Fantasy Football Today: FFT Express - BUST ALERT! Players to Avoid in 2025 Fantasy Football!

Release Date: May 17, 2025
Episode: FFT Express - BUST ALERT! Players to Avoid in 2025 Fantasy Football! (05/15 Fantasy Football Podcast)
Hosts: Jamie, Chris, Adam Aizer

Introduction

In the latest episode of Fantasy Football Today, hosts Jamie and Chris delve into FFT Express, focusing on identifying potential busts for the 2025 Fantasy Football season. The discussion revolves around key positions, analyzing why certain high-profile players might underperform and advising fantasy managers on whom to avoid drafting in the early rounds.

Quarterback Busts

Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen

Chris initiates the conversation by expressing skepticism about drafting top-tier quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen in the early rounds. He emphasizes the depth at the quarterback position, suggesting that late-round options or undrafted players could offer comparable production without the early-round investment.

"I just can't justify taking one of those guys that early based on how the position goes year over year where we get somebody or two or three guys that come out of, you know, the undrafted pool or the late round options that are just close to that production or at least productive enough that you get, you know, standout performances."
— Chris [01:37]

Chris also highlights Jaden Daniels and Baker Mayfield as examples of quarterbacks who have shown promise but may not sustain their early performance levels consistently.

"If drafted as a starter, a late round starter. Baker Mayfield was a superstar. Bo Nix was a, you know, capable starter for, you know, the back half of the season."
— Chris [01:29]

Analysis

The hosts agree that while quarterbacks like Jackson and Allen are undeniably talented, the value they offer relative to their draft position may not justify their early selection, especially given the abundance of viable alternatives available later in drafts.

Running Back Busts

Saquon Barkley

Chris names Saquon Barkley as a significant potential bust, citing concerns over his workload and diminishing returns. Despite Barkley's stellar performance last season, averaging over 2,000 rushing yards, Chris questions the sustainability of such high production.

"His profile is really not that different from Derrick Henry's. It’s not nothing, but they're both kind of lower catch guys. Rely a lot on touchdowns, efficiency, workload."
— Jamie [03:55]

Jamie adds depth to this analysis by pointing out the historical trend of 2,000-yard rushers experiencing a decline in efficiency the following season.

"Pretty sure every single 2000 yard running back has lost at least one yard per carry from the previous season. So the efficiency is going to go down."
— Jamie [03:55]

Alvin Kamara

The discussion shifts to Alvin Kamara, who is flagged due to his age, injury history, and uncertain future in the Saints' offense following coaching changes.

"He’s somebody that I'm terrified of even in PPR."
— Chris [06:10]

Chris expresses concerns about Kamara's diminished role and the potential reduction in his receiving targets, which could significantly impact his fantasy value.

Wide Receiver Busts

Mike Evans

Chris identifies Mike Evans as a potential bust, primarily due to his age (turning 32) and the evolving dynamics within his team. Despite a strong finish last season, Evans' early-season performance was lackluster, and the introduction of a new first-round receiver could limit his targets.

"I'm almost certainly out on Mike Evans if you have to draft him in the first three rounds. And every draft I've seen so far, he goes basically in the first three rounds."
— Chris [07:03]

Jamie reinforces these points by highlighting the role reversal between Evans and Chris Godwin, emphasizing Evans' inconsistent performance and the potential for reduced targets.

"Godwin was on pace for 150 targets in those six. Was a big, big role reversal really for Evans."
— Jamie [08:46]

Devonta Adams

Chris voices concerns about Devonta Adams, especially in light of the Rams' run-heavy offense which could limit his opportunities. He points out the uncertainty surrounding Adams' role and the Rams' offensive strategy shift.

"I'm concerned and I think there's reasons to be a little bit worried about Devonta Adams, especially again based on how fantasy managers still value his name and what he was able to do with the Jets."
— Chris [09:10]

Jamie adds that the Rams' inclination towards a run-heavy approach could further suppress Adams' fantasy output, making him a less reliable pick.

"This is another team that might want to be very run heavy if they're in the right game script, if they're winning games."
— Jamie [10:43]

Tight End Busts

No discussion on tight ends was included in this segment of the transcript.

Conclusion

In wrapping up the FFT Express segment, Jamie and Chris underscore the importance of evaluating player roles, team dynamics, and historical performance trends when identifying potential busts. They advise fantasy managers to approach high-profile players with caution, especially those who may face increased competition for targets or have shown signs of declining efficiency.

"That's it for Jamie and me. I'm Adam Azer. That's it for Fantasy Football Today Express. We will talk to you next week. Have a great weekend, everybody."
— Adam Azer [10:43]

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a critical guide for fantasy football enthusiasts aiming to navigate the complexities of player valuation. By highlighting potential busts across key positions, Jamie and Chris provide valuable insights to help managers make informed drafting decisions and optimize their fantasy teams for the upcoming season.

Key Takeaways

• Quarterbacks: Consider delaying top-tier QBs like Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen due to position depth.
• Running Backs: Saquon Barkley and Alvin Kamara present significant risks due to workload concerns and team dynamics.
• Wide Receivers: Mike Evans and Devonta Adams may underperform based on age, team changes, and offensive strategies.
• Strategic Drafting: Focus on player roles, historical performance, and team offense trends to avoid early-round busts.

Recommendations

• Stay Informed: Keep abreast of team changes and player performance trends throughout the offseason.
• Flexible Draft Strategy: Be prepared to adjust your draft strategy based on late-breaking news and emerging player roles.
• Diversify Picks: Avoid over-reliance on high-profile players who may carry bust risks; diversify your roster to mitigate potential losses.

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