Every fantasy football championship roster has at least one thing in common: players who wildly outperformed their draft cost. We’re diving deep into seven players who are flying under the radar based on their current ADP (Average Draft Position). Whether it’s an emerging back poised to take over a backfield, a receiver stepping into a massive target share, or a dual-threat quarterback being overlooked, these players have a clear path to fantasy relevance, and in some cases, league-winning upside.
Jordan Mason (RB – MIN) | ADP: RB40
Jordan Mason is the most overlooked player in 2025 fantasy football drafts. Last season, Mason ranked 3rd in explosive run rate and averaged 106 rushing yards and 14.3 fantasy points per game in contests where he saw a full workload when Christian McCaffrey missed time. The rushing yards per game would have placed him 2nd in the NFL behind Saquon Barkley. Now, he is in Minnesota with a strong financial commitment and a chance to play more.
Already designated as the short-yardage back and part of an “equal workload” split, Mason stands behind an improved offensive line and fits perfectly into the Vikings’ outside zone scheme. With Aaron Jones turning 30 and coming off an ineffective season around the goalline, a backfield split would benefit Minnesota in 2025. Mason will also take over the backfield if Jones misses time, and if that happens, Mason has RB1 upside. He’s the kind of late-round pick who could win your league, but is only valued as RB40 right now.
Chase Brown (RB – CIN) | ADP: RB12
Chase Brown was a league winner from last year, finishing as the RB10 overall. He finished the year with 229-990-7 rushing and 54-360-4 receiving. The stats might not be flashy, but the shift when he took over as the starter is what has me excited. As the team’s RB1 here were his ranks last season:
- 25+ Total Opportunities
- 85%+ Snaps Played
- 20.6 PPR Points
- Ranked RB3
- Most targets per game among RBs
The Bengals didn’t invest in any real competition at RB, and with the release of Zack Moss, it opens the door for another massive workload for Brown. With the workload, usage, and red zone opportunities, he’s undervalued as a borderline RB1. His ceiling is a top-three running back in 2025, and we should have no hesitations drafting him in the early 2nd round instead of the late 2nd round.
Justin Fields (QB – NYJ) | ADP: QB12
It’s not often a quarterback with elite rushing upside and top-10 fantasy finishes on his resume is available outside the top 10 at his position, but that’s exactly what fantasy managers are getting with Justin Fields in 2025. Now with the New York Jets, Fields walks into a situation that quietly suits him well. The offensive line has improved, and he’s surrounded by capable weapons like Garrett Wilson, Breece Hall, and promising tight end Mason Taylor.
Fields has finished top 10 in fantasy points per game in every season he’s been a starter, thanks largely to his rushing production. What is encouraging is his accuracy growth last season as he ranked top five in accurate throw rate while also having his elite rushing upside. His early camp toe injury is reportedly minor, and as long as he’s healthy, you’re getting a weekly 20-point floor with top-5 upside every time he takes the field.
David Njoku (TE – CLE) | ADP: TE9
David Njoku might be one of the more underrated tight ends in fantasy, as he has finished as PPR TE11, TE6, and TE11 over the last three seasons. He was Top-15 in targets per game last year (8.82), which was just behind Justin Jefferson. Although his production faltered due to a shaky quarterback situation last year, the return of Joe Flacco is great news for the veteran tight end.
His role surged with Joe Flacco under center at the tail end of 2023, finishing the season with four straight top-4 weekly finishes, each with 16.4+ points. He had a 75% route participation rate and a 26% target rate per route, which is elite usage for the position. He’s a high-floor, high-upside tight end you can get later in drafts right now, with him going as the TE9.
Jakobi Meyers (WR – LV) | ADP: WR39
Jakobi Meyers continues to be undervalued. He’s coming off a career-best season with 87 catches, 1,027 yards, and four touchdowns. His 24.5% target share and 75.4 receiving yards per game ranked 13th among all WRs. Yet, he’s being drafted right now among WR3s and too late in drafts.
With Geno Smith now at QB and a Raiders offense expected to improve, Meyers is a lock for 85+ catches and 1,000+ yards. He may not be flashy, but he’s incredibly consistent, ascending every year of his career, and faces little competition for targets. You can lock him in as a FLEX with WR2 upside this season. Jakobi Meyers is a hidden gem in 2025 fantasy drafts. He finished as WR20 last season with 126 targets and is the top option in the Raiders’ passing game. The team made minimal moves to upgrade their receiving corps, leaving Meyers firmly in the WR1 role.
Tank Bigsby (RB – JAX) | ADP: RB41
Tank Bigsby is quietly taking over the Jacksonville backfield and has likely locked up his role within the offense. He played the entire first-team drive in the Jaguars’ most recent scrimmage, while Etienne and rookie Bhayshul Tuten were sidelined. Etienne and Tuten are competing for the 3rd down role within this offense, while Bigsby’s early down role seems like it has been locked down under new HC Liam Coen, who helped Bucky Irving breakout as a rookie in a crowded backfield.
He was extremely efficient last year: 168 carries for 766 yards (4.6 YPC) and 7 TDs, with 3.74 yards after contact per carry (3rd-best among RBs with 60+ carries). He forced 46 missed tackles and ranked 9th in rushing yards over expected per carry. While he offers almost no passing game upside (just 8 career receptions), he’s a bruising, efficient runner who could be a rock-solid RB2 if the committee tilts in his favor.
Ricky Pearsall (WR – SF) | ADP: WR48
The path is clear for Ricky Pearsall to carve out a major role in the 49ers’ offense. With Jauan Jennings sidelined, Deebo Samuel gone, and Brandon Aiyuk’s status uncertain, Pearsall has become the team’s most trusted pass catcher early on in training camp. Despite a slow start to his rookie season, Pearsall overcame some adversity and broke out at the end of the season. Over the final two weeks of 2024, he posted a 21.7% target share, a 30.4% first-read share, and an elite 2.84 yards per route run.
The 49ers offense continues to produce from the receiver position, and Pearsall’s gadget-like role fits perfectly in this high-powered offense. Even when Aiyuk’s back, Pearsall won’t compete directly with Jauan Jennings and Aiyuk, who both play on the outside. Pearsall has legitimate weekly upside in this 49ers offense and is one of the best value picks at his current ADP in your fantasy drafts.
