4 Big-Name Running Backs to AVOID in Fantasy Football 2025

4 Fantasy Football Busts for 2025!

When it comes to fantasy football, drafting the wrong running back can ruin your entire season. That one player you invested a third-round pick in… who busts? Say goodbye to your playoff hopes. In this no-nonsense breakdown, we expose four big-name RBs that fantasy football experts continue to push — but YOU must avoid. Why? Because they suck, plain and simple.

This article isn’t for the faint of heart. We’re not here to regurgitate cookie-cutter rankings or follow the herd. We’re here to help you WIN.

Why Listening to the Herd Will Cost You

Let me start by reminding you — I was the only fantasy analyst who told you not to draft Christian McCaffrey in 2024 when every magazine and “expert” had him locked in at No. 1 overall. They all screamed “CMC or bust!” I told you he was a bust.

Guess what? I was right.

That brings us to 2025. It’s time to call out the next round of RBs being overhyped and over-drafted. These are the guys everyone in your league will want — let them make that mistake.

1. James Cook (Buffalo Bills)

2025 ADP: Round 3-4
Why He Sucks:

• Demanding $15M/year? Laughable.
• Scored just 2 touchdowns in each of his first two years.
• 2024 was an outlier season — benefited from lack of WR production and a weirdly disjointed Bills offense.
• Finished with just 6 rushing TDs, 4.9 YPC, and 1,100 yards — solid numbers but NOT elite.
• New competition: Ray Davis waiting to take touches.

Bottom Line: Product of opportunity, not talent. Overvalued. You can get better upside elsewhere.

2. Chubba Hubbard (Carolina Panthers)

2025 ADP: Round 4-5
Why He Sucks:

• Finished as RB15 with 250+ attempts — no explosiveness.
• Career 3.8 yards per carry? That’s garbage.
• Only 12 touchdowns total in his first three seasons.
• Panthers brought in Trevor Etienne and Rico Dowdle — clear sign they don’t believe in him.

Bottom Line: Chubba’s volume won’t last, and his numbers scream replacement level. Stay away.

3. Tony Pollard (Tennessee Titans)

2025 ADP: Round 5-6
Why He Sucks:

• Had 260 carries last year and still finished RB23.
• Just 5 rushing TDs, under 80 rushing yards per game.
• Couldn’t produce despite a massive workload in Dallas.
• Lost explosiveness. Just not a top teir running back
• Years to wow me and I’m not wow’d!

Bottom Line: 260 attempts should yield RB1 numbers. With Pollard? You get mediocrity. Let someone else waste the pick.

4. D’Andre Swift (Chicago Bears)

2025 ADP: Round 5
Why He Sucks:

• 3.8 yards per carry on 250+ attempts last season.
• Under 1,000 yards, just 6 total TDs.
• Bears have drafted Kyle Monangai, who could eat into touches.
• Known durability issues and inconsistency.

Bottom Line: He’s had chances. He’s underwhelmed. Drafting Swift is chasing a ghost.

Secret Tip: How to Draft RBs That Win Leagues

Want to win your league? Here’s the truth:

• Draft RBs early – Round 1-2 is where you secure your workhorses.
• Aim for high-upside rookies late who could become RB1s.
• Avoid RBs in committees or those who have already shown their ceiling.
• Ignore ADP hype. Instead, chase opportunity + talent + youth.

Want my full draft strategy? ✅ Get the 16 Rounds Draft Solution — my full blueprint with ALL the breakout RBs, value WRs, sleepers, and upside players.

Conclusion

Don’t fall into the trap of drafting names instead of value. James Cook, Chuba Hubbard, Tony Pollard, and D’Andre Swift are being overhyped, over-drafted, and will absolutely sink your 2025 fantasy football roster.

🔥 Draft smart. Dominate your league. Be a lion, not a sheep.