Selecting the best player for your fantasy football team carries inherent risks, a lesson learned the hard way last season with Christian McCaffrey, the standout 49ers running back. Despite being the first pick in the fantasy draft for 2024, an unfortunate injury sidelined him for much of last season, classifying him as a fantasy disappointment.

In 2025, fellow running backs like Saquon Barkley and Derrick Henry have taken the lead as the most sought-after players in upcoming fantasy pools. However, it begs the question: should you opt for one of these popular picks or consider lesser-known alternatives?

Before finalizing your draft strategy for 2025, make sure to review the 2025 Fantasy Football PPR rankings that include deep sleepers, breakouts, and valuable picks from SportsLine Fantasy analyst Jacob Gibbs.

Gibbs, a Fantasy Football Today writer and contributor to the Beyond the Boxscore podcast, is known for his data-driven approach, providing reliable rankings across all positions. According to Fantasy Pros, he has proven to be one of the most accurate fantasy rankers in the nation over recent seasons.

Top 2025 Fantasy Football Deep Sleepers and Breakouts

One breakout player to keep an eye on is Falcons receiver Darnell Mooney. After a strong 2021 season exceeding 1,000 yards, he faced a dip in performance while at the Bears but found new life in Atlanta in 2024 with noteworthy numbers. With Michael Penix Jr. now in the quarterback position, Mooney’s prospects for 2025 look promising. Despite currently nursing a shoulder injury, he remains a valuable late-round target.

Gibbs remarked, “He’s too talented to overlook late in drafts. And although his game return date is uncertain, I’ll take a chance on Darnell Mooney at the right moment.” He added, “For leagues with injury reserve spots, these players represent worthwhile stashes after the first 120 picks.”

Another potential sleeper highlighted in Gibbs’s PPR rankings is Jacory Croskey-Merritt, a seventh-round pick in the latest NFL Draft. After an impressive 2023 season with significant touches, Croskey-Merritt showed potential during preseason, especially following the trade of Brian Robinson Jr. This suggests ample playing time ahead.

Gibbs noted, “His capability to create explosive plays is evident. If I were to predict, I believe JCM needs to demonstrate consistent performance to cement his position, something he proved capable of in college.”

To discover other breakout candidates and deep sleeper picks for Fantasy Football 2025, check out the complete insights and rankings at SportsLine.