Luke Altmyer, Illinois quarterback and rising star, recently expressed his admiration for Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson at a Chicago Cubs game. During a media session, he identified Jackson as part of a select group of elite NFL quarterbacks he follows, which includes Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen. Altmyer emphasized the importance of learning from these top performers, stating that he absorbs insights from their unique playing styles.

Coming off a successful season where he completed 60% of his passes for over 2,700 yards and 22 touchdowns, Altmyer also shared that Russell Wilson is his primary role model. This connection is particularly meaningful as Wilson was coached by Illinois head coach Bret Bielema during his college days at Wisconsin. As Altmyer develops his skills, he continues to draw inspiration from Jackson's dual-threat capabilities, which embodies the evolution of the quarterback position.

As the NFL gears up for the 2025 season, the quarterback debate continues to ignite passions among fans and analysts alike. Positioning quarterbacks into tiers offers a fresh perspective on evaluating their potential and performance. Tier 1 showcases transcendent talents like Patrick Mahomes, known for his game-changing abilities despite a recent Super Bowl setback. Others in this elite group include Josh Allen, recognized for his dual-threat capabilities, and Lamar Jackson, whose electrifying plays keep defenses on edge.

Notably, emerging stars such as Jayden Daniels bring excitement to their franchises. Meanwhile, Tier 2 quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff exemplify the fine line between star potential and reliance on team support. Evaluating these players within their contexts emphasizes that a quarterback's success is often tied to their surrounding talent, creating an intricate web of performance metrics to consider moving forward.

Derrick Henry, now in his 10th NFL season, begins year two with the Baltimore Ravens, bringing an impressive track record from his time with the Tennessee Titans. Last season, he carried the ball 325 times for an astounding 1,921 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns, tying for the league lead in rushing touchdowns. His offseason training has garnered attention, as he reportedly spends around $240,000 annually on body maintenance, ensuring he remains a top-tier athlete at 31 years old.

Sharing the backfield with quarterback Lamar Jackson, Henry continues to be a dominant force. His commitment to conditioning and performance makes him a key player for fantasy teams looking for reliable rushing options, especially as the Ravens aim for a Super Bowl championship.

Brock Bowers and Trey McBride are poised to redefine the tight end position in fantasy football. Bowers, after a record-breaking rookie season in 2024, is expected to build on his success as he enters Year 2. His 25.0% target rate and elite talent make him a safe investment, often the first tight end selected in drafts. Meanwhile, McBride, an emerging star, boasts a 25.9% target rate and significant red zone opportunities. His value may be slightly better as he currently sits at the end of Round 2.

In Tier 2, George Kittle is a top contender after leading the position in fantasy points per game last season, while T.J. Hockenson shows promise as he recovers from injury. Sam LaPorta, noted for his impressive rookie season, aims to regain his TE1 status despite facing injuries last year. Tier 3 includes veterans like Mark Andrews and Travis Kelce, both of whom are expected to maintain their roles despite natural declines in performance due to age. The tight end landscape is dynamic, making early-season evaluations crucial for fantasy managers.