Fantasy Football Rankings 2025: Breakouts from same NFL model that nailed Jayden Daniels’ dynamic season
SportsLine simulated the NFL season 10,000 times and revealed its 2025 Fantasy football breakouts for draft prep.
Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, the No. 12 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was QB6 in Fantasy football in his rookie season, the second-highest scoring rookie quarterback behind Jayden Daniels. Last year marked a second consecutive season where quarterbacks found themselves in the top six of Fantasy football scoring during their first full seasons as starters.
Several new candidates could follow that trend this year, including Michael Penix Jr., expected to start Week 1 for the Falcons after impressing in the latter part of last season, J.J. McCarthy, anticipated to take over for the Vikings post-injury, and Cam Ward, the first overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Falcons averaged 32 points per game during Penix’s starts, making him a noteworthy pivot for Fantasy football drafters as he’s being taken in the 15th round on average, according to the latest ADP.
How do these breakout quarterbacks affect your Fantasy football strategy for 2025? Should the focus shift from elite quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson to other positions? Before finalizing your 2025 Fantasy draft strategy, consult the 2025 Fantasy football rankings and cheat sheets from SportsLine’s model.
Last season, the model accurately predicted Jayden Daniels would exceed expectations, finishing with an impressive 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns, and nearly 900 rushing yards, securing the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year title.
One 2025 breakout player identified is Calvin Austin III, a Steelers wide receiver anticipated to benefit from solid quarterback stability after Pittsburgh signed future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers. Despite Rodgers’ struggles last season, he still threw for nearly 4,000 yards. Austin’s reception tally doubled last year, positioning him to potentially fill a significant role following the trade of George Pickens.
Travis Hunter, a Jaguars wide receiver, is another projected breakout, expected to contribute significantly despite concerns regarding his dual-role play. Having led the Big 12 in receptions and touchdowns, Hunter’s athletic prowess makes him a player to watch this season.
SportsLine’s model is highly regarded for delivering reliable Fantasy football insights, tracking past performance effectively and adapting strategies accordingly. For additional insights into Fantasy football breakouts, visit SportsLine.
2025 Fantasy football ADP (PPR, via CBS)
- Ja’Marr Chase (1.81)
- Bijan Robinson (2.25)
- Saquon Barkley (3.69)
- Jahmyr Gibbs (4.81)
- CeeDee Lamb (5.88)
- Justin Jefferson (6.25)
- Christian McCaffrey (9.31)
- Ashton Jeanty (10.62)
- De’Von Achane (10.75)
- Amon-Ra St. Brown (10.75)
