2025 QUARTERBACK RANKINGS & PROJECTIONS | PRESEASON

Welcome to my 2025 QB projections and rankings.

These initial projections are built using standard PPR scoring with 6-point passing touchdowns. Once we get through preseason, injury updates, and depth chart clarity, I’ll drop a fully updated version on Labor Day weekend. Happy Drafting!


TIER ONE | The Elite

1. Lamar Jackson | BALTIMORE RAVENS

Underdog: 2 | FastDraft: 2 | Sleeper: 3 | Dynasty Nerds: 2 | KTC: 2

Lamar Jackson is coming off a historic season, torching defenses for a career-high 41 passing touchdowns with just 4 interceptions, cementing one of the most efficient campaigns in recent memory. Regression feels inevitable; those Madden-level numbers are nearly impossible to repeat, but that doesn’t mean Lamar will be any less of a fantasy force. With multiple MVPs already to his name, there’s one goal left to chase: a Super Bowl ring.

I’m projecting pullback to 32 passing TDs, but he makes up for it with 4,600 total yards from scrimmage and another 4 on the ground. That’s 36 total touchdowns, with an elite weekly floor. Despite projected regression across the board, Lamar Jackson sits atop my preseason 2025 rankings.

Lamar Jackson – 2025 Projection
CmpAttCmp%YdsTDIntRush YdsRush TDsFmbTotal FPFantasy PPG
31547965.7%388332978749412.5824.27

2. Josh Allen | BUFFALO BILLS

Underdog: 1 | FastDraft: 1 | Sleeper: 1 | Dynasty Nerds: 1 | KTC: 1

The reigning MVP, Josh Allen, lands at QB2. He narrowly edged out Lamar for the award in 2024, but let’s be honest, if Derrick Henry wasn’t plowing through defenses in Baltimore, Lamar might’ve secured MVP No. 3.

Allen's rushing touchdown total dropped to 12 in 2024 after posting 15 in 2023, and I’m projecting another small step down to 10 rushing TDs in 2025. Still, he remains dominant near the goal line and adds a rock-solid passing baseline: 3,921 passing yards, 28 TDs, and only 6 interceptions.

Even if his passing efficiency slides slightly, an uptick in volume keeps his fantasy output intact. With elite consistency and multi-TD upside every week, Allen stays locked into Tier 1.

Josh Allen – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
340 523 65.0% 3921 28 6 525 10 7 412.14 24.24

3. Jalen Hurts - PHILADELHIA EAGLES

Underdog: 4 | FastDraft: 4 | Sleeper: 5 | Dynasty Nerds: 4 | KTC: 4

Jalen Hurts slots in at QB3. He missed two games last season and still racked up 14 rushing touchdowns and over 3,500 combined yards, reinforcing his status as one of the most reliable dual-threats in fantasy.

I’m projecting an increase in pass volume this year, currently forecasted for 3,786 passing yards, 25 TDs, and 8 interceptions. The likelihood of defensive adjustments to the run game drives this shift. Also, with one of the toughest schedules in the league, the Eagles should face tighter games and thus more passing volume.

Even after a step back in 2024 fantasy production, Hurts remains one of the most dangerous QBs in the game. He’s not satisfied with one Super Bowl, and fantasy managers will reap the rewards.

Jalen Hurts – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
334 498 67.0% 3786 25 8 652 11 8 399.20 23.48

4. Jayden Daniels - WAShington commanders

Underdog: 3 | FastDraft: 3 | Sleeper: 2 | Dynasty Nerds: 3 | KTC: 3

Jayden Daniels delivered one of the greatest rookie QB seasons of all time: 3,568 passing yards, 25 passing TDs, a 69% completion rate, and an NFL rookie record 891 rushing yards. Yes, the stats were amazing, but it was the poise and his vibe that set him apart.

For 2025, I’m projecting a slight dip in efficiency but a bump in volume as Daniels takes on more of the playbook heading into his 2nd year. He’s got the rushing floor, an essential trait among these top-tier QBs, that cushions any inconsistency through the air. The rookie-year magic might not be replicated, but the dual-threat production is here to stay, and Daniels has a clear path to the QB1 tier for the near future.

