As the sun starts to shine brighter, heralding the arrival of a new NFL season and the NFL Draft, a familiar excitement begins to build within the hearts of fantasy football enthusiasts everywhere. Our team of esteemed fantasy football experts has come together to cast our collective gaze upon the gridiron horizon, searching for those elusive early breakout candidates who could catapult your fantasy team to the top of the leaderboard.
In the ever-changing landscape of fantasy football, identifying potential stars before they rise to prominence is the name of the game. It’s a quest filled with twists and turns, requiring keen insight, a deep understanding of the sport, and just a touch of that so-called “gut feeling.” So, buckle up, fire up your draft boards and cheat sheets, and dive into the top fantasy football early breakout candidates our featured experts have selected.
- 2025 NFL Draft Guide
- 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
- 2025 NFL Mock Drafts
- Dynasty Mock Draft Simulator
Early Fantasy Football Breakout Candidates
Which RB has the best shot of having a breakout year in 2025 and why?
Jaylen Warren (RB – PIT)
“Najee Harris is gone and the Steelers don’t have a second-round pick in this year’s draft. Warren will likely be the true No. 1 RB in the Pittsburgh backfield after flashing the last several seasons. Steelers general manager Omar Khan believes Warren is a starter-capable player. Mike Tomlin thinks he is a three-down back. Fantasy football doesn’t have to be hard.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
“Assuming he can make it through the NFL Draft unscathed, the easy answer here is Jaylen Warren. Last year, his season was destroyed by knee and hamstring issues, but if we rewind to 2023, Warren proved capable of carrying the mail for Pittsburgh. In 2023, he was in the top 10 in yards per touch, explosive run rate, missed tackles forced per attempt and yards per route run, per Fantasy Points Data. Warren looks primed for a monster breakout season.”
– Derek Brown (FantasyPros)
Trey Benson (RB – ARI)
“Trey Benson is a prime breakout candidate this year. If you need to know why, I can summarize in two words: James Conner. The sophomore Benson is the direct handcuff to what has typically been one of the most fragile running backs in the NFL. Last season was the first time in his career that Conner did not miss multiple games. Considering he is seven years into that career and has missed three or more games on most occasions, it’s a solid bet to place on his handcuff to eventually take over as the lead back for the Cardinals. Conner will turn 30 years old this season. With Benson being only 23 with under 100 NFL touches under his belt, he is certain to be fresh and explosive when called upon. Scoop him up now at RB36 in the expert consensus rankings (ECR).”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Sports Advice Network)
Ashton Jeanty (RB – Boise State) & Jaylen Wright (RB – MIA)
“The no-brainer answer is Ashton Jeanty. He is an explosive, three-down back, who is also an adept receiver. Ringo’s comp is LaDainian Tomlinson. If you’re looking for someone further down the draft list, don’t forget about Jaylen Wright. He takes over for Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson in the Dolphins’ running back by committee (RBBC), both of whom are no longer in Miami. Like Jeanty, Wright is an explosive threat to score every time he touches the rock. Honorable mentions include Kaleb Johnson, Omarion Hampton, TreVeyon Henderson, Bhayshul Tuten and Montrell Johnson.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)
Tank Bigsby (RB – JAC)
“Pick a rookie, any rookie. But if we’re barred from the rookie running back candy store and limiting this to veteran backs, I’ll vote for Tank Bigsby. Arguably, Bigsby had a semi-breakout last year, but there’s reason to believe we’ll get the full monty in 2025. Bigsby shares work with Travis Etienne, but Bigsby was the far superior runner last season. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry; Etienne averaged 3.7 yards per carry. Bigsby averaged 3.74 yards after contact per carry; Etienne was at 2.48 yards. Bigsby forced 46 missed tackles last season; Etienne only forced 17 missed tackles. Bigsby averaged 0.74 rushing yards over expected per carry (which ranked ninth in the league); Etienne averaged negative 0.28 rushing yards over expected per carry. Granted, Bigsby doesn’t offer much pass-catching potential. But if new head coach Liam Coen can jump-start the Jacksonville offense, Bigsby could be one of the prime beneficiaries.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
“Tank Bigsby was better than backfield cohort Travis Etienne in 2024, by every metric. Coming into 2025, Bigsby has a real shot to win this job outright. Bigsby’s situation has improved drastically in Jacksonville with the arrival of a new coaching staff led by Liam Coen, who oversaw the rise of Bucky Irving a year ago in Tampa. That situation is very similar to the situation that now exists in Jacksonville, and one Bigsby could reap the rewards from. If Bigsby can show his effectiveness on the ground in comparison to Etienne, and garner red zone opportunities, he will easily outperform his average draft position (ADP) and have a breakout season.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
Jordan Mason (RB – MIN)
“Jordan Mason has found himself in a very interesting situation on one of the league’s best teams. Despite this draft class being loaded with running back talent, the Vikings went out of their way to acquire Mason from the 49ers. Although they could still draft a back, it would seem unlikely after re-signing Aaron Jones. As a result, Mason finds himself as the lone back behind the 30-year-old Jones, who has an injury history. There is a good chance Mason is the lead back for at least a few games this season and could make a case to be the Vikings’ running back of the future.”
