TAP FOR 6 MONTHS OF PREMIUM FREE 💰
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

Top 10 Fantasy Football Bust Candidates - Overvalued Players To Avoid In Drafts (2025)

Mike Fanelli's top 10 fantasy football bust candidates for the 2025 season. His 10 overvalued bust picks and draft avoids include Kyler Murray, Jordan Love, Breece Hall, Tyreek Hill, Chris Olave, Jonnu Smith, and more.

While the 2025 NFL regular season is still a few months away, now is the time for fantasy players to prepare for their redraft leagues. Everyone wants to talk about sleepers and breakout candidates.

However, today, we look at the bad side of fantasy football. Therefore, let’s dive into 10 potential fantasy football bust candidates for the 2025 season.

The ADP used for this article is courtesy of RotoBaller.

Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. Sign Up Now!

 

Quarterback Bust Candidates

Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals – ADP 84.2 | QB9

While Murray had a solid 2024 season, the veteran quarterback left significant fantasy production on the table. He finished last year as the QB10, averaging 17.5 fantasy points per game. Unfortunately, it was Murray’s lowest fantasy points per game average of his career. Yet, the former No. 1 NFL Draft pick had the second-most passing yards in a season of his career (3,851).

Unfortunately, Murray struggled to connect with Marvin Harrison Jr. last year, completing only 53.5% of his passes to the former Ohio State star. More importantly, the Cardinals did almost nothing to improve their offense this offseason. They didn’t add any big-name players in free agency and spent only a sixth-round pick in the NFL Draft on offense.

Jared Goff, Detroit Lions – ADP 97.3 | QB10

Last season, Goff had the best fantasy season of his career. He ended the year as the QB6, averaging 19.1 fantasy points per game, a higher average than Bo Nix (18.6) and Justin Herbert (16.8). The veteran set career highs in several categories, including completion rate (72.4%), passing touchdowns (37), and quarterback rating (111.8). Yet, fantasy players should temper expectations for Goff this season.

The Lions lost offensive coordinator Ben Johnson to the Chicago Bears this offseason. They hired John Morton from the Denver Broncos to replace Johnson, giving him his first job as an offensive coordinator in eight years. More importantly, Detroit plays seven games outdoors after playing three last season. Goff plays significantly better indoors. Therefore, he is vastly overvalued at his top-10 quarterback ADP.

Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers – ADP 127.1 | QB17

Love had high expectations last year. He finished the 2023 season as the QB5, averaging 18.8 fantasy points per game after ranking second in passing touchdowns (32) and seventh in rushing scores (four) among quarterbacks. However, the former Utah State star regressed last year, ending the season as the QB17, averaging 15.6 fantasy points per game, throwing 25 touchdowns.

Green Bay added two wide receivers during the NFL Draft, including Matthew Golden, in the first round. However, Christian Watson will likely miss most of the year recovering from a torn ACL. More importantly, Josh Jacobs is still the focal point of the offense. Last season, he had a career-high 15 rushing touchdowns. Unfortunately, Love’s fantasy upside is limited if Jacobs remains healthy.

 

Running Back Bust Candidates

Breece Hall, New York Jets – ADP 31.4 | RB12

Last year, Hall finished as the RB17, averaging 13.3 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. He set career lows in fantasy points per game, yards per rushing attempt (4.2), and scrimmage yards per contest (84.9). More importantly, the Iowa State star had only 63.9% of the team’s backfield touches in 2024. Yet, Hall could see even less work this season.

New head coach Aaron Glenn comes from the Detroit Lions, where they used a running back by committee situation. Furthermore, he has praised Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis this offseason, which means fantasy players shouldn’t be shocked if Hall finds himself seeing less work this year. He will be a massive bust at his low-end RB1 draft cost.

Omarion Hampton, Los Angeles Chargers – ADP 38.4 | RB15

Fantasy players have high hopes for Hampton in dynasty leagues. The former North Carolina star is the near-consensus 1.02 pick in dynasty rookie drafts after the Chargers selected him with their first-round pick. While the rookie should be ranked as a top-10 dynasty running back, Hampton’s redraft value is significantly lower because of a crowded backfield.

