2025 Fantasy Football QB Rankings
Updated: Friday, August 29th
As the preseason winds down (final games today), I have updated my positional rankings and overall top 200 fantasy football cheat sheet.
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Scroll down for rankings only (no comments) in table format.
Putting aside the debate over who should have won the NFL MVP award last season, it's clear that both Allen and Lamar Jackson had MVP-caliber seasons, especially as voters split their votes for MVP and the 2024 AP NFL All-Pro first team. Going into fantasy drafts this summer, Allen vs. Jackson will be the difficult (or easy) choice facing fantasy managers — and to be clear, the "easy" part is that you can't go wrong with either.
Allen posted five-year lows in several passing categories — attempts (483), yards (3,731) and touchdowns (28) — but his dual-threat skill set is what makes him so dangerous. Allen now has (at least) 12 rushing touchdowns in back-to-back seasons and 500-plus rushing yards in four consecutive seasons. He has finished as a top-two fantasy quarterback for five consecutive seasons.
2. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
What a year it was Jackson, who posted career highs in passing yards (4,172) and touchdowns (41) while leading the NFL in TD% (8.6%), yards per attempt (8.8) and passer rating (119.6)! It was the second time in his career that he has finished as fantasy's QB1. He posted a 9% TD% in his other overall QB1 season (2019), and then followed that up with a 6.9% rate in 2020. His career average is 6.4%. Long story short, he was absolutely phenomenal in 2024, but last year's ratios would be unsustainable for any quarterback including Jackson (even though he could repeat as fantasy's QB1). Although he has a max of five rushing touchdowns over the past four seasons, Jackson is the NFL's all-time leader in quarterback rushing yards, averaging a whopping 1,019 yards per 17 games over his career.
3. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
For good reason, Daniels was a favorite of many as a late-round target in fantasy drafts, and the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year delivered for those who rostered him in 2024. Daniels' ADP was QB12 (or a little later, depending on the site), and the dual-threat quarterback finished his rookie season as a top-five fantasy quarterback. Along with Lamar Jackson (2023 and 2024) and Kyler Murray (2020), Daniels became only the third quarterback in NFL history to throw and run for at least 3,500 and 800 yards, respectively, in the same season. The front office's offseason moves support his continued development as he enters year two.
4. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
In the same year that Saquon Barkley rushed for over 2,000 yards, Hurts set a career low as a full-time starter in pass attempts per game (24.1). In fact, that was a drop of 7.5 per game from his 2023 average (31.6). He finished 2024 throwing for only 2,903 yards, 18 touchdowns and five interceptions.
Even with Barkley's rushing greatness last season, Hurts extended streaks of 150-plus carries (to three seasons), 600-plus rushing yards (four) and double-digit rushing scores (four). Over the past four years, Hurts has compiled 611/2,779/52 rushing in 62 games, equivalent to 9.51 fantasy points per game from rushing stats alone. In addition, only two players (both running backs) — Derrick Henry (51) and Josh Jacobs (42) — come within 10 rushing touchdowns of Hurts (52) during that span, per Stathead. (Josh Allen is tied for fourth (40) with Joe Mixon and Jonathan Taylor.)
More: Jalen Hurts 2025 Fantasy Football Outlook
5. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
Burrow, now a two-time NFL Comeback Player of the Year, had an MVP-caliber season in 2024. (Of course, so did Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson.) In any event, Burrow led the NFL in both passing yards (4,918) and touchdowns (43). With Cincinnati doling out massive contracts to both Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins this offseason, it's all systems go for Burrow and the Bengals offense, who will often find themselves needing to keep up with their leaky defense.
6. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
Outside of his one-game rookie season, Mahomes set or tied career lows in passing yards (3,928) and touchdowns (26). Like Joe Burrow, Mahomes has enough mobility to make and extend plays, but he doesn't use it to rack up significant rushing production (307-389 rushing yards in five consecutive seasons). After finishing as a top-four fantasy quarterback in four of his first five seasons as a starter, Mahomes has finished as the QB8 and QB12, respectively, over the past two seasons. The talented trio of Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and Hollywood Brown (when healthy and active) provide hope for Mahomes to return to his previous levels of elite production.
7. Justin Fields, New York Jets
The same year (2022) that Fields threw for 2,242 yards, 17 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, he finished as fantasy's QB6 in points per game and overall. Of course, it was the elite rushing production (160/1143/8) that outweighed his anemic passing stats that year. Even before the Steelers benched him in favor of Russell Wilson in 2024, Fields was the QB6 in fantasy points per game through his six starts. I expect to be overweight Fields in 2025, especially in best ball formats.
8. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
Purdy had a down year in 2024 but still finished as the QB10 on a points-per-game basis (18.6). Compared to career rates (in parenthesis), Purdy's 65.9% completion rate (67.5%), 4.4 TD% (6.0%), and 8.5 Y/A (8.9) were all lower in 2024. Yes, Deebo Samuel now plays for the Washington Commanders and Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings and nearly every other receiver not named Ricky Pearsall seem to have injury designations (or a suspension), but Purdy is a value when comparing my projections/rankings to his current ADP.
9. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
Prescott played only eight games in 2024 and has now missed five-plus games in three of the past five seasons. Prescott went from finishing as the QB3 in 2023 to the QB21 last season in fantasy points per game. It's clear that the trade for George Pickens will make a significant impact to the offense, and his skill set is an ideal complement opposite CeeDee Lamb. Describing himself as "a chill guy" who is "staying humble," Pickens is entering the final year of his rookie contract and should be motivated to show the best version of himself in 2025.
10. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Mayfield set career highs in passing yards (4,500) and touchdowns (41), although he also led the NFL in interceptions (16). That said, he finished as fantasy's QB4 in 2024 after finishing as the QB10 in his first season with the Bucs. Only Lamar Jackson (16) had more QB1 finishes last season than Mayfield (13). While he'll have his third offensive coordinator in as many seasons, new OC Josh Grizzard was the passing game coordinator for Liam Coen, who's now Jacksonville's head coach. First-round pick Emeka Egbuka should make a significant and immediate impact, but regression and injuries/rehabs for left tackle Tristan Wirfs and wide receivers Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan to start the season could lead to a disappointing season compared to his fantasy ADP.
11. Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
Nix started slowly (didn't throw first touchdown until Week 4), but he was one of the most productive fantasy quarterbacks from Week 5 through the end of the season. During that span, he completed 68.3% of his pass attempts for 3,115 yards, 28 touchdowns and eight interceptions while rushing 69 times for 320 yards and two scores. He was fantasy's QB5 (QB6 on per-game basis) from Week 5-18. The Broncos added Evan Engram in free agency and used a pair of top-75 picks on playmakers — R.J. Harvey (No. 60) and Pat Bryant (No. 74) — in the 2025 NFL Draft. Denver's defense is arguably the best in the NFL, however, which could potentially limit the ceiling of the offense (i.e., fewer shootouts needed).
12. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
While fantasy managers were hoping for more from Murray in 2024, his final numbers were still solid albeit not spectacular. Murray threw multiple touchdowns in only four games, but he had another four multi-score games when including rushing touchdowns. Even with more weekly inconsistency than you may like, Murray has upside as a back-end QB1, especially if Marvin Harrison Jr. and their connection take a big step forward in year two, as many expect.
13. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers
Before the bye (Week 5), Herbert averaged only 22.8 pass attempts and 144.5 passing yards per game. He scored 12 or fewer fantasy points every week and was fantasy's QB27 during that stretch. After the bye, however, he averaged 31.8 PA and 253.2 YPG. He was the QB9 (QB12 on a PPG basis) from Weeks 6-18. Reuniting with Keenan Allen, who is back on a one-year deal, should help Herbert's efficiency, but the loss of left tackle Rashawn Slater, who tore his patellar tendon and will miss the 2025 season is a devastating blow to the offense.
14. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
Lawrence missed seven games last season, but there are reasons for optimism heading into his age-26 season. Despite Shane Waldron's role as passing game coordinator, I trust Liam Coen to get the most of Lawrence. Brian Thomas Jr. is one of the league's best young receivers and Travis Hunter is a significant upgrade opposite him.
15. Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears
Poised for a breakout season, Williams benefits from the trifecta of improvements in offensive coaching, protection and weapons. After completely revamping their interior offensive line in free agency, the Bears also used their first three draft picks on the offense — tight end Colston Loveland, wide receiver Luther Burden III, and offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo. Williams (along with Justin Fields) is one of my favorite targets later when I don't draft a top-four option.
16. Drake Maye, New England Patriots
Could Maye breakout in 2025? There are plenty of positive signs. The Patriots bolstered their pass protection and pass-catching weapons via free agency and the NFL draft including Stefon Diggs, LSU's Will Campbell (Round 1), Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson (Round 2), and Washington State's Kyle Williams (Round 3). Considering his rushing ability, Maye's floor is high even with a run-heavy approach under Mike Vrabel, but the improvement in offensive firepower gives him more upside as a passer in year two.
17. Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers
Love, who missed Weeks 2 and 3, finished 2024 with 3,389 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Not only was he a non-factor as a rusher (25/83/1), but his splits, as a passer, were also rough last season:
- Weeks 1-7: 15 PaTDs (3 TDs/G); 1,351 PaYD (270.2/G); 22.2 Fantasy PPG
- Weeks 8-18: 10 PaTDs (1 TD/G); 2,038 PaYD (203.8/G); 13.4 Fantasy PPG
Slowed as he battled injuries in 2024, Love is poised to run more often (although nobody will confuse him for Lamar Jackson or Jayden Daniels), and he has a chance to rebound in 2025. (He was fantasy's QB5 in 2023.)
18. J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
With one of the league's best offensive instructures in place, McCarthy should hit the ground running (maybe literally, too) in his debut season after missing 2024 with a torn meniscus. Kevin O'Connell had Sam Darnold playing at an MVP-caliber level for much of the year, and the team has a good offensive line with a talented group of weapons (Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, etc.). Given his plus athleticism and environment, there is plenty of upside for a season similar to Bo Nix's rookie campaign (ADP of QB20+ with a top-10 finish).
19. C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
What a difference a year made, as Stroud finished his 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign as fantasy's QB8 in points per game and as the QB26 in 2024. The coaching staff did him no favors and Stefon Diggs and Tank Dell ended the year on IR with Nico Collins also missing five games in 2024. With the additions of Christian Kirk in free agency and Iowa State rookies Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel in the draft and a new offensive coaching staff in place, there is some optimism for Stroud to rebound in 2025 although the offensive line remains an issue.
20. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
The main concern with Goff is losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, but new offensive coordinator John Morton was a senior offensive assistant when Johnson became OC in 2022. Another concern is the loss of center Frank Ragnow (retirement) and Kevin Zeitler (free agency), but the Lions have a very talented group of pass catchers — Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Sam LaPorta, Jahmyr Gibbs, etc.. Goff has finished as fantasy's QB10, QB7, and QB6, respectively, over the past three seasons.
21. Geno Smith, Las Vegas Raiders
It's obvious that Smith is an upgrade over the trio of Aidan O'Connell, Gardner Minshew and Desmond Ridder, all of whom made starts in 2024, and a more competent passing attack with benefit Brock Bowers, Jakobi Meyers, and the team's pass catchers. While Smith's best fantasy season (2022, QB5 — eighth on a PPG basis) was his first in Seattle with Pete Carroll, he's been a mid-tier QB2 (or worse) the past two seasons. Less useful in single-QB redraft formats, Smith has upside in two-QB or super flex and best ball formats.
22. Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers
Young was benched after a terrible start through the first two weeks last season (only 225 passing yards, 4.01 Y/A, no touchdowns and three interceptions). He didn't start again until Week 8, but he played much better, especially over the final three games (64.8%, 7.0 Y/A, seven touchdowns and no interceptions). After Carolina's Week 11 bye, Young was the QB8 in fantasy PPG (21.2) through the end of the season.
More: Bryce Young 2025 Fantasy Football Outlook
23. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins
Appearing in more than 13 games only once during his five NFL seasons, the obvious concern with Tagovailoa (in real life and fantasy) is his troubling history of concussions. Over the past three seasons, however, Tagovailoa has led the NFL in at least one different passing category — completion percentage (72.9%) in 2024, passing yards (4.624) in 2023, and TD% (6.3) and Y/A (8.9) in 2022. There's a chance he performs as a back-end QB1 if — a big if — his health cooperates, but his lack of rushing (75/193/0 since 2022) limits the upside even if he plays a full season. For example, the same year (2023) he played 17 games and led the NFL in passing yards, he finished as the QB9 in overall points (QB17 on a PPG basis).
24. Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons
Drafting Penix eighth overall only a month after signing Kirk Cousins to a massive 2024 free-agent deal was a head-scratcher (because of the investment already made in Cousins, of course). But Penix showed promise in his brief stint as a starter over the final three weeks including a three-TD performance in the finale, and a full offseason with a singular focus on getting ready as the starter could boost his chances for a 2025 breakout.
25. Cam Ward, Tennessee Titans
It's not often that quarterbacks selected first overall in the draft fly under the radar, but that's certainly the case with Ward. It would be reasonable to expect ups and downs, but he has consistently met or exceeded expectations throughout his collegiate career. Ward has the live arm, gunslinger mentality and mobility that could allow him to outperform both his ADP and my current ranking.
Here are my top 36 fantasy quarterbacks for 2025: