The 2025 NFL season has seen standout performances from several players, revealing interesting disparities between their Pro Football Focus (PFF) grades and fantasy football output. Players like quarterback Matthew Stafford and Jaxson Dart showcased their abilities, while others like Courtland Sutton and Alec Pierce demonstrated the complexities of translating on-field performance into fantasy points. This analysis explores how various athletes have either exceeded or fallen short of their PFF evaluations throughout the season.
Quarterbacks: Stafford and Dart Stand Out
Matthew Stafford of the Los Angeles Rams had an impressive finish to the season, jumping from QB3 to QB2 in fantasy scoring after a strong performance in Week 18. He recorded four games with four or more passing touchdowns this season, culminating in a remarkable 93.3 PFF passing grade, which ranked first among 37 quarterbacks with at least 400 offensive snaps. Despite not rushing effectively—recording zero rushing yards from 32 attempts—Stafford’s passing statistics were outstanding, including 4,707 passing yards and 46 passing touchdowns. His performance illustrates how elite passing metrics correlate directly with fantasy success.
In contrast, Jaxson Dart of the New York Giants finished as the QB14 across Weeks 1-18, despite a modest PFF offense grade of 70.2 that ranked 27th among quarterbacks. Dart’s dual-threat ability was evident, as he scored rushing touchdowns in seven of his nine QB1 weekly finishes. His rushing volume, which included a strong showing with at least 48 rushing yards in all four top-five finishes, propelled him to success in fantasy football. His ability to contribute in both rushing and passing scenarios makes him a unique asset, even if his overall PFF grade does not reflect it.
Wide Receivers: Sutton and Pierce’s Mixed Results
Wide receiver Courtland Sutton from the Denver Broncos finished the season strong, placing as WR9 despite a PFF receiving grade of 77.6, which ranked 20th among receivers with at least 85 targets. Sutton’s role as a downfield possession receiver allowed him to outperform his grade, catching 73 of 118 targets for 1,012 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. However, his metrics indicate a potential decline in performance moving into 2026, as his stable metrics suggest that he may not maintain this level of productivity.
Meanwhile, Alec Pierce of the Indianapolis Colts had a late-season surge, finishing as WR24 after an overall WR2 performance in Week 18. With an 81.0 PFF receiving grade, Pierce ranked 14th among receivers. He excelled in challenging circumstances, operating with high aDot and contested catch rates despite a volatile downfield role. Although Pierce did not achieve high fantasy scoring this season, his advanced metrics suggest that a role change next season could unlock greater potential.
Running Back: McCaffrey’s Dominance
Running back Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers concluded the season as the overall RB1, yet his 79.4 PFF offense grade ranked 11th among running backs. McCaffrey’s exceptional productivity stemmed from his league-leading touch volume, which included 399 total touches. He led running backs with 114 targets and 96 receptions, while also ranking first in receiving yards with 890 and receiving touchdowns with seven. While his stable rushing metrics may have declined, his outstanding receiving performance and high workload contributed to his elite fantasy finish.
These performances highlight the intricate relationship between PFF grades and fantasy football success. Players like Stafford and McCaffrey excelled by aligning their on-field contributions with fantasy points, while others like Dart, Sutton, and Pierce showcased how individual roles and circumstances can affect overall outcomes. As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, understanding these dynamics will be crucial for fantasy managers looking to build winning teams.
