Fantasy football and sports betting worlds have collided in the past few years. Fantasy football players can use the betting market to help them with their drafts. The over/under total for games helps fantasy players make weekly lineup decisions. Similarly, season-long league leaders can give fantasy players some insight into how Vegas views players for this year.
Let’s look at my picks to lead the league in passing, rushing, and receiving touchdowns and yards for the 2025 season.
Fantasy Football League Leader Predictions & Picks
Passing Touchdowns – Joe Burrow (QB – CIN)
The Bengals have arguably the league’s top passing offense. Furthermore, they have one of the worst defenses in the NFL. Therefore, Burrow is my pick to lead the league in passing touchdowns in 2025. Last year, the superstar had the most passing yards (4,918) and touchdowns (43). More importantly, he has had at least 34 passing touchdowns every healthy season of his career. Burrow has averaged 2.03 passing touchdowns per game in his career, posting a 6.5% or higher touchdown rate in two of the past four years, including 2024.
Passing Yards – Baker Mayfield (QB – TB)
Mayfield has been one of the better passers since joining the Buccaneers a few years ago. The veteran has had over 4,000 passing yards both seasons, including a career-high 4,500 in 2024, finishing third in the NFL behind Joe Burrow (4,918) and Jared Goff (4,629). More importantly, he had a career year throwing the ball despite Chris Godwin and Mike Evans missing 13 combined games with injuries. The Buccaneers re-signed Godwin and drafted Emeka Egbuka this offseason. Don’t be surprised if Mayfield has nearly 5,000 passing yards this year.
Rushing Touchdowns – Derrick Henry (RB – BAL)
While he is well on the wrong side of 30, Henry shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon. Last year, the superstar had 16 rushing touchdowns, tying for the most in the NFL, scoring at least once in 12 games. Henry has had double-digit rushing touchdowns in seven consecutive seasons, totaling 16 or more in nearly half of those years. More importantly, he plays for one of the most run-heavy offenses in the league. Last season, the Ravens had the second-most rushing attempts (554) in the NFL.
Rushing Yards – Bijan Robinson (RB – ATL)
Unfortunately, Robinson got off to a rocky start last year. Yet, the superstar finished third in the NFL with 1,456 rushing yards. He averaged 13.4 rushing attempts for 57 yards per game over the first five weeks, totaling 70 or more once. However, the former Texas star was outstanding over the final 12 games, averaging 19.8 rushing attempts and 97.6 yards per contest. More importantly, Atlanta leaned on Robinson with Michael Penix Jr. under center, giving him 22.3 rushing attempts for 118 yards per game in the rookie’s three starts.
Receiving Touchdowns – Ja’Marr Chase (WR – CIN)
It makes sense for me to pick Chase to lead the NFL in receiving touchdowns if I have Joe Burrow leading the league in passing scores this season. Last year, the superstar won the triple crown, totaling 127 receptions for 1,708 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. Chase has been outstanding with Burrow under center, totaling 45 receiving touchdowns in 55 regular-season games. Cincinnati will have to put up points to stay in games, which could result in Chase leading the NFL in receiving touchdowns for the second consecutive season.
Receiving Yards – Justin Jefferson (WR – MIN)
Last year, many were afraid to draft Jefferson because of Sam Darnold. Yet, the superstar has proved that he is quarterback-proof. Jefferson led the NFL with 1,809 receiving yards in 2022. Unfortunately, he missed seven games in 2023 because of injury. Yet, Jefferson would have led the league with 1,826 receiving yards over a 17-game pace. Last season, he finished second with 1,533 receiving yards, totaling 175 fewer than Ja’Marr Chase (1,708) on 24 fewer receptions (127 vs. 103). Don’t be surprised if Jefferson reclaims his title in 2025.
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Mike Fanelli is a featured writer at FantasyPros. For more from Mike, check out his archive and follow him @Mike_NFL2.
