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
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Top Fantasy Football Risers For 2025 Drafts - Four Trending Players to Watch for Next Season

Jayden Daniels - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Discover the top four Fantasy Football risers for 2025 drafts. Player outlooks for next season: Jayden Daniels, Bucky Irving, Brian Thomas Jr. and Chase Brown.

Welcome to the NFL offseason, RotoBallers! NFL players and coaches are perhaps enjoying some well-deserved time off; however, for us RotoBallers, there is no such thing as time off! As NFL owners and coaches prepare for the combine and offseason acquisitions, we RotoBallers get in the lab and look to provide our readers with the content they need to know as we look forward to the fall.

If there's one thing consistent in the fantasy football world, it is that every season has sleepers who splash onto the scene to become league winners and busts that disappoint us and leave a sour taste in our mouths toward rostering that specific player in the future. When determining a player's trends, we must analyze opportunities, volume, and offseason moves and how they affect their situation and overall ceiling.

This article will discuss players trending up in 2025 who fantasy managers should be looking to target in their 2025 drafts. As they say, objects in the mirror may be closer than they appear.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Jayden Daniels, QB, Washington Commanders

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels won the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award in 2024 despite a handful of other rookies putting together a nice season. He completed 69 percent of his pass attempts for 3,568 yards, 25 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. Where Daniels paid off for fantasy managers was on the ground, where he added 891 rushing yards and six touchdowns. At season's end, Daniels finished as QB5 for the year.

What impressed fantasy managers and NFL fans the most about Daniels in 2024 was his composure when the lights were the brightest. Daniels led the Commanders to the NFC Championship Game, defeating the No. 1 seed, the Detroit Lions, in the Divisional Round and the NFC South winners, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, in the Wild Card round.

The Commanders' magical run eventually ended as they lost to the soon-to-be Super Bowl winners, the Philadelphia Eagles, in the NFC Championship Game.

Daniels has the talent and work ethic to continue leading the Commanders to be competitive in 2025 and beyond and could get MVP votes at some point in his career, likely sooner rather than later.

Hopefully, the Commanders will look to acquire additional playmakers to surround their young superstar. The Commanders certainly have other areas of their team to address, specifically on the defensive side of the ball, but they could use another receiver to pair up with Terry McLaurin.

Most way-too-early fantasy football rankings have Daniels ranked right behind players like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Jalen Hurts. RotoBaller rankings currently have him as QB4 in our latest 2025 quarterback rankings. Fantasy managers should look to target Daniels in 2025 drafts.

 

Bucky Irving, RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

What a season Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving had in 2024. The rookie out of Oregon splashed onto the scene throughout the year and even produced flex production early on when he was splitting the work with backfield mate Rachaad White.

Irving eventually became the primary back as the season progressed, and once he got the opportunity, he never looked back. Irving finished the season rushing for 1,122 yards and had eight touchdowns. He also contributed through the air, adding 47 receptions and 392 receiving yards.

From Week 10 and beyond, in half-PPR leagues, Irving scored 10-plus fantasy points in every game he was healthy. And he scored 20-plus points in three of those games.

Irving turned out to be one of the top sleepers of the 2024 season. All while dealing with a few injuries along the way. Irving's ability to contribute through the ground and the air makes his ceiling much higher, and he should be on fantasy managers' radar for 2025.

Entering the 2025 season, it's safe to assume that the Buccaneers will continue to feature Irving as the primary back while giving some of the workload to White.

Even with White involved, Irving is so effective with his carries (5.1 YPA). As long as he continues to get his 15-20 touches, he will consistently be a top-15 running back every week in 2025. Currently, RotoBaller ranks Irving as RB8 heading into the 2025 season.

 

Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars 

Jacksonville Jaguars rookie phenom Brian Thomas Jr. torched secondaries all season long. His unique skill set with speed, physicality, catch radius, and work ethic all came to fruition for him in the 2024 season.

Thomas set rookie franchise marks in catches (87), receiving yards (1,282), and touchdowns (10) to earn Pro Bowl and All-AFC honors. In addition, the Jaguars hired Liam Coen as their new head coach, which should only benefit BTJ's ceiling heading into the 2025 season.

Coen's work with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense was outstanding, helping players like Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and even Jalen McMillan all produce great numbers.

The most impressive thing about the rookie out of LSU was that most of his production came with Mac Jones under center after Trevor Lawrence dealt with multiple injuries throughout the season. BTJ finished as the WR4 in half-PPR leagues and can confidently be started as a WR1 in all fantasy leagues this fall.

The Jaguars struck gold with this draft pick and look for Coen to make BTJ the focal point in the offense next year. In addition, there is not much competition for targets in this offense and it seems likely that the Jaguars will cut Christian Kirk this offseason. Currently, RotoBaller ranks BTJ as WR8 heading into the 2025 season.

 

Chase Brown, RB, Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals running back Chase Brown had a phenomenal 2024 season. Brown was a key contributor to helping turn the 2024 Bengals into one of the best offenses in the NFL last year.

Coming into the season, there was some hype around Brown; however, the Bengals signed Zack Moss in the offseason, raising questions about whether Brown would get a full workload.

