This article dives into under-the-radar fantasy football picks, breakout candidates ready to explode, and players who may disappoint this season. Across every position — quarterback (QB), running back (RB), wide receiver (WR), and tight end (TE) — you will find detailed names, stats, records, contract details, preseason or early-season performance, and positional context. Keeping an eye on team depth charts and injury reports is essential in fantasy football, especially when targeting late-round sleepers.
Quarterback (QB)
Trevor Lawrence repeatedly shows up as a consensus sleeper among 50+ experts entering 2025. He is undervalued relative to his upside in his Jaguars offense and could outperform his ADP given improved supporting cast and system continuity. His chemistry with wideout Christian Kirk in red-zone drills and improved pocket decision-making in camp highlight a potential top 10 fantasy finish.
Jaxson Dart, selected No. 25 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft by the New York Giants, posted early stats of 508 passing yards, a 65% completion rate, and 4 TDs–2 INTs. He added 170 rushing yards and 2 rushing TDs in his first five games. Those numbers demonstrate legitimate mobility and big-play ability, giving him breakout potential in fantasy as the Giants lean into his dual-threat skill set.
Kyler Murray entered the season as QB9 in ADP but has landed at QB24 in current fantasy rankings. Passing production has disappointed, and his deep-ball accuracy has regressed. High cost without corresponding upside makes him a prime bust candidate this year.
Running Back (RB)
According to a computer model that simulated the season 10,000 times, Zach Charbonnet emerged as one of the top sleepers for 2025. He may offer a high-value ROI relative to his draft cost and is being overlooked despite legitimate opportunity. His 4.9 yards per carry average in preseason and 3 receptions per game hint at dual-threat upside in an offense expanding his role.
Quinshon Judkins, after missing Week 1, carried 83.7% of team rush attempts since Week 2, averaged 4.6 yards per carry, and out-gained several established backs despite a weak offensive line. Such workload combined with consistency signals breakout potential. With injuries creating opportunities, he could become one of the season’s biggest surprises.
Chase Brown was drafted as RB11 in many leagues but now ranks RB31. His stat line: 202 rushing yards at 2.7 YPC, only 1 rushing TD, plus 20 catches for 102 receiving yards. His explosive run rate is among the lowest in the league, and a 14.86% tackle-for-loss rate highlights serious efficiency concerns. Brown’s disappointing numbers make him a bust.
Wide Receiver (WR)
Jameson Williams stands out as a blazing-speed receiver ready to shine in 2025. A fully healthy year after prior setbacks, combined with improved chemistry with Jared Goff, positions him for a major leap. His 4.28-second 40-yard-dash speed continues to stretch defenses, creating consistent deep-ball opportunities and sleeper appeal in fantasy drafts.
Emeka Egbuka opened the season with 4 catches, 67 yards, and 2 touchdowns — a 19.6-point fantasy outing, ranking among the week’s top wideouts. He became just the 18th player ever to record two TDs in his first NFL game, signaling explosive breakout potential. With Tampa Bay expanding its passing playbook, his fantasy football target share and scoring outlook are trending upward.
A.J. Brown, drafted as WR10, has under-performed relative to cost. With Philadelphia’s offense inconsistent and volume spread thin, his early-season totals of 28 catches for 315 yards and only 2 touchdowns make him risky as a high-priced WR1. Unless production stabilizes, he is shaping up as a bust for 2025.
Tight End (TE)
T.J. Hockenson entered 2025 ranked as the 5th-best tight end despite a down 2024 (41 receptions for 455 yards, 0 TDs in 9 starts). With a new quarterback boosting short-yardage production and offensive line improvements extending drives, he is in position to bounce back. His route participation and red-zone usage in camp mark him as a top sleeper at TE.
Brock Bowers set rookie records in 2024 with 112 receptions and 1,194 receiving yards, earning All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. Entering 2025 with 131 receptions, 1,419 yards, and 5 TDs through just four games, he is already operating at elite levels. The volume and athleticism make him a breakout cornerstone for fantasy managers seeking long-term stability.
Evan Engram, ranked TE8 early in drafts, has not delivered as expected. With fewer red zone looks and erratic quarterback play limiting targets, he has fallen behind his peers. Engram’s early stat line — 16 receptions for 148 yards, 0 TDs — illustrates how quickly a trusted name can turn into a fantasy bust.
Summary & Strategy
Selecting the right mix of sleepers, breakouts, and avoiding busts is critical to building a competitive fantasy roster. At each position, players like Trevor Lawrence, Zach Charbonnet, Jameson Williams, and T.J. Hockenson represent late-round sleepers who can outproduce their cost. Breakout candidates — Jaxson Dart, Quinshon Judkins, Emeka Egbuka, Brock Bowers — provide league-winning upside. Avoiding busts such as Kyler Murray, Chase Brown, A.J. Brown, and Evan Engram helps preserve roster balance and flexibility.
Structuring your draft around upside and stability while tracking injury updates, offensive changes, and emerging depth-chart shifts maximizes performance potential. Each name, stat, and trend above reflects preseason and camp data shaping the 2025 fantasy landscape. With careful analysis, you can identify value, avoid pitfalls, and stay ahead of your league competitors all season long.