**2025 Fantasy Football Top Six Draft Picks And Why**
*Story by Nick Hotaling, Stadium Rant*
Fantasy football drafts are the foundation of every championship run, and as we head into the 2025 season, the landscape of elite talent has shifted. Whether due to breakout performances, career resurgences, or young superstars ascending to must-draft status, the first round is loaded with franchise-altering players. Here, we break down the top six fantasy football draft picks for 2025 and explain why they deserve to be the crown jewels of your roster.Anthony Richardson’s 2024 campaign silenced any remaining doubters, cementing him as the undisputed QB1 in fantasy football. After a rookie season cut short by injury, Richardson exploded in his second year, combining elite rushing upside with improved passing efficiency. His dual-threat ability is unmatched—1,100+ rushing yards and 12+ touchdowns on the ground, paired with 4,000+ passing yards and 30+ touchdowns through the air.
In 2025, Richardson benefits from an improved Colts offensive line, a healthy Jonathan Taylor keeping defenses honest, and the continued development of young receivers like Josh Downs and Alec Pierce. His ceiling is *30+ fantasy points per game*, and in an era where mobile quarterbacks dominate fantasy, Richardson stands above the rest. If you have the first overall pick, locking him in is a no-brainer.Bijan Robinson has lived up to the hype as a generational running back talent. After a strong rookie season, he took over as the centerpiece of Atlanta’s offense in 2024, finishing as the overall RB1. His blend of vision, power, and receiving ability makes him the most complete back in the league, and the Falcons’ commitment to feeding him 20+ touches per game ensures elite volume.
With Kirk Cousins (or a new QB) under center, Atlanta’s offense should remain balanced, keeping defenses from stacking the box. Robinson’s receiving chops (80+ catches in 2024) give him an ultra-safe floor in PPR leagues, and his touchdown upside (15+ total TDs) makes him a weekly lock for 20+ fantasy points. Barring injury, he’s the safest RB pick in fantasy.Even with Kirk Cousins’ departure a year ago, Justin Jefferson proved he’s QB-proof. Whether it was Sam Darnold or a rookie under center, Jefferson continued to dominate, leading the league in targets, receptions, and receiving yards in 2024. Now, with a full offseason for Minnesota’s new QB (possibly a high draft pick or veteran addition) to build chemistry, Jefferson remains the premier WR1 in fantasy.
His route-running mastery, contested-catch ability, and YAC skills make him a threat to post 100+ yards every week. The Vikings’ offense runs through him, and with T.J. Hockenson drawing attention over the middle, Jefferson should see another 170+ targets. In PPR leagues, he’s as close to a guarantee for 1,500+ yards and 10+ TDs as it gets.If you miss out on Anthony Richardson, C.J. Stroud is the next-best QB option. After a historic rookie season and an even better 2024, Stroud has established himself as a top-three real-life and fantasy quarterback. His poise, accuracy, and deep-ball prowess make him a weekly 300-yard threat, and the Texans have surrounded him with elite weapons: Nico Collins, Tank Dell, and newly acquired star tight end Brock Bowers.
Stroud doesn’t have Richardson’s rushing upside, but his 4,500-yard, 35-TD passing floor is unmatched among pocket passers. With Houston’s defense still improving, the Texans will remain in shootouts, meaning Stroud will consistently be throwing 35+ times per game. In superflex or 6-point passing TD leagues, he’s a top-three pick.With Joe Burrow fully healthy in 2024, Ja’Marr Chase reminded everyone why he’s a top-two fantasy receiver. His combination of speed, physicality, and chemistry with Burrow makes him a threat to lead the league in touchdowns every year. The Bengals’ offense is built around getting Chase the ball in space, and with Tee Higgins likely elsewhere in 2025, Chase could see an even larger target share.
Chase’s ability to turn any catch into a 50-yard score gives him the highest weekly ceiling of any receiver. Even in down games, one deep ball can salvage his fantasy day. Expect another 1,400+ yard, 12+ TD season, making him a locked-in top-five pick.Breece Hall returned to full health in 2024 and reminded the fantasy world why he was once considered the best young RB in football. With Aaron Rodgers back under center, the Jets’ offense was more efficient, giving Hall more scoring opportunities. His explosiveness as a runner (5.2+ YPC) and elite receiving role (70+ catches) make him the perfect modern fantasy RB.
In 2025, Hall should see 250+ carries and 80+ targets, putting him in contention for the overall RB1 spot. The Jets’ improved offensive line and Rodgers’ ability to keep defenses honest only boost Hall’s value. If he stays healthy, he’s a lock for 2,000+ total yards and 12+ TDs.The 2025 fantasy football first round is loaded with elite talent, but these six players stand above the rest. Anthony Richardson’s unmatched dual-threat ability, Bijan Robinson’s three-down dominance, and Justin Jefferson’s target monopoly make them the top tier. Meanwhile, C.J. Stroud’s passing mastery, Ja’Marr Chase’s explosive playmaking, and Breece Hall’s all-around game solidify them as foundational fantasy stars.
Drafting any of these players gives you a weekly advantage, and securing one of them could be the key to a championship run. Choose wisely, and may your 2025 fantasy season be legendary.
