Look, every year we get flooded with “expert” takes on who’s the next big thing and who’s about to fall off a cliff, especially for dynasty. Most of it is just noise, regurgitated stats you could find yourself if you weren’t so busy actually living your life. But every now and then, you’ve got to cut through the garbage and make the tough calls that win you a dynasty championship. Forget the cookie-cutter analysis. This is about reading the tea leaves, spotting the trends before your league mates do, and sometimes, just trusting your gut.
So, let’s get into the nitty-gritty. Here are your real 2025 fantasy football dynasty risers and fallers.
2025 Dynasty Risers: Get Them Before It’s Too Late
Some players are just built differently. They see an opportunity and don’t just knock; they kick the door down. These are the guys whose stock is about to go through the roof.
The New Sheriff in Dallas: George Pickens, WR, Cowboys
Let’s be real, we all knew this was coming. CeeDee Lamb goes down, and suddenly everyone remembers George Pickens is a certified monster. But this isn’t some flash in the pan. The dude is earning high-value targets and looking every bit the part of a true WR1. With nine grabs for 165 yards and a score recently, he’s not just filling in; he’s taking over. If you thought he was just a contested-catch specialist, you haven’t been paying attention. He’s a weekly breakout candidate, and his price is only going one way: up.
The Chargers’ One-Two Punch: Quentin Johnston & Ladd McConkey, WRs, LAC
Remember when everyone was fading Quentin Johnston? Good times. Now he’s leading the Chargers in receiving yards (377) and has Justin Herbert’s trust on deep shots. His dynasty ranking has skyrocketed for a reason. But here’s the twist: Ladd McConkey is right there with him. While Johnston takes the top off, McConkey is becoming a target magnet, averaging nearly seven targets a game. This isn’t a situation where you have to pick one; this offense can support both. The real move is recognizing that this duo is the future in LA.
Tennessee’s Surprise Package: Elic Ayomanor, WR, Titans
Who? Exactly. While everyone was busy worrying about Calvin Ridley’s inevitable decline (more on that later), Elic Ayomanor has been quietly dominating. This rookie is commanding red-zone looks and is outproducing established names in expected fantasy points. He’s earned two-thirds of Cam Ward’s end zone targets! This is the kind of under-the-radar player that dynasty legends are built on. Get him on your roster before your league mates can even figure out how to pronounce his name.
2025 Dynasty Fallers: Sell While You Still Can
Father Time is undefeated, and so is a bad team situation. It hurts to let go of players you once believed in, but holding on too long is how you end up in a perpetual rebuild.
The Tennessee Implosion: Calvin Ridley, WR, & Tony Pollard, RB
It’s a dumpster fire in Tennessee, and it’s time to get out before you get burned. Calvin Ridley looks like a shell of his former self, dropping to WR65 territory in fantasy points per game. He’s on the verge of being replaced on one of the league’s worst offenses. Meanwhile, Tony Pollard’s snap share is in a freefall, dipping to a disastrous 43% in a recent game. The Titans are a mess, and these two are the primary casualties. Don’t be the manager left holding the bag.
The Patriot Way (to Irrelevance): DeMario Douglas, WR, Patriots
Remember that one good game DeMario Douglas had? Yeah, that was cute. He’s since been buried on the depth chart behind Kayshon Boutte and is barely seeing the field. The Patriots‘ offense is a fantasy wasteland, and Douglas is just another tumbleweed blowing through it. He’s a prime drop candidate. Don’t overthink it.
The Disappearing Act: Travis Hunter, WR, Jaguars
The hype was deafening, but the production has been silent. Travis Hunter, the two-way phenom, has yet to make any real offensive impact. He’s not scoring touchdowns, he’s not hitting double-digit fantasy points, and he’s not doing anything to justify a spot on your roster. It was a fun story, but stories don’t win fantasy championships. It’s time to accept he’s a better real-life football player than a fantasy one.
