Eli Manning, Marshawn Lynch, lead 2025 Hall of Fame nominees

Wed Sep 18 3:31pm ET
Field Level Media

Giants quarterback Eli Manning and few other familiar Super Bowl performers are among 167 modern-day nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2025.

Running back Marshawn Lynch, kicker Adam Vinatieri, defensive end Terrell Suggs and late wide receiver Demaryius Thomas are among first-year nominees with Lombardi Trophy resumes. That list also includes offensive tackle Joe Staley, safety Earl Thomas, center Ryan Kalil and tight end Vernon Davis.

In an evolved process, the 2025 selection protocol changed to include a committee assigned to "screen" the larger list of modern-day candidates to 50 finalists over the next month. From there, the 50-person Hall of Fame Selection Committee trims the list to 25 semifinalists and a second vote narrows the pool to 15 finalists. The committee debates the merits of the finalists and selects the new class to be introduced one day prior to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans in February.

Players are required to be five full seasons from their last game to be eligible for nomination, meaning anyone who last played during the 2019 season is eligible for the first time in the 2025 class.

Multiple finalists from the 2024 Hall of Fame class are nominated again, including wide receivers Reggie Wayne and Torry Holt, pass rusher Jared Allen, offensive linemen Willie Anderson and Jahri Evans, running back Fred Taylor and defensive backs Eric Allen and Darren Woodson.

Manning is one of 10 quarterbacks nominated for the 2025 class. Late Titans quarterback Steve McNair, former Eagles and Vikings quarterback Randall Cunningham and Tony Romo (Cowboys) are repeat nominees.

A two-time Super Bowl winner and the No. 1 pick in 2004, Manning played 16 seasons in the NFL with the New York Giants. He was MVP of both Super Bowl wins and he played 236 regular-season games (234 starts) with the Giants, who acquired the Ole Miss product in a draft-day trade -- from the Chargers for No. 4 pick Philip Rivers. Manning beat the Patriots in Super Bowls XLII -- New England was 18-0 -- and XLVI with fourth-quarter drives to take the lead. Manning is one of 21 quarterbacks to win a Super Bowl without losing one.

Older brother Peyton Manning was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2021. Former Eli Manning teammate Tiki Barber is a 2025 nominee also bidding to join his brother in Canton. Barber was a running back with the Giants and is the twin of longtime Buccaneers cornerback Ronde Barber, who was a member of the 2023 Hall of Fame Class.

The running back nominees include Shaun Alexander (Seahawks), Jamal Lewis (Ravens), Clinton Portis (Washington, Broncos), Corey Dillon (Bengals, Patriots) and Thomas Jones (Jets, Bears). Adrian Peterson, who retired in 2021, and Frank Gore, are not yet eligible. Gore is fifth on the NFL's all-time rushing list with 16,000 yards in a career that spanned five teams from 2005-2020 and Peterson is No. 5 on the list (14,918).

Lynch was known as "Beast Mode" for his powerful running style. He retired for the first time in 2015 due to injuries, then returned to play for his then-hometown Oakland Raiders in 2017. After another retirement, Lynch returned to join the Seattle Seahawks for the last game of the regular season and playoffs. A first-round pick of the Buffalo Bills in 2007, he joined the Seahawks in 2010. He had 10,413 rushing yards and 94 touchdowns and played a starring role with the Seahawks in two Super Bowls. Lynch was a member of Seattle's Super Bowl-winning team (XLVIII) in his fourth season with the team.

Barber is narrowly ahead of Lynch on the NFL's all-time rushing list -- with 10,449 yards -- and one of 31 backs with more than 10,000 career rushing yards. Sixteen are in the Hall of Fame. Former McNair teammate and longtime Titans running back Eddie George is between Barber and Lynch on the NFL's all-time rushing list and one of 31 running backs nominated.

Vinatieri played 24 seasons in the NFL with the Patriots and Colts. Undrafted in 1996, Vinatieri would become synonymous with playoff success on Bill Belichick-coached teams, winning four Super Bowl (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX, XLI). He signed with Indianapolis following the 2005 season to help Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy and quarterback Peyton Manning win the Super Bowl with the Colts in February 2007.

A number of other players tied to the Patriots dynasty are nominees, including Vince Wilfork, Mike Vrabel, Logan Mankins, Willie McGinest and 2024 finalist Rodney Harrison.

Vinatieri retired in 2019 after 24 seasons as the NFL's all-time leading scorer (2,673 points) and holding league records for field goals made (599), postseason points (238) and field goals made in overtime (12).

