2025 Fantasy Football Divisional Breakdowns – AFC East

Welcome to the AFC East: a division that has a special place in my heart. It’s home to my beloved New England Patriots as well as three other teams that haven’t seen a Super Bowl since the McFlurry was introduced to the world. It’s a division with plenty of fantasy stars throughout the years and one that has even more disappointments, and it’s time to break it all down for the 2025 fantasy football season.

2025 Fantasy Football Divisional Breakdowns – AFC East

Buffalo Bills

Looking Back at 2024

The Bills have been, far and away, the best team in the division since Josh Allen entered the equation. For both NFL and fantasy, Allen has been a force, propelling his teams to victory. Allen has helped the Bills top the league in scoring, ranking top 5 in the metric in four of the past five years (sadly they placed sixth in 2023). With the QB1 in the lineup (because Trubisky had to come in and tank week 18), Buffalo averaged 31 points a game. We fantasy football managers love a high-scoring offense. It gives everyone a chance to get in on the action and creates more fantasy-viable options.

Oddly enough, there weren’t many weekly starters on this Bills offense that could be trusted for fantasy. Josh Allen and James Cook were the only two players you could rely on from week to week. You’d think with the departure of Stefon Diggs, there would be another WR that would take over as a true WR1, but we really didn’t see that. Khalil Shakir did his best to try and earn those vacated targets, but ultimately, he wasn’t the fantasy star we were hoping would emerge. Dalton Kincaid was another target we hoped would take a step forward. Unfortunately, we saw a much bigger step backward than many had anticipated.

It’s not clear whether we can call the Bills, as a whole, a disappointment for fantasy purposes, but we can agree that it’s surprising we didn’t see more names pop up as difference makers for your roster.

Looking Forward to 2025

Knowing that Josh Allen and James Cook should reprise their roles of “fantasy must-haves”, the important question for drafters becomes, “Which pass catcher will break through?”. The betting favorite is Shakir as he inked a new contract early in the off-season, and following the money is usually a sure thing of potential involvement. There is a tinge of intrigue with second-year wideout Keon Coleman and new addition Josh Palmer. You could make a case for any of these guys to ascend to WR1, but we are just sitting here trying to figure out which one.

Looking at the big picture, though, this team is one to target in drafts heading into 2025. They’ll be favorites to win the division, and I don’t see them slowing down much in terms of points per game. There will be plenty of points to go around. You just have to hope it’s your guy landing in the endzone.

Fantasy Relevant Players

Josh Allen, QB

The 2024 MVP and overall QB2 should be in line for another banger of a season. As Buffalo tries to finally punch their ticket to the Super Bowl, they’ll rely on the heroics of Allen once more to get the job done. He is a set-and-forget QB and one that you can safely draft early and feel good about having an elite asset at the position.

James Cook, RB

There are a couple of big headlines with Cook; they have varying levels to them, making him, somehow, both interesting and boring as a fantasy asset. The first of which is the contract dispute that has kept him from participating in minicamp. We can simply ignore this, at least for now. As we approach real pre-season camp and he’s still not in pads, maybe then we will start to worry – that’s the boring part.

The interesting part is his outrageous touchdown total from 2024. His 16 rushing touchdowns last year led all running backs. Truly an absurd jump from his previous years, where he had a combined 4 rushing TDs. Predicting him to replicate that number is, in my opinion, a pretty silly thing to do. We can hope he comes close to 10, and in that regar,d he’s still an incredibly solid RB for your roster. Again, he should be an auto-draft for folks looking to grab a to-12 back.

Khalil Shakir, WR

After signing a new 4-year deal, Khalil Shakir is shaping up to be the main target once again for Josh Allen this season. Whether he’s as explosive as some other receiving options in the league (or even his own team) is up for debate, but we can’t ignore 100 targets from an MVP-caliber QB. His ADP feels cheap because his upside is questionable at best. We like Shakir because he’s a solid, steady producer of usable points whenever you need a fill in for a week. As we approach the season, we can only hope that the buzz around Shakir helps us get more excited to draft him.

Fantasy Football Question Marks

Joshua Palmer, WR

Josh Palmer is an odd fantasy asset. He seems to come packed with high hopes and expectations, but a glance, I’m not sure he’s really earned it. Palmer had an exciting season back in 2022 when he saw over 100 targets, but those targets didn’t amount to much – just 3 TDs and 769 yards. Who knows, maybe a change of scenery could spark something great in Palmer.