Early in the season, Brown was the more efficient runner, and as the season progressed, he saw his snap percentage increase weekly. By the time Week 9 came around, Brown saw 80 percent or more of the snaps and helped many fantasy managers win big matchups down the stretch.

Brown finished the season averaging 14.3 fantasy PPG, rushed for 990 yards, and added 54 receptions and 360 yards through the air. In addition, Brown had 11 all-purpose touchdowns and finished the season as RB12 in 2024. His ability to contribute through the ground and the air raised his ceiling and made him a weekly top-15 running back.

Fantasy managers will want to keep an eye out to see if the Bengals add any other running backs in the offseason or through the draft, but Brown has proved he can be a workhorse back and is rising the ranks for the 2025 season.

Brown is currently listed as RB6 in RotoBaller's recent 2025 rankings. Fantasy managers looking for a versatile running back should target Brown in 2025 drafts.



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
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jaylen Waddle

Questionable for Week 3 Against Buffalo
Joe Burrow

Bengals Not Closing the Door on Joe Burrow Returning This Year
CFB

LaNorris Sellers to Play Against Missouri?
Kyle Tucker

Progress has "Plateaued"
Isaac Paredes

has "Outside Chance" to Return This Weekend
CFB

Kaidon Salter Expected To Start for Colorado on Saturday
Willson Contreras

Goes on 10-Day Injured List, Done for Season
Justin Fields

Ruled Out for Week 3 Due to Concussion
Jayden Reed

Out Indefinitely After Foot and Shoulder Surgery
Washington Commanders

Preston Smith Signs With Commanders
Trey Jemison III

Joins Knicks on Two-Way Contract
Kevin McCullar Jr.

Signs New Two-Way Deal With Knicks
Matt Ryan

Returns to Knicks on Exhibit 10 Contract
New York Knicks

Alex Len Signs Exhibit 9 Deal With Knicks
Nickeil Alexander-Walker

Expected to Take on Larger Offensive Role With Hawks
Thomas Sorber

Undergoes Surgery
Dominic Canzone

Has Five-Hit, Three-Homer Game Tuesday
Cal Raleigh

Sets Single-Season Home Run Record for a Switch-Hitter
Jayden Reed

Undergoes Clavicle and Foot Surgeries, Out for Foreseeable Future
Bo Bichette

to Miss Rest of Regular Season
Zach Neto

Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Hand Injury
Yordan Alvarez

Out on Tuesday, Dealing With "Significant" Ankle Sprain
Aaron Jones Sr.

Vikings Place Aaron Jones Sr. on Injured Reserve With Hamstring Injury
CFB

Diego Pavia Refutes Report of Seeking Seventh Collegiate Season
Christian Kirk

Expected to Return in Week 3
CFB

Diego Pavia Seeking Another Year of Eligibility
Tarik Skubal

on Track to Start Thursday
CFB

Kevorian Barnes Questionable Against SMU
Bo Bichette

has Short-Term Knee Injury, Could Return for Postseason
Tosan Evbuomwan

Joins Knicks
NBA

Kai Jones Links Up With EuroLeague Team
Bismack Biyombo

Returns to Spurs
Bones Hyland

Rejoins Timberwolves
Kobe Bufkin

Moves to Brooklyn
Trey Yesavage

Sets Franchise Strikeout Record On Monday
Yordan Alvarez

To Receive MRI For Sprained Left Ankle On Tuesday
Willson Contreras

Exits Early Monday With Right-Biceps Tightness
Yordan Alvarez

Exits With Ankle Sprain
Brock Bowers

Officially Active on Monday Night
Jauan Jennings

Day-to-Day With Ankle Injury
Logan O'Hoppe

Activated Off Seven-Day Injured List
CBJ

Denton Mateychuk Dealing With Groin Issue
Bo Horvat

Fine for Training Camp
Kirby Dach

on Track to Be Ready for Opening Night
Jose Altuve

Returns Against Rangers
J.J. McCarthy

Expected to Miss 2-4 Weeks With High-Ankle Sprain
J.J. McCarthy

Likely Out for Week 3 With High-Ankle Sprain
Jean Silva

Gets Finished For The First Time In His Career
Aaron Jones Sr.

Unlikely to Play in Week 3 Due to Hamstring Injury
Diego Lopes

Returns To The Win Column
Jayden Daniels

' Week 3 Status in Doubt
Rob Font

Outclassed In The Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
David Martinez

Wins His Second UFC Fight
Jared Gordon

Suffers Brutal TKO Loss At Noche UFC 3
Rafa Garcia

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Brian Thomas Jr.

