2025 fantasy football players to avoid
When building a championship fantasy football team, it’s just as important to avoid busts as it is to draft the right players. That’s why I’m breaking down the Top 10 Fantasy Football Players to Avoid in 2025. These players might have big names and past success, but they come with too many red flags to justify their ADP (Average Draft Position). From injuries to age-related decline, these players scream “risk” more than “reward.”
Let’s dive into the list, highlighting why these guys should be on your “do not draft” list this season.
1. Anthony Richardson (QB, Indianapolis Colts)
Anthony Richardson had a lot of hype entering the NFL due to his athleticism, but his rookie season in 2024 was far from impressive. Sure, he flashed potential in the running game, but his passing numbers were abysmal: 8 touchdowns to 12 interceptions after only 17 weeks. He also had limited starts before injuries sidelined him with back spasms missing your fantasy championships!
Why Avoid Him?
- Injury Concerns: Richardson missed multiple games in 2024 due to injuries.
- Limited Passing Upside: He has not proven to be an elite and consistent passer in the NFL.
- Overdrafted: He’ll likely be overhyped in Fantasy drafts due to his rushing upside like last year, but his inconsistency makes him a liability.
2. Rachaad White (RB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
Rachaad White was a letdown in 2024, losing his job to Bucky Irving and failing to produce consistent fantasy points. Despite being the lead back going into the season, he struggled to capitalize on his opportunities.
Why Avoid Him?
- Inefficiency: White’s lack of explosiveness is a concern and Bucky is better.
- Crowded Backfield: With Bucky Stepping up, he will be further eating into his workload.
- Lack of Upside: He’s already shown his ceiling, and it’s not high enough. Medicore RB who lacks upside.
3. Tony Pollard (RB, Dallas Cowboys)
Tony Pollard had a breakout season in 2023, but his 2024 campaign showed signs of medicore play. At 27 years old and just being an average player, he will never be a true RB1.
Why Avoid Him?
- Age and not a TRUE workhorse: Running backs after 27 don’t get me excited, and Pollard is no exception.
- Injury History: His durability is a concern and also the fact that he is not that great.
- Touch Competition: Spears or someone else may come in and eat into his medicore gameplay.
4. Tyreek Hill (WR, Miami Dolphins)
Tyreek Hill is still a big name, but at 31 years old in 2025, he’s on the wrong side of the age curve. While he had a solid 2024, Father Time catches up to everyone, and Hill could start losing a step. His targets went down from 170 to 120 and his receptions from 119 to 79! He is on the way down and out. There is also talk about him getting traded. Old players on new teams is not a good look!
Tyreek Hill is a regression candidate in 2025 fantasy (Photo by Ian Johnson/Icon Sportswire
Why Avoid Him?
- Age: Wide receivers typically decline after 30, especially speedsters like Hill.
- Injury Concerns: Older players are more prone to injuries.
- High ADP: Hill’s draft price will likely reflect his name value, not his declining upside.
5. Cooper Kupp (WR, Los Angeles Rams)
Cooper Kupp’s 2024 season was plagued by injuries, limiting him to just 12 games. At 32 years old, he’s not the same player who dominated a few years ago.
Why Avoid Him?
- Injuries: Kupp has struggled to stay healthy for two straight seasons.
- Decline: Age and injuries are catching up to him.
- Team Situation: The Rams’ offense now had Puka as the WR1 and Stafford aging does not help the situation.
6. Keenan Allen (WR, Los Angeles Chargers)
Keenan Allen had an average 2024, but he’ll be 33 years old in 2025. His age and recent injury history make him a risky pick. He is washed up and we can see it. Also, the Bears are running a committee at WR with a medicore Caleb Williams at QB. He will never see the targets he saw with Herbert years ago!
Why Avoid Him?
- Age: Few receivers remain elite in their mid-30s. Washed up and past his prime.
- Durability: Allen has missed multiple games in recent years.
- Declining landscape: While he’s a savvy route runner, the sitation with the team and QB does not help him.
7. Kyle Pitts (TE, Atlanta Falcons)
Kyle Pitts continues to disappoint fantasy managers. Despite his talent, his 2024 season saw just 587 yards and 4 touchdowns, thanks to inconsistent quarterback play and poor utilization. He is just not that great of a player and it is clear now more than ever!
Why Avoid Him?
- Poor Usage: The Falcons don’t seem to know how to use Pitts effectively.
- Inconsistent Production: Pitts’ week-to-week output is frustrating.
- Overvalued: Since being drafted 4th overall in the 2021 draft, he has done nothing and has been riding that hype wave to nothing!
8. Javonte Williams (RB, Denver Broncos)
Javonte Williams returned from injury in 2024 but wasn’t the same player. He averaged just 3.6 yards per carry and failed to secure a dominant role in Denver’s backfield. Couldn’t even crack 500 yards on the ground is sad really.
Javonte Williams will always be medicore and never do well in fantasy (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Icon Sportswire)
Why Avoid Him?
- He sucks: He had a chance to run with the backfieldin 2024 and did nothing.
- Competition: The Broncos should draft a true workhorse in the 2025 NFL draft.
- Declining Efficiency: He just sucks and there is nothing more to add here.
9. Alvin Kamara (RB, New Orleans Saints)
Alvin Kamara’s 2024 season was decent and finished in the top 10 among RBs in PPR. He will be 30 years old when the NFL 2025 starts, and I won’t be drafting any RB over 30 years of age. He has also failed to rush over 1000 yards in his 8 season career. Which is sad and pathetic at the same time.
Why Avoid Him?
- Age: Nearing 30, Kamara is in the decline phase for running backs.
- I History: He missed games in 2024 due to injury (groin), adding to his unreliability.
- Reduced Role: The Saints seem ready to phase him out for younger talent.
10. Jonathan Taylor (RB, Indianapolis Colts)
Jonathan Taylor’s 2024 season was derailed by some injuries, but had a decent season and made the probowl. At 25 years old, he’s feels older than he actually is. I don’t trust the Colts offense. I am not a fan of him as he has been inconsistent year in and year out.
Why Avoid Him?
- Injury History: Taylor missed some time in 2024 and lots of time years before.
- Declining Production: I see him on a decline moving forward. I think he had his last hooray.
- Uncertain QB situation: The Colts’ offense is inconsistent, and QB is in question marks.
Final Thoughts
Avoiding these players can save you from unnecessary frustration and wasted draft picks. Remember, the key to fantasy football success is targeting players with upside and minimizing risk. Age, injuries, and declining production are clear signs that a player’s best fantasy days are behind them.
When preparing for your drafts, keep this list in mind and focus on finding players with breakout potential instead of clinging to big names past their prime.
Watch the full Fantasy Football podcast below:
