Introduction: The Fantasy Trap is Real
Welcome to your official warning. In this guide, I’m giving you four big-name fantasy football players to avoid in 2025. These players are high draft picks, but the signs are clear: regression, inflated ADP, and new team dynamics make them potential busts.
You want to win your league? Avoid these names. Let’s dive in.
Why You Must Avoid Overhyped Early Picks
Year after year, the fantasy community gets blinded by last year’s performance, copy-paste rankings, and media hype. But if you want to win, you can’t follow the herd.
Example? Everyone screamed “CMC first overall” in 2024. What happened? He didn’t return on investment. Same story with names like Deebo and others.
This article is your edge. I’m giving you the names and reasons you won’t hear anywhere else.
Do not Draft these players!
1. De’von Achane (RB, Dolphins)
The Hype
Achane finished as RB5 in 2024, largely due to receiving touchdowns and explosive plays.
The Reality
- Only 970 rushing yards
- 6 rushing TDs (not elite)
- 22nd in attempts among RBs
- 6 receiving TDs — highly unsustainable
- The backfield additions and situation: Jaylen Wright & Ollie Gordon Rookie added
The Verdict
You’re drafting a committee back with injury risk and major regression signs in Round 2. Don’t do it.
2. Brock Bowers (TE, Raiders)
The Hype
He crushed it as a rookie: 112 receptions, nearly 1,200 yards.
The Reality
- New offense
- New quarterback (Geno Smith means he may look elsewhere)
- Added competition (Ashton Jeanty, Jack Beck will get their targets)
- Tight ends typically regress or stagnate in Year 2
- Coming off a pinnacle year, I see a regression!
- Round 2 draft value is way too expensive!
The Verdict
He’s being drafted in Round 1 or 2 in tight end premium leagues. You can wait and get value at TE later. This is a trap.
Ladd McConkey Could bust big time in 2025! (Photo by Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire)
3. Ladd McConkey (WR, Chargers)
The Hype
Big breakout in 2024. He was the guy with 82 catches, 7 TDs.
The Reality
- Finished WR12 in 2024
- Now being drafted 17th overall (Round 2)
- Tre Harris drafted (early capital by the Chargers)
- New RBs that catch passes (Omar Hampton, Najee will catch a ton of balls)
The Verdict
McConkey is a slot receiver in a now-crowded offense. Last year was about opportunity. This year is about competition. Tre Harris will take the WR 1 role. Note with all these changes, you have to fade him in Round 2!
4. Tee Higgins (WR, Bengals)
The Hype
“He’s safe. He’s solid. He had 10 touchdowns.”
The Reality
- Career high in targets: 109 (not elite)
- Has never truly broken out
- Always plays behind Chase
- Limited ceiling
The Verdict
He’s being drafted in Rounds 2-3. At best, he’s a WR2. You need league winners there, not floor players. This is a waste of an early round pick. In those early rounds you want to aim high on the depth chart and get an RB instead. Chase is the one in Cinci and Higgins will always be the second fiddle. Don’t waste your time!
Final Tips: How to Avoid Fantasy Football Busts
Look for Signs of Regression
- Inflated stats
- Unsustainable touchdown numbers
- Added competition
Avoid Drafting Based on Last Year’s Results
ADP is reactionary. Be proactive. Project forward, don’t look backward.
Draft for Volume, Situation, and Talent
Alpha wideouts. Workhorse backs. Consistent usage. That’s how you win.
The Bottom Line
Fantasy football is won by staying ahead of the curve. These names — Achane, Bowers, McConkey, Higgins — may look safe on paper, but the deeper metrics say otherwise.
Be smart. Be bold. Don’t follow consensus.
🎯 Want a cheat sheet with exact players to draft in every round?
