Top 10 Fantasy Busts Through Week 10 of the NFL Season

Heading into Week 11 of the NFL season, it's time to reflect on the biggest fantasy busts of the year. Underwhelming running back play has stood out thus far, with five first round running backs having down years (ADP based on ESPN Live Draft Results).

This has turned hundreds of thousands of people's fantasies into nightmares as injuries, bad offensive lines and poor performances by their backs have led to gut-wrenching fantasy losses. 

Let's examine the top-10 fantasy busts of the year through Week 10. 

10. Colin Kaepernick

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November 10, 2013; San Francisco, CA, USA; Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) sacks San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick (7) during the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park. The Panthers defeated the 49ers 10-9. Mandatory Cred

After an electric 2012 season in which he led the 49ers to the Super Bowl, Colin Kaepernick is in the middle of a sophomore slump. Last year, fantasy owners reaped the benefits of San Francisco's read-option as Kaep racked up respectable passing numbers and stellar rushing yards to make him a fantasy stud.

This year, after an ADP of sixth among quarterbacks, he now ranks only 17th in total points at the QB position. Last week's dismal performance was his worst yet as he amassed just 91 passing yards and 16 rushing yards.

9. Doug Martin

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Poor offensive line play and a serious shoulder injury have made the Muscle Hampster one of the biggest busts of the year.

After a sensational rookie season, Doug Martin has had a rough sophomore campaign. Martin only found the end zone once through Week 7; then, he went down with a season-ending torn labrum against the Atlanta Falcons. After an ADP of seventh overall in ESPN leagues, this one stings! 

8. Hakeem Nicks

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Hakeem Nicks, along with the rest of the Giants, has underperformed this year.

Through Week 10, Hakeem Nicks has yet to catch a touchdown pass. Let that marinate for a second. The 3-6 Giants have struggled to find their usual rhythm in the passing game, and Nicks has frustrated fantasy owners who picked him at an ADP of 18th amongst receivers. He currently ranks 49th in total points at his position.

7. Montee Ball

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Widely perceived to be Denver's lead back heading into the season, Montee Ball hasn't done much.

Montee Ball hasn't earned the snaps that many people projected him to get this year as fumbling issues have defined his season. Worst of all is that he was drafted an average of 60 picks higher than his counterpart Knowshon Moreno, who has emerged as a reliable top-10 running back. 

6. Steven Jackson

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Injury problems and a lack of explosiveness has doomed Jackson this year.

Experts predicted that, with the Falcons' explosive air attack, big lanes would open up for Steven Jackson. This certainly hasn't materialized as the Falcons have struggled mightily this year and Jackson has been limited by injuries. A second-round pick in most fantasy leagues, Jackson ranks 58th in total points amongst running backs through 10 weeks and hasn't rushed for a touchdown yet.  

5. Tom Brady

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FOXBORO, MA - NOVEMBER 3: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts to the cheers of fans as he runs onto the field before a game with the Pittsburgh Steelers at Gillette Stadium on November 3, 2013 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/G

At 7-2, the New England Patriots have a comfortable lead in the AFC East. However, Brady's passing game has sputtered this year largely due to the absence of Aaron Hernandez and, until recently, Rob Gronkowski. Brady had an ADP of fourth amongst quarterbacks but only ranks 13th in that category through 10 weeks. Unlike some other players on this list, Brady will be just fine moving forward. 

4. Trent Richardson

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Trent Richardson has struggled to get going on the Browns and the Colts.

People called the Browns crazy for trading away Trent Richardson to the Colts in exchange for a first-round draft pick. But T-Rich hasn't looked good since the trade, and his explosiveness and ability to create big plays has come into question. After an ADP of 11.4 overall, he's now ranked just 35th in the NFL in running back points.

3. Julio Jones

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ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 15: Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons runs with a catch against Janoris Jenkins #21 of the St. Louis Rams at the Georgia Dome on September 15, 2013 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

I hate to call Julio Jones a bust, but with a season-ending foot injury against the Jets in Week 5, he certainly became one for fantasy purposes. The dominant wideout was among the league leaders in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns prior to going down, wrecking many fantasy owners' championship aspirations in the process. 

2. C.J. Spiller

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C.J. Spiller has only found the end zone once this season.

Coming in at No. 2 on this infamous list is C.J. Spiller, who was perhaps the most hyped fantasy pick of 2013. This was largely due to comments head coach Doug Marrone made in which he asserted that Spiller would see a higher workload; however, it's been Fred Jackson who has primarily owned the Bills' backfield. Jackson currently ranks ninth in fantasy points among running backs, while Spiller ranks a paltry 31st. 

1. Ray Rice

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BALTIMORE, MD - NOVEMBER 10: Running back Ray Rice #27 of the Baltimore Ravens has a moment to himself before playing the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium on November 10, 2013 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

Over the past five years, you could always count on Ray Rice giving you great fantasy production. That certainly hasn't been the case this year as Rice has posted only two games of 10 fantasy points or more and has just three touchdowns on the year. Poor offensive line play, fewer carries and the disappearance of his ordinarily great on-field vision land him at No. 1 on this list. 

Wear the crown with pride, Ray!