6 Fantasy Football Offenses to Target and Avoid in Drafts: Team Outlooks and Player Analysis (2025)

June 6, 2025

Kacey's fantasy football offenses to target and avoid in 2025. Her breakdown of current NFL rosters, schedules, injuries, coaching changes, and player outlooks to identify potential sleepers and busts.

Fantasy football managers want to know which explosive offenses to stack and which murky situations to steer clear of. Even the most skilled players can struggle when trapped in low-scoring and poorly coached systems. It's about recognizing not only who's talented but also knowing who is in the right situation.

If the quarterback is a mess, the play-calling is trash, or the team can't even stay on the field, your fantasy dreams can come crashing down quite quickly. It doesn't matter how good a player could be -- if they're in a bad offense, most players get dragged down.

Context is everything. It's easy to fall into the trap of just checking last year's stats and calling it a day. You need to look more into who is on the offense now, how they're used, and what matchups they are facing. Focusing on schedule strength, quarterback play, team dynamics, and straight-up vibes, I'll be breaking down three offenses I'm targeting in fantasy football this year -- along with three I'm avoiding at all costs.

Target: Philadelphia Eagles

The defending Super Bowl champions return with one of the most loaded offenses in the NFL. Jalen Hurts leads the charge at QB, fresh off a season where he finished as QB6 in fantasy points per game and QB8 overall, despite missing time with a concussion. Hurts racked up 18 passing scores and rushed for an additional 14 -- thanks partially to Philly's dominant "tush push."

Philadelphia supercharged its backfield before the 2024 season, bringing in Saquon Barkley. He finished 2024 as the RB1 in points per game and RB2 overall (PPR). Barkley posted a mind-blowing 2,005 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns behind a solid offensive line. Depth pieces like Will Shipley and AJ Dillon will support him this season.

Jalen Hurts just ran over a Cowboys defender en route to the Eagles fourth touchdown of the day pic.twitter.com/5esvqBQ96O

— Life of a Philly Fan (@PhillyFanLife) November 10, 2024

Out wide, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith continue to be reliable fantasy assets. Brown ended as WR12 in points per game (WR20 total), while Smith posted WR17 per-game numbers (WR27 total). Both players missed some time in the season but still put up big games when healthy.

Brown tallied 1,079 yards and seven scores on 67 catches. Smith tacked on 833 yards and eight touchdowns on 68 receptions. Jahan Dotson, formerly of the Commanders, joined the group in 2024 as depth. The Eagles also feature tight end Dallas Goedert, who has been dependable when healthy (TE10 in points per game in 2024).

Although the Eagles have a demanding schedule ahead of them (11 games facing 2024 playoff teams), they possess the talent to overcome the challenge. Get a piece of this star-studded attack and feel zero regrets.

Average Draft Position: Saquon Barkley (4.46), A.J. Brown (25.17), Jalen Hurts (30.5), DeVonta Smith (64.75), Dallas Goedert (130.42), Will Shipley (213.58), Grant Calcaterra (345.21), AJ Dillon (345.42), Jahan Dotson (undrafted)

Target: Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs weren't that explosive juggernaut last year, the one we're all used to. Still, they finished as one of the top-scoring offenses in 2024.

Patrick Mahomes will be fully healthy and turning 30 this season. He posted a "down year" by his MVP standards last season but still became QB11 in total fantasy points and QB13 per game. The passing game lacked explosive plays, but Mahomes' arsenal is healing up.

The QB's favorite weapon, Travis Kelce, remains a top fantasy tight end. He racked up 97 receptions for 823 yards and three scores last season. That's a step back from the Kelce we once knew, but it's still great in today's TE landscape.

This #TouchdownTuesday, we celebrate our longest touchdown of the season 🚀@PatrickMahomes x @XavierWorthy pic.twitter.com/98SnlaMxKv

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) May 13, 2025

Kansas City retooled its wide receiver room, drafting Xavier Worthy in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. Worthy posted 638 yards and 11 PPR points per game as a rookie. Field-stretching vet Marquise "Hollywood" Brown adds another layer to the passing game. Returning from a season plagued by an LCL injury (knee), Rashee Rice looks to build off his 2024 average of 16.2 PPR points per game (when healthy), even if he were to miss time due to a suspension.

The running back situation has been dicey there as well, with Isiah Pacheco opening the 2024 season with two double-digit fantasy games before injuries derailed his season. When healthy, he pounds the ball and has a league-winning upside. Kareem Hunt filled in during Pacheco's absence, pulling in 12 fantasy points per game. Elijah Moore is also there for depth, and the team drafted WR Jalen Royals in the fourth round and RB Brashard Smith in the seventh round of the 2025 draft.

This offense spreads the ball around, but it tends to go pass-heavy. You can get players like Mahomes and Kelce for cheaper this year, mainly due to their age and the perception of decline. Since a good portion of this roster is returning from injury, pounce on the discount reflected in ADP.

Average Draft Position: Rashee Rice (47.96), Patrick Mahomes (50.29), Xavier Worthy (58.54), Travis Kelce (69.54), Isiah Pacheco (85), Marquise Brown (156.88), Kareem Hunt (191.71), Brashard Smith (194.58), Noah Gray (220.17), Elijah Mitchell (258.54), Jalen Royals (261.5), Gardner Minshew II (343.71)

Target: San Francisco 49ers

The 49ers remain one of the league's most fantasy-friendly offenses despite the injury pileup last season. They have the easiest strength of schedule in the NFL and a perfect Week 14 bye -- you don't have to worry about finding replacements for quite some time.

Quarterback Brock Purdy is a steady presence, finishing as QB12 in points per game (18.6) and QB14 overall last season. The QB threw for 3,864 yards, 20 touchdowns, and added 323 rushing yards and five rushing scores.

One of the best stories we've seen. pic.twitter.com/Mthj6o5GPT

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) May 20, 2025

Christian McCaffrey, fresh off a four-game season, returns healthy. The 28-year-old should be someone to target due to the injury discount. He was RB1 in 2023 with 2,023 total yards and 21 touchdowns. Isaac Guerendo flashed when needed and is worth stashing as a handcuff, although he dealt with injuries.

A tight end who continues to show up each year is George Kittle, finishing as TE1 in fantasy points per game (15.8) and TE3 overall. The big man tallied 1,106 yards and eight scores. Brandon Aiyuk missed most of 2024 with a torn ACL/MCL but previously had back-to-back 1K seasons. If he isn't good to go, Ricky Pearsall (31 receptions, 400 yards, three TDs in limited time) could benefit. Another intriguing WR is Jauan Jennings, who was a volatile deep threat last season, displaying massive boom weeks (46.5 PPR points in Week 3).

The 49ers offense is dripping with upside. Most of it will come with an injury discount. That discount, plus the regular-season schedule being a "cakewalk," should be enough to make managers take notice.

Average Draft Position: Christian McCaffrey (13.08), George Kittle (33.08), Brock Purdy (79.38), Jauan Jennings (90.54), Ricky Pearsall (99.42), Brandon Aiyuk (122.33), Isaac Guerendo (140.92), Jordan James (250.42), Mac Jones (339.92), Demarcus Robinson (344.96)

Avoid: New York Giants

What a trainwreck of a 2024 for the Giants and their offense -- except for the one bright spot, Malik Nabers. There is little reason to believe things will be much better this season. The quarterback room, featuring Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, and rookie Jaxson Dart, doesn't inspire confidence.

Daniel Jones' benching and subsequent release didn't help things last season. Now, the team is trying to piece together a shaky offensive line and an extremely tough early schedule. The team starts the season traveling for the first two games. It also has to face defenses like the Chiefs and Eagles in the front half of the season.

Keep building 🔥 pic.twitter.com/HmSKrjoRsu

— New York Giants (@Giants) May 15, 2025

Nabers, referenced earlier, is the only consistent fantasy option on the Giants roster. He broke out last season, posting 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns. The wideout benefited from negative game scripts last season, but even if the team were to get it together, he'd still see plenty of volume. Nabers has long-term value when the remainder of the roster is uncertain.

Running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. had a solid ground game in his rookie season, rushing for 839 yards and five touchdowns, but he failed to make his mark in the receiving game. Fourth-round rookie Cam Skattebo may complicate the offense even further. The passing game offers very little to work with. Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton have the talent, but they're unreliable. Theo Johnson was TE37 in total points, and Jalin Hyatt is buried on the depth chart. Johnson and Hyatt should be off managers' radars.

The NYG offense had no direction last season, and things don't look to get much better for 2025. Outside of Nabers in redraft or dynasty, you're better off avoiding the mess of an offense entirely.

