As the 2025 preseason heats up, fantasy football enthusiasts are preparing for drafts with growing anticipation. Among the top players expected to make a significant impact is wide receiver Malik Nabers, whose WR1 fantasy prediction is gaining strong support. This surge comes amid key changes in team rosters and quarterback situations that could shift the fantasy football landscape dramatically in the upcoming season.

With fantasy drafts approaching fast, understanding player potential relative to their Average Draft Position (ADP) is crucial for managers aiming to build winning teams.

Kyren Williams Faces Challenges Despite Past Strong Performance

Kyren Williams, who finished as an RB2 in 2023 and an RB10 in 2024, demonstrated durability and volume with career highs in carries, rushing yards, and touchdowns last season. However, his efficiency declined, registering zero rushing yards above expected according to NextGen Stats, ranking 29th among running backs. Explosive plays were also rare, with just 1.9% of his runs covering 15 or more yards.

Williams’ high opportunity share has been a driving force in his fantasy value, but the addition of Auburn’s Jarquez Hunter, selected in the fourth round of the 2025 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL Draft by the Rams, threatens to reduce Williams’ workload. Hunter’s explosiveness on the ground, even if limited in touches, could cap Williams’ fantasy ceiling. The presence of red-zone threat Davante Adams further alters the offensive dynamic, suggesting Williams is more likely to finish outside the top 15 running backs in PPR scoring for 2025, settling into a reliable but not elite RB2 role.

Malik Nabers Set to Lead Wide Receivers with Breakout Potential

Malik Nabers impressed as a rookie in 2024, ranking seventh among wide receivers in PPR points per game after at least eight games played. He excelled in key metrics such as target share (32.2%), targets per route run (29.4%), and air yards share, despite suffering from inconsistent quarterback play involving Daniel Jones, Drew Lock, Tim Boyle, and Tommy DeVito. His catchability rate was only 74.1%, one of the lowest among qualifying receivers.

In 2024, Nabers recorded 109 receptions for 1,204 yards and seven touchdowns over 15 games at just 21 years old, showcasing his ability to perform amid difficult conditions. The Giants have since bolstered their quarterback room by adding Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston, and 2025 first-round pick Jaxson Dart, offering Nabers the opportunity to receive higher-quality throws and unlock his true deep-threat potential.

While Nabers’ enormous target share is unlikely to be replicated fully in 2025, improvements in quarterback play should more than make up for any regression. This sets the stage for him to ascend as the WR1 in PPR scoring for the upcoming fantasy season.

Geno Smith Provides Stability and Opportunity in Las Vegas

Veteran quarterback Geno Smith has delivered consistent fantasy production over the past three seasons, averaging 15 or more fantasy points per game, with an impressive 68.5% completion rate and nearly 24 touchdowns per year. Known as one of the NFL’s best deep-ball passers, Smith was especially effective when protected by a clean pocket in 2024, ranking third in the league in that category.

Recently traded from Seattle to Las Vegas, Smith now benefits from a stronger offensive line and a diverse group of receivers. Las Vegas boasts weapons such as tight end Brock Bowers, running back Ashton Jeanty, and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers underneath, as well as deep threats Tre Tucker and Dont’e Thornton to stretch defenses.

Given the Raiders’ weak defense, Smith’s team will likely rely on passing to keep pace, positioning him for another top-15 fantasy quarterback finish in 2025.

Rome Odunze Poised to Surpass Veteran D.J. Moore in Chicago’s Receiving Corps

Rome Odunze’s rookie season was disappointing compared to expectations, with 54 receptions on 101 targets yielding 734 yards and three touchdowns. The lack of chemistry with quarterback Caleb Williams, who missed several deep chances, contributed to a low WR56 finish in PPR points per game (8.5).

However, Chicago has restructured its offensive coaching staff for 2025, appointing Ben Johnson as head coach. Johnson has publicly praised Odunze’s route-running abilities and overall talent, fueling optimism about his growth. Reports indicate Odunze and Williams have been building a strong connection throughout the offseason, boosting confidence that Odunze will exceed expectations.

As the Bears’ top 10 draft pick aimed at eventually becoming their WR1, Odunze is expected to surpass veteran receiver D.J. Moore and emerge as Chicago’s leading pass-catcher in the next season.

Stefon Diggs’ Return to Health Brings Veteran Leadership to New England

Although Stefon Diggs was sidelined by a torn ACL in Week 8 of the 2024 season while playing in Houston, he put up solid numbers in the first half of the year, ranking 15th among wide receivers in PPR scoring. Diggs caught 47 of 64 targets for 496 yards and three touchdowns, serving as a reliable option for quarterback C.J. Stroud, particularly from the slot.

Despite the injury, Diggs secured a three-year, $63.5 million contract with the New England Patriots during the offseason. Contrary to expectations that he might miss much of training camp, Diggs has been fully healthy and shown excellent route-running, consistently winning matchups and providing quarterback Drake Maye a dependable deep threat.

While questions remain about his readiness for Week 1, Diggs is expected to lead the Patriots’ wide receiver group, maintaining his streak of top-24 fantasy finishes every season since 2016. His experience and savvy route-running are anticipated to deliver a top-15 wide receiver performance in 2025, anchoring New England’s passing attack.

Significance of Player Developments for 2025 Fantasy Football Managers

These evolving player narratives highlight the dynamic nature of fantasy football heading into 2025. Malik Nabers stands out as a rising star poised to lead the wide receiver position in PPR scoring, driven largely by improved quarterback support and his demonstrated talent despite adverse conditions in his rookie year.

Meanwhile, the shifts in workload and efficiency for players like Kyren Williams and the promising outlook for Rome Odunze and Geno Smith create new strategic considerations for fantasy managers. Stefon Diggs’ recovery and move to New England add a dependable veteran presence with scoring potential.

Fantasy football owners should closely monitor these developments, as leveraging these player trajectories when selecting their draft targets may translate into a competitive advantage for the 2025 season and beyond.