Wed Jan 29 8:53am ET
By JEFF PAUR
Sr Fantasy Writer
Young has big finish to season
We like to do this article after every season, looking at the fantasy players that produced big late in the season. Is this a sign of things to come for these fantasy players? Or do we think these players have little shot to keep producing at such a high clip? It is always a good idea to examine these players to try to figure out if their stats are fact or fiction.
So here are some of the top finishers this season and our thoughts on their fantasy value going forward.
Bryce Young, QB, Panthers. Young had quite the turnaround to his season. He was benched, returned to the starting lineup and played as well as any quarterback late in the year. If you can believe this, Young was second overall in fantasy quarterback scoring his last three games. He had 28-plus fantasy points two of three games and scored a season-best 38.95 fantasy points in Week 18. Young just looked like a different quarterback late in the year, playing with confidence and making big play after big play. If the Panthers can get him some more talent to work with offensively, you have to like his chances to have the breakout season in year three. Things are trending up for Young.
Jonathan Taylor, RB, Colts. The Colts leaned heavily on Taylor late in the season, changing the offensive philosophy with their quarterbacks struggling with turnovers. Instead, Taylor had 29-plus carries each of his last three games. He was second overall in fantasy running back scoring those three games. Taylor was just 13th overall for the entire season but carried fantasy teams to championships during the playoffs. It would not surprise to see the Colts really lean on Taylor again next season but from the get-go. It is likely Anthony Richardson gets one last chance to start for the Colts, so look for the team to try to limit the chances for him to make mistakes.
Ricky Pearsall, WR, 49ers. Pearsall had all sorts of injury problems his rookie season but was healthy late in the year and played a big role in the offense with the 49ers having injury problems offensively. Pearsall had 18-plus fantasy points each of his last two games. It is not certain where Pearsall will be on the depth chart next year but it sure looks like he will be a big part of this high-powered offense going forward. The 49ers didn’t use a high draft pick on him to sit him on their bench. He is going to be an intriguing late-round fantasy pick.
Tyjae Spears, RB, Titans. Spears had an injury-plagued season but was healthy late in the season and even got some starts with Tony Pollard out. Spears had 21-plus fantasy points two of his last three games. He shows his potential in an expanded role offensively. We aren’t sure if this is going to be a trend, though. Spears is likely to split the work again next season but if Pollard is gone for some reason, his stock would go up in a hurry. But for now, expect Spears to platoon once again.
Tee Higgins, WR, Bengals. Higgins was the top-ranked fantasy receiver his last three games. He had 19-plus fantasy points three of his last four, including a 41.1 fantasy point performance in Week 17. Higgins is a free agent this offseason, so his landing spot will obviously make a big impact on his fantasy value. But if he lands in the right situation, Higgins could be setup for a career season. He has never been that clear top option in the passing game with Ja’Marr Chase around. That might change for him going forward, though. Higgins could be an elite fantasy receiver.
Justin Herbert, QB, Chargers. The Chargers were more of a run-first team much of the year but let Herbert air it out a lot more late in the year. He was fourth in fantasy quarterback scoring his last three games and had 26-plus fantasy points three of his last four games. He produced more like you are used to when it comes to his fantasy production. Is this going to be a trend for next season? We still aren’t so sure with Jim Harbaugh still running the show. The Chargers are going to run the ball. It would not surprise to see Herbert hit and miss once again despite his big numbers late in the year.
Marvin Mims, WR, Broncos. There was a lot of high hope for Mims this season but he got off to an awful start, getting dropped in most fantasy leagues. He was a lot more involved in the offense the second half of the season, though, producing his best numbers late. He had multiple touchdown games each of his last two, topping 22 fantasy points each of those games. The Broncos could make him a bigger part of the offense from day one next season. It would not surprise, considering his big plays made late in the season. The only thing to keep an eye on is the Broncos offseason moves. If they don’t bring in much more, Mims could have a breakout 2025.
