The 2025 NFL season is quickly approaching, and fantasy football drafts will begin before you know it. Looking ahead to the upcoming season, it’s always good to have a baseline ranking to refer back to when participating in real drafts or mock drafts.
However, these rankings are likely to change significantly before the season kicks off. Even so, even an early ranking is still a helpful one.
These rankings are set for PPR, 1QB leagues. That being said, they are fairly applicable to most scoring formats. Let’s get into the ranking!
1. Ja’Marr Chase
(WR, CIN)
Superstar wideout Ja’Marr Chase is gearing up to build off of his 2024 campaign, during which he won the triple crown, leading the NFL in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns. Chase was extended by the team this offseason, securing his role as quarterback Joe Burrow’s top receiver long-term.
It’s hard to argue against the LSU product’s ADP after his historic season last year. He should be the first-overall pick in every fantasy football draft.
2. Justin Jefferson
(WR, MIN)
Justin Jefferson is my second-ranked receiver for 2025 fantasy football. Heading into his sixth NFL season, Jefferson has proven that he can produce no matter which quarterback is throwing him the football. He will be, without a doubt, quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s top option in the passing game and should put up similar statistics in 2025.
I can see the argument for another player here, but Jefferson’s consistent greatness is hard to pass up. He is a close second to Ja’Marr Chase.
3. Bijan Robinson
(RB, ATL)
Bijan Robinson has a real opportunity to make a statement in 2025 and become the NFL’s top running back. He took a massive step forward in his sophomore season with more usage, posting 1,456 rushing yards and 431 receiving yards while maintaining an average of 4.79 yards per carry.
With a strong offensive line in front of him, Robinson is one of the safest picks in all of fantasy football. At 23 years old, he has a chance to put together a truly special season.
4. Saquon Barkley
(RB, PHI)
Saquon Barkley was the NFL’s top rusher last season. He managed to rush for 2,005 yards and 13 touchdowns on 5.81 yards per carry, cementing himself as one of the best running backs of the modern era.
It would be quite a feat for him to replicate these statistics in 2025. While I expect him to thrive behind Philly’s elite offensive line once again, it would be a shock if he ran for over 2,000 rushing yards in back-to-back seasons.
5. Jahmyr Gibbs
(RB, DET)
Jahmyr Gibbs was arguably the best player in fantasy football down the final stretch of the 2024 season, averaging 26.7 PPR fantasy points per game in the fantasy playoffs. While veteran running back David Montgomery will once again have a major role in Detroit’s offense, Gibbs should have no trouble dominating once again.
Like Bijan Robinson, Gibbs is one of the safest players in fantasy football drafts. If you take him in the middle of the first round, you have a proven star on your hands.
6. CeeDee Lamb
(WR, DAL)
It was a rough season for the Dallas Cowboys, who struggled mightily on offense after losing quarterback Dak Prescott to a hamstring injury midway through the season. Nonetheless, CeeDee Lamb still finished with 1,194 receiving yards.
He’s a safe option in fantasy drafts who will rebound nicely with Dak Prescott back under center.
7. Amon-Ra St. Brown
(WR, DET)
The Lions had one of the best offenses in football, both on the ground and through the air. Amon-Ra St. Brown received a massive amount of volume, especially in the red-zone.
Detroit’s passing game should still have a ton of volume, so St. Brown has a high floor for fantasy football once again.
8. Puka Nacua
(WR, LAR)
Puka Nacua missed some time early in the 2024 season with a knee injury after setting the rookie single-season receiving record with 1,486 yards in 2023. In just 11 games, Nacua was still able to compile 990 receiving yards in 2024, giving him a high floor in 2025.
After averaging 18.8 fantasy points per game, Nacua has established himself as one of the most efficient wideouts in the game.
9. Derrick Henry
(RB, BAL)
Derrick Henry refuses to slow down, even at 31 years old. He showed incredible power and strength as a rusher yet again and received workhorse-level volume with 325 carries.
Behind a great offensive line, Henry should turn in another fantastic season after rushing for 1,921 yards this past season. At this point, I’m not worried about his age.
10. Malik Nabers
(WR, NYG)
As a rookie, Malik Nabers put up 109 receptions, 1,204 receiving yards, and seven receiving touchdowns with one of the worst quarterback rooms in the NFL. His dynamic playmaking ability was on full display in 2024, and his ceiling this year has reached new heights. A top-three fantasy receiver season is in the cards if enough goes right in New York.
