Every fantasy football manager is chasing upside on draft day. Finding the right breakout candidate-or even a potential league-winner in the late rounds-can tilt the odds in your favor before Week 1 even kicks off. Whether it’s a young player set for a bigger role, a post-hype sleeper or a depth chart climber, the name of the game is value and volatility. This article highlights 12 players with the kind of high-ceiling profiles that could define the 2025 fantasy season.
FantasyPros’ Pat Fitzmaurice was joined by Fantasy Points’ Joe Dolan on a recent episode of the FantasyPros Football Podcast to break down their top upside targets across every position. Here are the players they’re drafting everywhere-and why you should, too.
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Fantasy Football Draft Picks With Massive Upside
Looking for breakout players and league-winners in fantasy football drafts? Here are 12 targets, from early-round studs to late steals.
Early-Round Picks With Fantasy Football League-Winning Potential
De’Von Achane (RB – MIA)
De’Von Achane already flashed explosive upside in 2024, but with Jonnu Smith no longer siphoning off short-yardage targets, there’s a clear path to even more passing game work. Dolan noted that 42.4% of Achane’s targets last year were designed plays — a role that should only grow with Smith out of the picture.
“He’s going to be a screen master,” said Dolan. “If I take a running back early, he’s an easy second-round click for me.”
Fitzmaurice echoed the sentiment, citing Achane’s target spike when Smith was off the field and teasing a larger workload in an offense that should lean on his versatility.
Tee Higgins (WR – CIN)
Fitzmaurice had what he called a “Tee Higgins epiphany” this offseason, bumping him into fringe-WR1 territory in his fantasy football rankings. The logic is simple: Cincinnati’s defense is likely to struggle, which means shootouts and a ton of passing volume from Joe Burrow.
“This passing game is a machine,” Fitzmaurice said. “And when Chase missed time, Higgins averaged 20 PPR points per game.”
Even as the No. 2 option, Higgins is in a WR1-friendly ecosystem with a proven ceiling.
Rashee Rice (WR – KC)
Legal concerns made Rashee Rice a tricky evaluation early in draft season, but all signs now point to him playing in 2025. Dolan emphasized his production when running a full slate of routes — WR12 numbers in games where he played at least 60% of snaps.
“If he didn’t get hurt, he would’ve been a league-winner,” Dolan argued.
While rookie Xavier Worthy could siphon deep targets, Rice is poised to reclaim his role as Mahomes’ go-to chain-mover, and maybe more.
Kenneth Walker III (RB – SEA)
The Seahawks’ shift to an outside-zone scheme under new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak plays right into Kenneth Walker’s strengths. According to Fantasy Points’ Ryan Heath, Walker has averaged 4.54 yards per carry on outside zone runs — 13% better than other run types.
Walker also saw an uptick in receiving work last year, finishing fifth among all running backs in target share. If he stays healthy, there’s top-12 upside baked into his profile.
Mid-Round Targets With Breakout Appeal
Jordan Addison (WR – MIN)
Jordan Addison finished as the fantasy WR20 in half-PPR formats over the past two seasons, but is currently being drafted as the WR35. With Kevin O’Connell’s system proving nearly quarterback-proof and J.J. McCarthy set to start, Addison is arguably one of the most undervalued receivers in the middle rounds.
Stefon Diggs (WR – NE)
Yes, he’s 30 and coming off an ACL injury. But Stefon Diggs’ current average draft position (ADP) of WR43 and his 101 overall expert consensus ranking (ECR) present a steep discount for a player who’s posted six straight 1,000-yard seasons and four consecutive 100-catch campaigns before his injury-shortened 2024.
“If he’s even 90% of his old self, and you’re getting that in the ninth round? I’ll take it,” said Fitzmaurice.
Darnell Mooney (WR – ATL)
Darnell Mooney’s production with Michael Penix Jr. under center quietly mirrored that of Drake London — at a fraction of the cost. Dolan noted Mooney averaged just six fewer yards per game than London in shared contests, making him a value WR4/WR5 with WR3 upside.
“If Mooney’s my WR5, I might just stop drafting wide receivers for a few rounds,” Dolan quipped.
Drake Maye (QB – NE)
Fitzmaurice ranked Drake Maye as the QB8 — far above consensus due to his rushing potential. Maye averaged 38 rushing yards per game last year and scored 16 rushing touchdowns in 26 college starts. He’s the classic late-round quarterback with breakout appeal.
“If he gives you 800 rushing yards and even modest passing production, that’s a QB1,” said Fitzmaurice.
Deep Shots Worth a Dart Throw
Isaiah Likely (TE – BAL)
This one hinges on Mark Andrews missing time, but when that happened, Isaiah Likely averaged a season-long pace of 850 yards and 11 touchdowns. With Andrews aging and battling injuries, Likely is a high-upside TE2 available in the final rounds.
Luther Burden (WR – CHI)
If the rookie Luther Burden wins the slot job in Chicago, he could fill the Amon-Ra St. Brown role in Ben Johnson’s offense. Fitzmaurice noted Burden’s elite yards after the catch (YAC) ability and track record at Missouri, projecting a sneaky path to relevance even in a crowded wide receiver room.
Devaughn Vele (WR – DEN)
The Broncos’ slot role is up for grabs, and second-year man Devaughn Vele — who’s flashed in camp — might be the answer. Despite being 27, he posted first-down-per-route numbers rivaling elite rookies and is drawing rave reviews from Denver beat writers.
Javonte Williams (RB – DAL)
It’s easy to forget just how dynamic Javonte Williams was as a rookie. Now fully recovered and in a Dallas backfield with minimal competition, there’s a real shot he reclaims that early-career form. His RB36 price tag bakes in the risk, but also leaves room for profit.
Final Thoughts
These aren’t all late-round stashes or high-profile sleepers. Some, like Achane and Higgins, require early-round investment. Others, like Vele and Likely, are deep pulls. But all 12 players have a path to vastly outperform their ADP, making them priority targets in every draft build.
Want more expert rankings, player outlooks and sleepers? Be sure to check out our full 2025 Fantasy Football Draft Kit and subscribe to the FantasyPros YouTube channel so you never miss a breakdown.
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