Fantasy Football Player Notes
2025 Draft Rankings
|
1.
Josh Allen
BUF (vs . NYJ)
Allen posted another elite season as the QB2 in fantasy points per game. He has not finished lower than QB3 in fantasy points per game since 2020, with three seasons as the QB1. The rushing production continues to be a big part of his wizardry, as he had 12 rushing scores while ranking fifth in rushing yards and third in red zone carries per game. Allen remains no slouch as a passer as well, ranking ninth in yards per attempt, seventh in highly accurate throw rate, and first in hero throw rate (per Fantasy Points Data). He is in the running for QB1 overall again this season.
|
|
2.
Lamar Jackson
BAL (at PIT)
Lamar Jackson stole the QB1 crown away last year. It was his first time as the QB1 in fantasy points per game since his monstrous 2019 campaign. I know this won't shock anyone, but his rushing production remained stellar as he led all quarterbacks with 915 rushing yards while ranking tenth in rushing touchdowns and fourth in carries per game. Jackson also took more strides as a passer, finishing with a career-high 4,172 passing yards and 41 passing touchdowns. Hopefully, the shade that he received earlier in his career as a passer is dead and buried ten feet deep because he is a stellar thrower of the football. Among 40 qualifying passers last season, Jackson ranked first in yards per attempt, fifth in CPOE, and seventh in hero throw rate (per Fantasy Points Data). Jackson could be the QB1 overall again in 2025.
|
|
3.
Jayden Daniels
WAS (at PHI)
Daniels was a league-winning value last year in his rookie season as the QB6 in fantasy points per game. If we remove the two games in which he failed to play more than 50% of the snaps, he averaged 23.7 fantasy points per game and had 0.61 fantasy points per dropback. Those two figures would have ranked second and fourth among quarterbacks last year. In those 15 full games, Daniels averaged 58.2 rushing yards per game, which would have led all quarterbacks last year by 4.4 yards per game. He also wasn't a pushover from the pocket, ranking 14th in yards per attempt, 11th in CPOE, and sixth in catchable target rate (per Fantasy Points Data). Daniels can improve in the passing department, though, which is incredibly scary for anyone not drafting him as he was 24th in highly accurate throw rate and 17th in off-target rate. Daniels has QB1 overall upside this season with a mid QB1 floor.
|
|
4.
Jalen Hurts
PHI (vs . WAS)
Before he essentially missed the last three games of last year's regular season with a concussion, Hurts was the QB5 in fantasy points per game. The Eagles leaned heavily on their ground game last year with the fewest passing attempts in the NFL, but that number will regress. Philly will pass more in 2025. It's not a question of if but how much. The "Tush Push" is still here despite certain NFL teams and their envy attempting to get rid of it. Hurts spiked the ball in the end zone 14 times last year as he led in red zone carries. While I don't see him hitting that number again, ten-plus rushing scores are probably a lock. Hurts also ranked first in carries per game and third in rushing yards among quarterbacks. I know I've discussed his rushing impact a ton here, but it's not like Hurts was a bad passer last year. Among 40 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranked fourth in yards per attempt, second in CPOE, 13th in highly accurate throw rate, and he had the 11th-lowest off-target rate last year (per Fantasy Points Data). With a cupboard full of skill weapons and a top 5-10 offensive line, Hurts remains a top-four fantasy quarterback with QB1 overall upside.
|
|
5.
Joe Burrow
CIN (vs . CLE)
Last year, Joe Burrow was the QB3 in fantasy points per game, finishing with career bests in nearly every statistical category. He led the NFL in passing attempts, passing yards, and passing touchdowns. Burrow also excelled on a per-dropback basis, ranking 12th in yards per attempt, first in CPOE, and fifth in hero throw rate (per Fantasy Points Data). The crazy thing is he is primed to do it again in 2025, possibly. Last year, Cincy ranked first in neutral passing rate and pass rate over expectation, and there's nothing to stop them from doing so again. The Bengals' defense might be even worse this season, so there should be plenty of games where Burrow is playing catch-up, chucking the rock around the yard. His skill player cupboard is intact, so we should see Burrow hovering around the top-five fantasy quarterbacks this season.
|
|
6.
