Fantasy Football 2025: 5 Underrated Players Poised for a Breakout Season

Every fantasy football manager knows the thrill of draft day. The big board is lit up, the first-round superstars are flying off, and you’re carefully constructing a roster you hope will lead to championship glory. While nailing your early picks is crucial, savvy managers know that leagues are often won in the mid-to-late rounds. This is where you find the hidden gems, the underrated fantasy players who wildly outperform their average draft position (ADP).

Identifying these future league-winners is the ultimate fantasy hustle. It’s about looking past last year's box scores and seeing the potential that others miss. A coaching change, a new offensive system, a vacated target share, or simple positive regression can all pave the way for a good player to become a great one. These are the fantasy football sleepers that provide immense value and give your roster the depth and upside needed to dominate.

This isn't just a list of random dart throws. We've dug deep into the analytics, coaching philosophies, and team situations to bring you five players who are being consistently undervalued in 2025 drafts. These are the breakout candidates poised to make a massive leap and become household names by season's end.

The Science of Spotting a Breakout

Before we unveil our picks, it’s important to understand what makes a player a prime breakout candidate. It’s a blend of talent, situation, and opportunity. We're looking for players who have flashed elite underlying metrics, are stepping into a more significant role, or are in an offense that is set to improve dramatically. According to experts at PFF (Pro Football Focus), per-play metrics and target rates are often stronger indicators of future success than raw cumulative stats.

This process involves more than just a gut feeling; it requires a commitment to research and a willingness to bet on talent before it becomes obvious. For those looking to truly master their craft, understanding how to unlock your potential through strategic planning is just as important in fantasy football as it is in any other venture. Now, let's get to the players who can help you do just that.

1. Roschon Johnson, RB - Chicago Bears

Why He's Underrated

When the Chicago Bears signed D'Andre Swift, many fantasy managers wrote off Roschon Johnson. Swift is the bigger name with the flashier profile, causing Johnson’s ADP to plummet into the late rounds, currently sitting around RB58. This is a classic case of the market overreacting to a new signing without considering the new coaching context.

The Path to a Breakout

Enter Ben Johnson. The Bears' new offensive coordinator comes from Detroit, where he masterminded one of the most effective and fantasy-friendly two-back systems in the league. Over the last two seasons, both David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs thrived, with Montgomery scoring a staggering 25 rushing touchdowns. At 225 pounds, Roschon Johnson is built in the powerful, goal-line-back mold of Montgomery.

Consider these factors:

• Proven System: Ben Johnson’s offense has consistently produced two fantasy-relevant running backs.

• Goal-Line Role: Johnson’s size makes him the prime candidate for the high-value touches inside the 5-yard line. Despite limited carries in 2024, he showcased elite goal-line ability.

• Swift's Efficiency: D'Andre Swift ranked near the bottom of the league in rushing yards over expected last season. While he’ll get volume, there's a clear opening for a more powerful and efficient complement.

Johnson is one of the most intriguing late-round fantasy sleepers available. He has the potential to carve out a significant, touchdown-heavily role, and if Swift were to miss any time, Johnson would immediately vault into the RB1 conversation.

2. Keon Coleman, WR - Buffalo Bills

Why He's Underrated

Keon Coleman's rookie season in 2024 didn't light up the fantasy scoreboards, finishing as the WR67 in PPR points per game. The Bills' offense was still finding its identity post-Stefon Diggs, and Coleman was a raw but talented rookie. As a result, he's often an afterthought in 2025 fantasy football drafts.

The Path to a Breakout

The departure of both Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis in the last two seasons has vacated a massive number of targets in one of the league's most potent offenses, led by superstar quarterback Josh Allen. Coleman, with his impressive size and athletic profile, is the leading candidate to emerge as Allen’s go-to red-zone target.

His situation is ripe for a second-year leap:

• Target Vacancy: The Bills have a significant need for a true alpha receiver to emerge, and Coleman has the physical tools to be that guy.

• Red-Zone Prowess: At 6'3", 213 pounds, Coleman is a natural red-zone threat, an area where Josh Allen loves to throw the ball.

• Natural Progression: Second-year leaps are common for wide receivers. With a full offseason to build chemistry with Allen and refine his route-running, a significant jump in production is likely.

Experts at Draft Sharks point to his flashes of brilliance as a key reason for optimism. While he may not lead the team in receptions, his touchdown upside gives him the potential to dramatically outperform his current draft cost and become a weekly fantasy starter.