– Ellis Johnson (FantasyPros)
“For a breakout to occur, you need two things: Talent and opportunity. Jordan Mason received opportunities last year for the 49ers with Christian McCaffrey on injured reserve (IR). He now has a chance to carve out a bigger role in Minnesota. Last year, Mason ranked 10th in yards after contact per attempt, 14th in missed tackles forced per attempt and third in rushing yards over expected per attempt (minimum of 90 carries). The Vikings brought back Aaron Jones and the two should form a formidable pair. Mason should rotate in and see the goal-line work, but his real value lies with Jones’ potential to miss games. Jones averages two games missed per season and has shown signs of decline after turning 30 in December. Any injury to Jones means Mason gets instant workhorse volume, and volume equates to fantasy points.”
– James Emrick-Wilson (Armchair Scouting)
Which WR has the best shot of having a breakout year in 2025 and why?
Rome Odunze (WR – CHI)
“The former top-10 pick from the 2024 NFL Draft will turn 23 years old this year. He is slated to take a massive leap in Year 2. Keenan Allen is gone, former offensive coordinator Shane Waldron is gone and the Bears have revamped their offensive line in free agency. This might be your last chance to acquire Caleb Williams‘ future No. 1 WR at an adequate price. Once we get confirmation of him operating from the slot… he’s going to the moon.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
“Rome Odunze is a solid bet to breakout in 2025. Sophomore receivers are always a great play when looking for a breakout player, especially when they are coming off a disappointing rookie season and had first-round draft capital. The Bears were a work in progress last season with a rookie quarterback and many moving pieces, but Caleb Williams showed steady improvement. Under the direction of new head coach Ben Johnson, this offense should be ready to explode. Add in the departure of veteran Keenan Allen, and Odunze is certain to be the No. 2 WR or better for the Chicago Bears in 2025.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Sports Advice Network)
“The Bears upgraded their offensive line with key additions such as Jonah Jackson, Joe Thuney and Drew Dalman. The good news is they might not be done. The word on the street is that Chicago is looking at picking an offensive tackle and a running back high in the draft. This should help Caleb Williams, which will have a positive domino effect on the entire offense, including Rome Odunze. As the saying goes, Rome wasn’t built in a day. Unfortunately, Ringo’s terrible jokes were. Honorable mentions include Tetairoa McMillan, Isaiah Bond, Adonai Mitchell and Emeka Egbuka.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)
“He didn’t pop as a rookie despite being a top-10 draft pick, but it wasn’t Rome Odunze‘s fault. He had to share targets with DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams struggled behind the Bears’ Swiss cheese offensive line. Allen is gone and the offensive line has been repaired, so Williams should be poised to take a big step forward. Odunze is positioned for a second-year breakout.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
Ricky Pearsall (WR – SF)
“The 49ers moved on from Deebo Samuel this offseason, and while they remain flush with skill player talent, Ricky Pearsall is headed for a wonderful sophomore season breakout. Last year, during the final two regular-season games, he was given an audition as a major contributor for the offense. He stepped up to the plate and hit a homer. In those games, Pearsall drew a 21.7% target share and 30.4% first-read share while producing WR7 and WR14 weekly scoring finishes and 2.84 yards per route run, per Fantasy Points Data. It’s Pearsall’s time to shine in 2025.”
– Derek Brown (FantasyPros)
“It might be one of the easiest shouts to just go ahead and say Ricky Pearsall. After missing half the season, Pearsall came back and was immediately integrated into the offense by Kyle Shanahan en route to his eruption at the end of the season. While the stats aren’t stunning, his situation is following Deebo Samuel‘s trade to Washington and with Brandon Aiyuk likely out until mid-season. That gives Pearsall every opportunity to get more snaps and targets in a dynamic 49ers offense. Pearsall should outperform his WR43 ADP. He is an absolute bargain at that price.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
Darius Slayton (WR – NYG)
“Darius Slayton has found himself back on the Giants on a three-year, $36 million deal. This may sound like putting lipstick on a pig, but at least a pig with lipstick is prettier than a pig without it. Jokes aside, Slayton low-key fits exactly how Russell Wilson likes to play. Of course, Malik Nabers has the talent to win anywhere on the field, but he thrives in the short to intermediate game. Meanwhile, Wilson is known for his moon balls, which pair nicely with Slayton’s speed and downfield ability. It’s unlikely to be a massive breakout, but I could see Slayton having a similar season to Rashod Bateman last year as a viable WR3/WR4 with weekly upside.”
