Five signal-callers are pegged for breakout seasons in 2025: Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, J.J. McCarthy, Michael Penix Jr., and Cam Ward. Williams lands in Chicago with Ben Johnson and an upgraded O-line around him, plus Luther Burden III at receiver. Maye steps into New England with added O-line support and new weapons, giving him a clearer path to fantasy upside. McCarthy inherits Minnesota’s QB-friendly system and bananas weapons, while Penix Jr. slides into Atlanta with Bijan Robinson and Drake London, offering explosive air-passing potential. Ward could surprise in Year 1 with Tennessee’s mix of passing chops and mobility. ADP data suggests all are affordable late in drafts, making them compelling breakout bets for fantasy managers aiming for a Darnold-like leap in 2025.

The piece frames this as a blueprint: late-drafted QBs can break out when the scheme, OL, and surrounding weapons finally click. Each quarterback is in a favorable environment that could unlock fantasy points across multiple categories, not just passing yards. The theme centers on calculating upside based on surrounding talent and play-calling, rather than relying on pedigree alone, offering fantasy managers a roadmap for targeting risky but high-upside players in the late rounds.