
Fantasy Football Rankings for 2025: Projected Sleepers, Breakouts, and Busts
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, strategies for fantasy football drafts are taking shape, guided by data-driven predictions.
With the conclusion of NFL training camps and roster cuts, fantasy football enthusiasts are refining their draft tactics for the upcoming 2025 season. Rookies continue to present opportunities for both risk and reward, and this remains true for 2025. Players like Ashton Jeanty of the Raiders and Colts tight end Tyler Warren are drawing attention as potential sleeper picks in early rankings.
Among other rookies worth watching are Cam Ward, the Titans quarterback, two-way talent Travis Hunter from the Jaguars, and the Buccaneers’ wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. Will one of these newcomers stand out as a fantasy star, or risk being a bust on draft day? Before finalizing your 2025 draft plans, make sure to check out SportsLine’s 2025 Fantasy Football rankings and cheat sheets.
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Last year, the predictive model suggested that Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud might struggle in his sophomore year, and he ended up ranking as QB18, making those who avoided early drafts of him quite fortunate.
The same model has a track record of success in providing fantasy insights, such as identifying A.J. Brown as a sleeper in 2020 and nailing Jonathan Taylor’s terrific 2021 season. Furthermore, it has flagged sleepers like Derrick Henry in 2019 and Christian McCaffrey in 2018. Currently, SportsLine has simulated the entire NFL season 10,000 times and has released the latest rankings for PPR and non-PPR leagues, along with an assortment of sleeper, breakout, and bust picks. See them at SportsLine now.
Top 2025 Fantasy Football Sleepers
One notable sleeper is Seahawks running back Zach Charbonnet. Though he is currently listed as the RB2, the model predicts he could rank among the top 30 running backs due to the starter’s tendency to miss games. Charbonnet averaged over 100 total yards in the six games last season when the starter missed time, maintaining impressive statistics.
Regardless of whether you select Kenneth Walker III or not, Charbonnet’s proven track record suggests he could be a viable fantasy option. He scored nine touchdowns last season, and given the Seahawks did not make significant additions to their running back roster this offseason, he remains an attractive sleeper option heading into this season.
Top 2025 Fantasy Football Breakouts
The predictions also highlight Denver Broncos running back RJ Harvey as a breakout candidate. Initially starting his college career as a quarterback, he switched to running back successfully, showcasing impressive stats with UCF, including 3,792 rushing yards and 43 touchdowns. Selected in the second round of the NFL Draft by the Broncos, he could fill a pivotal role due to the starter’s history of injuries.
Top 2025 Fantasy Football Busts
On the flip side, Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson is highlighted as a potential bust for 2025. Although he has hit impressive yard markers in previous seasons, uncertainty follows with a new quarterback and inconsistent offensive production.
Ultimately, identifying which fantasy players to target, and which to avoid, will be key to your success this year!