Fantasy Football Week 11: Big-Name Busts You Must Avoid This Week
Fantasy football Week 11 kicks off tomorrow night, and at this point in the season, the fantasy landscape is strewn with busts large and small. Players of all shapes, sizes and skill levels have underperformed expectations all season, and are now in danger of being busts for the rest of the year.
The 20 players on this list are some of the biggest busts in the NFL this season. We're breaking down why they've been busts, whether they'll stay busts and just what you should do with their underperforming point totals.
20. Marques Colston, WR, New Orleans Saints
1 of 20
Why He's Been a Bust: Colston might be the Saints' go-to wideout, but he has underperformed many expectations in the first nine games of the year, scoring double figures just twice. He's an infamous slow starter, who continued that trend with a disappointing start this year.
Will He Stay a Bust: Colston is poised for a breakout, evidenced by those two double-digit games in Weeks 7 and 8. He should have big games in the coming weeks.
Who’s the Matchup: The Seahawks rank 27th against opposing wideouts this season, and have struggled to contain even the most pedestrian passing attacks.
What You Should Do With Him: At this point, you can roll Colston with confidence, as his slow start should finally be drawing to a close.
19. Jason Witten, TE, Dallas Cowboys
2 of 20
Why He’s Been a Bust: Witten was widely seen as one of the six best tight ends in fantasy football, a player who was reliable as they come in terms of production. But, through nine games of 2010, a shoddy offensive line has forced him to stay home and block, limiting his production and severely hurting his value.
Will He Stay a Bust: Perhaps. Witten is having to help block more than at any other point in his career, so it remains to be seen whether he will get out of the funk he's been in. Each week that passes makes it less likely to end, though
Who’s the Matchup: One area where the Lions' defense excels is shutting down opposing tight ends, as they rank third against the position this season.
What You Should Do With Him: You can probably start Witten, as he's capable of having big games, but know he's not a lock for 8-10 points this season.
18. Heath Miller, TE, Pittsburgh Steelers
3 of 20
Why He’s Been a Bust: Miller was seen as a mid-level fantasy tight end in 2010, but things have not gone according to plan. Miller has been a disaster area all season long, failing to break five points in seven of his team's nine games this year.
Will He Stay a Bust: Hard to say for sure, but signs sure point to yes. He did have a six-point game last week against New England, but given his lack of targets in other weeks, that looks more like the exception than the rule.
Who’s the Matchup: Oakland ranks 20th against opposing tight ends, but if Ben Roethlisberger doesn't throw him the ball, Miller can't exactly take advantage.
What You Should Do With Him: Cut him loose. There are more productive tight ends out there right now than Miller, and he's too risky to keep playing.
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17. Jacoby Jones, WR, Houston Texans
4 of 20
Why He’s Been a Bust: Jones was viewed as a potential breakout candidate before the regular season got underway, and was a popular mid to late-round pick. But the speedy wideout has been an afterthought in a balanced Texans offense, and has broken the five-point barrier all of twice. Meanwhile, he's posted a goose egg in three games this year.
Will He Stay a Bust: Yes. Jones appears to be becoming less and less a part of Houston's offensive scheme as the season goes on. He might have a big gain here or there, but it's hard to break out when you're only getting one or two targets per game.
Who’s the Matchup: The Jets rank 25th against opposing wideouts in 2010, and Jones will have the luxury of dodging Darrelle Revis in favor of the much less frightening Antonio Cromartie.
What You Should Do With Him: Cut him loose, if you haven't already. Jones is a waste of a roster spot in 2010, and he'll continue to disappoint all season long.
16. Mike Sims-Walker, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
5 of 20
Why He’s Been a Bust: Sims-Walker was fairly well-regarded heading into 2010, but has gotten the vast majority of his 60-point production from three double-digit days. The rest of the season, he's broken the five-point mark just once.
Will He Stay a Bust: Hard to say, but leaning towards yes. Sims-Walker can be completely shut down by even mediocre defenses, and while he gets targets, he's a boom-or-bust player at this point.
Who’s the Matchup: Cleveland ranks 25th against opposing wideouts, and is vulnerable deep, the area where Sims-Walker excels.
What You Should Do With Him: MSW is almost exclusively a matchup play at this point. He can't be trusted every week, and even when the matchup is right (like last week against Houston) it's not a guarantee of a big game. Bench him.
15. Brent Celek, TE Philadelphia Eagles
6 of 20
Why He’s Been a Bust: Celek was seen as a top 10 tight end heading into 2010, but has been a walking disaster area. Other than a 10-point outburst in Week 5, Celek has broken the five-point mark just once.
Will He Stay a Bust: Yes. Michael Vick isn't throwing Celek's way anymore, and Kevin Kolb wasn't exactly feeding him the football that often, either.
Who’s the Matchup: The Giants rank sixth in the NFL against tight ends, not that it matters when you never throw him the ball.
