🚫 4 Must-Avoid Players in 2025 Fantasy Football

Five players whose usage, efficiency, and opportunity are all worth being weary of in 2025.

1. Javonte Williams (RB - Cowboys)

Current ADP: RB29 (Round 8)

Since his ACL tear, Javonte Williams has seen his efficiency plummet. His missed tackles forced per attempt dropped over 50% since 2022, and he has only one top-30 running back finish in his entire career. Williams joins a Cowboys team that ranked 24th in rush attempts, 27th in yards, and last in touchdowns last year.

Sean Payton's running back-friendly system is gone, and Dallas ranked 29th in running back targets. Williams is competing with Miles Sanders (splitting first-team reps) and fifth-round rookie Jaydon Blue who could potentially emerge midseason.

There is almost no path to a top-25 finish. ❌ AVOID.

2. DeVonta Smith (WR - Eagles)

Current ADP: WR21 (Round 3)

The Eagles have been a bottom three team in pass attempts since 2021 and were dead last in 2024. Smith had more opportunities than expected in 2024 with injuries to A.J. Brown and Dallas Goedert but still finished as WR23 last year. Philadelphia has one of the best defenses in football, so negative game scripts should be sparse.

Being in a low-volume passing offense plus lacking an elite target share caps Smith's upside. ❌ Pass at WR21.

3. Patrick Mahomes (QB - Chiefs)

Current ADP: QB6 (Round 4)

Patrick Mahomes has finished as QB10 and QB11 the last two years despite top-five ADP amongst quarterbacks. Without a rushing floor like the elite fantasy quarterbacks such as Lamar Jackson, Jalen Hurts, or Jayden Daniels, he needs 40+ passing touchdowns to return value.

There is a massive opportunity cost in Round 4. You can get similar upside from Kyler Murray or Baker Mayfield several rounds later.

❌ Not worth the price tag - let someone else draft him.

4. Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB - Giants)

Current ADP: RB36 (Round 10)

Tyrone Tracy Jr. took over as starter in Week 5 and started strong, but collapsed post-bye. From Weeks 12-18, he had the fourth-lowest PFF rushing grade, split goal-line work with Devin Singletary, and had the third-most fumbles among running backs in only 13 games.

The Giants clearly lack faith and drafted Cam Skattebo in Round 4.

❌ The arrow is pointed downward.