With NFL free agency looming, the 2025 fantasy football season is rapidly approaching. A lot has and will continue to change before the beginning of next season, so it’s always a good idea to go over next year’s rankings to get an idea of how fantasy drafts should go.
Here, we’ll be going a bit more in-depth than my last rankings article, which only listed the top 24 players heading into next season. This list will go a bit further, outlining the top 48 players in fantasy football for next season.
Keep in mind that these rankings will change a lot from now to the start of the 2025 NFL season. There are a number of factors that could be subject to change, so these rankings are not final. We will be operating under PPR and 1QB settings. Let’s get into the list!
(Note: This list does not include rookies entering their first year in the league!)
1. Ja’Marr Chase
(WR, Cincinnati Bengals)
These rankings are set in PPR scoring, so starting off with a receiver makes the most sense. Ja’Marr Chase was the best player in fantasy football last season. He took home the Triple Crown, leading the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. He is the unquestioned top target in the Bengals’ offense and is set up for yet another elite season.
Chase has posted 1,200+ receiving yards during every season in which he’s played 16 games or more, so if he can stay healthy, he is among the safest bets to be one of the best players in fantasy football in his fifth professional season.
2. Saquon Barkley
(RB, Philadelphia Eagles)
Saquon Barkley had a basically perfect first year in Philadelphia. He topped 2,000 rushing yards, averaged 5.81 yards per carry, scored 15 total touchdowns, won the Offensive Player of the Year Award, and helped the Eagles bring home a Super Bowl Championship. It’s hard to ask for a better season than that.
Barkley is securely within his prime, and after receiving 345 carries last year, his volume should remain elite. Philly’s offensive line also shouldn’t be due for too much change with right tackle Mekhi Becton as the only starter scheduled to hit free agency. Even if the team doesn’t re-sign him, I feel confident in their front office’s ability to find a competent starter for Barkley to run behind in 2025.
Saquon Barkley was the best running back in the NFL this year, and I believe he will be among the top of this position group once again.
3. Bijan Robinson
(RB, Atlanta Falcons)
Bijan Robinson is an absolute superstar, but not enough people are talking about it. After a solid rookie year, the young running back exploded for 1,456 rushing yards and 431 receiving yards in his sophomore season. He was also able to maintain an average of 4.79 yards per carry and rushed for 14 touchdowns.
I truly believe that Bijan Robinson has a very solid chance to finish as the best running back in fantasy football in 2025. He is absolutely worth an early first-round pick.
4. Justin Jefferson
(WR, Minnesota Vikings)
Justin Jefferson has consistently been one of the best wide receivers in fantasy football over the last five years, no matter the circumstances. He has the ceiling to be the best wide receiver in fantasy football once again.
Even if Minnesota decides to roll with J.J. McCarthy at quarterback in 2025, I think Jefferson will still be one of the best players in the league. No one gave Sam Darnold a fighting chance in 2024, but look how well he performed in head coach Kevin O’Connell’s offense.
Justin Jefferson will put up another elite season in 2025, rewarding the fantasy managers who continue to trust him despite the Vikings’ continued changes at the quarterback position.
5. Jahmyr Gibbs
(RB, Detroit Lions)
Similarly to Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs took a leap forward in his second NFL season and became a top-five running back in the league. He was particularly fantastic in the fantasy football playoffs, where he averaged 26.7 PPR fantasy points per game, according to FantasyPros.
Gibbs is entering 2025 with an elite offensive line and a league-winning season under his belt. He will still be splitting carries with fellow Lions running back David Montgomery, but that hasn’t stopped him from achieving his usual production in the past.
6. Amon-Ra St. Brown
(WR, Detroit Lions)
Amon-Ra St. Brown has been consistently delivering WR1 production over the last few seasons as one of the safest players in fantasy football. In 2024, he ranked second in receptions, fifth in receiving yards, and third in receiving touchdowns across the entire league, cementing himself as a top-five receiver in fantasy football.