Jalen McMillan, WR, Bucs. McMillan was a nonfactor much of his rookie season but became a big part of the Bucs passing game from week 14 on. He had 16-plus fantasy points five straight games to end his season. He found the end zone each of those five games and had five receptions four straight games. McMillan was 11th overall in fantasy scoring the last three games. McMillan could be the No. 2 or 3 receiver in the Bucs high-powered offense from day one next year. His huge finish showed his potential in an expanded role. He should just keep getting better with more seasoning.
Jonnu Smith, TE, Dolphins. Smith had a career season but it was really from about Week 11 forward. He had 19-plus fantasy points five of his last eight games. He was a huge part of the Dolphins passing attack. He had double-digit targets four of seven games. The Dolphins clearly like what he brings to the offense and should be a top option for their passing game once again next year. He might even improve on his already big numbers from this past season. Smith seems to finally be living up to his potential.
Jeff Paur is a two-time finalist for FSWA Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and won the FSWA award for Best Fantasy Football Article on the Web in 2011. He also was the most accurate expert in 2012, winning the FSTA Fantasy Football Accuracy Award. If you have any questions for Jeff, email him at jeff@rtsports.com. Follow Jeff on Twitter @jeffpaur.
The Los Angeles Chargers announced on Wednesday that they signed Australian tight end Jordan Petaia as part of the league's International Player Pathway training program. Petaia recently worked out for teams at the University of South Florida's Pro Day on March 26. He appeared in two Rugby World Cups in 2019 in Japan and in 2023 in France for the Wallabies and became the youngest Australian to play at a World Cup in 2019 at just 18 years old. Petaia will be a long shot for any kind of fantasy relevance in the NFL with the Chargers but will provide additional tight end depth in L.A. heading into training camp behind newcomer Tyler Conklin, Will Dissly, Tucker Fisk and McCallan Castles. The 25-year-old spent the last few months learning American football at the IMG Academy in Florida.
From RotoBaller
University of Texas wide receiver Matthew Golden is taking a pre-draft visit to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Wednesday, according to Penn Live's Nick Farabaugh. The Steelers acquired wideout DK Metcalf from the Seattle Seahawks this offseason, but it doesn't mean that they won't look to add to the position through the draft to provide depth in 2025 behind Metcalf, George Pickens and Calvin Austin III. The 21-year-old Golden is widely expected to come off the board in this year's NFL draft in the first round after producing 987 receiving yards and nine touchdowns in his final season with the Longhorns. He also impressed with his speed at the combine in late February by running a 4.29-second 40-yard dash. If makes sense for the Pittsburgh to look at receiver in the upcoming draft with the future of Pickens uncertain beyond the 2025 season.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals All-Pro pass-rusher Trey Hendrickson said on The Pat McAfee Show on Wednesday that he's not looking for a short-term deal from Cincinnati and began asking for a long-term deal from the Bengals with guaranteed money three years ago. Hendrickson, who has the third-most sacks in the NFL since 2020 (70.5), sounds frustrated that he hasn't been able to get an extension worked out with the Bengals yet, but he's not willing to put a timeline on when he might prefer a trade out of town this offseason. The 30-year-old said he doesn't have any desire to become the highest-paid defender in the league, but the communication of late with him and the team has been poor. He sounds fed up, but in all fairness, it was always going to be hard for Cincy to lock up all three of Hendrickson and receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to long-term deals. It doesn't sound like a Hendrickson extension is close.
From RotoBaller
The Los Angeles Rams plan on giving wide receiver Tutu Atwell a bigger role in 2025. "I think the fans are accurate in that I haven't done a good enough job of utilizing him," head coach Sean McVay said. The Rams cut veteran Cooper Kupp this offseason and replaced him with All-Pro receiver Davante Adams, but the 25-year-old Atwell could be utilized more often in the passing attack after posting career-highs in catches (42) and receiving yards (562) in 17 regular-season games (five starts) in 2024. Most of his production came in Weeks 3-7 when both Kupp and Puka Nacua were out with injuries. Atwell has 99 career receptions for 1,343 yards and four touchdowns in 54 games (23 starts), averaging 13.6 yards per catch. Demarcus Robinson is also gone, so Atwell should start in most three-receiver sets alongside Nacua and Adams, giving him some sleeper potential in deeper fantasy leagues in 2025.
