X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

6 NFC South Fantasy Football Draft Targets or Avoids: Undervalued/Overvalued Players

Kyle Pitts - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Aidin Ebrahimi's 2025 fantasy football outlook for the NFC South. His top sleepers, busts, targets, and fades for the Buccaneers, Falcons, Panthers, and Saints, including Baker Mayfield and more.

The NFC South used to be one of the most competitive divisions in football, but it has developed a reputation as a bad division in recent seasons. The Buccaneers have won the division every season since 2021, but have failed to make the NFC Championship Game in these four seasons, so they could hardly be described as a juggernaut.

While the collective underachievement of the Falcons, Panthers, and Saints has led to many fans singling this division out as "the league's worst," there are still a lot of great players who play in the NFC South, and they can help you win your fantasy leagues in 2025.

However, there are also some players you should avoid. Without further ado, let's look at six NFC South stars and whether you should draft or fade these players in 2025.

Editor's Note: Steer clear of costly draft mistakes with RotoBaller’s expert Fantasy Football Bust analysis. We break down overvalued players, potential letdowns, and risky ADPs to avoid, so you can build a smarter, safer roster.

 

NFC South Targets

Baker Mayfield - QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Finally, after all this time, Baker Mayfield is getting the recognition he truly deserves. He's no longer an undervalued sleeper, but he is someone you should target at his current price (QB7 ADP).

Mayfield had a season for the ages in 2024, throwing for 4,500 yards and 41 touchdowns with a stellar 106.8 passer rating, and finished as the overall QB4. QB7 is a very fitting ADP for Mayfield, as he's your best bet if you aren't going for a top-6 quarterback.

Sure, Mayfield's 2024 was a huge leap compared to his previous seasons, and he just lost his talented OC. But let's not forget that Mayfield was also a top-10 fantasy QB in 2023, which was a leap compared to his previous seasons, and he also lost his talented OC before the 2024 season.

The Bucs drafted Emeka Egbuka in the first round, and assuming that Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan stay healthy, this could be the league's best WR room in 2025.

The Bucs also have a great O-line (ranked as the third-best unit in the league by PFF in 2024), and new OC Josh Grizzard is an internal hire who worked closely with Mayfield as the team's pass game coordinator in 2024.

So, in short, Mayfield is on the best team in the division with the best receiving corps in the league, has a great offensive line, and knows his new OC well. Even though he's not cheap anymore, he's probably the best-value QB outside of the top six.

Darnell Mooney - WR, Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons are headed for a new era, as Michael Penix Jr. is set to be their fifth different Week 1 starting QB in just as many seasons. Penix showed some promise in his three starts last year, and star wideouts Drake London and Darnell Mooney will be key if he wants to retain his starting job in 2026.

While London became a bona fide fantasy star in 2024, Mooney also had a pretty good year. From Week 2 to Week 10, Mooney was the PPR WR8 and was having a Pro Bowl season. Unfortunately, it all came crashing down in Week 11, as he suffered a hamstring injury.

Despite that, Mooney kept playing and had two more good performances: a 142-yard outing in Week 14 and an 82-yard showing in Penix's first start. Mooney injured his shoulder before Week 18, which prevented him from racking up 1,000 yards, but it was still a good season, as he finished as the WR31.

You'd think that he'd have an ADP around the WR30-35 range heading into 2025, but you'd be wrong. His WR47 ADP is lower than players such as Jauan Jennings and Khalil Shakir, which makes Mooney a bargain at this price.

The Falcons haven't made many major additions to their WR room, which means London and Mooney will be Penix's main targets when the season starts. While London will likely be the star of the show, a healthy Mooney won't be too far behind.

Ja'Tavion Sanders - TE, Carolina Panthers

I was high on Ja'Tavion Sanders last year. He was the TE2 on my rookie board and played quite well from Week 6 to 12, putting up 261 yards and scoring a touchdown in six games. However, an untimely neck injury changed everything.

Once he returned from that setback, Sanders would have three consecutive games without a reception, and his season went off the rails. Still, he had plenty of good performances throughout the year, which should warrant some optimism heading into Year 2.

Sanders' only real competition for the TE1 job is Tommy Tremble, who is a better blocker but is almost a non-factor when it comes to the passing game. If Bryce Young can take a leap and become a starting-caliber quarterback, Sanders could have a big year and easily outperform his TE30 ADP.

 

NFC South Avoids

Kyle Pitts - TE, Atlanta Falcons

Drafting Kyle Pitts is like going back to that one toxic ex. You think you've finally broken up for good, but you just keep coming back to them because you feel like you don't have any better options. You want it to work because you can see the potential for something special, but it always ends in disaster.

Now is the time to end this cycle for good. Pitts is talented and has all the tools to be a special player, but he hasn't shown the work ethic to fulfill his true potential. Pitts shows a clear lack of effort in his route running, which has significantly hindered his team's performance in recent seasons.

