Fantasy Football 2012 Cheatsheet: Overrated Players to Avoid in Late Drafts

Even though the NFL season got underway with the Dallas Cowboys beating the New York Giants on Wednesday night, fantasy football drafts normally continue through the end of Week 1. So there's still time to pick a team and join the action.

Although there is no shortage of different ranking systems and cheat sheets around the web, a few players are consistently overrated and should be avoided on draft day. Let's take a look at three players who fall into that group in 2012.

Marshawn Lynch

Lynch is coming off the best season of his career—which should give any veteran fantasy player immediate pause—and has been dealing with back spasms. Despite those issues, the Seattle Seahawks star is still ranked as one of the league's elite running backs.

In reality, Lynch shouldn't be drafted as the cornerstone of any fantasy team. He has averaged just four yards per carry throughout his career, a number that represents a mediocre rusher. Add in the fact he carried the ball more times than ever last season and he just isn't worth the risk.

Rookie Robert Turbin has illustrated a lot of potential after being drafted in the fourth round and could cut into Lynch's workload, as well. There isn't enough upside to pick Lynch.

Michael Turner

The downfall of Turner has been predicted for a couple years now after being worked heavily by the Atlanta Falcons. He's been able to avoid it so far, but don't be surprised if 2012 turns out being the year he finally slows down.

He scored seven or less fantasy points in four of the final six weeks of last season. And, since he's never been a factor in the passing game, when he isn't able to bulldoze his way to yards and touchdowns on the ground he becomes a risky starter.

Eventually all those seasons of at least 300 carries are going to catch up with the "Burner." Don't risk being the person who owns him when it happens.

Jermichael Finley

In 16 games last season, Finley scored eight or less fantasy points 12 times. That is not the type of production owners expect to receive from a so-called elite tight end. His overall numbers were only reasonable because of a couple huge games.

The biggest problem Finley faces is the amount of depth on the Green Bay Packers offense. Aaron Rodgers has countless different targets to choose from and he's not afraid to spread the ball around. Finley is only a piece of the puzzle.

Owners are often scared into taking a tight end like Finley after Rob Gronkowski and Jimmy Graham are off the board. He's not worth that type of investment at a deep position.