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

Early Quarterback Fantasy Football Values and Draft Sleepers for 2025

Justin Herbert - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Quincy biggest QB fantasy football sleepers and draft values for the 2025 season. His list of early quarterback value picks for 2025 fantasy football drafts.

The Super Bowl has come and gone which means there is officially a wrap on the 2024 NFL season. All that means is that the 2025 fantasy football season has essentially begun. It is never too early to evaluate who we may be targeting during this fall's drafts.

Quarterback has been an interesting position to evaluate over the last few years. With running quarterbacks becoming prominent in the modern NFL, players such as Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Jayden Daniels have taken a stranglehold on the position in fantasy football. That leaves pocket passers lagging behind.

Even with running quarterbacks becoming so prominent, there are always a couple pocket passers who break out each season. When a player manages to throw for over 30 touchdowns and over 4,000 yards, they are generally pretty valuable for fantasy. Let's dive in and check out five potential sleepers and breakout quarterback options in 2025.

Editor's Note: Discover RotoBaller’s top Fantasy Football Sleepers to gain an edge in your drafts. Our free who to draft tool and expert picks spotlight undervalued players, breakout candidates, and late-round gems for all league formats.

 

Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears

Caleb Williams is an easy choice for a breakout player in 2025. With the addition of new head coach Ben Johnson, the hope is that Williams can begin to ascend toward his true potential.

Williams' rookie season in 2024 left a lot to be desired. Many expected that with a wealth of weapons around him, Williams may have a rookie season akin to C.J. Stroud in 2023.

The fact in the matter is that NFL quarterbacks typically do not deliver for either fantasy or real life during their rookie season. Even Stroud was an average fantasy quarterback for most of his rookie season, save for a couple of boom games.

NFL quarterbacks tend to take large steps forward in their second and third seasons. Williams' talent is undeniable. He lacked an offensive mind this past season who could hone his talents and channel him into a solid structure. Johnson has worked wonders with Jared Goff in Detroit over the last few years and seems like the right man for the job.

Williams' stats were also not abysmal in 2024. He only posted a QBR of 46.7, but he did throw 20 touchdowns to just six interceptions. Most importantly for fantasy, Williams added 489 yards with his legs. Notably, Williams did not score a rushing touchdown this season.

With Rome Odunze ascending in the offense and DJ Moore still around, Williams has the weaponry necessary to take a step as a passer. If he can improve his passing touchdown count to 30, find the end zone with his legs a few times, and keep the interceptions low then he should be a solid fantasy quarterback in 2025.

Williams is likely to be drafted well behind the established fantasy quarterbacks making him a potential steal this season.

 

Bo Nix, Denver Broncos

Let's add another AFC West quarterback to the list. Bo Nix shined as a rookie, finishing as the QB7 in fantasy. It feels like there could be even more potential here. For Nix to have been this good as a rookie, he surely cannot have reached his maximum potential.

Much like Herbert, Nix delivered in 2024 without elite receiving options. Courtland Sutton was Nix's top target. While Sutton is a quality player, there is room for a stud wide receiver in this offense.

Perhaps Nix's best attribute this season was his ability to run. Nix padded his stats by rushing for 430 yards and four touchdowns. That is an excellent baseline if you are going to push for 30 passing touchdowns.

Keep in mind that the Broncos did not truly open up the playbook for Nix until about one month into the season. Nix was clearly suffering rookie growing pains prior to that point. However, his extensive college experience allowed him to overcome those challenges early.

The Broncos will surely add to their receiving corps and running back room this offseason. Adding to both will only continue to support Nix's development.

Perhaps the biggest draw to Nix is the fact that he will surely be drafted behind elite options at the position in 2025. He will likely settle in between Rounds 6 and 8 in most fantasy drafts. Grabbing a quarterback with legitimate top-five potential in that range is a steal. Nix should absolutely be on your radar in 2025.

 

Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers

Bryce Young looked like he finally enjoyed football again over the second half of 2024. He played with the utmost confidence and was a legitimate reason as to why the Panthers were in games and winning them. Young's five-touchdown season finale gives him plenty of momentum heading into 2025.

With Dave Canales entering his second season as head coach in Carolina, look for the offense to continue building around Young. With another weapon or two on the outside, and improvements to the offensive line, Young has a real shot to become a quality NFL starter this season.

