We’re getting closer to the 2025 NFL season, making this the perfect time to identify potential fantasy football busts. Avoiding these landmines can significantly raise your team’s floor and improve your chances of success.
This list of fantasy football busts includes high-risk players typically selected in the first three rounds of drafts. Each has significant concerns that could derail their fantasy value in 2025.
Without further delay, here’s why Tyreek Hill, Omarion Hampton, and Breece Hall represent the three biggest bust candidates to avoid in your 2025 fantasy football leagues.
Why Is Tyreek Hill a Risky Fantasy Pick Despite His Track Record?
Hill is coming off a concerning down year that showed serious signs of decline. He managed just 81 catches for 959 yards and six touchdowns in 2024-25. These numbers represent Hill’s fewest receiving yards since 2019, when he played only 12 games.
The veteran wideout looked noticeably less explosive last season. His yards per reception plummeted from 15.1 to 11.8, a troubling drop for a player whose game relies heavily on big-play ability. While reports indicate that a wrist injury held Hill back throughout the campaign, trusting a player entering his age-31 season remains problematic.
History shows that when receivers over 30 start losing their explosiveness, they rarely bounce back. Players like Andre Johnson and Julio Jones serve as cautionary tales of elite talents whose skills declined rapidly after similar age-related drop-offs.
Beyond the on-field concerns, clear tensions exist between Hill and the Dolphins organization, particularly with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.
“I don’t feel it’s me talking bad about my teammate. I’m just trying to hold him accountable. If this is what we say the standard is then that is what the standard is & nobody is exempt.”#Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa details his relationship with Tyreek Hill & Year 6 leadership. pic.twitter.com/MP8HHki4b2
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) July 26, 2025
Hill ended his 2024 season on a sour note, creating the risk that Miami could trade him at some point during the 2025 campaign. A mid-season trade would force Hill to learn a new offense, requiring valuable time to adapt to different schemes and terminology.
These factors combine to make Hill’s second-round price tag in fantasy football leagues difficult to justify.
What Makes Omarion Hampton a Potential Bust Despite the Hype?
Hampton enters 2025 as a first-round rookie running back, generating significant buzz in fantasy circles. The excitement stems from his role in Los Angeles’ run-heavy offense, especially with Najee Harris sidelined due to an eye injury.
However, several red flags should concern fantasy managers. The Chargers lost elite offensive tackle Rashawn Slater to a season-ending injury, creating a major hole in their offensive line. Additionally, Harris has begun participating in drills and appears closer to returning to share the backfield workload.
OC Greg Roman on the Chargers backfield:
“There will be rotation no matter what happens. The day of the one running back taking every rep, it’s kinda gone the way of the prehistoric creatures.” pic.twitter.com/h02we7qvwG
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) August 12, 2025
Chargers’ offensive coordinator Greg Roman clarified that Hampton would share carries even if Harris missed Week 1. This committee approach significantly limits Hampton’s ceiling.
The real problem lies in Hampton’s third-round draft cost. Fantasy managers are paying for a breakout already priced into his average draft position. You could target an ascending wide receiver like Jaxon Smith-Njigba or a proven running back like James Cook for a similar value.
While Hampton represents an exciting rookie prospect, he’s more likely to disappoint at his current fantasy football cost.
Why Should Fantasy Managers Avoid Breece Hall This Season?
Hall remains a favorite among the fantasy community, with many managers excited to draft last year’s top-five pick in the third or fourth round. However, multiple concerns make Hall a player to avoid in 2025.
New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn clearly wants to recreate the successful Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery backfield combination with Hall and Braelon Allen. This approach means Allen could steal valuable red-zone carries, directly limiting Hall’s touchdown opportunities.
I’m terrified for Breece Hall
pic.twitter.com/HGDwhi3LYW— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) August 13, 2025
Although Hall excels as a receiver out of the backfield, the volume outlook appears concerning with Justin Fields under center. While Fields showed a high checkdown rate during his time with the Steelers, the Jets plan to operate one of the most run-heavy offenses in the NFL, which could limit passing opportunities.
The situation becomes even more problematic when considering Hall’s struggles from last season, particularly down the stretch when his production fell off significantly.
MORE: PFSN’s Fantasy Football Mock Draft Simulator
This scenario presents a running back at risk of losing goal-line carries while playing for one of the lowest-scoring offenses in the league. The potential for a full-blown committee makes Hall’s current draft position unjustifiable.
Instead of reaching for Hall, fantasy managers would be better served waiting a round and selecting Kenneth Walker, who plays in a superior offensive environment. Hall appears destined for fantasy football bust status in 2025.
