With the NFL Draft right around the corner, it’s a great time to start thinking about your favorite targets for 2025 fantasy football. There have been a lot of moving parts with the coaching carousel and free agency, so we have a good idea about team context, helping us determine our targets.
In this article, we’re going to focus on must-have quarterbacks for the 2025 fantasy football season. The most important factor with each of these quarterbacks is average draft position (ADP). The price is right for every target listed here, giving you a chance at a nice profit compared to where you drafted them.
- 2025 NFL Draft Guide
- 2025 NFL Draft Scouting Reports
- 2025 NFL Mock Drafts
- Dynasty Mock Draft Simulator
We’ll use FantasyPros’ best ball average draft position, which is an aggregate of player pricing from sites like Underdog, Drafters, RealTime Fantasy Sports and BestBall10s. This makes sense because best ball is the most active format at this stage of the offseason. With that in mind, here are my four must-have quarterbacks for 2025.
Must-Have Quarterbacks
Caleb Williams (QB – CHI) | ADP: QB10 (86th Overall)
Caleb Williams had a disappointing rookie year, averaging 15.3 fantasy points per game, which ranked 22nd among quarterbacks who played at least eight games. But this is a first-year player who was held back by poor coaching, including a play-caller in Shane Waldron, who misused his top weapons. Not to mention a porous offensive line that didn’t give Williams enough time under center.
But that’s likely to change in 2025. The Bears brought in Ben Johnson as their new head coach. The former Lions offensive coordinator is widely considered to be one of the best play-callers in the NFL. There’s a good chance Johnson will put Williams in a better position to succeed. We’ve already seen the Bears upgrade their offensive line, bringing in Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman and Jonah Jackson. Can you imagine if they add electrifying running back Ashton Jeanty in the NFL Draft as well?
On top of the improvements in team context, we have to acknowledge Williams has a fantasy-friendly profile. This is a quarterback who racked up 489 rushing yards last season. With the upgrades on offense, you’re looking at a dual-threat passer who should be able to take off in 2025. Even with the breakout baked into his price at QB10, there’s still room for Williams to profit here. He has top-five fantasy upside.
Justin Herbert (QB – LAC) | ADP: QB12 (104th 0verall)
Justin Herbert finished as the QB14 with 17 fantasy points per game (PPG) last season. But if we dig a little deeper, there are some encouraging signs here. From Weeks 1-7, the Chargers were extremely run-heavy as new head coach Jim Harbaugh was still putting his stamp on the team. During this stretch, Herbert averaged only 11.8 PPG (QB29). But from Weeks 8-18, when the Chargers loosened the reins, Herbert was the QB12 with 19.8 PPG.
We likely see that second-half production for the entire season in 2025. Herbert is now adjusted to Greg Roman’s offensive scheme. Plus, there’s a good chance the Chargers add to their offense in the draft. This team desperately needs another playmaker to pair with standout rookie Ladd McConkey. It would be smart for them to draft tight end Colston Loveland, who played for Harbaugh at Michigan. He is an athletic tight end who can win downfield and help the Chargers in the red zone.
Herbert has the tools to be among the best quarterbacks in the NFL. There’s also some rushing upside, as he put up a career-high 306 yards on the ground last season. We should also mention the addition of Najee Harris to the backfield. While not an explosive option, this is the kind of power back who can thrive in Roman’s offense. If Harris is effective, that could help the Chargers sustain drives, providing Herbert more opportunities to add to his 23 touchdowns from last season. At QB12 in fantasy ADP, there’s still room for you to profit on that pick, as Herbert has top-seven upside.
Dak Prescott (QB – DAL) | ADP: QB16 (114th Overall)
Dak Prescott had a disappointing 2024 season that was cut short due to a season-ending hamstring injury that limited him to only eight games. While healthy, Prescott wasn’t great on the field either, finishing as the QB20 with 15.6 PPG. But even in a down year, Prescott was only four spots off his current QB16 ADP. There’s reason to believe we’ll see improved production in 2025. Taking Prescott is a bet on track record, as he’s one year removed from a QB4 PPG finish.
While the Cowboys had an underwhelming offseason, you’re likely going to see them add a wide receiver and running back in the draft. This team badly needs another wideout to pair with CeeDee Lamb as well as a big-play threat in the backfield to go along with Javonte Williams. Addressing these needs can allow Prescott to get back to fantasy relevance. The main ingredients are still there — this is a pass-heavy offense that plays indoors — so some upgrades on offense can get Prescott back on track.
It’s also worth noting that there’s a chance we see some regression in their defense since it’s not like they’ve added much on that side of the ball. If the defense is no longer a top-tier unit, that could result in more shootouts for Prescott, which would be great for his fantasy value. The best time to target the Cowboys veteran is off a down year at a suppressed ADP. Getting Prescott at QB16 looks like a smart move that could provide a massive profit if the situation works out.
Drake Maye (QB – NE) | ADP: QB17 (116th 0verall)
Drake Maye had flashes of brilliance as a rookie, highlighted by a fantasy-friendly profile that featured 421 rushing yards in only 13 games. If we break down Maye’s stats to only include his 11 starts, he finished as the QB16 with 16.4 PPG. However, he left in the first quarter with an injury in one of those games. If we remove that game, Maye’s average jumps to 17.4 PPG, which would have ranked as the QB15.
That’s already a better finish than Maye’s current ADP (QB17), giving him a lot of room to profit at that price. You have to love the improvement in team context here. The second-year quarterback now has Josh McDaniels as a play-caller. Say what you want about McDaniels as a head coach, but he’s still a good offensive coordinator who should put Maye in a better position to succeed. The Patriots also brought in a veteran with a track record in Stefon Diggs, who should function as a dependable target underneath.
You’re also likely to see the Pats improve their offense via the draft, as they’re in a position to select the top offensive tackle or one of the top wideouts with their first-round pick. Maye has the tools and athleticism to become a star in this league. In fantasy, you have to love his dual-threat upside. If you’re drafting in best ball right now, it’s a good idea to prioritize Maye because there’s a good chance his price gets more expensive as we get closer to the season.
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