receiver in Stefon Diggs, who could serve as an adequate WR1 if his ACL recovery continues to go well. New England also added big-play receiver Kyle Williams in the third round.

Likely kicked off 2024 with a bang—posting a 9-111-1 line on 12 targets against the Chiefs in Week 1—but it was an inconsistent season from there. He had four games with double-digit half-PPR points but disappeared in others, a result of sporadic usage in a crowded passing attack. Despite the volatility, Likely's efficiency was impressive. He finished 7th among tight ends in yards per route run—just one spot behind Mark Andrews—and ranked 5th in yards after contact per reception (Andrews was 41st). The Ravens clearly recognize his potential; head coach John Harbaugh challenged him this offseason to “be an All-Pro.” It’s unclear how Baltimore will divvy up tight end targets with a healthy Andrews back, but Likely has shown enough to earn a bigger role. If Harbaugh follows through and the Ravens get creative with two-TE sets, Likely could flirt with low-end TE1 numbers, especially if Andrews were to miss time.

Last year, three quarterbacks drafted QB20 or later finished in the top 12: Baker Mayfield (QB21), Sam Darnold (QB31), and Bo Nix (QB23). They had a couple of things in common: 1) a strong offensive mind calling the plays, and 2) they can score fantasy points with their legs. Darnold (QB27) can run, but Klint Kubiak is not a certified offensive genius like, say, Kevin O’Connell, who coaxed a QB8 finish out of Darnold last season. That’s why I like QB19 J.J. McCarthy to meet or exceed his draft position. It’s pretty simple: In O’Connell we trust. McCarthy will run a bit and has a nice group of weapons, including Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and Aaron Jones.

Stroud suffered a sophomore slump in 2024, finishing as the QB19 with the No. 27 per-game average among quarterbacks. As a rookie, he finished QB12 and had the No. 11 per-game average. It’s pretty common for quarterbacks who thrive as rookies to have a subpar second season now that the rest of the league has plenty of film to figure them out. The Texans lost Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell is unlikely to contribute in 2025, but they did trade for Christian Kirk and added both Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel in the Draft, so Stroud should have enough weapons to throw to, especially with Nico Collins emerging as a star receiver.

Now entering his age-30 season, Ekeler is at the stage of his career where durability and workload are both legitimate concerns. He’s missed eight games over the past two seasons and is a good bet to miss a few games in 2025. Still, Ekeler was efficient when on the field in 2024, averaging 9.3 touches for 61.1 total yards and 0.33 touchdowns per game. His 4.8 yards per carry was his best mark since 2018, thanks in part to an elite 3.0 yards before contact per attempt. He’s not breaking as many tackles as he used to, but his vision and burst still pop when the blocking is there. Deebo Samuel’s arrival adds another layer of competition for touches, particularly in the short-area game. Ekeler profiles as a weekly RB3 with some spike-week potential in PPR formats, but the days of him being a top-tier fantasy asset appear to be in the rearview mirror.

Lawrence missed half of the season due to AC joint injury and subsequent surgery. In his nine healthy games, he was the fantasy QB11, though he was the QB16 on a per-game basis since he didn’t have his bye in that span. He was the fantasy QB14 in 2023 with the QB19 per-game average, so he has settled into midrange QB2-type territory in the last couple of years after a QB8 finish in 2022. Christian Kirk and Evan Engram are gone, so Lawrence will be throwing to some new faces–Travis Hunter and Dyami Brown–along with a few familiar ones in Brian Thomas Jr. and Brenton Strange. He profiles as a mid- to low-end QB2 given the depth at the position.

Allgeier remains one of the most capable backups in the league and a high-end handcuff for fantasy purposes. While Bijan Robinson has proven to be durable, any missed time would immediately vault Allgeier into the RB1/RB2 conversation. He runs with toughness and consistency, finishing 10th in PFF’s rushing grade and posting strong underlying metrics: 6th (of 46 qualified backs) in yards after contact per attempt and 25th in yards before contact per attempt, though his tackle-breaking numbers (34th) weren’t as impressive. In a run-friendly offense helmed by rookie QB Michael Penix, Allgeier should still get some weekly run in a complementary role, but his real value lies in the contingency upside. He’s a must-have handcuff for Bijan drafters and a solid attrition pick in the double-digit rounds for Zero RB builds.

Freiermuth is being overlooked in early drafts despite a strong 2024 season where he caught 65 passes for 653 yards and seven scores, finishing as the fantasy TE10. The Steelers added Jonnu Smith in the offseason, which has seemingly spooked drafters, but new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has a history of utilizing multiple tight ends. Given the lack of depth in Pittsburgh’s receiving corps, it’s likely we’ll see plenty of “12” personnel with both Freiermuth and Smith on the field. Freiermuth has proven to be a reliable target with a nose for the end zone, something new QB Aaron Rodgers will appreciate. He’s not flashy, but he’s a solid mid-round option with weekly TE1 upside who is currently going at a TE2 discount.

