When it comes to fantasy football, few topics spark more debate than the most polarizing players-those whose values vary wildly from one expert to another. These are the quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends that divide rankings, dominate draft-day discussions, and often determine whether you’re a contender or pretender. In this article, we asked our collection of Featured Pros to weigh in on one player at each key position with a high standard deviation, meaning analysts are all over the board in how they rank them. Whether it’s a breakout candidate you should be targeting or a risky pick to fade, our experts share who they’re significantly higher or lower on and why. Let’s dive into the most hotly debated names ahead of the 2025 fantasy football season.
- More Fantasy Football Tips & Advice
- 2025 Fantasy Football Expert Rankings
- Fantasy Football Dynasty Rankings
- Fantasy Football Trade Tools
Polarizing Fantasy Football Players: Draft or Pass?
Polarizing Players: Quarterbacks
Who is one QB with a high standard deviation you are higher or lower on and why?
Dak Prescott (QB – DAL)
“I am higher than other experts on Dak Prescott. Since he came to the league, Dak’s worst finish in a season where he played more than 12 games was QB14. Even in 2022, when he played just 12 games, he still finished as QB18. This year he should be fully healthy and has an improved receiving corps as well, which tells me he’ll likely finish as a QB10 or better, as he has in five of the six seasons he played every game.”
– Trevor Land (FlurrySports)
“Dak Prescott’s ECR is sitting at QB15 right now, but his ADP is QB12. I am all aboard the Dak Express this season, but I can’t see pushing him up much beyond where he’s coming off the board in drafts here in June. While the passing game should be humming in Dallas, touchdowns can be elusive. And with Prescott running less than in years’ past, I’m unlikely to leave my 1QB drafts with Dak when I can get Drake Maye later, or take a swing on Matthew Stafford or Geno Smith for free.”
– Jeremy Shulman (Fantasy Football Universe)
“Dak Prescott (QB15 in ECR) will be a top-12 QB in 2025. My QB11, the Cowboys will need Dak and his arm to stay in games this year, simple as that. Despite Dak not running anywhere near like he once did, a healthy Dak Prescott is simply a really good quarterback for fantasy. The last two seasons Prescott has finished for Dallas, he recorded at least 4,440 passing yards and 36 TDs in both seasons (’21 and ’23), and has the likes of CeeDee Lamb, George Pickens, and Jake Ferguson, to help him along in ’25. Prescott is an awesome QB to have in single and multiple QB setups that can easily outperform his QB2 ranking in the ECR.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
Baker Mayfield (QB – TB)
“Baker Mayfield, QB, Buccaneers: Mayfield was excellent in 2024, finishing as the QB3 in total fantasy points. But that season turned up a huge 7.2% TD rate, one that’s bound to regress. We’ll also see how Chris Godwin looks coming off a serious leg injury.”
– Kevin English (Draft Sharks)
“It’s easy to see why Baker Mayfield is QB6 going into 2025. He followed up his QB10 performance in 2023 with a QB3 finish last year. He has WRs for days. However, it’s just as easy to fade. It took an insane TD rate and an outlier rushing season for Baker to average 21.5PPG. If you’re going to draft a pocket passer, pick the one coming off a low TD-rate season that can be drafted later.”
– Seth Miller (Crossroads Fantasy Football)
Justin Fields (QB – NYJ)
“I am significantly higher on Justin Fields (6.8 standard deviation) than the consensus rankings (QB14). While the veteran is a below-average starting quarterback in the NFL, he is an underrated fantasy option due to his rushing abilities. The former Ohio State star averaged 18.9 fantasy points per game over the first six weeks of last season as the starter for the Pittsburgh Steelers. That average would have made him the QB8 on a points-per-game basis in 2024. More importantly, Fields was productive in his last year as the unquestioned starter, ranking as the QB9 on a points-per-game basis in 2023 among quarterbacks with at least nine games played.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
“In 2023, Justin Fields averaged nearly 22 points per game from Week 4 onward. In his six starts during the 2024 season, Fields was the QB6 overall and QB7 in points per game (19.1). He was fourth in fantasy points per dropback (0.62). The new Jets RB rushed for at least 27 rushing yards in five of his six starts (surpassing 50 rushing yards three times). The Jets’ new QB1 has similar fantasy upside to the elite QB Tier with his rushing ability. One that new head coach Aaron Glenn is all too familiar with during his tenure in Detroit as the defensive coordinator. Fields faced the Lions five times during his time with the Bears, rushing for 100+ yards in three of those contests. The Jets’ new head coach has already expressed a desire to utilize Fields’ legs, which should be of interest to fantasy football drafters.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
“Running quarterbacks are a cheat code for fantasy football (duh). When Justin Fields started 15 games for the Bears in 2022, he ranked QB6 in fantasy scoring even though he missed two games and had mediocre passing numbers (2,242 yards, 17 TD passes). He ran for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns. Fields started the first six games of the season for the Steelers last season and was QB6 in fantasy scoring over that span. He has his shortcomings as a passer, but Fields is going to deliver needle-moving rushing production, and he now has job security with the Jets. ECR has Fields as a high-end QB2, but he’ll be a QB1 this year, barring injury.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
Trevor Lawrence (QB – JAC)
“2025 is setting up to be a really good year for Trevor Lawrence. The Jaguars found a gem in 2024 with Brian Thomas Jr., and I think they found another one with rookie WR/CB Travis Hunter. Make no mistake, Hunter is viewed by scouts and NFL execs as having the same level of talent as the cream of last year’s draft class, Malik Nabers and Marvin Harrison Jr. Ringo thinks the Jaguars’ talented WRs, combined with a shaky defense, is a recipe for a lot of shootouts/fantasy points in Jacksonville. With a consensus ranking at QB 19, Lawrence seems like a bargain for shrewd drafters willing to look past last year’s disappointing numbers.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)
Matthew Stafford (QB – LAR)
“Matthew Stafford is far from an exciting, young option at QB these days, but he is being undervalued as a late-round option. Stafford will once again have two alpha receivers to target with Davante Adams joining a hopefully healthy Puka Nacua in 2025. They added athleticism at tight end with rookie Terrance Ferguson as well. This is still the same high-octane Sean McVay offense that has allowed Stafford to attempt over 500 passes in the last two years. Although there is obviously no rushing upside whatsoever, Stafford could outproduce QBs like Stroud, Love, Lawrence, and Purdy, who are all being drafted earlier.”
– Pierre Camus (Fantasy Endgame)
Jared Goff (QB – DET)
“Jared Goff is a quarterback that I am staying away from this season. He lost two of his offensive linemen and one of the best offensive coordinators in the league this past season. I wouldn’t be surprised if the offense takes a step back through this transitional season. Goff could easily finish outside of the top 15 in FPPG, and I would rather take a swing at someone like Brock Purdy, who has been a top 10 QB in FPPG the last two seasons.”
– Nick Penticoff (Fantasy Football Astronauts)
Drake Maye (QB – NE)
“Drake Maye is being undervalued at his QB17 ADP, despite flashing top-10 fantasy upside in 2024. In 10 full starts, he averaged 18.1 fantasy points per game while throwing to DeMario Douglas behind the NFL’s 31st-ranked pass-blocking line. Now in 2025, he gets Stefon Diggs, TreVeyon Henderson, and major o-line upgrades, along with a new coaching staff. He quietly ranked second among QBs in scramble yards per game (31.3) and showed poise under pressure with a 60% catchable ball rate (QB13 of 42). With better protection and weapons, Maye’s TD rate and efficiency are set to explode, making him a prime QB1 breakout candidate, which is why I have him as my QB12 Overall.”
– James Emrick-Wilson (Armchair Scouting)
Polarizing Players: Running Backs
Who is one RB with a high standard deviation you are higher or lower on and why?
Blake Corum (RB – LAR)
“I am much lower than the consensus on Blake Corum and am actually out on him completely this season. Last year, Corum never had more than eight carries in a game, even with Kyren Williams‘ fumbling issues. He finished as RB50 or better in just four games, and the Rams just drafted an explosive runner in Jarquez Hunter. With a more muddled role than last year when he finished as RB78, I fail to see how Corum comes anywhere close to RB48 this year.”
– Trevor Land (FlurrySports)
James Cook (RB – BUF)
“James Cook, RB, Bills: Cook is another regression candidate after scoring 16 times on the ground in 2024. His expected rushing TD total? Only 10.3.”
– Kevin English (Draft Sharks)
Quinshon Judkins (RB – CLE)
“While many fantasy players will want to avoid the Browns’ offense this season, I am higher on Quinshon Judkins (7.3 standard deviation) than his consensus ranking (RB28). Cleveland’s passing attack could be a nightmare because of their quarterback situation, which only helps the rookie’s upside. Head coach Kevin Stefanski wants to have a run-heavy offense, especially with limited options at quarterback. Therefore, expect Judkins to be the team’s new Nick Chubb. The veteran averaged 16.4 half-point PPR fantasy points per game over his last three healthy years in Cleveland. Don’t be surprised if Judkins is the second-highest-scoring rookie running back this season.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
RJ Harvey (RB – DEN)
“ECR has it wrong on RJ Harvey, who is just the consensus RB27. I know JK Dobbins just inked a deal in Denver, and I am also aware that Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin still exist. I just don’t care. While his ADP of RB19 is a little rich, I’m still willing to pay up for Harvey given his opportunity in a Sean Payton/Bo Nix-lead offense.”
– Jeremy Shulman (Fantasy Football Universe)
“Please, I beg you. Do not be deterred by the Broncos signing J.K. Dobbins, like many others will be, I am sure. RJ Harvey will still be the guy to have in the Broncos’ backfield. Currently, the RB27 in the ECR and my RB21, Harvey is simply too good to ignore in what will be a prime spot for fantasy production. It is hard to believe Harvey will lose high-leverage work to Dobbins. We have seen a situation like this before involving Sean Payton, with some fantasy managers disregarding Alvin Kamara because of Mark Ingram. How did that turn out? Snap up every single share of RJ Harvey while you can, before it is too late.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
“The expert rankings already have RJ Harvey lower than his projected ADP because we analysts tend not to get caught up in rookie fever to the same extent as the general public. That’s not the case with me when it comes to Harvey. While everyone will panic due to the JK Dobbins signing and assume Harvey will be the RB2, I see this as a prime opportunity to get Harvey at a better draft price. Sean Payton identified Harvey as “his guy” on draft day due to his skill set. Dobbins will certainly have a role early on, but even if he manages to make it through the end of the year without getting injured, the job will be Harvey’s come fantasy playoff time.”
– Pierre Camus (Fantasy Endgame)
D’Andre Swift (RB – CHI)
“D’Andre Swift fits the classic “dead zone RB” mold – a projected volume play with an RB2 ceiling. He finished as the RB23 in points per game last year, but it was an empty workload propped up by opportunity, not efficiency. From Week 9 on, he was the RB32 in points per game and dead last in rushing yards over expectation per attempt. He now reunites with Bears HC Ben Johnson – the same coach who phased him out in Detroit back in 2022. Despite no clear threat to his touches, Swift’s inefficiency last season (career low in yards per carry) makes him a low-ceiling RB2 fantasy managers should be cautious of over-drafting in 2025.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
Breece Hall (RB – NYJ)
“Breece Hall is still being valued pretty high for a player who is no longer a bell cow RB. In fact, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn has hinted at a committee, possibly as large as three RBs, comprising Hall, Braelon Allen, and Isaiah Davis. We’ll see if that turns out to be the case, but one thing is for certain: Breece Hall has had a difficult time staying healthy. Last season, Hall once again struggled with injuries, which limited his effectiveness. In addition, it’s hard to imagine Hall’s reception total going up without Aaron Rodgers at QB. Justin Fields is younger and faster, and much more likely to take off and run when there is pressure rather than dumping off a pass to his RB in the flat. Hall seems risky in 2025, with his current consensus ranking hovering near RB 13 given the aforementioned concerns.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)
Isiah Pacheco (RB – KC)
“Isiah Pacheco was the RB10 in FPPG during the 2023 season. Last year, he was dealing with a nagging injury that put a damper on his season, and I expect him to bounce back now that he is healthy. Pacheco is in one of the league’s best offenses and will benefit from having Patrick Mahomes as his quarterback with several goalline opportunities. I expect Pacheco to be a high-end RB2 with weekly RB1 upside.”
– Nick Penticoff (Fantasy Football Astronauts)
Jordan Mason (RB – MIN)
“Jordan Mason is a standout value at his current RB37 ADP, and I’ve got him ranked as my RB27. He registered a 15% explosive run rate last year, second only to Jahmyr Gibbs, and now steps into a Vikings offense that’s expected to emphasize the run behind an upgraded o-line and a second-year quarterback who could rely heavily on the ground game. With Aaron Jones approaching 31 and coming off a high-usage career, Mason has a real chance to earn a steady workload, especially near the goal line. His blend of efficiency and opportunity gives him strong breakout potential. At his current draft cost, Mason is a prime Zero RB target with league-winning upside.”
– James Emrick-Wilson (Armchair Scouting)
“The Vikings traded for Jordan Mason this spring and immediately gave him a two-year deal that includes more than $7 million in guaranteed money. We’ve seen what Mason can do if he gets substantial carry volume. In the 49ers’ first five games of 2024, Mason averaged 107 rushing yards per game, 120 scrimmage yards per game, and 5.1 yards per carry. He’s a hand-in-glove fit for Minnesota’s running game, which is heavy on outside zone. Mason could have stand-alone value even with Aaron Jones healthy, and if Jones were to miss time, Mason could deliver RB1 value. He’s worth grabbing if his draft cost is anywhere near his ECR (RB37).”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
Polarizing Players: Wide Receivers
Who is one WR with a high standard deviation you are higher or lower on and why?
Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR – SEA)
“With too many variables, I’m lower on Jaxon Smith-Njigba. While he finished as WR9 last year, he takes a hit in the quarterback department with Sam Darnold replacing Geno Smith. On top of that, he also takes a hit in the coverage department as he is now the clear WR1 in Seattle. While Cooper Kupp will help ease the pressure on him a bit, I see Kupp taking the underneath PPR role that JSN utilized a lot last year that made him so valuable in PPR leagues.”
– Trevor Land (FlurrySports)
“The more I think about Jaxon Smith-Njigba as the WR1 in Seattle, the more I worry he is being overvalued. It’s normally a great thing when targets are vacated, as they are with DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett gone. But the signing of Cooper Kupp means JSN moves to the outside more often, where he was less effective. The change to Sam Darnold at QB raises some concerns, as well as the addition of a new offensive coordinator in Klint Kubiak, who will try to establish the run more than his predecessor. I still believe JSN is a weekly starter in fantasy but not a top-12 WR as he’s currently ranked, more realistically finishing outside the top-15.”
– Pierre Camus (Fantasy Endgame)
Keon Coleman (WR – BUF)
“Keon Coleman, WR, Bills: Coleman entered the league at 21 with only two seasons as a college starter. His rookie season predictably turned up more negative than positive, but he still flashed with 19.2 yards per catch. Buffalo passed on adding competition for his ‘X’ role this offseason, instead signing Josh Palmer and Elijah Moore. Spot-start WR3 production is within Coleman’s range of outcomes.”
– Kevin English (Draft Sharks)
Stefon Diggs (WR – NE)
“I am higher on Stefon Diggs (5.4 standard deviation) than the consensus rankings (WR44). Unfortunately, he suffered a torn ACL in Week 8 last season. However, the veteran was playing well before getting hurt, ranking as the WR9 over the first seven weeks, averaging 7.9 targets and 12.6 half-point PPR fantasy points per game despite splitting targets with Nico Collins and Tank Dell. More importantly, Diggs is the unquestioned No. 1 wide receiver in what should be a significantly improved Patriots’ passing attack. If the veteran wide receiver is ready for Week 1, Diggs should end the year no lower than a high-end WR3.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
Chris Olave (WR – NO)
“Chris Olave is the antithesis of RJ Harvey. His ECR WR28 translates to a WR36 ADP. Early drafters are just far too low on a wideout who has only ever produced near-elite metrics when on the field. Olave has endured multiple injuries and concussions, and a New Orleans QB carousel that includes a TE taking a boatload of snaps on offense. He’s a great late mid-round target who could massively outproduce his draft cost if Tyler Shough or someone else can provide consistency behind center.”
– Jeremy Shulman (Fantasy Football Universe)
Tyreek Hill (WR – MIA)
“Tyreek Hill’s 2024 season was a far cry from his usual explosive standards, finishing as the WR33 in points per game (10.5) – a massive disappointment for fantasy managers who spent early-round draft capital on him. While much of the blame can be pinned on Tua Tagovailoa‘s injury, Hill still underwhelmed even when his quarterback was healthy. In the 11 games with Tagovailoa under center, Hill surpassed 100 receiving yards just twice and averaged 12.4 fantasy points per game, only good enough for WR18 during that span. He was battling a wrist injury from Week 1 onward, which may have impacted his efficiency, but the steep drop in performance is still concerning. His yards per route run plummeted to just 1.75 – less than half of his 2023 mark – signaling a potentially sharp decline. Hill also turned 31 this offseason, and the dreaded age cliff for speed-dependent wide receivers may be arriving. His outburst at the end of the 2024 season – removing himself from the game and demanding to get out of Miami – adds another layer of uncertainty regarding his role and long-term future with the Dolphins. There are so many red flags: declining efficiency, age, durability concerns, and potential chemistry issues with the team that make him a high-risk, low-confidence fantasy pick in 2025 drafts, especially if his ADP remains in the early rounds.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
Puka Nacua (WR – LAR)
“Things were looking real good for Puka Nacua until Los Angeles went out and signed Davante Adams. Unlike former Ram Cooper Kupp, Adams has been relatively healthy for most of his career. That’s bad news for Puka, who will probably play second fiddle to Adams. As if that’s not enough, here’s an interesting nugget I heard from fellow fantasy analyst Smitty, which I’ll paraphrase: “Puka has played 29 games so far in his NFL career; he has a total of only 9 TDs”! Even if it’s a 1A/1B situation between the two WRs, Ringo thinks Adams will eat into enough of Nacua’s targets to make his current lofty consensus ranking at WR 4 very risky.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)
Brandon Aiyuk (WR – SF)
“After injuring his knee in October of last year, just months after signing a massive contract extension, Brandon Aiyuk needs to be a major fade for fantasy managers in 2025. Currently the WR39 in the ECR and my WR48, this situation is simply not worth the fuss. For one, Aiyuk is reportedly being considered for the PUP list, meaning he would miss the first four games minimum with a 21-day period to elevate onto the 53-man roster. In totality, we are talking a possible return ranging from week 5-8. That screams no go in every which way, on top of then having to compete with targets upon his return with Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, and guys in his own WR room in Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings. Consider me out big on Aiyuk for 2025, despite the watered-down price.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
Terry McLaurin (WR – WAS)
“Terry McLaurin is a player I think could disappoint this season. Last year, he had 13 receiving touchdowns, which was the most he had since his rookie season, when he had seven. I believe this past season was more of an outlier because he has hovered around the 5-touchdown mark for most of his career. Deebo Samuel Sr. isn’t who he used to be, but I think he could easily steal some of McLaurin’s targets, and it will cap his fantasy football ceiling.”
– Nick Penticoff (Fantasy Football Astronauts)
Tetairoa McMillan (WR – CAR)
“Tetairoa McMillan is one of the most undervalued wide receivers in early drafts, currently going off the board as WR37. I have him ranked as my WR15. As the 8th overall pick, he steps into a true WR1 role in Dave Canales’ offense – a system that’s historically funneled targets to big-bodied X receivers like Mike Evans. McMillan brings elite size, ball skills, and a strong college production profile, and he’s the clear favorite to be Bryce Young‘s top target. With a path to 120-140 targets and red-zone dominance, Tet is a market inefficiency you should be smashing in every draft. The breakout is coming – grab him before the market corrects.”
– James Emrick-Wilson (Armchair Scouting)
Jalen McMillan (WR – TB)
“Jalen McMillan’s ECR is WR55, which suggests he’s draftable. How on earth is McMillan going to have a fantasy-relevant role with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin both healthy and with first-round draft pick Emeka Egbuka joining the Buccaneers’ WR corps? McMillan scored eight TDs as a rookie, but seven of them came in the Buccaneers’ last five games, after Godwin’s season-ending injury. McMillan averaged 1.22 yards per route run — not a number that suggests impending stardom. Don’t squander a draft pick.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
Polarizing Players: Tight Ends
Who is one TE with a high standard deviation you are higher or lower on and why?
Colston Loveland (TE – CHI)
“I think I’m higher on Colston Loveland than other experts. While the Chicago Bears do have plenty of solid pass catchers, the Bears didn’t use the 10th overall pick on him for no reason. Rome Odunze and Cole Kmet were underwhelming last year, and Luther Burden is already missing valuable time, according to head coach Ben Johnson himself. We know Johnson loves using his tight ends, and I’m having a tough time seeing the reason that Loveland can’t immediately step into that role. If/when he does, he’ll easily finish higher than his current TE11 ADP.”
– Trevor Land (FlurrySports)
“Colston Loveland is currently the 12th tight end selected in drafts, and I can’t get on board that train in 2025. I am a huge believer in the talent, but the weapons are just too plentiful in Chicago at the moment. Yes, Loveland is better than Cole Kmet, but Kmet has proven to be an above-average player at the position and won’t fade away completely this year. Then there’s the dynamic WR trio of DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, and Luther Burden, who are sure to earn targets. And, of course, D’Andre Swift is a significant target hog out of the backfield. Loveland has the talent, but he will not have the opportunity to cash in as a top 12 TE this season.”
– Jeremy Shulman (Fantasy Football Universe)
Mark Andrews (TE – BAL)
“Mark Andrews, TE, Ravens: Andrews recorded a huge 20% TD rate in 2024. That came despite a drop in route rate (73% in 2023 to 67% last fall). I expect his route involvement to remain at a similar level, especially with Isaiah Likely entering his prime years. In other words, expect a meaningful drop in TDs for Andrews.”
– Kevin English (Draft Sharks)
Jonnu Smith (TE – MIA)
“I am significantly lower on Jonnu Smith (2.1 standard deviation) than the consensus rankings (TE7). Last year, he was the TE4, averaging 10.5 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. The veteran led the Dolphins with 88 receptions and eight receiving touchdowns, setting career highs in both categories. However, fantasy players should avoid drafting him anywhere near his TE7 ranking. Smith will be on the wrong side of 30 when the 2025 season starts. Players rarely have a breakout year this late in their career and maintain that level of success. Don’t be surprised if Smith becomes the next Gary Barnidge, having a career season late in his career and returning to irrelevance the following year.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
“Drafting a TE that saw 77% of his targets come within 9 yards of the LOS seems like a good way to get in trouble, even if they’re exciting with the ball in their hands, like Jonnu Smith. In Jonnu’s 8-year career, we’ve had two 8+PPG campaigns. Both were on the back of 8 TD seasons. Set the o/u on Jonnu TDs in 2025 yourself, and you’ll probably be inclined to avoid Jonnu at cost.”
