Early Look at 2025: Quarterback Tiers and Strategies for Dominating Your Fantasy Football League

The 2024 NFL season was a rollercoaster, with unexpected breakouts and disappointing performances. As we look ahead to 2025, one thing is clear: quarterback play is more critical than ever in fantasy football. Securing a top-tier QB can be the difference between a playoff berth and another year of regret. Let’s dive into the early quarterback tiers for 2025 and explore strategies to help you dominate your fantasy league.

The Elite Tier: League Winners

This tier is reserved for the quarterbacks who consistently deliver top-five fantasy performances. These players offer a combination of passing prowess and rushing upside, making them weekly must-starts.

Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills): The reigning NFL MVP, Allen continues to be a fantasy force. In 2024, he threw for 4,367 yards and 32 touchdowns while adding 636 rushing yards and a staggering 14 rushing touchdowns. Allen’s dual-threat ability makes him the gold standard for fantasy quarterbacks.
Lamar Jackson (Baltimore Ravens): Jackson’s 2024 season was arguably even better than his MVP campaign in 2023. He posted career-highs in passing yards (4,601) and passing touchdowns (45) while still rushing for nearly 1,000 yards and four scores. Jackson’s explosiveness and consistent production solidify his place among the elite.
Jayden Daniels (Washington Commanders): Daniels lived up to the hype in his rookie season, averaging 23.7 fantasy points per game (excluding a Week 7 injury). His dual-threat ability and the Commanders’ revamped offense make him a potential dynasty QB1.

Strategy: If you have the opportunity to draft one of these quarterbacks, don’t hesitate. Their consistent high-end production provides a significant advantage over your opponents.

The Solid Starters: Consistent Performers

This tier features quarterbacks who may not have the same ceiling as the elite tier but offer reliable production week in and week out. They are capable of leading your team to victory and can be acquired at a slightly lower draft cost.

Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs): Even in what some considered a “down year,” Mahomes remained a top-10 fantasy quarterback. His ability to make plays both inside and outside the pocket, combined with his exceptional arm talent, keeps him firmly in this tier.
Jared Goff (Detroit Lions): Under the direction of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Goff had his best NFL season to date in 2024. He appeared supremely confident, feasting on the middle of the field and using his live arm to execute Johnson’s dastardly schemes to near perfection. Goff helped the Lions finish with the No. 2 offense in total yards per game and passing yards per game.
Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals): Burrow’s 2024 season was cut short due to injury, but his talent and potential remain undeniable. When healthy, he’s a top-tier passer with a strong supporting cast.

Strategy: Drafting a quarterback from this tier allows you to address other positions of need early in the draft while still securing a reliable starter.

The Upside Plays: Boom-or-Bust Potential

This tier is for fantasy managers who are willing to take a risk for a potentially high reward. These quarterbacks possess the talent and opportunity to break out but come with some uncertainty.

Justin Fields (New York Jets): Fields’ move to the Jets could revitalize his fantasy value. His rushing ability provides a solid floor, and if he can improve as a passer, he has the potential to be a top-10 quarterback.
Kyler Murray (Arizona Cardinals): Murray’s return from injury in 2024 was promising. His rushing ability and the Cardinals’ improved receiving corps make him an intriguing upside play.
Anthony Richardson (Indianapolis Colts): Richardson’s rookie season was cut short due to injury, but his potential is undeniable. His combination of size, arm strength, and rushing ability gives him a high ceiling, but his accuracy and decision-making need improvement.

Strategy: Target these quarterbacks in the mid-to-late rounds of your draft. Their upside makes them worth the risk, and if they hit, you’ll have a significant advantage at the quarterback position.

The Sleepers: Late-Round Gems

These quarterbacks are often overlooked but possess the potential to outperform their draft position. They are ideal targets for fantasy managers who prefer to wait on the quarterback position.

Brock Purdy (San Francisco 49ers): Purdy led all NFL quarterbacks in yards per attempt (9.6) and passer rating (113.0) last season, and he finished QB7 in fantasy scoring. Purdy benefits from a top-drawer ecosystem, with Kyle Shanahan as his playcaller and Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle as his pass catchers.
Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers): Love adds some value as a runner and has a deep group of young pass catchers.
Michael Penix Jr. (Atlanta Falcons): Penix will be a popular sleeper or breakout candidate as the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons.

Strategy: Target these quarterbacks in the late rounds of your draft. Their low cost and potential for significant production make them valuable additions to your roster.

2025 NFL Draft Quarterback Prospects

The 2025 NFL Draft is loaded with quarterback talent, which could shake up the fantasy landscape. Keep an eye on these prospects:

Cam Ward (Miami): Ward completed 67 percent of his passes for 4,313 yards with 39 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2024. He has enough arm strength to stretch defenses vertically and can ad-lib his team into big plays.
Shedeur Sanders (Colorado): Sanders completed 74 percent of his passes for 4,134 yards with 37 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 2024. He throws with anticipation from the pocket and can test defenses with his feet when facing man coverage.
Jalen Milroe (Alabama): Milroe is the most physically gifted quarterback in the 2025 draft class, but he is still far too inconsistent in when and how he delivers the football.

Strategy: Monitor the landing spots of these rookies. A favorable situation could propel them into fantasy relevance immediately.

Fantasy Draft Strategies for 2025

Early QB: If you want to secure an elite quarterback, be prepared to spend a high draft pick. This strategy provides a significant advantage at the position but may require you to sacrifice depth at other positions.
Late-Round QB: Waiting on the quarterback position allows you to load up on running backs and wide receivers early in the draft. This strategy requires you to identify sleepers and upside plays in the later rounds.
Superflex/2QB: In leagues that start two quarterbacks, the position becomes even more valuable. Be prepared to draft quarterbacks early and often.

Conclusion

The quarterback position is crucial in fantasy football. By understanding the different tiers of quarterbacks and employing the right draft strategy, you can build a team that is poised for success in 2025. Keep an eye on player movement, rookie development, and evolving offensive schemes to stay ahead of the curve and dominate your league.