Top 100 Fantasy Football Rankings for PPR and Standard Leagues in 2025

Are you ready for some football?

OK, so no one said it would necessarily be good football—Thursday’s Hall of Fame Game between the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers will mostly feature players who won’t even be on a roster by the team Week 1 gets here.

However, the opening of the 2025 preseason means the opener between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys is that much closer. And fantasy football draft season is here in earnest.

There are a number of steps fantasy managers take to prepare for draft day, but one of the biggest is perusing rankings. Examining how fantasy experts believe players stack up against one another and then comparing that to average draft position to get a feel for who is being drafted at a position of value, who is being overdrafted and which guys make up this season's sleepers.

This column is a one-stop shop for all that. There are position-by-position rankings for both PPR and non-PPR (standard) scoring systems. A list of the top-100 players for both formats. And even some undervalued players to target, overvalued players to avoid and a sleeper or six.

We're helpful like that here at Bleacher Report.

Top 100 Players Overall (PPR)

AP Photo/Rick Osentoski

Jahmyr Gibbs

We’re going to change things up a bit with this first fantasy Big Board of 2025, by leading things off with a listing of the top 100 players overall in both PPR and standard scoring leagues before delving into each position in further detail.

However, while this listing of the top 100 players offers fantasy managers a glimpse as to how the different fantasy positions stack up against one another, it isn't a draft-by-numbers list where you should just take the highest-ranked player regardless of position.

Entering into any draft with such a rigid draft strategy is a good way to tank a season before it even starts.

If you're hell-bent on going “Zero RB” but so are half of your leaguemates, then there will be running backs who drop into a position of value. Ditto if everyone in the league decides to play “QB Chicken” and fades the position—if Lamar Jackson drops into Round 5, then taking an elite signal-caller becomes a lot more palatable.

Having a successful draft (no matter the scoring) is about getting value.

And getting value requires a willingness to be flexible and going where the draft takes you.

2025 Top 100 Players Overall (PPR)

1. Ja’Marr Chase, WR, CIN (10)
2. Justin Jefferson, WR, MIN (6)
3. Bijan Robinson, RB, ATL (5)
4. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, DET (8)
5. CeeDee Lamb, WR, DAL (10)
6. Christian McCaffrey, RB, SF (14)
7. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, DET (8)
8. Brian Thomas Jr., WR, JAX (8)
9. Ashton Jeanty, RB, LV (8)
10. Malik Nabers, WR, NYG (14)
11. Derrick Henry, RB, BAL (7)
12. Saquon Barkley, RB, PHI (9)
13. Jonathan Taylor, RB, IND (11)
14. A.J. Brown, WR, PHI (9)
15. Puka Nacua, WR, LAR (8)
16. Drake London, WR, ATL (5)
17. Kyren Williams, RB, LAR (8)
18. Nico Collins, WR, HOU (6)
19. Davante Adams, WR, LAR (8)
20. Chase Brown, RB, CIN (10)
21. Brock Bowers, TE, LV (8)
22. Ladd McConkey, WR, LAC (12)
23. Alvin Kamara, RB, NO (11)
24. Josh Jacobs, RB, GB (5)
25. Tyreek Hill, WR, MIA (12)
26. Mike Evans, WR, TB (10)
27. Trey McBride, TE, ARI (8)
28. Lamar Jackson, QB, BAL (7)
29. De’Von Achane, RB, MIA (12)
30. Garrett Wilson, WR, NYJ (9)
31. Tee Higgins, WR, CIN (10)
32. Bucky Irving, RB, TB (9)
33. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, SEA (8)
34. Breece Hall, RB, NYJ (9)
35. Josh Allen, QB, BUF (7)
36. Terry McLaurin, WR, WAS (10)
37. Chuba Hubbard, RB, CAR (14)
38. Xavier Worthy, WR, KC (10)
39. Jayden Daniels, QB, WAS (12)
40. George Kittle, TE, SF (14)
41. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, ARI (8)
42. Kenneth Walker III, RB, SEA (8)
43. James Conner, RB, ARI (8)
44. Jalen Hurts, QB, PHI (9)
45. D.K. Metcalf, WR, PIT (5)
46. James Cook, RB, BUF (7)
47. D.J. Moore, WR, CHI (5)
48. Courtland Sutton, WR, DEN (12)
49. Aaron Jones, RB, MIN (6)
50. Joe Burrow, QB, CIN (9)
51. Sam LaPorta, TE, DET (8)
52. Omarion Hampton, RB, LAC (12)
53. Jerry Jeudy, WR, CLE (9)
54. D’Andre Swift, RB, CHI (5)
55. Tony Pollard, RB, TEN (10)
56. Chris Olave, WR, NO (11)
57. Bo Nix, QB, DEN (12)
58. George Pickens, WR, DAL (10)
59. Jameson Williams, WR, DET (8)
60. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, NE (14)
61. DeVonta Smith, WR, PHI (9)
62. Jaylen Waddle, WR, MIA (12)
63. David Montgomery, RB, DET (8)
64. Calvin Ridley, WR, TEN (10)
65. Travis Kelce, TE, KC (10)
66. Brian Robinson Jr., RB, WAS (12)
67. Kaleb Johnson, RB, PIT (5)
68. Jayden Reed, WR, GB (5)
69. T.J. Hockenson, TE, MIN (7)
70. Baker Mayfield, QB, TB (9)
71. Jauan Jennings, WR, SF (14)
72. Joe Mixon, RB, HOU (6)
73. Stefon Diggs, WR, NE (14)
74. Isiah Pacheco, RB, KC (10)
75. Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, NYG (14)
76. Chris Godwin, WR, TB (9)
77. Kyler Murray, QB, ARI (9)
78. R.J. Harvey, RB, DEN (12)
79. Deebo Samuel Sr., WR, WAS (12)
80. Zay Flowers, WR, BAL (7)
81. Travis Etienne Jr., RB, JAX (8)
82. Travis Hunter, WR, JAX (8)
83. Evan Engram, TE, DEN (8)
84. Rashee Rice, WR, KC (10)
85. Quinshon Judkins, RB, CLE (9)
86. Patrick Mahomes II, QB, KC (6)
87. Javonte Williams, RB, DAL (10)
88. Jakobi Meyers, WR, LV (8)
89. Cooper Kupp, WR, LAR (8)
90. David Njoku, TE, CLE (9)
91. J.K. Dobbins, RB, DEN (12)
92. Jordan Addison, WR, MIN (6)
93. Rome Odunze, WR, CHI (5)
94. Jaylen Wright, RB, PIT (5)
95. Khalil Shakir, WR, BUF (7)
96. Mark Andrews, TE, BAL (7)
97. Rachaad White, RB, TB (9)
98. Dak Prescott, QB, DAL (10)
99. Zach Charbonnet, RB, SEA (8)
100. Josh Downs, WR, IND (12)

