Value in dynasty fantasy football isn’t about performance, but timing. Managers who think strategically will find ideal times to purchase when their competitors’ rosters suffer from injuries, changing coaches, and underperforming seasons. Five bounce-back candidates for 2025 are presented in this article, who not only have both the talent and the opportunity to rebound in 2025, but also fit important dynasty roster-building standards:
- QBs under the age of 33
- RBs under the age of 27
- WRs under the age of 28
- TEs under the age of 30
…and most importantly, none of them have top-10 positional ADP prices. These are the players to acquire before they remind everyone why they were valued so highly to begin with.
1. Christian Watson (WR – GB)
The Case for Redemption:
Christian Watson came into the 2024 season with high expectations, but his statistical output was mixed. He played in 15 games and caught 29 passes for 620 yards and two touchdowns. The volume was insignificant, but the 21.4 yards per reception showed his elite field-stretching ability and explosive play potential.
The Buying Angle:
Watson was targeted 53 times in 2024 for an 18.6% target rate, which was acceptable given the Packers’ crowded receiving room and Jordan Love‘s struggles. Watson is only 25 years old, and his size/speed profile is rare; he has the type of downfield upside that few dynasty WR3/4 types can offer.
Many managers have moved on due to injury concerns and inconsistent week-to-week usage, creating a smart buy-low opportunity. Watson may never be a high-volume possession receiver, but for those willing to embrace volatility and big-play upside, he could be a steal at his current dynasty valuation.
2. Javonte Williams (RB – DAL)
The Case for Redemption:
Javonte Williams never really reached dynasty managers’ expectations in Denver. After showing as a rookie, a devastating knee injury and inconsistent usage by multiple coaching staffs prevented him from producing. After the 2024 season, the Broncos cut him loose, and the Cowboys signed him to a one-year deal to provide stability to the backfield after Rico Dowdle left.
Williams had a solid 2024 year, quietly rushing for 513 yards and four touchdowns while grabbing 52 receptions for 346 yards. He proved he could stay healthy and be a runner and a receiver on the field, even in a limited role.
The Buying Angle:
The Cowboys are rebuilding their backfield, and Williams has a real shot at getting early down and goal-line work in 2025. Williams has a more well-rounded skill set, and while Dallas has added Miles Sanders, the competition is wide open. He is still just 24 and fits the mold of a young, versatile back who can get volume if given the opportunity.
Of course, his knee history and time in Denver have dynasty managers skittish, but that is precisely why this is the right time to buy. A new team, a fresh start, and a way to get real touches in a high-profile offense make Williams one of the best under-the-radar bounce-back bets in dynasty right now.
3. Chris Godwin (WR – TB)
The Case for Redemption:
Chris Godwin had one of the best starts to any receiver’s 2024 season before an ankle injury in Week 7 shut things down. He led the NFL in receptions, receiving first downs and yards after the catch through six weeks, and reinforced his role as a reliable, high-volume weapon in Tampa Bay’s passing attack.
The Buying Angle:
Despite the hot start, Godwin is currently in the WR30-40 range in dynasty ADP, which makes him one of the more undervalued veteran receivers. At 29 years old, he still has several productive seasons ahead of him, especially in a system where Mike Evans continues to draw top coverage.
Godwin’s ankle injury healed, and his path to receptions became clear, so he should be a WR2 again this year with WR1 weeks here and there. If you are a contender who needs help now or a rebuilding team looking for a flex starter, Godwin is an excellent pick-up before the 2025 season.
4. Caleb Williams (QB – CHI)
The Case for Redemption:
Caleb Williams had a great season in 2024 despite the Chicago Bears being close to the bottom of the NFL standings. He set the franchise rookie records for passing yards with 3,541 and passing touchdowns with 20 while rushing for almost 500 yards. Those numbers are even better when you consider that he was playing behind the worst pass-protecting line in the league, which allowed 68 sacks all season long.
The Buying Angle:
The Bears have responded by upgrading the infrastructure around their franchise quarterback. With the additions of Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson, the Bears have invested in the offensive line, and HC Ben Johnson will be a great developer of quarterback talent for Williams. Johnson has already said he wants to push Williams to reach his best.
The receiving corps has some quality in D.J. Moore and Rome Odunze, and it could get even better with a high-end rookie out of the draft. For dynasty managers, this is the time to invest before the breakout and the price increases. At 23, Caleb is a dual-threat quarterback with a much-improved situation. If you need a QB cornerstone, get him now.
5. Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR – ARI)
The Case for Redemption:
Marvin Harrison Jr. had a decent rookie season, but he wasn’t nearly as good as everyone thought he would be coming into the NFL. In 2024, he had 62 receptions for 885 yards and eight touchdowns in 17 games, which is a good rookie year, just not the elite year many dynasty managers expected.
One of the most significant issues with the Arizona offense in 2024 was that it didn’t do enough to get Harrison in space. Reports from the season often pointed out that the route trees were pretty simple and frequently had him working on the edges without much pre-snap motion or ways to get him open. Harrison adapted to the NFL, but the scheme didn’t always make him look like a great player.
The Buying Angle:
Harrison showed why he could be a true star, even with limited reps. He garnered 130 yards and two touchdowns in Week 2 against the Rams and had 111 yards and a score against the Dolphins. It is not crazy to think that the Cardinals will use Harrison more in different ways in 2025 as he gains experience.
At just 22 years old and picked fourth overall, Harrison has all the qualities you want in your WR1 of the future: great route running, size, hands, and polish. If anybody in your league is disappointed with the year one output, now is the time to get in on him before he becomes a top-five wide receiver.
Conclusion:
Bounce-back candidates are the lifeblood of value-based dynasty management. They give you a way to contend without overpaying, and they can stabilize your roster with both short-term upside and long-term value. Christian Watson, Javonte Williams, Chris Godwin, Caleb Williams, and Marvin Harrison Jr. are all players who have had their dynasty value decrease, but don’t let recency bias fool you into thinking they aren’t still good players. The window to buy is open… for now.
Bryan Hess, also known as “Porg” in the Dynasty community, is a contributor to Dynasty Football Factory. He’s always up for talking trades, strategy, or Dynasty sleepers. Reach out on X @Porg_IDP.
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