Four fantasy analysts have their eyes on breakout candidates for 2025, picking one player at each position who could take a big leap this season. Here’s a refreshed look at who they’re backing and why.
Quarterback
– Michael Penix Jr. (Scott) — The Falcons’ offense could be a high-octane, track-meet unit in 2025, with Bijan Robinson and Drake London providing playmaking around an indoor schedule and a defense that may struggle at times. Penix has first-round pedigree and looked comfortable during a three-game late-season stretch, so Scott is betting on him to take a proactive, productive step forward as the lead signal-caller.
– Caleb Williams (Ray) — Williams is the breakout quarterback to chase in 2025. As the No. 1 pick in 2024, he brings elite talent and a supporting cast that includes top-level playmakers. With Ben Johnson calling the shots, Williams should see a team-friendly floor and a ceiling that could be truly special as the offense moves the ball consistently.
– J.J. McCarthy (Justin) — After missing meaningful time due to a season-ending injury as a rookie, McCarthy is stepping into a Kevin O’Connell-led offense that has routinely produced fantasy QB1s. He’ll have a stronger supporting cast, including added talent at running back and on the line, which could accelerate his climb into the upper tier of quarterbacks sooner than later.
– Bryce Young (Matt) — Young’s late-season surge for the Panthers showed real breakout potential. The offense was efficient in EPA per play from Week 10 onward, and with reinforcements at receiver and a more stable offensive environment, his fantasy ceiling could be higher than many expect.
Running Back
– Tyrone Tracy Jr. (Justin) — Tracy flashed in his rookie season, posting 839 rushing yards and 284 receiving yards, with a majority of production after Week 5. With a likely 70-30 split in his favor and a stable backfield dynamic, he’s a strong upside RB2 with notable pass-catching ability.
– Jordan Mason (Matt) — Mason has been viewed as a viable 1B in the backfield behind a workhorse back, thanks to his efficient gap-running production (notable yards-per-carry figures) and the team’s commitment to a more grounded, consistent run game. If healthy and in the right game plan, Mason could emerge as a lead back with solid upside.
– Braelon Allen (Ray) — Allen is the breakout candidate at running back in 2025. At 6’1″, 230 pounds, he’s looked markedly more explosive this preseason and earned major third-down trust in early exhibitions. In an offense not primarily aerial, Allen could become a cornerstone back with a chance to cement himself as a breakout star.
– Kenneth Walker III vs. Zach Charbonnet (Scott) — The backfield in Seattle is shaping into a hot-hand situation, with both Walker and Charbonnet poised to contribute. The dynamic could tilt toward Charbonnet ascending to the top of the depth chart at some point, depending on how the coaching staff rolls players and manages workload.
Wide Receiver
– Ricky Pearsall (Matt) — Pearsall stands out as a breakout candidate who could outperform expectations in an offense that’s leaning into a more receivers-driven role. After returning from offseason injuries and overcoming earlier health hurdles, he showed late-season flashes that signal a high ceiling, especially given his fit with a savvy offensive mind.
– Rome Odunze (Justin) — Odunze is positioned to take a leap as a sophomore, benefiting from a new head coach who should unlock more downfield opportunities. With equity on the depth chart and a favorable scheme, Odunze could emerge as a No. 2 option with big upside or potentially higher as the season unfolds.
– Marvin Mims Jr. (Scott) — Mims has already flashed big-play ability and versatility, including returns. If Sean Payton trusts him more and the role expands, he could push into the 800-1,000 yard range and approach double-digit touchdowns, giving him a clear breakout trajectory.
– George Pickens (Ray) — Pickens has shown NFL-level upside with his vertical game, and a more tailored offense could unlock explosive plays on the outside. If the offense creates the space and QB play stabilizes, Pickens could deliver top-end breakout numbers this season.
Tight End
– Brenton Strange (Ray) — Strange is positioned for a Year 3 breakout in Jacksonville. With a new head coach and a run-friendly system that still generates plenty of two-tight-end and one-on-one opportunities, Strange could inherit a sizable workload and become a consistent target in a favorable offense.
– Tucker Kraft (Matt) — Kraft stands out as a blocker-turned-snap-heavy, athletic tight end who could be a true focal point in the offense. With a high-route-share profile and a historically strong TD rate, Kraft is built to be a legitimate breakout candidate rather than a rotational option.
– Jake Ferguson (Scott) — If Kraft isn’t the pick for the year, Ferguson is a strong consolation. The Cowboys’ pass-heavy tendencies and a favorable scoring environment could allow Ferguson to exceed expectations, offering meaningful volume and touchdown upside.
– Dalton Kincaid (Justin) — Kincaid has shown steady target totals in Buffalo, and health plus a heavier early-season role could push him into TE1 territory. If he capitalizes on a bigger, healthier snap share, he has a clear path to top-tier production.
What to watch and value add
– These breakout picks emphasize players who could see increased roles due to improved supporting casts, coaching changes, or documented growth from seasons prior. When building a draft plan, consider targeting one or two of these players as potential high-upside bets in the mid-to-late rounds, especially in PPR formats where receiving upside can rapidly tilt your roster.
– Injury risk and workload management should be factored in. Some breakout candidates come with limited track records, so balancing upside with safe floor can help preserve your season-long success.
– Diversify across positions. A mix of a high-upside quarterback, a few mid-range backs with a clear path to heavy workloads, and a couple of receivers who could command bigger targets can create a balanced, high-ceiling lineup.
Summary and takeaway
This lineup of breakout candidates spans multiple teams and schemes, offering a blend of proven potential and upside upside across positions. If these players hit, fantasy rosters could experience significant gains from the midseason mark onward. Expect to ride early-season usage trends, monitor coaching changes and offensive schemes, and target players with clear paths to increased targets and snap counts. With thoughtful drafting and proactive management, these breakout bets could anchor your fantasy season in a positive, hopeful direction.