Young quarterbacks are driving the NFL narrative as teams chase sustainable stars from the 2024-25 preseason buzz. Caleb Williams, Bo Nix, Jayden Daniels, Michael Penix Jr., Drake Maye, Cam Ward, and Adam Thielen are highlighted as the core dynamic signal-callers around which rosters were rebuilt this offseason. The piece identifies a set of trusted teammates—often veterans or high-upside talent—who could unlock these gunslingers in meaningful games. These duos, labeled as the “secret best friends,” promise to shape fantasy value and betting angles for 2025.

Williams’ Bears, Nix’s Broncos, Daniels’ Commanders, Penix’s Falcons, Maye’s Patriots, Ward’s Titans, and Thielen’s Panthers each feature a specific pass catcher or back who could emerge as a reliable safety valve. The analysis also notes how each quarterback’s supporting cast—tight ends, slot receivers, and backfields—will influence rush lanes, pressure relief, and play-calling structure as teams aim to maximize every rookie-scale contract window.

PFF's 2021 NFL re-draft reshuffles the board: Christian Darrisaw lands with Carolina at pick 8, leaving Minnesota to pivot and snap up Kyle Pitts at 14. Pitts still posts 1.22 PFF WAR across four seasons, ranking 10th among tight ends, a reminder that even high expectations aren’t foolproof in a stacked class. The Vikings’ tackle need opens the door for Pitts’ Day 1 fit, and Minnesota’s TE picture shifts as Irv Smith Jr. endures injury trouble and Chris Herndon’s role fades. A Penix-led Panthers era looms in this hypothetical, with Cousins steering the Minnesota offense from Day 1 and Pitts providing a dynamic mismatch throughout.

Atlanta added Ben DiNucci to deepen the quarterback room ahead of Friday’s preseason finale in Dallas, a move prompted by Emory Jones’ concussion and the need for insurance behind Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins, who won’t play. Easton Stick is expected to start, with DiNucci serving as a ready-made backup for the 3-0-3 spot. The Falcons also released DJ Chark, reshaping the pass-catching corps as they evaluate the rest of the preseason slate.

DiNucci, a 2020 seventh-rounder, has appeared in three NFL games (one start) and delivered 23-for-43 for 219 yards in his rookie season. He spent rookie camp with Atlanta in May after time with Buffalo in 2024 and split college stints between Pitt and James Madison. Penix Jr. and Cousins are sidelined for the Dallas game, elevating Stick’s chances to lead Atlanta’s offense and keep DiNucci poised for opportunities.

The Chark release tightens Atlanta’s WR mix and nudges targets toward London, Pitts, and emerging rookies. For fantasy managers, this depth move signals caution around FalconsQBs and signals to monitor Friday’s performance for any hints of a Week 1 role or red-zone usage. The Cowboys’ visit looms large as Atlanta scrambles to refine its plan with a thinner depth chart in a still-unsettled QB room.