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Kick and Punt Returners Who Can Steal You Wins in Return Yardage Leagues

Top Kick Returners & Best Punt Returners 2025

The NFL imposed its new “dynamic kickoff” rules last year. That moved touchbacks up to the 30-yard line -- among other changes -- with the goal of increasing kick returns. 

The move worked out. Kickoff return rate rose from 21.8% in 2023 to 32.8% last fall. Of course, that meant more return yards to factor into your fantasy football league.

Per the NFL, there were 59 returns of 40+ yards. That’s the most in the league since 2016.

The league has now tweaked that further, moving touchbacks to the 35-yard line. That’ll make teams even less likely to simply blast kicks through the end zone.

So, which players stand to benefit most? And which players can supply value on punt returns, too? Let’s dig in.

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Six Big-Play Kick Returners You Can’t Ignore

These Kick Returners could make an instant impact in return yardgae leagues.

KaVontae Turpin, WR, Cowboys

Last year, Turpin erupted for 904 kick-return yards at 33.5 yards per opportunity. Both figures led the league.

He mixed in 18 punt returns and became the only returner with a kick- and punt-return TD. Look for another dual role in 2025.

There’s a chance he sees a bit more work on offense, too. Turpin drew the occasional carry with the first- and second-team offenses at training camp. He also projects as the No. 3 WR behind CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens.

Austin Ekeler and Deebo Samuel, Commanders

Ekeler finished top-5 in kick returns (19) and return yards (594) last season. He did so despite missing five games with two concussions.

He’s the favorite to retain the primary role this fall. But Samuel -- who led the 49ers in kick-return usage in 2024 -- figures to mix in. Samuel has taken kick-return reps in training camp.

Create a Draft War Room to See Where Both Commanders Rank With Return Yards

Antonio Gibson, RB, Patriots

Gibson handled nine kick returns for 239 yards last year, while also mixing in three fair catches on punt returns. He split kick-return duties evenly with Jamycal Hasty, but the Patriots would be wise to alter that.

Gibson’s 26.6 yards per return beat Hasty’s 23.8. Hasty’s long return of 30 yards trailed Gibson’s 42-yard high. Bet on the split going a bit more Gibson’s way (we project about 60%) this year.

Gibson’s 62-yard kick return in Week 1 of the preseason certainly won’t hurt his chances for more work.

Gibson also gives you some offensive touches. Though he likely sits behind rookie RB TreVeyon Henderson, the occasional catch and run, along with returns, give Gibson top-36 RB upside in return leagues.   

Dameon Pierce, RB, Texans

Pierce delivered the longest kick-return average last year among players with 9+ returns. He returned nine times for 339 yards, boasting a 37.7 average. His longest return of 80 yards nearly reached the end zone.

WR Robert Woods returned five kicks  last year butnow resides in Pittsburgh. That could mean even more return volume for Pierce.

Pierce could also add some offensive value. Joe Mixon’s iffy for Week 1 and Nick Chubb’s burst looks questionable. Pierce, meanwhile, has garnered first-team reps in practice despite missing the start of camp with a quad injury.

Keaton Mitchell, RB, Ravens

Mitchell only played in five games last season, but he worked as the primary kick returner in each of those contests.

He notched five returns for 156 yards coming off an ACL tear. This season should open with Mitchell as the primary return man and third RB. Special Teams Coordinator Chris Horton praised Mitchell’s development as a returner this offseason.

Mitchell has shined so far in the preseason on the offensive side of the ball too. He could add a handful of weekly carries for additional points. 

More Kick Returners to Know

• DeAndre Carter, Browns
• Sean Tucker, RB, Buccaneers
• Charlie Jones, WR, Bengals
• Kenneth Gainwell, RB, Steelers
• Raheem Blackshear, RB, Panthers
• Craig Reynolds, RB, Lions

Five Punt Returners Who Matter in Fantasy

These Kick Returners could make an instant impact in return yardgae leagues.

Marvin Mims Jr., WR, Broncos

Mims should dominate punt-return opportunities. He ranked second in the league in punt-return yardage last year and slotted first in return average (15.7 yards).

The 2024 All-Pro might take on more work as a WR, too. He handled an 82% route share with Denver’s first team in Week 1 of the preseason.

Derius Davis, WR, Chargers

Davis entered the NFL in 2023 and immediately became one of the league’s best returners, returning 79 punts and kicks across two seasons.

Davis returned 24 punts for 385 yards in 2023, averaging 16 yards per punt return -- even taking one for a TD. Last year marked a slight step back with 19 returns for 235 yards and a 12.4 average. But that average still ranked fourth among 17 guys with at least 15 returns.

Additions of rookies Tre Harris and KeAndre Lambert-Smith, along with veteran Keenan Allen, likely block Davis from adding much offensive production. His return ability could make him a flex player in return yardage leagues, though.

Chimere Dike, WR, Titans

Dike returned punts at Florida in his final season, going for 187 yards on 14 returns. His 13.36 average ranked 10th in the nation among the 69 players with 14 or more returns.

His success, along with a 4.34-second 40 time, helped Dike get drafted in the early fourth round.

The Titans brought in ST Coordinator John Fassel, who coached Turpin in Dallas the last three seasons. Fassel says Dike’s baseball background helps him track balls on returns.

Dike should be locked in as both the primary kick and punt returner.

Parker Washington, WR, JAC

Washington led the NFL with 24 yards per punt return last year. He returned six kicks for 144 yards, including a 96-yard TD.

Devin Duvernay has moved on to Chicago after leading the Jaguars in returns last year, so Washington should claim primary duties for 2025.

Don’t expect big offensive production after the Jags drafted Travis Hunter and signed Dyami Brown. But Washington could see enough slot work to be startable in return leagues. He should see the majority of kick-return duties as well.

Malik Washington, WR, MIA

A torn ACL in Week 7 last year to the primary kick returner, Braxton Berrios, pushed Washington into the special teams spotlight.

Washington returned 18 punts for 134 yards, along with 14 kicks for 430 yards. Now that Berrios is gone, Washington steps into a full-time return role on punts and kicks.

Even with free agent acquisition Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Washington could also see some snaps on offense. His potential to add offensive points to a full-time return role could pay dividends.  

Additional Punt Returners to Keep on Your Radar

• Anthony Gould, WR, Colts
• Devin Duvernay, WR, Bears 
• Nikko Remigio, WR, Chiefs
• Ihmir Smith-Marsette, WR, Giants
• LaJohntay Wester, WR, Ravens

Get a Cheat Sheet That Factors in Return Yards

Developing a round-by-round game plan for your draft is essential. One that accounts for all of your league's settings and rules, including return yards.

We project punt and kick return yards for all 32 teams, which are then factored into the rankings on the Draft War Room's customized cheat sheet. Our return projections will change as we learn more about player roles.

See how our Draft War Room helps you draft smarter than your competition:

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Kevin English, Senior Analyst

Kevin brings 15+ years of experience as a fantasy analyst and mid-stakes competitor across various formats (redraft, best ball, dynasty, DFS). He finished 1st in FantasyPros Draft Accuracy competition in 2024. Kevin's work has been featured in The Mercury News, NBC Sports/Rotoworld, and FantasyPros.