By Staff
As the NFL enters a new season, several veteran players are positioned for fantasy rebounds after disappointing performances in 2024. Factors such as improved health, coaching changes, and enhanced supporting casts will play crucial roles in their resurgence.
Tee Higgins: Injury-Plagued and Record Extension
Tee Higgins enters the 2025 season with renewed stability after signing a massive four-year, $115 million contract extension with the Cincinnati Bengals on March 19, 2025. This deal keeps him paired with Ja’Marr Chase through 2028 and makes Higgins the highest-paid WR2 in NFL history.
Despite missing four games in 2024, Higgins still produced 73 receptions for 911 yards and a career-high 10 touchdowns. His performance earned him an impressive 88.3 PFF receiving grade, ranking eighth among all wide receivers.
Fantasy managers should expect full health to boost Higgins’ production in 2025. Also, with promos like sleeper deposit match available, players can easily engage with different daily fantasy sports and gain new player bonuses.
With Joe Burrow expected at 100% and the Bengals securing both starting receivers long-term, Cincinnati’s passing attack should return to elite status. Higgins’ red zone efficiency (10 TDs in just 12 games) suggests he could approach 12-14 touchdowns over a full season while maintaining his 75+ reception floor.
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Trevor Lawrence: Overcoming Injuries and Roster Changes
Trevor Lawrence’s 2024 campaign fell short of expectations that followed his five-year contract extension with Jacksonville. Much of his regression can be attributed to the high ankle sprain that hampered his mobility for half the season, combined with inconsistent offensive line protection.
Lawrence further struggled with the departure of Calvin Ridley and injuries to Christian Kirk. Despite these challenges, he maintained QB10-12 fantasy production even in a down year.
With improved health and Jacksonville’s renewed focus on strengthening the offensive line in the 2025 NFL Draft, Lawrence is positioned for significant fantasy improvement. The Jaguars are widely expected to target a true WR1 in the draft or via trade to complement a healthy Kirk. Lawrence’s mobility should return to 2023 levels, adding rushing upside that was largely absent during his injury-affected 2024 season.
Rhamondre Stevenson: Healthy Return to Featured Role
Rhamondre Stevenson’s 2024 season was derailed by a recurring foot injury that sidelined him for multiple games, including Week 6 against Houston. Before his injury troubles, Stevenson had accumulated 356 yards on 77 carries with three touchdowns.
This followed a solid but interrupted 2023 campaign where he recorded 619 rushing yards and four touchdowns plus 38 receptions for 238 yards through 12 games before suffering a high ankle sprain.
Stevenson enters 2025 with a clean bill of health and the Patriots’ new offensive system specifically designed to feature power running. With Antonio Gibson now departed in free agency, Stevenson reclaims his undisputed RB1 role in New England. The Patriots’ rebuilt offensive line and simplified quarterback situation should create more consistent running lanes and red zone opportunities.
Adam Thielen: Revitalized Role with a New Quarterback
Adam Thielen, now with the Carolina Panthers, enters the 2025 season with a fresh start after signing a three-year deal in March 2025. Despite struggling with injuries in 2024, Thielen showed signs of revitalization late in the season, particularly after recovering from a hamstring issue. His ability to thrive in a new system, especially with a young quarterback like Bryce Young, could lead to a resurgence in fantasy value.
Thielen’s career has been marked by consistent production when healthy, averaging over 70 receptions per season from 2016 to 2020. In Carolina, he will likely serve as a reliable target for Young, potentially leading to a return to his WR2 form in fantasy leagues.
Cooper Kupp: Overcoming Injuries and Team Changes
Cooper Kupp’s 2024 season was marred by injuries, limiting him to just eight games. Despite this, he maintained an impressive 15.4 yards per reception and scored three touchdowns. Kupp’s fantasy value is heavily dependent on his health and the chemistry with quarterback Matthew Stafford.
With Stafford’s future uncertain due to injury concerns and the Rams’ ongoing roster rebuild, Kupp’s role could evolve significantly. However, his talent and past performances suggest he can remain a top-tier fantasy receiver if he stays healthy. The addition of new offensive pieces or a change in quarterback could either hinder or help his production, making him a high-risk, high-reward fantasy pick for 2025.
