Sneaky Starts and Deep Cuts: My Underdog Fantasy Favorites
- Elizabeth MacBey
- Aug 6
- 4 min read
The commish is back in action, and this year I’m taking that trophy home. To my fantasy league mates: beware. The Red Zone Rejects are reloaded, and unlike the Cowboys, when I say “this is our year,” I actually mean it. Think 2023 Lions: healthy core, stacked offseason, and a vengeance arc straight out of HBO.
I could keep my strategy locked up tighter than Belichick on media day - but I'm feeling generous. So here are 15 sneaky fantasy football picks for 2025. Studied, stat-backed, and vibe-verified. (Yes, I used both analytics and intuition. Call me a dual-threat.)
We’re 29 days from kickoff and one emotional breakdown away from naming my team after a pun no one finds funny but me. If your favorite drama show is on hiatus, just watch a fantasy league group chat unravel after someone waives Puka Nacua by mistake.
The boys have had their run, but 2025 is for the girls (and not just because Taylor Swift made Red Zone viewers out of millions). We’re drafting smart, talking smack, and breaking hearts with waiver wire wizardry.
Now just to confuse my fantasy league mates, these names are in NO particular order…or are they…
Jayden Reed | Green Bay Packers
Prediction: 1,000+ total yards, 10 TDs
Why: The breakout is loading. Reed’s chemistry with Jordan Love is undeniable, and he’s being used all over the field. His YAC (yards after catch) potential is real, and with defenses focusing on Watson and Doubs, Reed will feast in single coverage.
Jordan Mason | Minnesota Vikings
Prediction: 150+ touches, RB2 upside in committee
Why: Now in Minnesota and running behind a sneaky-good o-line, Mason is built like a bruiser with surprising agility. If Ty Chandler stumbles, Mason becomes the early-down hammer in a team that’s going to lean run-heavy with J.J. McCarthy at the helm.
Marvin Mims Jr. | Denver Broncos
Prediction: 60+ catches, 900+ yards, six TDs
Why: Mims’ deep-threat ability is lethal, and with Courtland Sutton on the trade block, his opportunity is massive. Sean Payton offenses always feature a vertical burner, and Mims fits that role perfectly.
Bo Nix | Denver Broncos
Why: Payton handpicked him. With elite short-area accuracy and sneaky mobility, Nix is perfect for a quick-pass scheme that minimizes risk. Think Brock Purdy... but with wheels.
Austin Ekeler | Washington Commanders
Prediction: 1,200 total yards, nine TDs in bounce-back year
Why: Don’t let 2024 fool you—Ekeler's still got juice. He’ll be the safety valve for rookie QB Jayden Daniels and could easily lead all RBs in receptions again if fully healthy. Dirt cheap ADP for a former top-five RB.
Jalen McMillan | Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Prediction: WR3 upside with red zone volume
Why: Sneaky value in a Mike Evans successor role. McMillan is a precise route-runner with elite ball skills, and if Mayfield regresses, short/intermediate targets like Jalen thrive.
Jerome Ford | Cleveland Browns
Prediction: 1,000+ total yards, six+ TDs
Why: With Chubb still rehabbing and Hunt out of the picture, Ford should dominate early-down work. Kevin Stefanski’s offense is built on play-action and the run. Don’t be shocked if Ford finishes top 24 in PPR.
J.J. McCarthy | Minnesota Vikings
Prediction: Starter by Week Six, QB streamer value
Why: Rookie QBs who can run = fantasy gold. With Jefferson, Addison, and Hockenson, McCarthy has one of the league’s best support systems. He’s safe to stash and could be this year’s C.J. Stroud lite.
Hunter Henry | New England Patriots
Prediction: 600 yards, eight TDs – TE10 finish
Why: Old reliable. Henry remains a red zone monster. With rookie Drake Maye under center, expect heavy TE usage, especially in the red zone. Unsexy? Yes. Effective? Also yes.
Michael Penix Jr. | Atlanta Falcons
Why: If Cousins isn’t 100%, Penix could slide into the driver’s seat of a Ferrari offense. With Bijan, London, and Pitts, he’s walking into a fantasy-friendly situation. Arm talent is NFL-ready.
Brock Bowers | Las Vegas Raiders
Prediction: TE6 finish, 750 yards, seven TDs
Why: Rookie TEs usually flop, but Bowers isn’t usual. He’s more weapon than tight end, and Gardner Minshew loves checkdowns. Early camp reports already suggest he's the top offensive option.
Isaiah Likely | Baltimore Ravens
Prediction: TE1 if Andrews is out again; otherwise, high-upside handcuff
Why: When he plays, he produces. Andrews insurance with massive weekly upside in 12 personnel sets. Lamar trusts him in the red zone.
Kyle Pitts | Atlanta Falcons
Prediction: 900+ yards, six TDs – finally
Why: This has to be the year. New OC, competent QB play, and a healthy Pitts = lethal. He’s only 24 and still the most physically gifted TE in the league. Get in now before the breakout finally happens.
Geno Smith | Las Vegas Raiders
Why: Reunited with Pete Carroll and armed with a rejuvenated offense - thanks in part to the explosive draft addition of Ashton Jeanty - the Raiders are definitely a team to watch. With Carroll and Geno Smith back together, don’t be surprised if Geno delivers another high-efficiency season reminiscent of his 2022 breakout.
Emeka Egbuka | Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Prediction: WR3/4 with WR2 upside if healthy
Why: He’s a polished slot weapon who could soak up targets if Godwin moves outside more. The Bucs love three-WR sets, and Emeka’s football IQ and separation ability make him a high-floor rookie stash.
If you want to win your league, stop chasing last year’s breakouts and start looking for this year’s lottery tickets. These are the players that won’t make your friends gasp on draft night… until Week Six when they’re suddenly begging to trade for them.
Remember: Draft smart. Draft scary. Draft like the villain.
See you in the group chat meltdown.
- Your favorite commish
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