Keon Coleman, WR

Keon Coleman is a very intriguing player because he’s still young enough to overcome a mediocre rookie season. He started to find his groove midway through the season, but was ultimately roadblocked when he suffered an injury after back-to-back good times. Funny enough, he saw 10 targets against New England in Week 18. Less funny is that he caught just 2 of those Trubisky-thrown balls. Coleman has the best shot to greatly beat his ADP out of each of the Bills’ wideouts. And that should excite fantasy managers as they look to fill out their rosters at the end of drafts.

Dalton Kincaid, TE

After catching 73 passes for 600 yards in his rookie season, almost every fantasy manager assumed he would improve on that number. In a devastating turn of events, Kincaid’s production plummeted in year two. He saw 16 fewer targets and caught 29 fewer passes. Now he’s falling on draft boards because people just aren’t sure if they can trust him in 2025. There’s certainly hope that he can rectify his fantasy trajectory; we just need to see him catch the ball to know it can be done.

Ray Davis, RB

Ray Davis is strictly a handcuff player – let me just start with that. I want to mention him because we did see some really fun flashes from the second-year back in 2024. If James Cook does end up missing time, I do see Ray Davis as an easy plug-and-play option who should see more work than fellow backup Ty Johnson.

Fantasy long shots

Elijiah Moore, Curtis Samuel, Ty Johnson, Dawson Knox

Jump scare alert: Elijah Moore caught 61 passes on 97 targets last season. He was very much involved in that Cleveland offense and now he comes to Buffalo to try to cause a bit of roster chaos. Curtis Samuel is still hanging out but he seems to be all but buried on this depth chart. Wanted to mention him briefly because sometimes you just never know. Ty Johnson, like I mentioned above, is purely a handcuff if things really go south in the RB room. Lastly Dawson Knox is a player who will probably be started with as much reluctance as possible. A true “break glass in case of emergency” type of tight end.

Miami Dolphins

Looking Back at 2024

We love the Miami Dolphins in fantasy football because, in the past few years, they’ve always been a big play waiting to happen. Between Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and now De’Von Achane, this team usually can score from anywhere at any time.

I have to add the “usually” qualifier here because this team cannot stay healthy. When Tua is out, like he was for a small stint in 2024, this team struggles mightily to score points. For example, last year when Tua missed time, the Dolphins averaged 13.3 points per game. The Dolphins’ per-game average jumped to 22 when Tua was in the lineup. Add a banged-up Waddle and Hill to the mix, and the entire offense was predicated on getting short-yard targets to Achane and Jonnu Smith in order to have them make a play.

2024 was not kind to the Dolphins, and they are hoping to bounce back in a big way this season.

Looking Forward to 2025

A long offseason hopefully did some good for the Dolphins. The players were able to nurse their injuries and get right before another tough season ahead. Though fantasy football managers are still uneasy about drafting players who have injury concerns with not just themselves, but with their QB as well. We are getting discounts on Hill and Waddle because of their down years. However, they should be prime comeback candidates if everything goes to plan.

Frankly, everything about this offense rides on the health of Tua Tagovailoa. Because of this, it’s tough to say if the Dolphins will want to run a similar offense to what we’ve seen in years past.

Fantasy Relevant Players

Tua Tagovailoa, QB

Look, dunk on Tua all you want for his real NFL play, but one thing is for certain: the Miami Dolphins need him on the field. Tua is an expensive QB for what his NFL ceiling is, that I think we can agree on. But we don’t care about that. We care that he’s able to sling passes to our fantasy players. As long as he’s healthy, there’s always a chance for a spike week from Tua.

De’von Achane, RB

Achane is fast, elusive, and a great pass catcher. Truly, that’s the only analysis you need. Sure, there are concerns with durability based on his size, and there’s some worry surrounding the team’s willingness to give him the ball 300 times  (in 2024, he had 290 opportunities), but I don’t think that’s enough reason to fade Achane. I do think we see a new variation of this Miami offense in 2025, one with Achane as a big beneficiary.