What You Should Do With Him: Cut him loose. Go find more reliable production on the waiver wire.
14. Michael Crabtree, WR, San Francisco 49ers
7 of 20
Why He’s Been a Bust: Crabtree got off to disasterous start to the 2010 regular season, posting four straight games with five or fewer points. For a guy taken in the fifth round in many drafts, that just won't get it done.
Will He Stay a Bust: No. Since his slow start, Crabtree has posted four double-digit point games in his last five contests, scoring a touchdown in each. It's clear he's a major part of San Francisco's offense now.
Who’s the Matchup: Tampa Bay ranks 18th against opposing wideouts, but have been burned by strong passing games.
What You Should Do With Him: At this point, you can roll Crabtree with some confidence, as he begins to blossom into a reliable fantasy wideout.
13. Chad Henne, QB, Miami Dolphins
8 of 20
Why He’s Been a Bust: Henne was widely viewed as a potential starter in many fantasy leagues heading into the season, and no worse than a solid backup. But with four single-digit games under his belt, and now a possible injury, Henne has been nothing but trouble for his owners.
Will He Stay a Bust: Yes. Even before he got hurt, Henne had struggled with decision making and consistency. For 2010, Henne will be nothing but trouble.
Who’s the Matchup: The Bears rank first in the NFL against opposing quarterbacks in 2010. For a guy with interception issues, that spells big trouble.
What You Should Do With Him: Cut him loose. The combination of the injury and his poor play should be enough to convince you that Henne isn't worth your trouble.
12. Cedric Benson, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
9 of 20
Why He’s Been a Bust: Benson was seen as a late first to early second-round pick in many leagues. But his 2010 has been a colossal disappointment, as he's posted six single-digit games this season, capped off by a measly two points in Week 10.
Will He Stay a Bust: It's really hard to say, but it's looking like yes. He's not looking like a consistent point producer this season, and without that, he won't live up to his lofty draft status.
Who’s the Matchup: The Bengals get a favorable matchup for Cedric this week, facing the Bills defense, who rank 28th against opposing running backs.
What You Should Do With Him: You should continue to start Benson for the time being, if you lack a better option, but know he's going to get you five-to-seven points per week, rather than the 10-15 you were expecting when you drafted him.
11. Brett Favre, QB, Minnesota Vikings
10 of 20
Why He’s Been a Bust: Favre was seen as a starter in many fantasy leagues after his stellar performance in 2009. But 2010 has been downright miserable for the 41-year-old passer, as he's broken the 10-point mark just twice.
Will He Stay a Bust: Yes. Favre is showing his age, and while he might have a good game now and then, he won't have the consistency we saw last season.
Who’s the Matchup: Green Bay ranks 10th against opposing quarterbacks, and while Favre has had success against his former team in the past, this year hasn't been the same.
What You Should Do With Him: Cut him loose. If you feel like you need a backup quarterback, or don't have a more reliable option, go get one. Believe me, they're out there.
10. Visanthe Shiancoe, TE Minnesota Vikings
11 of 20
Why He’s Been a Bust: This was supposed to be the year Shiancoe cracked the top five tight ends in the NFL. He was poised for a breakout season, with a quarterback who loved to throw to the tight end and an offense that loved to throw the ball in general. But, instead, Shiancoe's posted just two double-digit games, and has frequently been an afterthought in the Minnesota offense.
Will He Stay a Bust: Hard to say. With Randy Moss gone, Shiancoe could see his production get a boost. But Week 10 was not all that encouraging, as the big tight end scored just two points.
Who’s the Matchup: Green Bay ranks 19th against opposing tight ends, so perhaps he is poised to have the big game we've been waiting for.
What You Should Do With Him: Keep him on your bench. It's possible that Shiancoe's production gets a jump start this week, but he's too risky to start, unless you have no other choice.
9. Shonn Greene, RB, New York Jets
12 of 20
Why He’s Been a Bust: Greene was seen as one of the top breakout candidates of 2010, but fumbles and poor play cost the second-year back his job. He's scored 10 or more points just twice, and has just two other games with five or more points.
Will He Stay a Bust: Hard to say. With LaDainian Tomlinson looking a little tired in recent weeks, Greene could see an increased workload, much like he got in Week 10. If that happens, he could easily break out.
Who’s the Matchup: The Texans defense ranks 20th against the run, so even with the split, Greene figures to get carries.
What You Should Do With Him: You could almost make a case to play Greene this week, but he's probably a safer play on your bench, until he proves he can run with consistency.
8. Pierre Garcon, WR, Indianapolis Colts
13 of 20
Why He’s Been a Bust: Another one of the potential breakout players of 2010, Garcon has failed to live up to the hype. He's scored 10 points just once, and has struggled with injuries and shaky hands all year.
Will He Stay a Bust: Yes. Garcon isn't getting looks with most of Indy's receiving corps injured. Why would he get them when they come back?
