One Fantasy Football Breakout Candidate for Every NFC Team – Sleepers to Target in Drafts (2025)

Mike Fanelli provides his one favorite fantasy football sleepers and breakout candidate for every NFC team in 2025 fantasy football leagues. Target these players in 2025 fantasy drafts.

The 2025 NFL regular season is still a few months away. However, now is the time to prepare for the upcoming fantasy football season.

Several factors go into building a championship-winning roster. Yet, finding sleepers who become significant contributors is arguably the most critical.

Therefore, let’s look at one potential fantasy football sleeper candidate for every NFC team.

• 2025 fantasy football rankings
• Running back (RB) rankings
• Wide receiver (WR) rankings
• Quarterback (QB) rankings
• Tight end (TE) rankings
• Defense (D/ST) rankings
• Kicker (K) rankings
• FLEX rankings
• Dynasty rankings

NFC East

Jaydon Blue, RB, Dallas Cowboys

Despite being a fifth-round pick, Blue will be one of my highest-rostered running backs in redraft leagues. He has league-winning upside, thanks to his pathway to significant snaps as a rookie. Dallas has an up-and-coming offensive line and two ineffective veteran running backs ahead of the rookie on the depth chart.

Javonte Williams and Miles Sanders ranked in the bottom 16 among 70 running backs with at least 55 rushing attempts in yards per attempt last season. Furthermore, both veterans averaged 2.51 or fewer yards per rushing attempt. Therefore, Blue could be this year’s Bucky Irving. He had nearly 1,100 scrimmage yards and 14 touchdowns last season, including six receiving scores.

Jaydon Blue was a BEAST through the air in his Junior year, catching 42 passes to go with 6 TDs🔥

Could Blue be a PPR monster in 2025? pic.twitter.com/eNxM7D4n7d

— FastDraft Fantasy (@fastdraftapp) April 29, 2025

Theo Johnson, TE, New York Giants

Some called Johnson a sleeper candidate heading into his rookie season last year. However, he finished his rookie season as the TE37, averaging 4.5 half-point PPR fantasy points per game because of the Giants’ dysfunctional offense. Yet, he had some positive moments as a rookie.

The former Penn State had five games with five more targets last year. Johnson averaged 7.8 fantasy points per game in those five contests, totaling 7.3 or more in three outings. More importantly, New York significantly improved their quarterback situation this offseason. Don’t be surprised if Johnson becomes one of the team’s top targets in the passing game behind Malik Nabers.

Will Shipley, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

Last year, Saquon Barkley was the top running back in the NFL and fantasy football, totaling over 2,000 rushing yards during the regular season. Furthermore, he accounted for 76.2% of the rushing attempts and 74.7% of the total touches out of the Eagles’ backfield. Unfortunately, the workload has led many to worry about his health for 2025 after his performance last year.

Yet, Philadelphia didn’t make any meaningful additions to the backfield despite losing Kenneth Gainwell in free agency. Therefore, Shipley is likely the next man up if Barkley misses time with an injury. The former Clemson star was productive when given a chance, totaling 13.7 half-point PPR fantasy points in the playoff win over the Washington Commanders despite having only four rushing attempts.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Washington Commanders

Many thought the Commanders would select a running back early in the NFL Draft after not adding anyone significant in free agency. Instead, the team waited until their final pick to draft Croskey-Merritt. Unfortunately, he only played in one game last season at Arizona because of eligibility issues.

However, the rookie was outstanding in 2023, averaging 6.3 yards per rushing attempt and 17 touchdowns. More importantly, Croskey-Merritt could have an immediate impact in Washington. Last year, Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler weren’t difference makers, as Jayden Daniels led the team with 891 rushing yards. There is a chance Croskey-Merritt could win the starting role during training camp.

NFC North

Kyle Monangai, RB, Chicago Bears

Nearly every mock draft leading up to the NFL Draft had the Bears taking Ashton Jeanty in the first round or one of the former Ohio State running backs in the second round. Instead, Chicago ended up waiting until the seventh round to select Monangai. Yet, he has a chance to have fantasy value as a rookie.

