8 Bold Fantasy Football Predictions Ahead of the 2025 NFL Season

League-winning fantasy football managers tend to think outside the box. They take calculated risks. It's best to draft with a flexible approach and an open mind because there will be surprises in 2025.

In 2024, there were unforeseen occurrences at every position. Baker Mayfield and two rookies were top-seven fantasy quarterbacks. Running back Chuba Hubbard helped managers win leagues. Despite Kirk Cousins' struggles under center and Michael Penix Jr.'s inexperience, Drake London finished as the WR5 in PPR leagues.

Meanwhile, the New York Jets offense didn't make strides with Aaron Rodgers under center. And Las Vegas Raiders rookie tight end Brock Bowers was No. 1 in scoring for the most difficult position to project in fantasy football.

If you saw all that coming, congratulations. But if you're second-guessing some of your moves from last year, these bold predictions could point you in the direction of this year's breakouts and disappointments.

Justin Fields Will Be a Top-5 Fantasy QB

AP Photo/Noah K. Murray

In the 2022 season, Justin Fields ran for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns, finishing seventh leaguewide in yards on the ground and tied for 12th in rushing scores. He also took a league-high 55 sacks that year.

Now, imagine what Fields could do with an offensive line that features three recent first-rounders, Alijah Vera-Tucker, Olu Fashanu and Armand Membou, along with more opportunities to score rushing touchdowns.

ESPN's Rich Cimini recently pondered whether the New York Jets would utilize the "Tush Push" this year because of Fields' success in short-yardage situations.

"Fields, one of the league's most dangerous running quarterbacks, has attempted 12 push sneaks in his career, converting 11 for first downs," Cimini wrote, crediting ESPN Research. "Since 2021, only two quarterbacks have tried it more than Fields: Jalen Hurts (86-for-100) and Josh Allen (50-for-55)."

Fields has shown minimal improvement as a passer over the previous few years, and he has only one reliable wide receiver, Garrett Wilson. The Jets may need him to showcase his dynamic playmaking ability with his legs as their passing offense develops through the season.

Fields is currently coming off draft boards as the QB14, but he could be a top-five fantasy quarterback thanks to his rushing production.

Trevor Lawrence Will Be a Top-10 Fantasy QB

AP Photo/John Raoux

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence now has the supporting cast that can help him bounce back after an injury-riddled 2024 campaign.

Under new head coach Liam Coen, Lawrence could post passing numbers similar to Baker Mayfield's 2024 stat line (4,500 yards, 41 touchdowns and 16 interceptions). Despite his high turnover rate, Mayfield finished as QB4 over notable names like Jayden Daniels (QB5), Jalen Hurts (QB8) and Patrick Mahomes (QB11).

While it's too early to call Coen a quarterback whisperer, he's generated some buzz as a rising play-caller in the league after Mayfield posted career-high numbers in multiple passing categories last season.

Lawrence doesn't need to have a career year to crack the top 10 in fantasy scoring among quarterbacks. He finished as the QB8 in 2022 after throwing for 4,113 yards, 25 touchdowns and eight interceptions and rushing for 291 yards and five touchdowns. If he matches those numbers this coming year, he would easily outperform his QB19 ADP.

Lawrence has a young, high-upside receiver duo in Pro Bowler Brian Thomas Jr. and rookie first-rounder Travis Hunter. Demetrius Harvey of the Florida Times-Union also believes running back Travis Etienne Jr. could see more looks in the passing game.

Lawrence has the primary playmakers to rack up big numbers.

De'Von Achane Finishes as RB1

AP Photo/Doug Murray

As the Miami Dolphins' clear-cut lead running back, De'Von Achane has a shot to be this year's RB1 in PPR leagues.

NFL Network's Cameron Wolfe spoke to Dolphins assistant head coach and running backs coach Eric Studesville, who said the team is "preparing" to give Achane more work in the upcoming season.

The Dolphins let running back Raheem Mostert walk in free agency, traded tight end Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers and acquired tight end Darren Waller from the New York Giants.

Last season, Smith led the Dolphins in catches (88) and touchdown receptions (eight). Miami replaced him with Waller, who retired ahead of the 2024 campaign and missed 19 games between 2021 and 2023 due to injuries.

Even if running back Jaylen Wright takes on an expanded role on the ground, Achane should see an uptick in targets.

In 2024, Achane logged 281 touches for 1,499 scrimmage yards and 12 touchdowns. With more work out of the backfield, he should see well over 300 touches.

As a big-play rusher and receiver with his speed, Achane will help managers win leagues this year. He should be a top-three pick in drafts.

Alvin Kamara Isn't a Top-25 RB

AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara has multiple factors working against him this year. Redraft managers should avoid him early in drafts, and dynasty managers should be trying to trade him now.

Following Derek Carr's retirement, the Saints have three inexperienced quarterbacks competing for the starting job: rookie second-rounder Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler and Jake Haener. Those three have seven career starts combined.

With that quarterback room, the Saints, who were 5-12 last season with Carr (10 games), Rattler (six games) and Haener (one game) under center, will likely struggle even more this year.

If the Saints are in catch-up mode for most of their games, that could minimize Kamara's role on the ground. Moreover, entering his age-30 season, he also might cede carries to 2023 third-rounder Kendre Miller and Cam Akers. The five-time Pro Bowler hasn't logged more than 240 carries or 950 rushing yards in any of his eight seasons.

Lastly, Kamara has missed nine games over the past three years. He may be starting to wear down with his three-down workload.

In a potential down year for the Saints, his backups could see more action as the team looks to preserve its top tailback.

Roschon Johnson Emerges as Top Handcuff RB

AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.

