When it comes to drafting a winning fantasy football team, knowing which players the experts are targeting is invaluable. That’s why we turned to the 2024 most accurate ranking experts to find out which players they’re most excited to draft in 2025. These top analysts share their insights on breakout stars, reliable veterans, and sleepers they believe will dominate the upcoming season.
Fantasy Football Advice from the Most Accurate Experts: Most Exciting Players
Which player are you most excited to draft in 2025, either because you think they’ll be a value or are poised for a breakout season?
Drake Maye (QB – NE)
“Drake Maye is going to be my favorite QB target in 2025 drafts. He provides immense value as a runner, and it was admirable that Maye fared as well as he did as a passer this season despite such a poor supporting cast. The Patriots are in great salary-cap shape and pick early in the draft. Maye will get ample help — offensive line upgrades and impactful pass catchers. He’s going to be a top-10 fantasy QB in 2025.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
Xavier Worthy (WR – KC)
“Xavier Worthy established himself as the lone every-down receiver for the Chiefs in 2024. With Travis Kelce aging and Rashee Rice the only other receiver who isn’t a free agent, Worthy’s WR36 ECR provides incredible value for a breakout 2025.”
– Ben Wasley (The Fantasy First Down)
Ladd McConkey (WR – LAC)
“Ladd McConkey finished the year as the WR 13 in half-PPR scoring, and I think we’ve found our Keenan Allen clone in Los Angeles. He had a 24.9% target share from Justin Herbert this year, and unless the Chargers bring in another quality WR, I think we can expect a similar, or better, performance in 2025.”
– Kyle Krajewski (First Seed Sports)
Rome Odunze (WR – CHI)
“Rome Odunze. Unless the ADP becomes absurd, there’s no way I’m jumping off the bandwagon with Ben Johnson now at head coach. I think Odunze is going to see a very similar year 2 breakout as what we just saw from JSN. JSN was heavily underutilized under OC Shane Waldron, so despite how talented he was, there was just no way for him to break out as a rookie in that system. Waldron then did his best to smother the breakouts of Caleb Williams and Rome Odunze in 2024. The addition of Ben Johnson will do wonders for the Bears offense, and I believe Odunze will break out in a massive way, just like JSN did this season.”
– Nick Zylak (Fantasy Football Advice)
“Rome Odunze: I’m excited for Rome with the addition of Ben Johnson and his creative play-calling. Rome saw 17 red zone targets as a rookie, and I anticipate more next year. He’s primed for a breakout and is going to be a draft-day value, especially since he’s being undervalued with his current ADP.”
– Marc Shannep (Fantasy Knockout)
“Rome Odunze: With DJ Moore and Keenan Allen ahead of him on the depth chart, I expected Odunze to finish his rookie campaign (potentially much) stronger than he began it as many rookies do. While that never materialized, Odunze had a sizable 19.1% target share despite ranking third in targets behind both Moore and Allen, who will be a free agent in March. Incoming head coach Ben Johnson has said he will tailor Chicago’s offense to fit Caleb Williams‘ strengths, and his creativity and play calling should give the offense a major shot in the arm. The 22-year-old is my favorite breakout candidate for 2025 due to his talent, work ethic, and expanded role in what should be a much-improved offense overall.”
– Kevin Hanson (EDSFootball)
Chase Brown (RB – CIN)
“Chase Brown appears to be a value based on early consensus rankings. The Bengals’ primary running back has consistently ranked in the top 12 in fantasy points per game. The offense is playing better than ever, and there is room for improvement by Brown in his second season as the Bengals starter.”
– Nathan Jahnke (Pro Football Focus)
“Even though he exceeded expectations this season, I still think Chase Brown is a value heading into 2025. Brown was the overall RB6 from Week 4 on, scoring at least 10 fantasy points in 11 of 12 games to close the season. Many early rankings seem to project Brown as an RB2 in 12-team leagues, but I think he can easily repeat this past season’s performance. Cincinnati still has one of the most explosive offenses in the league, and Brown should be one of the primary beneficiaries. I will happily draft Brown if he is available at the end of the second or beginning of the third round.”
– Mick Ciallela (Fantrax)
Jaylen Waddle (WR – MIA)
“Jaylen Waddle posted the worst receiving line of his career in 2024, finishing as the WR48, with 58 receptions on 83 targets for 744 yards and only two touchdowns in 15 games played. This was the first year of his four-year career, with fewer than 100 targets,1000 yards, and 70 receptions. If not for an ankle injury he suffered in the season’s final month, missing two and a half games, he may have reached all of these marks despite Tua Tagovailoa also missing four games. With news of Tyreek Hill possibly wanting out of Miami, Waddle could be in store for a huge jump in usage in 2025.”
– Kev Wheeler (Wheel Route FF)
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