• 2025 NFL Schedule Release: Revenge Games – Jeff Bell circles the games that hit harder — emotionally and in fantasy. You’ll want the right side of these grudge matches.


• 2025 NFL Schedule Grid – Clayton Gray delivers the schedule grid every NFL fan and fantasy GM needs. And yes — it reminds you when London games mess with your lineup lock deadline.


• Tight End Tiers and Value Picks – Sigmund Bloom peels back the layers on tight end value, separating the overpriced hypesters from the underpriced difference-makers.

1. DEN: Devaughn Vele efficient as a rookie
2. CHI: Caleb Williams initially unenthused about Chicago
3. CHI: Chemistry concerns for Rome Odunze?
4. IND: Adonai Mitchell stuck in tertiary role?
5. LAC: Ladd McConkey explosive from the slot

1. DEN: Devaughn Vele efficient as a rookie

Source: ESPN.com – Ben Solak

Denver Broncos WR Devaughn Vele had 52% of his targets go for first downs or touchdowns as a rookie last season, which was fourth in the NFL, per ESPN's Ben Solak. Following the selection of WR Pat Bryant in the third round, however, Solak believes that Vele will be competing with the rookie for the slot role in 2025.

Our view: Vele reminded many in Broncos Country of a young Tim Patrick, and he played well as a rookie in 2024. He was a key cog for the passing game as Bo Nix went through his rookie season. This year in training camp, Vele is going to have to compete with Pat Bryant and Troy Franklin to establish a pecking order behind Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims.

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2. CHI: Caleb Williams initially unenthused about Chicago

Source: ESPN.com – Seth Wickersham

Chicago Bears QB Caleb Williams — and specifically his father, Carl — went to 'great lengths' to circumvent the 2024 NFL Draft for several reasons, including their initial impression of the team and its history with quarterbacks, according to details in a forthcoming book from ESPN's Seth Wickersham. The father and son even considered attacking the organization and the city of Chicago in hopes they could make the situation untenable for the franchise, much like Jack and John Elway did with the Baltimore Colts in 1983. Ultimately, Caleb Williams' decision to potentially 'nuke the city' fell by the wayside following a predraft visit, after which he believed he could be part of a process to turn the franchise around.

Our view: The Bears let Williams down last year, and that's why the coaching staff was changed. Coming over from the high-powered Lions, new head coach Ben Johnson should be able to craft a dynamic scheme around Williams and what he does best. Chicago had a Pope named before they had a 4,000 yard passer. Perhaps this year, Williams can be the first to surpass that mark.

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3. CHI: Chemistry concerns for Rome Odunze?

Source: ESPN.com – Ben Solak

Chicago Bears WR Rome Odunze ranked sixth in the NFL in unrealized yards — defined as air yards the player got via target but failed to convert into receiving yards — in 2024, and ESPN's Ben Solak opines that he's "more than a little worried about the severe lack of chemistry between [QB Caleb] Williams and Odunze." Solak also adds that if Odunze isn't sharp running new head Ben Johnson's offense there are "plenty" of options that could "jump him on the depth chart."

Our view: Earlier this year, Bears assistant head coach Antwaan Randle El said the Bears can “get [Odunze] the ball in a lot of different ways.” New head coach Ben Johnson should be creative in the design of his offense when it comes to getting Odunze opportunities to make plays.

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4. IND: Adonai Mitchell stuck in tertiary role?

Source: ESPN.com – Ben Solak

Indianapolis Colts WR Adonai Mitchell was primarily targeted on deep balls, finishing second in the NFL to New Orleans Saints WR Rashid Shaheed in average air yards per route run, and 40% of his targets came against man coverage. That's unlikely to change, in the opinion of ESPN's Ben Solak, who notes that Mitchell will "probably" remain "stuck" behind WRs Michael Pittman Jr. and Josh Downs, as well as rookie TE Tyler Warren in terms of targets.

Our view: Mitchell was a second-round pick for the Colts coming out of Texas in 2024. He's got a great size/speed combination, but the team doesn't have a refined passing attack and he's further down the pecking order – and primarily used as a deep target. Mitchell started six games as a rookie, catching 20 passes for 254 yards and zero touchdowns. Fantasy GMs will see him as only a 'what the heck' flex in deeper leagues unless injuries strike ahead of him on the depth chart.

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5. LAC: Ladd McConkey explosive from the slot

Source: ESPN.com – Ben Solak

Los Angeles Chargers WR Ladd McConkey's 15 receptions of 20-plus yards ranked third among rookies and 18th in the NFL while having the third-lowest rate of vertical routes run last season.

Our view: McConkey can take short passes and turn them into long gains. He changes direction quickly, and quickly became a favorite target of QB Justin Herbert. In the Wild Card loss to the Texans, McConkey set an NFL record with 197 yards (the most by a rookie in league history). In PPR formats, McConkey is a set-it-and-forget-it starter as a WR2.

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