For fantasy purposes, Young's path to stardom is tough. However, Young's propensity to run in 2024 provides hope. Young ran for 249 yards and six touchdowns in 14 games this past season. Touchdowns do not always repeat, but if he can continue running at a 300-yard pace, he can have fantasy value.

Young's physical profile does not paint him as a running quarterback, so time will tell if that actually comes to fruition. However, Young is an excellent dynasty stash or late-round flier in redraft. He is unlikely to be drafted anywhere close to a QB1 this season but he has a chance to be a quality streamer at minimum. If things break correctly, Young could have a true breakout season.

 

Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers

Justin Herbert is entering year two of the Jim Harbaugh era in Los Angeles. Herbert finished as the QB12 this past season despite never surpassing 14.76 fantasy points through Week 7. Once the Chargers took the leash off their $52 million quarterback, he delivered.

Herbert was a viable starting option for most of the second half of the season. He is supremely talented and is currently lacking a true No. 1 wide receiver. Ladd McConkey was excellent as a rookie and Quentin Johnston had a nice season, but look for the Chargers to add someone this offseason.

With Harbaugh receiving another offseason to shape this roster to his liking, the Chargers should be true contenders this coming season. For them to reach those heights, Herbert will need to be and should be, excellent.

Herbert already has a 5,000-yard passing season under his belt. He may not reach those numbers in 2025, but look for him to surpass 4,000 passing yards this season and continue using his legs.

 

Drake Maye, New England Patriots

Drake Maye flashed stud potential in 2024. Despite playing behind a porous offensive line and with practically no wide receivers, Maye displayed considerable toughness and made excellent throws all year. Maye will need to cut back on the interceptions in 2025, but he posted a QBR of 58.6 in 2024, which was good for 17th in the league and better than fellow rookies Bo Nix and Caleb Williams.

Much like others on this list, Maye delivered with his legs in 2024 which made him a legitimate fantasy streamer this past season. Maye's 421 rushing yards came in just 13 games. The guy is a Justin Herbert-level athlete who should only continue to use his legs at a high level.

Insert Josh McDaniels as Maye's new offensive coordinator. Say what you will about McDaniels as a head coach, but the guy has never been unsuccessful as the Patriots' offensive coordinator. He guided Mac Jones to an excellent rookie season in 2021. Jones has not seen sustained success since.

With the year two jump looming for Maye, having a mind such as McDaniels in his ear feels like a perfect fit. Maye is unlikely to be drafted until the double-digit rounds this season, but he easily has top-ten upside for fantasy. If the Patriots can swing some massive moves along their offensive line and in their wide receiving corps, Maye could jump even higher.



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

Max Fried

Exits Start With Blister
Mike Evans

Buccaneers Could Have Difficult Time Retaining Mike Evans
Charles Cross

Could Sign Extension Before Training Camp
Xavier Restrepo

One to Watch Going into Training Camp
Calvin Ridley

Appears Re-Energized
Mark Andrews

Still a Key Piece in Ravens Offense
Ndamukong Suh

Officially Announces his Retirement
Jaylen Waddle

Motivated After Disappointing Season
Tre Harris

Still Unsigned
Hunter Dobbins

to Miss Rest of Season With Torn ACL
Nolan Arenado

Held Out of Lineup on Saturday
Alexandre Sarr

Plays Well in Summer League Loss to Phoenix
Yang Hansen

Looks Good on Friday Night
Carlos Correa

Sitting on Saturday
Austin Riley

Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Nolan Arenado

Exits Friday's Contest With Sprained Finger
Jake Burger

Expects to Play on Saturday
Erik Karlsson

Open to Move Away From Pittsburgh
Zach Hyman

Hopes to be Ready for Start of Next Season
SJ

Jeff Skinner Joins Sharks on One-Year Contract
Wyatt Langford

Records Four-Hit Night
Cal Raleigh

Homers Twice, Drives in Five
Cody Bellinger

Swats Three Homers in Victory
Jake Burger

Leaves With Quad Discomfort on Friday
Carlos Correa

Exits Game With Mild Ankle Sprain
Edward Cabrera

Dealing with Posterior Elbow Discomfort
Austin Riley

Leaves Game Early on Friday With Abdominal Tightness
Kon Knueppel

Struggles in Summer League Win
Rafael Devers

Dealing With Back Inflammation
Walter Clayton Jr.