Brown appeared in five games including three playoff games, catching 14-of-28 targets for 141 yards and no touchdowns. He saw 15 targets in his first two games and just 13 in his final three (playoff) games despite his snap percentage increasing from 27%-40% in the regular season to the 65%-73% in the postseason. If Worthy and Rashee Rice are healthy, and Travis Kelce is back, Brown figures to be at best the fourth option in the Kansas City passing game. Rice is likely to be suspended for a few games, and Brown’s value will get a bump while he’s out.

Williams turned heads in the pre-draft process with his 4.40 speed and ability to generate yards after the catch. He backed it up with strong advanced metrics—he ranked 16th in yards per route run and 6th in YAC per reception—suggesting he can create on his own, not just capitalize on schemed touches. Matt Harmon of Reception Perception praised his “multi-layered separation skills with explosive potential as a YAC threat,” reinforcing the idea that Williams can win in multiple ways. He was a third-round pick, and while Day 2 receivers aren't guaranteed volume, there's a track record of success: the four third-rounders since 2010 who started at least 11 games as rookies averaged 50 catches for 711 yards and nearly six touchdowns—WR4 production. If Williams carves out a role early, he could reach that benchmark. At 5’11”, 190 pounds, Williams profiles as a versatile slot/outside option, and his main target competition—an aging Stefon Diggs and the undersized Demario Douglas—doesn’t present an insurmountable hurdle. If he starts the season in three-WR sets, he’ll be on the fantasy radar as a late-round flier with upside.

The 32-year-old Hopkins averaged a career-low 38.1 receiving yards per game. His yards per route run (1.71) was solid (but not great) for a receiver but it was Hopkins' lowest mark since 2016. He can still contribute as a possession receiver, but his days of elite fantasy WR1 (or even WR2) production are likely over, especially playing for the run-oriented Ravens.

Penix took over for Kirk Cousins late in the season, drawing the final three starts and posting an average of 246 yards and 1.0 touchdown as a passer. He was the fantasy QB18 in that span. He doesn’t offer much as a runner, so as a pocket passer, he’ll have to be very productive to turn into a fantasy starter. Drafters peg him as a low-end QB2/high-end QB3, and I tend to agree.

​​Brown has been sneaky productive over the last three years, especially when he sees big snaps. In his last 23 games with a snap share of at least 70%, Brown has averaged 3.5 catches for 53.1 yards and 0.26 touches. That's a 60-903-4.4 pace over a full, 17-game season. Dyami Brown has moved on, but the Commanders traded for Deebo Samuel, so Brown will be competing for WR3 targets behind Samuel and Terry McLaurin.

After flashing significant upside in his second and third seasons--mainly when other Charger receivers were injured--Palmer's 2024 production was disappointing given the departures of both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Palmer failed to outproduce Quentin Johnston, who bested Palmer in receptions (55 to 39), yards (711 to 584), and touchdowns (8 to 1). In Buffalo, Palmer replaces Mack Hollins, who signed a two-year deal to join the Patriots.

Legette turned in disappointing production for a first-round rookie wideout, finishing as the WR64 despite playing in a Carolina offense desperate for playmakers. He saw a decent workload—81 targets—but managed just 49 catches for 497 yards and 4 touchdowns. His 10.1 yards per reception ranked near the bottom among qualifying receivers, and there were few signs of week-to-week consistency. With Tetairoa McMillan arriving via the draft and Adam Thielen still hanging around, it’s hard to see Legette’s role expanding significantly in 2025. Even if the Panthers’ offense improves under new leadership, it looks like Legette is fighting for the WR3 role at best. He’s off the fantasy radar outside of deeper leagues and dynasty formats unless we see a major shift in usage or efficiency.

In 2024, Darnold was the fantasy QB9 in what was easily the best season of his career. He threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, and rushed for another 212 yards and a score. With D.K. Metcalf landing in Pittsburgh and Tyler Lockett waived, the Seahawks' receiver cupboard is a little bare, though the Seahawks added Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency. As it stands, without Kevin O'Connell leading the way, and diminished weapons, Darnold is shaping up to be a mid- to low-end QB2, fantasy-wise.

Ward will start immediately, but his fantasy expectations should be kept in check thanks to a so-so set of receiving weapons. Calvin Ridley is the headliner, and he’s solid, but when Van Jefferson is your WR2, you’re probably in trouble. (The team did add Tyler Lockett on draft day; he could play in two-receiver sets ahead of Jefferson.) Ward can run, and my rookie quarterback model projects him to rush for 15.0 yards per game. That’s about what Bo Nix (15.4 projected, 25.3 actual) and Bryce Young (14.9 projected, 15.8 actual) were projected for in their rookie seasons. If the Titans add another good weapon–Keenan Allen?–and Ward runs a bit more than expected, then he could push for high-end QB2/low-end QB1 numbers as a rookie. He’ll certainly be in the mix as an upside QB2-type in two-QB/superflex formats.