When it comes to dynasty fantasy football, knowing who not to invest in is just as important as finding the next breakout star. That’s especially true in Superflex formats, where value can shift quickly based on age, opportunity, and long-term outlook. In this article, our collection of Featured Pros experts tackles a critical question for dynasty fantasy football managers: Which running backs and wide receivers ranked inside the top 50 of our Dynasty Consensus Superflex Rankings are they avoiding or looking to trade away, and why?
Whether you’re building for the future or trying to win now, identifying potential dynasty busts can help you make smarter trades, avoid long-term roster cloggers, and capitalize on peak market value. Read on for expert insights into which big-name players may not live up to their current dynasty fantasy football price tag.
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Dynasty Fantasy Football Busts to Avoid
What RB inside of the 50 overall in our Dynasty Consensus Superflex Rankings are you avoiding or looking to trade away in dynasty fantasy football leagues and why?
De’Von Achane (RB – MIA)
“De’Von Achane is a player to avoid or trade away for value in Superflex dynasty leagues due to concerns about long-term workload, efficiency regression, and Miami’s evolving backfield. Despite his explosive rookie season, Achane’s efficiency declined, with his yards per carry dropping from 7.8 in 2023 to 4.5 in 2024 as his workload increased. The Dolphins have also added Jaylen Wright, Ollie Gordon, and Alexander Mattison, creating uncertainty about Achane’s future role and goal-line opportunities. His pass-catching ability remains strong, but Miami’s offensive philosophy is shifting, and his dynasty value could decline if his workload continues to fluctuate. Fantasy managers should consider selling high before his production stabilizes at a lower level, making him a risky long-term asset.”
– Lawrence Iacona (Gridiron Experts)
“There are only ten running backs in the overall top 50 ECR right now, which makes this tough. However, I’d probably try to trade away De’Von Achane of that group. His ceiling isn’t much higher than his current RB5 ranking in dynasty. If I can pivot off of him to another RB in the tier down and add another asset with more upside, I’m doing that. It’s not that I don’t like his value; it’s that I don’t know how much higher his value can go, especially on a rebuilding Dolphins team.”
– Andrew Hall (FantasyPros)
“”Bust” isn’t the right word here, because De’Von Achane is an electric playmaker and a personal favorite of mine, but he’s being overvalued. Achane was never going to be able to replicate the 7.8 yards per carry he averaged as a rookie, and that number dipped to 4.5 YPC last year. Achane had 78 receptions last season, but the spike in his passing game usage seemed to come at the expense of WRs Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and the guess here is that Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel will look to get his stud receivers more involved this season. It’s also concerning that the overall functionality of the Miami offense is tied to the health of QB Tua Tagovailoa, who has a worrisome concussion history. When Tua missed four games with a concussion last season, Achane averaged 47.3 yards from scrimmage in those games and didn’t score any touchdowns over that stretch.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
James Cook (RB – BUF)
“James Cook (RB10 in the rankings and 48th overall) finished last season as the RB8, averaging 15.7 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. However, the former Georgia star won’t be on any of my dynasty rosters in 2025. He had four rushing touchdowns and five receiving scores over his first two years in the NFL. By comparison, Cook had 16 rushing touchdowns and two receiving scores last season, leading the league in rushing touchdowns. More importantly, he saw 30 fewer rushing attempts than the season before and had 43.1% of his fantasy production come from reaching the end zone. Cook’s a clear-cut touchdown regression candidate. Furthermore, the star running back and the Bills are in the middle of messy contract talks, which could lead to a holdout. I would rather have TreVeyon Henderson (RB14 in the rankings) and Kenneth Walker III (RB15) over Cook.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
“James Cook, ranked as RB10 in FantasyPros’ 2025 Dynasty Superflex Rankings, is a player to avoid in superflex dynasty leagues due to his inconsistent role in Buffalo’s offense. Despite his athleticism, Cook’s limited goal-line work, which is often ceded to Josh Allen or Ray Davis, caps his touchdown upside, a critical factor in his fantasy production. His receiving role, while solid, hasn’t translated to elite PPR numbers, and the Bills’ offense may shift with personnel changes in 2025. At 25, he has youth, but his lack of a dominant workload and competition in a quarterback-driven offense make him a risky long-term hold. In superflex formats, where quarterback and youth are premium assets, trading Cook for a more secure or versatile option could be prudent.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Sports Advice Network)
Saquon Barkley (RB – PHI)
“Of the 50 overall Dynasty Consensus Superflex Rankings players, just 10 are RBs, and of those 10 RBs, just 1 is older than 26: Saquon Barkley (28). While Barkley is liable to defy the odds and maintain elite production like Derrick Henry, the reality is that most RBs decline after 28. The key to Dynasty success lies in anticipating trends and maximizing asset value, and Barkley’s current market value after his monster season presents a chance to acquire a haul of long-term assets that will outlast his remaining prime. Trading him isn’t just about immediate gain; it’s about positioning your roster for sustained contention by acquiring younger talent, draft capital, and/or undervalued assets that will appreciate over time. Exploit the market’s myopia to build a more resilient and valuable team for years to come.”