The Chicago Bears hired former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to be their head coach this offseason. Under Johnson, Detroit ranked 11th or better in rushing yards and finished within the top three in rushing touchdowns for three consecutive years with a ground attack that featured Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.

Johnson could fit D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson into similar roles to those of Gibbs and Montgomery, respectively. If so, both running backs would have great fantasy value. Gibbs was the RB1 and Montgomery finished as the RB18 in PPR leagues last season.

As a proven pass-catcher with 237 receptions for 1,798 yards and eight touchdowns, Swift will likely see more targets than Johnson in the passing game. Still, Johnson could log more than 200 carries in a run-heavy offense like Montgomery did in 2023. The Lions tailback would have likely eclipsed 200 rushing attempts in 2024 if he hadn't missed the last three games.

If Johnson averages more than four yards per carry, as he did in his 2023 rookie campaign, the Bears' No. 2 running back could be a massive steal in fantasy drafts. He's currently going off the board as the RB51.

Jayden Higgins Leads Rookie WRs in Fantasy Scoring

AP Photo/Ashley Landis

Two-way playmaker Travis Hunter, Tetairoa McMillan, Emeka Egbuka and Matthew Golden were the first wide receivers off the draft board this year. However, Jayden Higgins, the top second-round wideout, will lead rookie receivers in fantasy scoring.

Among the top receivers drafted, Higgins is in the best situation to produce solid fantasy lines week to week. The Houston Texans still need to sort out their revamped offensive line, but if quarterback C.J. Stroud has time to throw, Higgins could be a high-upside No. 2 wideout.

Behind Nico Collins, Higgins can take on a complementary role ahead of fellow rookie wideout Jaylin Noel and newcomer Christian Kirk, who can operate out of the slot.

According to Jonathan M. Alexander of the Houston Chronicle, Tank Dell will likely miss the 2025 season while recovering from serious knee injuries. Given the Texans' overhaul at the position this offseason, John Metchie III may be a summer cut candidate.

Hunter could split time between receiver and cornerback duties, and it remains to be seen exactly how the Jacksonville Jaguars will utilize him, though he's expected to be heavily involved in the offense.

The Carolina Panthers have a question mark at quarterback. Third-year pro Bryce Young enters a crucial year as he tries to solidify his future as a franchise player. He's averaging 176 passing yards per game with 26 touchdown passes and 19 interceptions in 30 games. If Young doesn't make significant strides, his receivers will have a low ceiling.

In the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' crowded receiver room, Egbuka will share targets with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan. He's unlikely to be a consistent fantasy starter this year.

Like Egbuka, Golden isn't going to see a high volume of targets in a well-rounded pass-catching group. Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Dontayvion Wicks and Tucker Kraft all figure to have solid roles in the Green Bay Packers' aerial attack.

If you're looking for the most upside among top rookie receivers, Higgins is an intriguing option given the circumstances in Houston.

Mack Hollins Leads Patriots WRs in Fantasy Scoring

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The New England Patriots made a few moves this offseason to bolster their wide receiver group. They signed Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins in free agency and selected Kyle Williams in the third round of this year's draft.

Diggs is coming off a shortened season because of a torn ACL, though the four-time Pro Bowler and 2020 All-Pro still has some star power. Meanwhile, Williams has generated buzz as a potential draft steal.

You won't see any headlines touting the move for Hollins, but he should garner more attention as an underrated signing.

In 2022, Hollins had his most productive season under Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, who was the Las Vegas Raiders' head coach and lead play-caller that year. He hauled in 57 passes for 690 yards and four touchdowns.

The Patriots' wide receiver group has a ton of potential with Williams and also Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker trying to make strides in their second season. Undrafted rookie wideout Efton Chism III also turned heads during organized team activities.

Diggs could be in line for a bounce-back year if he's healthy to open the season. Nonetheless, Hollins is a proven commodity in McDaniels' system.

With Hollins' late-blooming year in Las Vegas, he could have another surprisingly productive season in an offense that needs a receiver to emerge as Drake Maye's go-to target.

Chig Okonkwo Breaks Out as Top-10 TE

AP Photo/George Walker IV

Fantasy managers have been eagerly waiting for Tennessee Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo to break out. He has the athleticism and hands to create favorable matchups, but it hasn't amounted to a standout season yet.

Though Okonkwo has posted decent numbers in all three of his campaigns, he has yet to finish higher than TE21 in PPR leagues. However, this year could be different for him.

The Tennessee Titans selected Miami quarterback Cameron Ward with the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft. He could provide a spark in the passing attack with his ability to make accurate throws all over the field. He completed 66.9 percent of his pass attempts and averaged 322 passing yards over his last two collegiate seasons.

In Tennessee, Ward has a lead wide receiver in Calvin Ridley, but he doesn't have a clear-cut No. 2 option in the passing game.

In free agency, the Titans signed Tyler Lockett, who's past his prime and has seen his receiving numbers decline since 2022. They also brought in Van Jefferson, who has just one 50-catch season on his five-year resume.

Rookie fourth-rounders Chimere Dike and Elic Ayomanor will compete for roles. Xavier Restrepo played with Ward at Miami, but the undrafted rookie may have an uphill battle for a spot in the receiver rotation.

After a few solid seasons, Okonkwo has an opportunity to take on a bigger role as a dynamic, big-bodied (6'3", 238 lbs) playmaker and red-zone target in the Titans offense. If he takes advantage of a larger target share, the fourth-year tight end should finally break out in 2025.

Fantasy football average draft position and rankings are provided by FantasyPros.

College football statistics are provided by cfbstats.com.

Maurice Moton covers the NFL for Bleacher Report. You can follow him on Twitter @MoeMoton.