2010 NFL Fantasy Football: Guys To Avoid

As draft day approaches, owners are seeking to separate themselves from the rest of the pack and prove that they are a contender. If you don't want to be a pretender in this year's crop, make sure you take close note. I know how easy it is to get sold on upside, and while I' m not saying to ignore potentially completely, make sure that you don't overspend for someone that's generating more hype than results.

QB: Kyle Orton, Denver

Despite not getting much attention in fantasy circles, Orton actually proved to be a very capable fill-in last season much in part due to WR Brandon Marshall. Now that his favorite target has moved on, the bearded quarterback will have to rely on a bounceback year from Eddie Royal and a big contribution from rookie Demaryius Thomas to hold any sort of value this season. As it currently stands, I don't feel comfortable awarding him a spot on my roster, and neither should you. He's a very low-end QB2.

Others To Avoid: Jake Delhomme, Cleveland ; Eli Manning, New York (G) ; Matt Leinart, Arizona ; Mark Sanchez, New York (J)

RB: Clinton Portis, Washington

Portis had arguably the worst year of his career in 2009, and 2010 doesn't look too promising for the veteran either. With new coach Mike Shanahan in town, some owners are getting excited at the prospect of the back once again eclipsing 1,000 yards. Don't buy into that hooplah for very long, as Portis has fellow aging star Larry Johnson hot on his tail for carries. The Redskins currently four RB's on the roster, and even though one is likely to get cut before the season starts, I can't see Portis carrying a ton of value in 2010. He's best suited as an RB4 in most leagues--ouch. Don't draft him as a fantasy starter as those days are long gone.

Others To Avoid: Steve Slaton, Houston ; Marshawn Lynch, Buffalo ; Darren McFadden, Oakland ; DeAngelo Williams, Carolina

WR: Antonio Bryant, Cincinnati

At the beginning of the offseason, the Bengals were choosing between two free agent WR possibilities: Bryant & Terrell Owens. Now we're just under a month away from kickoff and they have both. Bryant's knee condition from 2009 is apparently still a concern--so much so that he may start the season on the PUP list. Signed as a downfield threat, Bryant's chance to emerge with consistent fantasy value this season has been emphatically squashed and owners could do much better on draft day when searching for a WR3.

Others To Avoid: Derrick Mason, Baltimore ; Kenny Britt, Tennessee ; Hines Ward, Pittsburgh ; Steve Breaston, Arizona

TE: Chris Cooley, Washington

Cooley is the definition of your typical H-back; he can come out of the backfield, he can line up out next to the offensive lineman, and he can even split out wide if need be. Despite getting a new and more productive QB in Donovan McNabb this offseason, the emergence of Fred Davis while Cooley was injured last year has owners mighty concerned heading into this year's draft. The hard-nosed TE is best left as a bye-week filler in most leagues, but can be used as a matchup starter if owners are in a jam. It will be interesting to see which TE of the two gets more targets from McNabb.

Others To Avoid: Marcedes Lewis, Jacksonville ; Tony Scheffler, DET ; Anthony Fasano, Miami ; John Carlson, Seattle