Fantasy Football Advice: Kyle Pitts, Drake Maye, Jordan Mason

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 players at the key positions 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.

Polarizing Fantasy Football Players: Draft or Pass?

Polarizing Players: Quarterbacks

Who is one quarterback with a high standard deviation you are higher or lower on and why?

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 running back with a high standard deviation you are higher or lower on and why?

Jordan Mason (RB – MIN)

“Jordan Mason is a standout value at his current RB37 average draft position (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 offensive 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 RB37 ranking.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)

Polarizing Players: Tight Ends

Who is one tight end with a high standard deviation you are higher or lower on and why?

Kyle Pitts (TE – ATL)

“Kyle Pitts is a player 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)