Fantasy Football Insights: Rookies and Injury Updates Shape 2025 Drafts

DALLAS, Texas — The 2025 fantasy football season is heating up as training camps begin, and managers are closely monitoring player injuries and legal issues that could affect draft strategies. Among the most talked-about players are the Cleveland Browns‘ Quinshon Judkins and the Kansas City Chiefs‘ Rashee Rice.

Recently, Judkins learned that he will not face charges for a July arrest related to misdemeanor battery. Prosecutors decided against moving forward with the case, attributing their decision to lack of evidence. This news means Judkins is expected to finalize his rookie contract soon, allowing him to participate in training camp ahead of Week 1.

Judkins, a second-round pick, is viewed as a potential lead back for the Browns. While Jerome Ford has been adequate, he has not solidified the top position against rising competition from Judkins and rookie Dylan Sampson. If Judkins can secure the starting role, he might be able to earn 14 to 18 touches per game.

However, the NFL may conduct its investigation, potentially leading to a suspension. Should he remain eligible, his fantasy stock could leap into the RB2 range.

In contrast, Rashee Rice is facing a different challenge. He awaits a disciplinary hearing on September 30 after being sentenced to probation and jail time for involvement in a multi-car crash. Though he will be eligible to play during the first four weeks of the season, an expected suspension later on could create significant setbacks for fantasy managers who draft him.

Rice is currently ranked as WR19 by analysts, making him an intriguing option for managers willing to gamble on his upside as a key target for quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

As training camps progress, many managers are also focusing on the crowded backfields across the league. For instance, the Dallas Cowboys recently added several running backs including Javonte Williams, who is still recovering from a previous knee injury, and Miles Sanders. Promising rookie Jaydon Blue is also part of the mix, but the uncertainty surrounding the distribution of carries complicates matters for fantasy owners.

The Cleveland Browns, too, have a confusing backfield situation with Judkins’ recent developments leaving many questions about how the rotation will shake out. With multiple options, including Ford and Sampson, fantasy owners must tread carefully in their investments.

As teams continue to fine-tune their rosters, staying updated on these players and their situations will be crucial for fantasy success. Future articles will assess trends and nuances as September approaches.