The NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and quarterbacks are the talk of who will be the No. 1 pick. But I’m going to rank my pre-draft Top 12 QBs for the 2025 fantasy season.
The list starts has an easy start as the top features a fine mix of MVPs, Super Bowl winners, and Rookies of the Year. But where the group gets tricky is during the second 6, which I will release on Monday.
I’m going to serve up the easiest one at the start!
No. 1: Josh Allen, Buffalo
Allen finally brought home the MVP award last season as he rattled off his five straight season of 40-plus touchdowns.
And it’s his rushing TDs that make him most valuable. He has averaged 9.6 rushing TDs during his five-year run to go along with his 33 passing TDs a season.
Offensive coordinator Joe Brady was not lured away for a head coaching job. The Bills re-signed Allen’s go-to target in Khalil Shakir, signing him to a four-year extension, and added Josh Palmer on a three-year contract. Add in second-year WR Keon Coleman and tight end duo of Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox,and Allen will be in the running as QB1 again in 2025.
No. 2: Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia
I know there are a couple of QBs I’ve ranked below Hurts who most think should be in this spot. But unless the NFL discontinues the Tush Push, it will be hard to keep the Eagles QB from finishing as the No. 2 QB in the 2025 fantasy season.
In his four years as the Eagles’ full-time starter, Hurts has averaged 13 rushing TDs a season, including 14 last season to compliment Saquon Barkley’s big season.
Hurts’ passing stats took a hit last season as his top 3 targets, A.J. Brown, Devonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert, missed a combined 15 games last season. And Hurst missed the last two regular-season games with a concussion.
A healthy season from himself and his receiving corps, Hurts should be back at a top spot in the Top 12 QBs.
No. 3: Joe Burrow, Cincinnati
Burrow’s placement at No. 3 over his AFC North counterpart was an easy one – both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins have signed contract extensions.
The Bengals made Chase the highest-paid non-QB with a four-year $161 million deal at the same time Higgins was singing his four-year $115 million deal. Plus, tight end Mike Gesicki re-signed with the Bengals.
Burrow now has his top 4 targets returning for the 2025 fantasy season. Running back Chase Brown finished with 54 receptions last season.
Burrow should easily approach the league-leading 4,918 passing yards and 42 TD passes.
No. 4: Lamar Jackson, Baltimore
Jackson’s 2025 season was MVP-quality levels:
- 41 touchdown passes (a career high)
- 4,172 passing yards (a career high)
- Only 4 interceptions
- 914 yards rushing
The problem was not his great season, but the Ravens also had Derrick Henry at running back, who had a big season as well.
Jackson will have an improved WR corps with the addition of DeAndre Hopkins to go along with WRs Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman and TEs Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely. And Henry is back as well.
Jackson’s upside for the 2025 fantasy season could be limited by his teammates’ upside.
No. 5: Jayden Daniels, Washington
Daniels was the fantasy darling of the 2024 season.
He won the Offensive Rookie of the Year as he completed the Commanders’ return to the playoffs to reach the NFC Championship game.
His season started with a loss in Tampa Bay, but he led Washington to a 12-5 season with his arm and his legs.
He finished with 3,568 yards passing with 25 TDs and 9 interceptions. He added 891 yards rushing and 6 TDs.
The highlight of his season as the Hail Mary TD pass to Noah Brown to beat Chicago, 18-15.
He should be in the top team of the Top 12 QBs, but his rushing stats may take a hit with newly acquired WR Deebo Samuel.
But Samuel still can take a ball to the house anytime he touches it on short passes.
No. 6: Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay
I believe Cleveland gave up on Mayfield too soon.
After bouncing around to two teams in the 2022 season, Mayfield found his place with the Buccaneers, and he’s hasn’t disappointed.
He has thrown for more than 4,000 yards in both seasons and averaged 34.5 TDs in those two seasons.
The Tampa Bay receiving group is led by the ageless Mike Evans, while Jalen McMillan emerged as a quality target after Chris Godwin’s injury. And Godwin re-signed in the offseason. TE Cade Otton emerged as a go-to target when Godwin and Evans missed time last season.
Don’t miss the rest of the list in Tuesday’s story!
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