Fantasy managers should feel confident drafting St. Brown. One of his best statistics included his usage in the red zone. During this past season, the USC product ranked first in red zone receptions and was tied for first in red zone receiving yards and touchdowns. This gives him an extremely high floor in 2025, assuming he will be used the same way.
7. CeeDee Lamb
(WR, Dallas Cowboys)
The Dallas Cowboys had an extremely disappointing year in 2024 that included missing the playoffs, suffering several injuries to key starters, and parting ways with former head coach Mike McCarthy after the conclusion of the season.
However, Lamb still put up great production despite a shaky season from Dallas. He was a top-ten receiver in fantasy football while playing with backup quarterbacks for most of the season. If that doesn’t prove that he has a high floor, nothing will.
CeeDee Lamb has been one of the best receivers in fantasy football over the last few seasons, and I expect that to continue.
8. Puka Nacua
(WR, Los Angeles Rams)
After a historic rookie season, Puka Nacua suffered a knee injury during Week 1 of the 2024 season, putting his second-year production in jeopardy. However, upon his return in Week 8, Nacua returned to form as one of the best receivers in fantasy football, finishing with 79 receptions and 990 yards in only 11 games.
With quarterback Matthew Stafford set to return as the team’s starter in 2025, Nacua is on track to have another terrific season as the Rams’ top wideout.
9. Malik Nabers
(WR, New York Giants)
Malik Nabers put up an unbelievable rookie season in 2024 with some of the worst quarterback play in the entire NFL. The 2024 NFL Draft’s sixth-overall pick turned in one of the best rookie seasons of all-time in one of the worst offensive situations in the league.
The Giants are in a great position to upgrade at the quarterback position in 2025, and if that happens, Malik Nabers will be even better than he was this past season. After posting 170 targets, 109 receptions, 1,204 receiving yards, and seven receiving touchdowns during a stellar rookie year, Nabers will look to enter top-five conversations in his sophomore season.
10. Brian Thomas Jr.
(WR, Jacksonville Jaguars)
To me, the rankings of Malik Nabers and Brian Thomas Jr. are as close as they get. Thomas actually outperformed Nabers in his inaugural season, putting up 1,282 receiving yards and 10 receiving touchdowns. Like Nabers, he also had multiple starting quarterbacks throughout the year. If this is fixed, his ceiling could be even higher in 2025.
Brian Thomas Jr. was one of the best players throughout the entirety of the fantasy football playoffs. If his elite production continues, he will be a steal in the late first round.
11. Nico Collins
(WR, Houston Texans)
After putting up a breakout season in 2023, Nico Collins struggled with injury in 2024, missing five games with a leg injury early in the year. The entire Texans offense struggled behind a very bad offensive line this past season, so they will likely look to address that need this offseason.
I believe that Nico Collins can reach similar production to what he put together in 2023. However, this relies on him staying healthy and the team making the necessary offensive changes to make themselves contenders in 2025. I’m willing to bet on a bounce-back season from Collins.
12. De’Von Achane
(RB, Miami Dolphins)
In 2024, De’Von Achane answered several key concerns that fantasy managers had about him by playing a full 17-game season and maintaining great efficiency on over 200 carries, which was a significantly larger sample size than he provided in 2023.
Achane did a lot of damage in the passing game, leading all running backs in receptions and receiving yards this year. However, his production tapered off when starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was out of the starting lineup.
If Tua can stay healthy in 2025, De’Von Achane has a clear path to finishing as a top-five fantasy running back once again.
13. Drake London
(WR, Atlanta Falcons)
Drake London had a true breakout season in 2024, ending the year as a top-five fantasy receiver even with inconsistent quarterback play. He also showed significant on-field chemistry with rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who started for Atlanta during their last few regular-season games.
If London can continue to develop his connection with Penix, the duo could be one of the best pairings in the entire NFL. I have ultimate confidence that Drake London will have another great fantasy season in 2025.
14. Derrick Henry
(RB, Baltimore Ravens)
Derrick Henry was fantastic in 2024, putting to rest any concerns about his age. The veteran running back has found the perfect home in Baltimore with quarterback Lamar Jackson and should face little resistance to putting up another elite season in 2025, barring any unfortunate injuries.