Patrick Mahomes II
KC (at LV)
Patrick Mahomes hasn't been a top-six fantasy quarterback in fantasy points per game since 2022. Over the past two seasons, his passing prowess has suffered with 6.8 and 7.0 yards per attempt and back-to-back finishes with less than 30 passing touchdowns and a 4.5% passing touchdown rate. His rushing production is a nice added value bump at this point that we should expect. Mahomes has finished inside the top 12 quarterbacks in rushing yards in each of the past five seasons (12th, 7th, 9th, 6th, 10th). We know that Kansas City will pass a ton. That is a given at this point, as they have ranked in the top three in neutral passing rate in each of the last four seasons. The worry for Mahomes has been that he has quietly struggled as a passer over the last two seasons. Last year, among 40 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranked 29th in highly accurate throw rate and 19th in CPOE. His shortcomings as a deep passer have plagued him for the last two seasons, as he has been in the bottom ten in CPOE and in the top ten in off-target rate with deep passes (per Fantasy Points Data). Mahomes will have the volume and rushing equity to finish as a QB1 again this year, but unless his passing skills return to a top-shelf level, it's tough to consider him as anything more than a low-end QB1.
|
|
7.
Baker Mayfield
TB (vs . CAR)
Baker Mayfield is coming off a career year as the QB4 in fantasy points per game. He led an offense that ranked eighth in pass rate over expectation. Mayfield ranked fifth in passing attempts, third in passing yards, and second in passing touchdowns. Mayfield's passing touchdowns could regress some in 2025, as he had 41 last year when he has never eclipsed 30 before. Now, that doesn't mean his passing touchdowns will drop back into the 20s, but I do expect him to finish somewhere in the mid-30s. Another area where Mayfield could see some regressing is in the rushing department. Last year, he finished with 378 rushing yards (10th-best) and three rushing scores (12th-best). Both of those figures were also career highs. I'm not trying to take anything away from Mayfield because he was studly on a per-dropback basis. Among 40 qualifying quarterbacks, he was seventh in yards per attempt and CPOE and second in highly accurate throw rate (per Fantasy Points Data). Mayfield should backslide in a number of categories this season, but he is still in a pass-happy offense, surrounded by an awesome cast of skill weapons, and is playing the best football of his career. Mayfield is a strong QB1.
|
|
8.
Bo Nix
DEN (vs . LAC)
I was down on Bo Nix entering last season. Early on, it looked like I was right about my evaluation of him as a prospect. Nix STRUGGLED out of the gate before turning it on in Week 5. Once the candle was lit for Nix, he coffin nailed my evaluation of his upside in the NFL. In Weeks 5-18, Nix was the QB6 in fantasy points per game, ranking 15th in yards per attempt, tenth in CPOE, ninth in highly accurate throw rate, and eighth in fantasy points per dropback (per Fantasy Points Data). I've never been happier being proved wrong. He was nothing short of amazing and placed third in the NFL Rookie of the Year voting. He also provided rushing upside, which I didn't expect in the NFL. Last year, he ranked tenth in carries per game and eighth in rushing yards among quarterbacks. Denver added Pat Bryant, R.J. Harvey, J.K. Dobbins, and Evan Engram to this offense in the offseason. Nix could take another step in 2025 with the added weaponry and be a top-five quarterback.
|
|
9.
Kyler Murray
ARI (at LAR)
Kyler Murray finished as the QB12 in fantasy points per game last year with 18.1 points per game. He has settled into this realm over the last three seasons with 18.1-18.9 points per game. Rushing was still a big part of his production, as he ranked fourth in rushing yards and seventh in rushing touchdowns among quarterbacks. Murray is the epitome of "better in best ball than redraft." If you had him on any of your teams last year, you perfectly understood the frustration with rostering Murray that his QB12 finish doesn't explain. Last year, he had five top-five weekly finishes, with an average of 26.2 fantasy points per game. Sandwiched around those week-winning performances were nine weeks where he was the QB15 or lower in weekly scoring. Murray is a player where you know the ceiling outcome exists weekly, but you see it so infrequently that you can never be sure when to plug him into a lineup. His passing numbers were nothing to write home about last year. Among 40 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranked 20th in yards per attempt and highly accurate throw rate, 18th in CPOE, and 16th in passer rating (per Fantasy Points Data). Murray is a top-15 fantasy quarterback who could finish as a QB1 again in 2025 because of his rushing production.
|
|
10.