Los Angeles signed Najee Harris in free agency before the NFL Draft. Furthermore, they placed the rarely used unrestricted free agent tag on J.K. Dobbins, increasing the odds that he returns to the team this season. Therefore, Hampton could find himself in a three-way backfield, fighting for consistent touches. While the rookie is my favorite Chargers running back, Hampton shouldn’t get drafted as a top-15 guy.

 

Wide Receiver Bust Candidates

Tyreek Hill, Miami Dolphins – ADP 36.6 | WR17

Unfortunately, Hill was a fantasy bust in 2024. He finished as the WR21, averaging 10.5 half-point PPR fantasy points per game, a lower average than Adam Thielen (11.6). His six receiving touchdowns matched his career low from his rookie season. Furthermore, Hill’s fantasy success was drastically tied to Tua Tagovailoa’s health.

The star wide receiver averaged six targets and 6.6 fantasy points per game in the seven contests when the star quarterback didn't play or left early. By comparison, Hill averaged 8.1 targets and 13.1 fantasy points per game in the 10 contests Tagovailoa finished. Yet, his 13.1 fantasy points per contest average would have only made him the WR15 on a points-per-game basis last year.

Even though tight end Jonnu Smith has been traded to Pittsburgh and could open up more opportunities for Hill, he’s way overvalued as the WR17 in the rankings.

DJ Moore, Chicago Bears – ADP 46.5 | WR21

Moore has been one of the more underrated wide receivers in fantasy value. Last year, many were afraid to draft him after the Bears added Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze to their wide receiver core in the offseason. Yet, the veteran finished the 2024 season as the WR16, averaging 11.1 half-point PPR fantasy points per game despite playing on a dysfunctional offense.

Unfortunately, Moore has even more competition for targets this year. Chicago used their top two picks in the 2025 NFL Draft on Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III. More importantly, many believe the rookies could be head coach Johnson’s new Sam LaPorta and Amon-Ra St. Brown. While Moore should be the first Bears pass catcher drafted, the veteran belongs in the WR3 range.

Chris Olave, New Orleans Saints – ADP 76.3 | WR31

The Saints were obliterated by injuries last year, especially at the wide receiver position. Olave finished the 2024 season as the WR93, averaging 7.6 half-point PPR fantasy points per game after missing nine contests with multiple injuries. Furthermore, he got outscored by Rashid Shaheed despite playing in two more games (65.8 vs. 60.7).

More importantly, New Orleans might have the worst passing attack in the NFL this year. Derek Carr retired shortly after the NFL Draft, leaving the Saints with Tyler Shough, Spencer Rattler, and Jake Haener at quarterback. Yet, the team seems determined to roll with their young core and not add a veteran passer. Unless Olave miraculously gets traded, the star wide receiver comes with too much risk at his current ADP.

 

Tight End Bust Candidates

Jonnu Smith, Miami Dolphins – ADP 72.5 | TE7

Update - The Dolphins have traded Jonnu Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He will now likely share opportunities with Pat Freiermuth, which makes him an even greater risk at his ADP.

Smith had a breakout 2024 season, ending the year as the TE4, averaging 10.5 half-point PPR fantasy points per game, posting a higher average than Mark Andrews (9.5) and Travis Kelce (9.2). Furthermore, the veteran tight end led the team with 88 receptions and eight receiving touchdowns, setting career highs in both categories.

Fantasy players should avoid drafting Smith anywhere near his TE7 ADP. The veteran tight end will be on the wrong side of 30 when the 2025 season starts. More importantly, players rarely have career years in their late 20s and maintain that level of success. Smith averaged 31.3 receptions and 2.9 receiving touchdowns per year in his career before last season.

Jake Ferguson, Dallas Cowboys – ADP 122.3 | TE15

Many had Ferguson as a sleeper candidate heading into the 2023 season. He finished that year as the TE8, averaging 8.3 half-point PPR fantasy points per game, totaling five receiving touchdowns, setting career highs in both categories. Unfortunately, the former Wisconsin star was a massive fantasy bust last season after fantasy players drafted him as a mid-range TE1.

