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.
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Fantasy Football Breakout Candidates
Breakout Fantasy Football 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)
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