– Avery Thrasher (The Branded Sports)
“The consensus dynasty RB4 is Saquon Barkley after arguably the greatest season we have ever seen from the position. He went over 2,000 rushing yards as the only skill player to average more than 20 points per game in half-PPR. The Eagles’ rusher led the NFL in touches with nearly 500…running effectively behind the league’s best OL. But as was the case with Christian McCaffrey in 2023 and many RBs before him, leading the NFL in touches by such a vast margin is essentially the kiss of death for RBs the following year. Only two RBs finished as RB1s the following year after leading the NFL in touches since 2013. Ezekiel Elliott is the only one over that period to finish inside the top 5. There’s no better time now than to sell high on Barkley, considering his age (28) and injury history.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
Jonathan Taylor (RB – IND)
“The Golden Rule in dynasty: Managers would rather be a year early than a year late. Why is this? Capitalizing on value while it exists. Jonathan Taylor, 26, is a great example of a player who still has tons of value after his first double-digit touchdown season since 2021, but has massive risk. Taylor has not played a full season since 2021, with the recurring theme of those injuries being related to his ankles. These injuries do not go away as one gets older. If a package comes in relating to anything close to a first-round pick for Taylor managers, it is wise to consider it. For those in start-ups, it is best to simply stay away and avoid the potential headache if Taylor cannot stay healthy in 2025.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
Breece Hall (RB – NYJ)
“Breece Hall is still being valued pretty high for an RB who is no longer a bell cow RB. In fact, Jets head coach Aaron Glenn has hinted at an RBBC – possibly as large as three RBs comprising Hall, Braelon Allen, and Isaiah Davis. We’ll see if that turns out to be the case, but one thing is for certain: Breece Hall has had a difficult time staying healthy. Last season, Hall once again struggled with injuries last year which limited his effectiveness. In addition, it’s hard to imagine Hall’s reception total going up without Aaron Rodgers at QB. Justin Fields is younger and faster, and much more likely to take off and run when there is pressure rather than dumping off a pass to his RB in the flat. Bottom line- Ringo is dealing Breece Hall while his trade value is still relatively high.”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)
What WR inside of the 50 overall in our Dynasty Consensus Superflex Rankings are you avoiding or looking to trade away in dynasty fantasy football leagues and why?
Zay Flowers (WR – BAL)
“Zay Flowers is a player to avoid or trade away for value in Superflex dynasty leagues due to his uncertain long-term production and Baltimore’s evolving offensive philosophy. After a promising rookie season in 2023, he finished 2024 with 209.5 PPR points, ranking WR24, but his target share only slightly increased from 24.4% to 25.7%, despite Baltimore’s passing volume. His week-to-week inconsistency made him difficult to trust as a reliable WR2, and with the Ravens adding DeAndre Hopkins and Tez Walker emerging as a potential deep threat, his ability to command targets could become more volatile. Meanwhile, Isaiah Likely‘s increased production alongside Mark Andrews in Baltimore’s heavy 12-personnel sets may further limit his red-zone opportunities. Dynasty managers expecting long-term WR1 growth might find Flowers a better trade asset than a foundational piece.”
– Lawrence Iacona (Gridiron Experts)
“I guess I’m in the minority, because I just don’t see the allure fantasy analysts have with Zay Flowers, at least when it comes to his current situation. The Ravens are a running team. That’s who they are and that’s what they do, which is great for the Ravens’ win totals, but not so great for fantasy owners who drafted Flowers. Since Zay is already valued pretty high, I doubt his trade value goes much higher even if his situation changes. Ice Ice Ringo would try to deal him before the consensus comes to their senses. That actually rhymes, don’t be hatin’. Haha!”