The former Rutgers star is a physical runner with significant college production. Monangai had 498 rushing attempts for 2,541 yards and 21 touchdowns over the past two seasons, averaging 5.1 yards per attempt. More importantly, no one would be surprised if Ben Johnson made the rookie his new David Montgomery, giving Monangai the chance to score double-digit touchdowns in 2025.

Got our Monangai 😤 pic.twitter.com/PGdSDI2dC4

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 26, 2025

Tim Patrick, WR, Detroit Lions

Unfortunately, picking a sleeper candidate for the Lions is nearly impossible. They have one of the top fantasy offenses in the NFL, making six players borderline must-start options every week, including two wide receivers. However, Patrick is someone fantasy players should consider drafting in deeper leagues because of Detroit’s elite offense.

Last year, the veteran averaged 4.7 half-point PPR fantasy points per game, ranking as the third-highest-scoring wide receiver on the team. It was Patrick’s first season back after missing the previous two years with season-ending injuries. However, the veteran averaged 8.6 fantasy points per game over his last two healthy years. Patrick would see an uptick in work if Jameson Williams missed time with an injury.

Matthew Golden, WR, Green Bay Packers

Many were shocked when the Packers used their top pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Golden. He was the first wide receiver drafted by Green Bay in the first round since Javon Walker in 2002. Therefore, expect the team to make their first-round rookie wide receiver a significant part of the passing attack.

While some are skeptical of the former Texas star, Golden could be Jordan Love’s No. 1 wide receiver early in his rookie season. Jayden Reed primarily plays in the slot and struggled to end last year. More importantly, Christian Watson is coming off a torn ACL and will likely miss most of the season. Meanwhile, Dontayvion Wicks has struggled with drops. Golden could be this year’s best rookie wide receiver.

Jordan Mason, RB, Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota traded for Mason earlier this offseason, swapping Day 3 picks in the 2025 NFL Draft and a sixth-round selection in the 2026 NFL Draft for the young running back. Last year, he finished as the RB37, averaging 9.1 half-point PPR fantasy points per game as a part-time starter for the San Francisco 49ers.

However, Mason was productive as the starting running back. He averaged 22.8 rushing attempts and 17.9 fantasy points per game over the first four weeks, totaling 16.9 or more in all but one contest. While Aaron Jones re-signed with the Vikings, he is on the wrong side of 30 and has an injury history. Therefore, Mason has league-winning upside if Jones misses significant time with an injury.

NFC South

Michael Penix Jr., QB, Atlanta Falcons

Unfortunately, Penix spent most of his rookie season watching from the bench despite Kirk Cousins’ struggles. However, the Falcons gave the former Washington star a chance in Week 16, allowing him to start the final three games of the year. He had mixed results, averaging 14.2 fantasy points per game during his three starts, totaling 11.2 or less twice.

Yet, fantasy players should have high hopes for Penix, especially in superflex leagues this season. He was outstanding in the Week 18 matchup, totaling 312 passing yards, two touchdowns, a rushing score, and 25 fantasy points. Penix has a solid set of weapons and plays in a fantasy-friendly offense. While he likely won’t end the year as a top-12 quarterback, Penix could finish as a high-end QB2.

Ja'Tavion Sanders, TE, Carolina Panthers

The Panthers spent their first-round pick in the NFL Draft on Tetairoa McMillan, giving Bryce Young a legit go-to No. 1 wide receiver. However, they waited until the fifth round to select Evan Mitchell, meaning Sanders has no significant competition for the starting tight end role this season.

Last year, the former Texas star averaged 3.5 half-point PPR fantasy points, totaling one receiving touchdown. Yet, Sanders flashed upside as a rookie, ranking as the TE15 from Week 6 through Week 10, averaging 7.2 fantasy points per game. Don’t be surprised if he has a breakout sophomore season with Young developing as a passer.

Bryce Young finds a wide open Ja'Tavion Sanders for the touchdown ‼️

📺: #NYGvsCAR on NFL Network
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus pic.twitter.com/wrSe7gwZdr

— NFL (@NFL) November 10, 2024

Devin Neal, RB, New Orleans Saints

Fantasy players should avoid drafting most Saints players this season. Derek Carr’s retirement leaves New Orleans with Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener under center, giving them arguably the worst quarterback unit in the NFL. Therefore, Alvin Kamara is the only Saints player I will consider drafting in 2025, especially in PPR leagues.

However, the veteran running back has struggled with injuries, missing at least three games in three of the past four seasons. Therefore, Neal could be an excellent late-round pick, especially in deeper leagues. He was productive in college, totaling at least 1,260 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns in back-to-back years. The rookie could be a league winner late in the season if Kamara misses time with an injury.

Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Egbuka’s short-term fantasy value took a hit when he got drafted by the Buccaneers. The team signed Mike Evans to a significant extension last year. They also re-signed Chris Godwin to a three-year deal earlier this offseason. Furthermore, Jalen McMillan had an impressive end to his rookie year, giving Tampa Bay a loaded wide receiver unit before drafting Egbuka.

While his outlook would be clearer playing elsewhere, the former Ohio State star has a chance to have a fantasy impact as a rookie. Godwin is coming off a significant leg injury and might not be ready for Week 1. Furthermore, he could be on a snap count for most of the season. Egbuka is a better talent than McMillan. Don’t be surprised if he is the Buccaneers’ No. 2 wide receiver until Godwin is 100% healthy.

NFC West

Trey Benson, RB, Arizona Cardinals

Fantasy players should have high hopes for the Cardinals' offense in 2025, especially if Marvin Harrison Jr. can bounce back after a disappointing rookie season. Meanwhile, James Conner remains one of the more underrated running backs in football. Last year, he was the RB11, averaging 14.4 half-point PPR fantasy points per game as the team’s featured running back.

Despite playing in his eighth NFL season, Conner accounted for 63.6% of the rushing attempts and 62.3% of the touches out of the backfield last year. While he managed to miss only a meaningless Week 18 game last season, the veteran has struggled with injuries throughout his career. Benson had a disappointing rookie year. Yet, he has the talent to be a league winner if Conner misses significant time with an injury.

Tutu Atwell, WR, Los Angeles Rams

Los Angeles has arguably the best set of starting wide receivers in the NFL. Puka Nacua has been a superstar since getting drafted as a fifth-round pick in 2023. Meanwhile, Davante Adams joined the Rams in free agency and will be a future Hall of Famer. Yet, he was the only meaningful signing the team made at wide receiver this offseason.

Atwell signed a one-year deal worth $10 million with Los Angeles before the start of free agency. The veteran averaged 7.5 targets and 9.8 half-point PPR fantasy points per game during four contests Nacua and Cooper Kupp missed with injuries. Furthermore, Adams also missed time with a hamstring injury last season. Atwell could be an injury away from having weekly flex value.

Ricky Pearsall, WR, San Francisco 49ers

It has been an interesting offseason for the 49ers. San Francisco traded away Deebo Samuel Sr. Meanwhile, Brandon Aiyuk is coming off a significant knee injury from last year. While Jauan Jennings was the team’s most consistent wide receiver in 2024, Pearsall is the one fantasy players should target this season, despite a rocky rookie year.

Unfortunately, Pearsall missed the first six weeks recovering from a gunshot during an attempted robbery during the preseason. Yet, the former Florida star shined when getting the ball. He averaged 18.6 half-point PPR fantasy points per game in the three contests with six or more targets, scoring three receiving touchdowns.

First NFL TD for Ricky Pearsall ‼️

📺 #SFvsTB on FOX pic.twitter.com/J8kjN1jYLB

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) November 10, 2024

Tory Horton, WR, Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks underwent massive changes at the wide receiver position this offseason, trading away DK Metcalf and releasing Tyler Lockett. Meanwhile, Seattle signed Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling in free agency as veteran replacements for the starting lineup. However, Kupp has struggled with injuries, while Valdes-Scantling has never been a consistent contributor.

Despite many mock drafts having the Seahawks use an early-round pick on a wide receiver, the team waited until the fifth round to select Horton. Unfortunately, the former Colorado State star missed time last season. Yet, he had over 1,100 receiving yards and eight touchdowns in his previous two years in college. Don’t be surprised if he takes Valdes-Scantling’s starting role by midseason, if not sooner.

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