Pitts is now entering a contract year, and the Falcons are reportedly listening to trade offers for him. Pitts could potentially do better and become the player everyone thought he'd be on a new team, but it doesn't feel like he'll ever return to his best in Atlanta.

He has put up just 1,625 yards and nine touchdowns in the last three seasons combined, and you could find more consistent options who are cheaper than his TE18 ADP, such as Zach Ertz and Cade Otton.

It's time to admit that his great rookie season was a product of Matt Ryan force-feeding him on a team without Julio Jones and (mostly) Calvin Ridley, which led to inflated numbers.

Rashid Shaheed - WR, New Orleans Saints

Everyone knows the Saints will be terrible in 2025, and almost all fantasy managers will try to avoid their players this year, except for Chris Olave and their RB room. With such an unproven QB room, it's hard to imagine any of their pass-catchers other than Olave having a good year.

Despite that, Rashid Shaheed is still being drafted quite highly. His WR54 ADP is higher than many potential breakout WRs like Marvin Mims Jr., Quentin Johnston, and Adonai Mitchell.

None of them are on a team as bad as the Saints. Shaheed indeed had a great start to the 2024 season, putting up 338 yards and three touchdowns in his first five games.

But that was with Derek Carr throwing him the football, and not Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, or Jake Haener. Also, he's recovering from a meniscus injury that required surgery, which is a huge concern for a player whose game revolves around speed.

Adam Thielen - WR, Carolina Panthers

Many thought Adam Thielen was "past it" after leaving the Vikings at the age of 32, but he has proved to be a great addition for the Panthers. 1,629 yards and nine touchdowns in 27 games for one of the worst teams in the league is quite remarkable for a player in his 30s.

These stats are nearly identical to what Kyle Pitts has achieved in the past 44 games, a full season more than Thielen. So, why is Thielen on this list alongside Pitts?

Well, despite considering retirement, he has decided to give it one more go in 2025. While he's still a capable player, he's no longer a priority for the team.

Carolina will prioritize developing Tetairoa McMillan, Xavier Legette, and Jalen Coker if it wants to be successful in the Bryce Young era.

Thielen is a great veteran presence who can still put in a good shift and mentor the young guys, but his WR66 ADP is still a bit too high, especially when you can get Legette at around the same spot.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Cleveland Browns

Greg Newsome on the Trade Block?
VJ Edgecombe

Diagnosed with a Sprained Thumb
Zach Tom

An Extension Candidate in Green Bay
Devin Booker

Agrees to Extension with Phoenix
Trevor Williams

to Undergo Season-Ending Elbow Surgery
Kyren Williams

Rams Not Willing to Pay Kyren Williams Top-Market Money?
Byron Buxton

Exits After Hit-by-Pitch, X-Rays Negative
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Playing on Wednesday
Alex Bregman

has "Really Good Chance" to Return Before All-Star Break
Christian Kirk

the No. 2 WR in Houston?
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Expected to Return on Friday
Jerome Ford

the Likely Starter for Cleveland to Begin 2025
Chig Okonkwo

"Poised" for Best Season of Career
Xavier Watts

Falcons High on Xavier Watts
Xavier Restrepo

Training With Star Wideouts
Walter Clayton Jr.

Leads Jazz to Summer League Win
Carter Bryant

Struggles in Summer League Loss
Kyle Filipowski

Drops a Double-Double in Summer League Action on Tuesday
Oklahoma City Thunder

Malevy Leons Logs Impressive Summer League Outing on Tuesday
Dalton Knecht

Collects 25 Points in Lakers Summer League Win
Los Angeles Lakers

Darius Bazley Drops 27 Points in Summer League on Tuesday
Gary Woodland

Looking to Find Rhythm at Scottish Open
Aaron Rai

Brings Consistent Play to Scottish Open
Maverick McNealy

a Solid Value Play at Scottish Open
Aldrich Potgieter

Making Scottish Open Debut
Tom Kim

Looks to Rebound at Scottish Open
Brian Harman

a Safe Option at Scottish Open
Luke Clanton

a Sneaky Value Play at Scottish Open
Tristan Wirfs

Undergoes Knee Surgery, Likely to Miss Start of Season
Sam Burns

Looking to Stay Hot at Scottish Open
Chet Holmgren

Agrees to Rookie Max Extension
Alex Bregman

Not Returning Wednesday
Jhoan Duran

Unavailable Due to Illness
Shane McClanahan

Tosses Clean Frame in First Rehab Appearance
Jacob Wilson

Day-to-Day After HBP
Nicolai Hojgaard

May Feel More at Home in Europe
Harry Hall

Showing Fine Form Heading to Scotland
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. to be Reassessed Wednesday
Ryan Fox

