2025 Fantasy Football Rankings: Key Sleepers, Breakouts, and Busts from a Model That Predicted C.J. Stroud's Struggles
Fantasy Sports/Football/Sports

2025 Fantasy Football Rankings: Key Sleepers, Breakouts, and Busts from a Model That Predicted C.J. Stroud's Struggles

Explore essential insights into Fantasy football for 2025, including predictions of top performers and potential disappointments.

After enduring punishing tackles for years, running backs often see a decline in their performance as they get older, particularly once they reach their 30s. Older players frequently face scrutiny from NFL executives and Fantasy managers alike. However, Derrick Henry stands out as an exception. Despite being 30, this robust 250-pound running back surprised many with a stellar performance last season, amassing 1,921 rushing yards and scoring 16 touchdowns while also catching 19 passes for an additional 194 yards, finishing as RB4 in CBS Sports’ PPR leagues.

As you prepare for your upcoming Fantasy drafts, how should you approach the 31-year-old Henry? What other players in the 2025 Fantasy landscape should you monitor? Reliable Fantasy rankings are key to maximizing your draft value. Before finalizing your strategy, be sure to check out the 2025 Fantasy football rankings and cheat sheets from the trusted SportsLine model.

Last year, the model effectively warned that Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud may underperform in his second season, culminating in a QB18 finish, helping Fantasy players avoid an unnecessary headache.

The model is well-recognized for its Fantasy insights, having previously identified A.J. Brown as a sleeper in 2020, predicted Jonathan Taylor’s incredible season in 2021, and analyzed Rachaad White’s breakout in 2023. Previous standout sleepers include Derrick Henry in 2019, Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara in 2018, and Davante Adams in 2017.

Now, SportsLine has run simulations of the entire NFL season 10,000 times, releasing its latest 2025 Fantasy football rankings for both PPR and non-PPR leagues, identifying key sleepers, breakouts, and busts.

Top 2025 Fantasy Football Sleepers

One sleeper the model has its eye on is Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet. A second-round pick from 2023, he has shared the workload with Kenneth Walker III in his first two seasons; however, Walker’s injury history may give Charbonnet an edge. He became the primary goal-line option last season, accumulating 532 yards and eight touchdowns over 135 carries, alongside 42 receptions for 340 yards and a touchdown. His track record of zero fumbles across 318 career touches indicates reliability, which may earn him more chances. The model ranks him ahead of Jaylen Warren and Tyrone Tracy Jr., both of whom are being drafted significantly earlier.

Top 2025 Fantasy Football Breakouts

Omarion Hampton, Chargers running back and ACC rushing leader, is another player to watch according to the model. Despite competition from veteran Najee Harris, the coaching duo of Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman is expected to enhance Hampton’s potential to thrive in his rookie season.

Top 2025 Fantasy Football Busts

Conversely, Jonathan Taylor is flagged as a potential bust due to previous injuries and a lack of passing game involvement. Although he bounced back last season, concerns regarding durability and competition may impair his draft value.

For more detailed Fantasy insights, including who to target or avoid in drafts, and which wide receiver may unexpectedly outperform, be sure to visit SportsLine for comprehensive cheat sheets and rankings, backed by the model that predicted C.J. Stroud’s struggles.

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