Jayden Daniels, quarterback for the Washington Commanders, is entering his second NFL season with soaring expectations in fantasy football. After a rookie year marked by impressive rushing ability combined with effective passing, Daniels is positioned to be among the highest-scoring quarterbacks across all fantasy football formats in 2025, supported by Washington’s enhanced offensive line and added receiving talent.

Jayden Daniels’ Collegiate Journey and Development Into an Elite QB

Daniels began his college career at Arizona State, finishing with an 18-11 record over three seasons. Across 29 games, he threw for 6,025 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions, rushing 296 times for 1,288 yards and 13 touchdowns. Transferring to LSU, he made a significant leap, culminating in winning the 2023 Heisman Trophy. During his time at LSU, Daniels passed for over 3,800 yards with 40 touchdowns and just four interceptions, while adding 1,134 rushing yards and 10 rushing touchdowns. His career record at LSU was 19-7.

Daniels’ success at LSU was amplified by a potent receiving corps, featuring Malik Nabers (89 receptions, 1,569 yards, 14 touchdowns), Brian Thomas Jr. (68 receptions, 1,177 yards, 17 touchdowns), and Kyren Lacy (30 receptions, 558 yards, 7 touchdowns). This dynamic offense allowed Daniels to combine pocket presence with explosiveness on the ground, making him a dual-threat quarterback. His next area for improvement remains enhancing accuracy while on the move.

Rookie Season Highlights and Fantasy Impact

Selected second overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, Daniels’ rookie fantasy output placed him alongside quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson, benefiting from superior speed and a high ceiling as a passer. In his first five NFL games, rushing accounted for nearly 43% of his fantasy value, tallying 300 yards and 4 touchdowns on the ground, while his passing included 1,135 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions. He showcased an impressive 77.1% completion rate and averaged 8.7 yards per passing attempt early on.

After missing part of Week 7, Daniels returned with a milestone game, throwing for over 300 yards and a touchdown. From Week 12 through Week 17, he accumulated 15 passing touchdowns, though his yards per attempt dropped to about 6.9. He peaked in postseason play with consistent passing performances, including two 2-touchdown games and a 1-touchdown game, despite limited rushing opportunities during that stretch.

Overall, Daniels finished fifth among quarterbacks in four-point passing touchdown leagues, even though he missed multiple games. His rushing totals—891 yards and 6 touchdowns on 148 carries—remained a strong suit, complemented by an average of over 31 pass attempts per game.

Outlook for Jayden Daniels in the 2025 Fantasy Football Season

Daniels brings a rare combination of running ability and passing skill that energizes the Commanders’ offense. His mobility allows him to extend plays and create opportunities, though Washington’s receiving corps still trails behind elite groups like those on the Eagles and Ravens. The presence of playmaking wide receiver Deebo Samuel, known for his open-field running, pairs well with Daniels’ style, promising an improved passing attack.

The Commanders’ offseason investments in the offensive line are expected to provide Daniels with better protection, increasing his potential for impressive yardage and scoring. Projections place Daniels as a candidate to exceed 5,000 combined yards and approach 40 total touchdowns in the 2025 season. Based on these factors, he is rated as the top quarterback for fantasy football in 2025, making him the premier QB1 option for fantasy managers.

The Significance of Daniels’ Rise in Fantasy Football and What Lies Ahead

With his dual-threat capabilities and improved supporting cast, Jayden Daniels represents a shift in the fantasy football quarterback landscape for 2025. His ability to produce both rushing and passing yards at a high level creates substantial weekly upside. If the Commanders continue to build around him, Daniels’ emerging talent could challenge established stars like Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson for the top fantasy quarterback spot.

Fantasy football enthusiasts and analysts will closely monitor Daniels’ development, as his performance impacts draft decisions and player valuations across formats. His ascent is also significant for Washington’s offense, which relies on his playmaking to compete at a higher level.