Each fantasy football season, players with big names trick managers into chasing outdated production, ignoring the many risks hidden within draft selections. To build a winning roster, it’s essential to recognize and avoid these potential busts early. This article focuses on why Rachaad White is a prime example of a fantasy disappointment in 2024, alongside Joe Mixon and Cam Skattebo, who both carry significant risks this year.
Why Joe Mixon’s Value Is Seriously Overstated
Joe Mixon’s performance last year masked deeper problems that fantasy managers must now confront. Although he accumulated over 1,000 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, his output after Week 12 sharply declined. His average dropped to just 3.6 yards per carry, with minimal production in five out of his last six games, primarily limited to short dump-off catches. More than 23% of Mixon’s carries ended with zero or negative yards, and he ranked outside the top 40 for explosive runs and missed tackles forced.
Mixon’s late-season success was largely due to weak opposing run defenses, not a sustainable trend. At 29 years old and dealing with a mysterious foot injury that caused him to miss all training camp, his role in Houston’s backfield is far from guaranteed. With Nick Chubb and rookie Woody Marks competing for touches, Mixon faces increased pressure on his volume share.
The days when his 17.2 fantasy points per game were reliable seem distant now. Reaching for Mixon too early in drafts risks filling your roster with a player rapidly losing relevance and effectiveness.
The Rookie Illusion: Cam Skattebo’s Unlikely Breakout
Cam Skattebo, a third-day draft pick of the New York Giants, embodies the rookie hype that rarely translates into fantasy success. His 4.65-second 40-yard dash makes him the slowest rookie running back likely to secure a meaningful role this season. Despite early excitement, he remains behind Tyrone Tracy Jr., who dominates first-team reps and looks set as the team’s starter.
Additionally, veteran Devin Singletary holds a spot ahead of Skattebo on the depth chart, offering more experience and reliability. Skattebo also encountered a hamstring injury early in camp, putting him at a disadvantage in earning crucial preseason reps.
The Giants’ offense struggles with run blocking, limiting scoring chances that might benefit Skattebo. Given these factors, he lacks the explosiveness, opportunity, or system fit to surpass either Tracy or Singletary. Selecting Skattebo around RB33 is not a gamble on high upside but a chase after hype in a crowded backfield with limited opportunity.
Rachaad White’s Fading Role Behind Tampa Bay’s Backfield Depth
Rachaad White appears as an inexpensive option with potential at RB43 ADP, but his path to fantasy relevance is obstructed by teammate Bucky Irving. In the second half of last season, Irving out-carried White by a stark margin of 82 to 11 and out-targeted him in all passing situations. The Buccaneers showed no indication they would revert to White as their primary back, even if Irving missed time.
In fact, over the final four games of last year, White had only 10 carries, six occurring during garbage time in Week 17. Tampa’s coaching staff indicated that Sean Tucker would step into the lead role should Irving be sidelined, relegating White to a minimal, two-minute drill role.
White’s earlier fantasy value hinged solely on Irving’s incomplete emergence, making him a pure handcuff without genuine upside. His volume and snap share have dropped sharply, meaning his 2024 potential is that of a low-ceiling backup, not a contributor to target despite the allure of a low draft cost.
The Importance of Avoiding These Risky Running Backs
Choosing players like Rachaad White, Joe Mixon, or Cam Skattebo without fully accounting for their diminishing roles, injuries, and limited opportunity will likely cost fantasy managers their season. White’s backup status, Mixon’s injury and declining efficiency, and Skattebo’s rookie status in a crowded, weakly blocking offense combine to create high bust potential. Understanding these red flags now is crucial for crafting a competitive 2024 roster that avoids wasted picks and maximizes scoring potential.