Top Fantasy Football Targets for 2025: Burrow and McConkey Shine

As the 2025 fantasy football draft season approaches, ESPN’s Matt Bowen has identified key players to target in upcoming drafts. His analysis combines player statistics, performance tape, and potential breakout capabilities. With a focus on both high-floor and high-upside players, Bowen’s rankings provide valuable insights for fantasy managers looking to secure a competitive edge.

Top Draft Targets for 2025

Bowen’s list includes a range of players across various positions, with a particular emphasis on those who can deliver consistent performances. Highlighted amongst his top targets are running back Jahmyr Gibbs of the Detroit Lions and quarterback Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals.

Gibbs, with an average draft position (ADP) of RB3, is noted for his explosive playmaking ability. In the previous season, he scored 20 total touchdowns and achieved breakout games, averaging over 24 points six times. Despite sharing the backfield with David Montgomery, Gibbs is recognized as one of the league’s top goal-line runners, making him a solid pick for fantasy rosters.

Burrow, the Bengals’ star quarterback, led the league last season with 4,918 passing yards and 43 touchdowns, averaging 21.9 points per game (QB3). Bowen emphasizes Burrow’s elite pocket presence and his connection with top receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, positioning him as a valuable selection, particularly if available in the fourth round of a 10-team league.

Key Players to Watch

Other notable mentions include Ladd McConkey, a wide receiver for the Los Angeles Chargers, who averaged 15.1 points per game in his rookie season. His performance improved in the latter half of the season, averaging 18.7 points per game in Weeks 11-18. With his ability to create separation and be a reliable target for quarterback Justin Herbert, McConkey is viewed as having WR1 potential for the upcoming season.

Running back TreVeyon Henderson, now with the New England Patriots, is another player to consider. With an ADP of RB21, Henderson’s dual-threat capability in both rushing and receiving roles makes him a valuable addition to any fantasy team. He previously recorded 46 receptions in his last two seasons at Ohio State, indicating his potential to thrive in a professional offense.

Wide receiver Jameson Williams of the Detroit Lions, with an ADP of WR30, is recognized for his dynamic speed and ability to make big plays. Despite limited red zone targets last season, he averaged 14.4 points per game and could ascend to WR2 status with an increase in volume.

Bowen also highlights Isiah Pacheco of the Kansas City Chiefs and Jakobi Meyers from the Las Vegas Raiders. Pacheco, with an ADP of RB25, is expected to bounce back from injury, while Meyers, with an ADP of WR36, has shown promise as a dependable target in an upgraded Raiders offense.

In the quarterback category, Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who averaged 21.5 points per game last season, is recommended for those looking to draft in the later rounds. With key offensive players like Mike Evans and the first-round rookie Emeka Egbuka at his disposal, Mayfield is poised for a successful season.

Bowen rounds out his list with late-round fliers to monitor, including Ricky Pearsall of the San Francisco 49ers and Evan Engram of the Denver Broncos. Pearsall, who has the potential to thrive in a reshaped 49ers offense, and Engram, who benefits from improved quarterback play, are positioned to contribute significantly in their respective roles.

As the fantasy football landscape continues to evolve, Bowen’s insights offer a comprehensive guide for enthusiasts aiming to build a winning roster in the upcoming 2025 season.