Fantasy football is a year-round pursuit, with key developments such as free agency, the NFL Draft, and training camps shaping the landscape for players. As we look forward to the 2025 season, identifying sleeper candidates and undervalued draft targets across the AFC is crucial.

In the AFC East, Ray Davis could emerge as a valuable asset for the Buffalo Bills, particularly if James Cook departs. In Miami, Jaylen Waddle's potential for a comeback remains strong despite a disappointing 2024. The New England Patriots' Hunter Henry continues to be a reliable fantasy tight end, while the New York Jets have excitement around Justin Fields as their new starting quarterback.

The AFC North features Rashod Bateman of the Baltimore Ravens, who is on the rise after a strong season. Mike Gesicki's role with the Cincinnati Bengals could increase, especially now that he has secured another contract. Jerome Ford stands to become the starter for the Cleveland Browns, while Cordarrelle Patterson may also find relevance in a reshaped Steelers' backfield.

In the AFC South, John Metchie III of the Texans could benefit from a revamped receiving core. The Indianapolis Colts' Alec Pierce had a breakout year, and Trevor Lawrence is poised for redemption under new leadership in Jacksonville. Lastly, the Tennessee Titans' Tyjae Spears has shown promise as a dynamic player in the backfield.

Shifting to the AFC West, Marvin Mims Jr. of the Denver Broncos could solidify his role, while Marquise Brown remains with the Kansas City Chiefs, despite injury setbacks. Jakobi Meyers had a productive season for the Las Vegas Raiders, and the Los Angeles Chargers' Quentin Johnston is a rising star following improvements in his second year.

The Cincinnati Bengals have made significant strides this offseason by extending key players like Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, but their work is far from over. The team still needs to address the unsteady interior offensive line and is eyeing potential trades to bolster its roster. Currently, Trey Hendrickson's contract situation is uncertain, and with no solid starter at guard, the Bengals are exploring options to improve their line. Speculation includes a trade for Zion Johnson, a former first-round pick from the Chargers. With Joe Burrow's passing game in mind, enhancing the offensive line becomes crucial.

The Bengals' emphasis on strengthening their defense and offensive line reflects their intentions to contend for a Super Bowl. Although Johnson has not yet proven to be an All-Pro, his versatility and pedigree make him a potential asset for Cincinnati, allowing Burrow to connect with elite receivers. Cincinnati is expected to actively pursue upgrades as it eyes a championship run in the upcoming seasons.

The Cincinnati Bengals are playing a risky game with their roster strategy after securing contract extensions for star receivers Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. While the extensions keep quarterback Joe Burrow satisfied, the team has yet to make significant improvements. Despite a hefty investment in players like B.J. Hill and Mike Gesicki, the Bengals appear to have retained a largely unchanged roster from the previous season, which raises concerns about their competitiveness.

There’s a troubling trend developing as the Bengals have opted to spend more on roughly the same team without addressing critical roster needs, particularly on the offensive line and defense. The defense, which struggled last season, has seen a coaching overhaul but lacks substantial new talent. As they navigate a win-now approach, the Bengals face the challenge of expecting young players to deliver immediate results without aggressive free agency maneuvers.

The NFL offseason has seen significant player movement, with Sam Darnold signing a record $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks, Davante Adams joining the Los Angeles Rams on a two-year deal, and Deebo Samuel Sr. being traded to the Washington Commanders. As the offseason progresses, attention shifts to early projections for the 2025 fantasy football drafts, particularly focusing on the tight end position.

Brock Bowers, who had an exceptional rookie season with the Las Vegas Raiders, is poised to be a top pick. Trey McBride from the Arizona Cardinals also stands out following a solid performance, while George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers remains a reliable option. Sam LaPorta of the Detroit Lions experienced a resurgence that may influence his draft stock. On the other hand, Jonnu Smith could be a sneaky value pick for the Miami Dolphins, while Evan Engram faces uncertainty after moving to the Denver Broncos.

The Cincinnati Bengals have made a significant move by signing Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to four-year contract extensions, making them the highest-paid wide receiver duo in NFL history. Quarterback Joe Burrow expressed his joy at keeping both players, highlighting their exceptional abilities and their importance to the team’s future success.

Burrow stated, "When you can re-sign guys like that and keep them around for an extended period of time, that gives you the best chance to go out and win Super Bowls and win a lot of games." Notably, he even restructured his own contract to facilitate these deals, demonstrating his commitment to the team. Both Chase and Higgins will be crucial to the Bengals’ offensive strategy moving forward, as Burrow emphasized the importance of having dedicated players who care about the team's success.