Mike Fanelli | Thu, Jan 9th 2025, 5:59am EST

10 Early Fantasy Football Sleepers (2025)

While 2025 fantasy football redraft leagues won’t start until July, what’s the fun waiting until then to think about next season?

Therefore, let’s look at 10 non-rookie early fantasy football sleeper picks for next year.

Early 2025 Fantasy Football Sleepers

Bryce Young (QB – CAR)

The 2024 season was one of ups and downs for Young. He got benched after the first two weeks before returning later in the year. However, the former Alabama star finished the regular season as one of the hottest quarterbacks in the NFL and fantasy football. Young was the QB6, averaging 21.9 fantasy points per game from Week 13 through Week 18, totaling 23.6 or more in half of those contests. If the Panthers can land Tee Higgins in free agency, Young could have a Sam Darnold-like season in 2025.

Drake Maye (QB – NE)

Unfortunately, the Patriots had a disappointing 2024 season. However, the lone bright spot was Maye. The rookie quarterback played well as the starter despite working with an awful offensive line and a lack of weapons. He was the QB14 from his first start in Week 6 through Week 17, averaging 1.4 passing touchdowns and 16.8 fantasy points per game, totaling 17.7 or more in 63.6% of the contests. Don’t be surprised if Maye has a sophomore-year breakout if New England improves his supporting cast in the offseason.

Zack Moss (RB – CIN)

Cincinnati will likely release Moss in the offseason following Chase Brown’s second-half breakout. The Bengals will save nearly $3.5 million in salary cap space by releasing the veteran in the second year of the contract he signed last offseason. While Moss will play for another team in 2025, the former Utah star should have flex value or better regardless of landing spot. The veteran was the RB18 over the first four weeks before losing his starting role, averaging 70.8 scrimmage yards and 13.1 half-point PPR fantasy points per game.

Jaylen Wright (RB – MIA)

Fantasy players had high hopes for Wright as a rookie, with some calling him a league winner. Unfortunately, the former Tennessee star barely made an impact, ending the year as the RB90, averaging 1.7 half-point PPR fantasy points per game, totaling more than 3.3 in only one contest. However, the Dolphins could release Raheem Mostert this offseason, saving over $3 million in salary cap space. According to Fantasy Points Data, Wright ranked 13th out of 61 running backs in explosive run rate (5.9%) with at least 60 rushing attempts.

Emanuel Wilson (RB – GB)

The Packers and fantasy players couldn’t be happier with Josh Jacobs. The superstar finished the year as the RB5, averaging 16.2 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. However, he had 67.5% of the backfield rushing attempts, totaling 301 carries, the second-highest total of his career. Green Bay will likely want to lighten his workload in 2025. While MarShawn Lloyd was the prized third-round rookie, he played in only one contest because of injuries. Meanwhile, Wilson averaged 4.9 yards per rushing attempt and 0.79 fantasy points per touch this season.

Quentin Johnston (WR – LAC)

After having an awful rookie season, Johnston bounced back in 2024. The former TCU star finished the year as the WR37, averaging 9.8 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Furthermore, he finished 13th in the NFL with eight receiving touchdowns. More importantly, Johnston stepped up after returning from an injury. He was the WR24 from Week 9 through Week 18, averaging 10.5 fantasy points per game. Unless the Chargers add a big-name wide receiver in the offseason, don’t be surprised if Johnson has his first top-20 finish in 2025.

Jalen McMillan (WR – TB)

McMillan was a league winner as a rookie. He was the WR7 over the final five weeks, averaging 6.2 targets, 1.4 touchdowns, and 17.4 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. Fantasy players should expect him to build on that success in 2025. Chris Godwin is a free agent this spring. The veteran turns 29 in February and is coming off a dislocated ankle injury. Even if the former Penn State star returned next season, expect McMillan to earn more playing time and targets in Tampa Bay’s pass-happy offense.

Dontayvion Wicks (WR – GB)

Unfortunately, Christian Watson suffered a torn ACL and possibly other knee damage in the Week 18 loss to the Chicago Bears. The third-year pro will likely miss most, if not all, of 2025, recovering from the injury, opening the door for more opportunities for Wicks. While he finished the season as the WR70, averaging 5.4 half-point PPR fantasy points per game, the second-year pro showed upside with enough work. Wicks averaged 10.8 fantasy points per game in the five contests with six or more targets this year.

Brenton Strange (TE – JAX)

While Jacksonville’s offense struggled, they got production from multiple young pass catchers. Everyone will be quick to make Brian Thomas Jr. a first-round pick in 2025. However, Strange could be the most valuable Jaguar at cost next year. The former Penn State star was productive this season when Evan Engram missed time. Strange averaged 4.9 targets and 6.5 half-point PPR fantasy points per game in the eight contests without the veteran tight end. Jacksonville could release Engram in the offseason, saving up to $15.8 million in salary cap space.

Ja’Tavion Sanders (TE – CAR)

Many will stay away from the Panthers offense in 2025. However, that would be a mistake. They will enter their second season of head coach Dave Canales’ offense. More importantly, Bryce Young finished his second NFL year playing well. Meanwhile, Sanders had a decent rookie season, averaging 2.7 targets and 3.5 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. The former Texas star averaged seven fantasy points per game in the five contests with five or more targets. Unless Carolina drafts a first-round tight end, Sanders could have a sophomore-year breakout.

Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.

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