The fantasy football landscape shifts dramatically every preseason, and the 2025 season is no exception.
As training camp reports and preseason game performances filter in, a player’s average draft position (ADP) can change rapidly.
Staying ahead of these trends is crucial for building a championship roster.
This guide highlights 10 fantasy football “risers” whose stock is on the rise and 10 “fallers” you might want to reconsider.
Fantasy Football Risers
TreVeyon Henderson (RB – New England Patriots): Henderson has a clear path to a significant role in New England’s backfield, which is now wide open. The team will lean on the run game, and Henderson’s well-rounded skillset as a runner and pass-catcher makes him a perfect fit for a three-down role.
Jacory Croskey-Merritt (RB – Washington Commanders): With the trade of Brian Robinson Jr., the Commanders’ backfield is now a prime opportunity for a new lead back to emerge. Croskey-Merritt has impressed in the preseason with his explosive plays, and he is a strong candidate to lead the team in rushing attempts.
Emeka Egbuka (WR – Tampa Bay Buccaneers): A combination of an injury to Jalen McMillan and Chris Godwin’s uncertain status for the start of the season has opened a clear path for Egbuka to see significant targets. The rookie is a pro-ready wide receiver with a polished route-running ability who fits well into Baker Mayfield’s quick-hitting offense.
Matthew Golden (WR – Green Bay Packers): Following a strong training camp and an injury to Jayden Reed, Golden has emerged as a top wide receiver option in the Packers’ offense. He brings elite speed and big-play potential to a team that is looking for more explosive pass-catchers.
Austin Ekeler (RB – Washington Commanders): Ekeler’s fantasy value has been boosted by the trade of Brian Robinson Jr., which has cleared the way for him to be the primary pass-catching back in Washington. Ekeler’s proven ability in PPR formats makes him a safe and valuable pick, as he’s now positioned for a consistent role.
Jordan Mason (RB – Minnesota Vikings): Aaron Jones is getting up there in age and likely can’t shoulder a full workload anymore. Mason’s role in the Vikings’ offense has increased, making him a popular handcuff and potential sleeper pick. He has flashed fantasy relevance in the past when given the opportunity, and he could see a significant share of the early-down work.
Jaylen Warren (RB – Pittsburgh Steelers): Warren’s veteran status and strong preseason has solidified his role in the Steelers’ backfield, and he’s now being drafted with confidence. While rookie Kaleb Johnson is all the rage and will work his way into the lineup this year, Warren’s role as the pass catcher is safe.
Omarion Hampton (RB – Los Angeles Chargers): The rookie Hampton has been a popular rising pick due to his talent and the situation in the Chargers’ backfield. With Najee Harris dealing with an eye injury, there’s a possibility that Hampton could handle a significant workload right away.
Tyler Warren (TE – Indianapolis Colts): Warren was a highly-touted tight end prospect who landed in a favorable spot with the Colts. The team has a decent receiving room that will take pressure off of him, and they invested a first-round pick in him, signaling their commitment to making him a cornerstone of the offense.
Tyrone Tracy (RB – New York Giants): Tracy has solidified his position as the lead back for the Giants, with coach Brian Daboll naming him the starter. The former wide receiver’s pass-catching ability makes him a valuable fantasy asset, especially in PPR leagues.
Fantasy Football Fallers
De’Von Achane (RB – Miami Dolphins): Achane’s ADP was rising ridiculously high in recent weeks, to the point of absurdity in the middle of the first round. The guy is explosive, sure, but he’s also a ticking time bomb with injury concerns. His latest injury, a calf, has slowed down and slightly reversed his ADP, back into the second round where he belongs. A cautionary tale about relying too much on diminutive backs.
Joe Mixon (RB – Houston Texans): An ankle injury to the veteran Mixon that has kept him inactive all offseason and has suppressed his ADP has now landed him on the PUP list. Texans GM Nick Casserio was noncommittal on a 2025 return for Mixon — which should be terrifying to both Texans fans and fantasy owners. He’s basically untouchable.
Najee Harris (RB – Los Angeles Chargers): Harris’s ADP has been free falling basically since Omarion Hampton was drafted in Round 1 of April’s draft, but also since his fireworks accident Independence Day weekend. When training camp began, just weeks from actual football beginning, he was seen “walking” around the field instead of actually participating.
Chris Godwin (WR – Tampa Bay Buccaneers): A lingering ankle injury has created uncertainty around Godwin’s availability for the start of the season. He passed a physical, so he was not placed on the PUP list, but that’s doesn’t mean he still won’t miss games to start the season. The emergence of rookie Emeka Egbuka has also clouded Godwin’s outlook, leading fantasy owners to be more cautious about drafting him at his previous ADP.
Breece Hall (RB – New York Jets): Hall’s ADP has dropped as the Jets’ offense is not only going to be a low-volume passing attack, which could cap his receiving upside, but the emergence of Braelon Allen as a potential complement and Justin Fields’ propensity to steal carries as a rushing quarterback leave little to desire from Hall.
Kenneth Walker III (RB – Seattle Seahawks): Walker’s ADP has fallen due to a nagging foot injury and the strong preseason performance of Zach Charbonnet. Fantasy owners are concerned that a healthy Charbonnet could cut into Walker’s workload, reducing his fantasy ceiling.
Ladd McConkey (WR – Los Angeles Chargers): While McConkey had a breakout rookie year, his ADP has slightly dipped due the acquisition of other weapons, including three new receivers and additional help in the backfield. The Chargers’ run-heavy scheme also raises questions about the overall passing volume and his target share.
Rashee Rice (WR – Kansas City Chiefs): Rice’s ADP has dropped significantly because of the lingering multi-game suspension to start the season (which has since been reported as a 6-game penalty). Fantasy owners are hesitant to spend a valuable draft pick on a player who won’t be on the field for a large portion of the season.
Cooper Kupp (WR – Seattle Seahawks): Kupp’s fantasy value has taken a big hit with his move to Seattle, a team with a new, run-heavy scheme and a new offensive coordinator. At 32 years old, there are concerns about his age and durability, and he’s now in a more crowded wide receiver room.
David Montgomery (RB – Detroit Lions): Montgomery’s ADP has been falling due to concerns about touchdown regression and the rising usage of Jahmyr Gibbs. Not to mention, the departure of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and the hits to the offensive line. While still a valuable back, the fear is that his high-touch, goal-line-dependent role could diminish, making him a less reliable fantasy option.
