The week following the Conference Championship Games can feel a bit like a lull in the NFL and fantasy football world. However, it’s also a fantastic opportunity to reflect on the greatness displayed throughout the season. The league honors its stars with the Pro Bowl Games, and in the spirit of celebration, I’m diving into the fantasy realm to highlight some standout players.
This week, I’ll be unveiling my All-Sleeper, All-Breakout, All-Rookie, and All-Bust teams. Let’s kick things off with the sleepers who not only helped fantasy managers reach the playoffs but may have even clinched league championships. Plus, I’ll be looking ahead to each player’s 2025 outlook—are their futures bright or a bit cloudy?
Quarterback: Sam Darnold, Vikings
Darnold was flying under the radar with an average draft position (ADP) of 238.6, making him the 28th quarterback selected. Remarkably, he was picked after names like Derek Carr, Bryce Young, and Will Levis! But Darnold surprised everyone by delivering the best season of his career, racking up 4,319 passing yards and 35 touchdowns. This impressive performance landed him ninth in fantasy points among quarterbacks.
2025 Outlook: Darnold is set to hit free agency, and the Vikings have J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings. If the team decides to part ways with Darnold, he could easily become a popular bust candidate. However, if the Vikings keep him and trade McCarthy, Darnold could remain a top-12 fantasy quarterback.
Running Back: Chase Brown, Bengals
Chase Brown was another player who defied expectations. With an ADP of just 96.4, he was drafted ahead of notable players like Javonte Williams, Zamir White, and Raheem Mostert. After a slow start, Brown exploded onto the scene, finishing the season with 255 points and proving to be a league winner when it mattered most. He wrapped up the season ranked 10th in points among running backs.
2025 Outlook: The Bengals have Zack Moss under contract for next season, but Brown has certainly earned his spot as the team’s featured back. I have him ranked in the top 10 for running backs and project him as a second-round pick in 2025 drafts.
Wide Receiver: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seahawks
Jaxon Smith-Njigba made a remarkable leap from an ADP of 77.3 (WR40) to becoming one of the top wide receivers in fantasy football. He finished the season ranked ninth in points, with a particularly explosive second half. From Week 9 to 16, Smith-Njigba scored 18 or more points six times and even surpassed DK Metcalf as the Seahawks’ number one wide receiver.
2025 Outlook: It’s hard to envision a scenario where Smith-Njigba isn’t the most targeted receiver in Seattle, even with a new coordinator in Klint Kubiak. I have him ranked among the top 10 receivers for 2025, making him a solid second-round pick.
Tight End: Jonnu Smith, Dolphins
In a Dolphins offense that hadn’t prominently featured a tight end, Jonnu Smith was largely overlooked in drafts, with an ADP of 222. Despite a slow start, Smith caught fire in Week 11 and never looked back. He led all tight ends in PPR points over the final seven weeks of the fantasy season, proving his worth to fantasy managers.
2025 Outlook: Smith is under contract with the Dolphins for next season, but his draft value will depend on the team’s offseason moves. If Tyreek Hill returns (and it seems likely), Smith could still be a top-10 tight end in 2025.
Flex: Chuba Hubbard, Panthers
Chuba Hubbard was another sleeper who made waves this season. With an NFFC ADP placing him as the RB40 (Round 10), he was drafted behind his teammate Jonathon Brooks, who went nearly 19 spots earlier. Despite missing Week 17, Hubbard finished as the RB12 in fantasy, consistently delivering strong performances with 15 or more points in nine games, including six outings with over 20 points. This impressive showing earned him a contract extension.
2025 Outlook: With Brooks suffering another ACL tear, Hubbard is poised to be the Panthers’ featured back next season. Given his current contract, he is expected to remain a key player, and in my first mock draft, he was selected in the fourth round.
In this reflective week, it’s important to celebrate the players who exceeded expectations and helped fantasy managers achieve success. Whether they were overlooked in drafts or emerged as breakout stars, these players have made their mark. As we look forward to the 2025 season, keep an eye on these rising talents and their potential to shine even brighter in the future. Who knows? They might just lead you to fantasy glory once again!
