David Njoku rises as a sleeper in 2025, buoyed by healthier health and Joe Flacco’s return to Cleveland, while the model flags C.J. Stroud’s sophomore-year volatility and Travis Kelce’s high upside with elevated variance. RJ Harvey lands as a breakout candidate for 2025, with A.J. Brown amid the mix of stars and sleepers and Ridley pegged as a bust risk given roster and QB concerns. The piece tees up a full SportsLine cheat sheet for every position, highlighting breakouts, sleepers and fades.

Third-tier RBs in 2025 drafts center on Bucky Irving vs Jonathan Taylor. Irving’s late-2024 surge gave him clear three-down potential, but Tampa Bay’s coaching/setup could cap volume if scheme shifts occur. Taylor delivered a late-career rush run, yet durability and a reshuffled line temper his ceiling. Both carry RB1 upside, but their paths differ: Irving leans into breakout volatility, Taylor into elite upside with risk baked in.

Bottom line: Irving at RB9 is compelling for ceiling, but safer builds might favor Taylor’s floor with a chance at top-3, health permitting. Stay plugged into updates and formats to refine roster decisions as offenses evolve and injuries shake out across the NFL.

Handcuff running backs remain a cornerstone of savvy fantasy rosters, and 2025 could hinge on three overlooked backups stepping into starter-level upside when injuries strike. Ray Davis in Buffalo backs James Cook and sits at RB42 in high-stakes drafts, presenting solid RB3 value with legitimate bye-week and emergency-start upside. Will Shipley in Philadelphia looks locked in as Barkley’s clear-to-fill RB2, a contingent piece who could rise if Barkley misses time. DJ Giddens in Indianapolis offers speed and receiving ability behind Jonathan Taylor, with a real 50/50 shot at live-action work in relief duties. Together, they form a compact trio of late-round, high-upside handcuffs who could rescue fantasy squads when the season twists.

Houston bets on a clearer trajectory from C.J. Stroud, hoping improved receiving options lift the offense despite an unsettled O-line. BetMGM’s 9.5 win floor and 35-1 SB odds frame the risk-reward, with Stroud’s ceiling tied to pass-catchers stepping up and better protection in 2025.

Jacksonville leans on Trevor Lawrence as Liam Coen’s offense seeks a breakout, while the defense and rushing game must rebound after last year’s slide. Indianapolis hinges on Jonathan Taylor and Anthony Richardson to spark consistency, though quarterback depth remains a concern. Tennessee’s outlook rests on a sturdier O-line and a competitive floor in a tougher division.

Colts 53-man roster for 2025 is headlined by a quarterback room featuring Daniel Jones, Riley Leonard, and Anthony Richardson, with Richardson expected to drive the offense. The backfield pairs Jonathan Taylor with D.J. Giddens and Tyler Goodson, while the receiving corps houses Pittman Jr., Downs, and Pierce alongside tight ends Alie-Cox and Mallory. Anton Nelson and Bernhard Raimann anchor a capable line.

Defensively, Indy stacks DeForest Buckner, Samson Ebukam, Neville Gallimore, Kwity Paye, and J.T. Tuimoloau with a solid front, while Joe Bachie, Zaire Franklin, and Cameron McGrone pace the linebackers. Cornerbacks include Mekhi Blackmon, Johnathan Edwards, Xavien Howard, and Charvarius Ward; safeties Camryn Bynum, Nick Cross, and Rodney Thomas II round out the secondary.

Notable cuts included Jelani Woods, Chris Lammons, JuJu Brents, and Isaiah Land, signaling a swift post-deadline reshuffle as the Colts pursue a playoff bid and AFC South title under Shane Steichen. With the first 53 in place, Indianapolis will still be active — refining depth and roles to maximize 2025 potential.