Tyreek Hill, WR

Report: The previously fastest guy in the NFL may still be the fastest guy in the NFL. Hill let people down in a big way last year when folks took him early in the first round. With a WR 20ish finish, I don’t blame them. Hill played through a wrist injury for most of 2024, which was the main cause of uncharacteristic drops. Now that he’s dropping in mock drafts, he is slowly becoming one of the best values in the draft.

Jaylen Waddle, WR

Jaylen Waddle finally slowed down in year three as he failed to reach 1000 yards. Much like his QB, Waddle just needs to find a way to stay on the field. He’s electric in play but spends half the game in the rehab tent. Baking injury concerns in is usually something I try to avoid, but Waddle has one complete season in his short career. He’s a bounce-back candidate that some managers may want to believe in.

Fantasy Question Marks

Darren Waller, TE

I don’t know about this one, guys. Waller returns from retirement to fill the void left by a trade that sent Jonnu Smith to Pittsburgh. He kind of fits the same role as Smith, but the worry is his health (on brand for the Dolphins) and his ability to perform at a high enough level for us to care for fantasy.

Jaylen Wright and Ollie Gordon, RB

I’m lumping both running backs together because we won’t know how this pecking order will truly shake out until Week 1. Both backs are bigger, bruiser types that will serve as a foil to Achane’s shifty/speed archetype. Wright had a chance to emerge as a clear #2 on the roster but seemed to struggle to make the most of his opportunities. Ollie Gordon joins as a 6th round selection after a down year at OK State. One of these backs will likely become the goal line option for Miami, it’s up to you as a drafter to decide which one it’ll be. Shoot your shot!

Fantasy Long Shots

Malik Washington, Jaylin Conyers, Zach Wilson, Quinn Ewers

New York Jets

Looking Back at 2024

Another year, another dumpster fire of a season for the cursed team out of East Rutherford, New Jersey. Fans finally saw Aaron Rodgers play a full season and were rewarded with some very middling football. Despite some less-than-stellar play from the offense as a whole, both Garrett Wilson and mid-season addition Davante Adams helped out fantasy football managers in 2024. Breece Hall, on the other hand, did not give the ROI owners hoped to see. Weird year for sure for the Jets, but it’s in the rear-view mirror now.

Looking Forward to 2025

The Jets have a new coach, a new QB, and a new lease on life. Justin Fields was the man the new regime turned to to turn everything around. After being benched by the Steelers last year, Fields is certainly looking to prove his worth as an NFL starter. The rest of the offense looks about the same – Wilson and Hall will be the two main players you’ll want for fantasy.

Fantasy Relevant Players

Justin Fields, QB

Justin Fields has routinely been a great asset for fantasy football. The problem is that NFL teams need to win games of football to call their season a success – something Fields has struggled to do in his short career. Fields has elite rushing upside that few other QBs possess. He’s an interesting later-round QB that is creeping up draft boards because he holds tremendous upside. We will have to persevere through the inevitable lows to experience the highs. Don’t reach too high on Fields, unless you’re ready for a very unpredictable rollercoaster ride.

Breece Hall, RB

From elite rusher to head scratcher, Breece Hall was the cause of a lot of stress for fantasy managers who drafted him in the first round last year. Fewer rushes and fewer targets in 2024 tanked Hall’s value heading into 2025. People are understandably scared to take him over more consistent backs, and it’ll be tough to click “draft” on his name come August. We can only hope a change in offensive philosophy helps out the dual-threat RB.

Garrett Wilson, WR

Where Hall disappointed managers last season, I think it’s safe to say Wilson managers were “whelmed”; not mad, not excited, but just overall content with the target-hog. Wilson should be the huge winner with Fields joining the squad, as Fields, for better or for worse, has hyper-targeted his WR1. I believe Wilson is talented enough to overcome any shortcomings from the QB position and remain a WR1 for fantasy.

Fantasy Question Marks

Braelon Allen, RB

Allen was thrown into the rotation far more than folks would have liked in his rookie campaign. His main value stems from being a very good handcuff for Breece Hall, but don’t be overly surprised if we see some two-headed monster games throughout the season. With Hall as the lightning and Allen the thunder, the Jets may look towards Detroit for inspiration on how to handle their RB room.

Mason Taylor, TE

It’s been quite some time since a tight end on the New York Jets has been good for fantasy. Some managers are hopeful that 2nd-selection Mason Taylor can serve as another weapon in the receiving game. I’m not as bullish, but I understand the vision.

Fantasy long shots

Malachi Corley, Allen Lazard, Arian Smith, Isiah Davis

Much like the Bills, the fantasy world is trying to figure out if any other pass catcher can be useful for us this season. Malachi Corley might be something or completely forgettable by September. Allen Lazard is a JAG. Rookie Arian Smith is the big question mark that managers should keep an eye on. Then we have Isiah Davis who stole some touches last year but is firmly the RB3.

New England Patriots

Looking Back at 2024

I don’t want to talk about it.

But I guess I have to. The Patriots were pretty close to unwatchable last season. Horrific O-line play led to awful QB play, which led to many low-scoring affairs. The consistent failure to sustain drives put a massive weight on the shoulders of the defense that they couldn’t handle. Jerod Mayo looked far in over his head as a first-time HC, blaming players and passing the buck whenever he had the chance. The lone bright spot was Drake Maye, who showcased his scrambling ability while running for his life. They tanked just well enough to draft the best OT in the draft, thank goodness.

Looking Forward to 2025

The Patriots made plenty of moves on the wrong side of the ball. The defense appears to be reloaded and ready to go, while the offense signed Mack Hollins. Stefon Diggs joins this roster as the de facto WR1 but is coming off a knee injury that cut his previous season with the Texans short. The Pats did try their best to address offensive needs in the draft by taking TreVeyon Henderson in the second round and Kyle Williams in the third. Hopefully, it’s enough to allow this offense to do something this season.

Fantasy Relevant Players

Drake Maye, QB

In the 2024 draft season, there was a small group of folks who had suggested Drake Maye would be a “Josh Allen lite.” And from what we’ve seen so far, that looks to be the case… kind of. Maye has plenty of mobility in his arsenal that allows him to scramble for extra yards. That type of rushing upside propels Maye’s fantasy value from “average” to “great”. It’ll be exciting to watch his progress this sophomore season to see if he can reach “elite”.

Rhamondre Stevenson, RB

The incumbent running back had a rough 2024 season. Stevenson lost seven fumbles, which was the worst in the league. Though there’s a lot that could be hand-waved when it comes to Stevenson’s poor play. The offensive line was ranked dead last in run blocking per PFF. Not sure how many running backs can have a good time running behind a paper towel of an O-line. As it is today, it’s Stevenson’s job to lose.

TreVeyon Henderson, RB

The second-round selection out of Ohio State is looking to make waves in his rookie season. Landing in New England, Henderson has a shot to be a focal point of this offense from the get-go. Henderson brings an element of big-play ability that the New England offense has desperately needed. He’s a three-down back that should see plenty of opportunities in a similar role to James White in that McDaniels system.

Stefon Diggs, WR

Welcome back to the AFC East, Stefon Diggs!

The Patriots finally have their WR1 that they have very much needed. Diggs will most likely become Maye’s best friend through this upcoming season. He’s currently going very late in drafts thanks to the concern surrounding his knee injury. At the moment, it does sound like he will be ready by Week 1. Perhaps fantasy managers can find a top 24 WR in the double-digit rounds.

Hunter Henry, TE

Run from it all you want, but Hunter Henry will find a way into your lineup one way or another. If you need a TE with touchdown upside in a bye week, Henry is one of the better options. We’ve seen plenty of Henry to know what he’s about. Not much else to discuss here.

Fantasy Question Marks

Kyle Williams, Kendrick Bourne, Demario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte (All Wide Receivers)

While we know who the primary target will likely be, this team does need a secondary receiver to break through the crowd. Fantasy football folks want it to be third-round pick Kyle Williams. But we have Kendrick Bourne still hanging around to take snaps away from other younger guys. Demario Douglas is the main slot man, but he hasn’t done much to provide an advantage for fantasy rosters. Then of course we have Kayshon Boutte, who was last year’s standout receiver. Anything can happen with this WR room. Though I do think it’s best to stand back and wait to see how it all pans out.

Fantasy long shots

Efton Chism, Jaheim Bell

Look, of course I’m going to name-drop Efton Chism. Cool names always find a way to be relevant in fantasy football eventually. On the other hand, Chism is behind multiple guys for that starting slot position. It might be a while until we see him on the field. Jaheim Bell is an interesting player to me as he serves as a much more athletic and explosive option at the tight end spot. If he earns the trust of Maye, he could sneakily start producing this season.