FantasyPros Staff | Tue, Aug 20th 2024, 3:03am EDT

Fantasy Football Busts: Nick Chubb, Zamir White, Ezekiel Elliott, Austin Ekeler

With the draft season upon us, we humans constantly search for the positive qualities in our players. However, we must know who to avoid to ensure an optimal draft, allowing us to create the strongest team possible to compete.

Today, we will share five running backs you should actively avoid in your drafts if you want to win your fantasy football championship this season. We start with a second-year running back who everyone seems to love this season.

Fantasy Football Busts: Running Backs

Zamir White (RB – LV)

Did we not learn from Mike Davis a few years back? If we do not learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it. Although Zamir White looks the part, we must understand this team will be forced out of its run-heavy first offense due to trailing in most games. This issue will hamper White’s workload.

Although he had a rough season last year, Alexander Mattison is there this season to steal carries away from White. Dylan Laube received high praise in camp and could be utilized in specific packages.

White is the definition of a Dead Zone running back. We would be wise not to repeat the cycle in 2024.

Nick Chubb (RB – CLE)

This one hurts because Nick Chubb is a beloved football player. Unfortunately, the time has come to move on and avoid Chubb in this year’s draft. We have an aging running back coming off a significant lower-body injury. That combination spells doom for your fantasy team. His ADP is way too high at 85. There is no way Chubb will pay that price while coming back from this injury.

Also, let’s not forget they paid Deshaun Watson, who became pass-happy last year after his injury. They are a team with talent in the passing game and should use it.

Ezekiel Elliott (RB – DAL)

The theme here is to avoid aging running backs. Yes, the Cowboys’ offense is potent and will have opportunities. However, we believe those chances belong to the younger, more athletic Rico Dowdle, whom you can draft almost 40 spots later.

Ezekiel Elliott’s draft position is 107 overall. If you draft him you miss out on upside swings such as Keon Coleman, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Chase Brown or even Blake Corum.

Austin Ekeler (RB – WAS)

Austin Ekeler’s ADP is 90, two spots ahead of his younger cohort, Brian Robinson. The question here is why? Once again we watched this aging back lose a spring in his step last season. In this air raid offense from new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, he won’t be able to keep up.

Remember to read all the fantastic work here at FantasyPros. We aim to help you build your knowledge and dominate your leagues. If you ever need more advice, do not hesitate to reach out and contact me @jpep20. Good luck this season with your drafts. Remember to avoid these pitfalls to elevate your chances of winning your fantasy football league.

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