Top 100 Players Overall (STD)

AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn

Christian McCaffrey

For every fantasy manager who swears PPR scoring is the only way to fly in fantasy football, there is another equally convinced standard scoring is the one true way. Whichever side of the fence you're on, we have you covered.

There are some differences in draft strategy between the two systems. But from a big-picture perspective, it doesn't matter which scoring system you use. The goal on draft day remains the same: Get value.

However, for every rule there is an exception.

If you're picking eighth and the first seven picks are all running backs, drafting an eighth isn't value. But if you just have to have Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, take him at No. 17 because he's unlikely to make it to 32.

Now, continually drafting players 10-plus spots ahead of ADP generally isn't the best idea. But especially if a fantasy manager is picking near the beginning or end of a round (the Turn), they may have to reach a few times if they have specific targets they are high on.

The only person who has to live with the team you draft is you. Fantasy football is supposed to be fun. And while winning is enjoyable, so is building a roster of the players you want.

Don't be afraid to go get them.

2025 Top 100 Players Overall (STD)

1. Bijan Robinson, RB, ATL (5)
2. Christian McCaffrey, RB, SF (14)
3. Ja'Marr Chase, WR, CIN (10)
4. Justin Jefferson, WR, MIN (6)
5. Derrick Henry, RB, BAL (7)
6. CeeDee Lamb, WR, DAL (10)
7. Jahmyr Gibbs, RB, DET (8)
8. Ashton Jeanty, RB, LV (8)
9. Brian Thomas Jr., WR, JAX (8)
10. Malik Nabers, WR, NYG (14)
11. Saquon Barkley, RB, PHI (9)
12. Jonathan Taylor, RB, IND (11)
13. A.J. Brown, WR, PHI (9)
14. Josh Jacobs, RB, GB (5)
15. Drake London, WR, ATL (5)
16. Puka Nacua, WR, LAR (8)
17. Kyren Williams, RB, LAR (8)
18. Amon-Ra St. Brown, WR, DET (8)
19. Nico Collins, WR, HOU (6)
20. Brock Bowers, TE, LV (8)
21. De'Von Achane, RB, MIA (12)
22. Davante Adams, WR, LAR (8)
23. Chase Brown, RB, CIN (10)
24. Bucky Irving, RB, TB (9)
25. Tyreek Hill, WR, MIA (12)
26. Mike Evans, WR, TB (10)
27. Lamar Jackson, QB, BAL (7)
28. Trey McBride, TE, ARI (8)
29. Ladd McConkey, WR, LAC (12)
30. Breece Hall, RB, NYJ (9)
31. Xavier Worthy, WR, KC (10)
32. James Conner, RB, ARI (8)
33. Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, ARI (8)
34. Alvin Kamara, RB, NO (11)
35. Terry McLaurin, WR, WAS (10)
36. James Cook, RB, BUF (7)
37. Josh Allen, QB, BUF (7)
38. Chuba Hubbard, RB, CAR (14)
39. Garrett Wilson, WR, NYJ (9)
40. George Kittle, TE, SF (14)
41. D.K. Metcalf, WR, PIT (5)
42. Omarion Hampton, RB, LAC (12)
43. Jayden Daniels, QB, WAS (12)
44. Kenneth Walker III, RB, SEA (8)
45. Courtland Sutton, WR, DEN (12)
46. Tee Higgins, WR, CIN (10)
47. Aaron Jones, RB, MIN (6)
48. D'Andre Swift, RB, CHI (5)
49. Jalen Hurts, QB, PHI (9)
50. David Montgomery, RB, DET (8)
51. Jerry Jeudy, WR, CLE (9)
52. Sam LaPorta, TE, DET (8)
53. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, SEA (8)
54. D.J. Moore, WR, CHI (5)
55. Joe Burrow, QB, CIN (9)
56. Brian Robinson Jr., RB, WAS (12)
57. George Pickens, WR, DAL (10)
58. Tony Pollard, RB, TEN (10)
59. Jameson Williams, WR, DET (8)
60. DeVonta Smith, WR, PHI (9)
61. Kaleb Johnson, RB, PIT (5)
62. Bo Nix, QB, DEN (12)
63. Isiah Pacheco, RB, KC (10)
64. Calvin Ridley, WR, TEN (10)
65. Chris Olave, WR, NO (11)
66. Mark Andrews, TE, BAL (7)
67. Jayden Reed, WR, GB (5)
68. Joe Mixon, RB, HOU (6)
69. T.J. Hockenson, TE, MIN (7)
70. Tyrone Tracy Jr., RB, NYG (14)
71. Jauan Jennings, WR, SF (14)
72. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, NE (14)
73. J.K. Dobbins, RB, DEN (12)
74. Baker Mayfield, QB, TB (9)
75. Jaylen Waddle, WR, MIA (12)
76. Stefon Diggs, WR, NE (14)
77. Zach Charbonnet, RB, SEA (8)
78. Chris Godwin, WR, TB (9)
79. Deebo Samuel Sr., WR, WAS (12)
80. Jaylen Warren, RB, PIT (5)
81. R.J. Harvey, RB, DEN (12)
82. David Njoku, TE, CLE (9)
83. Zay Flowers, WR, BAL (7)
84. Kyler Murray, QB, ARI (9)
85. Travis Hunter, WR, JAX (8)
86. Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, NE (14)
87. Rashee Rice, WR, KC (10)
88. Jordan Addison, WR, MIN (6)
89. Travis Etienne Jr., RB, JAX (8)
90. Travis Kelce, TE, KC (10)
91. Quinshon Judkins, RB, CLE (9)
92. Josh Downs, WR, IND (12)
93. Jakobi Meyers, WR, LV (8)
94. Patrick Mahomes II, QB, KC (6)
95. Najee Harris, RB, LAC (12)
96. Javonte Williams, RB, DAL (10)
97. Cooper Kupp, WR, LAR (8)
98. Evan Engram, TE, DEN (8)
99. Rachaad White, RB, TB (9)
100. Dak Prescott, QB, DAL (10)

