During his rookie year, Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix gradually emerged as a dependable fantasy football option. By midseason, he became a weekly quarterback starter, raising questions among fantasy managers about his reliability as a top-tier QB1 heading into the 2025 season. Considering Nix’s development and role in Denver, the decision to target him in your Bo Nix fantasy football draft carries significant weight.
The Broncos took Nix early in the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting him as the sixth quarterback within the first 12 picks. This move was widely viewed as a necessity more than a strategic choice, reflecting Denver’s urgent need for a starting quarterback. Despite this perception, the commitment to Nix was clear—taking a quarterback that high practically guarantees a starting role.
At the start of his rookie season, Nix’s performance was underwhelming. He amassed just 138 passing yards and 13.0 fantasy points in his debut and averaged only 12.3 fantasy points per game over the first four weeks. Most fantasy managers held off on drafting him during this period, often finding him freely available on waiver wires.
However, everything changed beginning in Week 5. Nix’s production surged, and he consistently delivered QB1-worthy numbers each week. From that point to the end of the regular season, his average jumped to 21.5 fantasy points per game, trailing only elite quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen.
Attributes Behind Nix’s Fantasy Value
One key to Nix’s success is his mobility, which adds a dynamic element to his game beyond traditional pocket passing. Interestingly, some of his best fantasy weeks came when his rushing contributions were minimal, underscoring his growth as a pure passer. Despite the rookie jump, Nix’s overall performance grade from PFSN’s QB+ metric was just a C+, indicating ample room for improvement this season.
Currently, Bo Nix’s average draft position (ADP) sits around QB8, a slot where many fantasy drafters hesitate to invest unless the quarterback is an elite producer or a late-round breakout candidate like Jayden Daniels. Though this is a cautious approach, reflecting on Nix’s rookie surge and the team’s offseason changes brings a fresh perspective.
Since last season, the Broncos have modestly upgraded their offensive weapons by adding tight end Evan Engram and rookie wide receiver Pat Bryant, which could bolster Nix’s passing opportunities. While these additions are not transformative, they represent meaningful enhancements that could support Nix’s sophomore leap.
Fantasy managers should note that Nix often goes three to four rounds after quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts, despite comparable production from Week 5 on. This gap invites reconsideration of Nix’s value in drafts and whether waiting for other QBs might be a missed opportunity.
Expert Fantasy Projection from Frank Ammirante
Fantasy analyst Frank Ammirante highlights Nix’s surprising rookie campaign, where he threw for 29 touchdowns and rushed for 430 yards, helping Denver secure a playoff berth. Nix finished as the ninth-best fantasy quarterback by points per game and ranked sixth among QBs from Week 5 onward. Despite this, Ammirante points out that Nix is currently ranked ahead of higher-drafted rookies such as Caleb Williams and Drake Maye in drafts.
This ranking contrast reflects the differing expectations and team situations across the top quarterback prospects. Though Nix outperformed Williams and Maye last year, those players’ draft capital and offensive talent pools suggest they could surpass Nix in 2025. For fantasy managers, this implies a potential strategy of waiting 10 to 15 picks to select Williams or Maye instead of Nix.
The Broncos’ improved offense includes running back RJ Harvey and tight end Evan Engram, giving Nix more options but also elevating his draft cost. This increased price reduces the upside for fantasy profit and positions Nix as more of a conservative floor pick. Additionally, the risk of a sophomore slump looms large, as players who exceed expectations in their first season often face regression the next year.
What This Means for Your 2025 Fantasy Draft Strategy
Bo Nix’s fantasy performance last season revealed his potential to be a top fantasy quarterback, but uncertainty remains heading into 2025. His rookie season skills combined with a slightly improved supporting cast suggest growth is possible, yet his current draft price demands careful consideration. Fantasy managers must weigh Nix’s proven upside against the chance that his production plateaus or declines amid stiff competition within the quarterback class.
For those preparing their Bo Nix fantasy football draft plans, this means being alert to where Nix lands in early to mid rounds relative to other quarterbacks. Considering how close his performance was to elite QBs like Jalen Hurts late last season, selecting Nix could be a calculated risk with a solid floor. However, waiting for players like Caleb Williams or Drake Maye who may offer greater upside suggests alternative strategies hold appeal.
Ultimately, Nix’s trajectory will be a storyline worth watching, as his growth could influence not only individual fantasy fortunes but also how the Broncos’ offense shapes up in the coming year. Fantasy managers should closely monitor preseason developments and be ready to adapt their draft strategies accordingly.