2025 Fantasy Football Quarterback Rankings: Tiers & Analysis
Welcome to the kickoff of our 2025 fantasy football season preparations! As we look ahead to the upcoming season, the quarterback position remains the bedrock of many championship rosters. While the landscape is ever-evolving with coaching changes, free agency moves, and the influx of new talent, understanding the tiers and individual player outlooks is crucial for drafting success.
This article will break down our initial 2025 quarterback rankings into distinct tiers, offering insights into why players are grouped together and providing a detailed analysis for each signal-caller. We’ll consider factors like offensive scheme, key player additions or subtractions, and historical performance to project their fantasy impact.
Let’s dive into the 2025 quarterback class!
Tier 1: The Elite Dual-Threats
These are the quarterbacks who offer unparalleled week-winning upside due to their elite rushing production combined with high-level passing. They are truly game-changers who can single-handedly win you matchups and provide an incredibly high floor and ceiling. Their unique skillsets make them almost matchup-proof.
1. Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills)
Allen is a fantasy cheat code due to his elite rushing upside, which provides a safe floor and explosive ceiling. He’s a consistent threat for both passing touchdowns and rushing scores, especially in the red zone.
The Bills’ offence, under a stable coaching staff led by Offensive Coordinator Joe Brady (credited with helping Allen earn MVP status in 2024), continues to be built around his dual-threat abilities. While Stefon Diggs is long gone, the Bills have actively reshaped their receiving corps. Keon Coleman, a 2024 second-round pick, is poised for a significant Year 2 breakout after showing flashes in his rookie campaign. The addition of reliable route-runner Joshua Palmer and Elijah Moore, alongside the continued emergence of Khalil Shakir (who led the team in targets, receptions and yards in 2024), provides a diverse set of weapons.
Crucially, the Bills’ offensive line, which was arguably one of the best in 2024, retains its starting personnel and coaching, ensuring a strong pocket and continued success in the run game. This combination of a stable, Allen-centric scheme, an evolving receiving corps, and a stout offensive line positions him to repeat his MVP-caliber fantasy production.
2. Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens)
Jackson solidified his standing as an elite fantasy QB with another strong season in 2024, showcasing both his MVP-level passing and his game-breaking rushing. The Ravens maintain continuity with Head Coach John Harbaugh and Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken, ensuring the offence remains tailored to Jackson’s unique dual-threat abilities.
The commitment to a dominant run game is reinforced by the return of Derrick Henry, which will continue to open up play-action and deep shots for Jackson. The offensive line, a top-tier unit in 2024, returns largely intact with Pro Bowlers Ronnie Stanley and Tyler Linderbaum, providing excellent protection and run blocking. Veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins provides Jackson with another high-caliber, contested-catch specialist, diversifying the receiving corps alongside Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and elite tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely. This blend of a stable, run-heavy scheme, a strong offensive line, and an enhanced receiving group, positions Jackson for another high-volume fantasy season, maintaining his massive advantage due to his rushing floor.
Tier 2: High-Upside Stars with Rushing & Passing Prowess
This tier features quarterbacks who combine significant rushing upside with strong passing ability, making them high-end QB1s. They have the potential to challenge for the top spot, especially as they continue to develop or operate in favourable offensive schemes.
3. Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders)
Daniels was a surprise star in his 2024 rookie season, quickly proving he was far more than just a run-first quarterback. Under the guidance of Offensive Coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, the Commanders’ offence progressively opened up, allowing Daniels to showcase his impressive accuracy, deep-ball prowess, and poise from the pocket.
This ranking assumes the Commanders will successfully get Terry McLaurin under a long-term contract, ensuring Daniels retains his established, elite No. 1 receiver. Plus, the addition of Deebo Samuel via trade provides Daniels with another dynamic, versatile weapon. If Samuel stays healthy and in shape, his ability to create yards after the catch and contribute in the run game will be a significant boon, opening up Kingsbury’s creative scheme even further.
While his elite rushing upside provides an incredibly high fantasy floor, Kingsbury’s scheme adapted to highlight Daniels’ growth as a passer, creating a dynamic attack. With a full offseason to further integrate into the system and potentially more offensive weapons, Daniels is poised to build on his breakout rookie campaign and continue his ascent as a premier fantasy quarterback.
4. Jalen Hurts (Philadelphia Eagles)
Hurts offers a similar rushing-TD upside to Josh Allen, making him a consistent top-tier fantasy option. The “tush push” remains a legal play for at least another year, ensuring his incredibly high red-zone rushing floor. The Eagles’ offensive line, consistently ranked among the league’s best, features Pro Bowlers like Jordan Mailata, Landon Dickerson, and Lane Johnson, and returns largely intact, providing excellent protection and opening lanes for both Hurts and Saquon Barkley.
