Top 50 PPR Fantasy Football Players for 2025 – Deep-Dive Rankings

In a 12-team PPR redraft league, identifying the right players is crucial. Below is a comprehensive ranking of the top 50 players for the 2025 NFL season, across all positions, with tiered groupings. These rankings factor in recent performance (last 3–5 seasons), advanced metrics (target share, yards per route run, red-zone usage, fantasy points per touch), offseason changes (team/coaching moves), injury history, age trends, and strength of schedule. Rookies from the 2025 class are included with projections based on historical comps. Each tier is described with key assumptions and risk/reward analysis, followed by a sortable summary table.

Tier 1: Elite Fantasy Anchors (Overall Picks 1–5)

These are the elite, league-winning talents with high floors and massive ceilings. They combine proven production with prime roles in strong offenses. 1. Ja’Marr Chase, WR (CIN) – Projected PPR ~350 pts. The consensus 1.01 pick after a historic 2024: he led the NFL with 175 targets , winning the receiving “triple crown.” Chase is Joe Burrow’s clear #1 target on a pass-heavy Bengals attack and draws a huge target share (~30%). His efficiency is elite (over 3.0 yards per route run in 2024) and he’s a red-zone weapon. At 25, Chase is in his prime with minimal injury history (only a minor 2023 hip issue). Key Factors: Burrow’s health and O-line stability are solid, and the schedule is average (bye Week 10). With a strong supporting cast to prevent double-teams, Chase carries a massive ceiling ~400+ PPR points if everything clicks, while his floor (barring injury) is still top-5 WR. Tier: Elite. Risk: Low – true alpha WR on a high-octane offense. 2. Bijan Robinson, RB (ATL) – Projected PPR ~320 pts. A rare every-down back entering Year 3, Bijan is the focal point of Atlanta’s run-centric offense. He showed dual-threat ability with 1,800+ scrimmage yards in 2024 (after 1,000+ rookie rush yards). Now with an upgraded QB (veteran Kirk Cousins joined ATL) , defenses can’t stack the box. Bijan’s target share is elite for a RB, and he’s heavily used near the goal line. At 23, he’s in peak physical shape, though Atlanta’s middling offensive line is a minor concern. Key Factors: New QB play should sustain drives (more red-zone chances). Strength of schedule is manageable (bye Week 5). Tier: Elite workhorse. Risk: Low – talent and volume are locked in; only moderate injury risk (durable so far). 3. Justin Jefferson, WR (MIN) – Projected PPR ~340 pts. A PPR monster entering age 26. Despite a mid-2023 hamstring injury, Jefferson bounced back with a 2024 line around ~1,500 yards. He consistently commands ~28–30% target share with exceptional efficiency. His yards per route run remain among the best in the league (near 3.0). Minnesota’s offense under Kevin O’Connell schemes Jefferson open all over the field. There is some uncertainty at QB – the Vikings drafted J.J. McCarthy as the heir – but even if QB play fluctuates, Jefferson’s volume is QB-proof. Key Factors: Jefferson’s heavy usage (led NFL in red-zone targets in 2022 and remained top-5) and elite talent make his floor extremely high. The Vikings have a Week 6 bye and a slightly tough schedule (NFC North defenses improved), but nothing Jefferson can’t handle. Tier: Elite. Risk: Low-Medium – minor injury history (hamstring) but fully healthy now. 4. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB (DET) – Projected PPR ~300 pts. Year 2 breakout alert: Gibbs flashed Alvin Kamara-like upside in his rookie year and now steps into an even bigger role. Detroit let the veteran plodder go, making Gibbs the clear lead back. He finished 2024 as an RB1, tallying over 1,300 scrimmage yards and 10 TDs while leading all RBs in target share (~18%). His fantasy points per touch were excellent, and he’s especially valuable in PPR as a 70+ reception candidate. Detroit’s offensive line is top-tier, and the Lions’ high-scoring offense (top 5 in points in 2024) means ample red-zone visits. Key Factors: Gibbs’ usage in the red zone increased late 2024, easing early-season concerns. At 22 and 200 lbs, durability is the only slight question – he held up well, but a full workload is new. Tier: Elite upside. Risk: Low-Medium – young with sky-high ceiling, just need to prove full-season durability. 5. Saquon Barkley, RB (PHI) – Projected PPR ~300 pts. Barkley’s offseason move to Philadelphia unlocked his fantasy potential. Now the lead back for the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles , Barkley runs behind arguably the NFL’s best O-line. In 2024 with the Giants, he was the offensive engine (0.70 fantasy points per touch in a weak NYG offense) , but expect a big efficiency jump in Philly’s high-octane attack. Jalen Hurts’ presence will open lanes (defenses can’t key solely on Saquon). Barkley proved he’s still explosive in 2024, clearing 1,300 total yards. He’s heavily utilized as a receiver (50+ catches regularly). Key Factors: Slight injury concerns linger (he’s two years removed from an ACL and had minor ankle sprains), but he played 15 games last year. Age 28 is approaching the edge for RBs, but Barkley’s two-year deal has him motivated. Eagles face a moderate schedule (bye Week 9; some tough NFC East fronts). Tier: Elite. Risk: Medium – higher injury risk than the WRs above, but situation elevates his floor to top-5 RB when healthy.

Tier 1 Summary: These five are cornerstone players. They have secure roles and elite talent in strong situations. Each has an MVP-level ceiling for fantasy. Unless injury strikes, their floor is around top-5 at their position. Draft with confidence as foundational picks.

Tier 2: First-Round Caliber & High-End Starters (Overall Picks ~6–12)

