The 2025 NFL season may seem far away, but it’s never too early to start thinking about the impacts of the offseason on fantasy football. In this article, I dissect four NFL position battles whose possible victors could win you leagues down the line. For more NFL offseason and fantasy football content, check out my profile HERE.
4 NFL Position Battles to Track Before Fantasy Season
1. Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR2
After drafting Ohio State wide receiver Emeka Egbuka 19th overall in April, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have an embarrassment of riches at the position; however, when you take a deeper look, the situation gets murky. WR1 Mike Evans is entering his age-32 season and while he had solid production last year, that will start to slow down eventually.
Primary slot receiver Chris Godwin dislocated his ankle in week seven and though he’s projected to return to the lineup in week one, it’s not an easy injury to return from, especially as he soon enters his 30s. Behind him is the aforementioned Egbuka, who also does his best work in the slot. Additionally, 2024 third-round pick Jalen McMillan started to come on towards the end of last season, averaging 63.2 yards in each of the last five games. In a high-powered offense like the Buccaneers have, the WR2 will have a significant fantasy impact.
2. Houston Texans WR2
Houston, we have a problem. There are a ton of intriguing receiving options on the Texans outside of Nico Collins, yet there’s no clear second option. Fan favorite Tank Dell is likely sidelined the entire 2025 season after a gruesome dislocated knee suffered in a late-season game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
This offseason, Houston General Manager Nick Caserio swapped a late-round draft pick with the Jacksonville Jaguars to acquire veteran slot receiver Cristian Kirk, who’s been above-average when healthy. He figures to get a good amount of targets, though the team spent 2025 2nd and 3rd round draft picks on Iowa State’s receiver duo of Jayden Higgins and Jaylin Noel, both of whom can contribute immediately. Whoever claims the WR2 role in this offense will see a sizable volume of targets under C.J. Stroud and new offensive coordinator Nick Caley.
3. Green Bay Packers WR1
The Packers certainly have an intriguing group of young receivers, yet none of them has taken the title of WR1 in their offense. To add to the uncertainty, the Packers selected a wide receiver in the first round for the first time since 2002 in Texas product Matthew Golden. His game-breaking speed, crisp route-running and yards-after-catch talent give him the ability to become WR1 in a crowded room, though not if Jayden Reed has anything to say about it. He led the Packers in receiving last year with a level of explosiveness rarely seen in the NFL, though he needs to become more consistent.
Not far behind him are the strong-handed Romeo Doubs and deep-threat Cristian Watson, both of whom have shown great potential but need to stay healthy. In a get-back year for Jordan Love, whoever wins the share of his targets could become a solid fantasy WR2.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers RB1
In the 2024 NFL offseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers declined to bring back long-time running back Najee Harris, who put up four-straight 1,000-yard rushing seasons for the black and gold. This left a gaping hole in the team’s rushing plans, which they addressed by drafting Iowa standout Kaleb Johnson, best known for his physical running style and patience for letting running lanes develop, similar to past Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell. At 6’1 and 225 pounds, Johnson has the size to withstand a season-long beating from defenders as well.
His competition is a familiar face in Jaylen Warren, who has a much different play style. Being more nimble and a better pass-catching back, Warren should be the team’s primary receiving back when healthy. With either Mason Rudolph or Aaron Rodgers starting at quarterback, the team will be heavily dependent on their run game, utilizing an improved offensive line. While neither running back will likely win you a league, if one can take the reins of the job, they’ll provide excellent depth.
Other Position Battles Considered
Chicago Bears WR2, Dallas Cowboys RB1, San Francisco 49ers WR2, New England Patriots WR2
Main Image: © Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