From RotoBaller
According to Pete Prisco of CBS Sports, there was "a lot of good buzz" surrounding former Ohio State and Syracuse quarterback Kyle McCord at league meetings this week, and NFL teams are higher on him than draft analysts have been. The New Jersey native spent the first three seasons of his collegiate career in Columbus but backed up C.J. Stroud in 2021 and 2022. In 2023, he threw for 3,170 yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions en route to an 11-1 campaign. After transferring to Syracuse, he led the Orange to its first 10-win season since 2018 behind 4,779 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. In a weak quarterback class, there's a chance the 22-year-old could end up as a Day 2 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft.
From RotoBaller
Boise State running back and 2024 Heisman Trophy runner-up Ashton Jeanty is expected to be a first-round pick and the first ball-carrier selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. While the explosive runner has been tied to landing spots such as the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos, the Las Vegas Raiders have emerged as the popular destination. The Raiders hold the No. 6 overall pick, and it would be a surprise if he's selected inside the top five. Meanwhile, DraftKings Sportsbook lists the Raiders as -150 favorites to land Jeanty, and ESPN's Field Yates projected Jeanty to land in the Sin City in his recent mock draft. Jeanty was excellent in his final collegiate season, rushing for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns. While the Las Vegas offense has struggled in recent years, quarterback Geno Smith, tight end Brock Bowers, and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers provide enough firepower around him if the Raiders' offensive line can achieve at least league-average play. If Jeanty is the pick at No. 6 overall, expect him to be a full-fledged workhorse with immediate high-end RB1 upside for fantasy football.
From RotoBaller
Former Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka is viewed as one of the top prospects at the position by many NFL Draft analysts. However, the 2025 wideout class is viewed as a weak group at the top, and many have predicted Egbuka to fall out of the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft. ESPN's Field Yates projects Egbuka to be selected by the Chicago Bears with the No. 38 overall pick in his latest mock draft, and a Round 2 landing spot has become a popular theme for the 22-year-old. Egbuka posted 205 receptions for 2,868 yards, and 24 receiving touchdowns in 60 games for the Buckeyes. He'll likely end up in the slot during his NFL career.
From RotoBaller
Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle Rob Havenstein (shoulder) is expected to be ready for training camp this offseason after undergoing shoulder surgery, according to head coach Sean McVay. The 32-year-old played in just 11 games last season, his lowest since 2019. The former second-round pick by the St. Louis Rams out of Wisconsin in 2015 has spent his entire 10-year pro career with the Rams organization and has played in 141 games (all starts). The veteran is expected to continue starting at right tackle in 2025, though the Rams could have an eye on drafting his replacement in the early rounds of this month's NFL Draft.
From RotoBaller
The New England Patriots expect to have defensive tackle Christian Barmore (illness) in the fold when they begin their offseason workouts on Monday, April 7, according to head coach Mike Vrabel. It's great news for the interior of the team's defensive line, as Barmore entered the offseason with uncertainty after having a setback with his blood-clot diagnosis last year. The Patriots signed the 25-year-old to a four-year, $84 million extension in 2024 after he led the team in sacks (8.5) and QB hits (16) in 2023. But he was diagnosed with blood clots in his lungs right before the start of training camp last July and ended up playing in only four regular-season games. Barmore made his season debut in Week 11 but was shut down after experiencing "recurring symptoms" from blood clots. If healthy, Barmore will join forces with Milton Williams, and the two could create one of the best interior combinations in the NFL.