This tier features remaining first-round talents and high-end starters. They are either elite players in slightly less favorable situations or young stars on the cusp. 6. CeeDee Lamb, WR (DAL) – Projected PPR ~300 pts. Lamb could realistically finish as the WR1 overall. At 25, he’s coming off a career-best season (~1,400 yards, double-digit TDs) and has become the clear alpha in Dallas. He garnered a hefty target share (nearly 27%) and showed elite yards per route run out of the slot and outside. With Brandin Cooks gone and Dallas’s offense still potent under coach McCarthy, Lamb will be peppered with targets. In fact, some analysts argue he could be the No. 1 fantasy player of 2025 . Key Factors: Dallas’ Week 10 bye is inconvenient but manageable. Lamb’s floor is bolstered by his route tree (short and deep targets) and he’s been very durable. Tier: Top WR1. Risk: Low. 7. Puka Nacua, WR (LAR) – Projected PPR ~290 pts. The 2024 breakout sensation (100+ receptions) remains a PPR gem. Nacua proved his early rookie explosiveness was no fluke by sustaining a high target volume even after Cooper Kupp’s return. Now in 2025, he’s arguably the 1A in Los Angeles alongside veteran Davante Adams (whom the Rams acquired). Nacua’s efficiency is eye-opening: when lined up outside, he averaged 3.65 yards per route run – second-best in the league . Sean McVay schemes to get Puka the ball (screens, slants, deep shots). Key Factors: Adams’ presence might slightly cap Puka’s absolute target ceiling, but could also draw coverage away. Puka’s strong hands and physical YAC ability make him a red-zone threat despite not being tall (he had ~10 end-zone targets in 2024). At 24, he’s only improving. Minor injury note: he dealt with an oblique strain in ’24 but played through it. Tier: High WR1. Risk: Low-Medium (slightly dependent on Rams QB Matthew Stafford’s health or a successor, and sharing targets with Adams). 8. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR (DET) – Projected PPR ~285 pts. “The Sun God” is as safe as they come in PPR. Amon-Ra led the NFL in red-zone targets in 2024 (32 looks inside the 20) , reflecting Jared Goff’s trust in him near paydirt. He’s a volume machine with back-to-back 100+ catch seasons. At age 25, his route-running and slot prowess yield a high catch rate. Detroit’s offense under OC Ben Johnson (now retained despite head coach interviews) continues to feature St. Brown on crossers and option routes for chain-moving gains. Key Factors: Lions’ Week 8 bye and a tougher schedule (Detroit has one of the higher strength-of-schedule ranks ) could cause a couple slow weeks, but Amon-Ra’s role is matchup-proof. Tier: Low-end WR1 (high WR2 floor). Risk: Low – he’s had minor ankle injuries but hasn’t missed significant time. 9. Christian McCaffrey, RB (SF) – Projected PPR ~290 pts. A year ago, CMC might have topped this list, but at 29 he slides just a bit due to age and usage concerns. Still, he’s an elite PPR back – in 2024 he stayed healthy and amassed ~1,700 scrimmage yards with 12+ TDs. Coach Kyle Shanahan continues to deploy McCaffrey creatively (he led all RBs in receiving yards again). The 49ers did draft a young RB to spell him occasionally, but in high-leverage situations it’s all CMC. He averaged ~20 touches/game last year and remained efficient (4.7 YPC, 8+ YPR). Key Factors: San Francisco’s offense is balanced and high-scoring, giving McCaffrey ample TD chances. Bye in Week 14 is a late one (keep in mind for playoffs), but he can carry you to that point. Tier: Elite RB1 when healthy. Risk: Medium – historical injuries (2019–2020) are in the past, but with 8 NFL seasons of tread, any soft-tissue injuries could recur. Draft him if you’re comfortable managing a bit of risk for a high reward. 10. Malik Nabers, WR (NYG) – Projected PPR ~275 pts. Nabers is a bold pick in the top 10, but justified after a historic rookie year. The Giants’ 2024 first-rounder exploded with an NFL rookie record 109 receptions for 1,204 yards and 7 TDs , despite missing two games (concussion) . He instantly became the focal point of New York’s offense, commanding 170 targets (2nd in the NFL) . Now with veteran Russell Wilson joining the Giants in 2025  , Nabers should benefit from improved QB play. Wilson himself raved that Nabers “is a superstar” after studying his film . Expect Nabers to be peppered with targets at all levels of the field. Key Factors: At 22, Nabers is still ascending. His agility and route-running yield separation, and he’s surprisingly tough after the catch. Possible concerns: a new offensive system (the Giants have a new OC after a coaching overhaul) and that tough NFC East schedule – the Giants face the league’s hardest schedule (.574 opp. win%) . Still, volume is king in PPR. Tier: Low-end WR1 with upside. Risk: Medium – second-year player with a new QB; but talent and volume mitigate a lot of risk. 11. Ashton Jeanty, RB (LV) – Projected PPR ~270 pts. One of the new faces in RB1 territory, Jeanty is a rookie running back stepping into a workhorse role for the Raiders. Las Vegas let Josh Jacobs walk and drafted Jeanty (from Boise State) as the heir. Jeanty boasts a three-down skill set – he had over 1,500 scrimmage yards in his final college season, showcasing excellent receiving chops. Now he inherits a backfield with only journeymen behind him. The Raiders also upgraded their O-line in the offseason and have a balanced attack under new head coach (and former Bengals OC) Brian Callahan. Key Factors: Rookie RBs can be volatile, but recent history (e.g. Najee Harris in 2021, Bijan in 2023) shows volume can carry them to RB1 finishes. Jeanty should get 18+ touches per game including goal-line carries. Las Vegas’ offense might not be elite, but Jimmy Garoppolo (or their young QB) will check down often – Jeanty could catch 50+ balls. Tier: RB1 upside, high RB2 floor. Risk: Medium – unproven at NFL level, and if he struggles in pass protection early, could cede some third downs. But by midseason he could be a league-winner. 12. De’Von Achane, RB (MIA) – Projected PPR ~265 pts. Achane is the definition of risk/reward. In limited action as a rookie, he was electric – averaging 1.36 fantasy points per touch (half-PPR) in 2023 , one of the highest rates ever. Now the blazing-fast back (4.32 speed) is set to be Miami’s lead RB after the team moved on from veterans. Coach Mike McDaniel creatively uses Achane on outside runs and screens, maximizing his speed in space. With the Dolphins’ offense (featuring Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle) stretching defenses vertically, Achane finds gaping lanes underneath. Expect around 15 touches per game, including high-value receptions. Key Factors: At only ~190 lbs, Achane’s durability is the question – he missed a few games with a shoulder injury last year. Miami may still employ a committee at times, but Achane’s game-breaking ability (multiple 50+ yard TDs in ’24) ensures he gets the first crack. The Dolphins have an average strength of schedule and a Week 12 bye. Tier: Low-end RB1 / high RB2 with boom potential. Risk: Medium-High – size and injury history add risk, but his upside in any given week is 30+ points, a true difference-maker.

Tier 2 concludes the likely first-rounders in 12-team drafts and a few early second-round talents. These players have strong track records or pedigrees, but may carry a bit more uncertainty than Tier 1 (whether due to supporting cast, youth, or minor durability questions). Still, each has the upside to finish at the top of their position.

Tier 3: Rising Stars & Core Starters (Overall Picks ~13–24)

