2025 Fantasy Football QB Best Ball Rankings: Quarterback Player Outlooks and Draft Strategy

March 7, 2025

Early 2025 best ball quarterback (QB) rankings with expert analysis, top draft targets, and key strategies to gain an edge in your fantasy football leagues.

Fantasy football has become a year-round game. Dynasty fantasy players are preparing for their rookie drafts in a few months.

Meanwhile, best ball players are getting an early start on their drafts. Much will change between today and the beginning of the regular season. However, let’s look at some of my early favorite quarterbacks to draft in best ball leagues.

The ADP used for this article is courtesy of Underdog Fantasy.

Early Round Fantasy Football Quarterback Draft Targets

Josh Allen, QB, Buffalo Bills – ADP: 30.1 | QB1

Many avoided drafting Allen as a top-tier QB1 last year after the Bills moved on from Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis in the offseason. However, the superstar finished the 2024 season as the QB2, averaging 23.7 fantasy points per game before playing one snap in the meaningless Week 18 contest against the New England Patriots.

Furthermore, Allen’s touchdown production didn’t significantly decline from 2023 to last year. He had 29 passing touchdowns and 15 rushing scores in 2023. By comparison, the superstar had 28 passing touchdowns and 12 rushing scores in one fewer game last season. Allen is the clear-cut QB1 in fantasy for next year, even if the Bills don’t add to his receiving core.

Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders – ADP: 38.3 | QB3

Daniels is coming off a massive rookie season. The former LSU star finished the year as the QB5, averaging 20.9 fantasy points per game despite leaving two contests early. He broke Robert Griffin III’s rushing record by a rookie quarterback, totaling 891 yards. More importantly, Daniels had six rushing touchdowns, which was second-most on the team.

The superstar rookie is more than just a runner. After totaling 0.9 passing touchdowns over the first 11 weeks, Daniels finished the year on fire. He averaged three passing touchdowns over his final five meaningful starts, including a career-high five against the Philadelphia Eagles in a critical Week 16 win.

JAYDEN DANIELS. COMMANDERS TAKE THE LEAD WITH 6 SECONDS.#PHIvsWAS pic.twitter.com/BcKGpEBIsl

— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2024

Joe Burrow, QB, Cincinnati Bengals – ADP: 49.9 | QB5

It’s an important offseason for the Bengals. Ja'Marr Chase is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Meanwhile, Tee Higgins and Mike Gesicki are upcoming free agents. Burrow has made it clear that he wants all three to remain in Cincinnati. Unfortunately, the Bengals might not listen to their superstar quarterback.

Yet, fantasy players should draft Burrow as long as Chase stays in town. Last year, the superstar finished as the QB3, averaging 21.9 fantasy points per game. He led the NFL with 43 passing touchdowns, a career-high, with 39.5% going to Chase. While he lacks rushing upside, Burrow might be the league’s top pure passer.

Mid-Round Fantasy Football Quarterback Draft Targets

Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers – ADP: 89.4 | QB8

Unfortunately, Mayfield will play for his third offensive coordinator in three years next season. However, the veteran quarterback has played well despite the change in play-caller. Last year, he had the best season of his career, finishing as the QB4, averaging 21.5 fantasy points per game.

Furthermore, Mayfield became a touchdown machine despite his top two wide receivers missing 13 combined games because of injury. The veteran had 41 passing touchdowns in 2024, a career-high and the second-most in the NFL. While Chris Godwin is an upcoming free agent, Jalen McMillan played well enough as a rookie to replace the veteran in 2025.

Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears – ADP: 99.1 | QB11

Williams had high expectations as a rookie. Unfortunately, he fell short of them because of the coaching staff and offensive line. Yet, the former USC star finished as a solid QB2 option for fantasy players, ending the year as the QB16, averaging 15 fantasy points per game. More importantly, Williams flashed superstar upside.

While he had nine games with fewer than 11.5 fantasy points as a rookie, Williams had four performances with over 22.7 fantasy points. The star rookie quarterback had two games with three or more passing touchdowns, including against the Detroit Lions in Week 13. Fantasy players should expect Williams to have a sophomore-year breakout under new head coach Ben Johnson.

Caleb Williams DART to Keenan Allen for the 45-yard TD

📺: #DETvsCHI on FOX
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/PdKvpgQ5d4

— NFL (@NFL) December 22, 2024

Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers – ADP: 112.4 | QB14

The fantasy football community had low expectations for Herbert last season. The Chargers moved on from his top four weapons in the passing game last offseason, replacing them with blocking tight ends and non-pass-catching running backs. Furthermore, head coach Jim Harbaugh called the offensive line a “weapon” during the NFL Draft.

Yet, Ladd McConkey and Quentin Johnston were good enough for Herbert to have QB1 fantasy value in 2024. The superstar ended the season as the QB11, averaging 16.8 fantasy points per game despite dealing with multiple injuries. If Los Angeles can add a big-name pass-catcher this offseason, Herbert could have a top-five finish next year.

Late-Round Fantasy Football Quarterback Draft Targets

Bryce Young, QB, Carolina Panthers – ADP: 142.6 | QB22

Unfortunately, Young hasn’t had the ideal start to his NFL career. The former Alabama star struggled as a rookie. More importantly, he was awful to start last year before getting benched, totaling 245 passing yards, zero touchdowns, three interceptions, and 11.6 fantasy points in two games.

However, Young played well after returning to the starting lineup. He averaged 220 passing yards, 1.7 touchdowns, and 21.4 fantasy points per game over the final six weeks. Furthermore, the former Alabama star started using his legs, averaging 33.3 rushing yards and a touchdown on only four attempts per game over the final three contests.

Justin Fields, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers – ADP: 162.2 | QB25

While Fields is far from an elite NFL passer, he is a solid fantasy quarterback. The former Ohio State star got benched after starting the first six games last season. He struggled as a passer, totaling under 157 passing yards in four of those starts. However, Fields was the QB6 over those six starts, averaging 19.1 fantasy points per game because of his legs.

The veteran averaged 9.2 rushing attempts for 38.5 yards and 0.8 touchdowns in his six starts. Reportedly, the New York Jets will aggressively pursue Fields in free agency this offseason after deciding to move on from Aaron Rodgers. While he isn’t an elite option, Fields has mid-range QB1 upside because of his rushing abilities.

4th down. Justin Fields gets the touchdown.

📺: #PITvsLV on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/fI31lKh6JA

— NFL (@NFL) October 13, 2024

Jameis Winston, QB, Cleveland Browns – ADP: 239.2 | QB36

Winston is far from guaranteed a starting role next season. However, the former No. 1 overall NFL Draft pick has significant fantasy upside when starting. The last time he was a full-time starter was in 2019. Winston was the QB5 that year, averaging 19.1 fantasy points per game despite totaling 30 interceptions.

Furthermore, the veteran was productive last season after the Browns lost Deshaun Watson to a season-ending torn Achilles. Winston averaged 300.2 passing yards, two touchdowns, and 20.3 fantasy points per game over his first six starts. Hopefully, he gets the chance to start in 2025, whether that’s in Cleveland or somewhere else.

More Fantasy Football Analysis