Jayden Daniels – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
366 546 67.0% 3822 27 11 756 6 5 396.44 23.32

TIER TWO | WEEKLY STARTERS

5. Joe Burrow - CINcinatti bengals

Underdog: 5 | FastDraft: 5 | Sleeper: 4 | Dynasty Nerds: 5 | KTC: 5

Joe Burrow headlines my Tier 2 QB. Last season, Burrow set career highs in pass attempts (652), passing yards (4,918), and touchdowns (43), carrying the Bengals through shootouts just to stay competitive. But the defense can’t get worse, right? Trey Hendrickson says, “Just wait!”

If the Bengals want to win, regression might not even be an option. Still, I’ve projected some: 4,437 yards and 37 TDs. Burrow remains one of the few pocket passers in the league who can single-handedly carry fantasy squads. He may lack the rushing floor of the tier above, but when the volume spikes, so does his weekly ceiling.

Joe Burrow – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
416 600 69.4% 4437 37 11 112 0 8 374.19 22.01

6. J.J. McCarthy - MINnesota vikings

Underdog: 16 | FastDraft: 15 | Sleeper: 16 | Dynasty Nerds: 21 | KTC: 18

We didn’t get to see J.J. McCarthy under center as a rookie; instead, Sam Darnold stepped in and surprisingly delivered a top-10 fantasy finish. But now, it’s McCarthy’s time, and I’m fully buying into Kevin O’Connell’s system dropping him at QB6. He has the arm talent, poise, and athleticism to thrive in this offense.

There’s plenty of extrapolation baked into this projection, but it’s not a stretch to say McCarthy is more physically gifted than Nick Mullens or Joshua Dobbs, who, at his peak with the Vikings, averaged 6 carries and over 30 rushing yards per game. I’m projecting a baseline of 300 rushing yards and 3 scores, with 500+ yards well within reach for the rookie.

On reflection, his touchdown rate might be a touch high and could get dialed back in my final update. Still, the rushing projection is closer to a floor than a ceiling. Between the scheme, the weapons, and the skill set, I’m confidently calling my shot: McCarthy is loaded with upside and will be one of the best draft-day values at quarterback in 2025.

J.J. McCarthy – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
364 551 66.0% 4021 32 12 310 3 7 364.35 21.43

7. Baker Mayfield - Tampa bay buccaneers

Underdog: 7 | FastDraft: 11 | Sleeper: 13 | Dynasty Nerds: 7 | KTC: 9

Baker Mayfield’s resurrection started in 2022, when he signed with the Rams and led a game-winning drive less than 48 hours after meeting his teammates. That flash turned into the Tampa Bay starting job, and looking like the player who went No. 1 overall back in 2018.

In 2024, Baker set career highs with 4,500 passing yards and 41 touchdowns. A regression in passing TDs feels inevitable; those numbers were electric, and I’m also projecting his rushing production to return closer to his career median.

This range is crowded with talented QBs, but Baker’s weekly blow-up potential keeps him firmly in the every-week starter conversation.

Baker Mayfield – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
386 567 68.0% 4139 33 13 218 2 8 354.58 20.86

TIER THREE | COMFY STREAMERS

8. Patrick Mahomes - Kansas City Chiefs

Underdog: 6 | FastDraft: 8 | Sleeper: 6 | Dynasty Nerds: 6 | KTC: 8

Patrick Mahomes is already a Hall of Famer in most fans’ minds, it’s hard to remember a Super Bowl that didn’t include him. But despite the rings, his fantasy production has taken a hit. The Chiefs have leaned on shorter throws and a punishing defense, which means Mahomes’ magic hasn’t been needed quite as often.

That may be about to change. Whether it’s due to Travis Kelce’s aging or a shift in offensive philosophy, a backfield of Pacheco and Kareem Hunt isn’t likely to carry them to another title. So, the path forward may rely on Mahomes airing it out more with explosive weapons like Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice.

I’m projecting a boost in yardage and touchdowns with similar volume, so if the pass attempts rise, Mahomes could make a quick jump in the rankings and recapture weekly top-tier confidence.

Patrick Mahomes – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
387 578 67.0% 4160 31 12 271 2 7 352.11 20.71

9. Justin Herbert - Los Angeles Chargers

Underdog: 16 | FastDraft: 16 | Sleeper: 9 | Dynasty Nerds: 12 | KTC: 10

Justin Herbert took a hit in volume last year, but made up for it with elite efficiency, finishing as the QB12 overall.

Heading into 2025, I’m projecting a slight bounce back in volume and production, thanks to an upgraded supporting cast and second year in the offense. Herbert’s rushing upside is underrated, and those surprise ground points can be matchup-winners.

Herbert might not return to his gunslinging peak just yet, but he’s still a rock-solid fantasy option, albeit more of a weekly streamer at this level.

Justin Herbert – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
357 525 68.0% 3992 26 5 371 3 5 351.88 20.70

10. C.J. Stroud - Houston Texans

Underdog: 19 | FastDraft: 20 | Sleeper: 11 | Dynasty Nerds: 18 | KTC: 11

After a dynamic rookie campaign, C.J. Stroud hit a sophomore slump that left fantasy managers frustrated. He struggled to produce consistently, and his receiving corps was in disarray, as no wide receiver played a full season or reached 100 targets.

Houston responded by trading for Christian Kirk and adding two more pass-catchers on Day 2 of the draft. That infusion of talent should stabilize the offense and help unlock a return to Stroud’s rookie-year efficiency. I predict a high speed, quick-passing offense to counter the weak OL and subpar running game.

He may not crack every-week starter status just yet, but Stroud should vastly outperform his late draft slot and regain value as a strong streamer with week-winning upside.

C.J. Stroud – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
360 554 65.0% 4207 29 8 226 2 6 348.09 20.48

11. Caleb Williams - Chicago Bears

Underdog: 13 | FastDraft: 14 | Sleeper: 8 | Dynasty Nerds: 9 | KTC: 21

So much hype, so little payoff in Year 1. Caleb Williams left the fantasy community wondering if the noise outweighed the substance. Then came the offseason... and even more hype. The Bears landed the bell of the coaching ball in Ben Johnson and doubled down by selecting pass catchers at picks 10 and 39.

I’ll admit it—I’m drinking the Kool-Aid. As both a fan and a fantasy manager, I’m fully aware of the bias here. I expect some correction in YPA and a few more fumbles. But, if you believe coaching held him back last year, it’s not a stretch to think Johnson can unlock the version of Caleb that earned the No. 1 overall selection.

He’s not an every-week starter in 1QB leagues just yet, but don’t be shocked when he drops a QB1 overall week.

Caleb Williams – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
360 562 64.0% 3932 27 10 374 3 6 342.20 20.13

12. Brock Purdy - San Franciso 49ers

Underdog: 10 | FastDraft: 13 | Sleeper: 15 | Dynasty Nerds: 15 | KTC: 15

Purdy has legit QB1 ceiling, and he’s already shown he can deliver stretches of fantasy beauty. But 2024 was awkward for San Francisco. The rhythm felt off, and the only normal feeling was the way the injuries piled up (as usual).

The vibes heading into 2025? Way better. CMC, Kittle, and Pearsall are healthy, and when Brandon Aiyuk and Jauan Jennings are back in the fold, they’ll be gravy on top of a fully loaded offense.

The 49ers attempted 533 passes last year, and if Purdy stays upright, I’ve got him setting career highs in both attempts and yards. The weapons and system give him a weekly shot at top-12 production.

Brock Purdy – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
348 520 67.0% 4316 29 11 182 2 6 339.60 19.98

TIER FOUR | ROLLERCOASTER

13. Trevor Lawrence - Jacksonville Jaguars

Underdog: 18 | FastDraft: 17 | Sleeper: 18 | Dynasty Nerds: 20 | KTC: 23

Trevor Lawrence has proven he can play through pain, but 2024 tested that limit. After missing just one game over his first three seasons, he sat out seven last year as the injuries finally caught up to him.

The Jaguars’ pass volume and talented receiving corps remain rock-solid, and Lawrence still offers a sneaky rushing floor. I’m projecting a step forward in his touchdown rate and expecting him to flirt with 30 passing TDs, a new career high.

Trevor Lawrence – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
370 570 65.0% 3988 28 13 268 3 7 336.15 19.77

14. Dak Prescott - Dallas Cowboys

Underdog: 11 | FastDraft: 9 | Sleeper: 21 | Dynasty Nerds: 10 | KTC: 16

Dak Prescott has walked the tightrope between QB1 upside and fantasy irrelevance, mostly due to injuries. Guess what? We’re entering a “good year” in the cycle!

He gets George Pickens added to the mix alongside CeeDee Lamb, and with a run game that looks shaky at best, Dallas will need to ride Dak’s arm to stack wins. I’m projecting another high-volume passing season, and if he stays healthy, he’s got the weapons and game script to flirt with top-10 numbers again.

Dak Prescott – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
394 588 67.0% 4234 30 14 203 1 7 334.55 19.68

15. Bo Nix - Denver Broncos

Underdog: 9 | FastDraft: 7 | Sleeper: 7 | Dynasty Nerds: 16 | KTC: 6

One of 2024’s biggest surprises, Bo Nix delivered a QB7 finish as a rookie under the watchful eye of Sean Payton, who hand-picked him for the job. A second-year leap feels like the logical next step, especially with a full offseason in the system.

But with an improved run game (only 4.1 YPC as a team in 2024), creating a more balanced attack, Nix will be a better QB, without necessarily posting bigger fantasy numbers. Expect some big weeks, but maybe not the overall statistical leap as many are projecting.

Bo Nix – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
359 536 67.0% 3641 27 11 394 4 7 334.25 19.66

16. Kyler Murray - Arizona Cardinals

Underdog: 8 | FastDraft: 10 | Sleeper: 14 | Dynasty Nerds: 8 | KTC: 13

Kyler’s rushing floor still gives him weekly upside, but his margin for error has widened. Injuries have chipped away at his efficiency and volume.

Marvin Harrison Jr. and Trey McBride will bring the splash plays and fuel some big weeks, but as long as James Conner remains the heartbeat of the offense, Kyler’s ceiling stays capped. The boom games will come, but weekly consistency feels like a thing of the past.

Kyler Murray – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
368 549 67.0% 3840 23 11 462 4 6 328.05 19.30
17. Jared Goff – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
378 564 67.0% 4290 29 11 70 1 6 326.13 19.18

DRAKE MAYE - NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Underdog: 13 | FastDraft: 12 | Sleeper: 10 | Dynasty Nerds: 11 | KTC: 7

18. Drake Maye – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
361 538 67.0% 3606 24 11 424 4 8 318.45 18.73
19. Jordan Love – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
339 530 64.0% 3872 29 14 123 1 5 310.65 18.27

TIER FIVE | RISKY BUISNESS

20. Matthew Stafford – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
364 551 66.0% 4131 28 12 55 0 5 305.04 17.94
21. Tua Tagovailoa – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
380 551 69.0% 3914 28 11 54 1 8 298.57 17.56

JUSTIN FIELDS - NEW YORK JETS

Underdog: 12 | FastDraft: 6 | Sleeper: 23 | Dynasty Nerds: 13 | KTC: 22

22. Justin Fields – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
290 461 63.0% 3224 18 10 566 6 6 297.10 17.48
23. Daniel Jones – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
91 145 63.0% 897 4 3 184 2 0 87.09 17.42

TIER SIX - SuperFlex ONLY

24. Bryce Young – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
349 546 64.0% 3548 22 8 290 3 8 287.62 16.92
25. Michael Penix Jr – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
361 564 64.0% 4092 23 11 130 1 7 286.03 16.83
26. Geno Smith – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
366 538 68.0% 3874 22 12 292 1 6 282.59 16.62
27. Sam Darnold – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
286 433 66.0% 3115 19 8 133 1 7 228.55 16.32
28. Cam Ward – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
315 508 62.0% 3248 19 10 311 3 5 263.88 15.52
29. Russell Wilson – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
205 315 65.0% 2018 15 6 117 1 7 162.60 14.78
30. Jaxon Dart – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
38 57 66.0% 401 3 1 25 0 1 29.19 14.60
31. Aaron Rodgers – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
341 525 65.0% 3360 23 10 60 1 7 246.89 14.52
32. Joe Flacco – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
91 147 62.0% 1030 6 3 16 1 6 67.71 13.54
33. Shedeur Sanders – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
210 324 65.0% 2233 11 6 62 1 6 145.81 13.26
34. Shane Rattler – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
155 254 61.0% 1474 5 6 180 1 7 88.23 11.03
35. Tyler Shough – 2025 Projection
Cmp Att Cmp% Yds TD Int Rush Yds Rush TDs Fmb Total FP Fantasy PPG
166 286 58.0% 1744 6 10 118 1 10 85.83 9.54
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2025 RUNNINGBACK RANKINGS & PROJECTIONS | PRESEASON

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