Preseason Winners and Losers Set the Table for a 2025 Fantasy Football Kickoff
As the curtain falls on the 2025 NFL preseason, fantasy managers should stay vigilant. Dynasty teams especially must treat the start of the regular season as a chance to capitalize on momentum, adjust rosters, and keep an eye on every opportunity—from waiver adds to trades and draft-class scouting—that can push a contender over the top. Here’s a look at the players the author sees as winners and losers from the preseason, plus other notable changes to watch as Week 1 approaches.
Winners
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, SEA
The article elevates JSN as the Seahawks’ primary pass-catching option, pointing to a changed quarterback situation and a reshuffled receiving corps that could lift his fantasy ceiling. Expected to push beyond last year’s 100/1,130/6 line, he’s seen as a clear stand-to-start option with room to grow.
Jerome Ford, RB, CLE
With Nick Chubb traded away, Ford is positioned to be the unquestioned starter in Cleveland. The piece projects a potential breakout season with around 1,500 total yards and double-digit rushing TDs, highlighting Ford as a rare value at a high-variance position.
Braelon Allen, RB, NYJ
Allen stands out because the Jets’ backfield complexity could limit Breece Hall’s long-term role. Preseason praise from the coaching staff and Allen’s own performance create a compelling case for him to emerge as a starting-caliber option by 2026, with immediate upside if Hall departs in free agency or via a midseason move.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, WAS
Croskey-Merritt is noted as a strong “addition-through-subtraction” candidate: Robinson was traded, Ekeler is aging, and Croskey-Merritt’s strong camp could position him as a starter earlier than anticipated. With minimal cost, he’s viewed as a potential breakout option for dynasty rosters.
Emeka Egbuka, WR, TB
Despite being a rookie, Egbuka is highlighted as a potential early contributor for the Buccaneers, especially with Chris Godwin sidelined and McMillan out. He’s compared to the talent pipeline at Wide Receiver U (Ohio State), with a ceiling that could put him among the early-season targets.
Evan Engram, TE, DEN
Engram’s preseason surge surprised many, moving his stock higher in Sean Payton’s system and Bo Nix’s offense. The piece argues he could climb into the top-three at the position by season’s end, a bold but intriguing forecast if Denver’s offense harnesses his skill set.
Other winners
Jaxson Dart, QB, NYG
Spencer Rattler, QB, NO
Terry McLaurin, WR, WAS
George Pickens, WR, DAL
Ricky Pearsall, WR, SF
Tory Horton, WR, SEA
Javonte Williams, RB, DAL
J.K. Dobbins, RB, DEN
Elijah Arroyo, TE, SEA
Losers
Brian Robinson, RB, SF
Robinson drops in the ranking as he slides into a backup role behind a veteran backfield and aging players. The author notes Robinson’s value and usage have cratered with the August news cycle, though there could still be value depending on league format and depth.
RJ Harvey, RB, DEN
Harvey faces skepticism as the Denver backfield reshuffles under new management. The article argues that the hype surrounding his first-round-like draft buzz has cooled, with concerns about pass protection and a crowded backfield limiting immediate upside.
Joe Mixon, RB, HOU
Mixon’s situation worsened in the eyes of the author, who cites questions about his return and his age as factors driving a downward adjustment in dynasty value. The long-term outlook is uncertain, and the current situation dampens short- and mid-term upside.
Chris Olave, WR, NO
Olave’s preseason and concussion risk keep his value in flux. While he remains a talented player, the lack of QB stability and lingering injury concerns have cooled his fantasy trajectory, though he’s still young enough to rebound.
Other losers
Brock Purdy, QB, SF
Russell Wilson, QB, NYG
Najee Harris, RB, LAC
Rachaad White, RB, TB
Amari Cooper, WR, LV
Brandon Aiyuk, WR, SF
Jordan Addison, WR, MIN
Jayden Reed, WR, GB
Darnell Mooney, WR, ATL
What this means for fantasy managers
– Focus on the hot hand, but avoid overreacting. Preseason performance can signal opportunity, but sample sizes are small. Look for players who are now in clearer roles or who have earned coaching staff trust.
– Target high-upside, low-cost buys in dynasty leagues. Players who appear to have a clear path to more responsibility (like Ford, Egbuka, Engram) can provide long-term value at a bargain price.
– Watch roster churn and depth chart shifts. A single trade or injury can drastically alter the fantasy value of several players, especially in dynasty formats where flexibility and future planning matter most.
– Monitor quarterback situations. A few teams with unsettled QB situations can dramatically impact surrounding weapons. Early-season targets and connectability can change quickly with changes under center.
Summary
The preseason offers a guidepost for where value could emerge, and the 2025 season looks set to reward managers who stay proactive. The players highlighted as winners could become reliable week-to-week contributors, while those listed as losers may require cautious rostering or opportunistic trades. As the regular season begins, a mix of savvy waiver moves, timely trades, and smart situational plays will determine which dynasty rosters capitalize on the momentum carryover from preseason and which ones struggle to keep pace. The opening kickoff is just around the corner, and the opportunity to turn preseason momentum into real fantasy gains is ripe for the taking.
Additional notes for readers
– Build a watch list that includes multiple players from both lists. If a few under-the-radar options take hold early, you’ll be ready to pounce.
– Consider a tiered rostering approach: lock in reliable starters first, then chase upside with low-cost, high-ceiling players who fit your league’s scoring format.
– Stay mindful of injury news and team developments, especially around rookies and second-year players stepping into larger roles.
Overall, the preseason has offered a snapshot of who could shape fantasy rosters this year. With the regular season about to start, a disciplined, proactive approach will give managers the best chance to maximize value and build a championship-winning dynasty.
Note: The article reflects the author’s opinions and preseason observations and should be used as one input among many in making fantasy decisions.