2012 Fantasy Football Busts: 10 Players to Avoid

Published: 10th Aug 12 10:42 am
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2012 Fantasy Football Busts: 10 Players to Avoid
(Mark Baer/US PRESSWIRE)

With the NFL regular season less than a month away, it’s that time of year where 2012 fantasy football drafts begin to take place and as always–owners are always cautious about which picks to avoid.

Here’s 10 players that should be considered 2012 fantasy football busts for the upcoming season.

RB Beanie WellsArizona Cardinals

If you’ve had Wells on your fantasy team at all the last two seasons, you got used to seeing the “Questionable” tag next to his name. His knee is a cause for concern for fantasy owners once again. If you do draft Wells, you’d be wise to pick Ryan Williams who the Cardinals drafted in the second round in 2011. He injured his knee in preseason last year, but Williams is poised to finally get on the field. Williams, along with LaRod Stephens-Howling will take some carries away from Beanie.

Here’s a video with more coverage discussing why Wells should be a fantasy football bust.

RB Frank GoreSan Francisco 49ers

The 49ers aren’t hiding the fact that they’re going to be limiting the workload of their star running back this season. Gore’s carries were down last year, especially in the second half of the season. San Francisco brought in Brandon Jacobs who will likely take away some goal-line situations from Gore. They also drafted RB LaMichael James and added WRs Randy Moss and Mario Manningham, so Gore’s role is the passing game limited as well.

Here’s a video with more coverage discussing why Gore should be a fantasy football bust.

WR Jerome SimpsonMinnesota Vikings

Since we’re on the topic of “Busts”, might as well mention the fact that Simpson was busted in the offseason for accepting a package carrying more than two pounds of marijuana. This is relevant from a fantasy perspective because if you draft Simpson, you won’t be able to start him until Week 4 since he was suspended 3 games by the NFL. Oh, and he now plays for the Vikings. Don’t bet on him flipping into the end-zone too many times this year.

Here’s a video with more coverage discussing why Simpson should be a fantasy football bust. 

WR Laurent RobinsonJacksonville Jaguars

Laurent Robinson was a pleasant surprise for fantasy owners a year ago. Robinson had success with Tony Romo and the Dallas Cowboys, catching 54 balls for 858 yards and 11 touchdowns. All were career highs for Robinson, who signed with the Jags in the offseason. Needless to say, Blaine Gabbert isn’t Tony Romo. Jacksonville’s leading receiver was Mike Thompson who had just 43 receptions with one touchdown. Defenses will key on Robinson this year. He’s no longer under the radar, and he doesn’t a quarterback who can get him the ball on a consistent basis.

Here’s a video with more coverage discussing why Robinson should be a fantasy football bust.

WR Vincent JacksonTampa Bay Buccaneers

For the first time in his career, Vincent Jackson will not have the elite arm of Phillip Rivers throwing him the pigskin. Instead, the two-time Pro-Bowler signed a $55.55 million deal in honor of his new quarterback who wears the No. 5. Josh Freeman struggled his sophomore season, throwing 16 touchdowns and 22 interceptions. The third-year QB, who’s agile to begin with, came into camp lighter this season. Don’t be surprised if he relies more on his legs this season; Freeman rushed for four touchdowns a season ago.

Here’s a video with more coverage discussing why Jackson should be a fantasy football bust. 

RB Reggie BushMiami Dolphins

On the ground, Reggie Bush put up the best numbers of his career in 2011. For the first time, Bush broke 1,000 rushing yards and reached the end-zone 7 times. It looks like Bush will have some company in the backfield this season which is likely to diminish his fantasy value.

Here’s a video with more coverage discussing why Bush should be a fantasy football bust.

RB Fred JacksonBuffalo Bills

Buffalo have some tough rushing match-ups on their 2012 schedule. The 31 year-old running back will compete with C.J. Spiller for carries in the Bills backfield and there’s always the risk of whether or not his broken leg from the end of last season will have an effect on his performance.

Here’s a video with more coverage discussing why Jackson should be a fantasy football bust.

WR Mario ManninghamSan Francisco 49ers

One of the heros from the New York Giants when they defeated the New England Patriots in February, Manningham will most likely be the No. 3 wide receiver on the 49ers alongside Michael Crabtree and Randy Moss. Throw in the factor of Vernon Davis as one of the league’s top pass-catching tight ends–it’s difficult to imagine Manningham displaying big numbers during the 2012 season with a passing unit filled with talented receivers.

Here’s a video with more coverage discussing why Manningham should be a fantasy football bust. 

WR Brandon LloydNew England Patriots

The could be a solid flex choice, if only because of Tom Brady. Let’s not forget Brady has some other targets look for; Wes Welker along with a pair of tight ends could keep Lloyd’s fantasy value from flourishing. Lloyd is far from the wide receiver he was two seasons ago in 2010 and it’s difficult to imagine him posting monster numbers on a Patriots team loaded with talent in the passing game.

Here’s a video with more coverage discussing why Lloyd should be a fantasy football bust.

WR Kenny BrittTennessee Titans

Britt has been plagued by injuries over the past two seasons, but when healthy he has proven to be one of the premiere deep threats in the NFL. Along with Britt’s soft-tissue injuries, fantasy owners should be concerned at the fact that Britt has been part of eight incidents involving police since joining the NFL in 2009.

Here’s a video with more coverage discussing why Britt should be a fantasy football bust.

Aaron Kirn, the Director of Video & Dan Parzych, the Director of Content collaborated on this article. Them on Twitter @AaronKirn and @DanParzych

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