Fantasy football season is almost here, and it’s time to size up some of the names that could shape your lineup. The following are profiles of players I am higher on than the consensus.
Chig Okonkwo, TE, Tennessee Titans
Okonkwo enters his fourth season in Tennessee with another change under center, as rookie Cam Ward takes over the starting QB role. Historically, rookie quarterbacks have leaned on their tight ends as quick, reliable targets, a trend that could work in Okonkwo’s favor in 2025.
Last season, Okonkwo found his stride down the stretch, ranking TE10 in fantasy points from Weeks 12–18, while finishing 11th in receiving yards (610) and ninth in receptions (59) among tight ends overall. Despite only scoring three touchdowns, he maintained a solid 70% snap share over the final six games, signaling trust from the coaching staff.
The Titans’ passing game ranked 29th in yards per attempt (5.8) in 2024, so offensive improvement will be key to Okonkwo’s upside. If Ward can bring stability, Okonkwo projects as a mid-tier TE option with potential for growth, but fantasy managers should weigh his modest red-zone usage against his consistent target volume before investing.
Nugget – Okonkwo has topped 50 receiving yards in 8 of his last 14 games
Nico Collins, WR, Houston Texans
Another year, another what-if for Nico Collins. In 2024, he missed five games (again) but still closed the season with 68 catches, 1,006 yards, and 7 touchdowns, which is on a 17-game pace of 92/1,353/9. In other words, when Collins is on the field, he’s producing at elite levels.
Here’s the thing: he has yet to play a full season, but if Collins can ever string together 17 games with C.J. Stroud, the ceiling can be Ja’Marr Chase or Justin Jefferson territory.
The numbers back it up. Collins ranked WR2 in YPRR in 2023 and WR3 in 2024 when lined up outside, and in 2024, he averaged 8.2 targets per game and 17.8 FPPG. At 6’4”, 222 lbs, with 4.4 speed, he’s a nightmare for man coverage and slices up zone defenses. Collins is Stroud’s guy, and he is a big-play threat with top 4WR upside.
Nugget – OC Nick Caley has given Stroud full command of play-calling changes in the huddle, which should bode well for Collins.
Breece Hall, RB, New York Jets
Some will say Breece Hall flopped in 2024, not living up to his first-round ADP. Yes, the Jets were an absolute circus. The offensive line, which was a top 10 unit going into the season, was a major letdown. The head coach got canned after a 2-3 start, and Aaron Rodgers, well, let’s just say “toxic” is putting it politely. The whole operation was a dumpster fire.
Hall still flashed his elite skill set at times. He led all RBs with 423 routes run, caught 57 balls for 483 yards, and reminded everyone he’s still one of the best pass-catching backs in the game.
Fast forward to 2025: there’s a new sheriff in town, and his name is Aaron Glenn. He has already said he wants to pound the rock, and the Jets backed it up by drafting mauler Armand Membou at No. 7 overall and adding Justin Fields at QB.
With a healthier, rebuilt O-line and a chip on Hall’s shoulder in a contract year, he is staring at a make-or-break season with a current ADP of #32.
Nugget – Hall is a potential league-winner with the 8th easiest in-season schedule and 3rd easiest playoff schedule.
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Kansas City Chiefs
After two down seasons (by Mahomes’ standards), the fantasy community is suddenly out for one of the best to ever do it.
In 2023, Mahomes put up 4,183 yards, 27 TDs, and 14 INTs, finishing as QB8. In 2024? 3,928 yards, 26 TDs, and 11 INTs, finishing as QB12.
Now, heading into 2025, Mahomes is being drafted as QB6 with an ADP of 59th overall in FFPC drafts, the cheapest Mahomes has ever been outside his rookie year.
Yes, his YPA, completion rate, and touchdowns have dipped in the past two years, but let’s not ignore the context: shaky WR and O-line play, along with injuries, hampered last season.
This year, he gets a reloaded and healthy group of weapons back, including Brown, Kelce, Rice, Worthy, Royals, & Pacheco. A bounce-back year for a motivated Mahomes could be on the way.
Nugget – His last 5 seasons, Mahomes has ranked top 12 in QB rushing yards.
