The 2024 fantasy football season might have just wrapped up, but as any savvy fantasy manager knows, it’s never too early to start strategizing for the next campaign. With the excitement of potential breakout stars on the horizon, it’s time to dive into players who could emerge as the next big names in fantasy football. Think of this as your early guide to the future stars of 2025.
Looking Ahead: Potential Breakouts for 2025
As we look forward, it’s essential to remember that NFL teams and their depth charts can shift dramatically in the coming months. However, I’ve pinpointed ten players who are primed for a statistical leap that could transform them into fantasy stars. Let’s kick things off with a player I had high hopes for in 2024.
Ashton Jeanty, RB, Rookie
Jeanty is still awaiting his NFL draft day, but I have a strong feeling he’ll land on a team that will utilize him as a featured back—perhaps the Dallas Cowboys? In his final season at Boise State, he racked up an impressive 2,601 rushing yards, averaging seven yards per carry, and scored a whopping 30 touchdowns. He’s a surefire three-down back, and if he finds himself in Dallas, I can easily see Jeanty being a top pick in fantasy redraft leagues.
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Cardinals
I included Harrison Jr. in my breakout predictions last season, and while it didn’t pan out as expected, I’m not ready to give up on him. His rookie stats mirror those of his father, Marvin Harrison Sr., who had 64 catches for 836 yards and eight touchdowns in his debut season. Harrison Jr. posted 62 catches, 885 yards, and also eight touchdowns. With such a promising start, I believe he has all the tools to emerge as a star in 2025.
Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, Giants
Tracy Jr. displayed his potential during his rookie year, rushing for 838 yards and finishing as the 26th-ranked fantasy running back. What’s remarkable is that he achieved this despite having just 16 combined touches and only 10.8 fantasy points in his first four games! With a projected starting role for New York next season, I expect a significant improvement in Year 2.
Rome Odunze, WR, Bears
Odunze had a quiet rookie season, finishing as the WR49 while playing behind established veterans DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. However, with Allen set to hit free agency, the Bears are likely to bring in an offensive-minded head coach who can help develop both Caleb Williams and Odunze. This could position him to push for WR2 value in the upcoming season.
Jalen McMillan, WR, Buccaneers
Fantasy managers are already familiar with McMillan, who emerged as a league winner during the latter part of his rookie year. If the Buccaneers decide to part ways with Chris Godwin, who is recovering from a serious ankle injury and is also a free agent, McMillan could step into a significant role and become a breakout star in fantasy leagues.
Key Players to Watch
Let’s take a closer look at some more intriguing names that could make a splash in 2025.
Keon Coleman, WR, Bills
The Bills find themselves in an interesting position at wide receiver, with both Amari Cooper and Mack Hollins potentially hitting free agency. This situation could pave the way for Coleman to emerge as the primary wideout in what promises to be a high-powered offense. In fantasy football, opportunity is everything, and Coleman might just find himself in the right spot at the right time.
Cedric Tillman, WR, Browns
Tillman had a remarkable three-game stretch last season, accumulating a staggering 66.5 fantasy points, especially impressive considering he only scored 3.1 points in his previous six games! Unfortunately, a concussion sidelined him for the last two games, but his potential is hard to ignore. With Elijah Moore also facing free agency, Tillman could be in line for a bigger role.
Xavier Worthy, WR, Chiefs
Worthy finished his rookie season ranked 33rd among wide receivers, but he really turned it on during the fantasy postseason, scoring over 19 fantasy points in each of the last three weeks. With the Chiefs potentially losing DeAndre Hopkins and Hollywood Brown to free agency, Worthy could find himself in a prime position to shine, especially with Travis Kelce entering his age-36 season.
Caleb Williams, QB, Bears
Williams had a rocky start to his rookie campaign, finishing 16th among quarterbacks. However, it’s worth noting that his 254.5 fantasy points rank as the 12th-most ever scored by a rookie QB. With a new offensive-minded head coach on the horizon, I expect Williams to take a significant leap forward in 2025.
Drake Maye, QB, Patriots
Maye started 10 games as a rookie, averaging 16.4 points in those outings. He consistently scored over 17 points in six games and averaged 36.3 rushing yards per game. If he can maintain this level of performance over a full season, he could easily rush for 617 yards and score around 278 fantasy points. With a year of starting experience under his belt, Maye has the potential to break into the top 12 quarterbacks.
As we gear up for the 2025 fantasy football season, keep a close eye on these players. They could be the key to your fantasy success, transforming your roster into a championship contender!