– Ellis Johnson (FantasyPros)
Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR – ARI)
“There are plenty of misconceptions surrounding Marvin Harrison’s rookie campaign. Was it as good as his contemporaries? No. Did it look rough at times? Yes. But he still managed to record 885 yards, 14.3 yards per reception and nine touchdowns (tied for first among rookie receivers). Harrison’s only competition within the Cardinals’ wide receiver room is Michael Wilson, Greg Dortch and Zay Jones; a lackluster group no matter how you slice it. Kyler Murray and Harrison have committed this offseason to get on the same page and remedy some of the miscommunication issues from last season. At 22, Harrison’s potential is still being realized, with a better connection with Murray and a more focalized offense, Harrison should easily surpass last year’s reception and yardage totals. He should also outperform his current WR19 ADP.”
– James Emrick-Wilson (Armchair Scouting)
Which QB or TE has the best shot of having a breakout year in 2025 and why?
Tucker Kraft (TE – GB)
“In 2024, Kraft led all tight ends in yards after the catch per reception (8.8) with an eye-popping 15 missed tackles. Green Bay’s tight end ran away with the starting job over Luke Musgrave and never looked back, finishing as the TE8 overall and 10th in points per game (8.3). The Packers’ passing game never fully got unlocked with Jordan Love constantly banged up, but this receiving corps is wide open for somebody to step up. Especially with Christian Watson suffering a torn ACL injury late in the year. Head coach Matt LaFleur confirmed at the end of the season that Kraft has the potential to be a George Kittle or Travis Kelce type of player.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
J.J. McCarthy (QB – MIN)
“If Sam Darnold can finish as the QB9 in fantasy points per game last year, what do we think J.J. McCarthy can do in this offensive system? He can be a QB1 this season, that’s what. While everyone attempted to shade McCarthy as a top prospect last year, they can’t run from the fact that during his final collegiate season he was nestled inside the top 12 in passing grade, adjusted completion rate, yards per attempt, deep adjusted completion rate and pressure completion rate, per Pro Football Focus (PFF). McCarthy will flourish this season with a wonderful breakout campaign.”
– Derek Brown (FantasyPros)
“J.J. McCarthy‘s time as the QB1 for the Minnesota Vikings has arrived. After losing Sam Darnold as a free agent, the Vikings plan on rolling with McCarthy as the team’s starter, and his position could not be prettier. He is the leader of one of, if not the, most quarterback-friendly offenses in the league under head coach Kevin O’Connell and has an array of weapons at his disposal with Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson all running routes for him. Combine that with a very solid rushing attack with Aaron Jones and the newly acquired Jordan Mason, the offense is about as perfect as any redshirt quarterback could ask for. McCarthy is the absolute perfect late-round flier. Pair him up with a proven commodity in 1-QB leagues or draft him as a QB3 in superflex leagues and reap the rewards.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
Caleb Williams (QB – CHI)
“I will piggyback on what I said with Rome Odunze as a wide receiver breakout and double down on the Bears with Caleb Williams as my quarterback breakout candidate. In 2024, there were simply too many moving pieces for the Bears to be able to put it all together immediately. Regardless of what fantasy managers and Bears fans wanted, this offense was always going to take time to settle in and flourish. Williams is the forgotten man in the 2024 draft class because of Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix. With a second training camp under his belt, he should grow nicely with DJ Moore and Rome Odunze to form a formidable passing attack in Chicago.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Sports Advice Network)
Caleb Williams (QB – CHI) & Elijah Arroyo (TE – Miami)
“Like I mentioned earlier, the Bears upgraded their offensive line with key additions Jonah Jackson, Joe Thuney and Drew Dalman. The reinforcements up front, combined with Ben Johnson‘s offensive acumen, should help Caleb Williams tap into his immense potential. And if you want a longshot, keep an eye on where tight end Elijah Arroyo lands in the draft (his current ranking is TE40). Scouts rave about his speed and athletic ability. Ringo’s comp for him is a shorter version of Jimmy Graham. Honorable mentions include Drake Maye, Dalton Kincaid, Tyler Warren, Colston Loveland and Mason Taylor.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)
Drake Maye (QB – NE)
“Drake Maye. From Week 6, when he made his first start, through Week 17, Maye averaged 16.8 fantasy points per game. Throw out the Week 8 game against the Jets in which Maye left the game with a concussion after 20 snaps and the per-game scoring average jumps to 17.4, which would have ranked him QB13 in fantasy points per game. He managed to do it with a wretched supporting cast — bad offensive line and bad wide receivers — and no NFL experience. Maye will have a better supporting cast this year, some NFL game experience and another year of training camp. He has a live arm, running ability and that special quality they’ll appreciate in the Boston area: Moxie. I’m all in on Maye this year.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
Brenton Strange (TE – JAC)
“Brenton Strange is a beast. The 6-foot-4, 253-pound second-round pick by the Jaguars made a few splash plays last year in the absence of Evan Engram and Christian Kirk. Now that both of these players are no longer on the team, Strange steps in as the top tight end and potential second (or third if they draft a wide receiver) option in the passing game. However, it wouldn’t take much for Strange to become a weekly fantasy starter. His ability to run and pass block, as well as be physical with the ball in his hands, should provide no shortage of opportunity for the sophomore tight end.”
– Ellis Johnson (FantasyPros)
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