However, the Eagles face one of the NFL’s toughest schedules in 2025, which could force Hurts to air it out more frequently. This increased passing volume, for better or worse, adds another dimension to his fantasy profile, potentially boosting his passing yardage and touchdown totals, even if it introduces a bit more volatility. With A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith locked in as elite receivers and Dallas Goedert back on a restructured contract, Hurts is poised for another dominant fantasy season.
5. Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals)
When healthy, Burrow is a top-tier fantasy QB. His accuracy, poise, and connection with Ja’Marr Chase make him incredibly efficient. The Bengals have ensured continuity in their pass-catching corps, with Tee Higgins and Mike Gesicki both re-signing this offseason, providing Burrow with his full complement of established weapons.
While the offensive line remains a question mark, Burrow has consistently demonstrated an ability to perform at a high level despite pressure throughout his career. Plus, the expectation that the Bengals’ defence will give up a significant number of points this season could force Burrow into more high-volume passing situations, potentially leading to increased fantasy production as he’s forced to air it out to keep pace in shootouts. The primary concern remains his injury history, but if he stays on the field for a full season, his talent and the offensive environment ensure high fantasy output.
Tier 3: Intriguing Upside & Established Talent
This tier mixes quarterbacks with significant breakout potential and an established elite passer who might offer slightly less rushing upside than the top tiers but remains incredibly productive. Their fantasy outcomes will be heavily influenced by their supporting cast and scheme.
6. Bo Nix (Denver Broncos)
Bo Nix was a surprising rookie breakout in 2024, and he looks poised to build on that success. While he was a leader in checkdowns, he consistently made the right play and looked poised in the pocket, demonstrating a high football IQ. For Nix to truly ascend, he’ll need one more receiver to step up, whether it’s Marvin Mims, rookie Pat Bryant, or Trey Franklin.
However, he should get more help from the run game this year with the investment in drafting RJ Harvey and the signing of J.K. Dobbins, which will alleviate pressure and create more play-action opportunities. His efficiency and decision-making, combined with an improved ground attack, position him as an intriguing fantasy option, proving Sean Payton’s assessment that he’s the perfect quarterback to run his offence.
7. Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears)
Caleb Williams had a challenging rookie season in 2024, with much of the blame attributed to former offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, as the offence, including Williams himself, often appeared unprepared on a weekly basis.
Fortunately, the arrival of new head coach Ben Johnson signals a fresh start and a potentially massive leap in production. The Bears have invested heavily in surrounding Williams with talent, using significant draft capital on exciting offensive weapons like tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden. These additions will complement an already strong receiving duo in DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, giving Williams a variety of weapons for Johnson to scheme the ball to.
The reshaping of the offensive line provides a much-needed boost in protection, which should allow Williams more time to operate and connect with his new targets. This combination of a more tailored scheme, enhanced weaponry, and improved pass protection sets Williams up for a significant bounce-back season.
8. Baker Mayfield (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Mayfield had a resurgent 2024 season, proving he can be a high-volume, efficient passer. He’ll be working with yet another new offensive coordinator in 2025, a common theme throughout his career.
While he has reliable targets in Mike Evans, who is chasing another 1,000-yard season, and Chris Godwin, who is back on a new deal, the offensive line took a massive hit with the announcement that All-Pro right tackle Tristan Wirfs is likely to miss at least the first four games due to injury. The addition of exciting rookie Emeka Egbuka could provide an immediate boost, especially if Godwin’s recovery from his own injury is prolonged. Despite the continuity with his key receivers, the coaching change and the significant offensive line injury introduce more volatility to Mayfield’s fantasy outlook, making him slightly more volatile than his peers week-to-week.
9. Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs)
Mahomes didn’t have a top fantasy season in 2024, but the stage is set for a significant rebound. With Rashee Rice likely avoiding suspension and a rededicated Travis Kelce poised for a strong year, Mahomes’s primary targets are ready to contribute.
Plus, the explosive sophomore Xavier Worthy, who showed flashes of his game-breaking speed as a rookie, is expected to take a major leap, providing a deep threat that was often missing last season. These returning and developing weapons, combined with Mahomes’s unparalleled arm talent and creativity, create a strong possibility that he can turn the Chiefs offence back to its former explosive glory, making him a prime candidate to reclaim his spot among the elite fantasy quarterbacks.
