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.

Week 1 kicks off with the 49ers visiting Seattle in a clash that carries playoff-like pressure. SF is a 2.5-point favorite with a 43.5 total, a shade under most Week 1 games, signaling a defensive-minded opener. San Francisco relies on Christian McCaffrey and Brock Purdy, while Seattle tries to slow them with a seasoned defensive approach.

The fantasy storyline centers on Purdy’s 243-yard prop and McCaffrey’s 72.5 rushing line, with SF’s receiving corps still shaping up. Expect Shanahan to lean on McCaffrey and test Seattle’s front. DK Metcalf and Geno Smith face a recalibrated SF defense, while the Niners look to push for a near-100-yard rushing day for McCaffrey. Laying the points with SF looks smart, with Purdy and McCaffrey as the core DFS anchors.

Week 1 features the NFC West’s fiercest clash as the 49ers visit Seattle. San Francisco arrives with a healthy, star-studded offense led by Purdy and friends McCaffrey, Aiyuk, and Kittle, aiming to remind the league their championship window is still wide open. Seattle counters with a revamped attack under a new scheme and Darnold at the helm, with Jaxon Smith-Njigba ready to spark the offense.

Expect a physical, sometimes messy opening half, then SF’s depth, coaching edge, and playmakers pull away. Smith-Njigba could provide the Seahawks a meaningful spark with 70+ receiving yards and a TD, while Purdy, McCaffrey, and Kittle anchor a late surge for the visitors.