In today's Fantasy Life Newsletter:

ESPN recently tapped its network of NFL reporters to each share an under-the-radar player who they think could surprise in 2025.

If you’ve been consuming our content at Fantasy Life, some of these names are hardly surprises—we are very hip to guys like Jayden Higgins and Pat Bryant—but some of these reporters went deeeeep into their bag for these sleepers.

Here are 5 of the surprise WRs who … surprised me:

• Patriots WR Efton Chism: An undrafted 5-foot-10 WR from Eastern Washington is quite possibly the most Patriots thing ever. It almost feels like a bit with how on the nose it is. Still, Mike Reiss says he’s been standing out in the slot.
• Ravens WR Devontez Walker: The 2024 fourth-round pick didn’t do much last year, but apparently made big-time plays at minicamp. The Baltimore depth chart isn't that imposing, so I’m going to keep him on my mental watchlist.
• Browns WR Jamari Thrash: He caught only 3 passes as a rookie in 2024, but Kevin Stefanski said he had a “really strong spring.” We know this entire passing offense is undervalued, so Thrash is a guy to monitor.
• Eagles WR Danny Gray: Nothing gets me excited quite like a 26-year-old WR on an uber-condensed offense like the Eagles, but I’m simply passing along the news. We’ve done this song-and-dance before with guys like Quez Watkins, but maybe Gray is the one who finally can make an impact?
• Niners WR Jordan Watkins: I’m not going to lie, this is the first time I’ve heard the name ‘Jordan Watkins.” Maybe that makes me a bad analyst (shh, that was a rhetorical question), but it is the truth. Brock Purdy said he has “been balling from Day 1,” so that is encouraging.

I’m not ready to put my hard-earned money on any of these guys yet, but consider me intrigued. I’ll be paying attention …

WHERE ARE THESE WIDE RECEIVERS BEING DRAFTED?

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It’s Pass Catcher Trivia Time!

Can you imagine any NFL trivia focusing on record-setting pass catchers that doesn’t feature the GOAT himself, Jerry Rice? Well, our own Matt LaMarca has found one:

Getting to 100 receptions is a lot harder than it sounds. Can you name the two players who have done it an NFL-record six times?

The answers will surprise, then present a “yeah, I remember him” moment. Don’t worry, there are plenty of current-day fantasy studs who have done some amazing things in their careers already. Like Brock Bowers breaking a record that had been around for a LONG time. 🏈👇🏼

JJETTAS IS SECOND ONLY TO …

Are The Broncos Ready To Ride High For Fantasy?

It wasn’t a pretty start to the rookie year for Bo Nix. Through four games, Nix had passed for all of a single TD, while being intercepted four times. There were more than a few Broncos faithful who questioned the use of a 12th-overall pick on the Oregon product. Then something clicked between Nix and HC Sean Payton, as the Broncos started to resemble a “fun” offense, and the QB finished with 29 TD passes and tacked on 4 rushing scores. Now can Nix keep the good times rolling at Mile High and take this offense to a new level?

Our guy Ian Hartitz is back with his NFL team preview series with the Broncos, who have one of those dreaded “committee” backfields between J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey that deserves plenty analysis. And is Courtland Sutton still an ADP bargain after his 81-1,081-8 stat line surprised many last season? Plus, Evan Engram is trying to fill the Broncos’ “joker” role that’s been sorely lacking. Saddle up, and on to Denver! ⤵️

COULD HARVEY BE A ROOKIE BREAKOUT?

🚀 What’s stopping you from drafting Bijan 1.01? He’s quite the catch.

🏃 The WR who refuses to cut in 2025. Only straight running?!

🏴‍☠️ The Bucs’ offense has everyone back, and more, for another big year.

🤯 This is insane. Brandon Jacobs’ teenage son is a beast.

🤓 The QBs with the highest volatility, per the analytics. No surprises in the Top 2.

🤫 My favorite RB sleeper gets more hype. What if Barkley goes down?

🎯 This WR may be the best late-round dart. No pun intended.

🤝 This may be the next killer combo. Move over Mahomes-Kelce.

💯 You don’t need to hide how many leagues you’re in. Now who said that?

🚚 Jonnu Smith and Darren Waller are on the move. What’s the fallout?

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