Bryce Young

As we head into the 2025 fantasy football season, Bryce Young is poised to be a significant player to watch, particularly after his impressive turnaround in the latter part of the 2024 season. Young, the first overall pick by the Carolina Panthers in 2023, had a tumultuous start to his NFL career, including being benched early in the 2024 season after a rough beginning. However, following a stint behind Andy Dalton due to Dalton's thumb injury, Young returned to the starting role and showed marked improvement. He finished the season strong, scoring at least one touchdown pass in his final 10 starts and averaging nearly 19 PPR points per game during that stretch.

The Panthers' offseason moves have set the stage for Young to continue his upward trajectory. The addition of first-round rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan, along with new running backs Rico Dowdle and Trevor Etienne, enhances the Panthers' offense and provides Young with fresh and promising targets. Returning players like Xavier Legette, Adam Thielen, and Chuba Hubbard also contribute to a more robust and supportive team environment. These additions are expected to boost Young's fantasy ceiling, making him a potential QB1 breakout candidate for the 2025 season.

Young's late-season performance in 2024 was a clear indicator of his growth and potential. He had several standout games, including a 312-yard, two-touchdown outing against the Green Bay Packers and a 247-yard, three-touchdown game against the Detroit Lions. His ability to adapt and improve under new head coach Dave Canales is a positive sign for his future performance. As Young enters his third year, there is significant optimism that he will build on his late-season success and become a reliable fantasy starter.

For fantasy football managers, Bryce Young presents an intriguing option, especially in Superflex and two-quarterback leagues where he is worth a mid-round pick. While he may not be a top priority in one-quarterback leagues at the moment, his sleeper appeal is high, and he could become a solid waiver-wire addition if he starts the season strong. With his improved performance and the revamped Panthers offense, Young is definitely a player to keep an eye on as the 2025 season kicks off.

Updated 06/28/2025