As the 2025 NFL season approaches, fantasy football managers are beginning to prepare for the upcoming draft. With training camps currently ongoing, there are significant insights to be gained from the various practice sessions. Identifying key players in positional battles, monitoring first-team reps, and assessing the impact of injuries are vital strategies for those looking to gain an advantage over their competition. Furthermore, reports from beat writers and team insiders can provide valuable information that may not be readily available, helping discerning managers make informed decisions come draft day.

The Arizona Cardinals' offense, led by quarterback Kyler Murray and rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., may capture the spotlight, but it is expected that the ground game will serve as the primary driving force in 2025. Last season, the Cardinals managed to remain competitive in the playoff race despite a lackluster passing offense that ranked 18th in the league. The rushing attack, however, surged to 7th in the league, largely due to the impressive performance of veteran running back James Conner. Conner responded to concerns about his age and injury history by recording a career-high 1,094 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 236 carries, coupled with 414 receiving yards and one touchdown on 47 receptions. While Conner finished as an RB11 in fantasy points, projections for 2025 suggest that he will share carries with second-year back Trey Benson, as the team seeks to establish a committee approach. Conner indicated that this strategy aims to position the team among the league's top rushing units, acknowledging the need for collaboration among the running backs on the roster.

Meanwhile, Benson expressed optimism about leveraging Conner's experience to improve his own game after a disappointing rookie season. He recorded just 47 fantasy points in 2024, but did show flashes of potential with two top-25 finishes in Weeks 9 and 10. The Cardinals' coaching staff appears to be drawing from successful models observed in other teams, such as the Detroit Lions and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where dual running backs have both achieved top-25 fantasy status. The dynamic between Conner and Benson could yield valuable fantasy points, making both backs worth considering for roster spots in the forthcoming season.

In Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers made a significant acquisition in the 2024 draft by selecting running back Bucky Irving, who had an outstanding rookie year and finished as RB13 with 244.4 fantasy points despite sharing playing time with Rachaad White. Irving's performance suggests that he may open the 2025 season as the starter over White and could take on a larger role within the team's backfield. ESPN's Dan Graziano noted that there are expectations within the organization that Irving could assume a high-volume role as a primary running back, including increased responsibilities in the passing game—an area where White previously excelled. Irving established a sturdy ground game last year, rushing for 1,122 yards and eight touchdowns on 207 carries, while also contributing significantly in the passing attack with 47 receptions for 392 yards.

Conversely, White's involvement in the offense appears to be on the decline, following a noticeable reduction in his usage over the last two seasons. Despite having a respectable receiving ability, he may face challenges in maintaining his previous snap share, which decreased from 56% to a lower percentage as the team transitions toward relying more on Irving. While White proved to be a competent receiving back, Irving's all-rounded skill set positions him as the more valuable fantasy asset moving forward, making him a strong candidate for a top-8 fantasy finish if he can secure a significant workload.

The Cleveland Browns have made noteworthy changes to their receiving corps this offseason, featuring Jerry Jeudy as the star of the unit, alongside a group of emerging pass-catchers eager to assert their roles. Cedric Tillman appears poised to secure the No. 2 wide receiver position on the depth chart, a spot that could yield substantial fantasy relevance in 2025. With Jeudy drawing defensive attention and tight end David Njoku added to the mix, Tillman may find ample opportunities to capitalize on favorable matchups. Despite facing setbacks due to injuries and an unpredictable offense, Tillman has demonstrated his potential since being drafted in 2023, showcasing his ability to deliver productive performances.

During a four-game period in the previous season, Tillman averaged 75.5 receiving yards and 0.8 touchdowns per game, indicating his capacity to become a reliable contributor. Although his progress was hindered by injuries, he remains optimistic about the upcoming season and aims to build on his previous experiences. Minor injuries, such as a recent lower leg issue, have not kept him from fulfilling the expectations the Browns have for him this year, with experts noting that he possesses the skills to become a valuable fantasy asset as long as he stays healthy.

In Jacksonville, the Jaguars recently made headlines with their coaching changes, but the team is facing challenges in their backfield. Current reports indicate that Jacksonville plans to carry four running backs on their roster, complicating the fantasy landscape. Travis Etienne, the designated starter for the past three seasons, comes off a troubling year where injuries affected his performance, limiting him to 558 rushing yards and only two touchdowns over 150 attempts. His contributions to the passing game also fell short compared to previous seasons, raising questions about his viability for 2025.

Tank Bigsby, who served as Etienne's backup for two years, also struggled to establish himself despite improving slightly in terms of production. While he managed 766 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, his contributions in the passing game remained minimal, resulting in a lackluster fantasy finish. With the decision to draft two new running backs, including Bhayshul Tuten and LeQuint Allen, the backfield dynamics have become uncertain. Both rookies face challenges in supplanting the existing running backs, leading to an environment where no single player can be relied upon consistently. This ambiguity in the backfield positions Jacksonville as a low-reward option in drafts, as any of the listed players could contribute on a week-to-week basis but are unlikely to provide reliable fantasy output.

Lastly, tight end Kyle Pitts has experienced considerable disappointment over the past three seasons, yet prospects for a turnaround in 2025 look more promising with the arrival of first-round quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Pitts debuted impressively, nearly breaking the long-standing rookie record for tight ends, and finished as TE6. However, the subsequent seasons have seen him struggle significantly, often being drafted as a top-eight tight end but failing to maintain a top-12 finish in any year since his rookie breakout. With an average of only 50 catches for 634.5 yards and 3.5 touchdowns over the last two seasons, Pitts's fantasy stock has fallen considerably.

The arrival of Penix may prove pivotal in revitalizing Pitts's prospects, with reports indicating that the two players have formed strong chemistry off the field. If he can maintain his health—having dealt with foot injuries in the offseason—Pitts could emerge as a key factor in the Falcons' offense, with the potential to exceed expectations and reclaim relevance as a top fantasy tight end, particularly if Penix continues to evolve after a promising debut last season.