You may believe that the way to draft winning fantasy teams in 2025 is to guess right before anyone else in your draft room does. However, it’s imperative to look beyond obvious star players. There is often value in recognizing newer talent who are about to have a breakout season.
In this article, we’ll explore eight promising players and their sports statistics, which might offer valuable insights into who has positioned themselves for an incredible NFL season ahead.
Caleb Williams: QB, Chicago Bears
With Ben Johnson taking over as head coach, Caleb Williams is positioned to thrive in an offense overflowing with skill talent. The Bears' 2024 No. 1 overall pick now has a fortified offensive line and a loaded receiving corps, including DJ Moore, Rome Odunze, Cole Kmet, and rookie Luther Burden III. D’Andre Swift adds versatility out of the backfield.
Johnson, who helped Jared Goff finish as a top-10 fantasy QB for three straight seasons, brings a quarterback-friendly system to Chicago. Williams threw for 3,541 yards and 20 scores last season, and added nearly 500 yards on the ground. That dual-threat profile, combined with elite play-calling and improved personnel, points to top-five fantasy upside.
Ashton Jeanty: RB, Las Vegas Raiders
No rookie enters a more fantasy-friendly opportunity than Ashton Jeanty. Drafted by a Raiders team in transition, he inherits a backfield with minimal resistance. With Raheem Mostert past his prime, Zamir White reportedly on the trade block, and no other serious competition, Jeanty is lined up for 250+ touches.
Under new play-caller Chip Kelly, known for crafting high-volume run games, Jeanty could mirror the immediate success of past rookie backs who exceeded 1,200 scrimmage yards.
While some may consider him a fantasy sleeper, he is still a central piece in recent NFL predictions for breakout stars in 2025. His combination of opportunity and talent makes him the premier rookie breakout candidate this season.
Marvin Harrison Jr.: WR, Arizona Cardinals
Marvin Harrison Jr. returns to Arizona leaner, stronger, and more refined. This return comes after an impressive rookie campaign, which included 62 receptions, 885 yards, and eight touchdowns.
His rapport with quarterback Kyler Murray is expected to flourish in their second year together, especially with Murray now fully healthy and entrenched in Drew Petzing’s offensive system.
As one of the most closely watched names in NFL player news on FanDuel, Harrison struggled with efficiency last season, converting just over half of his targets. That should change with improved chemistry and physical growth. Expect Harrison to dominate in contested catch situations and evolve into a weekly WR1 candidate.
Jaylen Warren: RB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Jaylen Warren is going up fast in PPR leagues. With Najee Harris out and rookie Kaleb Johnson likely to get most of the work at the start, Warren moves in to be a steady pass catcher.
Warren has already caught 127 passes so far in his career. There could be added points for Warren from check-downs thrown by Aaron Rodgers. Rodgers threw 76 targets to Breece Hall last year.
While he might not get the most carries on the team, Warren has great hands and an uncanny ability to make space for himself in the open field. These strengths could see him go into the top-20 of backs you use in fantasy matchups, especially where leagues reward catches.
Rome Odunze: WR, Chicago Bears
Despite operating in a dysfunctional offense last season, Rome Odunze managed 734 yards and three touchdowns. New head coach Ben Johnson has taken notice of Odunze’s maturity and professionalism, stating he’s impressed with how the second-year receiver prepares and executes.
At 6'3" and 215 pounds, Odunze offers a red-zone frame that could set him apart in Chicago’s pecking order. While DJ Moore will command defensive attention, Odunze’s rapport with Williams and size advantage might make him the Bears’ most targeted player inside the 20.
Mason Taylor: TE, New York Jets
Mason Taylor may be the Jets’ surprise contributor this year. With Tyler Conklin gone and no clear WR2, Taylor could emerge as the second-most targeted player behind Garrett Wilson.
Head coach Aaron Glenn already raves about his route precision and run-after-catch instincts. Justin Fields, now under center in New York, has a history of leaning on tight ends. Cole Kmet finished as a top-10 PPR TE twice during Fields’ time in Chicago. If that trend continues, Taylor could quietly crack the TE1 tier by midseason.
Brenton Strange: TE, Jacksonville Jaguars
Brenton Strange’s potential hinges on continuity and opportunity. With Evan Engram banged up last season, Strange flashed receiving upside. This happened most notably in Week 15 when he posted 11 receptions for 73 yards.
Liam Coen, now head coach and play-caller, favored tight ends heavily in Tampa Bay. With rookies Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter likely demanding defensive attention, Strange could finish top-three on the team in receptions. If Hunter's offensive workload is managed conservatively, Strange’s target share could spike, especially in the red zone.
TreVeyon Henderson: RB, New England Patriots
TreVeyon Henderson enters a crowded New England backfield, but don't be fooled—he’s the breakout candidate to watch. This is especially true when considering that Rhamondre Stevenson continues to fumble his opportunities and Antonio Gibson hasn’t delivered consistent production.
Henderson, an electric receiver out of the backfield, caught 77 passes at Ohio State and brings breakaway speed. Patriots brass sees him as a potential three-down option. Even with limited touches, he could replicate De’Von Achane’s rookie impact, racking up fantasy points on limited but high-leverage snaps.
Draft Smarter Fantasy Teams
In fantasy football, wins come not just by getting the best players in Round 1, but by getting the best ones before all others do. The players we have addressed above aren’t just good for now. They are the key players who could take your team from okay to phenomenal throughout the 2025 season.
You may have noticed Ashton Jeanty’s hard-working grit or Mason Taylor’s TE1 style. Whatever your inkling, these new stars offer more than hope. They could be the rising players who help you beat the other teams at the end of the season.