Tier 3 is filled with young rising stars and reliable veterans who project as core fantasy starters (strong WR1/WR2, RB1/RB2 range). They might be just a notch below elite or carry a bit more risk, but they are integral pieces for your roster. 13. Nico Collins, WR (HOU) – Projected PPR ~270 pts. Collins quietly broke out in 2024 as C.J. Stroud’s favorite target, finishing as a top-12 WR. He’s 6’4” with contested-catch ability and improved route running – a classic third-year breakout story. In 2024 he likely surpassed 1,300 yards and 10 TDs, and now at age 26 he’s in his prime. Houston’s new OC Nick Caley (from NE via LAR) will continue feeding Collins, especially with no major competition for WR1 duties. Collins saw about 25% target share and was Stroud’s go-to in clutch situations. The only minor flag: Houston’s offense took a step back in late 2024 (they fell from 12th to 19th in scoring) , but that prompted the OC change. Key Factors: Collins’ advanced metrics were solid – around 2.2 yards per route run – and he improved against man coverage. The Texans’ bye is Week 6. Tier: Solid WR1/2. Risk: Low-Medium – he’s relatively unproven at sustained elite level (2024 was first big year), but all signs point up. 14. A.J. Brown, WR (PHI) – Projected PPR ~265 pts. Brown remains a dominant receiver and is now the co-headliner of Philly’s offense with Barkley aboard. In 2024, Brown led the league in yards per route run when lined up wide (3.67) , showcasing his efficiency and explosive play ability. He’s the Eagles’ deep threat and also a bruiser on slants. The presence of Barkley might reduce Brown’s target share slightly (Philly could run more), but defenses will be in a pick-your-poison bind. Brown’s connection with Hurts is strong (they combined for 1,300+ yards in ’24). Key Factors: Brown is 28, in his physical prime, but has had some knee soreness issues managed over seasons. The Eagles’ schedule is slightly tough (NFC East + first-place opponents), and Week 9 bye. Tier: Low-end WR1. Risk: Low-Medium – should be steady, but volume could fluctuate week to week if game script turns run-heavy. 15. Brian Thomas Jr., WR (JAX) – Projected PPR ~260 pts. Jacksonville found a gem in Brian Thomas Jr. The 6’4” LSU product (teammate of Nabers in college) was a second-round pick in 2024 who showed flashes as a rookie ( ~800 yards). Now with Calvin Ridley gone (signed elsewhere) and entering Year 2, Thomas is set to be Trevor Lawrence’s top outside weapon. In fact, Thomas’s red-zone usage ramped up late last year – he had 25 red-zone targets (tied 3rd among WRs) , indicating the Jaguars trust him near the goal line. He’s a physical specimen with a large catch radius and surprising speed. Key Factors: The Jaguars underwent coaching changes – former Bucs OC Liam Coen is now the Jags’ head coach  , which brings some uncertainty but Coen’s offense in college/NFL past emphasizes play-action deep shots (good for Thomas). Lawrence’s development also boosts all Jags receivers. Thomas carries some volatility (still young at 22), but could explode. Tier: High-upside WR2 (with WR1 potential). Risk: Medium – sophomore leap is likely but not guaranteed; new system to learn. 16. Jonathan Taylor, RB (IND) – Projected PPR ~260 pts. Taylor had a tumultuous 2023 (contract drama and an ankle injury), but 2024 saw him return to form in the second half. Now fully healthy at 26 and with a new coach (Indy retained their HC Shane Steichen, which is great for the run game), JT is poised for a big year. Anthony Richardson’s presence at QB (coming off injury, but by 2025 he should be back) is a double-edged sword: mobile QBs can open rushing lanes, but may steal some goal-line TDs. Still, Taylor is the unquestioned bellcow – the Colts did not add major RB competition. In PPR, his upside is a bit capped (he’s more a 30-catch guy than a 70-catch guy), but a 1,400-yard, 12-TD season is within reach. Key Factors: Taylor’s offensive line improved after a down 2022; Quenton Nelson and company performed better in 2024. The Colts have a Week 11 bye. JT’s injury history (ankle surgery in early ’24) is worth noting, but he looked explosive late last season. Tier: RB1. Risk: Medium – slight injury concerns and the uncertainty of Richardson’s effect (if AR struggles, could defenses key on JT). 17. Josh Jacobs, RB (GB) – Projected PPR ~255 pts. Jacobs in Green Bay is an intriguing scenario. After leading the NFL in rushing in 2022 with Las Vegas, Jacobs had another strong year in 2024, and then signed with the Packers. Green Bay’s offense is transitioning with Jordan Love (or a new QB) and leaned on the run a lot in 2024. Their offensive line remains solid, and the Packers love using RBs in the passing game (Aaron Jones averaged ~50 catches/year here). Jacobs should slot into the AJones role plus heavy carries. Expect 18+ touches per game. He’s a proven workhorse with excellent contact balance and is just 27 years old. Key Factors: The NFC North has some tough fronts (Detroit, Chicago beefed up), and notably Green Bay has one of the tougher schedules (tied 2nd hardest SoS) . However, volume is king and Jacobs has that in spades. Bye is Week 5, so plan for an early replacement. Tier: Solid RB1. Risk: Low-Medium – new team adaptation is a small question, but GB paid him to be the guy. Durable track record (played 15+ games each of last three seasons). 18. Derrick Henry, RB (BAL) – Projected PPR ~250 pts. King Henry in Baltimore is a match made in smashmouth heaven. Now 31, Henry did show some signs of slowing in 2024 (sub-4.0 YPC for the first time), but Tennessee’s offense was a mess. In Baltimore, he’ll benefit from Lamar Jackson’s gravity (zone-reads will freeze linebackers) and a strong run-blocking line. He’s likely to be used similarly to how Mark Ingram was in 2019 with Lamar – plenty of inside runs and goal-line carries. Henry still led the league in carries inside the 5-yard line in recent years, and Baltimore will feed him near paydirt. His reception totals are modest (~20-25 catches), but he could rush for 1,200+ and 12 TDs. Key Factors: Injury-wise, Henry had a foot fracture in 2021, but has been mostly durable besides that. At his age and workload (heavy mileage), there’s always risk of decline or injury. The Ravens’ Week 7 bye gives a midseason rest. Also note: Baltimore has a slightly tough RB schedule (AFC North defenses; in fact Henry projects with the #1 hardest RB schedule by some metrics ). Tier: Low-end RB1 / high RB2 with big TD upside. Risk: Medium-High – age and workload are concerns, but few in the NFL have proven as durable and dominant as Henry. 19. Brock Bowers, TE (LV) – Projected PPR ~240 pts. The new TE1 in fantasy looks to be rookie Brock Bowers. Drafted #7 overall by the Raiders in 2024, Bowers had a solid rookie season and is now poised to leap into elite territory (think rookie-year Kyle Pitts usage but with touchdowns). At 6’4″, 240 and possessing 4.5 speed, Bowers is often compared to Travis Kelce – and the Raiders are using him as such. In 2024, once they traded away Davante Adams, Bowers became a focal point, especially in the red zone. He’s a matchup nightmare, lining up in the slot and even out wide. As a rookie he likely led the Raiders in targets down the stretch. Now with Jimmy Garoppolo (a QB who loves throwing to TEs, as seen with Kittle in SF) still at the helm, Bowers should feast. Key Factors: It’s rare for a TE this young to be TE1, but consider that Kelce is 36 and coming off a down year, Kittle is aging, Andrews has injury issues – the door is open. Bowers did have tightrope ankle surgery in college (2023), but he showed full recovery and missed minimal time. Tier: Elite TE (likely the only one worthy of a 2nd-round pick). Risk: Medium – second-year TE (some historical risk) and depends on LV’s QB stability, but talent is off the charts. 20. Trey McBride, TE (ARI) – Projected PPR ~230 pts. McBride is another young tight end ascending the ranks. In 2024, once Arizona moved on from Zach Ertz, McBride broke out, finishing as a top-5 fantasy TE. He averaged about 7 targets per game in the second half and built strong chemistry with Kyler Murray. Now, with another offseason as the clear TE1, McBride is a centerpiece of the Cardinals’ passing attack – especially on a team that just drafted WR Marvin Harrison Jr. to stretch the field, leaving the middle open. McBride’s 2024 advanced stats: he was top 3 among TEs in yards per route run and target share (~23% of Arizona’s targets when Kyler played). At just 25, he’s agile and tough, looking like the next Dallas Goedert. Key Factors: Arizona has the easiest fantasy schedule in 2025  which could mean more scoring opportunities than expected. Week 8 bye is a bit inconvenient. Injury-wise, McBride had a minor elbow sprain last year but nothing major. Tier: High-end TE1. Risk: Low-Medium – as safe as any TE not named Kelce can be, given role, though the Cards breaking in a rookie WR might shift a few looks away. 21. Bucky Irving, RB (TB) – Projected PPR ~250 pts. Sophomore sensation alert: Irving had a phenomenal rookie season in 2024, rushing for 1,122 yards with 8 TD and adding 47 catches for 392 yards . After starting behind Rachaad White, Irving took over the Buccaneers backfield mid-season and never looked back, even earning Offensive Player of the Week honors in Week 13 . Tampa’s offense is now built around him – an elusive back with low center of gravity and great receiving skills. At 5’9” 192, Irving draws some Austin Ekeler comparisons, and indeed he was the first Bucs rookie to rush for 1,000+ yards since Doug Martin . For 2025, new OC (promoted from QB coach) will likely continue feeding Irving both on the ground and through the air (he could see 60+ targets). Key Factors: Tampa’s QB situation is still Baker Mayfield (who played well enough to make the playoffs in 2024). Baker loves dumping off to RBs (he helped make Kareem Hunt fantasy-relevant in CLE), so that suits Irving. Week 5 bye is early. Tier: Strong RB2 with RB1 upside. Risk: Low-Medium – only concern is sophomore slump, but nothing in his 2024 performance suggests a fluke. 22. Drake London, WR (ATL) – Projected PPR ~250 pts. London quietly became a target hog in Atlanta. Even in a run-heavy scheme, he saw 158 targets in 2024  (3rd most in NFL), benefiting from improved QB play after the Falcons traded for Kirk Cousins mid-season. London’s 6’5” frame makes him a dominant red-zone threat – he had 25 red-zone targets (tied with Davante Adams)  and converted many into TDs. Entering Year 3 at age 24, former top-10 pick London is primed for a true breakout. His catch rate should improve with more accurate QBing, and his contested catch prowess is elite. Key Factors: The Falcons’ offense is more balanced now, but adding Cousins means more passing volume overall. Defenses can’t just double London, not with Kyle Pitts and Bijan also demanding attention. The downside: London’s weekly consistency hasn’t been great historically (some games with 3-30 lines), partly due to game script. That could continue in some form; Atlanta will still lean run in games they lead. Week 5 bye for ATL. Tier: High WR2 with low-end WR1 potential. Risk: Medium – dependent on Falcons not reverting to ultra-run-heavy ways; otherwise talent is undeniable. 23. Kyren Williams, RB (LAR) – Projected PPR ~245 pts. Williams emerged as Sean McVay’s trusted back in 2024. Early in the season he had multiple games of 20+ touches and was a top-10 RB before an ankle sprain sidelined him for a bit. Now, at 24, he’s locked in as the Rams’ lead runner. Los Angeles parted ways with Cam Akers for good in ’24, and they didn’t make a big RB addition. Kyren is a do-it-all back: not the biggest or fastest, but excellent in pass protection (which keeps him on the field on third downs) and a very good receiver (50 catches in 14 games last year). The Rams offense adding Davante Adams will increase red-zone opportunities, and Williams should capitalize – he scored 7 TD in his first 8 games of ’24. Key Factors: There is some durability concern (he’s on the smaller side at ~195 lbs and had injuries in both 2022 and 2024). But McVay’s track record with feature backs (Gurley, prime Akers) is fantasy gold. Rams’ bye is Week 8. Tier: Low-end RB1 / high RB2. Risk: Medium – moderate injury risk and a chance the Rams use a hot-hand approach in some games, but Kyren’s versatility makes him game-script proof. 24. James Cook, RB (BUF) – Projected PPR ~240 pts. Cook took a big step forward in 2024, seizing the Bills’ RB1 job and never letting go. He posted over 1,100 total yards and increased his reception count to 45+. Entering Year 3, the younger Cook (Dalvin’s brother) still has room to grow, especially in the touchdown department (Buffalo historically lets Josh Allen hog rushing TDs). The Bills did sign a bruiser for short yardage, but Cook remains the explosive playmaker. Notably, he averaged 4.8 YPC and showed improved tackle-breaking. Buffalo has also emphasized getting the RB more involved in the passing game under new OC Joe Brady – Cook’s target share ticked up, and with Stefon Diggs gone (more on that later), there are targets up for grabs. Key Factors: Cook’s schedule is middle-of-pack; AFC East has some stout defenses but also some shootouts. He’s got a Week 7 bye. Injury-wise he’s been clean so far. The Bills’ offense might not be as pass-happy without Diggs, which could mean a few more carries per game for Cook. Tier: Solid RB2. Risk: Low-Medium – main risk is Josh Allen stealing goal-line work, and perhaps Cook’s size (199 lbs) limiting him to ~12-15 carries per game. But his receiving keeps his floor safe.

