Fantasy Football Week 8: Busts That Will Leave You With a Loss

Although fantasy football sleepers may be a much more popular weekly topic, there are plenty of players that will be sure to let owners down this week. 

Just because a guy goes off for an unexpected big week does not mean he will retain value the rest of the season. Similarly, a third-round fantasy pick that hasn't lived up to his potential is no longer worth starting. 

Be smart. Cut your losses and play your most productive players. Do not go on name alone.

QB

Aaron Rodgers, Packers

While those that drafted Rodgers did so to start him on a weekly basis, perhaps this is the time to consider another option.

Lined up to go against a Jets defense that features a fully healthy Darrelle Revis for the first time and a very productive Antonio Cromartie, Rodgers is going to have a tough time taking advantage of deep threats Greg Jennings and James Jones.

Alternative: Matthew Stafford, Lions (@Washington)

RB

Cedric Benson, Bengals

Drafted as a rock-solid RB2 to begin the season, perhaps no player has been as disappointing as Benson in the early going.

He's broken the 100-yard barrier just once this season and simply doesn't look as involved in the offense as he did last year. With the Bengals having to play catch-up in the majority of their games, Benson belongs on the bench.

Ryan Mathews, Chargers

The most disappointing running back in fantasyland this season, Mathews has not had nearly the impact that so many predicted he would before the season began.

Granted, he is a rookie, but Mathews has really had a tough time getting anything going. Looking less and less involved in the game plan with each passing week, Mathews has a very daunting task ahead of him this week against a very good Tennessee defense. 

WR

Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals

While Fitzgerald may not be the one to blame for his lack of productivity, those that burned an early round pick on him are still cursing his name. 

Fitz has reached double-digit fantasy points just once this season (Week 1: 10 points), and it's not looking very good for his prospects. At this point, it doesn't really matter who the Cards are playing, but rather that his quarterback situation is a mess.

Michael Crabtree, 49ers

Outside of two good weeks this season, Crabtree has been a huge fantasy flameout. 

Now with QB Troy Smith throwing him the ball for the next few weeks, Crabtree could see his production further decrease, as Smith does not have the big arm capable of getting Crabtree the ball on deep routes.

While he may still prove to be a wonderful asset in the long run, it probably won't happen for fantasy owners this season.

TE

Dustin Keller, Jets

Keller might be QB Mark Sanchez's favorite target, but that doesn't mean he's a lock for production.

Since WR Santonio Holmes has returned from suspension, Keller has averaged just four points per contest and is nowhere near the TE1 that many thought he was becoming. 

With a plethora of talent at the WR position, Keller could very well find himself with eroding value down the stretch.