Justin Fields
NYJ (at BUF)
Over the last three seasons, when he has been a starting quarterback, Justin Fields has finished inside the top ten fantasy quarterbacks in fantasy points per game (QB7, QB9, QB5). Last year, in his six starts for Pittsburgh, he was the QB7 in fantasy points per game while averaging 9.2 carries and 38.5 rushing yards per game. If Fields had kept up that rushing pace for the entire season he would have finished fifth in rushing yards per game among quarterbacks immediately behind Jalen Hurts. He also took a step forward as a passer last year. In Weeks 1-6, among 31 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranked 17th in CPOE, fourth-best in highly accurate throw rate, 12th-best in catchable target rate, and he boasted the ninth-lowest turnover-worthy throw rate (per Fantasy Points Data). The weapons surrounding Fields aren't amazing, but he's not being asked to work with a totally barren skill cupboard as Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, & Mason Taylor should all be dependable receiving options. The Jets also have an offensive line that should have no problems buying him time in the pocket. Fields is a locked-in top-ten fantasy quarterback this season.
|
|
11.
Brock Purdy
SF (vs . SEA)
Brock Purdy continues to hum along as a QB1 in fantasy after finishing as the QB10 and QB6 in fantasy points per game over the last two seasons. Last year, Purdy flashed some rushing upside, too, as he ranked 11th in rushing yards and seventh in rushing scores among quarterbacks. Last year, he ranked third in yards per attempt, ninth in CPOE, and tenth in fantasy points per dropback. While Brandon Aiyuk could get off to a slow start this season, Purdy still has plenty of weapons at his disposal with Christian McCaffrey, George Kittle, Ricky Pearsall, and Jauan Jennings. Purdy should lead one of the best offenses in the NFL again this season that could be pushed to throw more if their defense takes a hit.
|
|
12.
Caleb Williams
CHI (vs . DET)
Let's call a spade a spade here. Caleb Williams had a VERY tough rookie season. The ballyhooed savior of the Windy City didn't exactly have the start to his career that many people hoped for and hyped. Williams was the QB21 in fantasy points per game, which was aided greatly by his legs (seventh in rushing yards among quarterbacks). Williams was the QB12 in expected fantasy points per game, so the disappointment was very real. When we discuss what he did as a passer, the true tragedy becomes apparent. Last year, among 40 qualifying quarterbacks, Williams ranked 34th in yards per attempt, 24th in CPOE, and 26th in highly accurate throw rate (per Fantasy Points Data). Williams had the ninth-highest off-target rate and the second-lowest catchable target rate (only Anthony Richardson was worse). The Bears have added a TON of personnel to help Williams find his footing in year two with offensive line upgrades, a strong play-caller (Ben Johnson), and the additions of Luther Burden and Colston Loveland. I do believe Williams will take a step forward, but the real question is how much. Williams is best viewed as a dice roll QB2.
|
|
13.
Justin Herbert
LAC (at DEN)
Last year, Justin Herbert finished as the QB14 in fantasy points per game, but his season was a tale of two halves. Herbert sustained a foot injury in camp and a high ankle sprain in Week 3 that impacted his early season efficiency. In Weeks 1-6, Herbert was the QB27 in fantasy points per game, averaging 163 passing yards per game with 6.5 yards per attempt and 5.2 rushing yards per game. In Weeks 7-18, all of those numbers improved as he was the QB11 in fantasy points per game. During that span, among 32 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranked seventh in passing yards per game (254.6), sixth in yards per attempt (8.1), fourth in CPOE, second in hero throw rate, and averaged 23.3 rushing yards (per Fantasy Points Data). With more receiving options added to the depth chart this offseason, Herbert could be a QB1 this season, but he's best viewed as a rock-solid QB2.
|
|
14.
Jared Goff
DET (at CHI)
Last year, Jared Goff's 6.9% passing touchdown rate (third-best in the NFL) carried him to a QB7 finish in fantasy points per game. His previous best finish in fantasy points per game was QB11 in 2023. Goff could be a QB1 again in 2025, but he'll have to continue to be a touchdown outlier. He doesn't have the rushing equity to offset a downtick in the passing department. Goff's previous best passing touchdown rate as a Lion was 5.0%. This isn't to say Goff hasn't been and won't again this year be a damn good starting NFL quarterback. Last year, among 40 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranked second in yards per attempt, 12th in CPOE, and fourth in highly accurate throw rate (per Fantasy Points Data). Goff is best viewed as a top-15 fantasy quarterback who could be a low-end QB1 again in 2025.
|
|
15.
