In-Depth 2025 NFL Quarterback Analysis

With the 2025 NFL season approaching, we break down the top 30 fantasy football quarterbacks based on recent performance, offensive schemes, and supporting casts. These rankings exclude rookies due to uncertain landing spots.

Elite Tier: Franchise-Defining Quarterbacks

1. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
The reigning MVP continues his dominance with elite dual-threat ability. Allen has finished top-2 in fantasy scoring for 5 straight seasons despite reduced pass volume (482 attempts in 2024). His career-low 5 INTs show improved decision-making to complement his league-best rushing production (top-5 QB rusher for 7 straight seasons). At 29, with an improved supporting cast, Allen remains the safest QB1.

2. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
The 2024 fantasy QB1 outscored Allen by 51 points thanks to career highs in passing metrics (attempts, yards, TDs) while maintaining elite rushing production (QB leader in rush yards 7 straight seasons). His 8.8 YPA led the league. At 28 with the same supporting cast, Jackson offers unparalleled weekly upside.

3. Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
Daniels' rookie campaign (355.8 fantasy points) nearly broke Cam Newton's rookie record (370.3). The dual-threat phenom was particularly dominant down the stretch (24+ points in final 5 games). With added weapons (Deebo Samuel, Laremy Tunsil), Daniels could challenge for QB1 overall.

High-End Starters

4. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
The Super Bowl MVP continues to dominate on the ground (QB leader in rush attempts/TDs 4 straight years). Needs passing volume (20th in attempts) but delivers elite per-game production (22.2 PPG, 3rd in 2024).

5. Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
The Comeback Player of Year led NFL in pass attempts, yards, and TDs. Limited rushing caps ceiling, but the Chase/Higgins duo in pass-heavy offense keeps him top-5.

6. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
No longer elite for fantasy (11th in 2024) but potential rebound exists with new weapons (Xavier Worthy, Rashee Rice). Conservative approach (6.4 aDOT) limits ceiling.

7. Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
2024 breakout (4th in PPG) featured career-high pass volume (top-5 attempts, yards, TDs) and rushing. Consistent production in air raid system (76.6% pass TDs since 2022).

Solid QB1 Options

8. Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
Improved rushing (career-high yards/TDs) offsets slight dip in pass TDs (30→20). Elite efficiency (3rd in YPA) with Shanahan scheming targets open.

9. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
Played full season for first time since 2020 with top-13 passing/rushing production. Expected Year 2 leap from Marvin Harrison Jr. could boost numbers.

10. Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
Impressive rookie (316.2 pts, 5th all-time for rookies) showed major improvement (7.4 YPA, 24 TDs in final 10 games). Added Evan Engram helps.

Mid-Range Starters

11-20 feature intriguing talents with varying concerns:

• Justin Herbert (11th) limited by Harbaugh's run-heavy system
• Caleb Williams (12th) poised for Year 2 leap with Ben Johnson calling plays
• Drake Maye (13th) offers rushing upside in conservative Vrabel offense
• Justin Fields (14th) gets fresh start with Jets' weapons (Garrett Wilson)
• Jared Goff (15th) loses Ben Johnson, lacks rushing floor
• Tua Tagovailoa (16th) limited by ultra-conservative approach (5.7 aDOT)
• Dak Prescott (17th) coming off injury-marred season with weak supporting cast
• J.J. McCarthy (18th) inherits QB-friendly Vikings offense
• Jordan Love (19th) needs to recapture 2023 rushing production
• Matthew Stafford (20th) lacks mobility but has elite WR duo

Late-Round Targets

21-30 present high-variance options:

• Anthony Richardson (21st): Elite rushing upside but accuracy concerns
• Michael Penix (22nd): Takes over run-heavy Falcons offense
• C.J. Stroud (23rd): Needs rebound after sophomore slump
• Trevor Lawrence (24th): Perennially underachieves fantasy expectations
• Geno Smith (25th): Reunites with Pete Carroll in Las Vegas
• Sam Darnold (26th): 2024 breakout faces tougher Seattle situation
• Bryce Young (27th): Closed 2024 strong with improved rushing
• Russell Wilson (28th): Minimal rushing upside at age 36
• Derek Carr (29th): Steady veteran with limited ceiling
• Aaron Rodgers (30th): Free agent with dwindling fantasy value

Fantasy Draft Strategy

Target elite dual-threat QBs early (Allen/Jackson/Daniels), then prioritize high-volume passers with rushing upside. Wait on high-floor veterans like Stafford or Carr only in superflex leagues.