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August 19, 2025
Fantasy football rankings 2025: Sleepers, busts, breakouts by NFL model that predicted Stroud's slump - CBSSports.com
@cbssports
CBSSports
Fantasy football rankings 2025: Sleepers, busts, breakouts by NFL model that predicted Stroud's slump - CBSSports.com

Aaron Rodgers’ arrival in Pittsburgh is not just a headline-grab; it could reshape 2025 fantasy value by lifting the Steelers’ backfield options and opening up attacking avenues for the pass game. Warren and the rookie Kaleb Johnson may benefit most as Rodgers’ play-action and timing throws could keep defenses honest and create clearer lanes for a veteran in Warren or a dynamic rookie in Johnson. Rodgers’ history with top-scoring backs—Jones in Green Bay and others—gives Warren a plausible path to bigger yardage and improved fantasy receipts, especially with Najee Harris now elsewhere.

SportsLine’s model adds a broader flavor: Waddle and Downs surface as sleepers and breakouts, with Bateman cast as a bust candidate in 2025. The piece highlights a Colts connection between Richardson and Downs, plus a potential Waddle rebound aided by Jonnu Smith’s departure to the Steelers, which could free targets. It’s a reminder that the 2025 rankings and cheat sheets are driven by a model that has historically nailed sleepers and breakouts, and that fantasy managers should lean on those simulated projections when mapping draft strategies across PPR and non-PPR formats.

In short, Rodgers to Pittsburgh isn’t just about pass-catchers; it could unlock a more balanced offense where Warren or Kaleb Johnson emerge as reliable 2025 fantasy contributors. The piece also stresses using robust rankings and rich cheat sheets to navigate the evolving landscape, with sleeper value anchoring many early-round decisions and bust risk shaping later pivots.

Which Steelers back should fantasy managers target most in 2025 after Rodgers’s arrival: Jaylen Warren or Kaleb Johnson?Which 2025 sleeper has the best probability of finishing as a top-15 WR: Josh Downs or Jaylen Waddle?What is the best way to approach 2025 fantasy drafts with SportsLine’s model showing sleepers like Waddle and Downs, plus busts like Bateman?Given Rodgers’ track record with backs and the Steelers’ backfield prospects, how should you structure your 2025 draft strategy in PPR leagues?
Mentions:
@Aaron Rodgers | Pittsburgh Steelers | NFL
@Aaron Rodgers | Pittsburgh Steelers | NFL
@Christian McCaffrey | San Francisco 49ers | NFL
@Christian McCaffrey | San Francisco 49ers | NFL
@Daniel Jones | New York Giants | NFL
@Daniel Jones | New York Giants | NFL
@DK Metcalf | Seattle Seahawks | NFL
@DK Metcalf | Seattle Seahawks | NFL
@Jaxon Smith-Njigba | Seattle Seahawks | NFL
@Jaxon Smith-Njigba | Seattle Seahawks | NFL
@Jonnu Smith | Pittsburgh Steelers | NFL
@Jonnu Smith | Pittsburgh Steelers | NFL
@Josh Downs | Indianapolis Colts | NFL
@Josh Downs | Indianapolis Colts | NFL
@Kaleb Johnson | Pittsburgh Steelers | NFL
@Kaleb Johnson | Pittsburgh Steelers | NFL
@Najee Harris | Los Angeles Chargers | NFL
@Najee Harris | Los Angeles Chargers | NFL

https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/football/news/fa..

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