Tier 3 players are those you’ll likely draft in Rounds 2–3 (with some slipping to 4th). They are core starters with Pro Bowl level talent or opportunity. A few have question marks (youth or team changes), but each one has already shown enough to trust as a weekly play. They might lack the absolute top-5 upside of Tier 1, but many have top-10 upside at their position.

Tier 4: Solid Starters and Value Picks (Overall Picks ~25–40)

Tier 4 includes strong starters (e.g. high-end QB1s, solid WR2s/RB2s, etc.) and some value picks who could outplay their draft slot. These players might have a bit more risk or lower ceiling, but are crucial depth and weekly starters in 12-team leagues. 25. Josh Allen, QB (BUF) – Projected PPR ~370 pts. The first quarterback off the board in one-QB leagues, Allen provides a weekly edge. He finished as QB2 in 2024 with ~4,200 pass yards and 35 TDs, plus ~500 rush yards and 6 TD on the ground. At 29, Allen is in his prime. His rushing keeps his fantasy floor high (fantasy’s Konami-code QB). The one caution: Buffalo’s offense is undergoing changes – star WR Stefon Diggs was traded to New England (a shocking intra-division move) , so Allen will need others (Gabriel Davis, rookie WR, TE Kincaid) to step up. Also, new head coach Ben Johnson (former Lions OC) might focus slightly more on balance. Still, Allen’s dual-threat ability and strong arm make him matchup-proof. Key Factors: He does carry some turnover risk (INTs, fumbles) but fantasy-wise that’s minor compared to his positive plays. Buffalo’s bye is Week 7. Tier: Elite QB1. Risk: Low – aside from a 2019 elbow sprain, Allen’s been durable. Losing Diggs is a concern, but Allen has produced even when Diggs has off games. 26. Lamar Jackson, QB (BAL) – Projected PPR ~350 pts. When healthy, Lamar is as lethal as any fantasy QB. In 2024, he played a full season and finished top-5, reminding everyone of his 2019 MVP form at times. Now he gets a new weapon in the backfield (Derrick Henry) and year two under OC Todd Monken. Lamar’s passing numbers ticked up in ’24 (over 3,500 yards, career-high completion rate) while still giving ~800 rushing yards. At 28, he’s still at his athletic peak. The addition of Henry suggests the Ravens may use more play-action, which could lead to big plays to Rashod Bateman or Zay Flowers. Importantly, Lamar stayed healthy in 2024 after back-to-back injury-shortened years; perhaps Monken’s scheme (getting the ball out quicker) helped. Key Factors: Ravens’ bye Week 7. The AFC North is a defensive gauntlet, but Lamar’s legs typically neutralize even good defenses. Tier: Top-tier QB1. Risk: Medium – his playing style always has injury risk (took hits that cost him 5 games in both ’21 and ’22). But if you draft him, you’re getting a 25+ PPG threat. 27. Jayden Daniels, QB (WAS) – Projected PPR ~330 pts. Daniels is the rookie QB to watch in 2025. Drafted by Washington in 2024 (Round 1), he took over mid-season from Sam Howell and ignited the Commanders offense. By the end of ’24, Daniels had multiple games with 250+ pass yards and 80+ rush yards, showcasing his dual-threat college pedigree (he was a 1,000-yard rusher at LSU). Now as the full-time starter, Washington’s offense under Eric Bieniemy is tailored to his strengths: RPOs, designed QB runs, and deep shots. They improved the O-line and have a solid supporting cast (McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, plus they signed Austin Ekeler as a safety valve out of the backfield ). In fantasy, Daniels could be this year’s Justin Fields/Jalen Hurts – a dynamic runner who surprises as a passer. Key Factors: Being a second-year player, some inconsistency is likely (teams will gameplan for him now). But his rushing gives him a solid floor (he averaged ~50 rushing yards/game as a starter). Commanders’ bye is Week 12. Tier: Low-end QB1 with upside. Risk: Medium – young QBs can be volatile or suffer sophomore slump; also need to see him handle a full 17-game slate. 28. Jalen Hurts, QB (PHI) – Projected PPR ~360 pts. It’s unusual to see Hurts as only the QB4 in rankings – it speaks to how stacked the QB position is. Hurts is still an elite fantasy QB, fresh off a Super Bowl win and likely a top-3 finish in 2024 stats. Why QB4 here? Perhaps due to slight changes in the Eagles offense with Barkley onboard and Hurts taking a bit fewer hits (the Eagles might protect him more now that they have a star RB). Even so, Hurts’ upside is enormous: he’s essentially a goal-line back (the “tush push” is practically a cheat code, netting him 10 rushing TDs each year) and a much-improved passer (4,000 yards, 66% completion in ’24). Adding O.C. Brian Johnson’s wrinkles kept Hurts productive. Key Factors: Hurts is 27, very much in his prime. One minor note: his Week 9 bye and a few long travel games could be something to watch – Philly travels quite a bit this year (including a London game). But extra rest around the bye should help. Tier: Elite QB1. Risk: Low-Medium – only because running QBs have higher injury risk (Hurts did miss 2 games in ’22 with a shoulder sprain). But he’s a top fantasy asset. 29. Tee Higgins, WR (CIN) – Projected PPR ~230 pts. The “other” Bengals receiver is a damn fine player in his own right. Higgins had a down 2024 (missed a few games with a rib injury and had lower target volume due to Chase’s monster year). But he still produced ~1,000 yards and 7 TD on 70 catches when healthy. Now in a contract year (2025), Higgins is motivated and still only 26. In any week, he can put up WR1 numbers (he has multiple 30-point games in his career). The Bengals likely remain a high-flying pass offense, so Higgins will get his share, even if it’s a 1A/1B situation with Chase. Note: Cincinnati lost Tyler Boyd, so perhaps Higgins soaks a few more intermediate targets. Key Factors: He’s a bit more boom/bust because if Chase goes nuclear, Higgins might have a quieter day, and vice versa. But as your WR2, you’ll be happy with the boom games. Schedule: bye Week 10, and he’ll face some strong corners (e.g. vs. CLE’s Denzel Ward twice). Injury risk is moderate (he’s had minor nicks each year). Tier: High WR2. Risk: Medium – role secure but weekly variance and some injury history. 30. Davante Adams, WR (LAR) – Projected PPR ~240 pts. Adams proved in 2024 that age is just a number – even after the Raiders traded him to the Rams mid-season, he maintained high-level production. Now 32, he’s lost maybe a half-step, but his route-running and release are still arguably the best in the game. In Los Angeles, Matthew Stafford (assuming he continues into 2025 at age 37) will lean on Adams in critical situations, much like he did with Kupp. We saw Adams garner 25 red-zone targets in 2024  (between LV and LAR combined), showing he’s still a TD machine. Expect around 90–100 receptions and 1,100+ yards if healthy, with 10 TD upside. Key Factors: The Rams’ offense has a lot of mouths now (Puka Nacua, Adams, maybe Kupp in a reduced role if he’s still around), so Adams may not see the 30% target share he did in Green Bay/Vegas. But 25% in this offense is plenty. Durability: Adams has been reliable, though soft tissue injuries can pop up with age (minor hamstring in 2023). Tier: Low WR1 / high WR2. Risk: Medium – age-related decline could appear suddenly, but he’s shown no major signs yet. Also, if the Rams pivot to a younger QB or if Stafford declines, Adams’ efficiency could suffer. 31. Tyreek Hill, WR (MIA) – Projected PPR ~260 pts. Hill at #31 overall might be the steal of the draft. Yes, he’s 31 now, but he is coming off another blazing season (likely around 1,500+ yards in ’24). In Mike McDaniel’s creative offense, Hill is constantly put in motion and schemed open; and even when he’s not open, Tua will throw the deep ball and let Hill’s speed do the rest. Why ranked this low then? Perhaps slight regression and age concerns, plus Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion history always looms (a QB injury could drop Hill’s production). Still, Hill keeps himself in top shape and has missed only a handful of games in his career. He showed no slowdown, reportedly still reaching 22+ MPH on GPS in 2024. Key Factors: Miami’s bye is Week 12. The AFC East matchups include tough secondaries (Jets, Bills), but Hill torched the Jets’ elite CBs in ’24 anyway. If you draft him around here, you’re getting a high-upside WR2 for your team. Tier: Low WR1. Risk: Medium – mostly tied to Tua’s health and the inevitability of Father Time eventually catching up (could be in a couple years, but unlikely a cliff in 2025). 32. Ladd McConkey, WR (LAC) – Projected PPR ~210 pts. A surprise name this high, McConkey turned heads as a rookie for the Chargers. The former Georgia standout (a 2024 third-round pick) made the most of his opportunities when Mike Williams went down – Ladd posted several big games and developed a rapport with Justin Herbert. He even ranked #3 in the NFL in yards per route run out wide (3.35) , highlighting his efficiency on limited routes. Going into 2025, the Chargers let Keenan Allen go (cap casualty at age 33), signaling confidence in McConkey as the primary slot/flanker option alongside Quentin Johnston. McConkey is a precise route-runner with deceptive speed, often compared to a faster Julian Edelman. Key Factors: In Kellen Moore’s offense, expect plenty of 3-WR sets – McConkey will be on the field almost every snap. Herbert’s big arm meshes with Ladd’s ability to get open deep (he had a few long TDs as a rookie). One concern: he did have a concussion late in 2024; keep an eye on any recurring issues. Chargers bye Week 12. Tier: PPR WR2/3. Risk: Medium – only one year of production and defensive attention on him will increase without Keenan drawing slots, but he has the skills to beat it. 33. Terry McLaurin, WR (WAS) – Projected PPR ~215 pts. “Scary Terry” remains a model of consistency. He’s hit ~1,000 yards each of the past four seasons, despite a carousel of mediocre QBs – now he gets a dynamic (albeit young) passer in Jayden Daniels. McLaurin will be the security blanket for Daniels, especially on intermediate routes. While Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel will also see targets, McLaurin led Washington in targets again in ’24 and should continue to hover around 120-130 looks. His red-zone usage historically has been lower than you’d like (not a ton of TDs, usually 5-7 range per year), but a scrambling QB can actually help with off-script TDs (finding McLaurin after extending plays). Key Factors: McLaurin’s route running is elite and he’s now 29, which is still fine for a WR of his style. Commanders’ schedule is reasonable, bye Week 12. He’s extremely durable (played 16+ games 4 straight years). Tier: Solid WR2. Risk: Low – you know what you get: a steady, if not spectacular, weekly starter. 34. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR (SEA) – Projected PPR ~220 pts. JSN is set to ascend in Seattle’s pecking order. With DK Metcalf now in Pittsburgh (Seattle traded him in a blockbuster) , Smith-Njigba becomes the Seahawks’ WR1A alongside veteran Tyler Lockett. By the end of 2024, JSN was already looking great (around 800 yards as the WR3). He excels from the slot but can also win outside with his elite agility and route-running (remember, he out-produced both Olave and Garrett Wilson in college). Geno Smith (or possibly a young QB if Seattle transitions) will depend on JSN for chain-moving catches; expect his target share to jump to ~25%. Key Factors: Seattle also added a rookie WR in the draft for depth, but JSN is the guy to carry their passing game forward. A concern is Seattle’s historical run-first philosophy – if they lean on Ken Walker and Zach Charbonnet a ton, JSN might have some quieter weeks. But Pete Carroll showed more willingness to pass in 2024. Bye is Week 8. Tier: Upside WR2. Risk: Medium – hasn’t been a #1 target vs. top coverage yet, and QB Geno is good-not-great. But talent is there to smash expectations. 35. DJ Moore, WR (CHI) – Projected PPR ~225 pts. Moore was one of the lone bright spots for Chicago in 2024, posting over 1,100 yards and finally a double-digit TD season after being traded from Carolina. Now the Bears have an offensive-minded head coach, Ben Johnson (former DET OC)  , which bodes extremely well for Moore’s usage. Whether it’s Justin Fields or rookie Caleb Williams (whom Chicago drafted #1 overall in 2024, creating a QB controversy), Moore will be the go-to receiver. He’s a do-it-all weapon: deep threat (elite contested catch), YAC monster on screens, and reliable on intermediate routes. Johnson turned Amon-Ra St. Brown into a target hog in Detroit; he can scheme Moore open similarly. Key Factors: The Bears have the 2nd-hardest schedule , meaning some tough defenses for Moore (and maybe inconsistent QB play if a rookie starts). However, tough schedule could also mean more passing volume from playing catch-up. Moore is 28 and durable (only missed 2 games in 5 years). Bye Week 5. Tier: High WR3 / Low WR2 with upside. Risk: Medium – uncertainty at QB (if Fields struggled and Caleb takes over mid-season, there’s an adjustment period). But Moore’s talent tends to shine through bad situations as we’ve seen. 36. Joe Mixon, RB (HOU) – Projected PPR ~220 pts. A change of scenery lands Mixon in Houston, where he’ll be the early-down hammer next to Dameon Pierce. Cincinnati released Mixon after 2024 to save cap, and the Texans scooped him up to form a 1-2 punch. While timeshare backs usually aren’t exciting, Mixon could still lead this backfield in touches. Pierce has struggled with injuries and consistency, and new OC Nick Caley might favor the veteran in passing situations too (Mixon is an underrated receiver, averaging ~45 catches the past few years). At 29, Mixon has some wear but showed in 2024 he still had juice (4.2 YPC, effective in short-yardage). The Texans also improved their O-line interior this offseason, which should help their run game that fell off in 2024 . Key Factors: If Houston’s offense bounces back, Mixon will have goal-line opportunities (he scored 9 TD with CIN last year). The downside: possible 50/50 split with Pierce, and the dreaded hot-hand approach. Also, the Texans have a Week 6 bye. Tier: Flex/RB2. Risk: Medium – volume is uncertain due to Pierce, and Mixon’s efficiency has been up-and-down. But as a mid-round pick, he’s a solid bet for ~15 touches a game. 37. Kenneth Walker III, RB (SEA) – Projected PPR ~215 pts. Walker finds himself in a full-blown committee in Seattle, hence his drop to this range. The Seahawks have Zach Charbonnet (who took a lot of third-down snaps in ’24) and even drafted another depth RB. Still, Walker is the most talented runner in that room – he’s a big-play machine (led the NFL in rushes of 20+ yards in 2022, and had several long TDs in ’24). He finished 2024 with around 1,000 yards but only 8 games of double-digit PPR points due to the timeshare. In 2025, expect a similar split: Walker as primary early-down and home-run hitter, Charbonnet as the receiving/change-up back. If Walker can improve as a receiver (he showed flashes), he could reclaim some three-down work. Key Factors: Pete Carroll likes to ride the hot hand, so if Walker breaks a big run early in a game, he might get 20 carries that day. Conversely, if he’s bottled up, Charbonnet may play more. Walker’s talent (former 2nd-round pick, only 24) gives him upside beyond this ranking if things break right. His injury history is notable (had a hernia in ’22 preseason, minor ankle sprain in ’23). Tier: Low RB2 / high RB3 (with upside). Risk: Medium – role uncertainty week-to-week, but draft him for the talent and hope Seattle leans back on him. 38. Chase Brown, RB (CIN) – Projected PPR ~210 pts. Cincinnati appears ready to hand the keys to Chase Brown in their backfield. The 2023 fifth-round pick sat behind Mixon and Samaje Perine early in his career, but by late 2024 he was earning more snaps, and with Mixon gone, Brown could be this year’s breakout RB. He’s a compact runner with 4.4 speed and excellent college production (1,600+ yards his senior year at Illinois). The Bengals did sign a veteran pass-blocking RB, but Brown should see the bulk of carries and at least share receiving duties. The upside scenario: he’s the clear three-down back on a top-5 scoring offense, which would smash this ranking. The downside: he’s unproven and might end up in a committee if he struggles at all. Key Factors: Cincinnati’s offensive philosophy with Burrow is to lean pass, but they run plenty when leading. Brown showed good hands in limited ’24 action. His Week 10 bye gives time to evaluate him before fantasy playoffs. Tier: RB2/Flex with upside. Risk: Medium-High – we haven’t seen Brown in a lead role for an extended period (dealt with a hamstring injury early in rookie year). There’s some risk the Bengals bring in another back (via trade or a surprise signing) if Brown falters. 39. George Kittle, TE (SF) – Projected PPR ~210 pts. The old guard at TE isn’t done yet – Kittle remains a top-5 option at the position. He bounced back in 2024 with ~900 yards and 8 TD, benefitting from Brock Purdy’s efficient play and an offense that schemed him open while teams focused on McCaffrey and Deebo. At 32, Kittle’s after-catch ability is still among the best (he led TEs in YAC per catch). However, there are a few concerns: the 49ers drafted a young TE to start grooming behind him, and Kittle’s target share can be inconsistent (some games he might only see 3-4 targets if the run game is working). Also, his physical playing style has led to injuries (though he played 16 games in ’24). Key Factors: As long as he’s on the field, Kittle can win you a week (he had a 3-TD game in ’24). But he can also put up duds if SF gets ahead and goes run-heavy. The Week 14 bye is brutal timing for fantasy (make sure you have a fill-in). Tier: Mid TE1. Risk: Medium – age and injury history, plus volatility in usage. If you grab him, consider pairing with a high-upside backup TE for insurance. 40. Joe Burrow, QB (CIN) – Projected PPR ~320 pts. Burrow as QB5 just shows how rich the QB landscape is – he’s an elite NFL quarterback, but for fantasy he doesn’t run as much as the guys above. Still, you’re getting 4,500+ yards and 35 TD potential with pinpoint accuracy. He’ll throw plenty to Chase, Higgins, and company. One flag: Burrow had a calf injury early 2024 that slowed him in September; he recovered, but it’s something to keep note of as it’s a recurrence from 2023. When healthy, behind a stable O-line, Burrow is a top 5 fantasy QB threat. He’s also clutch in fantasy playoffs (remember his huge December 2021 run). Key Factors: The Bengals did lose RB Mixon, which could mean more reliance on Burrow’s arm near the goal line – a plus for his TD totals. Week 10 bye. Tier: Low-end elite QB. Risk: Low-Medium – mainly health (he’s had knee surgery in ’20, appendix in ’22, calf in ’23) and the fact he won’t give you much on the ground, but you know what you’re drafting: steady high-end production. 41. Breece Hall, RB (NYJ) – Projected PPR ~205 pts. Hall is a tricky evaluation for 2025. Talent-wise, he’s arguably top-5 among RBs: we saw flashes of brilliance as a rookie in 2022 before his ACL tear, and in 2024 he had some big games as he regained form. However, the Jets’ situation is cloudy. Aaron Rodgers retired after 2024, and the Jets underwent a regime change (they fired Saleh mid-2024) . New coach Aaron Glenn (former Lions DC) may lean on the run game, which could benefit Hall… unless the Jets’ offense struggles to sustain drives. Also, the Jets acquired Justin Fields at QB , whose mobility might either help Hall (read-option plays, fewer stacked boxes) or hurt (Fields could vulture some rushing TDs). Hall is now two years removed from the ACL, usually the time RBs regain full explosiveness. Key Factors: He’ll likely share some touches with Zonovan Knight or a new rookie (NY drafted a day-2 RB, but likely as depth). If Fields and Hall click, Breece could vastly outproduce this ranking. But given uncertainty, he slots in as a lower RB2 with high upside. Jets bye Week 9. Tier: RB2 with breakout potential. Risk: Medium – coming off injury recovery and team offensive instability. 42. Rashee Rice, WR (KC) – Projected PPR ~200 pts. Rice stepped up as Kansas City’s top wideout in late 2024, and now the second-year receiver is Patrick Mahomes’ best WR option. He led all Chiefs WRs in targets and TDs in ’24, showing a knack for finding soft spots when Mahomes scrambled. At 6’2”, 203, Rice can play both outside and slot; the Chiefs used him often on slants and RPOs. With Travis Kelce finally looking human last year (and now 36), expect Mahomes to continue developing chemistry with Rice. The Chiefs also drafted speedster Xavier Worthy (more on him next) – that could actually help Rice by pulling coverage deep and opening underneath routes. Key Factors: Any Mahomes receiver has inherent upside, but Andy Reid’s system historically spreads the ball. So while Rice is the favorite for WR1 on KC, that might translate to only ~120 targets. Still, he could post a 75-1000-8 line with that, which is solid. Week 10 bye. Tier: WR3 with WR2 upside. Risk: Medium – second-year consistency is the question, and Kelce will still hog targets in key spots. 