All aboard. The fantasy football hype train is coaled up and ready to leave the station. I’m not sure why, but I’ve always imagined the hype train being a steam engine. It’s the perfect time of year to grab a ticket and hop on the train of optimism. The hard part is finding which train to get on. Hype isn’t always authentic, and may feel like finding Platform Nine and Three-Quarters. Sometimes you run into a brick wall, sometimes you begin the adventure of your life. So who’s ready to hop on?
In this article, I’m going to break down the latest news out of camps and discuss which reports I’m buying into. All reports have been taken from 32BeatWriters and FantasyPros. It’s hype season, and we’re here to maneuver through the smoke to find the fire.
- Fantasy Football Draft Kit
- 2025 Fantasy Football Expert Rankings
- Fantasy Football ADP
- Fantasy Football Trade Tools
Fantasy Football All-Hype Team
Emeka Egbuka (WR – TB)
If there were a Most Hyped Player in July award, it would unanimously go to Emeka Egbuka. He has received nothing but glowing praise from coaches and Baker Mayfield since the start of camp. Unprompted, Mayfield said, “Egbuka is an absolute stud. He’s the real deal.” It’s hard to find higher praise than that.
Reports have also indicated that Chris Godwin has been mentoring him all offseason. Despite recovering from his dislocated ankle, Godwin has been consistently praised for his willingness to mentor and support his teammates. It is also worth noting that through seven weeks last year, Godwin was second only to Ja’Marr Chase in fantasy points. Based on their similar skillsets, I believe that could be the ceiling for Egbuka.
The price is only going to increase, but first-round receivers on great offenses are historically great bets for fantasy. I’d be happy reaching a full round ahead of his average draft position (ADP) to acquire who I believe is this year’s Ladd McConkey.
DJ Moore (WR – CHI)
The hype train has barely started moving for DJ Moore, and it already has a lot of ground to make up. However, I wanted to highlight him in this article because there have been many offseason reports.
Months ago, new Bears head coach Ben Johnson spoke about the importance of effort on every play. Looking back at the tape, it was clear Moore’s effort was in question multiple times throughout the 2024 season. As a result, this quote became the main narrative against Moore, despite there being more to the story (pun intended).
To start 2024, Moore was close friends with Justin Fields, whom they moved on from after drafting Caleb Williams. Pair that with the disaster that was the Bears’ coaching staff, and it’s not a surprise Moore was upset. Interestingly, Moore has been a part of bad teams in the past and has never been chastised for his effort.
That leads to the potential of a second narrative as to why Johnson emphasized effort. Second-round pick Luther Burden was not known for his effort in his last season of college. He was also reported to have started an argument with Johnson in practice today. As a result, I believe these concerns were unfairly placed solely on Moore.
Since the start of camp, everything has turned around. Moore has been reported to be heavily utilized in the slot, which should remind you of a certain Amon-Ra St. Brown. Beat writer Jacob Infante stated that, “I think DJ Moore is going to be the high volume guy.” It has also been reported that Moore has also been utilized all around the formation and even taken snaps in the backfield. It sounds like Johnson has found his latest offensive weapon. I wouldn’t be surprised if we see Moore finish in the top 10 at the position for the second time in three years.
Anthony Richardson (QB – IND)
My first of two players whom I’m planting my flag on, despite having done nothing but disappoint since entering the league. For fantasy, Anthony Richardson has shown glimpses of what he can be: Josh Allen 2.0. The issue, he can’t find consistency in the passing game.
That was until camp so far. All offseason, the Colts have prioritized the idea of consistency at the quarterback position. This led many analysts to favour Daniel Jones as the starter. However, since the start of camp, all reports have praised Richardson for improving as a consistent passer. Reporters claimed Richardson had his best practice on July 25th, going 8-for-11 with the starters. This was rewarded with Richardson beginning practice working with the first team and Jones playing with the second team on July 29th.
Although the completion percentage still leaves something to be desired, all reports are that Richardson has focused on his accuracy and timing throws this offseason. It sounds like the work has been paying off, and he continues to impress in camp.
With his ADP falling to 179th overall, he is worth a shot in all formats. At that point in the draft, he is the only quarterback with the weekly upside that rivals the elite rushing quarterbacks of Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen. I’m taking that swing in every draft, with the hopes he can hold onto the starting job and stay healthy.
Kyle Pitts (TE – ATL)
Slap me thrice and hand me to my mama, I’m back in on Kyle Pitts. Besides wanting to use the iconic line from Pirates of the Caribbean, I think this might be the year. Let’s dive into why this offseason has been different.
In June, reports that head coach Raheem Morris wanted more from Pitts circulated the fantasy sphere. However, since the start of camp, he has changed his tune. Most notably, praising his improvement in pass protection and ability to be able to move the chains on third down. Morris finishes his quote by saying he believes the Michael Penix Jr. to Pitts connection will continue to grow through camp.
Morris might be onto something. Four days later, to open training camp, Penix targeted Pitts with his first throw (a 25-yard completion) and continued to feed him the ball. He also opened his press conference after practice by saying, “You see, we got KP the ball today… There’s going to be a lot of that.” It’s still early, but that is the first time we have heard any Falcons quarterback be consistent with their play and quotes regarding Pitts.
It’s still risky, but Pitts has the potential to become a weekly fantasy starter. Especially with Darnell Mooney dealing with a shoulder injury, there is plenty of opportunity for Pitts. If you need to see the Penix-Pitts connection, check out the game-winning touchdown from Week 17 last year. Much like Richardson, the upside of Pitts finally breaking out makes his ADP of 138 overall worth the shot.
Dont’e Thornton (WR – LV)
Originally highlighted in my June players to target article, Dont’e Thornton has continued to impress in camp. My favourite stat of his is that he, Randy Moss and Calvin Johnson are the only 6-foot-5 receivers to run a 4.30 40-yard dash. There is a lot more than speed to be listed in a group with those Hall of Fame receivers. However, it does showcase his incredible athletic ability.
Thornton is a rookie receiver out of Tennessee who was selected with the sixth pick of the fourth round in the 2025 NFL Draft. His profile emphasized his raw ability as a receiver with impressive athletic traits. What has surprised in camp is his route running. Although far from elite, he is a more polished receiver than what was scouted. As a result, being the only true X receiver on the roster, he has been running with the first team all offseason.
It’s not often fourth-round receivers are consistently praised by the coaches and running with the first team. With his skillset, Thornton should be able to hold down the outside role across from Jakobi Meyers.
I also want to remind everyone (especially dynasty managers) that the Raiders also selected receiver Jack Bech in the second round. Bech is not nearly as athletic as Thornton; however, he should be a reliable target that will step into Meyers’ role when he hits free agency in 2026. If you can flip the hype from Thornton for Bech in dynasty, that would be a smash. However, if you want to draft one in best ball, Thornton holds all the upside for 2025.
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