The preseason games have concluded, and cutdown day is approaching, marking the final preparations before the NFL regular season kicks off. As we gear up for the excitement, it’s time to dive into some bold predictions for the 2025 fantasy football season. This year, I’m taking a unique approach by categorizing predictions into tiers, offering a range from bold to audacious. Let’s explore my predictions and help you craft your own insights for the upcoming season.
To kickstart your journey in making fantasy football predictions, begin by consulting our comprehensive fantasy football rankings. Following that, utilize our StatsHub advanced stats tool to analyze player performance and trends. Don’t forget to take advantage of the promo code “KELLEY” for a 10% discount on your FTN subscription, which can further enhance your fantasy football strategy.
Last season, Joe Burrow amassed 4,918 passing yards, indicating he is on the brink of a major milestone. After a slow start, Burrow averaged 299.7 passing yards per game from Week 3 onward, projecting him to exceed 5,000 yards easily. With a potentially shaky Bengals defense and Burrow’s proven ability, he is well-positioned to become a top contender for the league's passing title.
This season, the top quarterbacks include Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, Jayden Daniels, Jalen Hurts, and Joe Burrow. However, at least one of them might underperform due to injury or disappointment. My pick to break into the top five is Dak Prescott. After being the QB3 a year ago and finishing high in completions and touchdowns, Prescott has the potential for a significant comeback, especially with a strong receiving corps and a defense that could lead to high-scoring shootouts.
While Jayden Daniels had a stellar season, concerns linger regarding his supporting cast and offensive line. Meanwhile, Caleb Williams has the ideal blend of talent and resources. With a solid offensive line and a potent group of skill players, he is expected to break out this season, especially with the added dimension of rushing touchdowns that he didn’t capitalize on last year.
Since 2019, no running back has emerged as the overall top scorer in fantasy football, but Christian McCaffrey is ready to reclaim that title. His past performances demonstrate that when healthy, he consistently ranks as the top player. If he can avoid injuries, McCaffrey has a solid chance to lead the league in fantasy points again.
Despite being the overall RB1 last year, it’s unlikely Jahmyr Gibbs will replicate that success. With changes to the offensive line and the loss of his innovative offensive coordinator, Gibbs may find it challenging to maintain his previous scoring. Even with a decline, he could still land in the top ten, reflecting the shifts in his supporting cast and overall team dynamics.
Assuming the Texans don’t acquire another running back, Dameon Pierce is set to lead Houston’s backfield decisively. Despite last season's injury, Pierce showed promise, and with improvements in his blocking, he could thrive behind a struggling offensive line. If he remains the primary back, expect him to become a significant sleeper in 2025.
With a lack of competition in Carolina, Tetairoa McMillan has an excellent chance to step up as the primary target. Even if he isn't the only competent receiver, his potential to shine in a weak receiving corps positions him as a candidate for a breakout season, giving him a clear path to a top-12 finish among wide receivers.
The debate surrounding Tyreek Hill’s performance is heated, with some expecting a return to form and others fearing a decline. I lean towards the latter, which is why I believe Jaylen Waddle will outscore him this season. Waddle is younger and has the potential to capitalize on increased opportunities in the Dolphins' offense.
While Justin Jefferson remains a phenomenal talent, factors surrounding the Vikings' offense may hinder his target share. With a focus on a more run-heavy approach and the addition of new players, Jefferson might not maintain his previous dominance in the fantasy landscape.
In a dynamic duo reminiscent of Sonic & Knuckles, Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith can thrive together in Pittsburgh’s offense. With Freiermuth serving as the reliable target and Smith adding speed, both tight ends stand a strong chance of finishing within the top 15, especially with limited competition in the wide receiver department.
Mark Andrews had a rocky start last season but rebounded to finish strong. With a healthy season ahead and an increased target share, he is poised to reclaim his status as one of the top tight ends, potentially finishing in the top three by the end of 2025.
This prediction may seem counterintuitive, but if Trey McBride increases his touchdown count without a rise in overall receiving output, his fantasy points may not reflect that success. Given his unique situation, it’s essential to consider the broader context of his performance as we head into 2025.
In summary, these bold predictions for the 2025 NFL fantasy football season aim to provide insights that could help fantasy managers make informed decisions. The landscape is ever-changing, and seizing the opportunity to capitalize on emerging trends will be crucial for success in the upcoming season.
