In 2025, these breakout players are ready to ascend to the next level in fantasy football and force all gamers to take notice!
Last year's top NFL draft pick, Williams translated his game well enough, all things considered. He finished as the No. 16 fantasy quarterback, and no other QB rushed for more yards without a TD than the USC product's 483 (250 minimum qualifier). The offseason coaching change brings former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson's explosive design to Chicago, a team that also drastically upgraded its offensive line. This year's first-round selection, Michigan TE Colston Loveland, provides Williams another dangerous weapon to partner with DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Cole Kmet, and D'Andre Swift. Williams' athleticism and pedigree position him well for a fantasy explosion, even if it doesn't translate as meaningfully to Chicago finding real-life success. Expect borderline QB1 returns at a midrange backup price tag.
Few players are as explosive from the backfield as Achane, whose game offers dual-threat services to fantasy owners. In his first two pro seasons, the Texas A&M product has generated 14 rushing and nine receiving scores at a rate of one TD every 17.9 touches. He has limited mileage, and the NFL's leader in 2024 RB receptions could see his target share (14.7%) increase with Jonnu Smith being traded away. Miami's backfield behind him is largely unproven with sophomore Jaylen Wright and rookie Ollie Gordon II vying for spell work. The offensive line is a notable concern, though Achane's ability to create for himself is evidenced by a missed-tackle rate a year ago that put him in the top 10. There's legit top-five RB upside here in PPR.
Jaylen Warren will maintain a large role in this offense, especially for clear passing situations, but Johnson has gone from a value buy to leapfrogging the veteran in average draft position. This Iowa rookie ranks RB27 in PPR ADP as the masses are catching to his potential. Pittsburgh's quarterback upgrade will force defenders to remain honest, and OC Arthur Smith's run-minded design can sustain multiple backs most weeks, albeit in a compartmentalized fashion. It's entirely plausible Johnson runs away with the two-down and goal-line work as Warren dominates third-down snaps, so factor that into your draft plans.
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First and foremost, Spears is recovering from an ankle sprain but should be ready for Week 1. Even if he is slow to get on track for the first contest or two, there's still plenty of upside to chase in this his game. Spears, a 2023 third-rounder, will partner with veteran Tony Pollard to help take the pressure off this year's No. 1 overall choice, QB Cam Ward. Spears closed the season playing his best ball, going for 54.7% of his total fantasy production in Weeks 15-17 alone. His versatility is a major asset in reception-rewarding leagues, especially with a rookie quarterback, and the suspect receiving corps also works in Spears' favor for a sturdy target share. Tennessee upgraded its offensive line, too. The 42nd back in ADP has the potential for weekly RB2 utility if injury were to take Pollard out of action for extended time.
The 2024 fourth-overall pick's debut was a total dud (1-4-0) before Harrison quickly rebounded with a 130-yard, two-touchdown day in only his second contest. He ended up scoring in each of the next two games but then found paydirt just three more times over the duration of Harrison's rookie year. Nevertheless, his 62-reception, 885-yard, eight-TD display still felt like a letdown because of elevated expectations and pedigree. In comparison to other esteemed rookie receivers from the last few decades, Harrison was right in line with most of their performances. In 2025, expect more chemistry with Kyler Murray, and the game will come much slower to the Ohio State star. Arizona's aerial game will operate through him, and Harrison has low-end WR1 upside in PPR scoring.
The third-year Reed is the most proven, consistent receiver in Green Bay after two strong seasons, but he hasn't maxed out just yet. He emerged as a rookie with 10 total touchdowns, averaging 13.5 PPR points per game. In the Packers' strugglefest that was the 2024 season, Reed's yards-per-reception average jumped to 15.6 from 12.4, though three fewer touchdowns and nine catches down from 2023 resulted in only 11.7 fantasy points, on average. Green Bay selected WR Matthew Golden in Round 1 of this year's draft to help quarterback Jordan Love, and his vertical prowess will free up Reed over the middle. While WR rushing points are merely a bonus, Matt LaFleur has an obvious desire to put the ball in the hands of this versatile Michigan State product any way possible. While a minor foot injury has him taking it easy during the preseason, Reed should break into top-flight WR2 status following borderline No. 2/WR3 returns in each season to date.
Odunze and quarterback Caleb Williams were Chicago's pair of top-10 draft picks in 2024, giving them chemistry-building familiarity. DJ Moore will draw frequent doubles to allow Odunze to lean into his size and create mismatches. Even with all of Chicago's struggles last season, he authored an admirable 54-734-3 performance. The Bears hired Ben Johnson as head coach after his Detroit Lions offense turned heads. While there should be growing pains to consider, Johnson's system is awfully appealing for fantasy purposes when everything is clicking. Chicago's offensive line was significantly improved in the offseason, too. The previous system sent 121 targets (15 in red zone) to Keenan Allen, which should be dispersed predominantly among D'Andre Swift, Colston Loveland and Odunze. Count on an improved conversion rate from Odunze's (53.4% conversion rate), yet the biggest gains in fantasy value should come from more red-zone targets after tying multiway for the 17th a year ago. He's a WR3 with room for more.
The game should slow greatly for Coleman in Year 2 as he learns nuances to exploit coverages and improves under offensive coordinator Joe Brady. A transfer from Michigan State to Florida State with only two years of experience as primary target in college, Coleman entered his rookie season on the raw side of the development curve. Mirroring his 2023 season with the Seminoles, Coleman's first NFL campaign showcased an outsized ratio of touchdowns to receptions -- a rewarding role he'll serve for this offense. Buffalo is relying on Coleman's ascension, and quarterback Josh Allen personally advocated for Coleman's selection. Inconsistency from week to week could be a factor, but Coleman is a safe bet to leap from PPR WR73 into the top 36 or so.
Quarterback Derek Carr's retirement should help Johnson as inexperienced passers usually rely heavily on tight ends while trying to get the ball out quicker. New head coach Kellen Moore's system is adept at incorporating Johnson's position, and the Saints lack trustworthy WRs not named Chris Olave, who is one good lick away from a lengthy concussion absence. Brandin Cooks is, well, cooked, in his second stint with New Orleans. Even Alvin Kamara is no sure thing in his age-30 season. Johnson, who is coming off a career-50 catches for 548 yards, is positioned nicely to finally break through after flirting with fantasy success multiple times to date.
Brian Callahan's tenure enters its second season, featuring a new quarterback in town after choosing Cam Ward No. 1 overall in April's draft. Established wide receiver Tyler Lockett enters the fray after spending his entire career in Seattle, but he's a shell of his former self. Tennessee's top receiver in 2024, Calvin Ridley, heads into his age-31 season, and Van Jefferson is tepidly affixed atop the No. 3 spot over two rookie receivers. Okonkwo is coming off three lukewarm seasons of middling growth after a promising rookie campaign. The aerial game's downfield passing figures to lag, which favors more targets for Okonkwo. A yards-per-reception average of 9.5 is not indicative of his vertical ability. Tennessee selected TE Gunnar Helm in Round 4 to apply pressure on Okonkwo in the final year of his deal, and we like his chances of finally stepping up.
Sanders put forth a respectable effort in his 2024 rookie season, securing 33 of 42 targets for 342 yards. He averaged a first down per catch over 15 appearances. He scored a single TD, which was the primary factor in Sanders' TE36 overall finish. Carolina is poised for progress in Year 2 of Dave Canales' leadership, and traction started to show down the stretch from quarterback Bryce Young. He tallied 65.9% of his 2024 yardage in the closing seven outings, chucking 11 touchdowns vs. three picks over that span. Canales deserves endless respect for resurrecting Baker Mayfield's career in Tampa and Geno Smith's in Seattle before taking the Carolina job. He's tracking to do the same with Young. Rookie Tetairoa McMillan, an inconsistent Xavier Legette, and 35-year-old Adam Thielen round out the WR targets in Carolina, so it's not hard to see a clear path for Sanders forging a prominent role.
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