We’re approaching the 2025 season. Every year, a few players seize on the right opportunity and surprise 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 key fantasy position: 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.
Justin Fields is an interesting prospect. Coming out in the draft, many had him as potentially the second-best quarterback. But he slipped, landing in Chicago. While there were flashes during his three seasons there, the Bears weren’t a stable franchise. When they got the No. 1 pick last off-season, it became clear they were ready to move on from Fields. While the Bears snagged Caleb Williams and finished 5-12 again, Fields was unceremoniously dumped in Pittsburgh. Despite going 4-2 to start the season, he found himself benched in favor of Russell Wilson.
The Steelers finished 10-7 and made the playoffs. But they didn’t last long. This off-season, the Steelers were reportedly interested in bringing Fields back, but it was another team that saw him as a prize. He landed a two-year, $40 million contract with the Jets, where he’s the starter. But what will that mean for fantasy players? Let’s dive in.
The Case for Justin Fields
Fields hasn’t enjoyed a lot of success in his professional career. He went 4-2 with the Steelers, but he’s only 14-30 as a starter. And in four professional seasons, including three as a full-time starter, he’s never thrown for more than 2,562 yards in a season. On its face, that might make someone skeptical. But in terms of fantasy, Fields’ lack of statistics and lack of success hasn’t been an obstacle.
In 2022, Fields went 3-12 as a starter. He finished as QB6 in fantasy. In 2023, he went 5-8 as a starter. But he finished as QB18, averaging more than 18 points per game. Last season, he went 4-2 and was replaced by Wilson. That was despite the fact he produced 10 touchdowns and just one interception in those six games. That was good enough to have him sitting at QB6 in fantasy. That’s why the Jets bet on Fields, who doesn’t have anyone looking over his shoulder in New York.
Better still, Fields will be behind the best offensive line he’s played with and will be paired with one of the better supporting casts he’s played with. That includes Breece Hall and Braelon Allen providing a one-two punch out of the backfield. It also includes his former college teammate, Garrett Wilson, as the Jets’ WR1. While it’s fair to note that the Jets’ pass-catching group is thin, Fields has dealt with that before in Chicago and Pittsburgh. Despite that, he’s consistently been a QB2 or better.
The Case Against Justin Fields
I noted that Fields has never thrown for more than 2,562 yards in a season. In fact, in that 2022 season, when he started 15 games, Fields threw for just 2,242 yards. So, how does he manage such robust fantasy performances? It comes down to the fact that Fields is a dual threat. That same season, he rushed for 1,143 yards and eight touchdowns. Even last season, Fields rushed for 289 yards and five touchdowns in just six starts. Rushing is a big part of his game, especially when it comes to fantasy.
So, how will that work with the Jets? In 2022, Fields was the leading rusher for the Bears. In 2023, despite playing in just 13 games and being held to less than 700 yards, he was still his team’s leading rusher. But it’s fair to say he’s never played with a backfield like the one with the Jets. New York not only has a star in Hall, but they also have great depth with Allen and Isaiah Davis. That trio rushed for 1,384 yards and eight touchdowns. Will Fields continue to be a rushing threat with this kind of rushing offense behind him? What happens if he doesn’t have rushing upside?
Fields still figures to be a good runner in New York. But if you’re to get a big year from Fields in fantasy, he’ll need to step up as a passer. Given the thin receiving group, that could pose an even bigger challenge. That’s the risk with riding with Fields in 2025.
The Bottom Line
Fields was one of the more interesting quarterback signings this offseason. Many were watching to see where he’d land, hoping to see a bounce back for fantasy. On paper, landing with the Jets isn’t a bad situation, either. With an ADP of QB9, it seems many are betting on seeing a great fantasy performance from Fields. That might be a tall order if you acquire him at that price. But you’re in a great position if you hung on to Fields, who is in the mix as your QB2 or QB3. I like the potential of Fields in New York, especially paired again with Wilson. At worst, I think he’ll offer consistent QB2 value and could go higher, as we saw in 2022 and 2024.
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.