43. Xavier Worthy, WR (KC) – Projected PPR ~190 pts. Worthy is an exciting rookie wild card. Drafted early in the 2025 draft by the Chiefs, he’s a lightning-fast playmaker out of Texas (think DeSean Jackson or Will Fuller type). The Chiefs desperately needed a field-stretcher after losing Tyreek Hill a few years back, and Worthy could be it. His presence alone will force safeties deep – which could either mean boom-or-bust fantasy value for Worthy himself, or he might mainly be a decoy to free up others (like Rice or Kelce). Given his draft capital, Kansas City will manufacture touches for him (screens, jet sweeps) to utilize his 4.3 speed. Key Factors: As a rookie WR, temper expectations early; Andy Reid’s offense is notoriously tough to learn, but if he catches on, the ceiling is high catching passes from Mahomes. One stat from camp: reportedly Mahomes and Worthy connected frequently on deep shots in OTA’s. But we need to see it in games. Tier: High-upside WR4 (best ball darling). Risk: High – any rookie WR not named Chase/Jefferson usually struggles for consistency, and he might only see 5 targets some games. Draft as a bench stash with hopes he pops in the second half. 44. Mike Evans, WR (TB) – Projected PPR ~200 pts. Old reliable Mike Evans just refuses to decline. He topped 1,000 yards yet again in 2024 (his 10th straight season), though his catch count was modest (around 70). At 32, he’s more of a contested-catch and red-zone specialist now – but he’s very good at those things. The Bucs’ offense will be more run-focused around Bucky Irving, and they have a young QB developing behind Baker Mayfield. But Baker actually meshed decently with Evans (as evidenced by Evans’ 3 TD, 200-yard game in Week 17 of ’24). Even if Baker falters and Kyle Trask or a rookie plays, big targets like Evans tend to be safety blankets. Key Factors: Evans’ ADP often lags due to age and the “this is the year he breaks the 1k streak” narrative. Could it be? Sure, at some point he’ll slow down. But until we see it, getting a likely 1,000 yards and 8–10 TDs this late is a steal. He did battle a hamstring tweak in camp last year (common for him), so monitor that – he often plays hurt but rarely misses games. Bye Week 9. Tier: WR3 with WR2 weekly potential (especially in standard scoring where TDs matter more). Risk: Medium – Father Time and QB play are concerns, but Evans has defied both annually. 45. Garrett Wilson, WR (NYJ) – Projected PPR ~220 pts. Wilson’s dip to the 40s is more about the Jets than him. The 2022 Offensive ROY had a challenging 2024 (Rodgers tore Achilles in Week 1, and Wilson dealt with poor QB play yet still nearly hit 1,000 yards). Now with Justin Fields coming in, there’s some hope: Fields hasn’t supported a top-flight fantasy WR yet, but he also never had a WR of Wilson’s caliber. In fact, Fields’ tendency to throw to well-covered first reads might actually benefit Wilson (he can win contested catches). Also, new OC (whoever Glenn brings in) might scheme touches for Wilson (screens, quick throws) to get the ball out of Fields’ hands quickly. Key Factors: Wilson is incredibly talented – sharp routes, great hands. If Fields adapts and improves as a passer, Wilson can outperform this rank and be a WR1. However, early reports suggest the Jets will remain balanced/run-heavy to suit Fields’ strengths, which could cap target volume. Additionally, Wilson has a slight injury red flag after spraining an ankle late last year (didn’t miss much time). Jets’ bye Week 9. Tier: Low WR2 / high WR3. Risk: Medium – purely situation-driven; talent is top-10 WR worthy, but QB and offensive philosophy might hold him back. 46. Omarion Hampton, RB (LAC) – Projected PPR ~200 pts. Another rookie running back cracks the top 50. Hampton, out of UNC, landed with the Chargers in Round 2 of the 2025 draft. The fit is obvious: Austin Ekeler hit free agency, and the Bolts see Hampton as a potential three-down back to replace him. At 6’0”, 220 lbs, Hampton is a powerful runner with sneaky breakaway speed, and he was a touchdown machine in college. He joins a high-scoring offense with Justin Herbert, which is prime real estate for RB fantasy points. The main question: will the Chargers trust him immediately or use a committee with Joshua Kelley/Isaiah Spiller? Likely, Hampton will at least handle early downs and goal-line work from the jump. If he picks up pass protection, he could push for a true bellcow role. Key Factors: Rookie RB performance can be very team-dependent – behind the Chargers’ decent O-line and with defenses respecting Herbert’s arm, Hampton could find lots of light fronts. He also has solid hands (UNC used him in screens), so he might get 30-40 receptions. Bolts bye Week 12. Tier: RB3 (to start year) with RB2+ upside. Risk: Medium-High – rookies are unproven, and if he fumbles or blows an assignment early, he might cede work. But the upside of a mid-season breakout like Bucky Irving had last year is tantalizing. 47. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR (ARI) – Projected PPR ~210 pts. Perhaps the most anticipated rookie WR since Chase, Harrison Jr. enters the league with sky-high expectations. Arizona took him #2 overall in the 2025 draft to be their new WR1. He’s a polished, NFL-ready prospect with elite pedigree (Hall of Fame dad). At 6’4” with superb hands and route-running, MHJ profiles as a future superstar. For 2025, tempering expectations slightly is wise – he’ll have a learning curve and will face top corners from day one. But the Cardinals will feed him targets; they’ve lacked a true #1 since DeAndre Hopkins left, and even as a rookie Harrison might push ~120 targets. Kyler Murray (back healthy) will love throwing to Harrison’s catch radius. Key Factors: One challenge is Arizona’s offense might be a bit conservative at times (they leaned on short passes to TE McBride and RBs in 2024). But new OC Drew Petzing did come from a system that made Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore productive in CLE, so he can scheme WRs open. The schedule is favorable (NFC West defenses aren’t scary outside SF). Week 8 bye. Tier: WR3/flex with a path to WR2 by year’s end. Risk: Medium – rookie variance, but he’s about as “pro-ready” as they come. Think Ja’Marr Chase’s rookie scenario: some drops or timing issues early maybe, but could explode in second half. 48. DK Metcalf, WR (PIT) – Projected PPR ~205 pts. Metcalf in a Steelers uniform will take getting used to. Pittsburgh acquired him to give Kenny Pickett (or their QB of the future) a true #1 target after they struggled in the passing game. Metcalf’s 2024 in Seattle was underwhelming (around 900 yards, 6 TD) as JSN and Lockett ate into his share and Geno Smith spread the ball around. In Pittsburgh, Metcalf should be the clear top dog – the question is volume and efficiency. The Steelers are traditionally run-heavy and spread targets too (with Pickens, Freiermuth, etc.). And Matt Canada’s offense (if he’s still OC) hasn’t been the most creative passing scheme. Still, DK’s talent is immense: size/speed nightmare who can dominate end-zone fades and deep posts. Perhaps the Steelers open up the offense more in 2025 to utilize DK. Key Factors: At 27, Metcalf is in his physical prime and rarely misses games. The change in QB from Russell Wilson/Geno to Pickett is a downgrade in accuracy, which could hurt Metcalf’s big play efficiency. But Pickett is a gambler who will throw contested balls – and DK excels there. Pittsburgh’s bye Week 5. Tier: WR3. Risk: Medium – new team fit and offensive style clash (low-passing-volume team) could keep him from bouncing back to WR1 form. But if Steelers surprise and throw more, DK could smash this rank. 49. Alvin Kamara, RB (NO) – Projected PPR ~190 pts. Kamara showed in 2024 he still has some juice left, especially in PPR formats (he caught 60+ balls and was RB15 in PPR). However, age (30) and mileage are catching up, and the Saints seem to be transitioning. They drafted Kendre Miller in 2023 and another back in 2025, plus Taysom Hill steals those annoying goal-line carries. New Orleans fired HC Dennis Allen mid-2024 and presumably brought in an offensive coach, which could help the offense overall. But Kamara’s role might shift to more of a 1B or third-down specialist. He’s best utilized in space now – as evidenced by his career-low yards per carry in 2024. If the new staff leans on the younger legs for early downs, Kamara could still hold PPR flex value with receiving work. Key Factors: He’s one off-field issue away from potential suspension (though he cleared the big one in 2023 with a short ban). Injury-wise, he’s been relatively durable but did have some minor knee issues recently. Saints bye Week 11. Schedule in NFC South is RB-friendly aside from Tampa. Tier: Flex/RB3 in PPR (lower in standard). Risk: Medium-High – decline can be swift for 30-year-old RBs, and usage could drop significantly if Miller or Jamaal Williams (if still there) get hot. 50. James Conner, RB (ARI) – Projected PPR ~185 pts. Rounding out the top 50 is a dependable yet unspectacular veteran. Conner, at 30, remains the Cardinals’ lead back… for now. He managed to play 14 games in 2024 (a win for his durability reputation) and put up solid numbers (~1,000 total yards, 8 TD). Arizona drafted a young RB (Trey Benson) but likely will start the year with Conner as the 1A. The plus side: Conner is an every-down back when healthy – he plays in all situations and is trusted in pass pro and at the goal line. The downside: his efficiency has dipped (sub-4 YPC last year), and he’s always an elevated injury risk (has never played a full season). The Cardinals’ easiest NFL schedule  and an improved offense with Kyler and Harrison Jr. could give Conner more scoring chances and lighter fronts to run against. But they could also choose to lighten his load to keep him fresh. Key Factors: Expect Conner to be a solid starter early in the season – he could be an RB2 for the first month. The key will be selling high or having a backup plan as the season wears on or if the rookie starts eating into carries. Week 14 bye (watch out, fantasy playoff planners!). Tier: RB3/Flex. Risk: High – age + injury history, but at pick 50 cost, he’s a fine depth RB to have when active.