Previous Colts kicker Mike Vanderjagt and Vinatieri special teams teammate in Indianapolis, punter Pat McAfee, are 2025 nominees.

A two-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl selection, Thomas was Peyton Manning's lead receiver when the Broncos claimed Super Bowl 50 over the Carolina Panthers in 2016. Thomas caught 63 touchdowns in his career and totaled 9,763 receiving yards in his career which included part of the 2018 season with the Houston Texans and short stints with the Patriots and Jets in 2019. He died at age 33 in 2021.

2025 MODERN-DAY NOMINEES

* - 2024 Pro Football Hall of Fame finalist

QUARTERBACKS (10): Marc Bulger, Randall Cunningham, Jake Delhomme, Doug Flutie, Rich Gannon, Jeff Garcia, Donovan McNabb, Eli Manning, Steve McNair, Tony Romo

RUNNING BACKS (31): Shaun Alexander, Terry Allen, Jamal Anderson, Tiki Barber, Larry Centers (FB), Jamaal Charles, Stephen Davis, Corey Dillon, Warrick Dunn, Charlie Garner, Eddie George, Priest Holmes, Steven Jackson, Chris Johnson, Thomas Jones, John Kuhn (FB), Vonta Leach, Dorsey Levens, Jamal Lewis, Marshawn Lynch, Eric Metcalf (also WR/PR/KR), Glyn Milburn (also WR), Lorenzo Neal (FB), Clinton Portis, Tony Richardson (FB), Robert Smith, Darren Sproles (also PR/KR), Fred Taylor*, Chris Warren, Ricky Watters, Ricky Williams

WIDE RECEIVERS (21): Anquan Boldin, Donald Driver, Antonio Freeman, Irving Fryar, Torry Holt*, Joe Horn, Chad Johnson, Brandon Marshall, Derrick Mason, Herman Moore, Muhsin Muhammad, Jordy Nelson, Andre Rison, Jimmy Smith, Rod Smith, Steve Smith Sr., Demaryius Thomas, Hines Ward, Reggie Wayne*, Wes Welker, Roddy White

TIGHT ENDS (6): Ben Coates, Vernon Davis, Antonio Gates, Jeremy Shockey, *Delanie Walker, Wesley Walls

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN (26): Willie Anderson* (T), Bruce Armstrong (T/G), Matt Birk (C), Lomas Brown (T), Ruben Brown (G), Jahri Evans* (G), Travis Frederick (C), Jordan Gross (T), Ryan Kalil (C), Lincoln Kennedy (T), Olin Kreutz (C), T.J. Lang (G/T), Nick Mangold (C), Logan Mankins (G), Tom Nalen (C), Jeff Saturday (C), Mark Schlereth (G/C), Josh Sitton (G), Chris Snee (G), Joe Staley (T), Dave Szott (G), Brian Waters (G), Richmond Webb (T), Erik Williams (T), Steve Wisniewski (G), Marshal Yanda (G)

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN (18): John Abraham (DE also LB), Jared Allen* (DE), La'Roi Glover (DT/NT), Casey Hampton (DT/NT), Robert Mathis (DE), Chester McGlockton (DT), Haloti Ngata (DT), Simeon Rice (DE), Clyde Simmons (DE/DT), Justin Smith (DE), Neil Smith (DE), Henry Thomas (DT/NT), Justin Tuck (DE), Ted Washington (NT/DT), Vince Wilfork (DT/NT), Jamal Williams (DT/NT), Kevin Williams (DT), Pat Williams (DT)

LINEBACKERS (20): Jessie Armstead, Brendon Ayanbadejo, Cornelius Bennett, Lance Briggs, Keith Brooking, NaVorro Bowman, Tedy Bruschi, Donnie Edwards, James Farrior, London Fletcher, James Harrison, Luke Kuechly, Willie McGinest (also DE), Ken Norton Jr., Julian Peterson, Bill Romanowski, Takeo Spikes, Terrell Suggs, Mike Vrabel, Lee Woodall

DEFENSIVE BACKS (18): Eric Allen* (CB), Eric Berry (DB), Antoine Bethea (S), Dré Bly (DB), Kam Chancellor (S), Nick Collins (DB), Antonio Cromartie (CB), DeAngelo Hall (DB), Rodney Harrison* (S), Eugene Robinson (DB), Samari Rolle (DB), Allen Rossum (DB), Bob Sanders (S), Aqib Talib (CB), Earl Thomas (S), Charles Tillman (CB), Troy Vincent (CB), Darren Woodson* (S)

