As Fantasy Football enthusiasts, we’re always on the lookout for emerging talent—those younger players poised for breakout performances or rookies ready to make a significant impact from the get-go. We crave fresh and exciting prospects rather than relying on older, slower veterans.

However, there are always a few experienced players who pleasantly surprise us. Their contributions might not span an entire season, but they can provide several weeks of valuable performance from unexpected sources.

For instance, in 2024, you may have relied on veterans such as Sam Darnold, Kareem Hunt, Adam Thielen, or Jonnu Smith to boost your fantasy squad. These veterans were key players last season and could have played a crucial role in your league success.

So which veterans might surprise us in the upcoming season? I scoured team rosters to identify players who may not get drafted or might be late-round picks, yet hold the potential to become relevant this year.

These names are likely familiar to you, but you might be hesitant to draft them again. Nevertheless, they could deliver one last fantasy surprise in 2025, making them viable options on the waiver wire throughout the season.

AFC East Sleepers

Buffalo Bills

Eli Moore, WR
Josh Palmer, WR
Palmer is projected to be drafted in Round 16 according to FantasyPros Average Draft Position, while Moore’s ADP is Round 24. The Bills added both wide receivers this offseason to fill the gaps left by Mack Hollins and Amari Cooper, with Hollins leading the team in touchdown receptions with five in 2024. Although I hope the Bills will favor Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, and Dalton Kincaid, either Palmer or Moore could emerge as playmakers for Josh Allen this season.

Miami Dolphins

Alexander Mattison, RB
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, WR
I would love to see Jaylen Wright step up as the second-string running back in Miami, but Mattison may serve as the handcuff for De’Von Achane. With Raheem Mostert out, Mattison could receive over 100 touches if Achane remains healthy. Should Achane be sidelined due to injury, Mattison may turn out to be a valuable pick. In addition, Westbrook-Ikhine just secured nine touchdowns while playing for the Titans in 2024. He could play a significant role for the Dolphins if either Tyreek Hill or Jaylen Waddle experiences any absences; his draft position is currently set after Round 20 per FantasyPros.

New York Jets

Allen Lazard, WR
Lazard is already familiar with Aaron Rodgers, but let’s hope he builds chemistry with Justin Fields, the new Jets quarterback. Lazard might become essential to the Jets’ offense, especially since their only other reliable pass-catching option is Garrett Wilson. Before Davante Adams joined the Jets in 2024, Lazard had impressive performances, including at least 13.4 PPR points in four of his first six games, totaling five touchdowns during that period. He currently lacks an ADP on FantasyPros.

New England Patriots

Hunter Henry, TE
Henry delivered excellent stats for New England in 2024, finishing with 66 receptions for 674 yards and two touchdowns on 97 targets, averaging 9.1 PPR points per game. He achieved at least 12.3 PPR points in seven games and remains a top target for Drake Maye this season. Henry is predicted to be a Round 14 pick on FantasyPros but has top-10 potential, given that only five tight ends obtained more receptions and only seven accumulated more yards than him in 2024.