From RotoBaller
San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said this week that the team plans to bring in a veteran kicker "who's capable of taking that job" to compete with Jake Moody this offseason. The 49ers would love to see Moody win the competition and come out motivated for a strong season in 2025 after struggling through a high-ankle sprain in 2024. The 25-year-old made just 70.6 percent of his 34 field-goal attempts in 14 games (4-for-9 from 50-plus yards) in his second year in the NFL after making 84 percent of his 25 field-goal tries in his rookie year. The former third-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft out of the University of Michigan certainly has the skills to bounce back in 2025 if he's healthy, and if he does, he should be in play as a top-12 fantasy kicker.
From RotoBaller
The New Orleans Saints are expected to host a top-30 visit with University of Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers in mid-April, according to a league source. The Saints have shown a considerable amount of interest in Ewers in the lead-up to this year's NFL draft, as they also met with him at the scouting combine in February. The Saints are moving forward with QB Derek Carr in head coach Kellen Moore's first year with the team, and they also like Spencer Rattler as the backup as he continues to develop, but it doesn't mean they won't consider taking another young signal-caller like Ewers as a potential starting QB for them in the future. The 22-year-old went 27-9 for the Longhorns and threw for 3,472 yards with 31 TDs and 12 interceptions in his final season in 2024. Ewers is projected as an early Day 3 pick in this year's draft.
From RotoBaller
After former running back Najee Harris signed with the Los Angeles Chargers in free agency, The Athletic's Mike DeFabo believes the Pittsburgh Steelers could target a running back in this year's NFL draft. Harris took 1,097 career carries with him (fifth-most over the last four years), and the Steelers ran the ball fourth-most in 2024. Jaylen Warren is expected to see an elevated role with Kenneth Gainwell providing depth, but it wouldn't be a surprise to see Pittsburgh add another back in what is considered a very deep RB class this year. Head coach Mike Tomlin even called it a "uniquely deep draft at that position." The Athletic's Dan Brugler has eight backs ranked inside his top 100. Names like Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson and Quinshon Judkins and Tennessee's Dylan Sampson could be options for the Steelers as they continue building their RB room for 2025.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Patriots are reportedly receiving trade calls in regards to quarterback Joe Milton. Dynasty Analysis: This isn't the first report we've seen like this and it seems there's a lot of smoke surrounding the interest around the league. With Drake Maye established as the long-term starter, it's hard to imagine New England not at least listening to what other teams have to offer. Milton showed well in limited action last season and seemingly has some upside. With quarterbacks being the premium of all premium positions, it wouldn't be surprising to see New England hold on to him in case something happens with Maye as well. At this point, Milton looks like a solid stash in dynasty leagues.
If the Tennessee Titans have indeed fallen in love with Miami quarterback Cam Ward, they may be unwilling to consider any trade offers for the first overall pick in this year's NFL draft. "I was taught over the years, if you find the quarterback that you want, and you think he's a franchise quarterback, then you're not going to pass on him," general manager Mike Borgonzi said. While Borgonzi isn't ruling anything out, he also said the Titans might not be open for business when teams come calling for the start of the first round on Thursday, April 24. The Athletic's Dianna Russini doesn't sense there's conviction yet for the Titans on what they want to do with the No. 1 overall pick, but regardless, Ward is considered the likely top pick this year. If they don't trade out of the top pick, Paul Kuharsky believes a trade of their second-round selection (35th overall) might be more likely.
From RotoBaller
Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst did not rule out the possibility of cornerback Jaire Alexander (knee) returning to the team in 2025 at this week's annual league meetings. When asked about Alexander potentially remaining in Green Bay, Gutekunst said, "It could be a possibility. Absolutely." The Packers have had talks about trading the 28-year-old defensive back this offseason, though, and they hope to have a resolution on his situation before the draft at the end of April. The two-time Pro Bowler has been a big part of Green Bay's secondary in his seven years with the team since debuting in 2018, but he's played in just 14 regular-season games the last two years due to injuries and had knee surgery in January. It's unlikely that Green Bay would be able to get much for Alexander due to his injuries and the fact that he has two years left on his current deal.