Quarterbacks

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Lamar Jackson

There's no question quarterback is the most important position in college football and the NFL. But that's not the case in fantasy football.

In leagues where each team starts just a single QB each week, only 12 (or 14 or 16) signal-callers are being trotted out each week. That makes quarterback the deepest position in fantasy, so it's not hard to find a capable starter at the position.

Given that (and the fact that the difference in scoring between the No. 1 weekly starter and the No. 12 isn't as wide as at running back or wide receiver), patience is a virtue under center.

Solid fantasy options are available toward the back of the top 10 (or even outside the top 12).

2025 Quarterback Rankings

1. Lamar Jackson, BAL (7)
2. Josh Allen, BUF (7)
3. Jayden Daniels, WAS (12)
4. Jalen Hurts, PHI (9)
5. Joe Burrow, CIN (10)
6. Bo Nix, DEN (12)
7. Baker Mayfield, TB (9)
8. Kyler Murray, ARI (9)
9. Patrick Mahomes II, KC (6)
10. Dak Prescott, DAL (10)
11. Jared Goff, DET (8)
12. J.J. McCarthy, MIN (6)
13. Caleb Williams, CHI (5)
14. Justin Fields, NYJ (9)
15. Justin Herbert, LAC (12)
16. Brock Purdy, SF (14)
17. Drake Maye, NEP (14)
18. C.J. Stroud, HOU (6)
19. Trevor Lawrence, JAX (8)
20. Jordan Love, GB (5)
21. Bryce Young, CAR (14)
22. Cam Ward, TEN (10)
23. Geno Smith, LV (8)
24. Tua Tagovailoa, MIA (12)
25. Michael Penix, Jr. (5)
26. Sam Darnold, SEA (8)
27. Aaron Rodgers, PIT (5)
28. Matthew Stafford, LAR (8)
29. Russell Wilson, NYG (14)
30. Daniel Jones, IND (11)

Undervalued Quarterbacks

Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys (ADP: QB13): Prescott missed a big chunk of the 2024 season with a hamstring injury, but two years ago, the 31-year-old ranked third in the NFL in passing yards, first in touchdown passes and third at the position in fantasy points.

J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings (ADP: QB19): McCarthy is an unknown commodity after missing his entire rookie season, but we just saw Kevin O'Connell's offense coax a QB7 fantasy finish from Sam Darnold.

Overvalued Quarterbacks

Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens (ADP: QB1): This isn't about Jackson, who led all QBs in fantasy points last year. The top-drafted signal-caller almost never finishes in that spot, and taking any quarterback in Round 2 means a sizable hole in the roster at running back or wide receiver.

Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs (ADP: QB6): Mahomes' value to the Chiefs in unquestionable. But the last two seasons, he has finished 11th and eighth in fantasy points among quarterbacks, and Kansas City's offense has become more conservative in recent years.

Sleeper Quarterbacks

Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans (ADP: QB24): There's always risk involved in trusting a first-year quarterback. But Ward is an athletic young signal-caller who will be playing from behind with regularity. The Titans offense could also be better than many expect in 2025.

Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers (ADP: QB26): Over the second half of the 2024 season, Young looked the part of a No. 1 overall pick. From Week 12 onward last year, the third-year pro was ninth in fantasy points at the position.

Running Backs (PPR)

AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough

Bijan Robinson

In points-per-reception (PPR) scoring systems, running backs are no longer the unquestioned kings of fantasy. In terms of average draft position (ADP), the top-12 picks in PPR are split evenly between backs in receivers.

That shift has given rise to a number of differing strategies at running back. “Robust RB” drafters rock it old-school, adding a pair of high-end options early. “Hero RB” drafters add one back early and then fade the position until the rest of their starters are filled out, largely in an effort to avoid the “RB Dead Zone”—a period in the middle of drafts where the gap between bust rates at running back and wide receiver is its highest.

