ESPN Fantasy Football Experts: Players To Avoid In Your Draft This Year

David

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Post on Aug 07, 2025

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ESPN Fantasy Football Experts: Players to Avoid in Your Draft 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, ESPN's fantasy football experts have identified several high-profile players who might disappoint, leaving your fantasy season in tatters. Ignoring these potential pitfalls could be the difference between a triumphant victory and a season spent on the waiver wire.

Why Avoiding Certain Players is Key to Fantasy Success

Many fantasy football managers focus solely on drafting the "stars," often overlooking the potential risks associated with certain players. Injuries, decreased playing time, and even coaching changes can significantly impact a player's performance. By carefully considering players to avoid, you can strategically allocate your draft picks and build a more resilient team. This year, several factors make avoiding certain players particularly crucial.

ESPN Experts Highlight These Risky Picks

ESPN's panel of experts, known for their in-depth analysis and accurate predictions, have pinpointed several players you should proceed with caution on this year. These aren't necessarily bad players, but the risk-reward ratio might not be in your favor.

1. The Aging Superstar: While established stars often deliver, their age and potential decline in performance can be a significant concern. Think carefully before drafting aging running backs who are heavily reliant on carrying the ball. Their injury risk is higher, and their production could fall off considerably. Look for younger, emerging talents with the potential for greater upside.

2. The Injury-Prone Veteran: Some players have a history of injuries. While their talent is undeniable, their recurring injury issues are a major red flag. Drafting these players carries a significant risk of missing key games, significantly impacting your overall team performance. Don't let past successes blind you to present vulnerabilities. Consider the player's injury history when making your draft decisions. Remember, consistency is key in fantasy football.

3. The New Team, New System Risk: A player's move to a new team, especially with a different offensive scheme, introduces considerable uncertainty. Their performance could suffer as they adapt to new teammates and a different playing style. Research the new team's offensive approach and the player's projected role before investing a high draft pick. This uncertainty makes them a risky proposition.

4. The Contract Year Question Mark: Players in contract years sometimes underperform, prioritizing their future contracts over immediate fantasy production. While not always the case, it's a factor to consider, especially if they're already on the higher end of the risk spectrum.

5. The Potential for Reduced Snaps (Due to Committee Backfields, etc.): The rise of running back committees in the NFL presents a significant challenge for fantasy football managers. If a team uses multiple running backs, it makes it hard to predict which one will be the workhorse, reducing the reliability of drafting any single running back from that team highly. Consider this carefully.

Beyond the Player: Consider the Team's Overall Outlook

Beyond individual player concerns, always consider the overall outlook of the player's team. A weak offensive line, a subpar quarterback, or a struggling coaching staff can significantly impact a player's performance. Thorough research is essential to make informed draft decisions.

Conclusion: Strategic Drafting is Key to Fantasy Success

Avoiding potential pitfalls is as crucial as identifying breakout stars. By carefully considering these risk factors highlighted by ESPN’s fantasy football experts, you’ll significantly improve your chances of building a competitive and consistent fantasy football team. Remember to do your own research and combine this information with your own analysis to make the best possible decisions for your draft. Good luck, and may the odds be ever in your favor!