The landscape of fantasy football quarterbacks has evolved significantly over recent years. While pocket passers like Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Andrew Luck dominated during the 2010s, fantasy managers have increasingly favored quarterbacks who combine passing ability with rushing skills. This shift is evident as players like Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson, and Patrick Mahomes have shown that dual-threat QBs often produce the highest fantasy returns.
Since 2018, every fantasy football QB1 has displayed some level of rushing upside alongside strong passing production, making mobile quarterbacks a priority in fantasy drafts.
Top quarterback sleepers to consider for 2025 drafts
Among the emerging options this year, Caleb Williams stands out as a premier Caleb Williams fantasy football sleeper. While Williams was highly touted before his NFL debut, he finished only as the 16th-ranked fantasy quarterback in 2024. His elite accuracy, strong arm, and mobility suggest untapped potential for 2025.
The Chicago Bears have invested heavily in their offensive line to better protect Williams and hired Ben Johnson, an offensive-minded head coach, to maximize the team‘s offensive talent. With a talented group of playmakers and an additional year of professional experience, Williams is poised to have a breakout season at a reasonable draft cost this year.
Trevor Lawrence, another former generational prospect from Clemson, has yet to fully realize his pre-draft hype in the NFL. Despite some disappointments, the Jacksonville Jaguars have made strategic offseason moves to support Lawrence’s development. New head coach Liam Coen, known for revitalizing quarterbacks like Baker Mayfield, and the addition of star wide receiver Travis Hunter, provide Lawrence with the right environment to reach his upside.
Lawrence offers mid-range QB1 potential and may be available late in fantasy drafts, making him a solid sleeper pick this season.
Drake Maye’s fantasy outlook for 2025 is more uncertain given his career touchdown-to-interception ratio of 15:10 and playing on a team with a losing record. However, Maye showed flashes of considerable upside in 2024, demonstrating accuracy, arm strength, decision-making, and mobility that suggest he could make significant improvements.
The New England Patriots’ acquisition of star wide receiver Stefon Diggs in free agency adds a premier weapon and mentor for Maye, which could be a catalyst for his growth. Averaging 14.4 fantasy points per game in a challenging rookie season, Maye has the tools and support to emerge as a fantasy football league winner in 2025.
Why targeting sleeper QBs could pay off in 2025
Targeting Caleb Williams and other mobile quarterbacks like Trevor Lawrence and Drake Maye in fantasy drafts this year offers the potential for high rewards at a lower cost. These quarterbacks combine experience, skill, and improved team situations that position them to break out in 2025. Managers who identify and invest in these sleepers early could gain a significant advantage over their competition as the season progresses.