Tier 4: Breakout Candidates & Rushing Floor
This tier includes quarterbacks who possess significant rushing upside or are in situations that could lead to a fantasy breakout. They might have a lower floor than the tiers above but offer considerable weekly upside.
10. Drake Maye (New England Patriots)
Drake Maye enters his second season with a new coaching staff, including Head Coach Mike Vrabel and Offensive Coordinator Josh McDaniels, who are expected to implement a more dynamic offensive system. The Patriots have also made significant efforts to bolster their offensive line through free agency (Morgan Moses, Garrett Bradbury) and the draft (Will Campbell), which should provide Maye with much-improved protection compared to his rookie year.
The addition of veteran wideout Stefon Diggs provides Maye with an elite, proven target, and a crucial upgrade to the receiving corps. While his rushing ability wasn’t fully utilized in his rookie season, Maye showed significant rushing upside in college (449 rushing yards and 9 TDs in 2023, 698 yards and 7 TDs in 2022). This untapped rushing potential, combined with a better offensive line and a true No. 1 receiver, could unlock a higher fantasy ceiling for Maye in 2025.
11. Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers)
Purdy benefits immensely from Kyle Shanahan’s scheme, and as a result he recently signed a massive five-year, $265 million extension with the 49ers. The team also has by far the easiest schedule in the NFL this coming season, which should provide a favourable environment for Purdy to succeed despite some roster changes.
Deebo Samuel is gone, and Brandon Aiyuk’s availability for the start of the season is uncertain due to a torn ACL and MCL suffered in October 2024; while optimistic reports suggest a chance for Week 1, the 49ers are likely to be cautious, potentially placing him on the PUP list which would sideline him for at least the first four games. This means increased roles for Ricky Pearsall and Jauan Jennings as the likely lead receivers, though Jennings himself is currently seeking a new contract or a trade.
Fortunately, Christian McCaffrey remains an elite receiving weapon out of the backfield, and if he’s back to his pre-2024 injury form, he can significantly alleviate pressure in the passing game alongside stalwart tight end George Kittle. Purdy’s fantasy value will depend on how quickly the new receiving corps gels and how effectively McCaffrey and Kittle can carry the load.
12. Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals)
Murray’s rushing ability gives him a high fantasy floor, but his passing consistency and the Cardinals’ overall offensive talent will determine his ceiling. The Cardinals used a significant portion of their draft capital trying to fix the defence, which means the offence, which has been struggling to reach the next level, will need to gel together this season.
The development of Marvin Harrison Jr. is particularly crucial for this offence to take the next step. For Murray to hold onto this spot in the rankings, he needs to get back to his rushing ways, leveraging his athleticism more frequently. Fortunately, Trey McBride will remain a monster at tight end, providing a reliable and dominant target in the passing game – the Cardinals just need to find a way for him to score more touchdowns this season.
13. Justin Fields (New York Jets)
Fields has consistently demonstrated the ability to be a top-6 fantasy quarterback in almost every game he plays, primarily due to his elite rushing upside. However, his playing style often hasn’t translated to consistent team wins, and he’s been benched multiple times throughout his career, including last season with the Steelers.
Fortunately, the Jets don’t have a strong heir apparent behind him, with Tyrod Taylor slated as his backup, which should provide Fields with a longer leash. The Jets also boast a potentially elite offensive line, which should offer Fields better protection and open up running lanes. After signing Garrett Wilson to a massive extension on July 14, Fields will also be throwing to his former college receiver, a connection that could prove highly beneficial for both of their fantasy outputs. If Fields can harness his dual-threat ability within a more stable offensive environment and with familiar targets, he could be a fantasy steal.
Tier 5: Established but Volatile / Developing Talent
This tier consists of quarterbacks who have shown flashes of brilliance but might lack consistent high-end production, or young QBs still finding their footing. They can be reliable streamers or high-upside backups.
14. Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers)
Herbert’s fantasy value will be heavily influenced by the Chargers’ coaching staff, led by Head Coach Jim Harbaugh and Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman. While Herbert possesses elite arm talent, his rushing upside is minimal, and the new regime is known for its strong commitment to the run game. This philosophy is further reinforced by the Chargers’ draft selections, including first-round running back Omarion Hampton.
Herbert’s connection with Ladd McConkey was fantastic, especially as the 2024 season progressed, and the Chargers also added wide receiver Tre Harris in the draft. Despite the potential for a run-heavy approach, Herbert’s efficiency and the presence of talented pass-catchers like McConkey and Harris should keep him as a viable fantasy option, though his ceiling might be capped by a lower passing volume than in previous years.
