Identifying bounce-back or breakout players for the following season is a long-standing strategy to maximize roster value in the offseason. Here are my favorite bets for an uptick in 2025:

RELATED: See Potential 2025 Breakout WRs and TEs here

Quarterbacks

Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis

Why: My newly-created "Fun Meter" for quarterbacks has Anthony Richardson as a 99% score over the past decade and on par with an early-career Josh Allen. Richardson is an elite passer in terms of bold downfield throws and even has more upside based on a merely above-average scramble rate. Since being benched early in the season, Richardson has rebounded in a significant way, including arguably the three best games of his career in the past three starts. Also, a reminder that Richardson still has fewer than 30 career starts since high school and has yet to attempt 300 passes in the NFL. Through that lens, he is very much still a rookie by his small sample size. Outside of a Jordan Love 2023-type finish to the season, Richardson's dynasty valuation will still include plenty of downside and risk baked into the cost.

A few December dynasty trades (Superflex) of note for Richardson include:

• Richardson for Sam Darnold, Will Levis
• Richardson, Dak Prescott, Drake London for Jalen Hurts, Ja'Tavion Sanders
• Richardson for Bucky Irving

Drake Maye, New England

Why: New England was viewed as the worst landing spot for any of the notable rookie quarterbacks. An offensive line and supporting case that torpedoed Jacoby Brissett in the opening weeks of the season have not halted Drake Maye from showing significant flashes. Maye's smooth power arm and elite scramble rate have dragged his arguably weakest collection of wide receivers in the NFL to viability and eluded the offensive line's leaky blocking. Maye is one of the key situations to likely see significant upgrades through free agency and the NFL Draft. Maye is a prime candidate to go from good to great in 2025.

A few December dynasty trades (Superflex) of note for Maye include:

• Maye, 1st for Jayden Daniels
• Maye for Zay Flowers, 2nd
• Maye, 1st for Jonathan Taylor, A.J. Brown
• Maye for Bryce Young, Jerry Jeudy

Running Backs

Audric Estime, Denver

Why: Javonte Williams is a free agent, and the sub-sized Jaleel McLaughlin is the only other notable Denver running back under contract for 2025. Audric Estime has quality interior movement for his prototypical frame and fits the prototype as a 21-year-old rookie in the prospect projection model. Estime's rise after Week 10 turned into a false start as he receded back to his secondary role. He has now turned more affordable but for the same 2025 bet that Williams is gone.

A few December dynasty trades of note for Estime include:

• Estime, 2nd for Jauan Jennings, 3rd
• Estime for Tim Patrick, Mack Hollins
• Estime for Cooper Rush
• Estime, Tyrone Tracy Jr., 4th for J.K. Dobbins, 2nd

Jaylen Wright, Miami

Why: Jaylen Wright has been a slow burn this season with De'Von Achane the clear starter and Raheem Mostert largely the RB2. However, Wright has the alluring athleticism to flash with any expanded opportunity, and Mostert is a slated free agent in the offseason. 

A few December dynasty trades (Superflex) of note for Wright include:

• Wright, 1st for Jonathan Taylor
• Wright, 2nd for Rico Dowdle
• Wright, 1st for Zay Flowers
• Wright, Courtland Sutton for Tank Dell, 4th

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