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NFL Fantasy Football 2025: 5 Overvalued Players to Avoid

Colin Lynch Written by Sports EditorColin Lynch
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NFL Fantasy Football 2025: 5 Overvalued Players to Avoid

As 2025 fantasy drafts near, don’t overreach for these players—paying the name tax is no way to win a fantasy football league. 

Fantasy football success begins with smart drafting, and steering clear of overpriced picks is as important as finding sleepers. These five players are currently drawing attention in early ADP boards, but their situation and upside don’t justify their draft cost. Here’s a breakdown of why they’re best left on the board.

NFL Fantasy Football 2025: 5 Overvalued Players to Avoid in Your Draft

1. Cooper Kupp – WR, Seattle Seahawks

Current ADP: Late 2nd round

Cooper Kupp recently signed with the Seahawks after an eight-year run in Los Angeles.  He’s 31 and entering a new system under Sam Darnold and Klint Kubiak. While still talented, Kupp’s role in Seattle will be secondary to that of rising stars like Jaxon Smith-Njigba. For a player with a cratered injury history and a new offense, a second-round pick is eyebrow-raising.

2. DK Metcalf – WR, Pittsburgh Steelers

Current ADP: Early 4th round

With DK Metcalf traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason, his fantasy outlook has fundamentally changed, despite what drafting services may still suggest. Pittsburgh’s offense prioritizes a high-volume spread passing game where Metcalf’s traditional downfield role may not fit. His value came from deep targets and explosive catches—roles that don’t align well with the Steelers’ short-to-intermediate focus.

Historically, Metcalf’s big fantasy games have hinged on touchdowns over consistent yardage in PPR formats. That volatility is even riskier without his usual downfield chemistry in Seattle. While Metcalf remains a talented athlete, his move to Pittsburgh brings uncertainty across targets, role, and QB synergy. That makes him a less reliable option at his current ADP—not the easy plug-and-play WR1 you might expect based on past Seahawks history.

3. Joe Burrow – QB, Cincinnati Bengals

Current ADP: Top 4 QB off the board

Burrow is elite when healthy, but calf and lower-body issues have resurfaced repeatedly. Furthermore, he offers virtually no rushing upside, which places him behind more dynamic QB threats like Jalen Hurts in fantasy value. Burrow has now suffered two season-altering injuries in his first four NFL seasons, a torn ACL in 2020 and a torn ligament in his wrist that ended his 2024 campaign.

While he’s reportedly on track to be ready for Week 1, his long-term durability is becoming a legitimate concern. Even minor setbacks in recovery could derail his early-season production, making him a risky investment as your starting QB. New offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher is installing a retooled scheme designed to protect Burrow and lean more on the run. That’s great for his health, but potentially awful for his fantasy ceiling. Fewer dropbacks mean fewer pass attempts, and with the Bengals still working to solidify their offensive line, we may not see Burrow air it out like seasons past.

4. Tony Pollard – RB, Tennessee Titans

Current ADP: Late 3rd round

Despite his big-play upside, Tony Pollard enters 2025 with plenty of question marks. Pollard arrived in Tennessee as the clear lead back, fresh off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. However, the Titans’ offseason reveals a drastically different outlook for 2025. With new voices in the backfield and a heavier committee approach, Pollard’s fantasy ceiling is more limited, and his volume is uncertain.

Tennessee’s offensive line ranked among the league’s worst for run blocking in 2024. They’ve improved slightly with free-agent additions, but gains will be incremental. Coaching also plans to reduce Pollard’s touches to preserve longevity and create big-play opportunities. That signals fewer carries and a lack of bursting, play-breaking chances typically needed for elite RB fantasy production. Backup Tyjae Spears showed competency last season when given a larger role, averaging double-digit touches and scoring consistently. Callahan’s plan to even out usage between Spears and Pollard, with Mullings also in the mix, means Pollard won’t be the every-down back he once was

5. Travis Etienne – RB, Jacksonville Jaguars

Current ADP: Mid 2nd round

Etienne has always carried the full load, nursing RB depth once mainly to spell him in blowouts. Not anymore. The Jaguars have invested in additional running back talent, both a young mid-round draftee with pass-catching upside and a veteran who excels in short-yardage situations. That shift converts Etienne from an every-down bell cow into a part of a genuine committee. Touches and targets will become scarce, increasing volatility and limiting his fantasy ceiling.

Travis Etienne is still a valuable NFL player, but the fantasy outlook is markedly different in 2025. His usage is trending down, efficiency is not dominant, and the committee is real. If you’re paying early-round value, you’re banking on health and a fantasy workload that may just not fully materialize. Draft Etienne with caution—consider him a better mid-round pick or as part of a balanced running back group, rather than a sure-fire RB1 anchor.

Final Takeaway: Let Someone Else Pay the Name Tax

These five players have value, but likely not at their current draft cost. Cade cautiously: Kupp’s new role, Metcalf’s target shift, Burrow’s injury and lack of rushing lanes, Pollard’s volume uncertainties, and Etienne’s regression risk all make better bargains possible later. In fantasy drafts, value beats buzz every time.

Colin Lynch Written by Sports EditorColin Lynch
Colin Lynch covers the NFL, MLB and WNBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the New England Patriots. His sports coverage has been featured on The Sports Daily and Basketball Insiders, as well as FanSided's Chowder & Champions. A New Hampshire native and former D1 baseball player at St. John's University, Colin was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2008 and enjoyed a four-year professional baseball career.
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