Fantasy Football: 10 Picks Sure To Make You the Idiot of Your Draft
It's that time again, when fantasy players get ready to shell out a few bucks after spending days conducting research in their cubicles in the quest to separate the sleepers from the busts.
As usual, there are plenty of factors that could derail the production of highly-ranked players heading into the 2010 season.
There's nothing worse than looking like an idiot, so here's a look 10 players you might want to stay away from in the early rounds of your fantasy football draft this year.
No. 10: Jason Witten, Cowboys
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Witten's 2009 numbers were nothing short of spectacular, aside from one very important category: touchdowns.
The 28-year-old caught only two touchdown passes last season, a number that the Cowboys expect to improve this season with more red zone targets.
But with a staple of weapons at wide receiver and running back, it's difficult to imagine Witten getting close to the 94 catches he tallied in 2009.
Witten is still a very productive tight end, but youngsters Brent Celek and Jermichael Finley might be better options in your fantasy drafts this year.
No. 9: Chad Ochocinco, Bengals
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Ochocinco enjoyed a nice 2009 season, catching 72 passes for 1,047 yards and nine touchdowns. The signing of Terrell Owens isn't the only factor that could lead to a significant decline in Ocho's value this season.
Cincinnati is absolutely loaded at receiver, with the likes of Andre Caldwell and Jordan Shipley expected to contribute in the passing game this season. Throw in rookie tight end Jermaine Gresham and Carson Palmer will have plenty of weapons at his disposal.
That likely means less targets for Ochocinco, especially in the red zone with Owens and Gresham providing big targets for Palmer.
No. 8: Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs
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The best part of being a fantasy football manager is having the opportunity to find sleepers in the middle rounds of the draft. Unfortunately, it's often easier said than done.
A prime example of a player who fits into the mold of a sleeper pick is Chiefs' receiver Dwayne Bowe.
He has a ton of talent and a new offensive coordinator who created a powerful offense in New England. He reportedly worked hard in OTAs and dropped a significant amount of weight. He appears poised to return to rookie form.
There's just one problem: Dwayne Bowe just doesn't have a reliable quarterback.
The Chiefs still believe Matt Cassel can play and will give him every shot to succeed. If Cassel struggles, Charlie Weis could turn to Brodie Croyle. Neither player presents much to be optimistic about in the passing game.
Bowe's numbers should improve, especially the woeful 12 yards per catch he averaged last season. Just don't count on him to be one of your starters on a weekly basis.
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No. 7: Kevin Kolb, Eagles
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Aaron Rodgers has provided the blueprint for following in the footsteps of a legend, which is what Kolb will do this season as he prepares to step in for the departed Donovan McNabb.
But before you look to make Kolb a high pick, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.
The 26-year-old is one of a handful or relatively young and inexperienced starters on the Eagles offense this season, including receivers DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin and running back LeSean McCoy. It stands to reason that Kolb and his teammates will endure some growing pains along the way.
Kolb could be a valuable fantasy commodity, but be careful not to select him too high in your drafts. At this point, he should be considered more of a sleeper than a can't-miss fantasy starter.
No. 6: Anquan Boldin, Ravens
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A change of scenery and an improved bill of health has expectations running high for Boldin heading into this season.
His 2009 campaign was hampered by injuries, and his move east appears to have put him back into a position to be the unquestionable No. 1 on a winning team again.
It might not be quite that simple.
The former Arizona Cardinal turns 30 in October and has taken a beating during his eight-year NFL career. His game has always been based more on short routes and runs after the catch, which limits his big-play and touchdown potential.
At this point, Boldin appears to be nothing more than a better version of Derrick Mason. Be careful not to select him until the middle rounds of your drafts.
No. 5: Jay Cutler, Bears
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Fantasy owners will be hard-pressed to forget Cutler's 26-interception 2009 season, but might be encouraged by the arrival of Mike Martz in Chicago.
Although it is likely that things will go better for Cutler and the Bears this season, it might not happen right away. Martz's offense is extremely complicated and will take considerable time to implement.
That could mean plenty of interceptions by Cutler until all the kinks are worked out.
Another concern is at receiver, a position the Bears failed to improve in the offseason. Aside from speedy Johnny Knox and youngster Devin Aromoshadu, there isn't much to be excited about for one of the NFL's worst group of wide outs.
Cutler's yardage and touchdown numbers could be impressive, but interceptions will likely be a problem once again.
No. 4: Cedric Benson, Bengals
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Benson finally produced with consistency last season with the Bengals for the first time in his career. After rushing for 1,251 yards, many fantasy football rankings have the former Texas star ranked in the top-10 for running backs.
Benson's injury problems and issues off the field should give fantasy players cause for concern. The Bengals were a running team last season, but are likely to open things up more with plenty of talent on the outside this year.
Benson probably falls into the category of a low-end No. 1 starting option. Be careful not to expect too much from him this season.
No. 3: Sidney Rice, Vikings
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It's all about Brett Favre.
If he decides to play this season and is able to play well, Rice could produce another All-Pro caliber season. However, if Favre retires or isn't effective, the entire Minnesota receiving corps will suffer.
Rice is on PUP list while he continues to deal with a hip problem and could miss the start of the season.
If Favre returns, a healthy Rice is a legitimate No. 1 receiver. Keep a close eye on the situation as your draft approaches.
No. 2: Steven Jackson, Rams
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Jackson rushed for 1,416 yards in 2009 despite playing for one of the NFL's worst offensive teams. His yardage numbers could be similar this season, as could his number of touchdowns.
Jackson scored just four rushing touchdowns last season and doesn't figure to get many opportunities this season with what will again be a dismal offensive unit.
Making matters worse, Jackson is still recovering from offseason back surgery. He isn't expected to play a great amount of snaps in the preseason, so it could take him a while to get up to speed.
Despite these concerns, Jackson is still ranked as a top-five running back by many draft services. Use extreme caution when selecting him to be your go-to guy on the ground.
No. 1: Frank Gore, 49ers
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Frank Gore is a great running back, but he needs help. The 49ers offensive line might not be able to provide it this season.
San Francisco is planning to start two rookies, Mike Iupati and Anthony Davis. Center Eric Heitman, who has been a starter since the 2002 season, suffered a broken leg early in training camp and is expected to miss between 6-8 weeks.
That means yards will be hard to come by for Gore, who will be counted on to carry a huge load thanks to the sudden retirement of backup running back Glen Coffee.
Gore will get plenty of touches in 2010, but that might not translate to great results.
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