22 Fantasy Football Breakout Candidates (2025)

Every fantasy football season is defined by the players who exceed expectations, and 2025 will be no different. Whether it’s a rookie running back making the leap, a wide receiver capitalizing on a new opportunity or a quarterback putting it all together, breakout players are the backbone of championship rosters.

To help you stay one step ahead of your league, we asked our panel of fantasy experts to spotlight their favorite breakout candidates across every position. These aren’t just hyped names — they’re players with the talent, opportunity and situation to dramatically outperform their current fantasy football average draft position (ADP).

From ascending running backs like RJ Harvey and Quinshon Judkins to second-year wide receivers like Ricky Pearsall and Rome Odunze, and even overlooked quarterbacks and tight ends ready to surge, this is your fantasy football cheat sheet for finding this year’s biggest fantasy football risers.

Let’s dive in.

Fantasy Breakout Candidates

Breakout Running Backs

Which running back has the best shot at having a breakout year in 2025 and why?

RJ Harvey (RB – DEN)

“RJ Harvey was drafted by Sean Payton with eyes to make him the focal point of the Broncos’ rushing attack for 2025 and beyond. This is after getting next to nothing in terms of production from the position a year ago. The Broncos did bring in J.K. Dobbins, but it is expected that Dobbins will be more of a third-down back in Denver. Harvey had nine games in 2024 with 100+ yards or more for UCF, and while he will be making a big jump to the NFL, Harvey will be put in the best position possible by Sean Payton, who has running backs as crucial members of his offensive game plan. Harvey will lead the Broncos in virtually every rushing metric in 2025 and outperform his ADP by leaps and bounds, making him an easy breakout selection. ”

– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)

Brian Robinson Jr. (RB – WSH)

“Brian Robinson Jr. was the RB29 last season, averaging 10.7 half-PPR fantasy points per game despite Jayden Daniels leading the team with 891 rushing yards. The former Alabama star set career highs in rushing yards (799), yards per attempt (4.3) and touchdowns (eight). However, he could be even better this year. Many expected the Commanders to select a running back early in the 2025 NFL Draft. Instead, they waited until the seventh round to draft Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Furthermore, Washington vastly improved their offensive line, trading for Laremy Tunsil and drafting Josh Conerly Jr. Don’t be surprised if Robinson has a breakout season in 2025, totaling over 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)

Quinshon Judkins (RB – CLE)

“Quinshon Judkins has all the ingredients for a rookie breakout in 2025. Drafted 36th overall by the Browns, he’s currently listed as the No. 2 RB behind Jerome Ford but is already pushing for first-team reps. He brings a physical, downhill running style paired with a power and speed combo that produced 1,060 rushing yards and 16 total touchdowns in his final season at Ohio State. With Nick Chubb no longer in the picture, Judkins is in prime position to seize the lead role and eclipse 1,000 rushing yards and 6-8 touchdowns as a rookie. His blend of toughness, burst and opportunity makes him a potential league-winning value in all formats.”
– Lawrence Iacona (Gridiron Experts)

Ashton Jeanty (RB – LV)

“Marcas Grant once told me that the low-hanging fruit tastes just as good as the one at the top of the tree. Ashton Jeanty will be a top-five fantasy football running back in 2025. Do not be afraid of the Committee approach talk. Jeanty is everything you are looking for in a fantasy football running back. He won’t come off the field in goal-line or short-yard situations. He is not coming off the field on passing downs. Draft Jeanty aggressively.”
– David Heilman (Sports Gambling Podcast Network)

Jaydon Blue (RB – DAL)

“Jaydon Blue of the Dallas Cowboys is the undervalued running back with the best shot at a breakout year in 2025. Drafted in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Blue’s explosive speed and receiving skills make him a perfect fit for Dallas’ pass-heavy offense, where he can exploit targets left by a thin receiving corps behind only CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens. The Cowboys’ backfield, featuring veterans Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders on one-year deals, lacks long-term stability, giving Blue a clear path to a significant role if he outperforms expectations in camp. His limited college production at Texas, overshadowed by Bijan Robinson and Jonathon Brooks, keeps his ADP low (undrafted in many leagues), offering high upside for fantasy managers. With Dallas’ top-six scoring offense providing ample opportunities, Blue’s versatility and potential to climb the depth chart make him a prime breakout candidate.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Sports Advice Network)

De’Von Achane (RB – MIA)

“De’Von Achane has a real shot at being the overall fantasy RB1 this year. If he gets the red-zone work and the rest of the team can stay healthy (Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill, I’m looking at you) Achane’s incredible PPR floor and speed we hardly saw last year gives him Chris Johnson upside… a 1,500 and 1,000 yard season is not out of the realm of possibilities. If he can stay upright all season long along with his teammates, Achane may finally break fantasy football, like everyone thought was coming last year. ”
– Justin Henry (JHen Fantasy)

Jaylen Wright (RB – MIA)

“For the sake of clarity, I’m going to keep my running back pick limited to non-rookies. If you’re looking for someone further down the draft rankings, don’t forget about Jaylen Wright. Wright takes over for Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson in the Dolphins’ running back by committee (RBBC), both of whom are no longer in Miami. Wright is an explosive threat to score every time he touches the rock. And if anything happens to De’Von Achane, Jaylen Wright could get the majority of touches on a Miami offense built to stretch the field and provide decent running lanes, with speedsters Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle keeping safeties honest.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)

Trey Benson (RB – ARI)

“Trey Benson is a classic sophomore breakout candidate waiting to happen. With James Conner turning 30 and Arizona’s coaching staff openly embracing a two-back system with their No. 1 RB, Benson’s role is poised to expand (injury-related or not) with him being told to prepare for more opportunities in the backfield. Benson is a desirable speed-size specimen, and no rookie competition has been added to the Cardinals’ depth chart. With Conner’s health due to regress after a career high in touches, Benson could emerge as a league-winner by midseason. ”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)

Jordan Mason (RB – MIN)

“Jordan Mason performed admirably while filling in for an injured Christian McCaffrey in 2024 before a high-ankle sprain ended his season. His advanced metrics in efficiency, yards per carry (YPC) and yards after carry (YAC) are all favorable. He is also in a prime position with a rebuilt offensive line in Minnesota, a great play-caller in Kevin O’Connell and backing up Aaron Jones, who has had injuries and is set to turn 31 this season. Mason is a perfect handcuff with a guaranteed role and will be on as many teams as I can get him. ”
– Lee Wehry (FantasyPros)

Breakout Wide Receivers

Which wide receiver has the best shot at having a breakout year in 2025 and why?

Ricky Pearsall (WR – SF)

“Ricky Pearsall‘s second-year breakout season is here. Deebo Samuel has departed for new pastures and Brandon Aiyuk will possibly (probably) not be ready for the start of the season after his knee injury last year. Glimpses of what Pearsall could become were on full display at the end of the season last year, with Pearsall recording 210 yards on 14 catches with two scores to end what was a wild rookie campaign, to say the least. Being drafted as a WR4, Pearsall carries easy WR2 upside in 2025 that could grow if Christian McCaffrey is unable to stay healthy. ”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)

“While Ricky Pearsall is dealing with a hamstring injury, the second-year pro is primed for a breakout season in 2025. The 49ers traded away Deebo Samuel earlier this offseason. Meanwhile, Brandon Aiyuk likely will miss the first part of the year recovering from a torn ACL and MCL injury. While Jauan Jennings was the team’s most consistent wide receiver last season, Pearsall shined to end the year. He was the WR5 over the final two weeks, averaging 20.3 half-PPR fantasy points per game. Furthermore, the former Florida star averaged 18.6 fantasy points per game in the three contests with six or more targets, scoring three receiving touchdowns. Pearsall could quickly become Brock Purdy‘s top wide receiver with a strong training camp performance.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)

“Ricky Pearsall hasn’t had the best luck since being drafted by the 49ers. A gunshot would cost him time in training camp and the regular season in his rookie campaign, and he’s currently dealing with a hamstring, which is never a good thing for a wideout. However, Pearsall emerged during the second half of the 2024 season, and Kyle Shanahan knows how to scheme his receivers open as well as any other coach. With Brandon Aiyuk most likely starting the season on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and Deebo Samuel now with the Commanders, Pearsall could be a steal at his current ADP if he can stay healthy. ”
– Lee Wehry (FantasyPros)

Xavier Worthy (WR – KC)

“Xavier Worthy is a prime breakout candidate in 2025 after flashing elite speed and playmaking ability late in his rookie season. With Rashee Rice returning from injury and Travis Kelce entering his 13th season, the Chiefs are looking for a dynamic weapon to step up, and Worthy fits the bill. His record-breaking 4.21-second 40-yard dash gives Patrick Mahomes a true vertical threat, and Kansas City leaned on him heavily down the stretch in 2024. If he continues to refine his route running and earns consistent targets, Worthy could emerge as a top-20 fantasy wide receiver by season’s end. His combination of opportunity, speed and quarterback play makes him one of the most exciting fantasy assets heading into 2025.”
– Lawrence Iacona (Gridiron Experts)

Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR – ARI)

“Marvin Harrison Jr. had a bad rookie campaign and finished as the fantasy WR26 in 2024. I think we can all remember when this was a good rookie season. Harrison finished the season healthy and looks to be in great shape. We can expect that he will compete with Trey McBride for the top target on the team. Harrison scored eight receiving touchdowns last season on 114 targets and averaged 14.3 yards per catch. You can draft him as a WR2 and aim for WR1 upside.”
– David Heilman (Sports Gambling Podcast Network)

“Marvin Harrison Jr. I know that look. I can feel it. Harrison didn’t live up to many fantasy drafters (and my) hopes or expectations last year. Sometimes it takes players a few years to make the leap. A lot of people wrote off another one of Ringo’s picks, Jameson Williams, last year at this time, and they’re eating some tasty crow this summer. I like mine with honey mustard. Anyway, I digress. I don’t know if it’s going to be this year, next year or 2027, but sooner or later, Harrison is going to be a fantasy star. He’s just too talented and dedicated to his craft not to reach his immense potential.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)

Jayden Higgins (WR – HOU)

“Jayden Higgins of the Houston Texans is the undervalued wide receiver with the best shot at a breakout year in 2025. Drafted in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Higgins’ elite ball skills, 6-foot-4 frame and 4.43-second 40-yard dash make him a perfect fit as an outside “X” receiver opposite Nico Collins in Houston’s pass-heavy offense that is projected for 627 pass attempts. With Stefon Diggs gone and Tank Dell likely sidelined for 2025 due to a multi-ligament knee injury, Higgins has a clear path to significant targets, especially as Christian Kirk and Jaylin Noel primarily compete for slot roles. Higgins’ college production at Iowa State (87 receptions, 1,183 yards, nine touchdowns) and Senior Bowl MVP performance signal pro-ready talent, yet his ADP around pick 120 in best ball drafts keeps him under the radar. Houston’s aggressive trade-up to select him at No. 34 overall shows their belief in his potential, and a rebound from C.J. Stroud could elevate Higgins to WR2 production. If the Texans’ offensive line improves, Higgins’ ability to win contested catches and generate yards after the catch makes him a prime breakout candidate for fantasy managers seeking value.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Sports Advice Network)

Keon Coleman (WR – BUF)

“Keon Coleman is going to break out in a major way for the Bills. Before he got hurt and the team signed Amari Cooper, he was starting to become more involved in the passing game, including two top-15 wide receiver finishes in Week 7 and Week 8. Not only does he have big play ability, but his frame will be an additional asset this season, with teams likely keying in on the Bills’ ground game in the red zone. We saw Coleman drop 60 points in a pickup basketball game this summer, and I bet we will see that bounce on display a little more this season. on his headtop”
– Justin Henry (JHen Fantasy)

Rome Odunze (WR – CHI)

“Rome Odunze has all the ingredients for a second-year breakout. Despite battling injury and a dysfunctional offense as a rookie, he still led the Bears in end-zone targets (10th overall) and air yards down the stretch. He caught just three of those end-zone looks, a number likely to regress positively. With Keenan Allen gone (vacating over 100 targets) and Ben Johnson (former Lions offensive coordinator) calling plays, Odunze is positioned to become Caleb Williams‘ go-to guy as they both enter 2025 as sophomores. The former top-10 overall pick has a WR3 floor with clear WR1 upside if the Bears’ offense takes off in Year 2. ”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)

Breakout Quarterbacks

Which quarterback has the best shot at having a breakout year in 2025 and why?

Caleb Williams (QB – CHI)

“It is extremely hard to see how Caleb Williams doesn’t break out in 2025. The Bears were a mess on offense last season, almost to the point where Williams was set up to fail. Now enter new head coach Ben Johnson, who has already spent the offseason revamping a putrid offensive line that conceded the most sacks of any offensive line in 2024 and getting Williams more weapons to work with in the form of Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III. Add in the returning DJ Moore and Rome Odunze (a breakout candidate in his own right), and the sky is the limit for what Williams can achieve in 2025. ”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)

“Unfortunately, Caleb Williams fell short of expectations as a rookie. Unfortunately, the former USC star had an awful offensive line and three offensive coordinators last year. While he finished the season as the fantasy QB16, averaging 15 fantasy points per game, a lower average than Geno Smith (15.6) and Derek Carr (15.1), Williams flashed significant upside, scoring 26.1+ fantasy points in three contests. More importantly, the Bears gave him everything needed for a sophomore-year breakout. They hired Ben Johnson as their head coach, significantly improved the offensive line and spent their top two picks in the 2025 NFL Draft on Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III. Don’t be surprised if Williams ends the 2025 season as a top-five fantasy quarterback.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)

Drake Maye (QB – NE)

