Top Fantasy Football RBs 2025 (Pre-NFL Draft Rankings)
April 8, 2025
Top Fantasy Football RBs 2025 (Pre-NFL Draft Rankings)
April 8, 2025

Fantasy Football Breakouts 2025: 5 Under-the-Radar Players to Draft

Fantasy Football Breakouts 2025

Fantasy Football Breakouts 2025

Welcome to the show! If you’re serious about dominating your fantasy football league in 2025, this is your must-read guide. We’re breaking down five fantasy football breakout players for 2025 that nobody’s really talking about yet — but they should be.

These names aren’t showing up on cookie-cutter rankings or generic lists, but the upside is real, and the ADP value is gold.

If you’re tired of boring rankings and want the full blueprint to win your leagues, make sure to pre-order 16 Rounds, the game-changing fantasy draft solution. Use code “DRAFT” to save 20%.

Let’s jump into the top 5 breakout candidates for fantasy football 2025:

1. Trey Benson (RB – Arizona Cardinals)

Fantasy Football Breakout Alert: Major Upside, Low Draft Cost

Trey Benson is being slept on hard going into 2025.

Yes, he didn’t flash as expected last season — only 63 attempts, 291 yards, and a single touchdown — but that wasn’t his fault. He was buried behind James Conner, who’s heading into his age-30 season and simply doesn’t have the same burst anymore.

The Cardinals invested 3rd-round draft capital in Benson, a top RB prospect from last year’s class. That means something. Conner may still start the season, but he’s on borrowed time. Benson is younger, hungrier, and more dynamic. Don’t let last year’s usage fool you — this guy could erupt with the right workload.

📌 Why You Should Target Benson:

  • Great late-round value

  • Potential to take over the backfield

  • RB1 upside if opportunity strikes

    Trey Benson will step up in 2025!

2. Xavier Legette (WR – Carolina Panthers)

Massive Target Share Incoming

Forget the hype around Brian Thomas Jr. for a second — Xavier Legette might be the real gem for your fantasy squads.

He was the WR1 in target share for Carolina in 2024 (84 targets), and that’s not changing any time soon. With Adam Thielen aging (35 years old) and Jaylen Coker still a developing rookie, Legette is in line to dominate the Panthers’ WR room.

Legette was a first-round pick for a reason. The team has to start building around him, especially if they want any chance to improve this year. The volume is there, and the ceiling is high if this offense starts to click.

📌 Why Legette is a 2025 Breakout:

  • Locked-in target share

  • Drafted as a cornerstone WR

  • Strong WR3 with WR2 upside at a value price

3. Rome Odunze (WR – Chicago Bears)

Freed-Up Targets & Franchise WR Potential

Last year, you were told not to draft Rome Odunze. This year? It’s a different story.

With Keenan Allen gone (121 vacated targets) and only DJ Moore competing for looks (who’s more of a WR2/low-end WR1 type), Odunze has a golden opportunity to emerge as the top weapon in this offense.

He’s a first-round talent with a legit chance to lead the Bears in all receiving categories. The rookie-QB-to-rookie-WR connection will be key, but it’s trending up.

📌 Why Odunze is a Sneaky League Winner:

  • First-round draft pedigree

  • Immediate opportunity for 100+ targets

  • Explosive talent, ideal for WR depth on your roster

    Bo Nix is primed for a breakout in 2025 (Photo by Charles Brock/Icon Sportswire)

4. Bo Nix (QB – Denver Broncos)

The Jaylen Hurts You Didn’t Draft Early

Want Jaylen Hurts numbers without paying the price? Let’s talk about Bo Nix.

Check these 2024 stats vs. Hurts:

StatBo NixJaylen Hurts
Passing Yards3,7752,903
Passing TDs2918
INTs125
Rushing Yards430630
Rushing TDs414

Nix had more passing yards and touchdowns, and he’s a solid runner too. His supporting cast — Mims, Sutton, and rookie Troy Franklin — might not wow you, but Nix could easily finish as a Top 10 QB in 2025.

He’s currently undervalued in drafts, which means massive return on investment if you wait on QB and grab him later.

📌 Why Nix is a 2025 Breakout:

  • Dual-threat ability

  • Already producing like a fantasy QB1

  • Dirt-cheap ADP compared to his upside

5. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR – Seattle Seahawks)

High-Volume Target in a New-Look Offense

JSN is finally ready for takeoff.

With DK Metcalf shipped to the Steelers and Cooper Kupp looking washed, JSN becomes the WR1 by default — and by design.

Last season:
✔ 100 receptions
✔ 1,100+ yards
✔ 6 TDs

Now in 2025, with Sam Darnold under center, there’s real potential for JSN to go nuclear — assuming Darnold can stay upright and not revert to his old ways.

JSN has the pedigree, the volume, and the upside. If things click, he’s a WR1 waiting to happen.

📌 Why JSN is a 2025 Fantasy Breakout:

  • Clear WR1 role on team

  • Elite route runner and hands

  • High-volume potential in all formats

Final Thoughts: Draft These Sleepers Before the Hype Catches Up

These 2025 fantasy football breakouts aren’t flashy. But that’s the point.

Championships are won by finding the value BEFORE the breakout happens.

If you’re tired of following outdated rankings and want the edge to dominate your fantasy leagues, grab 16 Rounds now. Pre-order and use code DRAFT to save 20%.

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Joseph Robert
Joseph Robert
Joseph Robert's outside of the box, LION mentality has created the strongest and most loyal fan base in the fantasy football industry! @fantasyfootballcounselor