8 Fantasy Football Busts to Avoid (2026)

Key Points:

• Christian McCaffrey, despite leading in PPR fantasy points last year, is considered a risky pick due to his age, injury history, and recent muscle tightness during training camp, with a high workload in 2025 raising durability concerns.
• De’Von Achane’s fantasy value is heavily dependent on his role in the passing game and the presence of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, making him a risky mid-range RB1 or later-round pick, especially with Malik Willis as a potential quarterback.
• Justin Jefferson had a disappointing 2025 season with lower fantasy output despite high target volume, and added competition from new teammate Jauan Jennings suggests avoiding drafting him as a top-six wide receiver.
• Bucky Irving’s regression in performance, health issues, and the Buccaneers signing Kenneth Gainwell as a co-starter reduce his reliability and fantasy upside for the upcoming season.
• Other notable busts to avoid include Jameson Williams for his inconsistency, Harold Fannin Jr. due to target competition and poor quarterback play, Courtland Sutton because of new competition from Jaylen Waddle, and Jake Ferguson who is limited by the presence of top receivers in Dallas.