Fantasy Football 2012: Preseason Studs Guaranteed to Be Fantasy Duds

In a world in which we are so quick to rush to judgment, as well as put too much stock in events that really don't matter, NFL fantasy players will look at preseason numbers and treat them like they actually matter.

Nothing that has happened in the last three weeks is going to change anything that happens in the regular season. Just remember: The Indianapolis Colts used to go 0-4 in the preseason virtually every year.

So to help prevent you from making a mistake or two on draft day, we will break down the fantasy projections for some of the best players this preseason and why you should not put any faith in them.

Russell Wilson, QB, Seattle Seahawks

In a bit of a surprise, the Seahawks named Wilson their starting quarterback over Matt Flynn, whom the team signed to a three-year contract in March:

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"Russell Wilson (@dangerusswilson) will start against the Raiders and will start the first week of the regular season." @petecarroll

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) August 27, 2012"

Wilson has dazzled this preseason with 464 yards, five touchdowns and a completion percentage of 67.3.

However—and this point can't be overstated—he has started just one game. Granted, it was the third game, which is generally considered to be the "most important" preseason game, but he still started just the one game.

When he came in the first two games, he was not, for the most part, facing starters from other teams. Wilson can throw the ball downfield, but he has to throw underneath at some point to become a true quarterback.

Eventually that skill might come, but it is not there right now.

Andrew Luck, QB, Indianapolis Colts

This is more of an indictment of the team surrounding Luck than it is anything to do with him. Like the rest of the free world, I believe Luck will eventually turn into a superstar. It is clear he has all the physical and mental tools needed to play at a high level.

However, the offensive line Luck is playing behind will not leave him a lot of time to find open receivers or stay in the pocket.

The 514 yards passing this preseason for Luck are a positive sign, but he also played far more in the first preseason game than any other starting quarterback. He beat up a bad St. Louis defense that has no depth.

If you need an emergency starter, Luck could be a nice option. As a No. 1 or No. 2 quarterback to keep on the roster every week, he is not worth it.

Stevan Ridley, RB, New England Patriots

If there were any indication the Patriots would include the running game in their offensive game plan, Ridley would be a strong candidate to be a No. 2 fantasy back.

Last year, the Patriots threw the ball 612 times and ran it 438 times. That seems like a normal ratio for today's pass-happy NFL.

The problem Ridley, or any other New England back, faces from a fantasy perspective is the way the Patriots like to spread the ball around to everyone.

Ridley has looked strong this preseason with 152 yards and a touchdown, averaging 4.5 yards per carry.

But with Jeff Demps and Danny Woodhead likely going to be integrated into the offense, there will not be a lot of carries for Ridley.

Follow @adamwells1985