In today's Fantasy Life Newsletter, presented by BetMGM:
Is anything more exemplary of the American Dream than double-checking your boss’ work in public after causing a commotion on the internet? The answer’s nothing, especially if he’s right—which Matthew Berry is in claiming Baker Mayfield’s a top-6 fantasy QB for 2025.
n this age of disproportionate scoring for running quarterbacks, it could’ve been very easy to miss Mayfield's finishing as 2024’s QB4 in total points (367.8) and QB5 when viewed through points per game (21.6)—even ahead of everyone’s favorite fantasy darling Jayden Daniels.
No longer an online meme in a trench coat, Mayfield displayed major progression in the last two seasons, something the market doubted would happen after moving on from Dave Canales. This time around, it’s Liam Coen departing for Jacksonville, and I’m simpatico with the jefe in thinking it won’t matter much stylistically for Baker’s production. Remember, it’s Tampa’s pass game coordinator, Josh Grizzard, who will take over the reins as OC.
Regarding the year-over-year progression I alluded to earlier, it’s not just a stark leap in production to get excited over, but the fact that it occurred across the board—beyond the simple statistical surface jump from (364-4,044-28-10) to (407-4,500-41-16).
Baker Mayfield, 2023 ⏩ 2024
- EPA/Attempt: 0.17 ⏩ 0.28
- Completion Percentage: 64.3% ⏩ 71.4%
- Passer Rating: 94.6 ⏩ 106.8
- Passing Yards/Game: 237.9 ⏩ 264.7
- Yards/Attempt: 7.1 ⏩ 7.9
- TD/Attempt Rate: 4.9% ⏩ 7.2%
- Scramble Rate: 4.7% ⏩ 6.3%
- Rushing Yards/Game: 237.9 ⏩ 264.7
- Rushing First Downs: 16 ⏩ 24
- Fantasy Points/Game: 16.1 ⏩ 22.2
One major adjustment seems to have served Mayfield especially well—the reduction of deep shots from 12.4% to 8.6% in exchange for more concentration around higher probability RB (21.1%) and TE (18.8%) target rates.
Shortening throws to quality weapons like Chris Godwin and Bucky Irving underneath provided a big-time boost in Baker’s EPA closer to the line of scrimmage, evidenced in the charts below.
Long story long, Berry’s correct. Mayfield’s got an excellent shot to close out 2025 in the top-6 fantasy QBs, despite going at least a round later than anyone else ahead of him at the position. If you miss out on the dual-threats up top, circle the former first overall pick to anchor your fantasy squad.
As far as our experts? Waz and Freedman have Mayfield at QB7, Dwain has him 8, and Ian has him 9th.
Ready to jump all the way in? 👇👇👇👇👇
EARLY 2025 FANTASY FOOTBALL RANKINGS ARE UP!
🏀🔥 The top college basketball teams are about to battle for the championship
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Fantasy News: Philly Moving on from Dallas Goedert?
How is it that Dallas Goedert could be going from the Eagles’ main target in their Super Bowl run to possibly on the trading block? If it happens, call it the Super Bowl tax. Kendall Valenzuela examines the latest NFL news after the owners’ meetings brought us plenty to talk about in the fantasy football world. Including a certain QB getting a vote of confidence.👇
COULD JUSTIN FIELDS FINALLY HAVE THE QB JOB TO HIMSELF?
The White Lotus Cast As A Fantasy League?
The White Lotus has its Season 3 finale tonight, and there is the usual intrigue around the show. Our own Ian Hartitz is a fan, yet he couldn’t keep his day job far away from his viewing experience. He started to wonder: What if these characters on the show were in a fantasy league together?
Ian takes us on a fun—and often tongue-in-cheek—getaway with the characters to imagine what these people would be like to play with in a league. Who’s blowing their FAAB Week 1? Who will autodraft a QB and still win the league? Who will miss the draft, even if it’s at their home? We hear the spread was still really good.
If you’re not caught up on this season, there are SPOILERS in here, so be warned. Otherwise, have fun and enjoy the finale.👇
WHO GETS TALKED INTO A 3-FOR-1 TRADE FOR SAQUON?
Here’s some news to sift through while you’re resting on the couch:
📝 Routes do matter, but just how important are they in fantasy football?
😴 There is a dream landing spot for Omarion Hampton.
👀 ICYMI: This could be the answer to the Steelers QB dilemma.
👑 Happy retirement, Julio Jones.
🧤 No gloves, no problem. Right this way, Mr. Hunter.
💪 Ranking the best to the worst. Abdul Carter, Mike Green, and more.
