The definition of a “boom or bust” fantasy player is simple. Either a player performs to or above his average draft position (ADP), or he fails to meet those expectations. Some players can fit under the definition of both labels before drafts, however.
Last season, Saquon Barkley was the poster boy for such a player.
The Giants running back had barely played the previous two seasons due to injuries, and when he did play, he wasn’t nearly as productive as he was as a rookie. Still, he was a second-round pick in many leagues. That created a boom or bust scenario. Luckily for fantasy managers, Barkley finished fifth in points among backs and was well worth the risk. He became a “boom” selection as a result.
