Early 2025 Fantasy Football Best Ball Targets: Players to Lock In Early

The fantasy football grind never really stops — especially for best ball fanatics. While most people are just starting to enjoy their summer, true fantasy diehards are already deep into 2025 drafts, dissecting off-season changes and scouting rookie talent. It's go time.

With the NFL Draft in the rearview and rosters finally taking shape, we're officially entering prime drafting season. Whether you're a best ball veteran or just dipping your toes in for the first time, reviewing our Best Ball Rankings and having a few key players circled can make all the difference. Here are some targets who offer value, upside, or both.

Let's dig into it.

Quarterbacks to Target

Justin Fields – New York Jets

Fields is getting a new lease on life in New York. His fantasy output when healthy last season was top-tier — averaging over 19 points per game and showing elite efficiency on a per-dropback basis. Known for his rushing upside, Fields now joins a team with a revamped offense and a head coach who wants to let him run wild.

His familiarity with Garrett Wilson, his old Ohio State teammate, plus the Jets' draft additions (Armand Membou and Mason Taylor), give him a real shot to outperform his current ADP. He's not a safe floor guy — but the ceiling? Huge.

Drake Maye – New England Patriots

Maye is shaping up to be a classic sophomore breakout. After a solid rookie campaign in a rough situation, he now has a bolstered offensive line and a much-improved supporting cast (hello, Stefon Diggs). His legs add another layer of upside, making him an intriguing pick who could easily flirt with top-12 production.

Running Backs Worth Grabbing

Chase Brown – Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals are clearly all-in on Brown. With minimal competition added this offseason and an offense that favors bell-cow backs, Brown is set up for major volume. When he took over last year, he strung together an elite run—averaging over 18 points per game and ranking No. 1 in expected fantasy points.

If he stays healthy, Brown could be this year's Kyren Williams — only faster.

Jordan Mason – Minnesota Vikings

Mason is one Aaron Jones injury away from a full-time role in a much-improved offense. Minnesota has upgraded its O-line and didn't add serious RB competition. Given Jones' struggles in the red zone last season, Mason could steal goal-line work and surprise as a fantasy RB2. He's an easy value at his RB38 draft spot.

Wide Receivers on the Rise

Jaylen Waddle – Miami Dolphins

Waddle's production dipped last season, but he's too talented to fade. With potential changes coming to Miami's offense and Tyreek Hill not getting any younger, Waddle's bounce-back appeal is strong. He's still just 26 and has top-15 yardage through four seasons. WR3 price tag? Yes, please.

Garrett Wilson – New York Jets

Wilson is the Jets' clear WR1 and continues to see elite volume. Now paired with Justin Fields—his former college QB—the sky's the limit. He's never finished below sixth in total targets since entering the league, yet his WR15 ADP suggests he's being undervalued. A true set-it-and-forget-it WR2 with WR1 potential.

Calvin Ridley – Tennessee Titans

Ridley remains one of the most underappreciated fantasy assets. Despite WR2 usage and a strong finish last season, he's being drafted as a WR4. In a retooled Titans offense with a rookie QB and vacated targets galore, Ridley could be a steal—especially in full or half-PPR formats.

Marvin Mims – Denver Broncos

Mims flashed late last season and could explode in Year 3. His second-half numbers (including an insane 3.63 yards per route run from Week 11 onward) show what he's capable of. With a clearer path to targets and another year in the system, Mims is an ideal late-round dart throw.

Tight Ends Flying Under the Radar

Tucker Kraft – Green Bay Packers

Kraft took a leap last year, leading all tight ends in YAC per reception. With Christian Watson sidelined and little competition at TE, Kraft should be a top target for Jordan Love. He's already drawing comparisons to Kelce and Kittle—now it's time to see if he can deliver.

Evan Engram – Denver Broncos

Engram is a PPR machine and should thrive in Denver's offense. If he stays healthy, he could return to top-5 TE status. There's no alpha pass-catcher behind Sutton, and Engram could be the steady veteran target Bo Nix leans on early.

Dalton Kincaid – Buffalo Bills

Kincaid disappointed last year, but injuries were a major factor. He saw elite target share when on the field and could rebound in a big way if he stays healthy. With Stefon Diggs gone, there's opportunity galore in Buffalo's offense.

Pat Freiermuth – Pittsburgh Steelers

Freiermuth could be a late-round gem, especially if the Steelers upgrade at QB. With Pickens traded, he's the No. 2 target behind DK Metcalf. He's been a top-10 TE before, and with increased red zone usage, he might just do it again.

Like Warren Buffett has preached for years, value matters. Knowing where the opportunities lie — and who's poised to break out — can be the edge that sets your draft apart.

Let's win some leagues!

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