Plays Well on Friday Night
Cody Williams

Scores 21 Points in Summer League Loss
Kyle Filipowski

Leads the Way on Friday Night
Teoscar Hernández

Teoscar Hernandez Returning on Friday
Sauce Gardner

Wants to be Highest-Paid Cornerback
Rhamondre Stevenson

Heading into an Important Season
Minnesota Vikings

Josh Metellus, Vikings Have Mutual Interest in Extension
Tua Tagovailoa

2025 Could be Tua Tagovailoa's Last Season in Miami
Rashawn Slater

has "Full Confidence" a Deal Will Get Done
Byron Buxton

Returns on Friday
Isaiah Jackson

Signs Three-Year Extension
Jake Meyers

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Calf Strain
Brandon Lowe

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Oblique Tightness
Kodai Senga

Reinstated to Start on Friday
Alex Bregman

Officially Activated and Starting on Friday
Marvin Bagley III

Joining the Wizards
Herbert Jones

Signing Extension with Pelicans
Jacob Toppin

Returning to Hawks
Chicago Bears

Bears Extend General Manager Ryan Poles
Dalton Knecht

Avoids Serious Injury
MarShawn Lloyd

in a "Much Better Spot" Heading Into Training Camp
Javon Small

Signs Two-Way Deal
Dustin Hopkins

Browns Still Counting on Dustin Hopkins
Demarcus Robinson

Sentenced to Three Years of Probation
Jalen Nailor

In Line for WR3 Role in Minnesota
Andrew Thomas

Could Miss Start of 2025 Season
Trey Smith

Chiefs, Trey Smith Expected to Work Out Long-Term Extension
Bernhard Raimann

a Candidate for an Extension This Summer
Ryan Reaves

Traded to Sharks
Vladislav Kolyachonok

Moves to Dallas
Matt Dumba

Lands in Pittsburgh
Mackie Samoskevich

Re-Signs with Panthers on One-Year Deal
Josh Manson

Inks Two-Year Extension with Avalanche
EDM

Isaac Howard Signs Three-Year, Entry-Level Contract With Oilers
Tallison Teixeira

Set For His First UFC Main Event
Derrick Lewis

Set To Headline UFC Nashville
Gabriel Bonfim

Looks For His Third UFC Win
Stephen Thompson

Returns At UFC Nashville
Steve Garcia

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Calvin Kattar

In Dire Need Of Victory
Morgan Charrière

Morgan Charriere A Favorite At UFC Nashville
Nate Landwehr

Aims To Bounce Back
MMA

Austen Lane Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Vitor Petrino

Set For His Heavyweight Debut
Tuco Tokkos

Set To Open Up UFC Nashville Main Card
Junior Tafa

Set For Light-Heavyweight Bout
Jalen Williams

Signs Contract Extension With Thunder
Alijah Martin

Agrees to Two-Way Deal With Raptors
Tristan Vukcevic

Set to Return to Washington
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Are "Actively Trying to Trade" Anfernee Simons
NBA

Alex Ducas Heading to Australia
Dominick Barlow

Inks Two-Way Deal With 76ers
Jordan McLaughlin

Spurs Re-Sign Jordan McLaughlin to One-Year Deal
Dylan Harper

Out Thursday, Expected to Play Saturday
VJ Edgecombe

Diagnosed with a Sprained Thumb
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
Sam Burns

Looking to Stay Hot at Scottish Open
Nicolai Hojgaard

May Feel More at Home in Europe
Harry Hall

Showing Fine Form Heading to Scotland
Ryan Fox

Playing Well Since Early Spring Struggles
Max Greyserman

has Solid History at the Genesis Scottish Open
Harris English

Aims High for Scotland Next
Corey Conners

Primed for the Genesis Scottish Open
Daniel Brown

Attempts the Scottish Swing Again
Jacob Bridgeman

Needs Putter to Work at Genesis Scottish Open
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
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
Jake Knapp

Fits the Mold for Success at The Renaissance Club
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
Sonny Milano

on Track to Be Ready for Training Camp
Jakub Dobes

Signs Two-Year Deal with Canadiens
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF