Fantasy Football 2025: Winners, Busts & Season Takeaways
The fantasy football 2025 season was full to the brim. It delivered some serious chaos, breakouts, heartbreak, and championships. Only the sharpest survived. From league-winning performances to first-round disasters, this year showed fantasy managers one brutal truth: adaptability wins titles.
Young stars took over. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Bijan Robinson, and Drake Maye didn’t just break out. They came in and dominated. Bijan, in particular, was unavoidable, appearing on 27% of all fantasy championship teams, the highest mark of any player in 2025.
But where there are heroes, there are always busts that follow.
This year, early-round staples like Justin Jefferson and Brian Thomas Jr. failed to deliver, finishing outside the top 20 wide receivers despite premium draft capital. If you survived drafting them, chances are you worked the waiver wire like a professional trader hunting edge.
And speaking of waivers, players like Wan’Dale Robinson, Rico Dowdle, and Michael Wilson turned midseason pickups into weekly starters, proving once again that championships aren’t won on draft day alone.
Now, let’s break down the best fantasy player at each major position.
WR1: Puka Nacua Holds Off Jaxon Smith-Njigba
Puka Nacua finished the season as the overall WR1, edging Jaxon Smith-Njigba by just 3.5 PPR points. It was razor-thin, but dominance isn’t always about margins.
Nacua hauled in 119 receptions, led all wide receivers in total PPR points, and did it while missing NFL Week 7 entirely and barely playing in NFL Week 6. His chemistry with Matthew Stafford was unmatched, and his ability to win at all three levels made him matchup-proof all season long.
One of the most impressive wide receiver seasons we’ve seen. Rookie or otherwise.
RB1: Christian McCaffrey Separates from the Field
Christian McCaffrey didn’t just finish RB1, he obliterated the position.
With 404.9 fantasy points, McCaffrey outpaced Bijan Robinson by over 41 points and even outscored every quarterback in fantasy football. Injury concerns faded fast as he played all 17 games and carried fantasy teams week after week.
This was vintage CMC. Reliable. Explosive. Unavoidable.
QB1: Josh Allen Remains the Gold Standard
When it comes to star performance, Josh Allen reminded everyone why rushing upside still rules fantasy football.
Allen finished as the QB1, beating Drake Maye by 31.4 fantasy points. His 14 rushing touchdowns led all quarterbacks, while his weekly ceiling kept managers alive even in down passing games.
When it comes to fantasy quarterbacks, Allen remains the blueprint.
TE1: Trey McBride in a Tier of His Own
Trey McBride didn’t just finish TE1, he created separation rarely seen at the position.
His 302.4 PPR points were over 100 points higher than second-place Kyle Pitts. He led all tight ends in receptions, yards, and touchdowns, operating as Arizona’s offensive engine all season.
This wasn’t a breakout. This was a takeover.
BullRush Sports Conclusion: What 2025 Taught Us
Fantasy football in 2025 made sure to reward aggression, awareness, and timing. Of course, draft capital mattered, but waiver-wire execution, matchup reads, and trusting elite volume proved to be more important.
As we turn the first page of 2026, one thing is clear: the edge belongs to managers who stay plugged in, move early, and think like serious traders, not casual fans.
That’s exactly what BullRush Sports is built for.
Instead of just debating rankings or replaying bad beats, you can jump into fantasy sports competitions, challenge other players, and prove your edge in real time.
Join comps on BullRush Sports, sharpen your strategy, and turn your fantasy takes into real results.
Check out my Instagram, @FFB_Brad, to get a step-up on your leaguemates!
Fantasy Football 2025 Season Breakdown: FAQs
Q: Who was the biggest fantasy football bust of this 2025 season?
Looking at the results, Justin Jefferson and Brian Thomas Jr make the list. Both drafted early and finished outside the top 20 at their position.
Q: Which position had the biggest edge in 2025?
Tight end. Trey McBride’s dominance created a massive positional advantage.
Q: What’s the biggest takeaway for 2026 drafts?
Elite volume beats name value, and waiver-wire aggression is non-negotiable.
