10 overrated players to avoid in 2023 Fantasy Football Drafts

It’s tempting for fantasy football owners to draft players based on name recognition or predetermined rankings finalized well before the preseason. It’s important to remember that circumstances can change from year to year, and that players who were productive last season may not have the same return on investment now. Here are 10 players to fade during fantasy drafts this summer.

The Colts have had a bit of a tumultuous start to training camp and the preseason, with Taylor being at the center of the strife. Indianapolis owner Jim Irsay basically told the world the team will not sign the running back to a long-term deal, and Taylor is claiming that the Colts are falsely making up injuries in order to justify that conclusion. This situation may not resolve itself for a while.

When he was on the field during his rookie season, Hall was nothing short of electric. Unfortunately, he tore his ACL in Week 7 of the 2022 campaign, meaning that his 2023 season may be compromised. It’s unclear if Hall will be ready for Week 1, and it might take him a little time to get to his pre-injury form.

More of a good thing can usually be great, but it remains to be seen whether additional touches for Pollard will result in a standout fantasy year. He was much more explosive in a timeshare than Ezekiel Elliott in 2022, but there are rumors that Elliott could resurface with the Dallas Cowboys again. It’s also possible that Pollard may be less effective with an increased workload.

The Detroit Lions traded up in the 2023 NFL Draft to select Gibbs, who profiles as a dynamic runner. However, the Lions decided to weave multiple backs into the equation last year, and figure to use David Montgomery in a sizeable role as well. Gibbs should have his moments in 2023, but don’t be surprised if Montgomery gets the majority of the goal line work.

It’s hard to spin Akers’ 2022 season as anything but a disappointment, and it’s difficult to see things changing much in the present. The Los Angeles Rams don’t appear to be viable contenders, which means they will likely run the ball sparingly if they trail in games. The franchise was also looking to trade Akers before the deadline last year, but there wasn’t much interest.

Allen will remain a key target for Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, which usually spells fantasy goodness. However, the veteran wide receiver is on the wrong side of 30 years old, and missed a lot of time last year due to injury. While he’s a target hog, it feels like the Chargers might lean on some other players in 2023.

After missing the entire 2022 NFL season, Ridley is back in the fold with a new team. The Jacksonville Jaguars will look to incorporate the talented pass catcher on to a roster that appears to be ascending. Ridley’s ability is hard to question, but his role on the team, as well the likelihood of him not missing a beat after so much missed time is up in the air.

It’s counterintuitive to have two Chargers wide receivers make this list, but fantasy owners should also be wary of spending significant draft capital on Williams. In addition to health concerns of his own, Williams tends to be extremely boom or bust from week to week. It’s very difficult to predict when his breakout games will take place, which is frustrating for fantasy purposes.

Andrews has been one of the premier options at the tight end position for many fantasy seasons, but his stock may take a hit in 2023. The Baltimore Ravens elected to bring in additional help in the passing game, signing Odell Beckham Jr. and drafting Zay Flowers. The team is also hoping to get Rashod Bateman back from injury. With increased competition, Andrews’ performance may decline.

In what was somewhat of a surprise, the Las Vegas Raiders traded the tight end to the New York Giants. Waller’s presence should help quarterback Daniel Jones take another step this season, but the Giants are not a team that emphasizes the passing game. It’s very possible that Waller’s catch numbers will decline, although his opportunities to score touchdowns may increase.