Time to take a look back at my busts for this season. Like last season, nearly nailed all of these. I believe I’ll look better on the RBs by the end of the season for reasons I’ll point out.
QB
Peyton Manning – Denver Broncos – ADP: 3 – Current Season Scoring at Position: 29th – Grade: A+++
I actually think his arm has looked a lot better than people have been suggesting but I never imagined the O line would be as terrible as it has been. The crazy thing to think about now with Manning is, if he returns for another season, does he even get drafted in 10 team leagues? Very possible he’ll still be on the waiver wire after draft day in a lot of leagues next season.
Matthew Stafford – Detroit Lions – ADP: 9 – Current Season Scoring at Position: 21st – Grade: A+++
Almost criminally overrated at this point and is showing it. His line is bad but he’s just an average NFL QB, at best. I’ve never owned him and never will.
RB
DeMarco Murray – Philadelphia Eagles – ADP: 8 – Current Season Scoring at Position: 12th – Grade: C
If not for so many injuries to RBs, he’d barely be top 20 right now. The Eagles do look like they are turning things around but it’s hard to imagine Murray finishes top 10 unless more injuries gift him the spot. Tougher sledding behind an O line that couldn’t block nearly the entire first half of the season.
Frank Gore – Indianapolis Colts – ADP: 14 – Current Season Scoring at Position: 10th – Grade: C
Hasn’t had his bye and, if you take away the last game, he drops out of the top 20. Still looks fantastic when he runs but his line is awful. I thought he could put up numbers but not behind that blocking. Impressed with him to this point but still wouldn’t trust him on my team.
Melvin Gordon – San Diego Chargers – ADP: 16 – Current Season Scoring at Position: 46th – Grade: A+++
Another one you can blame a bit on the line but his ball security problems aren’t helping either. Really looked great at the start as a runner but only so much he can do.
WR
Andre Johnson – Indianapolis Colts – ADP: 16 – Current Season Scoring at Position: 48th – Grade: A+++
As I said at the outset, I love his talent but too many mouths and the Colts offense was atrocious at the start. Playing better now but pretty much no way he gets near the top 20 this season. Will go undrafted in smaller leagues next season, for sure.
Sammy Watkins – Buffalo Bills – ADP: 20 – Current Season Scoring at Position: 44th – Grade: A+++
Injuries have hurt but, again, be wary of WRs on Rex Ryan-coached teams. It’s just not happening regardless of how talented Watkins is. Buyer beware until he’s playing under another staff.
Victor Cruz – New York Giants – ADP: 33 – Current Season Scoring at Position: No Rank
Hasn’t stepped on the field and I’m certainly surprised by that. Still, it was obvious he wasn’t going to be 100% early and it looks like he won’t be late in the season either. As I said, better upside guys behind him and not worth the pick he cost.
TE
Julius Thomas – Jacksonville Jaguars – ADP: 6 – Current Season Scoring at Position: 38th – Grade: A++
Even after he returned from the suspension, he’s been a dud. One good game and a bunch of stinkers. Not an elite player at his position and in a terrible situation. I wouldn’t expect that to change next season if he remains a Jag.
Defense
Philadelphia Eagles – ADP: 5 – Current Season Scoring at Position: 5th – Grade: F
Definitely the one I got dead-wrong. I was right about them not repeating on the TDs. Wrong about the talent level. They’ve been a ball-hawking unit and it looks like they are getting better as the season progresses. Good unit and deserving of being called one of the best fantasy options.
Last Minute Fantasy Football Pickup 