For fantasy football in 2023, several players were widely advised to avoid due to various concerns such as injury risk, performance decline, or unfavorable team situations. Here are notable players to avoid based on expert consensus and analysis from that year: Quarterbacks to Avoid:
- Joe Burrow (Cincinnati Bengals): Despite being a solid QB, his ADP was considered too high for the value, with better upside QBs available later
- C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans): Overvalued in drafts relative to his actual production, with challenges in passing volume and low rushing upside limiting ceiling
Running Backs to Avoid:
- Najee Harris (Pittsburgh Steelers): Concerns about efficiency and workload balance
- Aaron Jones (Green Bay Packers): Injury and usage concerns
- Miles Sanders (Philadelphia Eagles): Injury history and inconsistent production
- Christian McCaffrey (San Francisco 49ers): Risk of workload sharing and injury concerns made him a fade at early first-round picks despite talent
- Nick Chubb (Cleveland Browns): Limited upside due to competition for touches and lack of receiving role
- Josh Jacobs (Las Vegas Raiders): Coming off a career year but with a new QB and poor offensive line, upside was questioned
- Jahmyr Gibbs (Detroit Lions): Unclear workload due to David Montgomery's presence, limiting his fantasy ceiling
Wide Receivers to Avoid:
- DeVonta Smith (Philadelphia Eagles): Limited upside as a secondary option behind A.J. Brown in a run-first offense
- Tyreek Hill (Miami Dolphins): Decline in production due to injury and QB issues, plus age concerns
- Chris Olave (New Orleans Saints): Injury issues and uncertain QB situation lowered his fantasy outlook
- Courtland Sutton, Jordan Addison, Brandon Aiyuk, Jakobi Meyers, Cooper Kupp, Rashid Shaheed, Cedric Tillman: Various concerns including injuries, competition for targets, and inconsistent production
Tight Ends to Avoid:
- Sam LaPorta (Detroit Lions): Despite a strong rookie season, his high ADP makes him a risky pick compared to more balanced RB/WR options
- T.J. Hockenson (Minnesota Vikings): Target volume did not translate into fantasy production, making him less appealing at his draft cost
These players were generally considered risky or overvalued in 2023 fantasy drafts due to injury histories, uncertain roles, or declining production, and thus were recommended to be avoided or drafted with caution
