The Underrated
As early rankings surface, many eyes are drawn to the household names, but astute managers are already beginning to spot hidden gems. We're shining a light on veteran players whose early ADPs simply don't reflect their true potential.
James Cook finished 2024 as the RB12 in PPR formats, yet his ADP as a low-end RB2 (around RB20) is a bargain. His PFF rushing grade of 80.4 ranked 10th among RBs, and he averaged 4.7 yards per carry, bolstered by Buffalo’s 5th-ranked run-blocking unit (PFF run-block grade: 78.9). Cook’s receiving role grew, with 42 catches for 389 yards, and the Bills’ 3rd-ranked scoring offense (29.1 points per game) ensures ample touchdown opportunities. With Josh Allen drawing defensive attention (615 rushing yards in 2024), Cook faces lighter boxes. His 2024 workload (234 carries, 15.6 touches per game) is set to expand as Buffalo leans on him over rookie Ray Davis. Draft Tip: Grab Cook as a high-upside RB2 with RB1 potential.
Calvin Ridley ended 2024 as the WR28 in PPR, but his ADP as a WR4 (around WR40) undervalues his role in Tennessee’s evolving offense. His PFF receiving grade of 79.2 ranked 18th among WRs, and he posted 1,036 yards on 98 targets, thriving in the Titans’ 12th-ranked passing offense by yards (3,892). The arrival of rookie QB Cam Ward (No. 1 overall pick in 2025) boosts Ridley’s outlook, as Ward’s 2024 college deep-ball accuracy (PFF grade: 88.3) pairs well with Ridley’s 14.2 average depth of target. With Treylon Burks inconsistent and Tyler Boyd aging, Ridley’s 26% target share from 2024 should hold or grow. Draft Tip: Snag Ridley as a flex with WR2 upside.
Dalton Kincaid finished 2024 as the TE8 in PPR, but his ADP as a low-end TE1 (around TE12) is a steal. His PFF receiving grade of 77.8 ranked 6th among TEs, and he hauled in 66 catches for 719 yards on 92 targets. Buffalo’s 7th-ranked passing offense (3,974 yards) and 3rd-ranked scoring offense provide a high-octane environment, and Kincaid’s 1.9 yards per route run outpaced most TEs. With Dawson Knox relegated to blocking (PFF blocking grade: 68.4), Kincaid’s 2024 snap share (82%) should persist. The Bills’ lack of a clear WR2 behind Khalil Shakir funnels targets to Kincaid, making him a prime breakout candidate. Draft Tip: Target Kincaid for TE1 production at a mid-round price.
Jared Goff finished 2024 as the QB10 in fantasy points, but his ADP as a low-end QB2 (around QB16) is a major oversight. His PFF passing grade of 80.1 ranked 8th among QBs, and he threw for 4,255 yards with 28 TDs in Detroit’s 4th-ranked passing offense (4,128 yards). The Lions’ 2nd-ranked offensive line (PFF pass-block grade: 79.8) gave Goff clean pockets, and his 70.1% completion rate ranked 5th league-wide. With Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta as weapons, Goff benefits from Detroit’s 4th-ranked scoring offense (30.2 points per game). His low rushing output (112 yards in 2024) keeps his ADP down, but his consistency (15 games with 15+ fantasy points) is elite. Draft Tip: Grab Goff as a late-round QB with top-8 upside.
These players are overlooked due to modest hype or crowded offenses, but their 2024 stats and 2025 situations scream value. PFF grades highlight their efficiency, and their teams’ elite rankings (Buffalo’s 3rd in scoring, Detroit’s 4th in passing yards, Tennessee’s 12th in passing) set them up for success. Cook and Kincaid thrive in a high-scoring system, Ridley’s role grows with a new QB, and Goff’s consistency is underappreciated in a potent offense. Their ADPs lag behind their potential, making them draft-day steals.
