Buffalo Bills: The Quest for a True WR1
Analysis by Scott Pianowski
The Buffalo Bills dominated the NFL in 2024, with Josh Allen clinching the MVP award. However, a bizarre aspect of their success was the lack of a standout wide receiver. No player in the Bills’ receiver corps ranked in the top 35 at year’s end. This deficit is particularly glaring given Allen’s exceptional performance. The team has some young talent, like Keon Coleman, but he’s still a rising sophomore with limited upside. Most of the current receivers in Buffalo seem to have a capped ceiling. Imagine the possibilities if Allen had a dynamic field-stretcher to work with. The Bills need to prioritize adding a high-impact wide receiver in the offseason to complement their elite quarterback and truly elevate their offense to the next level.
Miami Dolphins: Reigniting the Downfield Game
Analysis by Scott Pianowski
The Miami Dolphins’ offense took a significant hit when Tua Tagovailoa suffered a concussion early in the season. To keep Tagovailoa healthy, the coaching staff scaled back on the deep passing game, and the results were evident. After Week 1, Tyreek Hill didn’t have a single reception of more than 30 yards. This was a stark contrast to his previous seasons, where he was known for explosive plays. Jaylen Waddle also saw a decline in his yards per catch, dropping to 12.8. Both receivers were clearly frustrated by the conservative approach. Head coach Mike McDaniel has a challenge ahead: he needs to regain Tyreek Hill’s excitement and trust in the offense while also allowing Tagovailoa to take deeper drops and aim for those splash plays. Addressing this issue will be crucial for the Dolphins’ fantasy relevance in 2025.
New York Jets: The Quarterback Conundrum
Analysis by Scott Pianowski
The New York Jets’ biggest problem remains at the quarterback position. The Aaron Rodgers experiment didn’t pan out, and the team is now left without a clear heir apparent. New York will be exploring every possible trade and draft option to fill this void. But the quarterback issue isn’t the only concern. Young talents Breece Hall and Garrett Wilson had disappointing seasons in 2024. Wilson’s performance may have been affected by Rodgers’ partnership with Davante Adams, who joined the team mid-season. The Jets need to reassess whether Wilson can regain his form and become a reliable target again. Ensuring stable quarterback play and addressing these young talents’ struggles will be key to moving the fantasy needle for the Jets.
New England Patriots: Cultivating the Future Around Maye
Analysis by Andy Behrens
The New England Patriots made a significant leap with the selection of rookie quarterback Drake Maye, who showed remarkable poise and promise. However, the offense as a whole needs substantial improvements. The Patriots’ offensive line was a glaring weakness, often resembling a tollbooth more than a protective barrier. Adding impact linemen should be a top priority. The team also needs to address their receiving corps, which didn’t live up to expectations. Passing on Ladd McConkey in the second round last year proved costly. If New England can build a solid foundation around Maye, particularly with better protection and more dynamic receivers, they have the potential to become a formidable fantasy team in 2025.
Cincinnati Bengals: Protecting Joe Burrow
Analysis by Andy Behrens
Joe Burrow has been a cornerstone for the Cincinnati Bengals, but his ability to stay upright has been a significant concern. Burrow was sacked 48 times in the 2024 season, a statistic that underscores the need for better protection. The Bengals also need to ensure that they can maintain their high-performing offensive chemistry with Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase. While the team doesn’t necessarily need a major shake-up, improving the offensive line and solidifying the receiver corps will help keep this offense rolling. If Burrow can remain healthy and the team continues to support him with key players, the Bengals will remain a top-tier fantasy destination.
Cleveland Browns: A Massive Rehabilitation Project
Analysis by Andy Behrens
The Cleveland Browns are facing a daunting task this offseason. They have gaping holes at quarterback, running back, and wide receiver, and they are doing so with limited cap space. To make matters worse, their star pass rusher, Myles Garrett, is reportedly seeking a trade. The team must prioritize filling these positions, especially quarterback, to have any chance of turning things around. Drafting a future quarterback and possibly bringing in a veteran caretaker for the 2025 season would be a solid start. However, the Browns’ situation is complex, and a single move is unlikely to move the needle significantly. A systematic approach to address these gaps is essential for their long-term success and fantasy relevance.
Baltimore Ravens: Maximizing Isaiah Likely
Analysis by Andy Behrens
The Baltimore Ravens boast one of the most formidable offenses in the NFL, with Lamar Jackson as the overall QB1, J.K. Dobbins as the RB2, and Mark Andrews as the TE5, along with a pair of top-30 receivers. While adding another playmaker wouldn’t hurt, the team’s immediate need is to integrate Isaiah Likely more consistently into the game plan. Likely’s involvement could further elevate an already stacked offense. Fantasy managers are always excited to see a talented wide receiver get more opportunities, and if the Ravens can commit to Likely, it will be a small but significant step forward for their fantasy prospects.
