2025 Fantasy Football Rookie Sleepers to Watch
We have seen our fair share of rookie success through five weeks of the NFL 2025 season. Tampa Bay wide receiver Emeka Egbuka has been the shining star of the rookie class so far, sitting as the No. 3 overall wide receiver in PPR leagues. Raiders rookie running back Ashton Jeanty has also made his mark in the league, currently sitting as the number 12 overall running back in PPR leagues.
While the first-round rookies are impressive, now is the time in the season when we look at some players buried early in their respective depth charts. Remember rookie year Amon-Ra St. Brown or Justin Jefferson? Both got out to terrible starts but turned into top-tier fantasy football options as the season moved on.
Today, we will turn our focus on 3 rookies poised for a big breakthrough. Maybe you already guessed it, but TreVeyon Henderson of the Patriots, Luther Burden III of the Bears, and Brashard Smith of the Chiefs are the burning topics.
Brashard Smith Taking On Bigger Role in Kansas City?
Smith, a seventh-round draft pick in April’s NFL Draft, is a former wide receiver converted running back during his final year at Southern Methodist University. With Smith’s pass-catching ability, he is beginning to see more work in the Chiefs’ offense in passing-down situations.
Smith has been out of the backfield 12 times in the past two weeks after getting five touches in his first three games. With 59 receiving yards in his last two games, he has demonstrated a great deal of promise in the passing game.
Starting running back Isiah Pacheco has struggled through the first five games, not rushing for over 50 yards in any contest. With the Chiefs’ struggling on the field, especially in the run game, Smith could be the spark the Kansas City offense needs.
Luther Burden III Has Big Play Potential
Burden III, a second-round draft pick in April’s NFL Draft, has mostly been a disappointment through the first five weeks of the NFL 2025 season. The one bright spot for Burden III came in Week 3, where he hauled three catches for 101 yards and a touchdown. Sadly, he had two catches and a negative four-yard stat line after that.
Going into Week 6, the Bears are coming off a bye week. The best time to involve the rookie more in the offense. Burden III has demonstrated a lot of promise in the passing game, and I have no doubt that he can help better the Bears’ offense.
Patriots FINALLY Use Their Rookie Running Back
The New England Patriots have been very questionable in their use of running back TreVeyon Henderson, to say the least. Looking back, Henderson scored a touchdown towards the end of the first half in Week 4, then proceeded to lose snaps to Antonio Gibson the remainder of the game. In Week 5, Henderson averaged four yards a carry, while backfield running mate Rhamondre Stevenson rushed for two yards and fumbled the football. However, Stevenson’s issues haven’t caused him to lose playing time, as he still ran for two touchdowns in the Patriots’ week five win.
Henderson’s talent cannot be denied, and there is no chance the Patriots can afford to keep him off the field. Now is the time to buy Henderson; he WILL be a league winner going forward!
Who Do YOU Think Will Breakout?
We’ve hit the midpoint of the season: the perfect time for hidden gems to shine. As we can see, Smith is getting more snaps, Burden is one big play away, and Henderson looks ready to take over. Interesting games are up ahead for sure.
So, who’s your pick to break out next?
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I’m backing Henderson to score in Week 6. What about you?
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Rookie Sleepers to Watch: FAQs
Q: What’s a rookie sleeper?
Think of a rookie sleeper as a hidden gem: a first-year player flying under the radar who suddenly explodes when given a shot. They start quiet, then boom… they win you fantasy matchups.
Q: Which rookies could break out in the second half of 2025?
I suggest keeping your attention on the following: Brashard Smith (Chiefs), Luther Burden III (Bears), and TreVeyon Henderson (Patriots). All three are flashing some serious talent. One big week can launch them into every fantasy lineup.
Q: How can I test my predictions on rookie breakouts?
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