5 Fantasy Football Busts to Avoid in 2025: Big Names, Big Risks

Do not draft these players

Introduction: The Trap You Can’t Afford to Fall Into

When it comes to fantasy football, one bad pick can derail your entire season. In this article, we’re diving into five high-profile fantasy football players you need to avoid in 2025. These guys may be household names, but drafting them at their current ADP could be a fatal mistake.

If you’re tired of copying consensus rankings and want real edge-driven strategy, this article is for you.

1. Brock Bowers – TE, Las Vegas Raiders

Why He’s a Bust in 2025

• ADP: Round 1 in tight end premium leagues (even higher than some elite WRs!)
• 2024 Stats: 153 targets, 112 receptions, 1,194 yards, 5 TDs
• New Offense, New Concerns: Gino Smith at QB, Ashton Jeanty in the backfield, and rookie Jack Bech vying for volume.

While Bowers is an elite talent, expecting the same level of target share and production with a new QB and competition is risky. Tight ends rarely return first-round value, and the Raiders’ offense is a big unknown.

Verdict: Regression alert. Don’t spend premium capital on uncertainty.

Decline imminent for Brock Bowers in 2025(Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire)

2. Lamar Jackson – QB, Baltimore Ravens

Why He’s a Bust in 2025

• 2024 Fantasy Points: 430.4 — a career-high
• TD-INT Ratio: 41:4 (unsustainable!)
• Yardage Spike: 4,172 passing yards (previous best was under 3,500)

Lamar posted an outlier season in 2024, far surpassing any previous year. With Derrick Henry added to the offense, expect a heavier run game and regression in passing stats. Drafting him in Round 2 or 3 is chasing last year’s high.

Verdict: Sell high candidate. Don’t overpay for past glory.

3. Ladd McConkey – WR, Los Angeles Chargers

Why He’s a Bust in 2025

• Current ADP: Round 2
• 2024 Stats: 112 targets, 82 receptions, 1,149 yards, 7 TDs
• Competition: Rookie WR Trey Harris + potential Keenan Allen replacement

McConkey was a sleeper steal in 2024, but now he’s a premium pick. With the Chargers investing in Harris and shifting offensive pieces, McConkey could easily see less volume in 2025. There’s also the risk of touchdown regression and target share decline.

Verdict: Great player, bad value. Don’t pay top dollar for last year’s 7th-round value.

4. De’Von Achane – RB, Miami Dolphins

Why He’s a Bust in 2025

• ADP: Top 5 RB
• 2024 Stats: 203 carries, 997 rushing yards, 78 receptions, 592 receiving yards, 6 TDs
• Durability Issues: Only 11 games played in 2023; low rushing volume

Achane’s explosiveness is exciting, but relying on elite receiving production again is risky. The Dolphins also added Ollie Gordon in the draft, which could impact workload. His usage profile mirrors that of Alvin Kamara — but with more risk and less stability.

Verdict: Injury risk + workload questions = stay away at his ADP.

Higgins is way too expensive in drafts! (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire

5. Tee Higgins – WR, Cincinnati Bengals

Why He’s a Bust in 2025

• ADP: End of Round 2 / Early Round 3
• 2024 Stats: 109 targets, 73 receptions, 911 yards, 10 TDs
• Historical Ceiling: Never topped 110 targets or 10 TDs in any season

Higgins is the definition of a wide receiver two, both in real life and fantasy. With Ja’Marr Chase as the clear WR1, Higgins will always be capped in opportunity. Drafting him for “safety” in Round 2 is a mistake — his upside doesn’t match the cost.

Verdict: Don’t settle. Prioritize WR1s and volume monsters instead.

Final Thoughts: Draft Smarter, Not Safer

Each of these players comes with hype, but fantasy football is about projecting forward, not looking backward. Avoid these names at their current prices and seek value where your league mates see risk.

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