He’s well-worth a mid-to-late first-round pick in 2025 fantasy football drafts.
11. Ashton Jeanty
(RB, LV)
Ashton Jeanty is the top rookie in 2025 fantasy football. After rushing for 2,601 yards, 29 touchdowns, and seven yards per carry in 2024 with Boise State, the sixth-overall pick of the 2025 NFL Draft looks ready to dominate the NFL.
Las Vegas looks to be making the switch to a run-heavy offense. If this is the case, Jeanty is worth a late-first-round pick, at least.
12. De’Von Achane
(RB, MIA)
De’Von Achane fully broke out in 2024, especially in PPR leagues. He posted 1,499 yards from scrimmage while leading all running backs in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns in 2024.
Achane is arguably the NFL’s best receiving back and could be in line for more work from the slot this year. He should be an early second-rounder in fantasy drafts.
Best Potential Value (1-12): Malik Nabers
Currently, Nabers is being selected towards the end of the first round and even at the beginning of the second round in some cases. I think there is a very real possibility that the LSU product will end up as a top-five pick in fantasy drafts next year.
While the quarterback situation isn't perfect, the Giants have who they believe their future starter to be in Jaxson Dart. Nabers is talented enough to produce with any quarterback, a trait shared by many of the top wideouts in the NFL.
Riskiest Pick (1-12): De'Von Achane
This isn't a reflection on Achane's play, which is fantastic. However, his fantasy value rests in the hands of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, who has struggled to stay healthy over the last few seasons.
If Tagovailoa suffers another concussion, Achane's fantasy outlook could plummet. He's a great player, but the offensive environment surrounding him is fragile.
13. Brian Thomas Jr.
(WR, JAX)
Brin Thomas Jr. led all rookies in receiving yards in 2024 with 1,282. The offense should be more dynamic this season with 2025 second-overall pick Travis Hunter lining up opposite Thomas.
With less defensive pressure due to Hunter’s presence, Thomas could easily have a similar year to his rookie season or even improve on those statistics.
14. Nico Collins
(WR, HOU)
Nico Collins only played 12 games in 2024, but undoubtedly still played a major role in the offense. He registered 1,006 receiving yards and seven touchdowns despite missing five games dealing with an injury.
If Houston’s offensive line is any better, Collins will see his ceiling rise as the passing game becomes more efficient.
15. Drake London
(WR, ATL)
Drake London was one of 2024 biggest breakouts, posting 1,271 receiving yards and nine receiving touchdowns. He will return as the team’s top receiver with second-year quarterback Michael Penix Jr. under center.
Penix and London connected for 187 yards in Week 18 against Carolina. If the pair can put up more performances like that in 2025, London will once again finish as a top-five fantasy receiver.
16. Jonathan Taylor
(RB, IND)
Jonathan Taylor exploded down the stretch of the 2024 NFL season. He was one of the best players in the fantasy playoffs, even rushing for 218 yards in Week 16. He should receive the same amount of volume in 2025 and remains one of Indy’s most consistent contributors when on the field.
He should be drafted in the early second round while operating behind a strong offensive line.
17. A.J. Brown
(WR, PHI)
A.J. Brown only played 13 games in 2024 but still went for 1,079 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. He’s one of the NFL’s most talented receivers and should still be extremely relevant for fantasy, even in a run-heavy offense.
2025 should feature more of the same for Brown, and I expect him to finish as a top-ten fantasy receiver if he can stay on the field.
18. Josh Jacobs
(RB, GB)
Josh Jacobs has found his home in Green Bay. The former Las Vegas Raider signed with the Packers in free agency during the 2024 offseason and immediately became one of the best high-volume rushers in football.
After posting 1,329 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns on 301 carries in 2024, Jacobs has an extremely high floor in 2025.
19. Brock Bowers
(TE, LV)
Brock Bowers was the best tight end in fantasy football as a rookie last season. 153 targets translated to 112 receptions and 1,194 receiving yards, which allowed Bowers to cement his season as one of the best for a rookie tight end of all-time.
Even in what could be a run-heavy offense this season, Bowers will still be the top receiving threat with an improved quarterback situation. He and Geno Smith should make a solid pair.
20. Bucky Irving
(RB, TB)
Bucky Irving exploded onto the scene during his rookie season, taking the starting running back job in Tampa Bay halfway through the season from incumbent starter Rachaad White. After averaging 5.42 yards per carry, Irving will have a ridiculously high ceiling in 2025 if he receives more carries.
He only played more than half of the team’s offensive snaps in six games last season. If his snap counts and volume improve, he could finish as a top-ten running back.
21. Trey McBride
(TE, ARI)
Trey McBride was one of the NFL’s most-improved players for fantasy football in 2024. He was the most productive receiving tight end behind Brock Bowers, recording 1,146 yards.
With only two receiving touchdowns last season, McBride could experience positive touchdowns regression, leading to more explosive weekly fantasy finishes.
22. Jaxon Smith-Njigba
(WR, SEA)
Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerged as Seattle’s top receiver in 2024, overtaking veterans DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett in volume. He will now line up next to Cooper Kupp this season and catch passes from Sam Darnold, so it’s safe to say a lot has changed on the offensive side of the ball.
While Seattle may be shifting to a run-first approach with Klint Kubiak as the team’s offensive coordinator, Smith-Njigba should still be able to produce at a high level in 2025 if Darnold has time to throw the ball.
23. Kyren Williams
(RB, LAR)
Kyren Williams was once again one of the more consistent running backs in fantasy football while finishing with more carries, rushing yards, and rushing touchdowns in 2024 than in 2023.
Los Angeles added yet another running back through the draft, but Williams should still receive enough volume to finish with another strong fantasy season.
24. Ladd McConkey
(WR, LAC)
Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey put up 1,148 receiving yards in a surprisingly fantastic rookie season. He and Justin Herbert established a connection quickly, and he could be in line for more targets this season as he looks to improve upon his strong inaugural campaign.
McConkey is worth a late-second round pick in 2025 fantasy football drafts and is a safe bet to produce in his sophomore season.
Best Potential Value (13-24): Brock Bowers
There is a clear path for Brock Bowers to have a late-2010s Kelce-like season. He is a similar archetype to the Chiefs legend: elite route-runner, the top target in his offense, dominating at the catch point, and a superb athlete.
The only concern is whether the offense centers around running back Ashton Jeanty. Even if it does, Bowers should receive enough volume to remain this franchise's superstar for years to come.
Riskiest Pick (13-24): Jonathan Taylor
Colts running back Jonathan Taylor has missed 16 games over the last three seasons. Even if he is a workhorse, the best ability is always availability.
Taylor is certainly a boom-or-bust option in the second round of fantasy drafts. Select him at your own risk. It could be a massive value or a huge mistake.
25. Lamar Jackson
(QB, BAL)
26. Christian McCaffrey
(RB, SF)
27. Tee Higgins
(WR, CIN)
28. James Cook
(RB, BUF)
29. Tyreek Hill
(WR, MIA)
30. Terry McLaurin
(WR, WAS)
31. Jayden Daniels
(QB, WAS)
32. Josh Allen
(QB, BUF)
33. Jalen Hurts
(QB, PHI)
34. Chase Brown
(RB, CIN)
35. Davante Adams
(WR, LAR)
36. Kenneth Walker III
(RB, SEA)
Best Potential Value (25-36): Davante Adams
In my opinion, Davante Adams signing with the Los Angeles Rams is a match made in heaven. Matthew Stafford is still a supremely capable quarterback who will be able to get the ball in the hands of Puka Nacua and Adams, who will be able to spread out opposing defenses effectively.
Adams is still wildly talented and has a chance to elevate the Rams to one of the top offenses in the NFL.
Riskiest Pick (25-36): Kenneth Walker III
The reason for Kenneth Walker's inclusion on this part of the list is very similar to Jonathan Taylor's. Walker struggled to stay healthy this season, battling injuries throughout the year and only playing 11 games. He also averaged only 3.75 yards per carry in 2024, although, to be fair, Seattle had one of the league's worst offensive lines.
The Michigan State product is truly one of the most talented running backs in the entire NFL. If he can stay healthy this season, and if Seattle can put a decent offensive line in front of him, he could break out.