Average Draft Position: Malik Nabers (12), Tyrone Tracy Jr. (95.67), Cam Skattebo (99.63), Russell Wilson (157.29), Wan'Dale Robinson (180.08), Jaxson Dart (187.83), Theo Johnson (209.71), Darius Slayton (262.33), Devin Singletary (345.08)

Avoid: New Orleans Saints

Honestly, I could keep it short and simple and say, "Don't draft anyone from the Saints." Derek Carr retired in the offseason after a lingering injury and a rocky 2024. The only fantasy bright side for the Saints in 2024 was Alvin Kamara, who I'll get to in a bit.

The quarterback situation is in total disarray. Last year saw a revolving door of Carr, Spencer Rattler, and "Blue Steel" Jake Haener. Now, quarterback Tyler Shough enters the picture. None of these quarterbacks screams fantasy production.

2025 Saints Schedule 🏈#Saints | @SeatGeek pic.twitter.com/HEW42htFGJ

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) May 15, 2025

Kamara is yet again the lone bright spot for New Orleans. He had a strong bounce-back year in 2024 -- 950 rushing yards and eight rushing TDs plus 68 catches for 543 receiving yards and two more scores (in just 14 games). The veteran back finished as RB5 in PPR points per game (19.0) and is a nice discount target. He's aging, and this offense can't sustain drives -- those things cap his value.

Chris Olave had once been a no-brainer draft pick, but he missed time last season with two concussions. He needs to be healthy, but he also needs a competent QB to flourish -- that's not a sure thing in New Orleans.

Rashid Shaheed has been a sleeper pick in the past, but he's also dealing with injury issues. Taysom Hill and Juwan Johnson also missed time last year, carrying major red flags. If you're looking for an offense with fantasy reliability, look away from the Saints. The team has a relatively easy schedule for 2025 -- streaming these players is probably all you want to do here, but even then, it won't be fun.

Average Draft Position: Alvin Kamara (47.04), Chris Olave (90.46), Rashid Shaheed (165.17), Tyler Shough (181.54), Devin Neal (190.58), Juwan Johnson (196), Kendre Miller (232.25), Taysom Hill (306.67), Spencer Rattler (339.04), Brandin Cooks (344.17)

Avoid: Carolina Panthers

The Panthers offense has a pulse, but it's very faint. Bryce Young returns under center after a bumpy 2024 campaign where he was benched after two TD-less contests. He returned in Week 8 and showed a bit of growth down the stretch. The QB flashed in Weeks 15-17 (QB12 total points, QB14 average points) and was the QB1 in Week 18 -- a week most fantasy managers were already checked out. He only had a season average of 14.6 PPG, ranking him QB26. That inconsistency makes him hard to trust, especially in redraft leagues.

The running back situation last season saw Chuba Hubbard rise to the occasion, finishing as RB14 in total points despite missing two games. He tallied 1,195 rushing yards, 10 TDs, and hauled in 43 balls. But enter Rico Dowdle, fresh off his 1,000-yard campaign in Dallas. Now, the backfield looks muddled. Two 1,000-yard RBs and no clear bell cow.

The Secret Reveal: 2025 Carolina Panthers Schedule@Ticketmaster | #KeepPounding pic.twitter.com/rM5l92FRdo

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) May 15, 2025

At receiver, they just drafted Tetairoa McMillan with the No. 8 overall pick, so the draft capital is there. He is a shiny new dynasty asset, but he's entering a crowded, underwhelming WR room featuring Xavier Legette, Adam Thielen, and Jalen Coker. None should be considered to have upside in redraft.

Ja'Tavion Sanders is not worth a dart throw when there are other TEs with higher ceilings. Sanders posted 33 receptions for 342 yards and a score in his Year 1 campaign.

There are way too many "what ifs" in this offense, and there isn't enough upside. Avoid taking Panthers players in drafts unless the discount is just too good to ignore. The team has an easy schedule, but starts with three of the first four games on the road. It might be one of those situations where players pop as the season progresses, but it'll be challenging to determine which WR or RB will benefit weekly.

Average Draft Position: Chuba Hubbard (54.54), Tetairoa McMillan (63.25), Bryce Young (112.13), Rico Dowdle (163.79), Adam Thielen (176.33), Xavier Legette (178.42), Ja'Tavion Sanders (213.25), Jalen Coker (222.75), Trevor Etienne (253.29), Jimmy Horn Jr. (338.13)

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