Five bust candidates for 2025 fantasy football—Christian McCaffrey, Mark Andrews, James Cook, Bo Nix, and Mike Evans—are projected to punch above their reputations if health cooperates. McCaffrey’s return to near-2023 form hinges on staying on the field and operating in a run-heavy, high-snap system. Andrews remains the Ravens’ alpha pass-catcher even with Likely increasing involvement. Cook is primed for another heavy workload in Buffalo, with TD upside attached. Nix’s dual-threat ability and Engram’s presence could lift the Denver passing game, while Evans’ consistency keeps him in the WR2/WR1 conversation.

The piece argues these players aren’t dead-weights so much as potential league-winners who slipped into “bust” chatter. With solid health, the upside is real: high-floor targets and multi-week production that could reshape fantasy lineups late in drafts. The central theme is risk-adjusted upside—these aren’t cash-out busts so much as late-draft fireworks if they stay healthy and engaged in their offenses.