Then there’s “Zero RB,” where drafters fade the position altogether, loading up at others before targeting upside plays or backups one injury away from a lead role in the later rounds.

Each strategy has its advantages and drawbacks. But whatever path you choose, assembling a solid stable of running backs remains critical—and with the number of true "workhorse" backs decreasing by the season, that isn't getting any easier.

2025 PPR Running Back Rankings

1. Bijan Robinson, ATL (5)
2. Jahmyr Gibbs, DET (8)
3. Christian McCaffrey, SF (14)
4. Ashton Jeanty, LV (8)
5. Derrick Henry, BAL (7)
6. Saquon Barkley, PHI (9)
7. Jonathan Taylor, IND (11)
8. Kyren Williams, LAR (8)
9. Chase Brown, CIN (10)
10. Alvin Kamara, NO (11)
11. De’Von Achane, MIA (12)
12. Josh Jacobs, GB (5)
13. Bucky Irving, TB (9)
14. Breece Hall, NYJ (9)
15. Chuba Hubbard, CAR (14)
16. Kenneth Walker III, SEA (8)
17. James Conner, ARI (8)
18. James Cook, BUF (7)
19. Aaron Jones, MIN (6)
20. Omarion Hampton, LAC (12)
21. D’Andre Swift, CHI (5)
22. Tony Pollard, TEN (10)
23. TreVeyon Henderson, NE (14)
24. David Montgomery, DET (8)
25. Brian Robinson Jr., WAS (12)
26. Kaleb Johnson, PIT (5)
27. Joe Mixon, HOU (6)
28. Isiah Pacheco, KC (10)
29. Tyrone Tracy Jr., NYG (14)
30. R.J. Harvey, DEN (12)
31. Travis Etienne Jr., JAX (8)
32. Quinshon Judkins, CLE (9)
33. Javonte Williams, DAL (10)
34. J.K. Dobbins, DEN (12)
35. Jaylen Wright, PIT (5)
36. Rachaad White, TB (9)
37. Zach Charbonnet, SEA (8)
38. Cam Skattebo, NYG (14)
39. Tyler Allgeier, ATL (5)
40. Rhamondre Stevenson, NE (14)
41. Bhayshul Tuten, JAX (8)
42. Austin Ekeler, WAS (12)
43. Najee Harris, LAC (12)
44. Roschon Johnson, CHI (5)
45. Tyjae Spears, TEN (10)
46. Ray Davis, BUF (7)
47. Tank Bigsby, JAX (8)
48. Nick Chubb, HOU (6)
49. Jerome Ford, CLE (9)
50. Jordan Mason, MIN (6)
51. Jaylen Warren, MIA (12)
52. Rico Dowdle, CAR (14)
53. Trey Benson, ARI (8)
54. Miles Sanders, DAL (10)
55. Braelon Allen, NYJ (9)
56. Dylan Sampson, CLE (9)
57. Isaac Guerendo, SF (14)
58. Kareem Hunt, KC (10)
59. Marshawn Lloyd, GB (5)
60. Will Shipley, PHI (9)

Undervalued Running Backs

Alvin Kamara, New Orleans Saints (ADP: RB16): Kamara may be a 30-year-old back playing for a bad team, but that didn't stop him from setting a career high in rushing yards last year on the way to a RB9 finish in PPR points and RB5 finish in PPR points per game.

Overvalued Running Back

Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers (ADP: RB17): Hampton is undoubtedly talented—the Chargers didn't use a first-round pick on him for no reason. But fantasy managers are downplaying the potential impact Najee Harris will have on his workload in 2025.

Sleeper Running Back

Javonte Williams, Dallas Cowboys (ADP: RB37): Williams hasn't been especially impressive since surpassing 1,200 total yards as a rookie in 2021. But the fifth-year veteran has a good chance to be the lead back for the Cowboys in 2025.

Running Backs (STD)

AP Photo/Adrian Kraus

Derrick Henry

Remove PPR scoring from the equation, and the first-round dynamics in fantasy change. Just as in PPR formats, the first 12 picks are split evenly between running backs and wide receivers in standard-scoring leagues.

However, the strategy at running back does change. Even if managers don't get a point for receptions, that catch is still a touch for a back—and touches matter. So does red-zone and goal-line work. Backs projected to get a lot of work near the goal line get a boost.

The format also favors the likes of Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens, workhorses who aren't involved a lot in the passing game. In PPR, that's not good. In standard scoring, all that matters is touches and touchdowns.

You also aren't as likely to find "Zero RB" drafters in standard-scoring formats. Running back is already shallower than wide receiver in fantasy—standard scoring just widens the gap, making bell-cow backs that much more valuable—and favoring a more traditional draft-day approach.