PUNTERS/KICKERS (15): David Akers (K), Gary Anderson (K), Darren Bennett (P), Jason Elam (K), Jeff Feagles (P), Jason Hanson (K), John Kasay (K), Sean Landeta (P), Shane Lechler (P), Pat McAfee (P), Brian Moorman (P), Matt Stover (K), Matt Turk (P), Mike Vanderjagt (K), Adam Vinatieri (K)

SPECIAL TEAMS (2): Josh Cribbs (KR/PR also WR), Brian Mitchell (KR/PR also RB)

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Bender's Starts/Sits: Week 10

Player Notes
Graham Gano Nov 10 7:20am CT
Graham Gano

New York Giants kicker Graham Gano (right hamstring) is active for Week 10 against the Carolina Panthers. He had been listed as questionable but was trending in the right direction after New York activated him from injured reserve on Saturday. The veteran has been sidelined since the season opener, in which he went 2-for-2 on field goals. A favorable matchup against the Panthers gives Gano top-12 appeal this week.

From RotoBaller

Tommy Tremble Nov 10 7:10am CT
Tommy Tremble

Carolina Panthers tight end Tommy Tremble (back) is inactive for Week 10 against the New York Giants. He had been listed as questionable after logging a full practice on Friday. Despite his improved practice status, Tremble will miss his second game in a row and fourth game in the last five weeks. His absence creates additional opportunities for rookie Ja'Tavion Sanders, who has 16 catches over his last four games.

From RotoBaller

Jonnu Smith Nov 10 5:10am CT
Jonnu Smith

Miami Dolphins tight end Jonnu Smith enters Week 10, coming off a five reception 46-yard performance last against the Buffalo Bills. The 29-year-old has maintained a decent target share despite all of the pieces in the Miami offense. This week, he gets a matchup against a Los Angeles Rams defense that gives up the sixth-highest fantasy points to tight ends per game. Another factor to consider is that Miami could be without Tyreek Hill (wrist), who is questionable for Monday Night Football. If he were to be ruled out, Smith would surely be in line for a more significant role in this game. Even if Hill plays, Miami will likely have to throw considerably to keep up with the red-hot Rams offense. If you have a bye week or injury at the tight end position, consider Smith a streaming option for week 10, as he ranks as the TE16 in this week's RotoBaller rankings.

From RotoBaller

Jaylen Waddle Nov 10 5:00am CT
Jaylen Waddle

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has been a headache for fantasy managers in 2024. He has caught 28 of 38 targets for 310 yards and one touchdown over eight games this season. He hasn't received more than 45 yards since back in Week 5 against the New England Patriots when he had 46. That could all change in Week 10. Miami will travel to play the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football. The Ram's defense gives up the 10th most fantasy points per game and ranks 18th in red zone points per game to wide receivers. Also in question is the status of fellow wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Hill (wrist) missed practice on Saturday and is questionable for Monday night. Waddle should receive a healthy dose of targets this week in a game that has shootout written all over it. He checks in as RotoBallers WR33 and is worth rolling the dice on in Week 10

From RotoBaller

Raheem Mostert Nov 10 5:00am CT
Raheem Mostert

Miami Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert has effectively run the ball in 2024. Besides Week 1, where he left early, he's averaging 4.1 yards per carry and has two touchdowns. However, he has had trouble holding onto the ball in recent weeks. He lost a fumble last week against the Buffalo Bills, which cost Miami in the long run. He gets a matchup this week against a somewhat vulnerable Los Angeles Rams defense. They rank 16th in fantasy points per game allowed to running backs and give up an average of 109.4 yards to running backs. There's potential in this game for a lot of scoring, which could mean goal-line touches for Mostert. He's a formidable flex play in Week 10 and comes in as RotoBallers RB31.

From RotoBaller

Tua Tagovailoa Nov 10 4:50am CT
Tua Tagovailoa

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) has looked solid since returning in Week 8. He's completed 53 of 66 passes for 465 yards and a 3-to-0 TD/Int ratio. Despite two straight losses, Miami's offense has scored 27 points in each game and accumulated over 370+ yards of total offense. They are now traveling to play the Los Angeles Rams in Week 10, and the stage is set for a potentially high-scoring affair with an O/U that currently sits at 50. The Los Angeles defense ranks 18th in fantasy points per game to quarterbacks. Miami's defense has looked porous over the last two games, while the Rams offense looks to build off their momentum with their two stud wide receivers back. Look for this offense to try and keep pace. Tyreek Hill (wrist) is uncertain to play on Monday night. Despite Hill's status being in question, Tagovailoa ranks as the QB12 in this week's RotoBaller rankings and still has a high ceiling in Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Devon Achane Nov 10 4:50am CT
Devon Achane

Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane has looked like the RB1 everyone hoped when they drafted him since the return of Tua Tagovailoa (concussion). In the last two games, he's averaging 29.4 fantasy points per game and has three touchdowns. Achane and the Dolphins now travel to Los Angeles on Monday night to take on the Rams. The Los Angeles defense ranks 16th in fantasy points per game to running backs. Achane looks to pace the Miami backfield again in touches, with Raheem Mostert continuing to have fumble issues. His continued involvement in the passing game also gives him a safe floor. With the offensive line looking much better, he should have plenty of room to run once again. Achane comes in as RotoBallers RB6 in this week's rankings and should be started in all league formats.

From RotoBaller

Trevor Lawrence Nov 10 12:00am CT
Trevor Lawrence

According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (shoulder) won't play in Sunday's contest against the Minnesota Vikings. Most had already expected this would be the case. However, the next question is if the signal-caller will be able to return in Week 11 against the Lions. But considering Lawrence has struggled during the 2024-25 campaign, throwing for 2,004 yards, 11 touchdowns, and six picks while completing just 61.3% of his attempts, not many will be looking to start him until he shows signs of consistency moving ahead. At any rate, Mac Jones will try his best versus a tough Vikings defense. Fortunately, the former Patriot is expected to have Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) and Gabe Davis (shoulder) in his arsenal. Still, that won't make him worthy of a starting spot in most fantasy setups.

From RotoBaller

Deebo Samuel Nov 9 11:50pm CT
Deebo Samuel

San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (rib, oblique) is expected to suit up for Sunday's matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The wideout was limited in practice throughout the week. However, it appears Samuel is in line to play, which is more great news for the 49ers, a team that is also expected to get Christian McCaffrey (Achilles) and Jauan Jennings (hip) back on the field. But as far as Samuel is concerned, he's caught only 24 passes for 406 yards and a touchdown this season. Yet, with Brandon Aiyuk (knee) sidelined for the remainder of the 2024-25 campaign, Samuel should see an uptick in attention from Brock Purdy moving forward.

From RotoBaller

Gabriel Davis Nov 9 11:40pm CT
Gabriel Davis

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Gabe Davis (shoulder) is anticipated to suit up for Sunday's matchup against Minnesota. The former Bill injured his shoulder in the Week 9 loss to the Packers and was limited in practice during the week. However, barring a setback, he is expected to shed his questionable tag for the meeting with a tough Vikings defense. With that in mind, Davis has only 18 catches for 217 yards and two touchdowns throughout the 2024-25 campaign. With Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) also in line to play, Davis may have a tough time getting involved enough to justify his presence in fantasy lineups.

From RotoBaller

KJ Hamler Nov 9 11:40pm CT
KJ Hamler

The Buffalo Bills elevated wide receiver K.J. Hamler to the active roster ahead of Sunday's game against the Colts. Keon Coleman (wrist) was already ruled out days ago. However, with Amari Cooper (wrist) questionable, the Bills likely made the move for insurance purposes. But even if Cooper isn't on the field in Week 10, Josh Allen will presumably turn to Khalil Shakir, Dalton Kincaid, Mack Hollins, and Curtis Samuel to pick up the slack, leaving little room for Hamler to get involved.

From RotoBaller

Brian Thomas Jr. Nov 9 11:30pm CT
Brian Thomas Jr.

Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr. (chest) is expected to play in Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings. The 22-year-old was limited in practice throughout the week and currently carries a questionable designation. But it appears the Jaguars will have their primary receiving options, with Gabe Davis (shoulder) also anticipated to suit up in Week 10. Thomas has played well throughout the 2024-25 campaign, amassing 35 catches for 595 yards and five touchdowns. As a result, he's established himself as a capable fantasy starter. However, Thomas may suffer without Trevor Lawrence (shoulder), who isn't anticipated to play, versus a challenging Vikings defense.

From RotoBaller

Dak Prescott Nov 9 10:13pm CT
Dak Prescott

Dynasty | Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is out for the season with a hamstring injury. Dynasty Analysis: Prescott will reportedly have surgery to repair his hamstring that has apparently torn off the bone. It's the latest blow to a Dallas team that has had very few things go their way this season. Prescott will end the season with a very pedestrian 1,978 passing yards with just 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions in eight games this season. His absence will hurt the short-term value of every offensive player in Dallas, but his long-term health shouldn't be affected. Still, his ADP and ranking is surely going to fall as Prescott has had a hard time stringing two elite-level seasons together thoughout his career and looks more like a high-end QB2 than an elite player to build a dynasty franchise around.

From Dynasty League Fantasy

Graham Gano Nov 9 9:20pm CT
Graham Gano

The New York Giants have activated kicker Graham Gano (hamstring) from the injured reserve ahead of their Week 10 outing against the Carolina Panthers. The 37-year-old hasn't appeared in a game since picking up the ailment while attempting a tackle on the opening kickoff against Washington in Week 2. Before his injury, he connected on his only two field goal attempts in Week 1. Upon his return, Gano will immediately slot back in as the team's primary placekicker and is gifted with a juicy matchup this Sunday morning across the pond. Carolina has allowed the second-most fantasy points in the league thus far to opposing kickers and could be a useful fantasy option if the Giants' offense can get it together in Munich.

From RotoBaller

Budda Baker Nov 9 9:13pm CT
Budda Baker

Arizona Cardinals S Budda Baker leads the NFL with 58 solo tackles, and he has recorded at least seven total stops in all nine games, logging 12-plus tackles in four of his last six games.

From TheHuddle

Colby Parkinson Nov 9 9:00pm CT
Colby Parkinson

Los Angeles Rams tight end Colby Parkinson will square off against the Miami Dolphins this Monday night in one of the tougher matchups of Week 10. Parkinson looked like he was picking up some steam heading into the team's Week 6 bye, but he's totaled a meager four catches and 49 yards in the three contests since. The Dolphins' defense has been excellent against opposing pass-catchers this season, and tight ends are no exception, with the sixth-fewest fantasy points allowed to the position. Additionally, last weekend marked the first time the 25-year-old did not lead LA's tight end room in snaps in 2024, with that honor going to second-year TE Davis Allen. Whether or not Allen has surpassed Parkinson in the pecking order remains to be seen. Still, he's not a recommended option for the matchup on Monday Night Football. The former Stanford Cardinal ranks as RotoBaller's PPR TE27 in Week 10.

From RotoBaller

Demarcus Robinson Nov 9 8:40pm CT
Demarcus Robinson

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson (toe/hip) is designation-free for the team's Monday night matchup against the Miami Dolphins. Head coach Sean McVay didn't make a big deal when asked about Robinson's ailments leading up to Week 10's tilt, and it's nice to see the veteran come through. The former fourth-round pick was the hero in last week's OT win over the Seattle Seahawks but will face a stiffer task this Monday against a solid Dolphins defensive unit. Miami has been staunch against the pass this year, allowing the fourth-fewest passing yards per game (183.1) and the fifth-fewest touchdowns through the air (8). Additionally, fellow wideout Puka Nacua will presumably play the entire contest this weekend, so long as he doesn't get himself ejected again. With the Rams' wide receiver corps intact, the 30-year-old is little more than a FLEX play with touchdown upside for the contest. He's RotoBaller's PPR WR47 in this week's rankings.

From RotoBaller

Puka Nacua Nov 9 8:30pm CT
Puka Nacua

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua will line up against the Miami Dolphins in Week 10 on Monday Night Football. Between a knee injury that won't go away and some suspect behavior (throwing a punch at a Seahawks defender in Week 9 only to get ejected), the second-year wideout has had a tough time formulating any consistency this season. The good news is he did not appear on the Rams' injury report this week, so maybe he's past the ailment that's robbed him of five contests and part of another. The bad news is that Miami's secondary is no joke, as they've afforded their opponents the fourth-fewest passing yards per game in the league (183.1). Still, the 23-year-old will occupy his usual role as a top-two option in LA's passing attack and should be started by fantasy managers despite the less-than-ideal matchup. The BYU alum ranks as RotoBaller's PPR WR8 for this weekend's slate.

From RotoBaller

Aaron Jones Nov 9 8:13pm CT
Aaron Jones

Minnesota Vikings RB Aaron Jones is averaging 18.9 touches and 101.3 yards from scrimmage per game this season.

Fantasy Spin: The only thing that has been missing for Jones has been regular trips to the end zone, but a Week 10 matchup with the Jacksonville Jaguars could fix that. Jacksonville's defense is allowing the second-most yards per game and has allowed the fifth-most rushing touchdowns. Jones has RB1 upside.

From TheHuddle

Zaire Franklin Nov 9 8:13pm CT
Zaire Franklin

Indianapolis Colts LB Zaire Franklin leads the NFL with 10.7 tackles per game, and he has recorded at least eight tackles in all nine games.

From TheHuddle