Adam Schefter’s Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet: Strategic Value Picks and Sleeper Options for Success

ESPN NFL Insider’s 2025 Fantasy Football Draft Targets

Each year, we at ESPN Fantasy endeavor to help with your fantasy football draft prep, including sleepers lists and cheat sheets. In this column, you will get the best of both worlds, as ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter offers his personal list of early-, mid- and late-round targets in 2025 fantasy leagues.

Below are some players who could be fantasy standouts this season and outperform their current average draft position (ADP).If given a choice at certain junctures in the draft, or in tiebreaker situations, these are players who will receive strong consideration.

For context, I am in a 12-team league, in which some of these players will not need to be drafted, and a 16-team league, in which some of them might be more valuable. As always, consider the size of your league and your scoring system in any player evaluation, but I believe the players below hold strong value relative to their ADPs and are poised to have productive seasons.

I hope this list is helpful. Good luck this season!

Quarterback

Just as the NFL has elite quarterbacks, so does fantasy.Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow have racked up huge numbers for their teams and fantasy managers, but there is plenty of depth this year, and quality quarterbacks can be found in later rounds, if you choose to wait at the position.

Early Rounds

Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens: Coach John Harbaugh believes Jackson is one of the best passers – yes, passers – in NFL history. But Jackson’s running makes him one of the best fantasy quarterbacks in history. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills: In the past year, Allen has won an MVP, gotten married and restructured his contract as he looks to duplicate — and even improve upon — his incredible 2024 season.

middle Rounds

Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: From the time he turned up in Tampa, Mayfield has exceeded expectations while the Buccaneers have assembled potent offensive options.
BO Nix, Denver Broncos: Nix is a better dual threat than people realize, and can rack up fantasy points with his legs as much as his arm.

Late Rounds

Drake Maye, New England Patriots: A bigger version of Bo Nix, in the junior mold of Josh Allen, Maye can score points in the air or on the ground. Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons: In his brief stint at the end of last season, Penix proved he belongs. He is the Falcons’ quarterback of the future and will be a fantasy fixture.
Trevor Lawrence,Jacksonville Jaguars: Under new coach liam Coen,Lawrence has been put in a position to achieve his potential.

Running Back

A case can be made to draft either Bijan Robinson or Jahmyr Gibbs with the No. 1 pick this season. Coming off a deep running back draft in April, this crop of running backs has been elevated by a number of rookies who have a chance to make meaningful fantasy contributions this season.

Early Rounds

Bijan Robinson, Falcons: He would be my No. 1 pick this year.
Jahmyr Gibbs,Detroit lions: Gibbs might just be the most dynamic offensive player in the NFL,not to mention a touchdown machine.
Chase Brown, cincinnati Bengals: On a team that could be involved in high-scoring affairs, Brown can catch as effectively as he runs.
Bucky Irving, Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Irving emerged in his rookie year and seized control of the Buccaneers’ No. 1 running back spot.

Middle Rounds

Omarion Hampton,los Angeles Chargers: Few coaches love to run the football as much as Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman,and Hampton is expected to be the lead back.
TreVeyon Henderson, New England Patriots: Demonstrated speed, elusiveness and big-play ability this preseason and will be used in conjunction with Rhamondre Stevenson.
RJ harvey, Denver Broncos: Rookie running backs sometimes are brought along slowly in Sean Payton’s offense, but as the season progresses, so should Harvey.
Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City Chiefs: An injury derailed a strong start to his 2024 season. Pacheco is healthy this year.late Rounds

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, Washington Commanders: There has been an inordinate amount of hype surrounding this seventh-round pick.
Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson, Cleveland Browns: Cleveland needs, and is expected to have, one of its rookie running backs to be a factor.
trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals: It’s time for last year’s third-round draft pick to show he has a place in Arizona’s offense.
Jaydon Blue, Dallas Cowboys: blue has elite elusiveness and is expected to be a third-down factor.
Bhayshul Tuten, Jacksonville Jaguars: The rookie will likely contribute early and be consistent this season. He has too much speed not to.
Will Shipley,Philadelphia Eagles: Shipley is solid insurance for managers who roster running back Saquon Barkley.