15. C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans)
Stroud burst onto the scene in 2023 with incredible poise and accuracy. However, his receiving weapons have changed significantly since that breakout campaign. After Stefon Diggs started strong last year, he suffered a torn ACL in Week 8 of the 2024 season and has since moved on. There are also significant questions surrounding when and if Tank Dell will return to full form after multiple devastating injuries, including a fractured fibula in 2023 and a dislocated knee with multiple torn ligaments (LCL, MCL, ACL) and meniscus damage in Week 16 of 2024, with reports suggesting he might miss the entire 2025 season.
The Texans’ reshaped receiving corps is now relying on Nico Collins as the clear number one option, alongside veteran Christian Kirk, and promising rookies like Jayden Higgins (drafted as a “Collins clone”) and Jaylen Noel, a promising slot prospect. Compounding these receiving concerns, the Texans are projected to have one of the worst offensive lines again this year after several key departures, most notably All-Pro left tackle Laremy Tunsil. This could put Stroud under considerable pressure, and his ability to overcome these challenges and maintain his high-level play will be crucial for his fantasy output.
16. Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers)
Love looked like he was primed to take a top-12 spot in the QB rankings after his strong finish to the 2023 season, but his inconsistencies throughout that year make him a difficult fantasy option to rely on. Despite those ups and downs, he benefits from a strong offensive line, which PFF ranked 10th in the league heading into 2025, with key returning players like Elgton Jenkins, Zach Tom, and the signing of Aaron Banks. Additionally, his receiver corps should be boosted with the first-round selection of Matthew Golden.
Golden, drafted 23rd overall, brings blazing speed (4.29-second 40-yard dash) and strong hands, offering a deep threat and versatile route-runner to complement the existing young talent. If Love can iron out his inconsistencies and fully capitalize on his strong supporting cast, he has the potential for a significant fantasy leap.
17. J.J. McCarthy (Minnesota Vikings)
McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has a chance to step into a significant role for the Vikings, potentially mirroring the fantasy production seen from Sam Darnold, who finished as the QB9 in fantasy points per game in 2024.
He’ll be working behind an improved interior offensive line. While Jordan Addison has a potential suspension looming due to a 2024 DUI citation (he was found asleep behind the wheel of a Rolls Royce near LAX and has pleaded not guilty to misdemeanour charges, McCarthy will still have elite weapons at his disposal.
He’ll be throwing to superstar wide receiver Justin Jefferson and Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson. Additionally, McCarthy will benefit from playing under Head Coach Kevin O’Connell, one of the best offensive minds in the game who is heavily credited for Darnold’s 2024 breakout. This combination of a strong supporting cast and an astute play-caller could help McCarthy overcome any early challenges and emerge as a valuable fantasy asset.
18. Dak Prescott (Dallas Cowboys)
Prescott consistently delivers high-end fantasy numbers, particularly in passing touchdowns. The Cowboys’ offence, even with potential changes, funnels through him and CeeDee Lamb. He now also has a revamped wide receiver room with the trade for George Pickens.
Prescott needs to prove he can stay healthy and replicate his 2023 season, where he was in the discussion for MVP. Prescott offers no rushing upside at this point of his career which limits his fantasy value. His efficiency and willingness to push the ball downfield might keep him fantasy relevant this season if he can stay on the field.
Tier 6: Veteran Streamers & Developing Youngsters
These quarterbacks are generally best used as streamers in favourable matchups or as deep league options. They offer a lower floor but can provide serviceable weeks.
19. Trevor Lawrence (Jacksonville Jaguars)
Lawrence has shown flashes of elite play but needs to put it all together consistently. The Jaguars are likely to improve this season on offence with the hiring of Liam Coen as head coach. However, Lawrence has yet to surpass 18 fantasy points per game in a season, and the offensive line is still an issue in Jacksonville. His fantasy value will depend on how quickly he adapts to the new system and if the offensive line can provide sufficient protection.
20. Jared Goff (Detroit Lions)
Goff is a solid, efficient passer in a run-heavy, play-action heavy offence. Despite Dan Campbell still running the show in Detroit, the loss of Ben Johnson, who departed to become the head coach of the Chicago Bears, will be a major factor for the offense this season.
John Morton, the new offensive coordinator, last held a coordinator role in the NFL in 2017 with the New York Jets, making it difficult to assume that Goff will take a significant leap in fantasy production this season without Johnson’s creative play-calling. His fantasy value is largely tied to the Lions’ offensive line withstanding the losses of Frank Ragnow and Kevin Zeitler, and utilizing the running game to set up high-percentage throws and red-zone opportunities. He’s a safe floor, limited ceiling option.
