2012 NFL Fantasy: The Riskiest Big-Name Player at Each Position

Every year in fantasy football, just as there are players who fly under the radar come draft time that wind up putting up big points by season's end, there too are players who are billed too high and fail to meet grand expectations set in place for them.

Let's look at one player at each position who could be poised to disappoint you should they land on your roster.

Quarterback: Peyton Manning

We know Peyton Manning is coming off of neck surgery. We don't know what can happen if he takes one huge, bone-crunching hit from a failed blitz pickup. The offensive line is young, and gave up 49 sacks last season. That can't happen if they hope for Manning to succeed.

As good as Peyton is, he's always had "his guys" to rely on. There's no Reggie Wayne, no Dallas Clark and no Marvin Harrison. Can Demaryius Thomas finally make good on all his freak physical abilities? Can Eric Decker become that reliable safety valve?

Most importantly, is Peyton still good enough to carry the 21st-ranked defense according to fellow B/R experts?

Running Back: Adrian Peterson

Hey Vikings fans, try not to puke when you see that picture. That might've been the play right before Adrian Peterson's season ended due to a horrible knee injury. 

Heading into 2012, there are way too many question marks surrounding Peterson. ESPN's Chris Harris compiles a compelling list of star backs with ACL injuries, and what kind of stats they had when they came back. History says there is a mixed bag for these types of injuries, and we don't know what will happen.

Harris raises the point in that article that the guys who injured their knees later on had paltry numbers the following season. I don't know that any of them had the physical gifts or ability like Adrian Peterson, who's had injury problems in college and throughout his NFL career, and has bounced back from them.

I tend to look at that list and optimistically liken Peterson's rehab schedule closer to Ronnie Brown's than Kevin Smith.

Then again, I'm not a medical expert. Peterson will be ranked all over the place come September, and the amount of risk this talent carries could outweigh his yards per carry.  

Wide Receiver: Andre Johnson

Andre Johnson is perennially ranked as a top-three receiver. Last year he played seven games, and the season before, he played 13, and never delivered. Yes, he's up there with Calvin Johnson in terms of freak physical ability. Yes, he's a target freak and versatile guy like a Roddy White.

But he hasn't been able to solve that hamstring the last couple of seasons. More to the point, this dude has never had double-digit touchdowns in a season. He's also in a division so erratically bad at defending the run that they may rely on not only Arian Foster as a top offensive option, but backup sophomore Ben Tate may even touch the ball more than Johnson does on a week-to-week basis.

They drafted two rookie receivers—Devier Posey and Keshawn Martin—to help Johnson out. But AJ has never had a consistent No. 2 and rookie receivers don't usually help out until their second or third year.

Andre is tempting every year, but always seems to leave something to be had.  

Tight End: Jimmy Graham

Am I insane? Jimmy Graham, the man who finished second at his position last season, caught 99 passes, and is just 25 years old.

Well, this slide has nothing to do with the indictment against the young man himself. If Drew Brees holds out, or misses even a couple of games, I would have been lukewarm with Chase Daniel at least tossing the ball up for him in the end zone.

I can't name the Saints third quarterback. Tight ends are usually a pretty sure thing in terms of targets, but if Jimmy doesn't have a good quarterback throwing to him, I can't trust him.  

D/ST: Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh has always been known for its awesome defense. But they might be a little bit overrated in fantasy. Though usually thought of as as one of the best defensive units in the fantasy world, they were just 10th in scoring on ESPN fantasy last season.

What has made them good in the past is their continuity and consistency. There is upheaval in Pittsburgh. James Farrior is gone, as is Aaron Smith. Troy Polamalu, James Harrison and Ryan Clark are all over 30 at this point. Youngsters will have to step up and be relied upon at some point, and to think they won't give up some big plays may be foolish.