Indianapolis Colts: Expect a Leap from Anthony Richardson
Analysis by Matt Harmon
Anthony Richardson, the Colts’ franchise quarterback, needs to take a significant leap forward in 2025. Evaluating his progress will be challenging until the games start, but how Indianapolis approaches the offseason will provide insights into their confidence in him. The team is expected to add some competition to push Richardson, and this could come in the form of a trade or draft pick. The Colts have a talented wide receiver room, but stable quarterback play is essential to maximize their potential. Fantasy managers will be closely watching for signs of improvement from Richardson, as his development could significantly impact the team’s offensive output.
Jacksonville Jaguars: Liam Coen’s Vision for the Offensive Line
Analysis by Matt Harmon
The hiring of offensive coordinator Liam Coen is a significant move for the Jacksonville Jaguars. Coen’s expertise in play design and play-calling was evident in his first season, and he has a clear vision for the team’s future. One of his primary focuses will be rebuilding the offensive line, much like the Buccaneers did in recent years. Adding young talent to the line will be crucial, and Coen has already expressed his plans for Brian Thomas Jr. to play multiple alignments. This versatility could be a game-changer. While the Jaguars’ offense has shown promise, addressing the offensive line will be key to sustaining their success and moving the needle for fantasy managers.
Houston Texans: Expanding the Wide Receiver Room
Analysis by Matt Harmon
The Houston Texans need a system change and an influx of talent to rebuild their offensive line, which faltered last season. A significant shift has already occurred, and this change is likely to have a positive impact on players like C.J. Stroud, Joe Mixon, and Nico Collins. However, the wide receiver room remains a pressing concern. With Stefon Diggs becoming a free agent and Tank Dell’s future uncertain, the Texans are expected to add multiple receivers during the offseason. Finding the right complements to Collins could unlock major fantasy potential. The right additions could turn the Texans into a surprisingly strong fantasy team in 2025.
Tennessee Titans: A Quarterback Overhaul
Analysis by Matt Harmon
The Tennessee Titans are in a tough spot with the first overall pick in a quarterback class that lacks a consensus top passer. Their current duo of Will Levis and Mason Rudolph is far from ideal, and the team cannot afford to enter the 2025 season with the same combination. With a new general manager in place and Brian Callahan potentially having more influence over the quarterback selection, the Titans are poised to make significant moves. Adding multiple quarterbacks is a likely scenario, but whether these additions will rise to the level of "serious" remains to be seen. A capable quarterback is essential for the Titans to remain relevant in fantasy football.
Kansas City Chiefs: Pacheco’s Health and the Backfield
Analysis by Dalton Del Don
The Kansas City Chiefs are in a peculiar situation with their running back, Isiah Pacheco. After returning from a fractured fibula, Pacheco didn’t look the same and lost the lead-back role to 29-year-old Kareem Hunt. Pacheco’s fantasy upside is substantial, and his health and performance in 2025 will be crucial. Hunt, an unrestricted free agent, will not return, opening the door for Pacheco to reclaim his position. The Chiefs’ backfield roster moves will reveal their confidence in Pacheco’s health and his future role. Ensuring Pacheco is healthy and giving him a clear path to the lead-back role will be key to moving the needle for the Chiefs in fantasy football.
Denver Broncos: Seeking a Feature Back
Analysis by Dalton Del Don
The Denver Broncos must find a new starting running back to fill the void left by Javonte Williams, who has not recovered fully from multi-ligament knee surgery and is now an unrestricted free agent. The team’s running back depth chart is alarmingly thin, and a new feature back in Sean Payton’s offense could have top-10 fantasy RB potential. Whether the Broncos acquire their new lead back through the draft or free agency, this position needs immediate attention. A reliable running back will not only strengthen the team’s offense but also provide a significant boost to their fantasy value.
Los Angeles Chargers: Addressing the Running Back Position
Analysis by Dalton Del Don
The Los Angeles Chargers will also be focused on finding a new starting running back. J.K. Dobbins, despite a promising return from injury, has never reached 200 carries in a season and is an unrestricted free agent. The team’s commitment to running the ball heavily means that addressing this position is a top priority. A new lead back will be integral to the Chargers’ offensive strategy and will have a major impact on their fantasy relevance. Ensuring they have a strong, durable running back will be crucial for the Chargers’ success in both real and fantasy football in 2025.
Las Vegas Raiders: The Quarterback Imperative
Analysis by Dalton Del Don
The Las Vegas Raiders’ fantasy outlook is heavily dependent on securing a capable quarterback. The team’s offense languished due to the lack of a consistent QB, and the top position of need this offseason is clear. Fantasy managers are eagerly awaiting the Raiders’ moves, hoping they can provide Brock Bowers with a competent passer. Bowers has shown top-10 overall fantasy potential, but his 112 catches as a rookie resulted in only five touchdowns, highlighting the need for better quarterback play. The Raiders could look to the draft or free agency to find their new quarterback, and this decision will be pivotal in moving the needle for their fantasy prospects in 2025.
