Last updated Jul 9, 7:58pm ET

  • The NFL season is rapidly approaching with the HOF Game taking place soon.
  • It is never too early to get started on this season’s fantasy football research.
  • We’ll break down this year’s top booms, busts, and sleepers at every position.

The 2024-25 NFL Season had some major fantasy surprises. As the landscape continues to change each season, we’ll keep you updated on everything you need to know that’s fantasy football related for 2025-26.

NFL Fantasy Booms

QB
Josh Allen – BUF
Jayden Daniels – WAS
Lamar Jackson – BAL
It’s no question that QBs with the ability to run the ball hold the most fantasy value. That makes Allen, Daniels, and Jackson an easy top-3, despite having varying situations and a slight lack of weapons.

RB
Saquon Barkley – NYG
Bijan Robinson – ATL
Ashton Jeanty – LV
Barkley is expected to be a work horse once again this year, making him the easy top choice at RB. Robinson should continue to get a huge workload, and expect Jeanty to make an immediate impact.

WR
Malik Nabers – NYG
Justin Jefferson – MIN
Ja’Marr Chase – CIN
Nabers might be the most talented young WR in the league, and he should get improved QB play this season under Russell Wilson. Jefferson and Chase join this list, proving LSU WRs are the best.

TE
Brock Bowers – LV
Sam LaPorta – DET
Trey McBride – ARI
Bowers is the clear top option at TE this year, but look for LaPorta to rebound after a Sophomore slump and close the gap. McBride should have some real upside in an improved Arizona offense.

DEF
Broncos – DEN
Eagles – PHI
Steelers – PIT
Denver and Pittsburgh are two of the most consistent defensive teams, consistently ranking within the top-10. They’ll be safe bets this season, alongside the Eagles who are teeming with talent.

K
Cameron Dicker – LAC
Evan McPherson – CIN
Jake Elliot – PHI
Kickers are best selected from teams with high-powered offenses. Combined with their personal consistency, Dicker, McPherson, and Elliot all make solid picks for a fantasy football kicker this year.

NFL Fantasy Busts

QB
Baker Mayfield – TB
Dak Prescott – DAL
Bo Nix – DEN
Despite Mayfield finding consistency in Tampa Bay, be wary about picking him as high as QB7, where he’s very over-ranked. Nix is also a major risk at QB8, and all should be fading Dak in 2025-26.

RB
Christian McCaffrey – SF
De’Von Achane – MIA
Chase Brown – CIN
As CMC approaches 30-years-old, the oft-injured RB should be on your avoid list unless he falls quite far. Be similarly wary with Achane who struggles to stay healthy, as well as a possible bust in Brown.

WR
Puka Nacua – LAR
Nico Collins – HOU
Brian Thomas Jr. – JAX
The departure of Kupp has all eyes on Nacua, who may struggle without as many great teammates opening up the field. Collins is ranked too high at WR7 and Thomas is at the mercy of Jacksonville.

TE
George Kittle – SF
David Njoku – CLE
Evan Engram – JAX
There’s not a ton of value at the TE position, and Engram is no a longer a sleeper. With the Jaguars struggling, he may be due for regression, while Kittle and Njoku have struggled to stay healthy.

DEF
Lions – DET
Vikings – MIN
Seahawks – SEA
Detroit made some major changes on defense to avoid a similar result as last postseason, but their fantasy value is still questionable. Keep an eye out for some regression in Minnesota and Seattle too.

K
Jake Bates – DET
Chase McLaughlin – TB
Brandon Aubrey – DAL
The Lions may have a booming offense, but the relative inexperience of Jake Bates makes him a risky pick. Also, previously consistent offenses like the Bucs and Cowboys should be faded this year.

NFL Fantasy Sleepers

QB
Kyler Murray – ARI
Justin Fields – NYJ
J.J. McCarthy – MIN
Murray is finally healthy and surrounded by talent, giving him a chance to recapture his early-career success. McCarthy is in a pass-heavy offense with Jefferson, while Fields has upside in New York.

RB
Bucky Irving – TB
Omarion Hampton – LAC
Breece Hall – NYJ
Irving has begun to take over White’s role as the top back in a rush-heavy Bucs offense. Harbaugh is sure to work Hampton heavily as a rookie, and Hall may benefit from a fully rebuilt Jets offense.

WR
Terry McLaurin – WAS
Jameson Williams – DET
Xavier Worthy – KC
These names may not look like sleepers, but they rank shockingly low in the projections. If they’re healthy, expect to see each emerge as the WR1 on teams with elite offenses and very solid QB setups.

TE
Tucker Kraft – GB
Colston Loveland – CHI
Tyler Warren – IND
With the TE position still pretty shaky, the youngest players in the mix offer the most upside. Rookie TEs are quite risky in fantasy, but both Loveland and Warren are stupendously talented athletes.

DEF
Chargers – LAC
Chiefs – KC
Dolphins – MIA
The Chargers should have a capable defense once again under Harbaugh, while the Chiefs also retain a very underrated defense. Outside the AFC West, Miami’s rebuilt defense is also on the rise.

K
Ka’imi Fairbairn – HOU
Matt Gay – WAS
Brandon McManus – GB
These are three very consistent kickers on playoff teams with capable offenses. Yet, all three rank pretty low and should be available to snag in the last round of your fantasy draft or even on waivers.

Keith McCarthy
Keith McCarthy

Senior Editor

Keith combines years of sports knowledge with statistical analysis, the eye test, and intuition to accurately predict outcomes across NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB, helping bettors achieve consistent wins.

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