Welcome to the 2025 NFL season! As we kick off the year, we can learn a few things to help us improve our fantasy football knowledge as we head into Week 1.
First, we can pay attention to how the new rookies perform. Several talented rookies are entering the league this year, and we'll want to see how they adjust to the NFL level and, more importantly, how their respective teams utilize them. We have an idea of how some rookies will perform, but there is always that feeling of uncertainty until we witness their success at the next level. Here is a list of the top fantasy rookies to watch as we enter Week 1 of the NFL season.
Week 1 Rookies To Monitor
Quarterback
The 2025 NFL Draft was relatively quiet in terms of quarterback talent compared to years past. The draft featured 14 rookie quarterbacks selected; however, only three were chosen in the first two rounds - Cameron Ward, TEN (#1 overall), Jaxson Dart, NYG (25th overall), and Tyler Shough, NO (40th overall). The only one slated to start in Week 1 is Ward.
Cameron Ward, Tennessee
He will be the Titans' starting quarterback in Week 1, which is great news for a team looking for a leader to command the offense. By all accounts, he is saying and doing the right things with the media and on the field. He knows his role, his job, and all that comes with it. At this time last year, we had some similar uncertainties with the Commanders' rookie quarterback, Jayden Daniels. While Ward may not have the level of surrounding talent that Daniels had, he does share some of the same characteristics, and he is not afraid to be aggressive downfield. His rushing upside, though not expected to be eye-popping, can add valuable fantasy points.
The Titans' offense is projected to be more pass-heavy, which should also contribute to his production. There are some concerns, though. Ward's high-risk style could lead to a lot of turnovers, and he is still adjusting to the speed and complexity of the NFL. His college stats show some inconsistencies, particularly in pressure-adjusted completion rates. These factors suggest he might have some good weeks mixed with cold stretches, yielding lower production.
Jaxson Dart, NY Giants
The New York Giants have plenty of legit options at quarterback, and Dart is one of them, but he may need to wait his turn before unleashing his rookie talent on the league. Russell Wilson is penciled in as the team's starting quarterback, but don't be surprised if he has a short leash. The Giants are excited about Dart, who made some noise in the preseason, further solidifying the reason for optimism.
Dart had a standout preseason, completing 32 of 47 passes for 372 yards and three touchdowns with zero interceptions. He also added a rushing touchdown with 52 rushing yards. His performance earned him recognition as one of the best newcomers in the 2025 preseason. He received high marks from Pro Football Focus among rookie quarterbacks.
While he's currently behind veterans Russell Wilson and Jameis Winston on the depth chart, his preseason success has fueled optimism that he will eventually take over the starting role, but the question is, when? The Giants' coaching staff seems to have a clear development plan for him, and his success in their system during the preseason suggests he is a good fit. The needle is pointing up for Dart in what could be a productive rookie season.
The fantasy outlook for Tyler Shough, Jalen Milroe, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders is less rosy, but it is not outside of the realm of possibility that one or more could provide some fantasy value this season.
Shough of the Saints has an intriguing opportunity following the retirement of Derek Carr. He has shown flashes of his dual-threat potential in the preseason, though he's also had some turnover issues. He's battling Spencer Rattler for the starting job, and at the moment, Rattler will start Week 1.
Jalen Milroe in Seattle is in a similar position, currently the backup behind Sam Darnold. While he may not see the field as a full-time starter early on, his elite rushing upside could make him a valuable stash. If Darnold struggles or gets injured, Milroe's ability to create big plays with his legs could make him a fantasy gold mine, especially in a committee or goal-line role.
In Cleveland, Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders are locked in a three-way competition with veteran Joe Flacco. Gabriel has reportedly shown solid poise in the preseason, demonstrating an ability to manage the offense and convert on third downs, despite a couple of costly turnovers. Sanders, a fifth-round pick, has had a more mixed preseason, showcasing some strong moments but also struggling with pocket presence and taking a high number of sacks. Both face an uphill battle for the starting job, but they are both worth watching to see if either can force their way into the conversation with a strong showing. Ultimately, it may take an injury to Flacco to see the field.
Running Back
This year's fresh crop of running backs is a welcome addition to the league and your fantasy rosters. The Raiders' selection of Ashton Jeanty leads the way, but there are several who could either supplant him as the top rookie running back this season or come close to making it a race.