It’s always a difficult task to anticipate which star player might either decline sharply or suffer a significant injury that sidelines them for much of the season. Last year, it was 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey who faced this issue. In many fantasy drafts, he was either the first pick or at least ranked in the top-five. Unfortunately, his season essentially ended before it began.

After a stellar 2023 season with 1,459 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns along with 67 catches for 564 yards and 7 touchdowns, his performance dramatically decreased. He participated in only four games in 2024, managing just 202 rushing yards and catching 15 passes for 146 yards without scoring any touchdowns.

Which high-profile players are likely to emerge as significant busts in the 2025 fantasy football landscape? Prior to making your final 2025 draft decisions, consult the 2025 Fantasy football rankings and cheat sheets from the reliable computer model at SportsLine.

Previously, the model successfully forecasted that Dolphins RB Raheem Mostert would underperform based on his average draft position. Following a season where he rushed for over 1,000 yards and scored 21 touchdowns, Mostert’s performance plummeted, finishing as RB60 with only 439 total yards and two touchdowns.

The same model is now predicting busts for 2025, including Bills running back James Cook. Drafted in the second round out of Georgia in 2022, Cook showed potential as a rookie but scored only nine touchdowns across his first two years. Last season marked his most productive year so far, achieving 18 total touchdowns.

However, due to a lower snap share and total touches compared to 2023, his touchdown opportunities are on the decline, prompting the model’s concern over his performance these upcoming drafts.

Another predicted bust is Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson. Selected in the first round of the 2022 draft, the Ohio State standout has failed to reach his potential, partly due to the Jets’ constant quarterback struggles. With the departure of Aaron Rodgers, New York has turned to former Chicago and Pittsburgh quarterback Justin Fields, who has not proven to be an effective passer. The model suggests Wilson will be outside the top fifteen players at his position.

Ultimately, SportsLine’s model indicates one running back among the early picks in 2025 fantasy drafts may end up severely disappointing expectations, ranking him below the top ten entirely. Discover who it is, along with the model’s complete rankings for all players, by visiting SportsLine.