From RotoBaller
When asked about the team's current quarterback situation, Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski said, "I feel good. Obviously it's March 31, so there's still a draft to be had. It's not August 1. I will say this: Kenny Pickett's a guy that I believe in, that we believe in. So we'll see how it all shakes out." A lot can still happen between now and this month's NFL draft, including a potential trade for Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins, but we find it hard to believe that Cleveland would be happy going into Week 1 of the 2025 season this fall with Pickett as their starter. The team is saying they won't trade up to No. 1 overall to select Miami QB Cam Ward in the draft, but it would be a surprise if they don't take Colorado's Shedeur Sanders at No. 2 overall or another signal-caller later in the first round if they trade back. At the very least, though, Pickett, a former first-rounder, should have a chance to compete for the starting gig this summer.
From RotoBaller
Cleveland Browns general manager Andrew Berry said at the league's annual meeting this week that it's "unlikely" they will trade up to No. 1 overall with the Tennessee Titans in this month's draft to draft Miami quarterback Cam Ward. Owner Jimmy Haslam also stressed that the organization won't go chasing ghosts at the QB position in this year's draft and "won't force a quarterback" at No. 2 overall (if they don't trade back). All options appear to be on the table for Cleveland, including taking Penn State edge rusher Abdul Carter at second overall to pair with All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett. Although the Browns are saying they won't force a QB in the draft, it's hard to envision them passing on Colorado's Shedeur Sanders with Kenny Pickett as the current starter -- Deshaun Watson (Achilles) isn't expected to play in 2025.
From RotoBaller
Cincinnati Bengals head coach Zac Taylor called defensive end Trey Hendrickson a premier pass-rusher in the NFL and that the team is still working to sign him to a long-term contract extension this offseason. The Bengals gave Hendrickson, who is entering the final year of his current deal in 2025, permission to seek a trade in early March but also say they'd love to keep him around. It won't be easy, though. Not only will the 30-year-old command a new deal that should make him one of the highest-paid defensive players in the NFL, but the Bengals also recently locked up both receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to long-term deals. If it looks like the sides are too far apart in the lead-up to this month's NFL draft, the Bengals could decide to trade Hendrickson, who has a whopping 35 sacks the last two years, to bolster their draft capital for this year and down the road.
From RotoBaller
Jacksonville Jaguars general manager James Gladstone said new wide receiver Dyami Brown has untapped potential, and new head coach Liam Coen thinks having a speedy player like Brown opposite of Brian Thomas Jr. will pay dividends in 2025. "You look at somebody that's able to attack the field at all three levels. He can go down the field on the post, in the go, in the pylons and be the top shelf, but also you can throw him a screen and he can go and do something with it. I can't coach that," Coen said. Most of the damage Brown did last year came in the playoffs, as he caught 14 passes on 18 targets for 229 yards and a touchdown in three games while going for a 30-308-1 line in 16 regular-season games (three starts). The 25-year-old former second-rounder probably won't see a ton of targets behind Thomas, but he could be a sleeper to target in deeper fantasy leagues as the Jags look to replace a lot of production from the departures of Christian Kirk and Evan Engram.
From RotoBaller
With the Pittsburgh Steelers still waiting for free-agent quarterback Aaron Rodgers to make a decision on who he will play with next in 2025, if at all, general manager Omar Khan said "all options are on the table through free agency, trade or draft." The Steelers still have two QB spots to fill, and Khan said it's "safe to assume" one of those spots will go to a veteran signal-caller like Rodgers. Outside of Rodgers, Joe Flacco and Carson Wentz are the best options among free agents, while Atlanta Falcons QB Kirk Cousins could be the most realistic trade target. However, Cousins' financials and his no-trade clause make him difficult to move. Although it's considered a weak draft class at the position, Pittsburgh has done their due diligence on players like Jalen Milroe, Tyler Shough, Quinn Ewers and Jaxson Dart and they aren't ruling out taking a QB in the first round at pick No. 21.
From RotoBaller