It’s finally here. The 2025 NFL season is set to kick off with a bang on September 4th as the reigning champion Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys clash in what promises to be an electric start to the year between two storied rivals. But not only are fans gearing up for another season of drama, triumph, and heartbreak on the field, but there is also plenty to look forward to off it.
The first thing is the preseason Super Bowl odds, always a staple for fans to check out and see who exactly the bookies consider the favorites for Lombardi glory. This year, websites offering NFL betting in Canada, perhaps surprisingly, make the Baltimore Ravens the narrow +600 favorites for the championship, with the Buffalo Bills just behind at +630. But it isn’t just futures bets that have fans and NFL betting enthusiasts going into a frenzy.
With the 2025 kickoff game looming, another season of fantasy football is finally here. And the curtain-raising fantasy drafts aren’t just a pastime; they’re a battlefield. Everyone wants the perfect lineup, but avoiding costly picks is as crucial as snagging the ideal sleepers. While quarterbacks often dominate the headlines, it’s vital to dig deeper than a big name or past reputation when assembling your roster. To help you dodge the traps, we’re pinpointing three quarterbacks who carry more risk than they’re worth in 2025.
Patrick Mahomes
Patrick Mahomes is a transcendent talent, no question about it. The reigning three-time Super Bowl champion has guided the Kansas City Chiefs to three straight Big Games, albeit the third and final trip had a disastrous ending. But—and yes, there’s a “but”—the former Texas Tech standout is not invincible in fantasy football. Surprisingly, last year’s performance was his worst statistically across the board, with declines in passing touchdowns, total yardage, and efficiency metrics. While still elite on paper, his fantasy production came back to Earth.
The Chiefs’ offensive strategy also complicates Mahomes’ value. Kansas City has leaned more heavily on its ground game, with a run-first approach designed to control the clock and preserve leads. For fantasy managers, this translates to fewer passing opportunities. Factor in a lackluster wide receiver corps—featuring no true game-changing playmakers outside of an aging Travis Kelce and a hit-and-miss Xavier Worthy—and Mahomes’ weapons are far from inspiring.
And then, there’s the defense. Kansas City’s formidable unit allowed the third-fewest points in the AFC last season, regularly neutralizing opponents. Great for the Chiefs, bad for fantasy. Low-scoring, grind-it-out games mean fewer shootout scenarios and fewer chances for Mahomes to drop massive stat lines.
While his draft stock remains sky-high, the return doesn’t stack up. Value quarterbacks picked rounds later might narrow the gap—or even outpace him—by season’s end.
Aaron Rodgers
Aaron Rodgers is undeniably one of the most gifted quarterbacks to ever step on the field, but greatness fades—even for legends. Now at 41 years old, A-Rod will take the reins of the Pittsburgh Steelers with questions remaining over the major Achilles injury that ended his 2023 campaign. This isn’t the Rodgers of yesteryear; it’s a quarterback navigating physical decline while adapting to a new team.
Durability is the first red flag. How much can you really trust a QB recovering from a severe injury while facing the grind of another grueling NFL season? And even if he stays healthy, the Steelers’ offense isn’t built for fantasy fireworks. Their run-heavy playbook, combined with conservative passing schemes, doesn’t set Rodgers up for high-ceiling fantasy weeks.
Then there’s the offensive line—young, unproven, shaky. Behind minimal protection, Rodgers’ ability to extend plays with his legs is likely a thing of the past. His reliance on precise timing in a brand-new system will add another layer of difficulty to his 2025 outlook. Sure, the sentimental thrill of seeing Rodgers in black and yellow may tempt drafters, but when the dust settles, it’s a risk that’s not worth taking.
Brock Purdy
Brock Purdy has emerged as a reliable starter for the San Francisco 49ers, proving time and again that he can run Kyle Shanahan’s system to perfection. But for fantasy purposes? Purdy’s floor is solid, yet his ceiling leaves a lot to be desired.
The 49ers’ offense thrives on its talent-rich supporting cast. Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle are experts at turning simple, accurate throws into explosive gains through yards after catch. This style of play makes Purdy efficient in the real world, but caps his fantasy upside. Long touchdowns may rack up points for the likes of McCaffrey, but they don’t boost Purdy’s stats nearly as much as they would a QB throwing deep bombs.
Adding to the issue is San Francisco’s conservative play-calling. The 49ers are masters at controlling games with short, high-percentage passes and their dominant running game. This measured approach doesn’t lend itself to massive fantasy outputs for Purdy. He also lacks rushing ability—an increasingly vital trait for top-tier fantasy quarterbacks. Purdy may deliver consistent, low-risk performances for his actual team, but that’s a far cry from the game-changing production fantasy managers crave.
