Tier 2: High-End Game Changers
These are your tone-setters. They hit hard, score big, and anchor winning lineups week after week. Whether it’s a WR1 dropping 25 on a Monday night or a linebacker racking up 12 solo tackles, these players swing matchups and stack wins.
They may not have Tier 1 flash, but they bring Tier 1 firepower. Draft them early, ride them often—these are the guys who keep your roster dangerous every single week.
Ranks 26–50
26. A.J. Brown, WR, PHI
Brown remains a certified alpha in the Eagles' offense, posting back-to-back top-10 fantasy finishes. His PFF receiving grade has climbed year over year, but the addition of Saquon Barkley and a shift in play calling reduced his routes per game. He’ll still deliver blow-up weeks, but the weekly floor is a touch lower than other Tier 2 wideouts.
27. Josh Allen, QB, BUF
Allen is fantasy’s most reliable dual-threat QB—no lower than QB2 since 2020. He racked up 12 rushing touchdowns and the second-most rushing fantasy points among quarterbacks in 2024. That blend of cannon arm and bulldozer legs makes him a matchup-proof anchor at the position.
28. Lamar Jackson, QB, BAL
The reigning fantasy QB1, Jackson unleashed a monster season with 41 passing TDs and over 850 rushing yards. He’s a one-man offense with week-breaking upside every time he takes the field. Don’t overthink it—this is one of the safest high-ceiling picks at quarterback.
29. Zaire Franklin, LB, IND
Franklin is the gold standard for IDP LB1. He led all linebackers in PFF grade, coverage grade, and tackles versus expected in 2024. He delivers an elite tackle floor every week and anchors any IDP lineup with unmatched consistency.
30. Davante Adams, WR, LAR
Yes, he’s aging. But Adams is still a technician with target-hog tendencies. His move to the Rams pairs him with Matthew Stafford in a pass-first attack. He won’t see 160 targets anymore—but 120 high-quality looks? That still wins weeks.
31. Kyren Williams, RB, LAR
A fantasy darling in 2024, Williams averaged 18+ PPR points when healthy. He dominates touches, catches passes, and lives in the red zone. His workload isn’t flashy—but his usage rate and floor are rock-solid.
32. Kyle Hamilton, DB, BAL
If you play IDP and ignore Hamilton, you’re doing it wrong. He’s a DB who plays like a linebacker, racking up box snaps, blitzes, and big plays. He finished 2024 top 3 at the position and is trending toward the cheat-code tier for DBs.
33. Stefon Diggs, WR, HOU
New team, same elite separator. Diggs joins a rising offense with C.J. Stroud and should slide into a WR1/WR2 hybrid role. He may not see the same 30% target share, but his route running and red-zone trust still make him fantasy-relevant.
34. Deebo Samuel, WR, SF
Deebo does it all—receptions, rushing TDs, gadget plays. He won’t give you WR1 consistency, but he will give you WR1 weeks. If you can stomach volatility, you’re getting upside at a discount.
35. Nick Bolton, LB, KC
Injuries aside, Bolton is a tackle machine. When healthy, he averages double-digit combined tackles per game. If you start multiple LBs, he’s the glue that holds your defense together.
36. Chris Godwin, WR, TB
Underrated and reliable. Godwin had another 100+ target season and remains a strong PPR WR2. Not flashy, but he’s going to be in your lineup more often than not—and that matters.
37. Najee Harris, RB, PIT
Say what you will, but Najee still handles goal-line work and 15+ touches per game. His PPR floor is capped by limited passing game usage, but he’s still a volume RB2 with spike week potential.
38. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, WR, SEA
He’s ready to take over. JSN flashed elite slot skills and should command a bigger target share in 2025. If the breakout hits, you’re looking at a midseason league-winner.
39. Jordan Love, QB, GB
Don’t sleep on Love—he was a top-10 fantasy QB in the second half of 2024. With more weapons and continuity, he’s locked in as a high-upside QB1 who can be had late in drafts.
40. Jaquan Brisker, DB, CHI
Brisker plays everywhere—box, slot, deep—and he fills the stat sheet. He’s not just a tackler; he generates splash plays too. He’s one of the few DBs you can start and forget.
41. James Cook, RB, BUF
Cook quietly racked up over 1,300 total yards and showed more passing game upside than expected. Still a bit touchdown-dependent, but he’s trending toward a full-time role in an explosive offense.
42. Jaylen Waddle, WR, MIA
Health is the only concern. When active, Waddle still commands targets, still makes big plays, and still works opposite Tyreek Hill—which guarantees soft coverage. Solid WR2 with boom potential.
43. Fred Warner, LB, SF
The heartbeat of the Niners’ defense. Warner is elite in real life and rock-solid in IDP. He won’t win you weeks, but he won’t lose you any either. Count on 8–10 points and move on.
44. Anthony Richardson, QB, IND
You want ceiling? AR delivers it. The rushing floor is top 3 at QB, and if the passing improves even a little, he’s the breakout fantasy managers are praying for. Health is the only holdup.
45. Rhamondre Stevenson, RB, NE
The touches will be there. Stevenson leads a bad offense, but his receiving role and goal-line snaps make him playable every week. Don’t expect fireworks—expect 12+ safe points.
46. Tremaine Edmunds, LB, CHI
Edmunds is a quiet IDP force. His tackle volume is elite, and he avoids injury better than most. He’s not flashy—but in IDP, durability is deadly.
47. DJ Moore, WR, CHI
The breakout was real. Moore finally got decent QB play and exploded for 1,200+ yards and 9 scores. If the passing game stays stable, he’s a low-end WR1 hiding in WR2 clothes.
48. Trey McBride, TE, ARI
Second-year explosion incoming. McBride took over after Zach Ertz exited and became a top-5 fantasy TE. His target share is elite for the position, and with Kyler Murray healthy, the ceiling rises even higher.
49. Kenneth Walker III, RB, SEA
Still explosive, still a home-run threat, still splitting work. Walker can score from anywhere, but his touch inconsistency limits his floor. Boom/bust RB2 with week-winning upside.
50. Tee Higgins, WR, CIN
Higgins is still talented and still the WR2 in one of the NFL’s most pass-heavy systems. He’s a value pick with 1,000-yard upside—just needs health and a full season of Burrow.