Last year, Ferguson finished as the TE29, averaging 5.4 fantasy points per game, totaling zero receiving touchdowns. Yet, his struggles were from a lack of volume. He averaged six targets per game in 2023. By comparison, the veteran averaged 6.1 targets per game last season. Unfortunately, Ferguson is no longer the No. 2 option in the passing game after the Cowboys traded for George Pickens.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

LeBron James

Available Versus Sacramento
Zion Williamson

Ruled Out Versus Clippers
Shelby Miller

Officially Placed on 60-Day Injured List
Kevin Love

Resting Monday Against Nuggets
Jacob deGrom

is Nearing Spring Debut
Tristan Vukcevic

Could Miss Game Vs. Houston
José Soriano

Jose Soriano has Start Pushed Back
John Collins

Cleared to Play Sunday
Bobby Miller

Being Viewed as Reliever
Brandon Clarke

to be Re-Evaluated in Two Weeks
Walker Jenkins

is Diagnosed with Hamstring Strain
Caleb Martin

Returns Against Thunder
P.J. Washington

Naji Marshall Ruled Out Sunday
Kyshawn George

Could Miss Game Against Houston
Baylor Scheierman

Cleared to Play Sunday
Rui Hachimura

Set to Return Against Kings
LeBron James

Questionable Against Kings
Jonathan Drouin

Unavailable Sunday
Darcy Kuemper

Won't Play Monday Due to Illness
Andrew Mangiapane

Oilers Place Andrew Mangiapane on Waivers
Jabari Smith Jr.

Still Out on Monday
Uvis Balinskis

Out Sunday
Jalen Johnson

Back on Sunday Night
Dmitry Kulikov

Comes Off Injured Reserve
Mark Stone

Exits With Injury Sunday
Deni Avdija

Remains Out on Sunday
Zach Edey

to Undergo Another Ankle Surgery
Merrill Kelly

"Optimistic" About Being Ready by Opening Day
Gabriel Moreno

Can Gabriel Moreno Put Together a Fully Healthy Season in 2026?
Mark Vientos

May Be Limited to Part-Time Role in New York
Kyler Murray

Likely to be Released
Noah Cameron

Can Noah Cameron Repeat His Breakout 2025 Season?
Justin Steele

"Full-Go" on Throwing, Still Eyeing May or June Return
Travis Etienne Jr.

Not Expected to be Franchise-Tagged
Aaron Jones Sr.

Vikings Planning to Release Aaron Jones Sr.?
Samuel Basallo

is Returning on Sunday
St. Louis Cardinals

Cardinals Sign Oliver Marmol to Two-Year Extension
Thomas White

is Diagnosed with Oblique Strain
Carmen Mlodzinski

to Compete for Starting Rotation Spot
Tyler Reddick

Could Make History at COTA
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen Still the Favorite at COTA
Christopher Bell

Will Be Tough to Beat at COTA
Jacob Melton

is Returning on Sunday
AJ Allmendinger

Could Contend at COTA
Connor Zilisch

Carries Plenty of Upside for DFS at COTA
Chase Elliott

May be A Strong Contender Again at COTA
Chris Buescher

Is Nothing But Consistent at Road Courses
Ross Chastain

May Be An Underrated Competitor for the Win at COTA
William Byron

Is William Byron a Viable DFS Option for COTA?
Carson Hocevar

Needs Clean Race at COTA
Nick Suzuki

Enjoys Three-Point Night Against Capitals
Rasmus Dahlin

Collects Three Points Saturday
Kyle Larson

Could be A Decent DFS Option for COTA Lineups
Joel Kiviranta

in Concussion Protocol
Joel Eriksson Ek

Available Sunday
Ryan Blaney

Could Ryan Blaney be A Sleeper DFS Option for All Formats for COTA?
Mark Scheifele

Expected to Play Sunday
Chase Briscoe

Should DFS Players Roster Chase Briscoe at COTA?
Adam Wilsby

Exits Early Versus Stars
Gage Goncalves

Hurt in Saturday's Loss
Russell Westbrook

Off Injury Report Sunday
Kawhi Leonard

Set to Play Against Pelicans
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Is A Favorable Value Option for COTA DFS Lineups
Ty Gibbs

