12 Fantasy Football Breakout Players for 2025
There are always a few players who come out of nowhere and flip the script in fantasy football—and 2025 looks packed with that kind of potential. This list is all about breakout names who could crash the top ranks and sneak into starting lineups fast.
Cedric Tillman
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Cedric Tillman’s breakout came when the Browns traded Amari Cooper in October 2024. Deshaun Watson’s absence put rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson under center, and he trusted his old high school teammate. Tillman hauled in 15 catches for 180 yards and two scores over two games. That chemistry could carry over into 2025.
Ashton Jeanty
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Ashton Jeanty dominated college in 2024 by rushing for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns and earning unanimous All-American honors and a Doak Walker Award. His powerful running style has drawn comparisons to Saquon Barkley. He is projected as a top-10 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, and his landing spot could significantly impact his fantasy value.
Tyler Warren
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Tyler Warren’s tight end label undersells him. He caught 104 passes in 2024 and took snaps as a wildcat QB and blocker. Penn State leaned on him in every situation. He’s basically a matchup nightmare for linebackers and DBs alike.
Tucker Kraft
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Tucker Kraft caught 50 passes for 707 yards and seven scores in 2024, leading all tight ends in average yards after the catch. His 10.1 yards per target reflects the efficiency of very few players at his position match. As Christian Watson returns from injury, Kraft’s target share could climb even higher this season.
Marvin Mims Jr.
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After a quiet start, Marvin Mims Jr. lit up December with multiple 100-yard games and a couple of trips to the end zone. Once Jerry Jeudy was shipped off to Cleveland, Mims took that WR2 job and sprinted with it. Sean Payton finally let him cook, and fantasy managers took notice.
Isaac Guerendo
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Isaac Guerendo ran the fastest 40-yard dash for a running back at the 2024 NFL Combine by clocking in at 4.33 seconds. After transferring to Louisville, he backed up that speed with power and vision. He’s built like a bruiser, but his burst adds a different gear. Coaches will be tempted to feature him.
Kaleb Johnson
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Kaleb Johnson lived up to his “Superman” nickname in 2024 with 1,537 rushing yards and 21 touchdowns. His physicality and balance turn small creases into big plays. If he ends up on a team with a reliable offensive line and clear workload, he’ll enter fantasy relevance sooner than most expect.
Matthew Golden
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Matthew Golden’s 4.29-second pro day sprint turned heads, but his tape shows more than speed. He was productive in a crowded Texas offense and ran clean routes from multiple alignments.
Ricky Pearsall
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Ricky Pearsall posted five 100-yard games for Florida in 2023 and turned 63% of his catches into first downs. He added two rushing scores and returned punts with consistency. His reliability and route running should appeal to any quarterback, especially in PPR leagues looking for floor options with sneaky upside.
Jaylen Warren
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Jaylen Warren looks ready to step into a bigger role in Pittsburgh. Najee Harris’s departure opens the door, and Warren already averaged 5.3 yards per carry on 149 attempts last season. His toughness between the tackles and burst in open space give him a shot at weekly starter value.
Tank Bigsby
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Tank Bigsby didn’t see many touches behind Travis Etienne, but he averaged 4.6 yards per carry and earned red zone work. When called upon, he produced. Now that Etienne is nursing injuries in the offseason, Bigsby could earn a bigger role and become a go-to option near the goal line.
Rome Odunze
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Rome Odunze joins a loaded Bears receiving corps, but there’s room to grow. Keenan Allen is aging, and D.J. Moore draws top defenders. This opens matchups for Odunze, who brings first-round polish and strong hands. He already has timing with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, which gives him a leg up.
Tre Harris
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Tre Harris isn’t flashy, but he’s efficient, and sometimes that’s exactly what fantasy managers need. He racked up 1,030 yards and seven touchdowns in 2024 despite inconsistent quarterback play. He makes contested catches look easy and has great timing with his route breaks.
Drake Maye
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Drake Maye’s rookie year tested his poise behind a shaky offensive line. He still completed 66.6% of his passes and kept turnovers in check. The Patriots revamped their receiving corps and bolstered protection this offseason, which has set up Maye for a second-year leap as the clear face of the offense.
Michael Penix Jr.
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Michael Penix Jr. was drafted in the first round by Atlanta and may be fast-tracked to start. His arm strength stretches the field, and he already has chemistry with former Washington teammates on the Falcons’ roster. If he beats out Taylor Heinicke in camp, fantasy relevance could come fast.