– Seth Miller (Crossroads Fantasy Football)
Evan Engram (TE – DEN)
“While injuries limited him to nine games last year (TE16 in points per game), Evan Engram still averaged over five catches per contest – classic PPR production. Engram has a history of strong Year 1 impacts with new teams (TE6 in first seasons with both the Giants and Jaguars). He now steps into a likely high-volume role in Denver with no established receivers behind Courtland Sutton. If he stays healthy, a return to top-five fantasy tight end status is well within reach in Sean Payton’s offense. In 2023, he posted a career-best 114 receptions for 963 yards and four touchdowns, proving to be a high-volume target in Jacksonville’s offense as the TE4 in fantasy points per game. He’s ready to embrace the Joker role in the Broncos offense. WHY SO SERIOUS?”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
“Evan Engram is a good player, but it’s hard for me to see him thriving in the Mile High City. The Broncos’ defense is better than the Jaguars. The domino effect of having a good defense means Denver will be less likely to pass, imo. Also, while Bo Nix is good, he’s not elite. Also worth noting, Engram’s best games came when the Jaguars’ starting WRs went down with injuries. In addition, Engram’s hamstring issues could flare up more frequently in a cold-weather city like Denver. Evan Engram is good enough to make me look foolish with this call, of course, my readers would respond…”Ringo, my man, that ship has sailed,” haha!”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)
Brenton Strange (TE – JAC)
“Now that Evan Engram is off to Denver, the TE1 throne in Jacksonville belongs to Brenton Strange. Currently, the TE31 in the ECR and my TE17, Strange has an immediate pathway to fantasy relevance. With the departures of just Engram, Christian Kirk, and Gabe Davis, 153 targets have immediately opened up in the Jacksonville offense. Strange sits behind Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter in the pecking order for targets, but could develop as the third option given Trevor Lawrence‘s desire to get the tight end position involved on offense. For someone who will be free on draft day, Strange is one to monitor very closely and is worth the late-round selection.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
Tyler Warren (TE – IND)
“Count me as one of the experts who will fade both rookie tight ends, Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland, on draft day. Fantasy football managers are getting used to seeing a rookie TE dominate, as we had Brock Bowers in 2024 and Sam LaPorta in 2023. Bowers may be a unicorn, but he was also the only reliable target (no offense, Jakobi Meyers) on a terrible offense for a series on inexperienced QBs, and LaPorta simply fell into a great offense with shaky WRs after Amon-Ra St. Brown. Loveland will be fighting for scraps to see targets, and Warren will be fighting to see catchable balls from Daniel Jones/Anthony Richardson. Both Warren and Loveland may be great someday, but not on fantasy teams in 2025.”
– Pierre Camus (Fantasy Endgame)
Kyle Pitts (TE – ATL)
“Kyle Pitts is a player that I just can’t quit. This will be the first season since he has been in the NFL that he has finished the season and started the next with the same quarterback. Michael Penix Jr. showed he isn’t afraid to rip it to Pitts even after Pitts is the reason for one of his interceptions. Pitts is someone many people are out on in this stage of his career, but he is still only 25, and a lot of notable tight ends didn’t break out until they were years older than Pitts is now, and he is dirt cheap in drafts.”
– Nick Penticoff (Fantasy Football Astronauts)
Zach Ertz (TE – WAS)
“If I punt the TE position in drafts this year and wait until the double-digit rounds to get one, Zach Ertz will be my guy. There won’t be much enthusiasm for the 34-year-old Ertz, but he was TE7 in PPR scoring last season and was terrific down the stretch, averaging 13.5 PPR points per game from Week 11 on. In Washington’s playoff loss to Philadelphia, Ertz had 11 catches for 104 yards. Ertz clearly clicked with young QB Jayden Daniels in 2024, and it’s reasonable to expect similar production from Ertz in 2025 if he can stay healthy.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
Subscribe: YouTube | Spotify | Apple Podcasts | iHeart | Castbox | Amazon Music | Podcast Addict | TuneIn
