The landscape of fantasy football has shifted dramatically as injuries to key players have altered rankings for the remainder of the 2025 season. According to Eric Karabell’s weekly evaluations, notable changes impact quarterbacks, running backs, wide receivers, and tight ends, providing crucial insights for fantasy managers looking to optimize their teams.
Quarterback Rankings Reflect Major Injuries
The most significant change comes with the injury of Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, who is sidelined until December due to a toe injury. Burrow, who ranked as the No. 3 quarterback scorer last season and the No. 5 in ESPN’s average draft position this year, has dropped from the rankings. His backup, Jake Browning, now earns a spot ahead of several other starting quarterbacks. Browning displayed competence during a seven-game stint in 2023 and has a solid group of receivers to target.
As the rankings evolve entering Week 3, there are other notable players making strides. Daniel Jones of the Indianapolis Colts has forced his way into the QB1 conversation, while Dallas Cowboys’ Dak Prescott and Detroit Lions’ Jared Goff are closing in on that territory after impressive performances. With Burrow’s exit, the top tier of quarterbacks now faces challenges from several players who were previously considered in the next tier. Injured 49ers starter Brock Purdy has fallen from the top 10, while Chicago Bears starter Caleb Williams is distancing himself from QB1 status.
Running Backs and Wide Receivers Experience Turbulence
The running back position has also seen significant shifts, particularly with the news that Washington Commanders pass-catcher Austin Ekeler will miss the remainder of the season due to an Achilles injury. This opens opportunities for rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt, although the team may adopt a committee approach moving forward. Despite some fluctuations, established running backs like Derrick Henry of the Baltimore Ravens and Ashton Jeanty of the Las Vegas Raiders remain valuable assets.
In the wide receiver category, the emergence of Rome Odunze has captured attention, as he surpasses DJ Moore to become the top receiver for the Chicago Bears. Four wide receivers, including Amon-Ra St. Brown, Malik Nabers, and Ja’Marr Chase, surpassed 30 PPR points in Week 2, highlighting their strong performances. Meanwhile, established stars like A.J. Brown and Drake London are expected to rebound after quieter outings.
As the rankings fluctuate, managers are encouraged not to panic over players like Moore, Terry McLaurin, and Calvin Ridley, who have dropped slightly but still possess significant potential. The rankings also welcome new entries, including DeAndre Hopkins and Broncos rookie Troy Franklin, while injured players such as Packers starter Jayden Reed have been removed.
Tight End Rankings Shift with Injuries and Performances
At the tight end position, there has been considerable movement as well. The performances of key players including T.J. Hockenson, Evan Engram, and Mark Andrews resulted in lower overall PPR points in Week 2. Hockenson remains in the top 10, though he faces competition from emerging players like Tucker Kraft and Juwan Johnson, who are making their mark in TE1 territory.
Injuries continue to affect rankings, with George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers expected to miss at least three more games due to a hamstring injury, further impacting the tight end landscape.
As the 2025 season progresses, fantasy managers must stay informed on these changes to maximize their rosters’ potential. For ongoing updates and detailed rankings, fans can refer to Eric Karabell’s comprehensive list, which includes the top 100 players across all positions.
