Sundays Are for Football and These Guys: My Fav NFL Players for 2025-26 season

Neva Roenne
Aug 20
3 min read

Updated: Sep 8

I love football, but let’s be honest, half the fun is yelling at the TV when my fantasy kicker forgets his one job. Still, while stats and points win matchups, what makes me a real fan is bigger than that. I like players who aren’t just athletes but also characters, leaders, and sometimes even troublemakers (the fun kind). They make Sundays more entertaining, and they use their platform for more than just flexing on the field. Here’s my lineup of favorite NFL players — chosen with equal parts heart, bias, and fantasy football chaos.

You'll have to excuse the number of quarterbacks on my list. But I like what I like alright!

1. Josh Allen

I'll argue with you all day about #17. An absolute powerhouse at quarterback, Allen can sling the ball 70 yards and run like something else. What I love most is that he seems like a guy you could actually hang out with. He is goofy, humble, and clearly cares about his team and community.

2. Baker Mayfield

He plays with grit and swagger, and I admire how he has fought through constant criticism and team changes without backing down. Off the field, Baker is fiery but real. He never hides who he is, and that honesty makes me root for him harder.

3. Devonta Smith

“The Slim Reaper” is pure elegance on the field. His route running is poetry, and he proves you do not need prototypical size to dominate in the NFL. I also respect his quiet confidence. He lets his game do the talking. This man is always on my fantasy team.

4. Saquon Barkley

Explosive, strong, and so fun to watch when he breaks into open space. What makes him even easier to like is how he carries himself. He is level-headed, hardworking, and grounded no matter the hype. He single-handedly won the fantasy league for me last year!

5. Kyler Murray

Electric speed, highlight-reel plays, and a baseball player’s arm in a quarterback’s body. Beyond the flash, I like how Kyler owns his uniqueness. He is not trying to fit anyone else’s mold, and that confidence makes him stand out.

6. Cooper Kupp

The definition of dependable. He is not flashy, but he is always in the right place at the right time and makes impossible catches look routine. I admire his quiet faith, humility, and the way he talks about football as a true craft.

7. Will Howard

As a Kansas State girl, this one is automatic. You always cheer for your own, and Will embodies that gritty underdog energy that makes K-State fans proud. Watching him grow as a leader has been exciting, and I love that he carries himself with confidence without losing humility. I cannot wait to see what this season holds for him.

8. Tyler Lockett

Another K-State legend, and one of the easiest guys to root for. Lockett has been underrated his whole career, but he just keeps producing year after year. As a fan, I love that he represents K-State so well in the NFL.

9. Joe Burrow

Cool, calm, and collected. Burrow is the guy who plays like he has been there before, even in the biggest moments. He is competitive but unshaken, and off the field his confidence feels authentic, not cocky.

10. CJ Stroud

One of the most exciting young quarterbacks in the league. He plays with poise beyond his years and has quickly become a leader in Houston. I like that he blends composure with creativity, and I especially respect how openly he talks about his faith and gratitude.

Honorable Mentions

George Pickens: Because sometimes you just need pure chaos energy on your team. He’s unpredictable, hilarious, a freak of an athlete, and somehow always in the middle of something memorable.

Keon Coleman: Young, insanely talented, and already one of the most entertaining players to watch. He’s got that “you just know he’s going to be a star” vibe.

Tee Higgins: Often overshadowed by his counterpart Ja'Marr Chase, Higgins is fun to watch, has got serious style, and is just a guy I can't help but be a fan of.