3. Drake Maye, QB - New England Patriots

Why He's Underrated

Drake Maye’s rookie season was a mixed bag on a struggling Patriots team. While he showcased his dual-threat ability, the overall offensive environment was poor, leading to inconsistent fantasy production. With an ADP sitting around QB17, many managers are hesitant to invest in him as a starter for the 2025 fantasy football season.

The Path to a Breakout

The Patriots have made a concerted effort to build around their young quarterback. The offensive line has been revamped, and they've added legitimate weapons in the passing game. More importantly, Maye's own rushing ability provides a high floor for fantasy production.

Here’s why Maye is a prime breakout candidate:

• Rushing Upside: Maye possesses elite rushing ability for a quarterback. He finished his rookie season with an impressive 7.8 yards per carry, and as the offense improves, his rushing touchdown opportunities will increase.

• Improved Supporting Cast: The addition of new weapons and a fortified offensive line will give Maye the time and the targets needed to take a significant step forward as a passer.

• Proven Production: Even in a dysfunctional offense last year, Maye posted top-12 fantasy QB numbers in 40% of his full games. That's his floor.

As noted by analysts at Footballguys, we are drafting Maye at his absolute floor. With an improved situation and his natural talent, he has a clear path to finishing as a top-12 fantasy quarterback in 2025.

4. Trey Benson, RB - Arizona Cardinals

Why He's Underrated

Currently being drafted as the RB47, Trey Benson is viewed by many as a simple handcuff to the Cardinals' veteran starting running back, James Conner. Conner was productive last season, which has kept Benson’s draft stock suppressed.

The Path to a Breakout

This is a classic case of betting on talent and an aging incumbent. James Conner is now 30 years old, an age where running backs historically see a decline in production and an increase in injury risk. He also has a significant injury history. Benson, a talented second-year back, is waiting in the wings.

The case for Benson:

• High-Upside Handcuff: He is one of the premier backup running backs in the league who would immediately step into a three-down role if Conner were to miss time.

• Standalone Value: The Cardinals have shown a willingness to use multiple backs, and Benson's explosive ability could earn him a consistent role in the offense even with a healthy Conner.

• Explosive Skillset: Benson possesses the speed and agility to be a home-run threat every time he touches the ball, a dynamic that the Cardinals will want to get on the field.

Benson is the perfect mid-to-late round fantasy football pick. He offers a safe floor as a high-value backup with the league-winning upside that could make him a top-15 running back if he gets the starting opportunity.

5. Jake Ferguson, TE - Dallas Cowboys

Why He's Underrated

The tight end position in fantasy football is notoriously thin after the top tier. Jake Ferguson had a solid season last year, but he is often overlooked in drafts, with managers either reaching for an elite option or waiting until the very end. His current ADP doesn't reflect his potential to be a top-tier fantasy producer.

The Path to a Breakout

Ferguson quietly established himself as a reliable target for Dak Prescott, and his role is set to expand in the high-powered Cowboys offense. He demonstrated a strong rapport with his quarterback and became a key part of their passing attack, especially in the red zone.

Why Ferguson is set to break out:

• Established Role: He is the undisputed starting tight end in an offense that has historically been very friendly to the position.

• Red-Zone Usage: Ferguson saw a significant number of targets inside the 20-yard line and has the trust of his quarterback in crucial situations.

• Volume and Consistency: He provides the kind of consistent target volume that is rare to find at the tight end position outside of the elite names.

As highlighted by sources like Draft Sharks, Ferguson is a player who doesn't need a lot to go right to return value. He has already proven he can be a top-10 fantasy tight end, and another year of development could push him into the top 5. He is an excellent target for managers who don't want to pay the premium price for one of the top tight ends.

Build Your Championship Roster

Winning your fantasy football league requires looking beyond the obvious. It’s about identifying the players who are on the verge of a breakout and grabbing them before the rest of your league catches on. The five players listed above all have a clear path to significantly outperforming their current draft positions.

By targeting these underrated fantasy players in the middle and late rounds of your draft, you can build a roster with the depth and explosive upside needed to make a championship run. Don't be afraid to trust your research and make the bold picks that will set your team apart.

Which underrated player are you targeting in your 2025 fantasy drafts? Share your top sleeper in the comments below!