As the 2025 NFL preseason approaches, enthusiasm for football is palpable, with the Hall of Fame Game featuring the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Chargers on the horizon. While this initial exhibition may focus on players unlikely to secure roster spots by the time the regular season begins, it marks a significant milestone in the football calendar, signaling that the highly anticipated match between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys is drawing nearer. Moreover, the commencement of fantasy football draft season begins earnestly at this time, prompting managers to engage in thorough preparation for draft day.

One of the fundamental strategies for fantasy managers involves analyzing player rankings. This activity helps to compare how experts project players to perform relative to their peers. Managers can juxtapose these rankings with average draft positions (ADP) to identify players projected to provide value at their drafting position, those who may be overdrafted, and potential sleeper picks for the upcoming season. This article serves as a comprehensive hub for all necessary insights, offering position-by-position rankings for both PPR (points per reception) and standard (non-PPR) scoring systems, as well as a list of the top 100 players across formats. The rankings provided will assist fantasy managers in making informed decisions as they navigate the often tumultuous waters of draft day strategy.

This first iteration of the 2025 fantasy Big Board introduces overall rankings for the top 100 players in both PPR and standard formats. While the rankings outline how various positions compare, they should not be treated as a strict numerical guide. Rather, managers are encouraged to adopt a flexible approach when it comes to their drafting strategy. For instance, if the first seven players taken in a draft are all running backs and the eighth is also a running back, that selection may not represent value. Conversely, if a manager is determined to acquire a standout like Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers, it is advisable to select him earlier if that is believed to be necessary to avoid losing out on him. Successful drafting hinges not only on value but also on adaptability, allowing managers to respond to the evolving dynamics of the draft and build a competitive roster.

In PPR scoring formats, the landscape of fantasy football has evolved. The top 12 picks in PPR leagues are now composed evenly of running backs and wide receivers, signifying a shift in drafting strategies. Traditional approaches include 'Robust RB' managers who prioritize acquiring multiple high-caliber backs early, and 'Hero RB' managers who secure one elite running back and then focus on drafting wide receivers. Meanwhile, the 'Zero RB' strategy emphasizes targeting alternative positions while waiting for running backs until the later rounds, opting for potential high-upside players. Every approach presents unique advantages and disadvantages, but ensuring a reliable stable of running backs remains crucial amidst a league in which the number of true workhorse backs is diminishing.

As the top 100 players are analyzed, a closer look reveals undervalued and overvalued players within various positions, particularly at quarterback and running back. Under quarterback rankings, Dak Prescott of the Dallas Cowboys stands out as an undervalued choice, considering his impressive passing statistics prior to injuries. In contrast, high-profile quarterbacks such as Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens and Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs are identified as players who may be taken too early in some drafts. Fantasy managers must carefully evaluate such positions, as there tends to be significant depth at quarterback, allowing for strategic patience when filling that roster spot.

Moreover, the evaluation of running backs reveals a similar dichotomy of undervalued and overvalued players. Alvin Kamara of the New Orleans Saints continues to be a player of interest, despite concerns regarding his age and the overall strength of his team. In contrast, Omarion Hampton of the Los Angeles Chargers may fall victim to the presence of established back Najee Harris, impacting his overall value as a projected high draft pick. Analyzing opportunities and competition for touches is critical in establishing the true potential of any running back during the drafting period.

Wide receivers also occupy a significant role in fantasy football discussions, particularly due to the increasing importance of receptions in scoring formats. The disparity between top-performing wide receivers and running backs becomes more pronounced in PPR leagues, as collective performances show more consistent scoring despite fluctuations in individual games. Recognizing undervalued players such as Davante Adams of the Los Angeles Rams can provide a significant boost for fantasy rosters, while overvalued players like Nico Collins of the Houston Texans may not deliver the expected returns for managers who invest early in their draft capital.

Exploring tight end rankings reveals the emergence of new talent in a position once dominated by players like Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs. The past seasons have witnessed rookies such as Sam LaPorta and Brock Bowers surging to the top of fantasy rankings. Managers seeking a competitive edge at tight end may benefit from acquiring a player early who is poised to excel or waiting to snag a high-upside option later on. In both PPR and standard formats, the tight end position offers varying levels of risk and reward, requiring careful consideration leading into the draft.

Finally, when it comes to team defenses and kickers, the general consensus is clear: it is prudent to draft late. The unpredictable nature of defenses makes it challenging to determine which unit will emerge as top-performing each season. Similarly, kickers tend to present minor differences in production, making late-round selections a sound strategy for maximizing value. Teams like the Dallas Cowboys may present strong options defensively, while kickers including Jake Elliott of the Philadelphia Eagles could provide reliable contributions without high draft costs.

Fantasy football is designed to be an enjoyable experience, and while victory is a goal, it is equally important for managers to curate a team roster that reflects their personal preferences. Approaching drafts with thoughtful strategies and a willingness to adapt will ultimately lead to a more enjoyable and successful fantasy season.