The dust has settled on the 2025 NFL Draft, and with it, a fresh wave of excitement (and paralysis by analysis) has swept through the fantasy football world.
While the focus often immediately shifts to the shiny new rookies, the draft’s ripple effects extend far beyond just the incoming class. For veteran quarterbacks, the draft can signify a significant boost or a concerning setback.
This year, a handful of signal-callers have seen their fantasy stock surge thanks to new talent arriving on their rosters, improved offensive lines, or simply a clearer path to a high-volume role.
Here are five signal-callers whose stock is on the rise:
Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears): Williams was already a highly touted prospect, but the Bears’ commitment to surrounding him with talent solidifies his fantasy appeal. Adding tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III through the draft, combined with existing stars like DJ Moore and Rome Odunze, gives Williams a loaded arsenal. With a new offensive play caller (Ben Johnson), the Bears’ offense is poised to be significantly more explosive, allowing Williams to fully unleash his dual-threat potential.
Michael Penix Jr. (Atlanta Falcons): Penix Jr. had to bide his time in his rookie season behind veteran Kirk Cousins, but things are looking up for his sophomore year. As a high first-round pick, the Falcons are invested in his success. He’ll be throwing to talented pass-catchers like Drake London and Kyle Pitts, with Bijan Robinson providing a dynamic threat in the backfield. Penix’s big arm can unlock deep plays. His three starts to close out the 2024 season, including a 312-yard game with two touchdowns, offered glimpses of his potential.
Cam Ward (Tennessee Titans): As the No. 1 overall pick, Cam Ward immediately steps into a high-volume role for the Titans. While the team may be in a rebuilding phase, Ward’s significant draft capital signals the Titans’ commitment to him as their franchise quarterback. This likely translates to a high number of passing attempts, which is always a boon for fantasy production, even if the efficiency isn’t elite in his rookie year.
Justin Fields (New York Jets): Fields’ fantasy stock has quietly climbed after the Jets opted not to draft a quarterback early. This suggests a strong belief in Fields as their starter. His elite rushing upside, combined with a dynamic receiver in Garrett Wilson and an improved offensive line (thanks to a draft investment), makes Fields a strong fantasy option. If he can demonstrate even moderate passing improvement, his rushing floor gives him a high weekly ceiling.
Bo Nix (Denver Broncos): After a solid rookie year, Bo Nix’s outlook remains promising. Under Sean Payton’s guidance, Nix already showed flashes of being a viable fantasy quarterback, particularly with his rushing contributions. With another year in Payton’s system and the potential for a step forward in his development, Nix could provide low-end QB1 production, making him a valuable mid-to-late round target for fantasy owners.
