4 new scoring rules for 2025!

Houston Texans rookie second-round wide receiver Jayden Higgins impressed during the team's mandatory minicamp, according to ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime. Higgins made one-handed catches with starting cornerback Kamari Lassiter in coverage and also connected with quarterback C.J. Stroud on other plays. He will be pushing for a role in his first year in the NFL and could seal a starting spot by the second week of training camp this summer if he continues to play well. For being 6-foot-4 and 215 pounds, the young pass-catcher and Iowa State product moves extremely well. Nico Collins is Houston's clear WR1, but Higgins has the potential and athleticism to surpass Christian Kirk as the team's WR2 sooner than later in 2025. In his final season at Iowa State, Higgins had 87, catches, 1,183 yards and nine TDs. He's worth a late-round flier in deeper single-league fantasy formats.

From RotoBaller

Green Bay Packers linebacker Isaiah Simmons, the former eighth overall pick by the Arizona Cardinals in 2020, was shuffled among linebacker, safety and nickel defensive back with the Cardinals and New York Giants and never excelled at any of those positions. Part of the reason he signed with the Packers was their willingness to let him play exclusively at linebacker. ESPN's Rob Demovsky writes that Simmons has had the chance to line up with the starters at linebacker during the offseason program, despite the fact that Green Bay is deep at the position. "Honestly I feel like this is the most comfortable in a system I've been since I've been in the league," Simmons said. It's a notable development for the former Clemson start, but it won't guarantee a career turnaround, especially if he's not playing regularly. The 26-year-old had a career-low 21 tackles in 17 games (one start) with the Giants in 2024.

From RotoBaller

ESPN's Brady Henderson writes that Seattle Seahawks defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence has managed to make an impression on his new teammates and to set a tone with the younger ones despite the non-contact nature of spring practices. "We haven't been able to play next to each other or anything like that, but I think just the type of leadership and mindset that he brings to the team is just phenomenal," defensive tackle Leonard Williams said. "He's a dog. He speaks a lot, he plays hard. He's going into Year 12 and he's out there practicing harder than some of the rookies. So we're getting on the rookies saying, 'OK, this is an example. This guy's going into Year 12. He's got nothing to prove, but he's out there working his craft as hard as he can every day.'" The 33-year-old hasn't appeared limited at all this offseason after playing in just four games with Dallas in 2024 due to a foot ailment.

From RotoBaller

SI.com's John Shipley guesses that Jacksonville Jaguars running back Travis Etienne Jr. opens the year as the team's lead back. However, Shipley also writes that Etienne, Tank Bigsby and rookies Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen will get some run at some point. Under a new coaching staff, many believed that Etienne's stock would continue to fall after another disappointing showing in 2024, when he had career-lows across the board in carries (150), rushing yards (558) and touchdowns (two) while catching 39 of 52 targets for 254 yards through the air in 15 starts. That could still be the case, especially since the former first-rounder now has to fight off a pair of rookies in addition to Bigsby. Etienne has fallen all the way to No. 35 in RotoBaller's preseason rankings for 2025, but he still has a chance to prove himself in a new offense as the RB1.

From RotoBaller

Despite Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder) having a setback with his surgically-repaired right shoulder that caused him to miss OTAs and minicamp this spring, SI.com's Jake Arthur writes that it will still be an open QB competition in training camp this summer between Richardson and Daniel Jones. However, the Colts aren't going to rush Richardson back at the start of camp, which in theory gives Jones a leg up on the competition since he got all the reps at OTAs and minicamp. Arthur suggests Richardson would have to look outstanding in camp and the preseason, or Jones would have to lose control of the lead for Richardson to win the job outright heading into Week 1. With Jones having looked good, Arthur thinks it's hard to imagine how Jones isn't the current favorite. Richardson's injury issues are making it harder and harder for the Colts' staff to trust him.

From RotoBaller

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka has been "the talk" of minicamp. "Emeka has really strong hands," said fellow wideout Mike Evans. "He looks like a running back, but he catches like Chris Godwin. He's a very polished, well-rounded player." The former Buckeye signed his four-year, $18.1 million rookie contract in May after amassing 205 receptions for 2,868 yards and 24 touchdowns in 49 games at Ohio State. The Bucs' receiving room is loaded, although it appears Egbuka has a real chance to move up the depth chart during training camp, potentially occupying the No. 3 spot behind Godwin and Evans. Granted, he probably won't see the volume needed to be a consistent fantasy producer throughout the 2025 campaign. However, if there are injuries within the receiving corps, that could change. If anything, Egbuka is worth selecting in the first few rounds of dynasty drafts, especially since Godwin and Evans aren't getting any younger and Godwin is coming off a serious ankle injury. He's also someone to consider late in redraft formats.

From RotoBaller

Unsurprisingly, New York Giants quarterback Russell Wilson is working as the starting QB in offseason workouts, but rookie first-rounder Jaxson Dart has mostly worked as the QB2 ahead of veteran Jameis Winston. Dart has displayed some strong throws but also held the ball forever at times and was forced to scramble. The G-Men traded up to the 25th overall pick in April to grab Dart, so they obviously like his chances of becoming their franchise signal-caller. However, Wilson is going to get the first shot in 2025 while Dart sits and learns on the sidelines. But if Wilson struggles like he did at the end of last year in Pittsburgh, the 22-year-old from Ole Miss could get a shot sooner than later as head coach Brian Daboll and GM Joe Schoen try to save their jobs. Fantasy managers in redraft leagues can avoid Dart for now, but he's a solid dynasty/keeper stash.

From RotoBaller

New York Jets former undrafted wide receiver Xavier Gipson has been a non-contributor as a wide receiver on offense despite fighting his way onto the active roster in his first year in the NFL and then scoring a game-winning, punt-return touchdown in his first game in 2023. The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt write that Gipson's roster spot is in jeopardy heading into training camp with undrafted rookie wideout Jamaal Pritchett pushing him. The 24-year-old is currently the front-runner to be New York's punt returner, but it's not a lock. He caught 21 of 38 targets for 229 yards and no touchdowns on offense in 2023 but regressed last year and caught just six passes for 39 yards and a TD in 17 games (no starts). Gipson isn't anywhere near the fantasy radar heading into the 2025 season.

From RotoBaller

New York Jets wide receiver Josh Reynolds is the early front-runner to take over as the team's No. 2 receiver behind Garrett Wilson this year, according to The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt. Reynolds is the only player the Jets added this offseason that has ties to new head coach Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand from their time with the Lions. The team values Reynolds' willingness as a blocker, and he has built some nice chemistry with QB Justin Fields early on. Allen Lazard still has a role to play on this team, but as of minicamp, he appears to be behind Reynolds. The 30-year-old Reynolds dealt with injuries last year and caught only 13 passes for 194 yards and one TD with Denver and Jacksonville. It sounds like he'll have a bigger role with the Jets, but it's unlikely to yield much production for fantasy managers in what is expected to be a run-heavy offense in 2025.

From RotoBaller

The Athletic's Zack Rosenblatt writes that New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson's stock is up this offseason. Wilson was the best player on the field for all of the spring practices open to the media while making highlight-reel catches and rarely dropping any of quarterback Justin Fields' passes. The new coaching staff is highlighting Wilson's ability to improvise on routes while also making sure Wilson is where Fields expects him to be on any given play. Outside of running back Breece Hall, the team doesn't have a clear No. 2 pass-catcher, which leads Rosenblatt to speculate that Wilson could set a Jets record for targets and catches in 2025. Despite seeking a new contract, the 24-year-old was present for OTAs and minicamp. RotoBaller has him ranked as the No. 16 fantasy wideout, but if Fields makes strides as a passer, Wilson has clear WR1 upside this year.

From RotoBaller

New York Jets running back Breece Hall sounds pretty motivated to prove himself as one of the top backs in the NFL going into the 2025 season. "We have a great running back room," Hall said, "but my mentality is every day I'm going to prove that I am the best back on this roster and one of the best backs in the league." The former second-rounder in 2022 out of Iowa State fell short of 1,000 yards rushing in his third year in the NFL with 876 rushing yards and five touchdowns on 209 carries while adding 57 catches for 483 yards and another three TDs in 16 starts in another disappointing year for the Jets. Hall said his knee also wasn't 100% last year. The Jets have both Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis pushing for bigger roles, but if Hall can stay healthy and the offense can improve under new QB Justin Fields, it's definitely possible for Hall to have a career year. He's on the RB1/2 borderline in fantasy.

From RotoBaller

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch said on the Pat McAfee Show this week that wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk (knee) is making great progress in his rehab from a torn ACL and MCL in his right knee that he suffered last October. "Brandon is doing a tremendous job coming back. It's kind of incredible how well he's healing, and he's putting in the work," Lynch said. Lynch continued to stress that Aiyuk is still an important part of the team going forward, although he's probably not going to be able to make his 2025 debut until around midseason. After a contract dispute last summer, the 27-year-old caught just 25 passes for 374 yards and no touchdowns before his season-ending knee injury seven games into the season. When he returns, he'll battle for targets with George Kittle, Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall. There are a lot of question marks surrounding Aiyuk going into 2025.

From RotoBaller

Much like his rookie season last year, Buffalo Bills second-year wide receiver Keon Coleman showed inconsistency in mandatory minicamp practice this week, according to The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia. Coleman has shown the ability to make big plays occasionally, but then he'll have regrettable reps that question his ability to be a consistent playmaker for the Bills. The 22-year-old's on-ball concerns and his intermediate to deep separation skills are things that he will have to improve on if he wants to take the next step in 2025. He had only 29 catches for 556 yards and four touchdowns in 13 regular-season games in 2024 but also dealt with a chipped bone in his wrist that affected his production down the stretch. The former second-rounder could be more effective in a bigger role this year, but the addition of Joshua Palmer could also be hindrance.

