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The Biggest Fantasy Football RB Busts of 2025

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By HC Green | Last updated Jan 14, 2026 8:09 PM ET

With the 2025 regular season concluded, it’s a good time to go back and look at the players who underperformed the most based on expectations and draft position. Before diving in, I have one item of clarification. I’ve tried to stay away from guys who were injured and missed the majority of the season — that doesn’t mean you won’t see players who missed time, but there needs to be more to it than that.

But before we get into it, here are a few dishonorable mentions:

Kaleb Johnson, Pittsburgh Steelers (ADP: RB28): Everyone expected the Steelers to continue their two-man backfield committee after Najee Harris left town, but instead of Johnson stepping into the role, Jaylen Warren became the lead back and Kenneth Gainwell was the complement. Meanwhile, Johnson, a top-100 pick, finished with 78 total yards.

Tank Bigsby, Philadelphia Eagles (ADP: RB34): Bigsby was Jacksonville’s leading rusher in 2024, and fantasy owners figured he’d have a big role in 2025. Instead, Bigsby was passed by Bhayshul Tuten in Jacksonville and got traded to Philly before Week 2. He only saw action in blowouts and was essentially unplayable.

Joe Mixon, Houston Texans (ADP: RB29): Yes, I said I would avoid injury-related inclusions, but Mixon is a unique case. While he was limited leading up to camp, the belief was that he’d be, at worst, available shortly after the season started. Instead, Mixon never played a down. That’s a bitter pill for someone selected in the first seven rounds of drafts.

The Top Fantasy RB Busts of 2025

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3) Ashton Jeanty, Las Vegas Raiders (ADP: RB6)

Given that he finished 11th among RBs in fantasy, Jeanty might feel a bit misplaced on this list. Don’t be fooled. The rookie had three big games that accounted for 37% of his production, meaning in his other 14 games, he averaged just 11.1 fantasy points per game, which ranks 30th among RBs. We’ll see if the new coaching staff can unlock his potential.

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2) Chuba Hubbard, Carolina Panthers (ADP: RB19)

When word came out that Jonathon Brooks (knee) was going to miss the entire 2025 season, Hubbard, who was coming off a 1,366-yard, 11-touchdown effort, was expected to serve as RB1 with Rico Dowdle being his backup. Hubbard struggled, however, and when he missed two games due to injury, Dowdle exploded. The team briefly went with a timeshare, but it was clear Dowdle was the better player, and Hubbard became a true reserve. Selected as a low-end RB2, Hubbard wound up on the fringes of flex territory.

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1) Saquon Barkley, Philadelphia Eagles (ADP: RB2)

With Barkley authoring one of the best seasons by a running back in NFL history in 2024, you knew he’d take a step back this year. His regression was far steeper than anticipated. Barkley didn’t top 100 yards in a game until Week 8, and he finished with just three 100-plus-yard performances. His touchdowns also dropped from 15 to nine. Typically, the first or second player off draft boards, Barkley performed more like a midrange RB2.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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