Dak Prescott
DAL (at NYG)
Prescott is an amazing late-round quarterback value. He is primed to return to the QB1 ranks in 2025. With George Pickens added opposite CeeDee Lamb, Jake Ferguson, and Jalen Tolbert, Prescott has enough weaponry at his disposal to excel in Dallas's pass-centric offense. Last year, in Weeks 1-8, Dallas ranked eighth in neutral passing rate and tenth in pass rate over expectation. Last year, Prescott's passing touchdown rate dipped to 3.8%, which was the first time since 2020 that his passing touchdown rate had dipped below 5.8%. Prescott will throw for more touchdowns in 2025. We're only one season removed from him finishing as the QB4 in fantasy points per game, seventh in yards per attempt, eighth in CPOE, and sixth-best in highly accurate throw rate (per Fantasy Points Data). Invest in Prescott.
|
|
16.
Drake Maye
NE (vs . MIA)
Drake Maye made the best he could last year with a pitiful supporting cast. His offensive line was patchwork at best, and arguably, his top two pass catchers were Hunter Henry and Demario Douglas. Despite all of this, in the nine games Maye played at least 90% of the snaps, he averaged 18.7 fantasy points per game, which would have placed him as the QB11 last year. In those contests, he averaged. 36.8 rushing yards per game, which would have ranked fifth among quarterbacks last season. Overall, among 40 qualifying quarterbacks, Maye ranked 27th in yards per attempt, 17th in CPOE, 11th in highly accurate throw rate, 18th in hero throw rate, and had the 13th-highest turnover-worthy throw rate (per Fantasy Points Data). The rushing output will factor in heavily this season for Maye and his fantasy outlook. The additions of Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, offensive line help, and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels can only help Maye in 2025. He's a strong QB2 who could finish as a QB1 this season.
|
|
17.
Jordan Love
GB (at MIN)
Jordan Love wasn't able to follow up on his massive 2024 breakout campaign with another successful season. Injuries played a sizable role in this, as Love sustained a sprained MCL in Week 1 and a groin injury in Week 8. In Weeks 4-17, after his return from the knee injury, he was the QB14 in fantasy points per game. Overall, he finished 15th in CPOE, 37th in highly accurate throw rate, and 24th in catchable target rate (per Fantasy Points Data). With the lower half ailments, he only amassed 83 rushing yards as well after piling up 247 in the previous season. It all went off the rails as the Packers tried to protect Love, as they had the second-highest neutral rushing rate behind only the Eagles. Love may bounce back with a strong QB1 season, but it's equally possible he turns in a nice season from a real football perspective only to turn in QB2 fantasy numbers.
|
|
18.
Trevor Lawrence
JAC (vs . TEN)
Trevor Lawrence had another disappointing season in 2024 that was ultimately cut short by injury. He was knocked out of Week 9 with a shoulder issue, only to return for Week 13 and leave the game with a concussion. He didn't play another snap in 2024. In Weeks 1-9, Lawrence was the QB15 in fantasy points per game. Among 40 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranked 17th in yards per attempt, 34th in CPOE, 16th in hero throw rate, and 19th in highly accurate throw rate (per Fantasy Points Data). The injuries took a toll not only on his passing numbers but also on his rushing production. In the three previous seasons, Lawrence ranked eighth, tenth, and ninth in rushing yards among quarterbacks. If Liam Coen can work his magic in Duval, Lawrence's rushing production returns (or is elevated some), and the arrival of Travis Hunter and Bhayshul Tuten can inject some life into this offense, don't be shocked if Lawrence is a high-end QB2 flirting with QB1 production this season.
|
|
19.
C.J. Stroud
HOU (vs . IND)
Last year was disastrous for Stroud as he tumbled from the QB7 in fantasy points per game to the QB28. Everything that could have gone wrong did. His offensive line imploded. Nico Collins was in and out of the lineup, while Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs were lost to season-ending injuries. Stroud didn't help matters with the fifth-highest time to throw and the 15th-highest pressure-to-sack ratio (per Fantasy Points Data). Stroud will operate behind a retooled offensive line in 2025 that honestly couldn't be worse than what he dealt with last year. The skill player cabinet has been restocked with a nice mix of veterans and youth, with the additions of Christian Kirk, Jayden Higgins, Jayllin Noel, Nick Chubb, and Justin Watson. Everything is setting up nicely for Stroud to make a run as a top-12 fantasy quarterback again this season.
|
|
20.
