The 2025 NFL regular season is only a few months away. Much will change when training camp starts next month and the preseason in August. However, let’s look at six players whose fantasy football value is trending up or down as we head into the final part of the offseason.
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Fantasy Football Trending Up & Trending Down
Trending Up
Many expected the Bears to add a big-name running back in the NFL Draft. Instead, they waited until the seventh round, selecting Kyle Monangai. Furthermore, Nick Chubb and J.K. Dobbins recently joined other teams, meaning Swift only has in-house competition for the lead role in Ben Johnson’s offense. Last year, he finished as the RB19, averaging 11.4 half-point PPR fantasy points per game and 3.8 rushing yards per attempt. However, Chicago significantly improved their offensive line this offseason. Therefore, don’t be surprised if Swift has a career year in 2025.
I wasn’t a fan of drafting Metcalf earlier this offseason. However, things have drastically changed for him lately. Pittsburgh traded away George Pickens, meaning Metcalf will have no significant competition for targets. Furthermore, the Steelers haven’t added a wide receiver since trading away Pickens despite reports that the team was exploring options. More importantly, Aaron Rodgers finally signed with the team, giving the star wide receiver the best quarterback he has had since Russell Wilson’s prime years. Metcalf could see a career-high in targets with Rodgers under center.
Jennings was the 49ers’ top wide receiver last season, finishing as the WR25, averaging 11.5 half-point PPR fantasy points per game, a career-high. He also set career highs in several receiving categories, including targets (113). More importantly, Jennings could be San Francisco’s top wide receiver again in 2025 after the team traded away Deebo Samuel this offseason. Meanwhile, general manager John Lynch doesn’t expect Brandon Aiyuk to be ready for Week 1 after tearing his ACL and MCL last year. Furthermore, Ricky Pearsall is dealing with a significant hamstring injury.
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While Richardson is competing with Daniel Jones for the starting role, many expected him to win the competition. Unfortunately, the chances of that happening have diminished. The coaching staff has repeatedly praised Jones this offseason, especially during minicamp earlier this month. More importantly, Richardson injured his throwing shoulder during organized team activities late last month, the same one that required season-ending surgery as a rookie. He missed minicamp with the injury and might not be ready for training camp. Richardson’s odds of starting Week 1 are declining by the day.
Fantasy players had high hopes for Harvey as a rookie after the Broncos selected him in the NFL Draft. He landed in Sean Payton’s fantasy-friendly offense with no meaningful competition for the starting role. Furthermore, Payton praised Harvey’s ability to be a three-down running back last month. Unfortunately, Denver recently signed J.K. Dobbins after he had a career year in 2024 with the Los Angeles Chargers. While the rookie still should be the first Broncos running back drafted, Harvey no longer has top-12 upside with Dobbins in town.
Reportedly, Smith could get traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers before the start of training camp. The last time he played in Arthur Smith’s offense was in 2023, finishing the year as the TE16, averaging 5.8 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Furthermore, Smith won’t be the top option in the passing game in Pittsburgh, with DK Metcalf and Pat Freiermuth on the team. While I won’t draft the veteran tight end regardless of where he plays, despite his 2024 breakout season, landing with the Steelers will crush his fantasy value.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.
