We’re approaching the 2025 season. Every year a few players seize on the right opportunity and surprise for fantasy players. The value comes from trying to predict who it will end up being this time of year and stashing them. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be looking at some 2025 sleeper candidates at each of the key fantasy positions, quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end. Hopefully these are players you can acquire at a value that will propel you to fantasy glory.
When Hollywood Brown was acquired by the Chiefs last off-season, it raised some eyebrows. It seemed like an ideal fit for the Chiefs’ offense. But a pre-season injury ended the dream before it began. He didn’t return until late in the season, leaving fans and fantasy players to wonder what might have been.
But Brown re-signed with the Chiefs this offseason. He returns to the team in 2025, giving another chance to see what he can do in this offense. Will he strike gold for fantasy owners? Let’s dive in.
The Case for Hollywood Brown
The reasons for optimism remain. Brown was once the No. 1option for Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. But a contract dispute led to him being dealt to the Arizona Cardinals. While he had some moments with the Cardinals in 2022 and 2023, injuries and an inefficient offense limited his upside. But Patrick Mahomes would be the best quarterback he’s played with, and Brown offers a potential dimension to this offense. The last time he was paired with a good quarterback in a good offense—during his last year in 2021 with the Ravens—he finished as WR22, averaging more than 14 points per game.
Better still, the Chiefs will be looking for production, especially early in the season. While third-year man Rashee Rice figures to be the future and the potential No. 1 target, he’s returning from injury. He also received five years’ probation and a 30-day jail stint for a reckless driving incident. While no discipline has yet been announced, Rice figures to miss a chunk of games to start the season. All that gives Brown a chance to establish himself in the offense and create that connection with Mahomes. That could give him tremendous fantasy upside.
The Case Against Hollywood Brown
There are some factors to consider when pushing your chips in on Brown. One is self-inflicted, the other has to do with the roster. First, we’ll consider the self-inflicted wounds. In addition to an inefficient offense in Arizona, Brown struggled to stay on the field. He was limited to 12 games in 2022 and 14 games in 2023. Then, last season, he managed just two games. He hasn’t played 16 games in a season since 2021, when he was WR22. If he can get on the field, he can produce. But can Brown stay healthy and available?
The second obstacle is the Chiefs’ other passing game weapons. While Rice is likely to miss games to start the season, the Chiefs have other options. Last year’s top two target leaders—tight end Travis Kelce and receiver Xavier Worthy—are still available. Kelce saw 133 targets on his way to a Top 5 finish at Tight End, while Worthy saw 98 targets as a rookie. Worthy picked up the team as the season wore on and could be in line to take another step forward in year two. Worthy also has a similar skill set to Brown, meaning the veteran will need to find a way to contribute apart from the existing Chiefs’ stars if he’s to make an impact.
The Bottom Line
The looming Rice suspension changes things. Brown currently has an ADP of WR59, which is gaining steam. If he’s healthy and carves out a role in the offense, that could be too low. There is a reason people were excited about the acquisition last off-season, and that excitement remains heading into this season. Can Brown deliver? Will the Chiefs’ pass offense be more robust? With a questionable backfield situation, I think we’re going to see a more pass-heavy offense for the Chiefs. If he stays healthy, I like Brown to be a weekly flex consideration.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network.