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Bold Calls & Sleepers to Monitor: A few mid-to-late round names not in the top 50 who could have high upside: Quentin Johnston (LAC WR) – if McConkey or QJ himself falters, he could step up as Herbert’s go-to outside target. Tony Pollard (TEN RB) – now on the Titans, if Henry were to miss time, Pollard might recapture RB1 form in a run-heavy scheme. Caleb Williams (CHI QB) – the rookie QB has a fantasy-friendly skillset (think young Mahomes comparisons); if he takes over early, he could be a league-winning QB2. And keep an eye on Travis Kelce (KC TE) – he’s not top 50 here due to age 36 and a slow 2024, but greatness should never be fully written off; if he falls in drafts and rebounds even a bit, that’s a bargain. These sleepers carry risk but could tilt leagues if things break right.

Key Assumptions & Uncertainties: This list assumes relative health for all players – injuries can and will derail some seasons (as we saw with many stars in recent years). Pay attention to players returning from major injuries (Hall, Williams, etc.) and how they look in preseason. Rookies are notoriously hard to project; while we’ve slotted several high, their roles could change (for better or worse) once games are played. Team changes like new coaches (e.g. Bears with Ben Johnson, Jaguars with Liam Coen, Jets with Aaron Glenn) and new quarterbacks (Russell Wilson to NYG, Justin Fields to NYJ, etc.) inject volatility – early weeks will reveal how those dynamics play out. Be ready to adjust on the fly; the tiers can help you gauge value (e.g. if a Tier 2 player slides to you in Round 3, that’s likely a great value, whereas reaching for a Tier 4 guy in Round 2 might be too risky).