21. Matthew Stafford (Los Angeles Rams)
Stafford can still sling it, especially with elite receivers like Puka Nacua and the addition of Davante Adams, which might even be an upgrade over Kupp. However, the Rams traditionally score a lot of their touchdowns on the ground, and Stafford’s inability to gain anything on the ground keeps him primarily as a bye-week fantasy option. His fantasy value is tied to his health and the Rams’ ability to maintain a high-volume passing attack despite their run-heavy tendencies.
22. Bryce Young (Carolina Panthers)
While Young seemed to be figuring things out at the NFL level after a rough start to his career, he still has a lot to prove to become a reliable fantasy option. Carolina has invested more in the offence by drafting a potential number one receiver in Tetairoa McMillan. Despite this, Young remains a risky pick even in superflex leagues.
23. Geno Smith (Las Vegas Raiders)
Geno Smith is now on the Las Vegas Raiders. Under new head coach Pete Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, the Raiders offence will certainly be running more plays than they did in 2024. With an early pick used on Ashton Jeanty, look for Kelly to continue to focus on building the offence through the run game. While the Raiders may be forced to play catch-up in many games this season, it’s hard to see Geno Smith breaking out this season in a new environment. His fantasy ceiling remains limited.
24. Michael Penix Jr. (Atlanta Falcons)
Penix Jr. looked stellar in his limited appearances at the end of the 2024 season. He certainly isn’t afraid to let the ball fly and was heavily targeting Drake London when doing so. However, he can be overly aggressive, leading to turnovers that will limit his fantasy upside. His fantasy relevance in 2025 will depend on his ability to minimize these turnovers while maintaining his aggressive passing style.
Tier 7: Deep Dynasty & Emergency Options
This tier consists of quarterbacks who are primarily deep league or dynasty stashes, or emergency fill-ins. Their fantasy outlook for 2025 is highly uncertain or limited.
25. Sam Darnold (Seattle Seahawks)
Sam Darnold parlayed his great season working with Kevin O’Connell in Minnesota into a lucrative deal in Seattle for the 2025 season. Seattle’s offensive line has the same issues that have plagued Darnold throughout the majority of his career: if there is pressure up the middle, he often struggles.
The Seahawks loaded up on slot options this offseason, so it seems that Gary Kubiak, the new offensive coordinator, will focus on getting the ball out of Darnold’s hands quickly and efficiently, which unfortunately doesn’t usually lead to an abundance of fantasy points. He remains a deep league or emergency option.
26. Cam Ward (Tennessee Titans)
Cam Ward might be the most underdiscussed number one pick in NFL history. Tennessee certainly isn’t known for drawing too many eyeballs, and they are definitely lacking in weapons for Ward to truly break out in 2025. Look for this season to be more of a development year as the Titans look towards the future. He’s primarily a deep dynasty stash.
27. Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis Colts)
Richardson’s first two seasons were both cut short by injury, and he’s already missed mini-camp this year with a shoulder issue ( an aggravation of the AC joint injury that ended his 2023 season). While he’s only three days older than the number one pick Cam Ward, he still has a lot to prove regarding his ability to stay on the field. If he can stay healthy, his dual-threat ability gives him a Josh Allen-esque ceiling, but his injury history puts him in a riskier tier for now.
28/29. Russell Wilson/Jaxson Dart (New York Giants)
I fully expect Wilson to start the season in New York, but after the losses start to pile up, head coach Brian Daboll will be forced to move to Dart to try and prove to management that there’s some hope within the organization. Both are risky picks, with Wilson offering a low floor and Dart being a pure dynasty stash with long-term upside.
30. Aaron Rodgers (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Rodgers is old and has a very limited upside as he steps into the starting role in Pittsburgh. He does have DK Metcalf and two capable tight ends in Pat Freiermuth and Jonnu Smith, but the Steelers offence will be painful to watch this season. He’s a deep league or emergency option.
31. Daniel Jones (Indianapolis Colts)
Daniel Jones appears to have the opportunity to start the season as the Colts’ quarterback this year, especially with Anthony Richardson’s recent shoulder issue. However, Jones’ fantasy value is severely limited by his injury history and inconsistent play. Unless there are significant offensive upgrades around him that can consistently elevate his performance, he’s a very risky fantasy option for 2025.
32. Tyler Shough (New Orleans Saints)
The Saints look to be one of the worst teams in the league this coming season. The quarterback room of Spencer Rattler, Tyler Shough, and Jake Haener doesn’t inspire confidence. Shough is a deep league or emergency option only.
-Devon Gallant
Twitter: @DevGallant
Photo: All Pro Reels. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.