37. George Kittle
(TE, SF)
38. Chuba Hubbard
(RB, CAR)
39. Marvin Harrison Jr.
(WR, ARI)
40. Garrett Wilson
(WR, NYJ)
41. Rashee Rice
(WR, KC)
42. Joe Burrow
(QB, CIN)
43. Breece Hall
(RB, NYJ)
44. Zay Flowers
(WR, BAL)
45. David Montgomery
(RB, DET)
46. James Conner
(RB, ARI)
47. Alvin Kamara
(RB, NO)
48. Mike Evans
(WR, TB)
Best Potential Value (37-48): Marvin Harrison Jr.
Marvin Harrison's value is at an all-time low after a disappointing rookie season in relation to expectations in 2024. However, many overlook the fact that Harrison had an excellent rookie year despite not returning value on 2024 redraft ADP.
After compiling 885 yards and eight touchdowns in his rookie campaign, the fact remains that Harrison is just too talented to be doubted. He is an unbelievable route-runner who still has a high ceiling in fantasy football.
Riskiest Pick (37-48): Mike Evans
Mike Evans managed to put together another 1,000+ receiving yard season in 2024. Despite this, I am pessimistic about his outlook for 2025. He is surrounded by a lot of receiving talent in an offense that likes to spread the football around.
Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, Cade Otton, Jalen McMillan, Bucky Irving, and Rachaad White will all command some serious receiving volume in 2025. Evans is being drafted a bit too high in an offense with so many weapons. Don't forget how elite Chris Godwin was through the first seven games of the 2024 season.
49. Joe Mixon
(RB, HOU)
50. D.J. Moore
(WR, CHI)
51. Omarion Hampton
(RB, LAC)
52. Quinshon Judkins
(RB, CLE)
53. DeVonta Smith
(WR, PHI)
54. Chris Godwin
(WR, TB)
55. Courtland Sutton
(WR, DEN)
56. Jameson Williams
(WR, DET)
57. RJ Harvey
(RB, DEN)
58. Sam LaPorta
(TE, DET)
59. Jordan Addison
(WR, MIN)
60. George Pickens
(WR, DAL)
Best Potential Value (49-60): Chris Godwin
It's easy to forget how productive Chris Godwin was through the first seven weeks of the 2024 NFL season before suffering a season-ending ankle injury in Week 7 against Baltimore. The veteran receiver stacked up 50 receptions, 576 receiving yards, and five touchdowns in just seven games.
If Godwin can rebound from this injury quickly, he may return to form as Baker Mayfield's favorite target and dominate fantasy football once again.
Riskiest Pick (49-60): DJ Moore
DJ Moore has been a very solid fantasy asset over the last few seasons in Chicago. However, there are a lot of mouths to feed on the offensive side of the ball in 2025. Rookie receiving threats Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III join Moore and 2024 first-round pick Rome Odunze as the team's top pass-catchers.
If any of these young playmakers take a big step forward, Moore could lose his role as Chicago's leading receiver.
61. DK Metcalf
(WR, PIT)
62. TreVeyon Henderson
(RB, NE)
63. Xavier Worthy
(WR, KC)
64. Jaylen Waddle
(WR, MIA)
65. Chris Olave
(WR, NO)
66. Tetairoa McMillan
(WR, CAR)
67. Travis Hunter
(WR/CB, JAX)
68. Baker Mayfield
(QB, TB)
69. Kyler Murray
(QB, ARI)
70. Mark Andrews
(TE, BAL)
71. Calvin Ridley
(WR, TEN)
72. Aaron Jones Sr.
(RB, MIN)
HM: Bo Nix
(QB, DEN)
Best Potential Value (61-72): Tetairoa McMillan
Selected eighth-overall in this year's draft, McMillan will step into Carolina as Bryce Young's top receiving option. He has a dynamic skill set that combines size and athleticism, allowing him to dominate after the catch and in contested situations.
If Bryce Young can continue where he left off in 2024, Tetairoa McMillan could be the best rookie receiver in fantasy football.
Riskiest Pick (61-72): Aaron Jones Sr.
Aaron Jones had a great year in Minnesota during the 2024 season. However, circumstances have changed in the Vikings' backfield.
The team traded for former 49ers running back Jordan Mason, who stepped in for Christian McCaffrey in 2024. Mason could take over as the goal-line back and even take some of Jones' carries in regular offensive situations if given the chance. With increased competition, Jones poses a significant risk in fantasy drafts.