Fantasy Football 2025: 4 Running Backs to AVOID (Busts & Overpriced RBs)

Fantasy Football Players to avoid at RB in 2025!

What’s going on, champs? You’re about to get the realest breakdown on 4 big-name RBs you need to AVOID for fantasy football 2025.

These aren’t no-name sleepers. These are established names who are going to decline, regress, and possibly sink your season if you draft them at their current price.

Some of these guys are coming off monster seasons. Others are being hyped up by the fantasy sheep. But we’re going to cut through the fluff and tell you why these backs are straight-up dangerous picks.

Let’s break it down — and trust me, you’ll want to stay until the last one 👀

🚫 RB #1: Derrick Henry – The Cliff Is Real

Let’s talk Derrick Henry. Finished RB4 last year. 325 carries. Nearly 2,000 yards. 16 touchdowns. Insane numbers.

But here’s the truth:
👉 He’s 31 years old
👉 Tons of wear and tear
👉 Ravens may draft a RB (they’ve been linked to names like Ashton Jeanty)

Last year? I was on him. I loved the value in round 2. But 2025? Different story.

Baltimore might draft his replacement. The team is already signaling they’re planning for the future. If they bring in a young stud, Henry’s value plummets instantly.

This is the perfect example of a post-pinnacle year regression. Do NOT pay up for Henry in 2025.

🚫 RB #2: James Conner – Fool’s Gold

I’ve been saying it for years — James Conner is NOT elite. Never was.

Yes, he finished RB11 last year. But let’s be honest:

• He only had 2 career 1,000-yard seasons
• He’s 30 years old
• The Cardinals drafted Trey Benson — a tackle-breaking machine who was drafted in rd 3!

Conner is a volume guy, not a talent guy. He was a backup to Le’Veon Bell. And now the Cards have a younger, stronger RB waiting in the wings.

Don’t get tricked by last year’s numbers. Conner is dust and is RB19 right now — still too expensive for what he brings.

Derrick Henry is due for a decline! (Photo by Jeff Moreland/Icon Sportswire)

🚫 RB #3: De’Von Achane – Overhyped, Underdelivered

Look — I know this one’s controversial. But Achane is not worth the top 5 RB price tag he’s getting right now.

Let’s run the facts:

• Finished RB5 in 2024 (sounds great)
• Only 800+ rushing yards
• Just 6 TDs on the ground
• Missed 6 games

People are chasing the flash. But the volume isn’t there.

Mostert is gone, yes. But don’t be surprised if Miami drafts a running back — they’re picking high enough to grab someone with RB1 upside. That would crush Achane’s value.

I want workhorse backs, not gadget guys. I don’t trust Miami’s offense long-term, and I don’t trust Tua’s health either. Achane? No thanks.

⚠️ RB #4: Saquon Barkley – Post-Pinnacle Regression Incoming

You’re probably thinking: “Wait… Saquon?”

Yes. Saquon. Hear me out.

He had a storybook season in 2024:

• 2,005 rushing yards
• 5.8 YPC
• 13 TDs
• Super Bowl winner
• Finished RB2

But guess what? It was his career-best in almost every stat. And history tells us players don’t repeat these years — especially RBs.

Last RB to finish RB1 back-to-back? Priest Holmes in 2002–2003.

It just doesn’t happen.

I’m not saying Saquon is trash. I’m saying he’s not worth the 1.01. There’s no way he matches that production again. And after a full-throttle season like that? Injuries usually creep in.

He’s a top 5 back, sure. But I’m personally not drafting him top 3. Let someone else roll those dice.

💥 Final Thoughts: Don’t Fall for the Trap

These four RBs have one thing in common:
They are priced based on what they DID, not what they’re going to do.

Let’s recap:

• Derrick Henry – Age cliff + potential rookie competition
• James Conner – Talent doesn’t match touches; Benson incoming
• De’Von Achane – Flashy, but not built for long-term RB1 volume
• Saquon Barkley – Amazing last year, but regression is almost guaranteed

🎯 What You Should Do Instead

✅ Draft RBs with upside and less tread on the tires
✅ Avoid post-pinnacle year traps
✅ Stack value from the 16-Round Draft Solution

🧠 Rankings are dead. Everyone else is still drafting off last year’s finishes. That won’t help you win.

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Sound Off in the Comments in the video below!

There’s no offseason for winners. Let’s dominate 2025 together.