2025 NFL Preseason Fantasy Football Takeaways: Dynasty Risers, Sleepers, and Rookie Breakouts

The 2025 preseason is officially in the books, and dynasty managers finally got extended looks at this year’s rookies, injured-return players, and veterans in new roles. Box scores fade fast, but usage, snap shares, and efficiency in August often set the tone for September roles and long-term dynasty value.

Below, we break down the most actionable dynasty insights from the preseason by position.

Quarterbacks

Shedeur Sanders (QB, CLE)

Sanders showed starter-level poise and accuracy early, but also the sack-taking flaws that need work. He flashed enough upside to push Gabriel for QB2, yet remains a developmental project. Dynasty managers should stash with patience — the long-term ceiling is real.

Jaxson Dart (QB, NYG)

Dart delivered the most polished rookie QB preseason, leading efficient drives and showing command. He outplayed Jameis Winston and solidified himself as the Giants’ long-term QB2. In Superflex, he’s one of the biggest risers from the 2025 rookie class.

Cameron Ward (QB, TEN)

Ward wasn’t asked to do much volume-wise but displayed poise and avoided mistakes. He built early chemistry with Calvin Ridley and earned extended reps. Tennessee views him as the future, with QB2 upside if development continues.

Caleb Williams (QB, CHI)

Williams looked fully comfortable in Ben Johnson’s scheme, commanding the offense with poise. His connection with Colston Loveland is already developing into a reliable outlet. Locked in as a cornerstone QB1, he’s tracking toward a sophomore leap.

Trevor Lawrence (QB, JAX)

Lawrence looked sharp post-injury, thriving in Liam Coen’s system with rhythm and confidence. His arsenal, including rookies Travis Hunter and Brian Thomas Jr., only raises his ceiling. Dynasty outlook: poised for an elite-tier leap.

Kyler Murray (QB, ARI)

Murray’s preseason proved his health and efficiency, distributing to multiple targets. His dual-threat ability remains intact despite one red-zone miscue. With Marvin Harrison Jr. added, Murray is firmly back in the top-8 QB mix.

Other QB Notes:

• J.J. McCarthy (MIN): Successful return from injury; Vikings reaffirmed long-term investment.

• Jalen Milroe (SEA): Flashed elite rushing upside; could see red-zone packages as a rookie.

• Tyler Shough (NO): Showed arm talent and turnover risk in equal measure; still battling for QB1 role.

• Quinn Ewers (MIA): Rough debut with sacks and turnovers; developmental stash only.

  
  

Running Backs

TreVeyon Henderson (RB, NE)

Henderson flashed burst and toughness, scoring while handling passing-down snaps. He worked ahead of Antonio Gibson throughout August. A future RB2 with upside, he’s a must-stash rookie in dynasty.

Ashton Jeanty (RB, LV)

Jeanty showcased NFL-ready power and burst, scoring efficiently in limited touches. The Raiders fed him early, confirming trust in his skill set. He’s already trending toward long-term RB2 value with room for more.

Breece Hall (RB, NYJ)

Hall split snaps with Braelon Allen and lost passing work to Isaiah Davis. He’s still New York’s RB1, but the Lions-style committee caps his elite ceiling. Dynasty managers must temper expectations for true workhorse volume.

Blake Corum (RB, LAR)

Corum’s two-TD debut showed immediate red-zone impact in a committee. Kyren Williams remains the lead back, but Corum’s future role could expand. He’s a strong dynasty stash with goal-line upside.

Travis Etienne Jr. (RB, JAX)

Etienne retained lead-back usage but continued sharing touches with Tank Bigsby. His PPR floor remains strong in Jacksonville’s scheme. Still, dynasty managers should expect committee caps on his red-zone ceiling.

Other RB Notes:

• Ollie Gordon II (MIA): Worked with starters; clear handcuff to De’Von Achane.

• Dylan Sampson (CLE): Priority stash until Judkins signs.