Henry remains one of the premiere unstoppable forces in the NFL and refuses to decline in production with age. At this point, he’s hard to doubt in fantasy football.
15. Jonathan Taylor
(RB, Indianapolis Colts)
After an underwhelming start to the 2024 season, Jonathan Taylor rewarded fantasy managers with a surprising burst of production during the fantasy playoffs. This improved his overall fantasy finish and presents some optimism on his 2025 fantasy outlook.
If the Colts continue to use Taylor as their workhorse running back, he will turn in a great fantasy season. Indianapolis has an underrated offensive line and isn’t afraid to run the football. This could lead to a very strong year for Jonathan Taylor.
16. A.J. Brown
(WR, Philadelphia Eagles)
After two straight seasons with 1,400+ receiving yards to start off his tenure in Philadelphia, A.J. Brown struggled with injury in 2024, only appearing in 13 games. This hurt his overall production, which led to a disappointing fantasy season.
Despite this, I think A.J. Brown still has the ability to put up an extremely productive fantasy season. He has been one of the team’s offensive centerpieces in the past, and if he can stay away from injuries in 2025, I see this continuing. He is worth a pick in the early second round of fantasy drafts.
17. Josh Jacobs
(RB, Green Bay Packers)
After signing with Green Bay last offseason, Josh Jacobs put up one of the best statistical seasons of his career. He also set a career-high mark with 16 total touchdowns and was consistently productive in terms of fantasy scoring.
Jacobs isn’t the flashiest player in the league, but all signs point to another year with 300+ carries for the veteran running back. If that happens, he could finish as a top-five fantasy asset at his position.
18. Brock Bowers
(TE, Las Vegas Raiders)
Brock Bowers exceeded expectations in 2024, becoming one of the NFL’s top tight ends during his rookie season. He put up a whopping 112 receptions and 1,194 receiving yards at the tight end position, leading to one of the best rookie seasons we've ever seen from a tight end.
Bowers seems to be a generational talent at his position. If Las Vegas can add more talent to their offense, Brock Bowers could even improve on his numbers in 2025. He should be the first tight end off the board in fantasy drafts.
19. Jaxon Smith-Njigba
(WR, Seattle Seahawks)
Last season, Jaxon Smith-Njigba took over as the team’s leading receiver during a breakout sophomore campaign. He will enter 2025 as Seattle’s top option in the passing game, and if the Seahawks decide to move on from either D.K. Metcalf or Tyler Lockett, Smith-Njigba could receive even more volume in 2025.
Because of this, he deserves to be a second-round pick in fantasy drafts. He could definitely end up improving on his already impressive 2024 statistics if given the chance.
20. Trey McBride
(TE, Arizona Cardinals)
Trey McBride did something truly remarkable in 2024. He managed to be a top-three fantasy tight end while only scoring three total touchdowns over the course of the entire season. This means that he will have a higher ceiling in 2025 if he finds his way into the end zone a little more often.
McBride also logged 111 receptions in 2024, which is a strong number at the tight end position. If his volume remains similar, he should be one of fantasy football’s best tight ends in 2025.
21. Bucky Irving
(RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Bucky Irving took over as the team’s starter late into his rookie season. Tampa Bay decided to make the change because of Irving’s impressive efficiency on the ground. After the swap was made, he never looked back and became one of fantasy football’s best running backs.
If he is given more snaps in 2025, Irving should dominate. He has earned himself quite a few more touches, which will boost his fantasy outlook significantly.
22. James Cook
(RB, Buffalo Bills)
James Cook had a breakout season in 2024, allowing Buffalo’s offense to become two-dimensional. His most significant statistic was in the rushing touchdowns category, where Cook put up a career-high 16.
He will likely receive similar volume in 2025, making him a valuable asset on an elite offense. I trust James Cook to perform similarly next year.
23. Lamar Jackson
(QB, Baltimore Ravens)
Lamar Jackson was the NFL’s top playmaker in 2024. His biggest statistical jump was in the passing game, where he threw for 4,172 passing yards and 41 touchdowns to only four interceptions. Jackson also added 915 rushing yards and four scores on the ground on his way to one of the best seasons from a quarterback in the history of the NFL.
