Which Players are Going Too High in Fantasy Drafts?

Welcome to the first edition of Fantasy Football:  Fun, Failure, Frustration, & Fame.  This is my unique spin on a fantasy football article.

FUN

This is my reminder that fantasy football should be fun.  It is also fair warning that I only play (and write about) fantasy football for fun.  I have never done a paid league, and I would not suggest you use my thoughts in a betting situation.  I am NOT an expert, and I play for fun.

FAILURE

Normally, this will be the section where I eat crow and admit how off my thoughts were.  For this season preview edition, this is where I list players that I think will FAIL based on where they are being picked.  These are the players I think are over-drafted and will underperform based on where they are being drafted:

Ashton Jeanty

No doubt that he is a very talented running back.  But, he’s a rookie and that offense is not good.  Defenses will key on him and shut him down.  I think he’ll put up solid numbers, but not top-tier RB numbers that warrant where he is being drafted, often in the first round.

Christian McCaffrey

Ultimate boom or bust prospect.  I just think he is way too risky to use a high-round pick on.  Picking him could really damage your chances if/when he gets banged up.

Johnathan Taylor

No offense, no QB.  Teams will shut him down and make Daniel Jones (or Anthony Richardson) beat them.

Omarion Hampton

Two concerns here:  First, Najee Harris seems to be getting healthy and will definitely push for carries.  I would imagine this will be a timeshare situation.  Plus, rookies often struggle with pass-protection, which may mean Harris is leaned on more for 3^rd downs and pass-catching opportunities.

Treyvon Henderson

Rhamondre Stevenson is still a very good back.  Hard for a rookie to unseat him for bell cow role.  Think this will be a timeshare at best for Henderson, especially early.  I suspect Stevenson is likely to get more carries at least at the first part of the season.

Saquon Barkley

OK, I admit “failure” is a harsh word here.  Barkley is obviously extremely talented and I expect to be very productive.  BUT, history has not been kind to RBs who had the workload he did last year.  I would still rank him pretty high, but I would have him as the 3^rd RB off the board instead of the 2^nd (I have Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs ahead of him).

Frustration

This is the section where I will write about players that are frustrating me.  This may be because I think they are being underutilized by their team, or they are not taking advantage of their opportunities.  The situations that are frustrating right now for fantasy owners:

Denver Running Backs

JK Dobbins and R.J. Harvey.  Dobbins is very productive when healthy.  Harvey is a talented rookie, but he has reportedly struggled in pass-protection, which often limits playing time for rookies.  It’s anybody’s guess how the workload will balance out between these 2.

Chargers Running Backs

Early on in preseason it looked like Hampton was going to be given the ticket as RB1 after Harris’ offseason injury.  Now, Najee is reportedly getting healthy, so it’s anybody’s guess how the workload will balance out.

Quinshon Judkins, RB Browns

Still unsigned after his arrest.  While he won’t face criminal charges, he is still subject to league discipline and that also appears to be holding up his contract-signing with the Browns.   Hard to know when he will be available.

Fame

During the season, this is where I will suggest players to pick up off the waiver wire or try to trade for at a low-cost that I think have the potential to be productive and put you over the edge.  For this season preview, here are players that I think will perform ABOVE their average draft status.

WR Christian Kirk (Texans)

Nico Collins is the clear WR1.  After that, it’s Kirk and rooked Jayden Higgins competing for WR2.  I expect Kirk to put up solid, respectable numbers.  He definitely is a solid pick to round out your starters in deeper leagues or as a good bench player/substitute in smaller leagues.

RB James Connor (Cardinals)

Never spectacular, but consistently puts up numbers.  Solid starting RB/Flex, especially in deeper leagues

RB Chuba Hubbard (Panthers)

Consistently puts up numbers.  Solid starting RB/Flex

WR Jaylen Waddle (Dolphins)

Consistent pass catcher with and without Tua available.  While Tyreek Hill seems to fall off a cliff when Tua is out, Waddle seems to be relied on by whomever is at QB.

RB JK Dobbins (Broncos)

I talked about him above, but want to reiterate: if he can stay healthy—big IF—he is a darn good RB who also has pass-catching abilities.  He is worth the flier later in drafts as you may get some serious points from him if by some miracle he stays healthy.

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Source: https://russellstreetreport.com/2025/09/03/fantasy/which-players-are-going-too-high-in-fantasy-drafts/