Fantasy Football is back! The up and down trends of fantasy targets!

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Fantasy football is upon us! One of the most exciting ways to pull out your inner General Manager and draft the best team possible to win some games! It adds an extra layer to the fun that is watching football by double checking on each game to make sure that Wide Receiver you drafted did in fact score that 50 yard touchdown. The excitement can't be contained, and the weeks leading up to your fantasy draft is filled with mock drafts, magazine buying and player analysis. This year should be no different, and as a fantasy football coach in several leagues for several years, I'd say I've built a reliable reputation. There is always the question that occurs: who should I select with my pick? Part of the fun is building a roster that you feel comfortable with and will take you all the way to the championship game. As training camp has progressed and preseason football set to get into full swing, here's a list of players you should keep an eye on and some you may want to avoid (in no particular order):

Upward Trends:

1. Ceedee Lamb: Despite all the quarterback issues from last year, Ceedee Lamb still managed to finish as one of the top receivers in fantasy. His value has only gone up for this year as well: with Dak Prescott returning and the addition of George Pickens occupying some of the defensive backs, Lamb is once again ready to be one of the top 5 receivers in football.

2. Omarion Hampton: Former UNC running back and 22nd overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft, Omarion Hampton is projected to be the best of all the rookie running backs coming into this year. His value has exceeded even further with the Najee Harris eye issue and who knows how long that will be. Even with Harris present, a Jim Harbaugh system is sure to do nothing but benefit Hampton and make him one of the strongest selections in your fantasy draft.

3. Emeka Egbuka: The 19th overall selection in the 2025 NFL draft, the Ohio State receiver is making strides in training camp. Baker Mayfield has said on several occasions how much he loves Egbuka and he fits right into the Bucs system. With Chris Godwin still recovering from injury, Egbuka is a player you should keep your eye out for as he's a rookie that is projected to have a strong campaign his first year.

4. Nick Chubb: After recovering from the gruesome leg injury, Chubb had a lackluster return to Cleveland in the latter half of the 2024 season. After signing with the Texans, Chubb is going to have a lot to prove and he's going to be ready to show out this season. Chubb is slated as the RB2 in Houston, but Joe Mixon just went down with a foot injury that will keep him out for "an extended period." This is as good a time as ever for Chubb to try and remind NFL fans that he used to be the best RB in the league, and with Mixon's recent injury woes, Chubb is worth a good look in mid to late rounds.

5. Jaxon Smith-Njigba: JSN is one of the most underrated receivers in the league. He had a strong season last year with Geno Smith and being a little overshadowed by DK Metcalf despite having a statistically better season. He goes into the 2025 campaign with a new QB in Sam Darnold and if Darnold is able to replicate his strong year last season, JSN should be an easy target for anyone in fantasy. Also, with the addition of Cooper Kupp, JSN is still being overlooked as a top guy, and he has potential to be a top 7 receiver this year.

Downward Trends:

1. Michael Pittman Jr.: Pittman has had some strong seasons in the past, establishing himself as the clear WR1 in Indianapolis. However, as the years progressed, there have been huge question marks at the quarterback position for the Colts. Anthony Richardson has been struggling with injuries and when he's on the field, Pittman is a little overlooked. This year, the competition lies between Daniel Jones and AR5 and honestly, neither option bodes well for Pittman's fantasy value.

2. Keenan Allen: A reunion with Justin Herbert and the Chargers sounds like the ideal situation for the 33 year old wide receiver. Except, it may not be as simple as that. Last season Ladd Mcconkey established himself as the clear WR1 and was Herbert's favorite target. Allen's age and previous injury concerns makes him a liability in the receiver room and with rookie Tre Harris expected to get a lot of touches as well, Allen may be worth a skip in your draft.

3. Stefon Diggs: In comparison to previous years, Diggs' production may not be as high as initially expected. After signing with the Patriots this offseason, a lot of eyes are on the organization as they look to turn things around. However, Diggs is coming off a very tough ACL injury and off the field shenanigans. Also, Mike Vrabel's offense is centered around a heavy run scheme and with a semi-proven Drake Maye, Diggs is still intended to get some touches, but his production will be nowhere near the amount it was when he was with Buffalo or starting in Houston.

4. Jaylen Warren: Warren's had some strong seasons as the backup to Najee Harris, exploding onto the scene for a great 1-2 punch for the Steelers. Now that Harris is gone, Warren jumps into first in the depth chart which leads many to increase his fantasy value. However, the Steelers offense has been their weak point for years and Warren still has to prove he can be the solidified RB1. He will surely be sharing the field with Iowa RB Kaleb Johnson and former Eagles RB Kenneth Gainwell.

5. Jordan Addison: This one kind of speaks for itself, Addison was just handed a 3-game suspension for his off the field antics. On top of that, rookie QB J.J. Mccarthy coming off injury and still has yet to play a snap. Also, top 2 wide receiver Justin Jefferson is still lurking in the core and with a fully healthy T.J Hockenson, when Addison returns, he would be the 3rd option at best.

Though these are projections, the decision will be yours and that's the fun of fantasy football. As the season progresses, we will keep you informed, but here's to a strong 2025-2026 NFL fantasy football season!