2025 Running Back Rankings (STD)

1. Bijan Robinson, ATL (5)
2. Christian McCaffrey, SF (14)
3. Derrick Henry, BAL (7)
4. Jahmyr Gibbs, DET (8)
5. Ashton Jeanty, LV (8)
6. Saquon Barkley, PHI (9)
7. Jonathan Taylor, IND (11)
8. Josh Jacobs, GB (5)
9. Kyren Williams, LAR (8)
10. De'Von Achane, MIA (12)
11. Chase Brown, CIN (10)
12. Bucky Irving, TB (9)
13. Breece Hall, NYJ (9)
14. James Conner, ARI (8)
15. Alvin Kamara, NO (11)
16. James Cook, BUF (7)
17. Chuba Hubbard, CAR (14)
18. Omarion Hampton, LAC (12)
19. Kenneth Walker III, SEA (8)
20. Aaron Jones, MIN (6)
21. D'Andre Swift, CHI (5)
22. David Montgomery, DET (8)
23. Brian Robinson Jr., WAS (12)
24. Tony Pollard, TEN (10)
25. Kaleb Johnson, PIT (5)
26. Isiah Pacheco, KC (10)
27. Joe Mixon, HOU (6)
28. Tyrone Tracy Jr., NYG (14)
29. TreVeyon Henderson, NE (14)
30. J.K. Dobbins, DEN (12)
31. Zach Charbonnet, SEA (8)
32. Jaylen Warren, PIT (5)
33. R.J. Harvey, DEN (12)
34. Rhamondre Stevenson, NE (14)
35. Travis Etienne Jr., JAX (8)
36. Quinshon Judkins, CLE (9)
37. Najee Harris, LAC (12)
38. Javonte Williams, DAL (10)
39. Rachaad White, TB (9)
40. Cam Skattebo, NYG (14)
41. Bhayshul Tuten, JAX (8)
42. Nick Chubb, HOU (6)
43. Austin Ekeler, WAS (12)
44. Tyler Allgeier, ATL (5)
45. Ray Davis, BUF (7)
46. Roschon Johnson, CHI (5)
47. Tyjae Spears, TEN (10)
48. Tank Bigsby, JAX (8)
49. Jordan Mason, MIN (6)
50. Jerome Ford, CLE (9)
51. Jaylen Wright, MIA (12)
52. Rico Dowdle, CAR (14)
53. Trey Benson, ARI (8)
54. Miles Sanders, DAL (10)
55. Braelon Allen, NYJ (9)
56. Isaac Guerendo, SF (14)
57. Dylan Sampson, CLE (9)
58. Marshawn Lloyd, GB (5)
59. Will Shipley, PHI (9)
60. Blake Corum, LAR (8)

Undervalued Running Back

James Conner, Arizona Cardinals (ADP: RB20): Yes, Conner is 30 years old and has never played every game in a season. But he's an unquestioned lead back who surpassed 1,500 total yards and posted top-10 fantasy numbers in 2024.

Overvalued Running Back

James Cook, Buffalo Bills (ADP: RB14): Cook was seventh in fantasy points among RBs last year, largely because he scored 18 touchdowns, including 16 on the ground. He had just two scores on the ground in each of the prior two seasons, though, and barely cleared 1,000 rushing yards last season.

Sleeper Running Back

Kaleb Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers (ADP: RB29): A third-round pick out of Iowa in the 2025 draft, Johnson is expected to take on Najee Harris' role as the early down back in Pittsburgh. He's also a more explosive runner and a better fit for Arthur Smith's outside-zone running scheme.

Wide Receivers (PPR)

AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill

Davante Adams

In today's age of pass-happy offenses and three-wide receiver sets, wideouts have become more valuable than ever in fantasy football. Especially with the benefit of PPR, wide receivers (as a whole) score more points than running backs. As a position, they have lower bust rates than backs and are less prone to injury.

Add in that most fantasy leagues require three weekly starters, and many fantasy managers take an aggressive approach at the position. Over the first three rounds of drafts (on average), more receivers are being taken than running backs.

However, it's possible to adopt something of a "Hero WR" approach—take one (or two) players at the position early, and then add a WR3 and/or flex starter in the middle rounds in the "RB Dead Zone," where bust rates at WR are much lower.

PPR also makes high-catch, low-yardage wideouts more palatable. Wan'Dale Robinson of the New York Giants didn't even have 700 yards last year and scored just three times. But his 93 catches kept the youngster inside fantasy WR3 territory.

2025 Wide Receiver Rankings (PPR)

1. Ja’Marr Chase, CIN (10)
2. Justin Jefferson, MIN (6)
3. CeeDee Lamb, DAL (10)
4. Amon-Ra St. Brown, DET (8)
5. Brian Thomas Jr., JAX (8)
6. Malik Nabers, NYG (14)
7. A.J. Brown, PHI (9)
8. Puka Nacua, LAR (8)
9. Drake London, ATL (5)
10. Nico Collins, HOU (6)
11. Davante Adams, LAR (8)
12. Ladd McConkey, LAC (12)
13. Tyreek Hill, MIA (12)
14. Mike Evans, TB (10)
15. Garrett Wilson, NYJ (9)
16. Tee Higgins, CIN (10)
17. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, SEA (8)
18. Terry McLaurin, WAS (10)
19. Xavier Worthy, KC (10)
20. Marvin Harrison Jr., ARI (8)
21. D.K. Metcalf, PIT (5)
22. D.J. Moore, CHI (5)
23. Courtland Sutton, DEN (12)
24. Jerry Jeudy, CLE (9)
25. DeVonta Smith, PHI (9)
26. Chris Olave, NO (11)
27. George Pickens, DAL (10)
28. Jameson Williams, DET (8)
29. Jaylen Waddle, MIA (12)
30. Calvin Ridley, TEN (10)
31. Jayden Reed, GB (5)
32. Jauan Jennings, SF (14)
33. Stefon Diggs, NE (14)
34. Chris Godwin, TB (9)
35. Deebo Samuel Sr., WAS (12)
36. Zay Flowers, BAL (7)
37. Travis Hunter, JAX (8)
38. Rashee Rice, KC (10)
39. Jakobi Meyers, LV (8)
40. Cooper Kupp, LAR (8)
41. Jordan Addison, MIN (6)
42. Rome Odunze, CHI (5)
43. Khalil Shakir, BUF (7)
44. Josh Downs, IND (12)
45. Tetairoa McMillan, CAR (14)
46. Darnell Mooney, ATL (5)
47. Matthew Golden, GB (5)
48. Adam Thielen, CAR (14)
49. Christian Kirk, HOU (6)
50. Michael Pittman Jr., IND (12)
51. Ricky Pearsall, SF (14)
52. Tre Harris, LAC (12)
53. Brandon Aiyuk, SF (14)
54. Cedric Tillman, CLE (9)
55. Demario Douglas, NE (14)
56. Wan’Dale Robinson, NYG (14)
57. Tyler Lockett, TEN (10)
58. Keon Coleman, BUF (7)
59. Rashod Bateman, BAL (7)
60. Luther Burden III, CHI (5)

Undervalued Wide Receiver

Davante Adams, Los Angeles Rams (ADP: WR16): There is no more undervalued fantasy receiver this year than Adams, who has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in five straight seasons while averaging almost a dozen scores a year over that span.

Overvalued Wide Receiver

Nico Collins, Houston Texans (ADP: WR7): Collins has surpassed 1,000 yards each of the past two years and was 10th in PPR points per game among wideouts in 2024. But his yards-per-reception and success rates were both down last year relative to 2023, and he has missed multiple games in all four pro seasons.

Sleeper Wide Receiver

Jayden Reed, Green Bay (ADP: WR46): It's not often the No. 1 wide receiver for a playoff contender is available outside the top 45 at his position. Reed was a top-30 fantasy receiver last year, and the arrival of rookie Matthew Golden isn't going to suddenly relegate him to the scrap heap.

Wide Receivers (STD)

AP Photo/Ben VanHouten

Justin Jefferson

PPR leagues were essentially created to give wide receivers a boost in value in a day and age when running backs dominated the early rounds of drafts. In that regard, it worked—possibly too well.

Without a point per reception, wide receivers take a hit in value—or at least some do. High-reception, low-yardage players aren't as valuable in standard scoring systems, and all wide receivers take some level of hit where their fantasy floor and consistency are concerned.

But a compelling argument can be made that elite wideouts are every bit as valuable in standard leagues as PPR ones. Three things matter where the position is concerned—targets (opportunity), yardage and touchdowns.

Higher-end wide receivers rack up all three more consistently, so having at least one rostered in the first few rounds remains wise.

Vertical threats get a bump in this scoring as well. Jameson Williams of the Detroit Lions was 43rd in the league in receptions last year and 22nd among wideouts in PPR points. But he was second among qualifying receivers in yards per catch last year and finished nine spots higher in standard scoring.

2025 Wide Receiver Rankings (STD)

1. Ja'Marr Chase, CIN (10)
2. Justin Jefferson, MIN (6)
3. CeeDee Lamb, DAL (10)
4. Brian Thomas Jr., JAX (8)
5. Malik Nabers, NYG (14)
6. A.J. Brown, PHI (9)
7. Drake London, ATL (5)
8. Puka Nacua, LAR (8)
9. Amon-Ra St. Brown, DET (8)
10. Nico Collins, HOU (6)
11. Davante Adams, LAR (8)
12. Tyreek Hill, MIA (12)
13. Mike Evans, TB (10)
14. Ladd McConkey, LAC (12)
15. Xavier Worthy, KC (10)
16. Marvin Harrison Jr., ARI (8)
17. Terry McLaurin, WAS (10)
18. Garrett Wilson, NYJ (9)
19. D.K. Metcalf, PIT (5)
20. Courtland Sutton, DEN (12)
21. Tee Higgins, CIN (10)
22. Jerry Jeudy, CLE (9)
23. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, SEA (8)
24. D.J. Moore, CHI (5)
25. George Pickens, DAL (10)
26. Jameson Williams, DET (8)
27. DeVonta Smith, PHI (9)
28. Calvin Ridley, TEN (10)
29. Chris Olave, NO (11)
30. Jayden Reed, GB (5)
31. Jauan Jennings, SF (14)
32. Jaylen Waddle, MIA (12)
33. Stefon Diggs, NE (14)
34. Chris Godwin, TB (9)
35. Deebo Samuel Sr., WAS (12)
36. Zay Flowers, BAL (7)
37. Travis Hunter, JAX (8)
38. Rashee Rice, KC (10)
39. Jordan Addison, MIN (6)
40. Josh Downs, IND (12)
41. Jakobi Meyers, LV (8)
42. Cooper Kupp, LAR (8)
43. Rome Odunze, CHI (5)
44. Darnell Mooney, ATL (5)
45. Khalil Shakir, BUF (7)
46. Tetairoa McMillan, CAR (14)
47. Adam Thielen, CAR (14)
48. Matthew Golden, GB (5)
49. Tre Harris, LAC (12)
50. Cedric Tillman, CLE (9)
51. Christian Kirk, HOU (6)
52. Michael Pittman Jr., IND (12)
53. Ricky Pearsall, SF (14)
54. Wan'Dale Robinson, NYG (14)
55. Brandon Aiyuk, SF (14)
56. Rashid Shaheed, NO (11)
57. Demario Douglas, NE (14)
58. Tyler Lockett, TEN (10)
59. Marvin Mims Jr., DEN (12)
60. Rashod Bateman, BAL (7)

Undervalued Wide Receiver

Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (ADP: WR18): Seriously, people, what are we doing? Evans has never not had 1,000 yards in a season. He has double-digit scores in four of the last five years. And he was WR7 in standard scoring formats in 2024.