Could Ty Gibbs Be A Rosterable DFS Play for COTA?
Michael McDowell

Is Michael McDowell A Favorable DFS Option for COTA?
Donovan Mitchell

to Miss Third Straight Game
Joel Embiid

Sidelined Three Games with Oblique Injury
Cooper Flagg

Remains Sidelined Sunday
Cale Makar

Scores Twice Versus Chicago
Connor McDavid

has a Three-Assist Game
Keston Hiura

Exits After Getting Hit by Pitch
Leo De Vries

Exits Early on Saturday
Kyle Stowers

is Dealing with Minor Hamstring Strain
Cody Bellinger

Dealing With Back Injury
Corbin Carroll

Likely to be Ready for Opening Day
Vladislav Namestnikov

Out Week-to-Week
Nino Niederreiter

Recovering From Surgery
Colton Parayko

Doubtful for Sunday
Zach Benson

Activated From Injured Reserve
Anthony Cirelli

a Game-Time Decision Saturday
Roope Hintz

Remains Out Saturday
Starling Marte

Royals Agree With Starling Marte
A.J. Brown

Patriots "Have Explored Trade Talks" Involving A.J. Brown
Lone'er Kavanagh

Set For UFC Mexico City Main Event
Brandon Moreno

Looks To Bounce Back
David Martinez

Set For UFC Mexico City Co-Main Event
Marlon Vera

In Dire Need Of Victory
King Green

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Daniel Zellhuber

Aims To Snap Two-Fight Skid
Felipe Bunes

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Édgar Cháirez

Edgar Chairez A Favorite At UFC Mexico City
George Pickens

Cowboys Not Interested in Trading George Pickens
Ashton Jeanty

Not in Line for Workhorse Role in 2026?
Anthony Richardson Sr.

Colts Give Anthony Richardson Sr. Permission to Seek a Trade
Kyler Murray

Prefers to be Released
Derek Carr

"Strong Belief" That Derek Carr is "Very Serious" About Unretiring
Andy Dalton

Is Andy Dalton Available for a Trade?
Keith Mitchell

Making The Comfortable Return to PGA National
CFB

Chandler Morris Suing NCAA for Seventh Year of Eligibility
Chris Kirk

Searching for a Spark at Cognizant Classic
Brooks Koepka

Making Third PGA Tour Start at Cognizant Classic
Mackenzie Hughes

a Steady Option at Cognizant Classic
Seamus Power

Seeking More Green in Florida
PGA

Haotong Li Back From a Break as Florida Stretch Starts
Stephan Jaeger

Trying to Put Four Rounds Together in Florida
PGA

Nico Echavarria Again Attempting to Make the Weekend
Patrick Fishburn

Looking for a Spark at Cognizant Classic
Blades Brown

Set for Cognizant Classic Debut
Michael Thorbjornsen

Looking to Bounce Back at Cognizant Classic
Maxx Crosby

Raiders Expect Maxx Crosby to Return
Billy Horschel

Looks to Improve Season at Cognizant Classic
Kyle Pitts Sr.

Falcons Place Franchise Tag on Kyle Pitts Sr.
Joe Highsmith

Returns to Defend at Cognizant Classic
Quinshon Judkins

Out of Walking Boot, Will be Ready for Training Camp
Breece Hall

Jets Will Use Franchise Tag on Breece Hall if Extension isn't Reached
Joel Dahmen

Needs Better Consistency Heading Into The Florida Swing
Daniel Berger

Looks to Improve Putting as PGA Tour Begins Its Florida Swing
Kirk Cousins

Falcons Plan to Release Kirk Cousins
Zach Ertz

Plans to Return for 14th Season
Davis Thompson

Struggling to Find Birdies as Florida Looms
Tom Kim

Not Quite Cutting It in 2026
Nicolai Hojgaard

Wants to Build Momentum from Scottsdale
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

Returns After Extended Break for Florida Event
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF