The Low’s
While everyone’s chasing the next big star, knowing which players to avoid is just as crucial. We bring to light the potential players who should think twice about drafting or starting in your line ups.
Travis Kelce has been the tight end titan for years, but Travis Kelce’s 2024 season sent shockwaves through fantasy land. At 35, Kelce’s PFF overall grade plummeted to a career-low 70.9, ranking him a shocking TE27 among qualifiers. His 2024 PPR finish as TE6 masked a steep drop in dominance, with career-low marks in targets (8.2 per game) and yards per route run (1.8). The Chiefs’ high-flying offense still hums, but Kelce’s reduced snap share (down to 78% in 2024) and fading athleticism scream caution. With young studs like Sam LaPorta and Trey McBride vying for your draft pick, Kelce’s name might still dazzle, but his stats say he’s no longer a slam-dunk. Draft Tip: Think twice before burning a top-100 pick on him.
Tony Pollard looked like a steal in 2024, finishing as the RB21 in PPR formats and beating his ADP by six spots. But dig into the numbers, and the cracks start to show. His PFF overall grade tanked to 69.2, with a brutal 51.6 receiving grade compared to teammate Tyjae Spears’ 68.0. The Titans’ bold move to draft Cam Ward as the No. 1 overall pick in 2025 signals a shift to a pass-happy offense, which could sideline Pollard’s touches. Spears, the better pass-catcher, is poised to steal targets, and Pollard’s skill set may not mesh with Tennessee’s new vibe. Draft Tip: Don’t bank on Pollard delivering RB2 numbers, his role is shrinking fast.
Najee Harris has been with Pittsburgh for four years, Najee bolted to the Chargers on a one-year deal, hoping to lead their backfield. But the Chargers’ 2025 first-round pick, Omarion Hampton (1,256 yards, 13 TDs at UNC in 2024), throws a wrench in those plans. Harris’s 2024 season was already shaky, with a PFF overall grade of 71, his worst yet…. and a yards-after-contact per attempt that ranked in the bottom half of RBs. At 28, with over 1,200 career touches, Harris’s body is showing wear, and Hampton’s explosive upside could steal significant carries. Draft Tip: Fade Harris for younger, fresher legs in this crowded backfield.
Jerry Jeudy racked up a career-high 145 targets in 2024, but his 2025 outlook is cloudy. He thrived with Jameis Winston, averaging 10 targets per game, but only 7.6 without him. With Winston now a Giant and the Browns adding Diontae Johnson while welcoming back Cedrick Tillman, Jeudy’s targets are set to take a hit. His 2024 PFF receiving grade of 75.8 was decent but not elite, and Cleveland’s murky QB situation— featuring Kenny Pickett, Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, and Shedeur Sanders adds more risk. Draft Tip: Jeudy’s volume-driven fantasy value could crumble, so don’t overpay for his ADP.
What ties these players together? Declining stats, age concerns, and team shake-ups. PFF grades reveal their slipping efficiency, while new rookies and roster changes threaten their roles. For running backs like Harris, the NFL’s trend is brutal, only 13.8% of RB touches in 2024 went to players 28 or older. Whether it’s Kelce’s aging legs, Pollard’s crowded backfield, or Jeudy’s shrinking target share, these veterans face uphill battles in 2025. Don’t let their big names fool you!
These players still carry star power, but their 2024 numbers and team changes scream proceed with caution. Focus on younger talent or players in better situations, especially in keeper or dynasty leagues where longevity matters.