Overvalued Wide Receiver

Puka Nacua, Los Angeles Rams (ADP: WR5): Nacua was 10th among wide receivers in standard scoring in his injury-shortened 2024, due in no small part to just three scores. Folks expecting a big spike in 2025 with Davante Adams now in Los Angeles are setting themselves up to be disappointed.

Sleeper Wide Receiver

Cedric Tillman, Cleveland Browns (ADP: WR60): Granted, it's a small sample size. But over a four-week span last year, Tillman hit 75 receiving yards three times and scored the same number of touchdowns. Locked in as Cleveland's No. 2 wideout, a healthy Tillman will blow away his non-existent price tag.

Tight Ends (PPR)

AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack

Brock Bowers

The reign of King Travis I is over.

For years, there were two groups of tight ends in fantasy: Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs and everyone else. Kelce wasn't just the No. 1 tight end, he was the top player at the position by a massive margin and a viable first-round pick.

The past two years, though, a rookie has been the highest-scoring fantasy tight end—Sam LaPorta of the Detroit Lions in 2023 and Brock Bowers of the Las Vegas Raiders a year ago. Kelce was TE5 in PPR points, and that was buoyed by 97 receptions.

There are three paths at tight end in 2025. You can pay retail for one of this season's “Big 3” at the position—Bowers, Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals and George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers. Draft a Tier 2 option a few rounds later. Or wait until late and roll the dice on upside for pennies on the dollar.

The high-end options aren't cheap, although they are cheaper than Kelce was in his heyday.  But it also doesn't take long before the risk starts piling up with tight ends.

2025 Tight End Rankings (PPR)

1. Brock Bowers, LV (8)
2. Trey McBride, ARI (8)
3. George Kittle, SF (14)
4. Sam LaPorta, DET (8)
5. Travis Kelce, KC (10)
6. T.J. Hockenson, MIN (7)
7. Evan Engram, DEN (8)
8. David Njoku, CLE (9)
9. Mark Andrews, BAL (7)
10. Kyle Pitts, ATL (5)
11. Tucker Kraft, GB (11)
12. Tyler Warren, IND (11)
13. Jake Ferguson, DAL (10)
14. Dallas Goedert, PHI (9)
15. Colston Loveland, CHI (5)
16. Zach Ertz, WAS (12)
17. Brenton Strange, JAX (8)
18. Dalton Kincaid, BUF (7)
19. Hunter Henry, NE (14)
20. Jonnu Smith, PIT (5)
21. Cade Otton, TB (9)
22. Isaiah Likely, BAL (7)
23. Dalton Schultz, HOU (6)
24. Mike Gesicki, CIN (10)
25. Pat Freiermuth, PIT (5)
26. Chigoziem Okonkwo, TEN (10)
27. Juwan Johnson, NO (11)
28. Theo Johnson, NYG (14)
29. Mason Taylor, NYJ (9)
30. Ja’Tavion Sanders, CAR (14)

Undervalued Tight End

Evan Engram, Denver Broncos (ADP: TE8): Engram's 2024 campaign with the Jaguars was an injury-marred disappointment. But two years ago, he was the second-highest scoring tight end in fantasy, and he should have a sizable role in the Broncos offense.

Overvalued Tight End

T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings (ADP: TE5): Fantasy drafters are taking Hockenson as if his down 2024 was an aberration caused by his knee injury the year before and now all is well in the world. Even if it is, he is being drafted closer to his fantasy ceiling than his floor.

Sleeper Tight End

Brenton Strange, Jacksonville Jaguars (ADP: TE21):

Strange showed flashes last year filling in for an injured Evan Engram, and now the third-year pro will have the top spot all to himself. With Brian Thomas Jr. and Travis Hunter drawing coverage outside, there should be all kinds of room to roam over the middle.

Tight Ends (STD)

AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez

George Kittle

If there's a position where the difference between PPR and standard scoring matters least, it's at tight end. The differing scoring systems just don't have the impact here that they do at running back or wide receiver.

This isn't to say there isn't an impact. As mentioned, Travis Kelce's fantasy value was kept afloat a year ago by 97 catches—his 823 yards and three touchdowns were both his lowest output since a rookie season where he didn't record a reception. In PPR, he was fifth in points. But in standard scoring, he dropped to 10th.

Still, there are three potential strategies at the position in 2025. Pay up for one of the elite options; trade some consistency and ceiling for a lower asking price with a second-tier tight end; or roll the dice late with a dart throw.

2025 Tight End Rankings (STD)

1. Brock Bowers, LV (8)
2. Trey McBride, ARI (8)
3. George Kittle, SF (14)
4. Sam LaPorta, DET (8)
5. Mark Andrews, BAL (7)
6. T.J. Hockenson, MIN (7)
7. David Njoku, CLE (9)
8. Travis Kelce, KC (10)
9. Evan Engram, DEN (8)
10. Tucker Kraft, GB (11)
11. Dallas Goedert, PHI (9)
12. Kyle Pitts, ATL (5)
13. Tyler Warren, IND (11)
14. Jake Ferguson, DAL (10)
15. Colston Loveland, CHI (5)
16. Zach Ertz, WAS (12)
17. Dalton Kincaid, BUF (7)
18. Brenton Strange, JAX (8)
19. Jonnu Smith, PIT (5)
20. Isaiah Likely, BAL (7)
21. Hunter Henry, NE (14)
22. Cade Otton, TB (9)
23. Mike Gesicki, CIN (10)
24. Dalton Schultz, HOU (6)
25. Pat Freiermuth, PIT (5)
26. Juwan Johnson, NO (11)
27. Chigoziem Okonkwo, TEN (10)
28. Theo Johnson, NYG (14)
29. Mason Taylor, NYJ (9)
30. Elijah Arroyo, SEA (8)

Undervalued Tight End

David Njoku, Cleveland Browns (ADP: TE9): Njoku missed six games a year ago, but in terms of fantasy points per game, he was seventh among tight ends. If healthy, he should see a robust target share from whoever is playing quarterback for the Browns in 2025.

Overvalued Tight End

Jonnu Smith, Pittsburgh Steelers (ADP: TE8): In 2024, only three tight ends amassed more receiving yards than Smith, who finished fifth in fantasy points per game. But now he finds himself on a new team, and another 111-target season may be hard to come by in the Steel City.

Sleeper Tight End

Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys (ADP: TE16): Ferguson just received a four-year, $52 million extension from the Cowboys. And while his 2024 campaign was an injury-marred one in 2023, he posted a 71/765/5 stat line and finished the year eighth in fantasy points at the position.

Team Defenses and Kickers

AP Photo/Jerome Miron

Brandon Aubrey

The best strategy with team defenses and kickers can be summed up in one word: Wait.

Sure, it's tempting to procure a high-end team defense like the Denver Broncos. But given the number of moving pieces and changes from year to year, defenses are notoriously unpredictable in fantasy. The first defense drafted in a given year and the top defense at season's end are rarely the same. And even if they are, the difference between DST1 and DST12 is usually just a few fantasy points per game.

Wait until late. Draft a defense with an advantageous matchup or two to start the season. And then when those matchups dry up, just dump them and grab another matchup play off the waiver wire. You can stream your way to top-five fantasy numbers for a fraction of the cost of an elite unit.

Where kickers are concerned, there's one right way to draft them: in the final round. Always. As with defenses, kickers are high-variance from season to season and the difference between high-end starters and lower end ones is minimal.

Don't waste fantasy draft capital that can be better spent on depth or upside plays.

2025 Team Defense Rankings

1. Denver Broncos (12)
2. Philadelphia Eagles (9)
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (5)
4. Buffalo Bills (7)
5. Minnesota Vikings (6)
6. Dallas Cowboys (10)
7. Baltimore Ravens (7)
8. Kansas City Chiefs (10)
9. Los Angeles Rams (8)
10. Los Angeles Chargers (12)
11. San Francisco 49ers (14)
12. Detroit Lions (8)
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9)
14. Washington Commanders (12)
15. Houston Texans (6)
16. Green Bay Packers (5)
17. New York Jets (9)
18. New England Patriots (14)
19. Cleveland Browns (9)
20. Chicago Bears (5)
21. Seattle Seahawks (8)
22. Arizona Cardinals (8)
23. Miami Dolphins (12)
24. New York Giants (14)
25. Indianapolis Colts (11)

2025 Kicker Rankings

1. Brandon Aubrey, DAL (10)
2. Jake Bates, DET (8)
3. Jake Elliott, PHI (9)
4. Chase McLaughlin, TB (9)
5. Harrison Butker, KC (10)
6. Evan McPherson, CIN (10)
7. Tyler Bass, BUF (7)
8. Wil Lutz, DEN (12)
9. Matt Gay, WAS (12)
10. Cameron Dicker, LAC (12)
11. Younghoe Koo, ATL (5)
12. Will Reichard, MIN (6)
13. Chris Boswell, PIT (5)
14. Joshua Karty, LAR (8)
15. Ka’imi Faribairn, HOU (8)
16. Brandon McManus, GB (5)
17. Jason Myers, SEA (8)
18. Daniel Carlson, LV (8)
19. Jake Moody, SF (14)
20. Jason Sanders, MIA (12)
21. Tyler Loop, BAL (7)
22. Cairo Santos, CHI (5)
23. Cam Little, JAX (8)
24. Graham Gano, NYG (14)
25. Chad Ryland, ARI (8)

Undervalued Defense and Kicker

Dallas Cowboys Defense (ADP: DST10): The Cowboys aren't without their issues defensively, including a contract kerfuffle with star edge-rusher Micah Parsons. But he reported to camp, and they have been a top-five fantasy defense each of the past four seasons.

Jake Elliott, Philadelphia Eagles (ADP: K10): Elliott wasn't especially efficient a season ago, hitting on just 77.8 percent of his field-goal tries. But he was fifth in extra points made, eighth in the league with 36 field-goal attempts and 10th among all kickers in fantasy points.

Overvalued Defense and Kicker

Baltimore Ravens Defense (ADP: DST3): The Ravens have a reputation for having one of the league's more formidable defenses. But Baltimore struggled in a big way against the pass last year and finished the year just 12th in fantasy points among defenses.

Brandon Aubrey, Dallas Cowboys (ADP: K1): Aubrey is probably the best kicker in the NFL. He blasted a 65-yarder last year and was 14 of 17 from 50 yards out or farther. But the difference in fantasy points per game between Aubrey and the No. 12 fantasy kicker last year (Matt Gay of the Indianapolis Colts) was less than 1.5 fantasy points per game.

Sleeper Defense and Kicker

Arizona Cardinals Defense (ADP: DST16): The Cardinals weren't much of a fantasy defense last year, barely finishing inside the top 20 at the position in points. But this has less to do with the Redbirds themselves than their Week 1 opponent: a New Orleans Saints team with problems galore on offense.

Will Reichard, Minnesota Vikings (ADP: DST20): Reichard is hardly a household name, but the second-year pro was eighth last year in fantasy points per game and the Minnesota offense isn't short on firepower.

Gary Davenport is a two-time Fantasy Sports Writers Association Football Writer of the Year. Follow Gary on X at @IDPGodfather.