Fantasy football drafts can be a whirlwind of decisions. With countless players to consider, pinpointing which stars to chase and which to leave behind is crucial for building a winning roster. As you prepare for your upcoming drafts, we’ve distilled the information down to highlight three running backs you might want to think twice about drafting. By leveraging expert consensus rankings and comparing them to players’ average draft positions (ADP), you can navigate the clutter and make informed choices. Ready to dive into the details? Let’s get started!
Fantasy Football Draft Strategy: Running Backs to Avoid
Here are the players our experts are cautioning against, some of whom come with significant red flags despite their past performances.
1. Saquon Barkley (RB – PHI)
Last season, Saquon Barkley dazzled with an impressive RB1 finish, tallying 378 touches, 2,283 total yards, and 15 touchdowns. However, the burning question remains: Can he maintain this level of success?
Barkley’s performance raises concerns, especially regarding his ability to take on heavy volume again. While he boasts a fantastic offensive line—leading to remarkable numbers like 3.55 yards before contact per attempt—his tackle-breaking metrics were less than stellar. He ranked only 28th in missed tackles forced and 35th in yards after contact per attempt among 46 qualifying backs. Is he still a top-tier option? Yes, but proceed with caution as you eye your draft.
— Derek Brown
2. Jonathan Taylor (RB – IND)
Another name that’s been on everyone’s lips is Jonathan Taylor, who finished the previous season as RB7 in fantasy points per game despite battling through a high ankle sprain. With 321 touches and 1,567 total yards, there’s no denying his talent. Still, there are clouds on the horizon.
The quarterback situation in Indianapolis poses a significant risk. With uncertainty around red zone opportunities, Taylor’s impressive past may not translate into consistent future success. He ranked sixth in red zone touches last year, but can he replicate that in 2025? Additionally, his lack of involvement in the passing game (37th in target share) raises eyebrows. While he’s a reliable pick, his ceiling seems limited this season.
— Derek Brown
3. Kyren Williams (RB – LAR)
Finally, we have Kyren Williams, who turned heads last season with his RB10 finish. He dominated snap share and red zone touches but stumbled in efficiency metrics, ranking near the bottom in explosive play rates and missed tackle rates. With 1,481 total yards and 350 touches, he certainly showcased potential.
As he enters a contract year, Williams’ position is precarious. Changes in his workload could come from the rising talents of Blake Corum or Jarquez Hunter, making his future quite uncertain. He’s a top 15-20 back but has risk written all over him.
— Derek Brown
Conclusion: Navigating Your Draft
In the high-stakes world of fantasy football, being informed can be the key to triumph. Before stepping into your draft, consider these insights and weigh the risks associated with these running backs. Remember, the goal is to build a balanced team, and sometimes that means letting go of a big name for someone more consistent.
For a deeper dive into optimizing your fantasy football strategy, tap into our Fantasy Football Rankings Comparison Tools and stay ahead of the competition!