• RJ Harvey (DEN): Expected to lead a 60/40 split with Dobbins.

• Nick Chubb (HOU): Encouraging burst; value depth for contenders.

• Zach Charbonnet (SEA): Trending toward larger workload; RB2 with upside.

• Jacory Croskey-Merritt (WAS): Locked into Brian Robinson’s old role; strong handcuff.

  
  

Wide Receivers

Emeka Egbuka (WR, TB)

Egbuka flashed polish with a red-zone TD and versatility inside/outside. With Tampa’s WR future unsettled beyond Evans and Godwin, he’s rising fast. Dynasty takeaway: trending toward future WR1 status.

Travis Hunter (WR, JAX)

Hunter played heavy slot snaps in Liam Coen’s offense, a perfect schematic fit. His usage mirrors stars like Cooper Kupp, boosting his dynasty ceiling. Locked in as a future WR1 with immediate value.

Mason Tipton (WR, NO)

Tipton stacked back-to-back strong outings, including a 100-yard performance. He’s pushing for WR3 snaps in New Orleans’ rotation. Dynasty managers should treat him as a rising sleeper with staying power.

Roman Wilson (WR, PIT)

Wilson showcased his deep speed, topping 20 MPH on a long reception. Pittsburgh used him as a vertical threat, confirming his role. He’s a stash with boom potential in dynasty formats.

Matthew Golden (WR, GB)

Golden earned starter reps both outside and in the slot, gaining early trust. His usage suggests Green Bay views him as a long-term piece. A prime Year 2 breakout candidate in dynasty leagues.

Tetairoa McMillan (WR, CAR)

McMillan is already locked in as Carolina’s WR1 alongside Bryce Young. His contested-catch ability and consistent usage stood out all August. Dynasty outlook: a reliable WR2 with long-term stability.

Other WR Notes:

• Courtland Sutton (DEN): 83 yards and a TD; playing like an alpha.

• Rome Odunze (CHI): Scored and could challenge DJ Moore for target share.

• Elic Ayomanor (JAX): Locked in as WR2 next to Ridley.

• DeMario Douglas (NE): Rested with starters; clear WR2 behind Diggs.

• Tre Harris (LAC): Rookie rising in depleted WR room.

• Efton Chism III (NE): UDFA sleeper with preseason production.

• Ricky Pearsall (SF): Preferred WR2 over Jauan Jennings.

• Luther Burden III (CHI): Mixed in, but depth chart spot still unsettled.

  
  

Tight Ends

Tyler Warren (TE, IND)

Warren earned every-down snaps with starters, rare for a rookie tight end. His size and reliability give him early production upside. Dynasty managers should stash now before a likely Year 2 breakout.

Colston Loveland (TE, CHI)

Loveland quickly built chemistry with Caleb Williams, earning early targets. His ability to separate over the middle adds versatility to Chicago’s offense. Aligned with a franchise QB, he’s a dynasty TE1 in the making.

Other TE Notes:

• Mason Taylor (NYJ): Rested with starters; entrenched as TE1.

• Chig Okonkwo (TEN): Confirmed full-time role.

• Brock Bowers (LV): Still splitting snaps, but locked-in TE1 dynasty value.

• Harold Fannin Jr. (CLE): Scored with starters; sneaky TE2 stash.

  
  

Final Dynasty Takeaway

The 2025 preseason reinforced what dynasty managers already know: August usage is more important than box scores. Shedeur Sanders and Jaxson Dart emerged as rookie QBs worth stashing, TreVeyon Henderson and Ashton Jeanty look like future RB1 producers, and Emeka Egbuka and Tetairoa McMillan are already carving paths toward WR1 relevance. At tight end, Colston Loveland and Tyler Warren are rare rookies seeing heavy starter reps early, making them immediate dynasty buys.

With the regular season looming, dynasty players should adjust valuations now before August hype fully transitions into September reality.