Who’s the Matchup: The Patriots rank 25th against opposing wideouts this season, but the matchup favors Reggie Wayne more than Garcon.
What You Should Do With Him: Bench him, or cut him if you need the roster spot. He might have a big game left in him, but he's not going to be a consistent producer.
7. Brandon Marshall, WR, Miami Dolphins
14 of 20
Why He’s Been a Bust: Marshall has been the victim of poor quarterback play in 2010. He's struggled to get in rhythm, and his production has nosedived.
Will He Stay a Bust: Yes. He wasn't getting enough points with Chad Henne at quarterback, and Tyler Thigpen is no better.
Who’s the Matchup: The Bears rank fifth against opposing wideouts, so Marshal shouldn't expect much.
What You Should Do With Him: Bench him. Brandon Marshall has become a matchup play in 2010. Better luck next year.
6. Wes Welker, WR, New England Patriots
15 of 20
Why He’s Been a Bust: Welker was widely seen as a steal in the middle rounds of most drafts, and through two weeks, he was just that. But since then, he's struggled to deal with the heavier coverage Randy Moss' absence has brought, and hasn't posted 10 points or more since Week 1.
Will He Stay a Bust: Hard to say. Welker showed signs of life against Pittsburgh in Week 10, but it remains to be seen whether he can keep it going this week.
Who’s the Matchup: The Colts rank 13th against opposing wideouts this season, and Welker's sure to have difficulties getting open again.
What You Should Do With Him: Bench him. He's too talented to risk cutting, but until he produces consistently, you can't keep him in your lineup either.
5. Larry Fitzgerald, WR, Arizona Cardinals
16 of 20
Why He’s Been a Bust: Fitzgerald was a borderline first-round pick heading into 2010, but has been one of the most boom-or-bust players in the NFL this year. He's posted five single digit games this year and has been the victim of poor quarterback play.
Will He Stay a Bust: No. Fitz is too talented to keep down, and he's posted three straight strong games.
Who’s the Matchup: Kansas City ranks 20th against opposing wideouts, and they lack the skill to stay with a receiver of Larry's quality.
What You Should Do With Him: At this point, it seems safe to play Fitz every week, but be prepared for the potential howler that comes from the quarterbacks throwing him the ball.
4. Ronnie Brown, RB, Miami Dolphins
17 of 20
Why He’s Been a Bust: Brown was seen as a reliable fantasy back heading into this season, but has failed to deliver even consistently mediocre performances. He's broken 10 points just twice, and has failed to score more than seven points in any other week this year.
Will He Stay a Bust: Yes. Don't be fooled by his recent touchdowns, they're all that's keeping Brown from the cut line in most formats.
Who’s the Matchup: Chicago ranks 12th against opposing running backs, and should close down Miami's run game.
What You Should Do With Him: Bench him, or possibly cut him. Brown has talent, but he has yet to show much of it this year.
3. Kellen Winslow, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
18 of 20
Why He’s Been a Bust: Widely viewed as a potential top 10 tight end, Kellen Winslow has failed to perform in 2010. Until last week, he had yet to score a touchdown, and hadn't cracked the 10 point mark as a result.
Will He Stay a Bust: Hard to say. Winslow's been a good tight end in years past, but he's struggled with drops and injuries all season long. If last week was any indicator, he might be turning things around.
Who’s the Matchup: The 49ers rank 11th in the NFL against opposing tight ends.
What You Should Do With Him: Bench him for now, but if the poor play continues, cut him loose.
2. Steve Smith, WR, Carolina Panthers
19 of 20
Why He’s Been a Bust: Smith has been the victim of circumstance in 2010. He's got no help in the receiving corps, his quarterbacks stink and he's battled injuries. All in all, it's been a miserable year for Smith and his owners.
Will He Stay a Bust: Yes. At this point, it's unlikely Smith will find his groove in 2010.
Who’s the Matchup: The Ravens rank 24th in the NFL against opposing wideouts, but with no one capable of getting him the ball, it won't matter much.
What You Should Do With Him: At this point, you could almost get away with cutting the talented wideout outright. Almost.
1. Randy Moss, WR, Tennessee Titans
20 of 20
Why He’s Been a Bust: It's been a disaster of a season for Randy Moss in 2010. He's playing for his third team of the year, hasn't been terribly effective for any of them, and has just two double-digit points games this season. For a guy who was seen as a potential first round pick in many leagues, that's not acceptable.
Will He Stay a Bust: Hard to say. Moss is capable of going off at any time, but has yet to find his rhythm in Tennessee. Until he does, he'll stay a bust.
Who’s the Matchup: Washington, who rank 31st in the NFL against opposing wideouts. If Moss is going to break out of his slump against anyone, it'll be the Redskins.
What You Should Do With Him: Moss is too talented not to start, even if his production doesn't merit a place right now. With the favorable matchup, the odds of him finding a groove increase significantly this week, but be ready to bench him from here on out if he can't get it done.
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