Dealing with Wrist Injury
Dustin Stoltzfus

Drops A Decision At Noche UFC 3
Kelvin Gastelum

Gets Back In The Win Column
Diego Ferreira

Suffers Second-Round TKO
Alexander Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak With A Brutal TKO
Quang Le

Suffers First-Round Knockout
Santiago Luna

Shines In His UFC Debut
Christopher Bell

Earns his First Bristol Cup Series Victory
Alex Bowman

Falls Short of Advancing Through Cup Series Playoffs
Chase Briscoe

Collects his Third Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Ryan Blaney

Strong Top-Five Bristol Performance Advances him to the Playoffs
Corey Heim

Earns his First Career Cup Series Top-10 Finish at Bristol
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Leads Greece to Bronze Medal
Alperen Sengün

Alperen Sengun Drops 28 Points in EuroBasket Finals
CFB

Indiana's Lee Beebe Jr. Out for Season with Knee Injury
Dennis Schröder

Dennis Schroder Named EuroBasket MVP
Bryce Eldridge

Giants to Promote Bryce Eldridge
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Progressing in Recovery
Jonathan Kuminga

Receives New Offer From Warriors
Kenneth Walker III

Bounces Back with Big Week 2 Performance
Bijan Robinson

Rushes for 143 Yards in Week 2
Justin Fields

Currently in Concussion Protocol
Cincinnati Bengals

Bengals Calling Around to Available Free-Agent Quarterbacks
Joe Burrow

to Undergo Surgery, Out at Least Three Months
Emil Heineman

Aiming to Take the "Next Step" This Season
Braeden Cootes

Good to Go for Camp
Ivan Fedotov

Blue Jackets Acquire Ivan Fedotov From Flyers
Aaron Jones Sr.

Injures Hamstring During Sunday Night Football
Garrett Crochet

Punches Out 12 in Win
Cole Ragans

to Return on Wednesday
George Kirby

Strikes Out 14 in Win
Carlos Estévez

Carlos Estevez Exits with Back Tightness
Quentin Grimes

Still Not Close to a New Contract Agreement
Joel Embiid

"Looking Slender, Spry and in Positive Spirits"
Ty Gibbs

Has Arguably his Best Career Drive, but Only Finishes 10th
Chase Elliott

Despite Crashing Out at Bristol, Chase Elliott Advances to Round of 12
Austin Dillon

Misses Round of 12 After Extremely Mediocre Bristol Run
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Fails to Advance to Round of 12
Josh Berry

Finishes Last in All Three Round of 16 Races to Fail to Advance
CFB

Ryan Williams Explodes In Return To Field
CFB

Drew Allar Plays Mediocre Game In Blowout Win
CFB

LaNorris Sellers Exits Game In Blowout Loss
CFB

DJ Lagway Tosses Five Interceptions In Loss
CFB

Garrett Nussmeier Plays Game Manager in Saturday's Win
CFB

CJ Carr Remains Poised In Narrow Loss
CFB

John Mateer Leads Oklahoma In Rout
CFB

Arch Manning Struggles Against UTEP
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Impresses In Win
CFB

Sam Leavitt Shines As Arizona State Rebounds From Week 2 Loss
Ivan Demidov

Turning Heads in Rookie Camp
NHL

Calvin de Haan Signs With Swedish Team
Samuel Girard

Skates With Non-Contact Jersey
Mackenzie Blackwood

Dealing With Injury Ahead of Training Camp
Spencer Knight

Signs Three-Year Extension With Blackhawks
Chris Buescher

May have Another Solid Run at Bristol
Corey Perry

Out 6-8 Weeks Following Surgery
Kyle Busch

Should DFS Managers Roster Kyle Busch at Bristol?
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

Is Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Too Risky to Consider Rostering at Bristol?
Michael McDowell

Could be A Solid Value Option For Bristol DFS Lineups
Chase Elliott

Probably Won't Factor in for Bristol Win
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Not as Strong at Bristol as Other Short Tracks
Alex Bowman

Needs to Win to Make Round of 12
Ross Chastain

has Never Led at Bristol but Has Been Pretty Consistent
Austin Dillon

Richmond Speed Unlikely to Carry Over to Bristol
Josh Berry

Might Run Well at Bristol, but Almost Certainly Won't Win to Advance
Justin Haley

Bristol One of Justin Haley's Few Recent Bright Spots
CFB

Austin Simmons Listed As Game-Time Decision Against Arkansas
CFB

Nico Iamaleava Struggles In Fourth Straight Loss
Ukko-Pekka Luukkonen

Dealing With a "Tweak"
BUF

Alexandar Georgiev Joins Sabres on One-Year Deal
Corey Perry

Injured During Pre-Camp Skate
CFB

Antonio Williams Out Against Georgia Tech
CFB

CJ Bailey Flashes Again in Win Over Wake Forest
CFB

Jaxson Moi a Game-Time Decision for Tennessee on Saturday
Jean Silva

A Favorite At Noche UFC 3
Diego Lopes

Set For Noche UFC 3 Main Event
Rob Font

Looks For His Third Consecutive Win
David Martinez

Set For Noche UFC 3 Co-Main Event
Rafa Garcia

An Underdog At Noche UFC 3
Jared Gordon

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Dustin Stoltzfus

Looks To Return To The Win Column
Kelvin Gastelum

In Dire Need Of Victory
Diego Ferreira

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Malcolm Brogdon

Heading to Knicks on One-Year Deal
Landry Shamet

Staying with the Knicks
Adam Lowry

Aims for Early-Season Return
P.J. Washington

Officially Signs Contract Extension

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP