10 Players Who Will Rise Up Draft Boards (2025 Fantasy Football)

They’re going to the moon; Join Andrew Erickson for his biggest projected fantasy football risers this offseason!

What has San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey heading back towards being a first-round pick? Why are managers coming back around to Jacksonville Jaguars RB Travis Etienne? Plus, what should you make of Denver Broncos RB J.K. Dobbins hitting the field in the Mile-High City?

The Pro gets in on the ground floor of the uphill climb!

Fantasy Football Risers to Target or Avoid

These are players whose fantasy football ADP is expected to rise significantly due to injury recovery, camp hype, vacated roles, or undervalued talent.

1. Christian McCaffrey (RB – 49ers)

Why he’ll rise: Discounted in early drafts due to injury, but fully recovered now.
Key stat: Career-low touches in 2024; reports say he’s healthy and ready.
Draft movement: Already climbing into mid–Round 1 ADP again.

2. Rashee Rice (WR – Chiefs)

Why he’ll rise: Legal issues likely delayed until 2026; positive recovery reports from injury.
Key stat: Averaged 17.6 PPG and had a 32% target share before injury.
ADP alert: Currently WR20 — may rise fast if no suspension is announced.
Caution: Health reports can be optimistic—don’t overpay too early.

3. Jameson Williams (WR – Lions)

Why he’ll rise: Strong coach endorsements + potential Amon-Ra injury opens more targets.
Key stat: Averaged WR10 PPG after Week 10 return from suspension in 2024.
Upside: New OC could unlock deep threat role with expanded usage.

4. D’Andre Swift (RB – Bears)

Why he’ll rise: Bears didn’t bring in strong RB competition; likely the starter.
Risk: Inefficiency and poor coaching fit plagued him in Detroit — Kyle Monangai (rookie) could surprise.
ADP watch: Rising quickly but worth monitoring preseason usage.

5. Deebo Samuel (WR – Commanders)

Why he’ll rise: Terry McLaurin holding out; Deebo could be WR1 for early weeks.
Draft discount: Cheaper than McLaurin right now — could be a short-term value even if he’s not a long-term WR2.

6. Travis Etienne (RB – Jaguars)

Why he’ll rise: Still atop the depth chart; trade rumors haven’t materialized.
Upside if traded: Bears, Cowboys, or another RB-needy team could boost his value.
Current draft slot: Going outside top 100 — a steal if he stays lead back.

7. Javonte Williams (RB – Cowboys)

Why he’ll rise: Likely RB1 in Dallas; outplayed low-cost competition (Sanders, Blue).
Narrative support: Personal outreach from RB coach + says he’s “finally feeling like himself” post-injury.
Upside comp: Could be 2025’s JK Dobbins — post-hype sleeper in a good offense.

8. J.K. Dobbins (RB – Broncos)

Why he’ll rise: Recently signed by Denver; contract incentives suggest a real role.
Draft value: Previously outside top 150; moving quickly into RB3 territory.
Caution: Sean Payton backfield unpredictability remains a concern.

9. Daniel Jones (QB – Colts)

Why he’ll rise: Could start due to Anthony Richardson’s shoulder setback.
Key stat: QB9 overall in 2022 with 700+ rush yards.
Superflex/Best Ball steal: Early camp buzz, chemistry with Pittman.

10. Isaiah Likely (TE – Ravens)

Why he’ll rise: Buzz from coaches calling him a future All-Pro.
Projection: Averages nearly 11 PPG when Andrews misses — TE5-level production.
Draft angle: Could rise even if Andrews stays healthy, especially with trade rumors.

???? Key Fantasy Football Draft Takeaways

✅ Monitor recovery news carefully (CMC, Rice, Williams, Dobbins).
???? Weigh coach praise with realism (Likely, Swift, Jameson).
???? Exploit early undervaluation (Etienne, Javonte, Jones).
⚖️ Situational opportunity = risers (Deebo with McLaurin’s holdout, Rice with no suspension).

Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet

Player	Position	Team	Reason to Rise	ADP Trend
Christian McCaffrey	RB	49ers	Fully healthy, Shanahan usage, elite upside	Rising to mid-Round 1
Rashee Rice	WR	Chiefs	Legal delay, high 2024 production	WR20 and climbing
Jameson Williams	WR	Lions	Positive coach buzz, Amon-Ra injury	Mid-WR3 rising
D’Andre Swift	RB	Bears	Clear path to RB1 role	RB3/4 rising
Deebo Samuel	WR	Commanders	McLaurin holdout, WR1 opportunity	WR4 range climbing
Travis Etienne	RB	Jaguars	Still lead back, trade potential	Outside top 100 rising
Javonte Williams	RB	Cowboys	Clear RB1 opportunity in Dallas	RB3 range
J.K. Dobbins	RB	Broncos	New opportunity, Payton offense	Late-round flier rising
Daniel Jones	QB	Colts	Richardson injury, rushing upside	Undrafted to late Superflex
Isaiah Likely	TE	Ravens	Camp buzz, Andrews uncertainty	Late TE rising

Fantasy Football Risers Timestamps:

Introduction – 0:00:00
Christian McCaffrey (RB – SF) – 0:00:53
Rashee Rice (WR – KC) – 0:01:40
Jameson Williams (WR – DET) – 0:02:36
D’Andre Swift (RB – CHI) – 0:03:15
Deebo Samuel (WR – WAS) – 0:04:16
Travis Etienne (RB – JAX) – 0:05:00
Javonte Williams (RB – DAL) – 0:05:48
J.K. Dobbins (RB – DEN) – 0:06:37
Daniel Jones (QB – IND) – 0:07:36
Isaiah Likely (TE – BAL) – 0:08:29
Outro – 0:09:22

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