ESPN Fantasy Football Experts: Players To Avoid Drafting This Year

David

3 min read

Post on Aug 04, 2025

4.9

Share

ESPN Fantasy Football Experts: Players to Avoid Drafting This Year

Fantasy football season is upon us, and the pressure is on to build a championship-winning team. Drafting the right players is crucial, but equally important is knowing which players to avoid. This year, several high-profile names carry significant risk, and ESPN's fantasy football experts have identified some key players you should steer clear of in your upcoming drafts. Don't let these potential pitfalls derail your season!

Why Avoiding Certain Players is Crucial for Fantasy Success

Many fantasy players fall into the trap of drafting based on name recognition or past performance alone. While these factors are important, they shouldn't overshadow a thorough evaluation of current circumstances. Injuries, coaching changes, new offensive schemes, and even off-field issues can drastically impact a player's fantasy production. By strategically avoiding potential busts, you'll free up valuable draft capital to secure reliable fantasy stars. Remember, a strong bench is as important as a stellar starting lineup.

ESPN Fantasy Football Experts' Top Players to Avoid in 2024:

This year, ESPN's panel of experts has highlighted several players carrying significant risk:

• [Player Name 1]: While a historically productive player, [Player Name 1]'s age and recent injury history raise serious concerns. His role in the offense may be diminished, impacting his overall fantasy value. Look for safer alternatives at his position.

• [Player Name 2]: A new coaching staff and a revamped offensive system could significantly impact [Player Name 2]'s production. Uncertainty surrounding his role and the team's overall offensive strategy makes him a high-risk pick. Consider alternative options with more predictable fantasy points.

• [Player Name 3]: [Player Name 3]'s fantasy value is heavily dependent on the health and performance of his quarterback. Given the quarterback situation's volatility, drafting [Player Name 3] is a gamble that could easily backfire. Explore players with more stable fantasy floors.

Beyond the Big Names: Identifying Risky Players in Your Draft

The experts' list is just a starting point. Remember to always conduct your own research. Consider these factors when evaluating a player:

• Injury History: A recent injury, even a minor one, can significantly impact a player's performance throughout the season. Thoroughly research their injury history and recovery timeline.
• Team Situation: Changes in coaching staff, offensive schemes, or the addition of new players can all affect a player's production.
• Contract Status: Players in contract years may be more prone to injuries or may not be utilized as effectively if they are trying to showcase their skills for their next contract.
• ADP (Average Draft Position): Pay close attention to a player's ADP. If a player's ADP is significantly higher than their projected performance, it might be a sign to avoid them.

Strategies to Mitigate Risk in Your Fantasy Football Draft

• Diversify your portfolio: Don't put all your eggs in one basket. Draft players from different teams and positions to minimize the impact of injuries or poor team performance.
• Value over Hype: Don't get caught up in the hype. Focus on selecting players who offer strong value based on their projected production relative to their draft position.
• Utilize mock drafts: Mock drafts are a great way to practice your drafting strategy and to gauge the ADP of your target players. Many websites, including ESPN itself, offer free mock draft tools. [Link to ESPN Fantasy Football Mock Draft Tool]

By carefully considering the risks associated with certain players and employing a sound drafting strategy, you'll dramatically increase your chances of securing a successful fantasy football season. Remember to stay informed and adapt your strategy as the season progresses. Good luck!