We’re several games into the opening week of the 2025 NFL Preseason, and several young players, including some prospects drafted this offseason, have made their marks on the NFL world, even if they were only given a few reps.
Now, it's time to sit back and consider the dynasty implications of these early performances. While it’s true that the preseason is a lot different than the regular season, many players earn starting or even roster spots by standing out in a variety of ways.
Some of these players could be under-the-radar sleepers in the future, in other cases, these players could go on to greatly outperform their initial expectations. Whatever happens, it’s always a good idea to at least take the preseason football into account, especially if we've never seen the player touch an NFL field before.
Let’s go over four risers for dynasty fantasy football after the opening slate of NFL preseason action!
Shedeur Sanders (QB, CLE)
Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders put up a very respectable statline in his preseason start against the Carolina Panthers on Friday. He managed to convert 14 of 23 pass attempts for 138 yards and two touchdowns. He caused zero turnovers and added 19 rushing yards as well.
This was a strong debut from a prospect who had been under much scrutiny since his draft day slide to the fifth round in April. He needed to put up an impressive opening performance to silence the doubters, and that’s exactly what he did.
Sanders’ two touchdown passes were more than starter-level throws. A clean sheet in terms of turnovers also strengthens his case as he continues to vie for Cleveland’s starting job. While the team has certainly brought in plenty of competition (Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, Tyler Huntley, and Kenny Pickett), Sanders has definitely made this coaching staff’s decision even harder.
I believe that most of the quarterbacks on the opening day roster will start at least one game, so while Sanders will get his chance, the rest of the group will as well. It’ll be interesting to see if the fifth-round pick can continue to prove why he should've been a Day 1 or 2 selection.
Keaton Mitchell (RB, BAL)
I won’t be shy about the fact that I’ve been a Keaton Mitchell fan since before he was drafted. At Eastern Carolina, the elusive back’s big-play potential was on full display any time he touched the ball.
That being the case, it was no surprise when the former undrafted free agent made the most of his opportunity during the 2023 season, taking 47 carries for 396 yards while making several game-breaking plays in the process. Mitchell was regularly cashing in insanely long touchdown runs using his impressive speed and elusiveness, which allowed him to average a ridiculous 8.4 yards per carry, the highest mark for any rusher with at least 50 carries that season.
Unfortunately, Mitchell would go on to tear his ACL late during that same season, causing his role to be reduced significantly in 2024.
In his first action during the 2025 preseason, Mitchell posted nine attempts for 68 yards and one rushing touchdown. His explosive nature is seemingly back, as he was able to find the end zone once again on a long touchdown run.
If Mitchell is able to return to his old self in 2025, literally nothing is stopping him from returning to his 2023 role, giving him a real place in one of the best offenses in football. Mitchell is the definition of a home-run play waiting to happen.
The Ravens shouldn’t hesitate to make him their RB2 immediately if he shows the same potential he did in 2023. He’s a must-add in deeper leagues, especially if he puts together a few more solid preseason performances. It’s a very good time to be a Keaton Mitchell fan.
Jalen Milroe (QB, SEA)
I wasn't especially high on former Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe as a passer coming out. Obviously, he is one of the best athletes at the position we have seen in a while, but reading a defense is one of the most important aspects of playing quarterback.
That was something we saw Milroe struggle with during his last season at Alabama and the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl. His upside as a rusher, however, has always been elite; he put up 168 carries for 726 rushing yards and a whopping 20 rushing touchdowns during his final season with the Crimson Tide.
Rushing upside can give any quarterback a solid floor in fantasy football. If Milroe is able to sit for a year and learn behind Sam Darnold, the Seahawks could have a startable player on their hands, but again, his ability as a passer needs to improve. His arm strength may be borderline top-tier, but his reading and processing leave much to be desired.
Milroe completed 6 of 10 pass attempts for 61 yards, while also taking three carries for an additional 38 rushing yards. If he gets the chance to start early in his NFL career, his rushing upside could make him a strong dynasty asset. I’ll be staying tuned.
TreVeyon Henderson (RB, NE)
This debut was a memorable one. Former Ohio State running back TreVeyon Henderson took his first NFL touch, a kickoff return, back for a 100-yard touchdown. This is a clear sign of things to come for the rookie.
As a prospect, there is a lot to like about Henderson. He’s a constant home-run threat, his pass-blocking is fantastic, and he has impressive receiving ability. Word from the Patriots’ training camp has been nothing but positive for Henderson thus far, so it wouldn’t be a stretch to see him listed as the starter for Week 1.
Now, I do think it will take him a little bit to earn a wide majority of carries, especially after the team invested a large amount of money into Rhamondre Stevenson just a few years ago.
Henderson is also not your typical workhorse back, we saw that during his college days when he and Quinshon Judkins made a powerful duo, complementing each other perfectly and allowing Henderson to truly shine.
However, if the rookie running back keeps making plays like he has, nothing will be able to stop him from winning the starting job. This was a perfect debut.
HM. Tetairoa McMillan (WR, CAR)
HM. Isaac TeSlaa (WR, DET)
HM. Efton Chism III (WR, NE)
HM. LaJohntay Wester (WR, BAL)