J.J. McCarthy
MIN (vs . GB)
Yes, I know we haven't seen J.J. McCarthy play outside of an abbreviated preseason sample last year, but I'll be targeting him everywhere this season. This should remain a pass-happy offense after ranking eighth in neutral passing rate and third in pass rate over expectation last year (per Fantasy Points Data). The Vikings remain loaded with skill players and added to the offensive line this offseason to give their new signal caller all the time in the world to dice up opposing pass defenses in 2025. Sam Darnold (yes, that Sam Darnold) finished as the QB9 in fantasy points per game last year, continuing a long history of Kevin O'Connel's quarterbacks finishing as QB1s. I believe McCarthy will keep that streak alive. He was a stellar prospect who has been airdropped into the perfect situation. In his final collegiate season, McCarthy ranked inside the top 12 FBS quarterbacks in passing grade, adjusted completion rate, yards per attempt, adjusted completion rate with downfield throws, and against pressure (per PFF). It's wheels up for McCarthy in 2025.
|
|
21.
Matthew Stafford
LAR (vs . ARI)
If you're looking to punt quarterback in your drafts this season, Matthew Stafford should be in the mix for your fantasy football teams. Before tailing off at the end of last season, with Puka Nacua back in the huddle, Stafford was performing as the QB11 in fantasy points per game. During that stretch, he was ranked tenth in yards per attempt, sixth in passer rating, and 11th in highly accurate throw rate and fantasy points per dropback (per Fantasy Points Data). Cooper Kupp is gone and replaced by the always awesome Davante Adams. Tyler HIgbee will be ready to roll and Terrance Ferguson has been added as his heir apparent. Stafford could turn back the clock in 2025 with another QB1 season for fantasy football.
|
|
22.
Tua Tagovailoa
MIA (at NE)
Tua Tagovailoa's concussion history is well-known, so I won't be diving into that here. Anyone drafting Tagovailoa is well aware at this point of the risk that he carries weekly. Let's discuss what he did when on the field last season. Miami went with a conservative "get the ball out of his hands QUICKLY" approach last season. Among 40 qualifying quarterbacks last season, he had the lowest aDOT (5.9) and the second-lowest time to throw behind only Copper Rush (per Fantasy Points Data). While this Chad Pennington-esque approach hurt his receivers, it didn't impact Tagovailoa's fantasy output, as he was the QB13 in fantasy points per game. Among the previous subset of quarterbacks discussed, he also ranked 18th in yards per attempt, eighth in passer rating, tenth in CPOE, and first in highly accurate throw rate. Tagovailoa should be a strong QB2 this season. If he can manage a spike in passing touchdown rate in 2025, he might flirt with low-end QB1 production.
|
|
23.
Bryce Young
CAR (at TB)
The light finally came on for Bryce Young down the stretch last year. In Weeks 12-18, he was the QB8 in fantasy points per game, averaging 25.4 rushing yards per game, which would have ranked 12th-best overall last year. During that stretch, among 34 qualifying quarterbacks, Young ranked eighth in CPOE, 12th in highly accurate throw rate, and second in hero throw rate (per Fantasy Points Data). He was aggressively pushing the ball downfield with the fifth-highest deep throw rate in the NFL behind only Josh Allen, Anthony Richardson, Lamar Jackson, and Jordan Love. Young is a sneaky QB2 option for 2025 who could again flirt with QB1 production if he can keep up the stellar play of late 2024 and quickly get on the same page with Tetairoa McMillan.
|
|
24.
Michael Penix Jr.
ATL (vs . NO)
Michael Penix showed some promise in his brief cup of coffee as the starter last year, but he'll need to continue to hone his game if he wants to fulfill the hope that he can be a difference-making quarterback for Atlanta for years to come. In Weeks 16-18 last season, he averaged 15.2 fantasy points per game, which would have translated to QB23 for the season. He was extremely aggressive, ranking sixth in deep throw rate, fourth in hero throw rate, and second in aDOT. Among 47 qualifying quarterbacks last season, he ranked 16th in yards per attempt, 23rd in CPOE, 43rd in highly accurate throw rate, and 21st in catchable target rate (per Fantasy Points Data). Penix isn't a rushing threat, with no more than five rushing yards in any of his starts last year, so he'll have to rack up all of his fantasy scoring from the pocket. He'll definitely have plenty of spike weeks this season for the quarterback streaming crowd, but it's unlikely he will finish the year as anything more than QB2.
|
|
25.
