Early Fantasy Rankings 2025: Who’s the First Overall Pick?

First overall fantasy pick 2025

Introduction

Fantasy football enthusiasts, it’s never too early to start preparing for your 2025 draft! Every year, the mainstream rankings recycle the same names without factoring in regression, injuries, or team changes. That’s why staying ahead of the curve is crucial. Today, we’re diving into who should be the first overall pick in Fantasy Football 2025—backed by logic, not hype.

The Usual Suspects: Are They Worth the Top Pick?

Saquon Barkley

Saquon Barkley has been a dominant force, and after a massive 2024 season, he is once again atop early rankings. However, history tells us that running backs coming off career years tend to regress. The Super Bowl hangover, potential injury risks, and statistical drop-offs make him a risky pick at #1.

Ja’marr Chase

Many fantasy analysts are pushing Jamar Chase as a potential top pick, but is a wide receiver really the best choice? Historically, wide receivers do not provide the same positional advantage as elite running backs. While Chase will deliver WR1 numbers, you can find valuable WRs later in the draft, making him a reach at #1 overall.

Why Running Back Should Still Be Your Priority

If you want to win your fantasy league, you must build around a robust RB strategy. Every year, we see the scarcity at running back become a problem. Players who go WR-heavy early often struggle due to the lack of reliable RBs later in the draft.

Some early-round WRs in 2024—Tyreek Hill, Puka Nacua, Deebo Samuel—disappointed fantasy managers. Meanwhile, smart drafters who secured strong RBs dominated their leagues.

The Case for Bijan Robinson

Bijan Robinson is in a prime breakout spot for 2025. Unlike Barkley, who may regress, Robinson is on the rise. The Atlanta Falcons struggled with poor coaching and inconsistent quarterback play, but with Arthur Smith gone and potential offensive improvements, Bijan is set to explode. He has youth, talent, and potential elite workload—everything you want in a first overall pick.

What About Jahmyr Gibbs?

Jahmyr Gibbs is another exciting option, but there’s a major concern: David Montgomery’s presence in Detroit. Gibbs flashed elite potential, but as long as Montgomery is taking 180-210 carries, his upside is capped. That makes him risky for a first overall pick, though he remains a solid mid-first-round option.

Other Names to Watch

Derrick Henry

At 30+ years old, Derrick Henry may have already had his last elite fantasy season. While he remains a top-five RB consideration, taking him first overall is too risky.

Marvin Harrison Jr.

There’s buzz around rookie WR Marvin Harrison Jr., but again, QB play dictates WR success. Until we know more about his landing spot, it’s impossible to justify him at #1 overall.

Conclusion: Who Should Be the #1 Pick?

• Best overall choice: Bijan Robinson (High upside, young, potential RB1 workload)
• Risky but possible: Saquon Barkley (Potential regression, but elite talent)
• Avoid as #1 overall: Wide receivers (Can get value later in the draft)

Final Thoughts

Fantasy football is all about avoiding regression candidates, securing workhorses, and maximizing value. As of now, Bijan Robinson stands out as the best first overall pick for 2025. But as the offseason unfolds, coaching changes, draft picks, and team moves could shift the rankings. Stay tuned for updates!

Who do you think should be the #1 pick? Drop your thoughts in the comments below! Watch the full podcast to get all the details: