Welcome to Fantasy Under the Feathers, where we break down the biggest storylines, controversies, and surprises for the 2025 fantasy football season. From injury updates to trade suggestions, we have you covered for everything fantasy themed.

As the first half of the fantasy football regular season wraps up, managers everywhere are scrambling to make sense of the hectic 8 weeks already endured. Between gruesome injuries, breakout performances, and disappointing starts, the chaos has forced every fantasy manager to adapt and take risks.

Hospital Section + Next Man Up

Here are some players who have suffered cruel, season-ending injuries, and the next players succeeding them.

Malik Nabers (WR- NYG)

Nabers started off the season hot, leading the New York Giants in targets, receptions, and receiving yards foreshadowing a key connection with rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. But in week 4, Nabers suffered both a torn ACL and torn meniscus while attempting to catch a pass. While Nabers’ fantasy owners have suffered since, Wandale Robinson has taken over that WR1 spot for the Giants.

Joe Mixon (RB – HOU)

Mixon entered the season with uncertainty on when he would make his return, leaving fantasy managers with a tough decision on when to draft the previous pro-bowler. To this date, there is still no timetable on Mixon and when he will be available to play again. However, his injury has opened up opportunities for rookie RB Woody Marks, who has been a solid and consistent waiver wire pickup.

Tyreek Hill (WR – MIA) 

Hill and the Dolphins had an already rough start to the 2025 season, but fantasy owners maintained hope in the previous Super Bowl champion before he tore multiple ligaments in his knee in week 4. Since then, the Dolphins have continued to struggle, but chances have opened up for WR Jaylen Waddle and RB Devon Achane, who could end up being serious threats later in the season if the Dolphins get back on course.

Buy Low Candidates

Quinshon Judkins (RB – CLE)

In terms of points per game, Judkins and the Browns have been pretty inconsistent. But one thing that hasn’t varied too much is Judkins’ snap share. It’s clear that the Browns really like Judkins and want to use him as much as possible. The only problem is that inconsistent quarterback play means that the offense struggles to keep the ball. But if the Browns can get back on track, Judkins becomes a top back for the remainder of the season.

Trey Benson (RB – ARI)

Benson owners were stoked after week 3 when starting RB James Conner was ruled out for the season following an injury in a divisional matchup against the 49ers. Benson was unfortunate to be placed on injured reserve in the very next gameweek. But as week 10 approaches, it’s clear that the struggling Cardinals will be happy to be able to utilize Benson’s talents again.

Nico Collins (WR – HOU)

Collins was an absolute beast during the weeks he was healthy last season, and he should continue to play at a high level. The only thing holding him back this year is poor quarterback play from C.J. Stroud, which is most likely a result of the atrocious Texans o-line. However, the Texans are an offense-heavy team, and Collins is the clear favorite target of Stroud. This means that if the o-line can figure out their issues, then Collins could be a top receiver for the rest of the season, just as he was last year. 

Sell High Candidates

These are some of the players who have been running hot recently, but we expect them to cool down in the coming weeks.

Keenan Allen (WR – LAC)

Allen is ranked the 8th receiver so far this season in PPR format, but at 33 years old his durability and efficiency are declining.  Given that his only fantasy relevant outings have come from a touchdown, and with the Chargers shifting focus towards their many young stars, now is a perfect time to sell high.  

Chris Olave (WR – NO)

Olave remains an elite wide receiver, however the Saints’ inconsistent quarterback play and low-scoring offense caps his fantasy value.  Combined with his history of concussions and health concerns, now is the perfect time to trade him while his name value is still high.  

Jake Ferguson (TE – DAL)

A clear pattern is emerging with these players — touchdowns have been masking otherwise average production.  Ferguson currently sits atop the tight end rankings through the first 8 weeks of fantasy football, but this success has consisted of 6 touchdowns and is heavily due to the absence of Ceedee Lamb.  If you’re able to move him for other big name tight ends like Brock Bowers or Trey McBride, make a deal while his value is still sky high. 

Boom Or Bust

We’re highlighting players that have overperformed expectations or those who have fallen short of their draft value so far this season.  

Emeka Egbuka (WR – TB)

Egbuka was drafted 19th overall in the 2025 NFL draft and was shining with potential, however there were doubts about how good he could be in the league coming from an Ohio State team where he was WR2 on his team.  His consistent production along with big-play ability has put him at WR7 on the season, which is much higher than his preseason projection of WR37.

Javonte Williams (RB – DAL)

With a preseason ADP of #113 and being ranked #38 among all running backs, it is safe to say that Williams had low expectations coming into the season.  Now 8 weeks later, he is RB5 and will play a huge factor in the Cowboys fight to make the playoffs during the back half of the season.  

Isiah Pacheco (RB – KC)

After 3 straight Super Bowl appearances with the Chiefs, Isiah Pacheco had high expectations coming into the 2025 season.  However, he has dramatically underperformed, only providing 329 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns through 8 games, putting him outside of the top 35 running backs.

As we enter the second half of the fantasy season, there is no certainty for what is to come.  There is still time for new stars to rise, and early disappointments to turn their season around.  The best managers will continue to adapt to change, and take smart risks.  It’s important to know, this season is far from over.