Geno Smith
LV (vs . KC)
Geno Smith was the QB15 in fantasy points per game on the strength of operating in an offense that ranked fourth in passing attempts. I don't know if he'll be afforded anywhere near that amount of volume with the Raiders, but Smith also checked more than a few boxes for strong quarterback play last season. Among 40 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranked 13th in yards per attempt, fourth in CPOE, and tenth in highly accurate throw rate (per Fantasy Points Data). The wheels came off for Smith when he was pressured, and that happened often in 2024 as he faced the sixth-most pressures in the NFL. Last year, when pressured, Smith ranked 35th in passer rating with the fourth-highest turnover-worthy throw rate while sitting at 17th in adjusted completion rate. When Smith passed from a clean pocket, he ranked 13th in passer rating, had the 23rd-lowest turnover-worthy throw rate, and was second in adjusted completion rate. The move from Seattle to Las Vegas could benefit Smith's pressure sensitivity greatly as the Raiders were 14th in pass blocking grade last season (Seattle 19th). I don't think Smith has the juice to be a QB1 this season, but he could easily turn in high-end QB2 numbers again this season with plenty of splash performances for the quarterback-streaming crowd.
|
|
26.
Sam Darnold
SEA (at SF)
Sam Darnold was the QB9 in fantasy points per game last year. Let's get this out of the way VERY QUICKLY...Darnold set career marks in every category imaginable last year, and I don't see anything close to that production repeating in 2025. Yes, last season, among 40 qualifying quarterbacks, he ranked sixth in yards per attempt and passer rating and third in CPOE, but also, when we look closer, the real Sam Darnold can still be found. Despite those rousing stats I mentioned a second ago, Darnold was also 22nd in highly accurate throw rate, 15th in catchable target rate, and he had the ninth-highest turnover-worthy throw rate. With his move to Seattle, he loses Kevin O'Connell, faces a downgrade at offensive line and skill players, and will likely operate in a more run-centric offense. All of this leads to Darnold falling back into QB2 territory in 2025.
|
|
27.
Cameron Ward
TEN (at JAC)
Cam Ward arrives in Tennessee and will be the face of the franchise moving forward. The Titans desperately need Ward to establish himself in 2025 and offer the team hope that they have the right player to lead them into the future. Ward's game can be a highwire act down to down. There are plenty of high-end moments and special plays, but Ward also has plenty of misfires and can run through cold stretches in games. In his final collegiate season, he ranked fourth in yards per attempt and 12th in big-time throw rate, but he was also 22nd in pressure-adjusted completion rate and 32nd in clean pocket-adjusted completion rate (per PFF). Behind a questionable but hopefully ascending offensive line and a thin skill position depth chart, Ward could offer some spike week potential and streamable moments, but he's likely only worth drafting this season in 2QB or Superflex redraft formats.
|
|
28.
Aaron Rodgers
PIT (vs . BAL)
Last season, in many aspects, Aaron Rodgers looked like a shell of his former self. He finished as the QB19 in fantasy points per game despite operating in an offense with the fourth-highest passing rate over expectation (per Fantasy Points Data). I don't know if he gets anywhere near that type of pass-happy offensive design with Arthur Smith carrying the play-calling headset. Yes, Pittsburgh (fourth-lowest passing rate over expectation) will pass more in 2025, but they WILL NOT be a top 5-10 passing rate team. Then we are left to rely upon per-dropback efficiency from Rodgers, which in the year 2025 is hard to do. Last season, among 40 qualifying passers, he ranked 29th in yards per attempt, 39th in CPOE, 22nd in catchable target rate, and had the eighth-highest off-target rate. Rodgers is likely headed toward a QB2 season for fantasy purposes, where he gets lost in the QB2 noise and is only a viable streaming option when the matchup is right.
|
|
29.
Anthony Richardson Sr.
IND (at HOU)
After two disappointing and injury-marred seasons, former fourth overall draft pick Anthony Richardson will have to earn the Colts' starting QB job in a training camp battle with ex-Giant Daniel Jones. Richardson played only four games as a rookie in 2023, with an October shoulder injury putting him on the shelf for the rest of the season. But Richardson offered glimpses of immense fantasy potential, with 136 rushing yards and four TD runs in those four games, along with three TD passes. But Richardson was a disaster as a passer last season, completing only 47.7% of his passes, with eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions. The 6-4, 244-pound Richardson is a remarkable physical specimen who still offers considerable fantasy upside because of his rushing ability, but his struggles as a passer threaten to derail his career.
|
|
30.
