Fantasy football fans are already preparing for this coming season. They can find vital clues from a few individual seasons and overall patterns seen in past drafts. Eric Karabell is a senior writer for ESPN, focused on fantasy baseball, football, and basketball. He’s identified key players and factors, all of which are going to shape fantasy outcomes in 2025. The featured athletes are proof that great quarterbacks and developing running backs are still being found. Further still, all of these established receivers have consistently showed up on the field.
The 2024 season brought to light many different dynamics in player performances that will shape strategy moving into the new year. From rookie sensations to forever-injured superstars, each player’s path provides valuable lessons for fantasy managers as they build their squads. As the league attempts to balance the scale between experienced stars and hungry rookies, the approaching season has all the markers of a thrilling storm for fantasy football players.
Quarterback Developments
After a nightmarish 2024 campaign, C.J. Stroud was right back on the fantasy radar. He was on the wrong end of 52 horrendous sacks, second most in college football only to Caleb Williams. Despite this discouraging statistic, analysts are quick to point out Stroud’s high potential. They’re looking for a more rock-solid offensive line this coming season, something that should help his output. That would provide a significant boost as it would help him play to his strengths and make him a more valuable fantasy asset.
Stroud’s performance in his rookie year in the NFL was very similar to how bad he was in 2024. Beamer and his staff made some important moves, notably beefing up both offensive and defensive lines. These adjustments will provide him with added protection and allow him to find his intended targets more regularly. His progression as a QB will be fascinating to track as he returns from injury and looks to return and exceed his previous production.
When Justin Fields burst onto the scene as a dual-threat QB for Chicago, his play commanded all the coverage and chatter. He ranked as the No. 6 fantasy QB scorer. His combination of run and throw ability makes him a fantasy league-winning asset. As Fields further develops, though, he’ll certainly be one to keep an eye on in the years ahead.
Running Back Insights
The running back position is jam packed with talent we’re excited to see. As we’d seen this summer with Kenneth Walker III, Washington had quickly proven himself as the best performer. He really came on in the past catching game during a lost 2024 year filled with injuries. His versatility would add major depth to any fantasy roster. No wonder managers are queuing up to draft him as they try to shore up their RB corps.
Zach Charbonnet is a second player who replicates Walker’s skill set. Whether on the ground or through the air, Charbonnet looks sensational. For fantasy managers seeking more reliable running back production, Harris is an especially interesting option. His ability to be just as effective, if not more than Walker has to for roster decisions.
As talented as Anthony Richardson is, there are durability concerns that come into play. He possesses elite running ability. Yet constant injuries have taken him away from the field and turned his once high value into an afterthought in fantasy leagues. Managers will need to balance the risk that comes with Richardson against the potential upside when deciding whether to roster him.
Receiver and Tight End Trends
That’s produced some wildly inconsistent results considering Deebo’s finished as a top-25 fantasy wide receiver in just two of his six seasons. His reliability and playmaking ability combine to make Boyd a valuable target for fantasy managers seeking consistent production. While teams figure out their best approach with Samuel, the most important factor in his ongoing success will be how the Panthers use him.
T.J. Hockenson, for 2024, might not look as good as he really is. Fewer than 8 percent of analysts think we should just ignore his performance from that year. Instead, we’re here to talk about the amazing things he did in 2022 and 2023. With J.J. McCarthy stepping in as the new quarterback for Hockenson’s team, there is hope that this change will reinvigorate Hockenson’s contributions.
Jameson Williams is another highly touted prospect creating a ton of future-star buzz around him, as well as a borderline QB1 for fantasy. His continued growth will be important as he looks to prove he can find a true home firmly entrenched in the league. Teams are clamoring to develop young talent at an accelerating pace. Williams, …read more
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