“Drake Maye is poised for a breakout sophomore campaign in 2025. After a rocky rookie season, the Patriots revamped their offense, starting with the selection of left tackle Will Campbell at fourth overall to solidify Maye’s blindside after he was sacked 34 times last year. They added veteran wide receivers Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins and drafted Kyle Williams in the third round. Let’s also not forget tight end Hunter Henry, who led the team with 674 receiving yards in 2024. Emerging slot receiver DeMario Douglas is also developing steadily after posting 66 catches for 621 yards in 2024 and earning praise from head coach Mike Vrabel for his energy and growth. With improved protection and a deeper arsenal of weapons, Maye has looked sharper in organized team activities (OTAs) and is a strong candidate to finish as a top-15 fantasy quarterback with room to climb.”
– Lawrence Iacona (Gridiron Experts)

“Drake Maye is poised for a Year 2 breakout thanks to an improved supporting cast and a new offensive coordinator in Josh McDaniels. The Patriots invested early draft capital to upgrade his protection and add explosive weapons. Maye quietly averaged 18.1 fantasy points per game (QB15) in his full starts last season. He was one of just two signal-callers to post positive expected points added (EPA) on tight-window throws (alongside Lamar Jackson) and ranked fifth in scramble efficiency while averaging well over 30 rushing yards per game (one of just seven quarterbacks to achieve the feat). Maye also threw at least one touchdown pass in every single game he played in full as a rookie. With elite dual-threat ability, a rising offense and an ADP of QB17, Maye is a prime late-round target with top-10 upside.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)

Justin Fields (QB – NYJ)

“The crazy part is we are getting a known 20+ points per game starter in Justin Fields at quarterback outside of the top 12 signal-callers in most drafts. He’s got real 1,000-yard rushing upside, which gave him weekly QB1 upside in his past time at Chicago. Some would say he already broke out, but I think there is even more ceiling than the QB6 season he put up in 2022. Every year we get a gem in this mid-QB2 range, and Fields has all the makings of being this year’s Jayden Daniels for our fantasy teams. ”
– Justin Henry (JHen Fantasy)

Breakout Tight Ends

Which tight end has the best shot at having a breakout year in 2025 and why?

Brenton Strange (TE – JAX)

“We saw glimpses of what Brenton Strange can do last year. This Jacksonville Jaguars offense has some excitement around it with Liam Coen and all of their fun young weapons. Evan Engram is out; Brenton Strange is in. He is a perfect late-round tight end target. Last year, he only started a few games and played over 70% of snaps in six games. He was still able to post three top-10 finishes. He finished top 20 on three other occasions. Strange is a great value and breakout candidate in 2025.”
– David Heilman (Sports Gambling Podcast Network)

Colston Loveland (TE – CHI)

“Colston Loveland, the rookie tight end for the Chicago Bears, is the undervalued sleeper with the best shot at a breakout year in 2025. Selected 10th overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, Loveland’s elite college production at Michigan (56 receptions, 682 yards, 90.6 Pro Football Focus receiving grade) and 4.48-second 40-yard dash make him a matchup nightmare in the Bears’ revamped offense under new head coach Ben Johnson. With Cole Kmet‘s production declining in 2024 and a crowded receiver room (DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III), Loveland’s athleticism and red-zone prowess position him to steal targets, especially as a safety valve for Caleb Williams. His ADP around TE10 reflects skepticism about rookie tight ends, but Chicago’s high-powered offense, projected for 580 pass attempts, offers a clear path to a 50-600-6 stat line, making him a low-end TE1 candidate. Johnson’s history of elevating tight ends like Sam LaPorta suggests Loveland could exceed expectations, delivering TE1 production at a TE2 draft cost.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Sports Advice Network)

Mason Taylor (TE – NYJ)

“For me, a breakout is defined as a player who has never come close to being a fantasy star. How good is Mason Taylor? Nick Saban said during NFL Draft coverage, “That not landing new Jets tight end Mason Taylor was the biggest recruiting mistake we ever made” during his time at Alabama. LSU beat Saban’s Crimson Tide on a successful two-point conversion pass from Jayden Daniels to Mason Taylor. Note that Taylor was a pure freshman at the time. LSU also had some serious star power on their team with Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr., and yet, head coach Brian Kelly still had the confidence to call the decisive, game-winning play for Taylor. I’m not sure if Mason Taylor will hit this year, but if you’re looking for one of Ringo’s longshot specials, there are worse dart throws to take than rolling the dice on the talented rookie tight end.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)

David Njoku (TE – CLE)

“David Njoku has always been one of the most physically gifted tight ends since being taken in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, but he has never been able to put all that talent to use for an entire season. In the five games started by Joe Flacco when he played for the Browns, Njoku tallied 30 receptions for 390 yards and four touchdowns. That’s an insane 17-game pace. That can’t be replicated, but if Flacco remains the starter for the entire year, Njoku has an outside chance to be the top-scoring tight end in the league in 2025. ”
– Lee Wehry (FantasyPros)