Was 2025 a bad sign or just a bad season for these...
Key takeaways
- In 2025, eight of the top 25 players in preseason average draft position (ADP) finished with a fantasy point total at least 25% lower than projected.
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- But circumstances that caused a player to disappoint one year often boomerang the next, making that player a draft-day value.
Why this matters: a sports story that could shift standings, legacies, or fan conversations.
Fantasy managers hope to see Brock Bowers bounce back to previous highs. Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images Tristan H. Cockcroft Jun 17, 2026, 07:54 AM ETClose Tristan H. Cockcroft is senior writer for fantasy baseball and football at ESPN. Tristan is a member of the FSWA Hall of Fame. He is also a two-time LABR and three-time Tout Wars champion.Follow on XMultiple Authors Email Print Open Extended Reactions Bad breaks happen in fantasy football. Be it bad luck, bad circumstances or bad aches, not every player will meet your expectations.
In 2025, eight of the top 25 players in preseason average draft position (ADP) finished with a fantasy point total at least 25% lower than projected. In 2024, six of the top 25 picks experienced similar statistical underperformance.
Create a league and customize league size, scoring and rules to play in the league you want to play in.