Fantasy Football 2025: Identifying Key Busts from Last Year's High-Profile Players
SportsLine's simulations of the NFL season raise flags on several Fantasy football busts to consider as you prepare for the upcoming drafts.
Ingd A number of factors play a role in crafting a successful Fantasy football strategy for 2025. Notably, injuries are often the biggest disruptors to a season’s success. A prime example is San Francisco’s running back Christian McCaffrey, who played just four games last season after previously having a standout 2023, accumulating 1,459 rushing yards and scoring 14 touchdowns.
Despite the risk of injuries, managers can mitigate potential downfalls by balancing risk and reward. Utilizing SportsLine’s Fantasy football cheat sheets and rankings can help identify players to avoid along with minor injuries that could have a significant impact on your Fantasy football team. Before finalizing your draft strategy, be sure to check out the 2025 Fantasy football rankings and cheat sheets at SportsLine and use promo code CHAMPIONSHIP for a discount on your first month.
In the previous year, SportsLine’s model flagged Raheem Mostert as a player to avoid, and he dramatically underperformed against expectations, landing as RB60, managing only 439 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns. This model has a proven success rate: it identified A.J. Brown as a sleeper in 2020 and accurately predicted Jonathan Taylor’s breakout in 2021.
Currently, Justin Herbert from the Los Angeles Chargers, last year’s QB14 in Fantasy points per game, is predicted to be a bust. The Chargers operated a conservative offense last season, focusing heavily on the run and averaging fewer than 30 passes per game, potentially hampering Herbert’s Fantasy value. Similarly, Rashod Bateman, the Ravens’ wide receiver, is also seen as a potential disappointment due to inconsistent production despite a full season played in 2024.
For those participating in drafts this upcoming season, SportsLine’s comprehensive simulations and expert rankings will reveal the accurate picture of players to avoid.
Key Fantasy Football Busts for 2025
- Justin Herbert (Los Angeles Chargers) - Projected lower due to conservative play calling.
- Rashod Bateman (Baltimore Ravens) - Inconsistency despite prior season endurance.