– Mark Ringo (Sleepers and Busts)
Tee Higgins (WR – CIN)
“Tee Higgins has just been paid, which has boosted his value, but the dynasty ECR of WR15 feels a little heavy. The Bengals should be pretty high-powered, but Higgins is the clear WR2 option on his own team. I’d much rather take the WR1 option on another team for the added upside. I’d try to trade him for another WR ranked below him and add in a rookie pick to make up the difference. Players like Zay Flowers (WR19), Rome Odunze (WR20), or Terry McLaurin (WR22) are the likely WR1 option on their team and could easily outscore Higgins weekly.”
– Andrew Hall (FantasyPros)
Brian Thomas Jr. (WR – JAC)
“I am a big fan of Brian Thomas Jr. after his rookie season. Yet, the former LSU star is slightly overvalued as the WR7 and 20th overall in the rankings. He finished his rookie year as the WR4, averaging 14.1 half-point PPR fantasy points per game. However, Thomas averaged 5.7 targets and 11.4 fantasy points per game over the first 11 weeks with a mostly healthy supporting cast. By comparison, he averaged 11.7 targets and 19.1 fantasy points per game from Week 13 through Week 18, with Christian Kirk missing every outing and Evan Engram only playing in two contests. While the veterans are gone, the Jaguars traded up in the NFL Draft for Travis Hunter, giving Thomas significant competition for targets and the No. 1 wide receiver role. I would rather have Nico Collins (WR8 in the rankings) and Ladd McConkey (WR11) over Thomas on my dynasty rosters.”
– Mike Fanelli (FantasyPros)
Garrett Wilson (WR – NYJ)
“Garrett Wilson, ranked as WR13 in FantasyPros’ 2025 Dynasty Superflex Rankings, warrants caution in superflex dynasty leagues largely due to Justin Fields being the New York Jets’ starting quarterback. While Wilson’s elite talent and youth (25 in 2025) are undeniable, Fields’ inconsistent passing accuracy and tendency to rely on his legs could limit Wilson’s target volume and overall production. The Jets’ offense may still struggle to unlock Wilson as a true WR1, especially if Fields fails to develop chemistry with him in a new system. In superflex formats, where quarterbacks and stability are King, Wilson’s reliance on Fields’ unproven passing ability makes him a risky hold. Trading him for a player with more upside could be wise, balancing his long-term potential with the uncertainty of Fields’ impact.”
– Aaron St Denis (Fantasy Sports Advice Network)
Rashee Rice (WR – KC)
“Is Rashee Rice going to be as productive as he was in 2023 and the first few weeks of 2024 now that Xavier Worthy has established himself as a prominent contributor to the Chiefs’ offense? I’d feel better about Rashee Rice as a fourth-rounder if Xavier Worthy hadn’t been so good down the stretch last year … or if Travis Kelce had retired in the offseason … or if Patrick Mahomes hadn’t stopped putting up fabulous passing numbers on a weekly basis. I just don’t know if we can still count on Rice for 9-10 targets a game. And we can’t discount the possibility that Rice will be less explosive after tearing the LCL in his right knee last year.”
– Pat Fitzmaurice (FantasyPros)
“I’m lower on Rashee Rice compared to the consensus (WR17), and I’m not willing to go out of my way to acquire him. He is coming off a season-ending LCL/hamstring injury (similar timeline to ACL recoveries). He has pending legal issues that will result in a suspension at some point in the future (2025 or 2026). Rice, 25, has developed into a nice possession receiver for KC while healthy, but I have concerns about the off-field issues in the long term. Right now, I think many dynasty managers are still viewing Rice in a glass-half-full type of way, and I’d be willing to sell for a hefty haul or 1st-round rookie pick to wipe myself clean of a potential headache down the road.”
– Andrew Erickson (FantasyPros)
Jordan Addison (WR – MIN)
“A classic example of loving the player, yet hating the situation. Jordan Addison comes into 2025 with tons of upside, but also plenty of risk. The Vikings will be led by J.J. McCarthy in 2025, barring a shocker. Will Addison get the same looks he received from Sam Darnold in 2024? Or, will McCarthy look towards more established targets Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson to get himself acclimated? Addison being stuck behind Jefferson and Hockenson limits his week-to-week upside, making him an unfortunate sell if dynasty managers can get anything close to a player who is the outright number one wideout for their ball clubs.”
– Ed Birdsall (Talking Points Sports)
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