The 2025 fantasy football season is here, and these breakout players are ready to take over. The Must-Have Fantasy Breakouts of 2025 will crush expectations, outplay their draft slots, and deliver real production week after week. They bring the talent. They have the opportunity. And they’re stepping into roles built for a breakout.

Target them. Watch them explode. Let your league chase the hype while you stay ahead of it.

Must-Have Fantasy Breakouts 2025

Ricky Pearsall’s Path to Fantasy Stardom

Ricky Pearsall is ready to break out in 2025. After flashing big-play potential last season, he’s positioned to become a reliable fantasy contributor. In 2024, injuries and a crowded 49ers receiver room limited his role. He finished with just 35 targets, 20 catches, and 268 yards. But the landscape has changed. Deebo Samuel is now in Washington, and Brandon Aiyuk’s knee injury could keep him off the field to start the season. That opens the door for Pearsall to step into a much larger role from Week 1.

With more snaps and targets headed his way, Ricky Pearsall has a real shot to carve out a key role early. The 49ers’ receiving room is thinner heading into 2025, creating opportunity behind Brandon Aiyuk, who has dealt with injuries and trade rumors in recent months. Pearsall’s versatility and explosiveness make him a perfect fit for San Francisco’s high-efficiency passing game. In his final two games of 2024, Pearsall posted 18 catches, 210 yards, 2 touchdowns, and a 23% target share. That late-season surge showed exactly what he can do when featured. His route-running, YAC skills, and ability to create separation earned him immediate trust from Brock Purdy and the coaching staff. With a full offseason to build chemistry and a likely increase in snap share, Pearsall is in a position to take a big leap. He’s one of my Must-Have Fantasy Breakouts for 2025

Why Will Ricky Pearsall Break Out in 2025

Drafted as a first-round pick in 2024, his draft capital reflects the team’s confidence in his potential. Beyond that, Pearsall’s contract runs through 2028, ensuring his place in the 49ers’ high-powered offense for years to come. Reports from the 49ers indicate that Aiyuk is making solid progress in his recovery, but it remains uncertain when he’ll be ready to start for them at this stage. With all that in mind, Pearsall’s role is set to grow significantly. Klay Kubiak, the new offensive coordinator, has already confirmed Pearsall will take on more responsibility in 2025.

As a rookie, he averaged an impressive 20 yards per reception, showcasing his knack for explosive plays and establishing himself as a potential go-to target. While he’ll face competition from Jauan Jennings and DeMarcus Robinson, Pearsall’s projected increase in snaps gives him a real shot to exceed expectations.

In an offense that should be pass-heavy in 2025, led by Brock Purdy, who helped sustain three 900-yard pass catchers in 2023 and has previously supported two top-24 fantasy wide receivers in Samuel and Aiyuk, Pearsall is in a prime position to thrive. When he earns consistent volume, a stat line of 70 receptions, 900 yards, and 6 touchdowns is well within reach, similar to Deebo Samuel’s 2023 season, where he posted 60 receptions, 892 yards, and 7 touchdowns. Those numbers would firmly place him in the WR2 conversation, making him a must-target with undeniable upside.

Marvin Mims: Path to Fantasy Stardom

The Broncos traded up for Marvin Mims because they believed in his elite speed, vertical explosiveness, and immediate playmaking ability. They spent premium draft capital to secure a weapon they plan to feature in a more aggressive, downfield-focused offense. Mims has a direct path to the WR2 role in Sean Payton’s offense. His elite vertical speed and separation put constant pressure on defenses, and he can turn any target into a big play.

In addition, Denver’s backfield is talented but unproven, with rookie RJ Harvey and second-year Audric Estime likely leading the way. While Harvey has upside, relying on a young and inexperienced run game could push the Broncos to lean more on the pass. That opens up more opportunities for Mims to step into a featured role behind Courtland Sutton. Even with Sutton, Evan Engram, and Troy Franklin in the mix, Mims brings the most explosive skill set to the table.

Why Marvin Mims Will Break Out in 2025

Bo Nix had a strong rookie season, finishing as the fantasy QB9 in total points and points per game. He threw 30 touchdowns, rushed for nearly 500 yards, and added four scores on the ground. From Week 8 on, Nix averaged over 21 fantasy points per game, showing growth and comfort in Sean Payton’s offense. Marvin Mims has become one of his best targets; their chemistry is genuine, and it’s translating into consistent production. Over his last five games, Mims averaged 5.2 receptions, 68.2 yards, and 1 touchdown per game. That’s not a fluke, it’s a sign that Nix trusts him in key situations. While most rookie quarterbacks struggle to find rhythm with young receivers, Nix and Mims already look locked in.

Mims brings true field-stretching speed, crisp route-running, and dangerous yards-after-catch ability. He creates matchup issues every time he’s on the field. As Nix grows more confident, Mims’ target share will only rise. He’s not just waiting for a breakout, he’s already forcing his way into the spotlight. With a wide-open WR2 role and rising chemistry in a pass-leaning offense, Mims is more than a sleeper.

Currently going around WR58, he’s a steal with week-winning upside. Don’t wait for the hype to catch up. Target Marvin Mims now, he’s a must-have breakout for 2025.

Caleb Williams’ Path to Fantasy Stardom

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Caleb Williams enters 2025 ready for a breakout fantasy season after battling through a tough rookie year behind a struggling offensive line. The Chicago Bears have made significant upgrades, adding veteran guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, along with center Drew Dalman, providing Williams with much-needed protection to elevate his game.

In addition, the Bears have upgraded their offensive weapons, making the 2025 group more dynamic than last year’s. Replacing Keenan Allen with rookie Luther Burden III might seem like a downgrade, but Burden offers explosive speed and big-play potential, complementing established receivers DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. This trio gives Williams a more versatile, balanced receiving corps, with Burden offering a younger, high-upside option.

As for tight end Colston Loveland, he’s not necessarily replacing Cole Kmet but adding a new dynamic. Moreover, Loveland’s athleticism and playmaking ability will allow the Bears to use both tight ends in creative ways, especially in the red zone. With more weapons at his disposal, Williams will have the freedom to distribute the ball efficiently and expand the playbook compared to 2024.

The Bears enter 2025 with a clear plan to take pressure off Caleb Williams, starting with a reliable run game led by DeAndre Swift and Roschon Johnson, along with fourth-round pick Kyle Monangai, who will also take pressure off Williams, allowing new head coach Ben Johnson to implement a play-action-heavy offense designed for success.

Why Caleb Williams Will Break Out in 2025

Caleb Williams, the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, averaged 15.3 PPR points per game as a rookie. His talent is undeniable, he showed elite arm talent, mobility, and creativity that made him a college superstar. In 2025, he’ll benefit from Ben Johnson, one of the NFL’s most innovative and quarterback-friendly play-callers. Johnson has elevated quarterbacks like Jared Goff and improved Detroit’s offense into a top-tier unit. With better protection, more weapons, and a system tailored for Williams, he could surpass 20 fantasy points per game. That production would put him in the same fantasy tier as Jalen Hurts and Baker Mayfield.

Despite his pedigree, Williams is ranked QB13 in early consensus rankings, making him a strong value pick. His dual-threat skill set gives him a solid weekly floor and massive upside when he starts to click with his receivers. Johnson’s offense is designed to maximize both his arm and legs. If you’re waiting on the quarterback, Williams should be high on your target list. With elite tools, upgraded surroundings, and a proven play-caller, he has all the ingredients for a 2025 fantasy breakout.

Let us know who YOU think is the better draft pick over at The Fantasy Advice Network.

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