Wide receiver

With the NFL’s reliance on the passing game, so many receivers have been developed that this could be the deepest group of wideouts in fantasy history. Catching contributors are available at all levels of the draft, but especially up high.

Early Rounds

Ja’arrr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals: There is no contract drama this year, and the connection he has with Burrow is next level.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Detroit Lions: Target machine who is as tough and dependable as they come.
Nico Collins, Houston Texans: When healthy, he has the ability to be one of the top fantasy receivers.
* Malik Nabers, New York Giants: Nabers is one of the most explosive players in the 2024 draft class and will be a focal point of the Giants’ offense.

How does Adam Schefter’s reporting specifically help identify running backs poised for a significant workload?

Decoding Schefter’s Insights for Fantasy Domination

Adam Schefter, ESPN’s NFL insider, doesn’t just report news; he knows football. Translating his reporting into actionable fantasy football advice is a game-changer. This cheat sheet breaks down how to leverage Schefter’s insights for winning fantasy lineups, focusing on value picks and identifying potential sleeper options. We’ll cover key positional strategies,injury updates impacting draft value,and how to stay ahead of the curve throughout the season.Understanding fantasy football rankings and player projections is crucial, and Schefter’s reporting frequently enough provides the edge you need.

Quarterback value: Beyond the Elite Tier

While securing a top-tier QB like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen is tempting, maximizing value often lies in the mid-rounds. Schefter’s reporting on team offensive schemes and coaching changes can signal QB potential.

Kirk Cousins (Minnesota Vikings): Schefter’s coverage of the Vikings’ offensive philosophy suggests continued passing volume, making Cousins a solid QB2 with upside. Look for consistent, if not breathtaking, performances.

Tua tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins): If healthy (a key point Schefter consistently addresses), Tua benefits from a dynamic receiving corps. Monitor Schefter’s injury reports closely.

Jordan Love (Green Bay Packers): Schefter’s insights into the Packers’ QB development and offensive adjustments under a new coordinator point to potential growth for Love. He’s a high-risk, high-reward option. Fantasy QB rankings frequently enough undervalue players in new systems.

Running Backs: Identifying Workhorse Potential

The RB landscape is volatile. Schefter’s reporting on backfield committees and potential injuries is invaluable. Focus on identifying RBs poised to handle a significant workload. Top fantasy running backs are often drafted early, but finding value is key.

Rachaad White (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): Schefter’s reporting indicates White is firmly established as the lead back in Tampa Bay. This volume makes him a strong RB2.

David Montgomery (Detroit Lions): While sharing carries, montgomery is expected to be a key component of the Lions’ offense, especially near the goal line. schefter’s coverage of the Lions’ offensive line strength supports this.

Jerick McKinnon (Kansas City Chiefs): A late-round flier with PPR upside. Schefter’s reporting on McKinnon’s role in the passing game makes him a valuable handcuff and potential flex play.

Wide Receiver Sleepers: Unearthing Hidden Gems

Wide receiver depth is crucial for fantasy success. Schefter’s reporting on receiver-QB chemistry and offensive play-calling can reveal sleeper potential. Fantasy football wide receiver rankings are often fluid, so staying informed is vital.

Romeo Doubs (Green Bay Packers): With a new QB in Green Bay, Doubs has the opportunity to emerge as a primary target. Schefter’s coverage of the Packers’ receiver competition is essential.

Rashee Rice (Kansas City chiefs): Schefter’s reporting suggests Rice is making a strong impression in training camp and could carve out a significant role in the Chiefs’ offense.

Curtis Samuel (Washington Commanders): Schefter’s insights into the Commanders’ offensive scheme highlight Samuel’s versatility and potential for increased targets.

Tight End Strategy: Navigating a Thin Position

Tight end is notoriously unpredictable. Schefter’s reporting on TE usage in specific offenses is critical. Don’t overspend on a top-tier TE; finding value is paramount. Fantasy football tight end rankings are often based on limited data.

Gerald Everett (Los angeles Chargers): Schefter’s coverage of the Chargers’ offensive adjustments suggests Everett could see increased targets.

* Juwan johnson (New Orleans Saints): Johnson emerged as a red-zone threat last season. Schefter’s reporting on the Saints’ offensive focus supports continued opportunities.