His passing ability and rushing upside should make him the first quarterback off the board in most fantasy football drafts.
24. Josh Allen
(QB, Buffalo Bills)
Bills quarterback Josh Allen put up a historic season this past year, taking home the MVP award in the process. His passing numbers weren’t as good as Jackson’s, but he scored 12 rushing touchdowns, giving him immense upside in 2025.
I think Allen and Jackson are the top two quarterbacks in fantasy football and the NFL. They are good enough to be drafted at the end of the second round in 2025 fantasy drafts.
25. Kyren Williams
(RB, Los Angeles Rams)
26. Terry McLaurin
(WR, Washington Commanders)
27. Jayden Daniels
(QB, Washington Commanders)
28. Ladd McConkey
(WR, Los Angeles Chargers)
29. Breece Hall
(RB, New York Jets)
30. Jalen Hurts
(QB, Philadelphia Eagles)
31. Tyreek Hill
(WR, Miami Dolphins)
32. Chuba Hubbard
(RB, Carolina Panthers)
33. George Kittle
(TE, San Francisco 49ers)
34. Christian McCaffrey
(RB, San Francisco 49ers)
35. Sam LaPorta
(TE, Detroit Lions)
36. Chase Brown
(RB, Cincinnati Bengals)
Riskiest Pick (25-36)
Breece Hall
(RB, New York Jets)
Breece Hall didn’t have a terrible year by any means, but he definitely struggled on an inconsistent Jets offense in 2024. His volume decreased as the season progressed, and the emergence of other young players in this backfield, Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis, concerns me.
I think Breece Hall is still worth a third or fourth-round pick, but I’m not going into next season with confidence regarding his outlook.
Best Potential Value (25-36)
Jayden Daniels
(QB, Washington Commanders)
Jayden Daniels was one of the best quarterbacks in the entire league during his rookie season. His deep ball passing and rushing upside brought consistent production to the score sheet every single week, making him a league-winner.
Washington has already made an effort to surround him with more talent, trading a fifth-round pick for versatile wide receiver Deebo Samuel. If this trend continues, Daniels’ supporting cast could be an underrated strength in his sophomore season. I’ll be targeting him in nearly every fantasy draft next year.
37. Tee Higgins
(WR, Cincinnati Bengals)
38. Garrett Wilson
(WR, New York Jets)
39. Joe Burrow
(QB, Cincinnati Bengals)
40. Davante Adams
(WR, New York Jets)
41. Mike Evans
(WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
42. Marvin Harrison Jr.
(WR, Arizona Cardinals)
43. James Conner
(RB, Arizona Cardinals)
44. Joe Mixon
(RB, Houston Texans)
45. Alvin Kamara
(RB, New Orleans Saints)
46. Zay Flowers
(WR, Baltimore Ravens)
47. David Montgomery
(RB, Detroit Lions)
48. Kenneth Walker III
(RB, Seattle Seahawks)
Riskiest Pick (37-48)
Davante Adams
(WR, New York Jets)
Davante Adams turned in another great fantasy season after being traded to the New York Jets midway through the year. It’s obvious that he has enough gas left in the tank to be a productive fantasy receiver for a few more years, so I’m not saying you should avoid him next season.
My only worry is where he will land in free agency. New York recently released him, and he’ll be eligible to sign with a new team very soon. Will he follow Aaron Rodgers? Until we find out, I’m a bit hesitant.
Best Potential Value (37-48)
Marvin Harrison Jr.
(WR, Arizona Cardinals)
Marvin Harrison Jr. is one of the best wide receiver prospects in recent memory. He started off his career with a solid season in Arizona, posting 885 receiving yards and eight touchdowns. If he can find a way to develop more chemistry with quarterback Kyler Murray, he might be able to unlock his full potential.
I fully believe in Harrison’s talent; he just needs a chance to fully mesh with the rest of the offense. He could be a steal this late in fantasy drafts if that happens.