From RotoBaller

Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane said that tight end Dalton Kincaid added both strength and bulk to his frame this offseason after a disappointing second season in 2024. He caught 73 of 91 targets for 673 yards and two touchdowns in 16 games in his rookie season but had a 44-448-2 line in 13 games last year. The Bills have defended the 25-year-old's second season because of the knee injuries that defined how much he could play once he returned in Week 15 after missing three games. The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia says that the ultimate test for Kincaid will be if he can increase his snap percentage and stay on the field for more run-blocking reps. He has the natural pass-catching skills to rebound as one of quarterback Josh Allen's most reliable targets. Kincaid will come at a little discount this year and should be considered a low-end TE1/high-end TE2 with upside.

From RotoBaller

The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia writes that the Buffalo Bills backup quarterback job behind starter Josh Allen is up for grabs this offseason. Mitchell Trubisky isn't a lock to remain as Allen's backup in 2025. The writing was on the wall for Trubisky's backup job to be in jeopardy when the team signed Mike White to a two-year deal late last season. The Bills can save $1.5 million on this year's salary cap if they were to release Trubisky, even though $1 million of his base salary became guaranteed by staying on the roster through the offseason. It looks like Buffalo is going to let Trubisky and White battle it out this summer for the backup job. Trubisky has more experience in the NFL and more mobility, but White is more of a natural thrower, particularly in the intermediate and deep areas of the field. The competition might come down to who has the better camp and preseason.

From RotoBaller

ESPN's Alaina Getzenberg writes that Buffalo Bills running back James Cook, despite seeking a contract extension, was a full participant in the team's three-day mandatory minicamp this week. General manager Brandon Beane said the "relationship's very good and I know [Cook's] going to be ready to roll when we get to [training camp in] Rochester." Cook said earlier this week that he plans to be at training camp this summer, but he didn't specify if he'd actually be taking part in workouts. Beane said Cook "looks good out there. You can tell he's been working." It sounds like the two sides are working towards a deal, but Cook could hold in during training camp. Cook was the RB8 in half-PPR scoring in 2024 with his second straight 1,000-yard rushing season and a league-high 16 rushing TDs. Regression is coming in the TD department after he scored four rushing touchdowns in his first two NFL seasons.

From RotoBaller

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (shoulder) is expected to be ready for training camp at the end of July after getting a second opinion from Dr. Neal ElAttrache on his surgically-repaired right shoulder, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Rest and rehab was prescribed for Richardson, and he won't have to go under the knife again as he prepares to continue the QB competition with Daniel Jones. The 23-year-old former first-rounder missed OTAs and minicamp with right-shoulder inflammation, but he should be back on the field this summer as he looks to win the starting gig under center. Richardson is going to need to stay healthy and improve as a passer in order to beat out Jones, and if he does, his elite rushing prowess will make him a risk/reward QB2 with upside in fantasy drafts this fall.

From RotoBaller

The New Orleans Saints have agreed to terms on a one-year deal with running back Cam Akers on Friday. Akers recently worked out with the Saints during a mandatory minicamp. It appears Akers has impressed the organization enough to earn himself a deal with the team. The former second-round pick has been fairly underwhelming since being drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in 2020. Last season, Akers rushed for 444 yards with two touchdowns in 17 games between the Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings. The expectation is that Akers will serve as a depth option behind workhorse Alvin Kamara in the backfield. Akers won't be on the fantasy radar with Kamara likely getting the bulk of the carries in New Orleans.

From RotoBaller

Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer is expected to get more involved in the offense this upcoming season. Mayer looked nonexistent with Brock Bowers ahead of him on the depth chart last season. He finished the season with 21 receptions and 156 receiving yards in 11 games. After failing to trade Mayer, the Raiders have decided to get the former second-round pick more involved in the offense. Mayer has reportedly looked good in camp and has built a solid relationship with new head coach Pete Carroll. It's worth noting that Bowers is going to remain the unquestioned No. 1 tight end and primary passing option. Mayer showed good potential during his time in college, so hopefully the Raiders are able to find a way to get him involved.

From RotoBaller

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf is currently establishing chemistry with new quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The two of them have been getting in work together at mandatory minicamp. It's an encouraging sign to see both newcomers getting in reps together this early into camp. Since being traded to Pittsburgh, Metcalf signed a hefty five-year deal and is the clear cut No. 1 wideout on this offense. The Steelers have traded away George Pickens, so Metcalf will be asked to carry a heavy workload. Hopefully, Metcalf and Rodgers will be able to get on the same page. According to DeFabo, Rodgers has been looking good with his playmaking ability and getting off quick releases with the ball.

From RotoBaller