Fantasy Football: Players to Avoid in 2025 🚫🏈

Estimated Reading Time: 4 minutes

In the world of fantasy football, a player’s name recognition can be a double-edged sword. While it often signifies a history of production, it can also lead to misguided draft decisions. As the 2025 season approaches, it's prudent for fantasy managers to reconsider certain players based on their recent performances and evolving team dynamics.

RB Najee Harris, Los Angeles Chargers

ADP: RB33

The highly talked-about Najee Harris has transitioned to the Los Angeles Chargers after a four-year stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Initially, this move looked promising, putting him in a position to dominate the Chargers’ backfield. However, this situation changed dramatically following the team's decision to draft Omarion Hampton from North Carolina in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Last season, Harris wrapped up his 2024 campaign ranked as the RB20 in PPR formats, which may seem favorable compared to his current ADP. Though, a closer analysis reveals worrying trends in his performance metrics: he posted a 77.9 overall PFF grade, averaged a mere 4.0 yards per carry (ranking 35th among running backs with over 100 carries), and only managed 2.9 yards after contact per carry (which ranked 31st).

Conversely, Hampton shone brightly in college football, boasting an impressive 88.4 PFF overall grade, along with averages of 5.9 yards per carry and 4.3 yards after contact. His ability to gain 1,244 yards after contact ranked him second in the nation, showcasing his breakout potential.

Harris might see an initial workload at the start of the season, but it won't take long for the spotlight to shine on Hampton. With Harris being chosen as RB33 (ADP 93.5), managers might be better off selecting alternative players in that tier, such as Ricky Pearsall, Caleb Williams, and Mark Andrews. They offer more upside and clearer paths to week-to-week production.

TE Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs

ADP: TE6

With a finish as TE6 in PPR formats last year, Travis Kelce might appear to maintain his value. However, recent stats hint that he may be on the decline. His 70.9 overall PFF grade in 2024 was the lowest of his career, landing him around TE27 among all qualifying players.

Taking a closer look at his numbers reveals several distressing trends:

• 823 receiving yards
• 8.5 yards per reception
• 3 touchdowns
• 342 yards after the catch

While Kelce still holds significance in the Chiefs' offensive strategy, his dominance appears to be fading. Given the decline in key performance areas, it’s wise for players to reconsider investing high draft capital in a 35-year-old tight end, whose better days may now be behind him.

Drafting players such as RJ Harvey, Dak Prescott, Mark Andrews, Cam Skattebo, Evan Engram, Tyler Warren, and Colston Loveland could yield better returns than spending a top-100 pick on Kelce, who no longer carries the same upside.

RB Tony Pollard, Tennessee Titans

ADP: RB27

Despite finishing the 2024 season as RB21 in PPR formats—outperforming his current ADP by a narrow margin—Tony Pollard raises several flags heading into the new season. Like Kelce, Pollard experienced a career-low performance grade last year (69.2), but the bigger concern stems from Tennessee's shifting offensive strategy.

The Titans opted for quarterback Cam Ward as the number one overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, indicating a pivot toward a more passing-heavy scheme. This adjustment is likely to reduce Pollard’s touch count significantly.

Moreover, there’s increasing evidence that Tyjae Spears may outshine Pollard in the passing game. Pollard recorded a disappointing 51.6 PFF receiving grade, while Spears excelled with a grade of 68.0.

As the season wore on, the Titans placed greater reliance on Spears. This trend is likely to persist into 2025. Instead of targeting Pollard as RB27 (ADP 70.0), look at Spears, who is available as RB41 (ADP 125.5). That’s a value play worth considering.

Conclusion

The landscape of fantasy football can shift dramatically from one season to the next. It’s essential to evaluate players based on their current form and team dynamics rather than relying solely on past accolades. By being strategically cautious with players like Najee Harris, Travis Kelce, and Tony Pollard, fantasy managers can navigate their drafts with more confidence and investment in potential breakout stars. 🌟