Russell Wilson
NYG (vs . DAL)
The Giants signed 36-year-old Russell Wilson to a one-year, $21 million deal in March, and he's the favorite to open the season as the Giants' starting QB. But Wilson might not have the job for long. The Giants traded up to take Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart late in the first round of this year's draft, and they also added veteran Jameis Winston in the offseason. Wilson made 11 starts for the Steelers last season and averaged 16.2 fantasy points per start. He'll be drafted as a QB3 in 2025 but might be useful as a spot starter in favorable matchups.
|
|
31.
Daniel Jones
IND (at HOU)
After six topsy-turvy seasons with the Giants and a late-season stint as Sam Darnold's backup in Minnesota last season, Daniel Jones signed a one-year, $14 million deal with the Colts, who'll give him a chance to compete with Anthony Richardson for the starting job. Jones had a good fantasy season in 2022, finishing QB9 in fantasy scoring that year, largely on the strength of 708 rushing yards and seven TD runs. But Jones was ineffective in 2024, and the Giants benched him after 10 starts. Because of his rushing ability, the 28-yard Jones could have some low-level fantasy value if he's able to beat out Richardson.
|
|
32.
Joe Flacco
CLE (at CIN)
Joe Flacco is the favorite to be the Browns' starting quarterback in Week 1 of the 2025 season, but Cleveland has a crowded QB room. The Browns also signed former Steeler Kenny Pickett in the offseason, then drafted Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders. After his 11-year run with the Ravens, Flacco has reinvented himself as a daring gunslinger late in his career. In stints with the Jets, Browns and Colts over the last five years, Flacco has averaged 269.9 passing yards over 20 starts, with 36 touchdowns and 21 interceptions. The Browns have incentive to give Gabriel and Sanders 2025 auditions before they decide whether to take a quarterback in what looks like a QB-rich 2026 draft, so the 40-year-old Flacco may not be the starter for long. But Flacco is such an aggressive thrower that he'll be fantasy-viable for as long as he starts.
|
|
33.
Jaxson Dart
NYG (vs . DAL)
The Giants traded up to select Dart late in the first round of this year's draft. They have the luxury of bringing Dart along slowly after signing veteran QBs Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston in the offseason, but Dart could be the starter by midseason if the veterans struggle or if the Giants' season starts to go sideways. Dart has an NFL-caliber arm and a quick release, and he's capable of providing fantasy value as a runner. But Dart could have a difficult adjustment transitioning from Lane Kiffin's QB-friendly system at Ole Miss to the NFL.
|
|
34.
Tyler Shough
NO (at ATL)
Second-round draft pick Tyler Shough has a chance to start for the Saints in Week 1 now that Derek Carr has announce his retirement, although Spencer Rattler and perhaps Jake Haener also have a chance to earn the starting QB job in New Orleans. Shough bounced from Oregon to Texas Tech to Louisville in college and didn't play a full season as a starter until his seventh year in a college program. The 25-year-old Shough is a late bloomer, but his combination of size, mobility and arm talent make him an intriguing. Just don't expect much of a rookie-year impact for fantasy.
|
|
35.
Shedeur Sanders
CLE (at CIN)
|
|
36.
Jalen Milroe
SEA (at SF)
|
|
37.
Kirk Cousins
ATL (vs . NO)
|
|
38.
Jameis Winston
NYG (vs . DAL)
|
|
39.
Spencer Rattler
NO (at ATL)
|
|
40.
Kenny Pickett
CLE (at CIN)
|
|
41.
Will Levis
TEN (at JAC)
|
|
42.
Mason Rudolph
PIT (vs . BAL)
|
|
43.
Dillon Gabriel
CLE (at CIN)
|
|
44.
Joe Milton III
DAL (at NYG)
|
|
45.
Aidan O'Connell
LV (vs . KC)
|
|
46.
Marcus Mariota
WAS (at PHI)
|
|
|
47.
Will Howard
PIT (vs . BAL)
|
|
48.
Malik Willis
GB (at MIN)
|
|
49.
Mac Jones
SF (vs . SEA)
|
|
50.
Zach Wilson
MIA (at NE)
|
|
51.
Jake Browning
CIN (vs . CLE)
|
|
52.
Tyrod Taylor
NYJ (at BUF)
|
|
53.
Sam Howell
MIN (vs . GB)
|
|
54.
Gardner Minshew II
KC (at LV)
|
|
55.
Cooper Rush
BAL (at PIT)
|
|
56.
Joshua Dobbs
NE (vs . MIA)
|
|
57.
Andy Dalton
CAR (at TB)
|
|
58.
Jacoby Brissett
ARI (at LAR)
|
|
59.
Kyle Trask
TB (vs . CAR)
|
|
60.
Jimmy Garoppolo
LAR (vs . ARI)
|
|
61.
Hendon Hooker
DET (at CHI)
|
|
62.
Davis Mills
HOU (vs . IND)
|
|
63.
Nick Mullens
JAC (vs . TEN)
|
|
64.
Mitchell Trubisky
BUF (vs . NYJ)
|
|
65.
Jarrett Stidham
DEN (vs . LAC)
|
|
66.
Tyson Bagent
CHI (vs . DET)
|
|
67.
Taylor Heinicke
LAC (at DEN)
|
|
68.
Deshaun Watson
CLE (at CIN)
|
|
69.
Drew Lock
SEA (at SF)
|
|
70.
Quinn Ewers
MIA (at NE)
|
|
71.
Jake Haener
NO (at ATL)
|
|
|
72.
Riley Leonard
IND (at HOU)
|
|
73.
Tanner McKee
PHI (vs . WAS)
|
|
74.
Trey Lance
LAC (at DEN)
|
|
75.
Case Keenum
CHI (vs . DET)
|
|
76.
Dorian Thompson-Robinson
PHI (vs . WAS)
|
|
77.
Bailey Zappe
KC (at LV)
|
|
|
78.
Kyle McCord
PHI (vs . WAS)
|
|
79.
Clayton Tune
ARI (at LAR)
|
|
80.
Tommy DeVito
NYG (vs . DAL)
|
|
81.
Stetson Bennett
LAR (vs . ARI)
|
|
82.
Skylar Thompson
PIT (vs . BAL)
|
|
|
83.
McKenzie Milton
FA (BYE)
|
|
84.
Carson Wentz
FA (BYE)
|
|
85.
Kyle Allen
DET (at CHI)
|
|
86.
Logan Woodside
CIN (vs . CLE)
|
|
87.
Brandon Allen
TEN (at JAC)
|
|
88.
Mike White
BUF (vs . NYJ)
|
|
89.
Chris Oladokun
KC (at LV)
|
|
|
90.
Graham Mertz
HOU (vs . IND)
|
|
91.
Sam Ehlinger
DEN (vs . LAC)
|
|
92.
John Wolford
JAC (vs . TEN)
|
|
|
93.
Tommy Mellott
LV (vs . KC)
|
|
94.
Feleipe Franks
ATL (vs . NO)
|
|
95.
Kedon Slovis
HOU (vs . IND)
|
|
96.
Will Grier
DAL (at NYG)
|
|
97.
Josh Johnson
WAS (at PHI)
|
|
|
98.
Payton Thorne
CIN (vs . CLE)
|
|
99.
Shane Buechele
BUF (vs . NYJ)
|
|
|
100.
Cam Miller
LV (vs . KC)
|
|
|
101.
Connor Bazelak
TB (vs . CAR)
|
|
|
102.
Seth Henigan
JAC (vs . TEN)
|
|
|
103.
Kurtis Rourke
SF (vs . SEA)
|
|
104.
Michael Pratt
TB (vs . CAR)
|
|
105.
Devin Leary
BAL (at PIT)
|
|
106.
Sean Clifford
GB (at MIN)
|
|
107.
Brett Rypien
MIN (vs . GB)
|
|
108.
Easton Stick
ATL (vs . NO)
|
|
|
109.
Ben Wooldridge
NE (vs . MIA)
|
|
110.
Tim Boyle
TEN (at JAC)
|
|
|
111.
Max Brosmer
MIN (vs . GB)
|
|
112.
Carter Bradley
FA (BYE)
|
|
|
113.
Brady Cook
NYJ (at BUF)
|
|
|
114.
Hunter Dekkers
NO (at ATL)
|
|
115.
Sam Hartman
WAS (at PHI)
|
|
116.
Jack Plummer
CAR (at TB)
|
|
|
117.
Ethan Garbers
CAR (at TB)
|
|
118.
Austin Reed
CHI (vs . DET)
|
|
|
119.
DJ Uiagalelei
LAC (at DEN)
|
|
120.
Adrian Martinez
NYJ (at BUF)
|
|
|
121.
Taylor Elgersma
GB (at MIN)
|