Playing Well Since Early Spring Struggles
Malaki Branham

Traded to Washington
Max Greyserman

has Solid History at the Genesis Scottish Open
Blake Wesley

Moves to Washington
Harris English

Aims High for Scotland Next
Corey Conners

Primed for the Genesis Scottish Open
Kelly Olynyk

on the Move Again
Daniel Brown

Attempts the Scottish Swing Again
Anthony Davis

Recovering From Eye Surgery
Jacob Bridgeman

Needs Putter to Work at Genesis Scottish Open
Nikola Jokić

Nikola Jokic to Delay Extension Talks Until 2026
Cal Raleigh

Continues Historic Homer Pace Tuesday
Jacob Wilson

Exits Early On Tuesday With Left Hand Contusion
Scottie Scheffler

Headlines Field at Genesis Scottish Open
Rory McIlroy

a Smart Play for Scottish Open
Adam Scott

Looking to Build on History at The Renaissance Club
NASCAR

Sepp Straka Not Likely to Find Momentum at Scottish Open
Justin Rose

Hopes Month Hiatus Helps Him Bounce Back at Scottish Open
Laken Tomlinson

Confident in Texans Offensive Line
J.K. Dobbins

the Starter in Denver?
JT Woods

Seahawks Release JT Woods
Darren Waller

Trade to Miami Becomes Official
Asante Samuel Jr.

Dolphins Interested in Asante Samuel Jr.
Nyheim Hines

Seeking Return to NFL
Dak Prescott

Expects to be Full-Go for Training Camp
Ajay Mitchell

Posts 16 Points in Summer League Win on Monday
Milwaukee Bucks

Vasilije Micic Waived by Bucks
Brice Sensabaugh

Logs 37 points in Summer League Win on Monday
Luis Garcia

Fans Four in Rehab Outing
GG Jackson II

Collects 27 Points in Summer League Loss
Ace Bailey

Scores 18 Points in Summer League Victory
NHL

Tyler Johnson Retires After 13 NHL Seasons
Jack McBain

Inks New Five-Year Deal with Mammoth
Cam York

Re-Signs with Flyers for Five Years
Kobe Bufkin

Cleared for Summer League Action
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
Milwaukee Bucks

Vasilije Micic Agrees to Contract Buyout with Bucks
Anthony Santander

Hoping to Hit Soon
Luis Robert Jr.

Returning in Short Order
Alex Bregman

Could Return Later This Week
Ketel Marte

Day-to-Day with Groin Tightness
Ty Gibbs

Finishes Second at Chicago and Advances in In-Season Challenge
Alex Bowman

Defeats Bubba Wallace in In-Season Challenge, but Not Without Controversy
Alex Bowman

Bubba Wallace Wrecked by Alex Bowman Again, Putting Playoffs in Doubt
Michael McDowell

Throttle Failure Ends Michael McDowell's Chances to Win at Chicago
Austin Hill

Earns First NASCAR Cup Series Top Ten at Chicago
Tyler Reddick

Scores a Strong Third-Place Run at Chicago
Kyle Busch

Matches his Best Career Finish At Chicago on Sunday
Denny Hamlin

Fights his Way to a Top-5 Finish at Chicago
William Byron

has his Worst Weekend of the Season at Chicago
Hunter Greene

Suffers Setback on Monday
T.J. Watt

Pittsburgh Still Not Close on New Contract
Terry McLaurin

Still Not Pleased with Contract Situation
Sonny Milano

on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Yu Darvish

to Make Season Debut on Monday
MLB

Nationals Fire Dave Martinez, Mike Rizzo
Jakub Dobes

Signs Two-Year Deal with Canadiens
KaVontae Turpin

Arrested on Two Charges
Cole Ragans

to Begin Throwing on Monday
Theo Johnson

Prioritizing his Health this Offseason
Jermaine Burton

Continues to Show Growth
NHL

Hendrix Lapierre Signs One-Year Deal with Capitals
Carson Hocevar

Should DFS Players Consider Carson Hocevar for Chicago Lineups?
Tye Kartye

Kraken Re-Sign Tye Kartye for Two Years
Ross Chastain

May be A Decent DFS Option for Chicago Lineups
Dmitri Voronkov

Signs Two-Year, $8.35 Million Extension with Blue Jackets
Ryan Preece

Should DFS Players Roster Ryan Preece at Chicago?
Austin Dillon

Is Too Great of A Risk to Add to Chicago Lineups
Zane Smith

Is A Value Play Worth Rostering At Chicago
Austin Hill

is A Favorable Value Option for Chicago DFS Lineups
Ty Dillon

Is Ty Dillon A Decent Driver to Add For NASCAR DFS At Chicago?
William Byron

Qualifying Crash Makes William Byron a Likely DFS Must-Have
Alex Bowman

Should Finish Well, but Probably Costs Too Much for Serious DFS Consideration
Joey Logano

Has Been Relatively Mediocre on Road Courses Lately
Ryan Blaney

Doesn't Really Fit Neatly into Optimal DFS Lineups
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF