The fantasy football season is almost here, and with the 2025 preseason in the books, the true picture of who is a fantasy stud and who is a bust is beginning to emerge. The final few weeks of August have been a whirlwind of player movement, training camp battles, and injuries, all of which have dramatically reshaped the fantasy football draft board.
At AthleticDigest.com, we’ve sifted through the noise, scoured the latest Average Draft Position (ADP) data, and analyzed mock drafts from the most credible sources to bring you the definitive pre-Week 1 fantasy football mock draft. Get ready, because the clock is ticking, and your league’s championship is on the line.
Here’s our comprehensive breakdown of the top fantasy football picks, complete with insights on risers, fallers, and key draft strategies for your upcoming draft.
The Top 12: A Battle of Running Backs and Wide Receivers
The first round of your fantasy draft is where championships are born, and this year’s crop of top talent is as dynamic as ever. While there’s a strong case for taking an elite wide receiver at the top, the top-tier running backs are also tempting. The key is to find the right balance of talent, opportunity, and stability.
1. Ja’Marr Chase (WR, CIN) The consensus number one pick. Chase is the best wide receiver in football, with a unique combination of speed, size, and route-running ability. He’s the focal point of the Bengals’ offense, and his chemistry with Joe Burrow is unmatched. He has the potential to finish as the overall WR1 for the second consecutive season.
2. Bijan Robinson (RB, ATL) After a strong preseason, Robinson is being drafted as a top-two pick. He’s a true three-down back who can run, catch, and score. With a new coaching staff and a dynamic offense, Robinson is poised to have a monster season.
CeeDee Lamb ?
3. Saquon Barkley (RB, PHI) Barkley gets a fresh start on a Super Bowl-contending team. He’s an elite talent with a great offensive line and a coaching staff that wants to run the ball. He’s a dual-threat running back who can be a league-winner.
4. CeeDee Lamb (WR, DAL) Lamb is coming off a career year and is the clear number one option in the Cowboys’ offense. He’s an elite route runner who can win both inside and outside. Even with the uncertainty surrounding the Cowboys’ offense after the Micah Parsons trade, Lamb is a safe bet for a high volume of targets.
5. Justin Jefferson (WR, MIN) The best wide receiver in the game is coming off a dominant season, and his chemistry with his new quarterback is already on full display. Jefferson is a game-wrecker who can win on any given play. Even with a new quarterback, his talent is undeniable.
Next Valued Picks
6. Jahmyr Gibbs (RB, DET) The Lions’ offense is one of the most exciting in the league, and Gibbs is the centerpiece. He’s an electric runner who is also a dynamic pass-catcher out of the backfield. He’s a true dual-threat who can finish as the overall RB1.
7. Christian McCaffrey (RB, SF) McCaffrey is a do-it-all running back who can win games on his own. He’s a great runner, a great pass-catcher, and a great blocker. He’s the focal point of the 49ers’ offense, and as long as he’s healthy, he’s a top-tier fantasy asset.
8. Puka Nacua (WR, LAR) Nacua burst onto the scene as a rookie and is now a top-eight pick. He has a unique combination of size, speed, and great hands. He has a great rapport with his quarterback, and he’s the clear number one option in the Rams’ offense.
9. Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR, DET) St. Brown is the heart and soul of the Lions’ offense. He’s a target monster who is always open and always makes plays. He’s a safe bet for a high volume of targets and receptions, and he’s a lock for a top-10 fantasy finish.
Derrick Henry ?
10. Derrick Henry (RB, BAL) The King has a new home, and it’s a perfect fit. Henry will be the workhorse for a run-first offense. He’s a physical runner who can wear down defenses. Even at his age, he’s a safe bet for a high volume of carries and touchdowns.
11. Jonathan Taylor (RB, IND) Taylor is a workhorse who has shown the ability to be a league-winner. He’s a physical runner with a great offensive line. He’s a safe bet for a high volume of carries and touchdowns, and he’s a great value pick in the back half of the first round.
12. Josh Jacobs (RB, GB) Jacobs has a new home and is now the workhorse for the Packers’ offense. He’s a physical runner with a great offensive line. With a new coach, a new system, and a new quarterback, Jacobs is poised for a big season.
Fantasy Quarterback Strategy: The Elite Tier and the Value Tier
This year, the quarterback position is a game of tiers. There’s a small group of elite quarterbacks who can win you your league, and then there’s a deep pool of quarterbacks who can give you great value. The key is to know who to draft and when to draft them.
The Elite Tier:
- Josh Allen (BUF): He’s the undisputed QB1. His rushing upside gives him a unique floor and ceiling combination. He’s worth a second-round pick.
- Lamar Jackson (BAL): The reigning NFL MVP is a top-five quarterback. His rushing ability and big-play potential make him a must-have in fantasy football.
- Jalen Hurts (PHI): Hurts is a top-five quarterback who can run and pass. His rushing touchdowns give him a unique floor that’s hard to find.
- Joe Burrow (CIN): With a healthy Burrow, the Bengals’ offense is a machine. He’s a great value pick in the middle rounds, but don’t expect him to run the ball.
The Value Tier:
- Jayden Daniels (WAS): The rookie quarterback is an elite fantasy asset. His rushing ability gives him a unique floor that’s hard to find. He’s a great value pick in the middle rounds.
- Caleb Williams (CHI): The number one overall pick is poised for a breakout season. He has a lot of weapons and a great coaching staff. He’s a great value pick in the middle rounds.
- Drake Maye (NE): Maye took over as the starter in Week 6 and was a great fantasy quarterback. He has a lot of rushing upside, and he’s a great value pick in the later rounds.
Key Risers and Fallers After Preseason
The preseason is a time for players to rise and fall in the rankings, and this year is no different. Here are some of the biggest movers in the fantasy football world.
Risers:
- Ashton Jeanty (RB, LV): The rookie running back has been a standout in the preseason. He’s a physical runner who has shown the ability to break tackles. He’s a great value pick in the early rounds.
- Matthew Golden (WR, GB): The rookie wide receiver has been a star in the preseason. He has a unique combination of speed, size, and great hands. With injuries to other Packers’ wide receivers, he’s a great value pick in the middle rounds.
- Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR, SEA): He is a hot topic in fantasy football draft circles. He’s a great route runner with great hands. He’s a great value pick in the middle rounds.
- Trey McBride (TE, ARI): McBride has been a standout in the preseason. He’s a great pass-catcher with great hands, and he’s a great value pick in the early rounds.
- Javonte Williams (RB, DAL): With the Micah Parsons trade and the Cowboys’ newfound focus on the run game, Williams is a player to watch. He’s a physical runner who has shown the ability to be a workhorse. He’s a great value pick in the middle rounds.
Fallers:
- Aaron Jones (RB, MIN): He’s a great veteran running back, but with a new quarterback and a new running mate, his fantasy value is in question. He’s a risk-reward pick in the middle rounds.
- Rashee Rice (WR, KC): The wide receiver is facing a six-game suspension to start the season, which has hurt his fantasy value. He’s a great talent, but he’s a huge risk.
- Brandon Aiyuk (WR, SF): The wide receiver has been dealing with injuries in the preseason, and his fantasy value has taken a hit. He’s a great talent, but he’s a risky pick in the early rounds.
The Best Fantasy Football Draft Strategy for 2025
The best fantasy football draft strategy is to be flexible. Don’t be afraid to take a wide receiver in the first round. Don’t be afraid to take a quarterback in the early rounds. The key is to get the best players available and build a team that is strong at every position.
The best strategy for 2025 is to be aware of the draft trends and be willing to pivot. If all the top running backs are gone, don’t be afraid to take a wide receiver. If all the top quarterbacks are gone, don’t be afraid to wait on a quarterback. The key is to be a savvy drafter who can adapt to any situation.
Final Takeaway: The preseason is over, and the time for talking is done. The fantasy football season is here, and it’s time to draft your team. Be smart, be savvy, and be ready to win your league. Good luck!
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