Nathan’s 2025 fantasy playbook leans into five late-round dart throws who could swing title chances in redraft and best-ball formats. The list centers on Trevor Lawrence, J.K. Dobbins, Bhayshul Tuten, Miles Sanders, and Jacory Croskey-Merritt. Lawrence benefits from a revamped Jacksonville offense and an upgraded receiving corps, giving him a higher ceiling than his mid-round ADP suggests. Dobbins lands in Denver with an elite line and a potential RB1 role, especially if he locks down pass protection duties. Tuten brings big-play explosiveness in a Jaguars backfield that previously lacked it. Sanders lands in Dallas in a system that historically maximizes a backfield and could yield a late-round starter. Croskey-Merritt, a seventh-round rookie in Washington, provides upside if Robinson is moved or injuries strike, creating a high-upside PPR option in deeper formats. These five sleepers are the blueprint for championship rosters across fantasy formats in 2025.

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, a seventh-round rookie nicknamed Bill, is turning heads in Washington as 2025 preseason buzz grows around a potential Week 1 role. In his second carry against Cincinnati, Bill punched it in for 27 yards, fueling speculation that he could supplant or share theCommanders’ backfield early. Washington has reportedly explored moving Brian Robinson Jr., signaling Bill’s potential to inherit a significant workload if Robinson is dealt. Coaches have praised Croskey-Merritt's burst and vision, and the staff views him as a future starter, making him a wild-card dynasty stash and a fluttering redraft flyer depending on how the RB room shakes out.

The Bengals game underscored Bill’s speed and elusiveness, with defenders missing and balls finding the end zone on a highlight-reel run. If Croskey-Merritt lands Week 1 touches, his fantasy upside could be immediate in short-yardage and pass-catching scenarios, especially in a Washington offense that’s still shaping its run-game plan. The question now is whether the rookie can seize the job as a rookie and how Washington balances a deep RB room with Croskey-Merritt’s rising profile.

Fantasy drafts hinge on late‑round launches from players who can flip a season. This piece maps one sleeper from every NFL team for 2025, focusing on no‑name backs and No.3 receivers who could become league‑winners in a crunch. From Trey Benson in Arizona to Jacory Croskey‑Merritt in Washington, each pick is rooted in depth‑chart opportunity, scheme usage, and staying power down the stretch. The aim is straightforward: identify players who can punch above their ADP and swing playoff races in Weeks 14+.

Key clusters emerge: Arizona’s Benson offers breakaway speed behind Conner; Baltimore’s Bateman has route discipline and red‑zone savvy; Los Angeles Rams’ Atwell could seize a bigger third option role if injuries strike. Across the league, sleepers come from every pocket of depth: slot burners, speed threats, and backs who can vulture goal‑line touches. The strategy here is clear—target these value bets in later rounds, monitor camp buzz, and chase players with clear paths to meaningful snaps as the season unfolds.

In practice, the list nudges fantasy managers toward ballots of upside: backs who can handle 3–4 week workloads, receivers who can unlock big plays with even modest targets, and offenses that can sustain multiple contributors. If you’re sitting in rounds 10–14, these sleepers become your runway to top‑tier value. It’s not about drafting a star, but about harvesting leverage from the depth chart and turning it into points when it matters most.

The NFL’s 53-man cut deadline is looming, and a slate of notable players across multiple teams could be on the chopping block. Among the most consequential are Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker and Kendrick Bourne from New England, headlined by Polk as a second-year option whose path to the active roster is not guaranteed despite draft investments. Kyle Dugger and Anfernee Jennings also stand in the Patriots’ crosshairs, tied to cost and schematic fit as New England reshapes under a new voice.

Washington’s Brian Robinson Jr. faces questions about a changing backfield, while Kansas City’s Skyy Moore and Baltimore’s David Ojabo appear on the radar as teams balance talent with cap and role clarity. The Jets’ Malachi Corley and the Saints’ Isaiah Foskey are listed as potential cuts that could redraw depth charts, with Beanie Bishop Jr. and DeMarvin Leal representing Pittsburgh’s cost/fit calculus on defense.

Outside the Patriots, those moves echo across the league: veteran certainty versus cost and scheme fit, undrafted rookies stepping up, and the ripple effects on Week 1 roles. The piece underscores that even bigger names can be vulnerable when coaches recalibrate rosters to maximize versatility, speed, and special-teams value in August rhythms.

For fantasy managers, the takeaway is clear: late-August roster churn can create or erase sleeper windows. Depth charts can flip quickly at WR, LB and edge spots as teams finalize rosters, so stay nimble on waiver wires and be ready to pivot as cuts and claims unfold.

Terry McLaurin was a notable non-participant while Cincinnati’s Trey Hendrickson loomed on the Bengals’ sideline during a Monday night matchup. Hendrickson’s presence underscored a lingering contract-behind-the-scenes drama, with the veteran pass rusher publicly pursuing more money. McLaurin, who had just been removed from the PUP list, chose to be away from the Commanders on a night Washington was at home, prompting questions about his readiness and 2026 deal looming over his season. As practice approaches midweek, all eyes will be on whether McLaurin is with the team and how Washington intends to attack Baltimore’s or Cincinnati’s defenses without him at full strength.