As we reach Week 6 of the 2025 NFL season, it’s an apt moment to reflect on the standout moments in fantasy football thus far. There have certainly been a lot of surprises across the leagues this year.
There’s nothing quite as satisfying as when a late-round pick becomes a pleasant surprise. Or perhaps that player you snagged off the waiver wire is now unexpectedly contributing significantly. Whether it’s due to smart choices or just pure luck, securing these players can be crucial for a strong fantasy season, as they might be keeping your team afloat right now.
Here, we’ll look at some of the players who have made notable strides in fantasy football over the years and analyze how their performances have changed since the beginning of the season. We’ll consider half PPR rankings and current standings.
Daniel Jones, QB, Indianapolis Colts
Current Fantasy Ranking: QB7
Current Stat Line: 71.1%, 1,502 passing yards, 8 TDs, 3 INTs, 4 rushing TDs.
It’s pretty fair to say that the most unexpected development of this NFL season has been Jones’ comeback in Indianapolis, which many didn’t see coming. Just about a year after being bench and later let go by the Giants, he’s now part of a Colts team that many thought would struggle, yet they currently hold a 5-1 record at the top of the AFC.
He’s emerged as one of the best quarterbacks in the league, aided by a solid offensive line and MVP candidate Jonathan Taylor behind him. This setup has been excellent for boosting fantasy points, but it will be interesting to see if he can keep it up as tougher opponents come up in the next few weeks.
Javonte Williams, RB, Dallas Cowboys
Current Fantasy Ranking: RB5
Current Stat Line: 476 rushing yards, 5.2 YPA, 5 rushing TDs, 22 receptions, 83 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD.
Dallas brought Williams on board with a one-year contract this offseason, making him an integral part of their dynamic offense. The former Bronco has been a consistent presence on the ground, ranking among the top five in several categories including expected points added per rush.
What’s noteworthy is his talent as a red-zone back, relieving Dak Prescott and the offensive unit of some pressure. It seems the Cowboys might find themselves in more high-scoring matches soon, which would open up even more opportunities for Williams to shine.
Rico Dowdle, RB, Carolina Panthers
Current Fantasy Ranking: RB12
Current Stat Line: 472 rushing yards, 5.8 YPA, 2 rushing TDs, 12 receptions, 104 receiving yards, 1 receiving TD.
Dowdle didn’t start the season as the lead back for Carolina. However, he quickly made a name for himself after stepping up when Tuba Hubbard was sidelined with an injury. And boy, did he take advantage of that! He put up impressive scores against both the Dolphins and the Cowboys, significantly contributing to his team’s performance.
This unexpected spark revitalized a struggling Panthers team, and he might just secure the starting position going forward.
Kam Skattebo, RB, New York Giants
Current Fantasy Ranking: RB10
Current Stat Line: 338 rushing yards (4.1 YPA), 5 rushing TDs, 20 receptions, 155 receiving yards.
Skattebo has quickly become a fan favorite, showcasing his skills as a well-rounded back. The rookie from Arizona State has shown excellent capability in rushing, receiving, and even blocking. His breakout performance came in a game against the Eagles, where he scored three touchdowns.
Paired with rookie quarterback Jackson Dart, they’ve managed to inject new energy into a struggling Giants squad. Let’s see if that momentum can sustain as the season progresses.
George Pickens, WR, Dallas Cowboys
Current Fantasy Ranking: WR3
Current Stat Line: 32 receptions (16.4 Y/R), 525 receiving yards, 6 receiving TDs.
Initially, many assumed CeeDee Lamb would be the standout in the Cowboys’ receiving corps. However, with Lamb’s recent ankle injury, Pickens stepped up remarkably, becoming the primary receiving threat. He’s scored in every game for the past five and has achieved impressive yardage in multiple games as well.
His ability to gain yards after the catch has put him among the top performers for the season. It’ll be interesting to see how Pickens’ stats hold up if Lamb returns to the field.
Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Current Fantasy Ranking: WR5
Current Stat Line: 27 receptions (17.4 Y/R), 469 receiving yards, 5 receiving TDs.
Egbuka has exceeded expectations based on rave reviews from training camp, becoming Baker Mayfield’s go-to option especially with other star receivers sidelined. His performance in a recent high-scoring game underscored his danger as a playmaker, though an injury might complicate things moving forward.
Deebo Samuel Sr., WR, Washington Commanders
Current Fantasy Ranking: WR8
Current Stat Line: 34 receptions (9.3 Y/R), 315 receiving yards, 3 receiving TDs, 45 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD.
At the start of the season, there were some doubts about Samuel’s impact. However, he’s proved to be a reliable part of Washington’s offense. His lower yard-per-reception average has been offset by his ability to catch short passes, offering consistent production, particularly in PPR formats.
Samuel has also benefited from the absence of Terry McLaurin, the team’s top receiver. It will be worth watching how Samuel’s role evolves as McLaurin returns to the lineup.
Tre Tucker, WR, Las Vegas Raiders
Current Fantasy Ranking: WR9
Current Stat Line: 24 receptions (14.8 Y/R), 356 receiving yards, 4 receiving TDs.
After a lackluster performance in 2024, Tucker has surprised many by climbing into the top 10 this season. Even in a less-than-stellar Raiders setup, he has displayed his skills, notably posting a standout game with multiple touchdowns. Still under the radar, he might be available for those looking for a waiver-wire scoop.
Jake Ferguson, TE, Dallas Cowboys
Current Fantasy Ranking: TE1
Current Stat Line: 44 receptions (6.9 Y/R), 305 receiving yards, 4 TDs.
No surprise here, given that one of the leading offenses in the league has a few standout fantasy players. Ferguson has taken the lead as the top tight end, bouncing back from a disappointing season last year. Already clocking in four touchdowns, he has become a valuable asset for fantasy managers.
With a significant share of targets, he’s finding success even sharing the field with other prominent players. If the Cowboys can maintain this level of performance, he might just stay at the top.
Dallas Goedert, TE, Philadelphia Eagles
Current Fantasy Ranking: TE3
Current Stat Line: 24 receptions (10.1 Y/R), 243 receiving yards, 5 TDs.
The Eagles are grappling with their offensive identity, but Goedert is making a case for himself. Late-round drafters are likely pleased with his productivity—he’s racked up five touchdowns this season, ranking high among tight ends.
Four of those scores came in the red zone, revealing his importance in key scoring opportunities. The present struggles of the Eagles’ receiving corps could prove beneficial for Goedert’s fantasy outlook moving forward.