Finally, consider strength of schedule in your draft tiebreakers: Teams like the Giants and Bears face gauntlets (which could hamper their players or at least mean inconsistency) , whereas teams like the Cardinals (easiest schedule)  or others in weaker divisions might have more favorable game scripts. Travel and bye weeks matter too – note the heavy bye in Week 8 (plan ahead to avoid overloading that week)  and that there’s no bye in Week 13  (all teams play, great for a final playoff push). Use the table below to sort and compare players by key info, and happy drafting!

Name Team Pos Proj. PPR Floor–Ceiling Bye Injury Risk ADP Ja’Marr Chase CIN Bengals WR1 350 280–400+ (elite) 10 Low (durable) 1.01 Bijan Robinson ATL Falcons RB1 320 250–350 5 Low (young) 1.02 Justin Jefferson MIN Vikings WR2 340 270–370 6 Low-Med (minor 2023 injury) 1.03 Jahmyr Gibbs DET Lions RB2 300 220–330 8 Low (young) 1.04 Saquon Barkley PHI Eagles RB3 300 200–320 9 Medium (ACL ’20, ankles) 1.05 CeeDee Lamb DAL Cowboys WR3 300 250–330 10 Low 1.06 Puka Nacua LAR Rams WR4 290 220–310 8 Low-Med (minor) 1.07 Amon-Ra St. Brown DET Lions WR5 285 230–300 8 Low (minor nicks) 1.08 Christian McCaffrey SF 49ers RB4 290 220–320 14 Medium (past injuries) 1.09 Malik Nabers NYG Giants WR6 275 220–310 14 Medium (concussion ’24) 1.10 Ashton Jeanty LV Raiders RB5 270 180–300 8 Medium (rookie) 1.11 De’Von Achane MIA Dolphins RB6 265 150–300 (boom/bust) 12 Med-High (smaller back) 1.12 Nico Collins HOU Texans WR7 270 210–290 6 Low-Med 2.01 A.J. Brown PHI Eagles WR8 265 220–300 9 Low-Med (knees) 2.02 Brian Thomas Jr. JAX Jaguars WR9 260 180–300 8 Medium (young) 2.03 Jonathan Taylor IND Colts RB7 260 200–300 11 Medium (ankle ’22) 2.04 Josh Jacobs GB Packers RB8 255 210–280 5 Low 2.05 Derrick Henry BAL Ravens RB9 250 150–280 7 Med-High (age 31) 2.06 Brock Bowers LV Raiders TE1 240 180–270 8 Medium (young TE) 2.07 Trey McBride ARI Cardinals TE2 230 170–250 8 Low-Med 2.08 Bucky Irving TB Buccaneers RB10 250 200–280 5 Low-Med 2.09 Drake London ATL Falcons WR10 250 180–270 5 Medium 2.10 Kyren Williams LAR Rams RB11 245 170–270 8 Medium (size/injury) 2.11 James Cook BUF Bills RB12 240 180–260 7 Low 2.12 Josh Allen BUF Bills QB1 370 340–400 7 Low-Med (physical style) 3.01 Lamar Jackson BAL Ravens QB2 350 300–380 7 Medium (running QB injuries) 3.02 Jayden Daniels WAS Commanders QB3 330 250–370 12 Medium (young QB) 3.03 Jalen Hurts PHI Eagles QB4 360 320–390 9 Low-Med (rushing hits) 3.04 Tee Higgins CIN Bengals WR11 230 170–260 10 Medium 3.05 Davante Adams LAR Rams WR12 240 200–270 8 Medium (age 32) 3.06 Tyreek Hill MIA Dolphins WR13 260 210–330 (boom) 12 Medium (age 31) 3.07 Ladd McConkey LAC Chargers WR14 210 150–230 12 Medium (2nd year) 3.08 Terry McLaurin WAS Commanders WR15 215 180–230 12 Low 3.09 Jaxon Smith-Njigba SEA Seahawks WR16 220 170–250 8 Medium (role increase) 3.10 DJ Moore CHI Bears WR17 225 180–250 5 Medium 3.11 Joe Mixon HOU Texans RB13 220 160–240 6 Medium 3.12 Kenneth Walker III SEA Seahawks RB14 215 150–230 8 Medium 4.01 Chase Brown CIN Bengals RB15 210 150–240 10 Medium 4.02 George Kittle SF 49ers TE3 210 150–240 14 Medium (age/inj) 4.03 Joe Burrow CIN Bengals QB5 320 300–360 10 Low-Med (past inj.) 4.04 Breece Hall NYJ Jets RB16 205 150–280 (if all clicks) 9 Medium (ACL ’22) 4.05 Rashee Rice KC Chiefs WR18 200 150–230 10 Medium (volatile usage) 4.06 Xavier Worthy KC Chiefs WR19 190 120–230 (big-play) 10 High (rookie boom/bust) 4.07 Mike Evans TB Buccaneers WR20 200 160–230 9 Medium (age) 4.08 Garrett Wilson NYJ Jets WR21 220 170–270 9 Medium (QB uncertainty) 4.09 Omarion Hampton LAC Chargers RB17 200 140–250 12 Medium-High (rookie) 4.10 Marvin Harrison Jr. ARI Cardinals WR22 210 150–240 8 Medium (rookie, high talent) 4.11 DK Metcalf PIT Steelers WR23 205 160–240 5 Medium 4.12 Alvin Kamara NO Saints RB18 190 140–220 11 Medium-High (age 30) 5.01 James Conner ARI Cardinals RB19 185 130–210 14 High (injury history) 5.02