In fantasy football, things don’t work out exactly how we plan them.
2012 Fantasy Football: Week 2 Busts
After leaving your draft exciting about the prospects of owning Matthew Stafford, Greg Jennings and Fred Jackson, you are likely sitting with an 0-1 record. Sometimes, players just don't live up to expectations.
Each week, I will be picking some busts of the week. These are players I think will fail to live up to expectations. In order to qualify for this list, a player must be started by at least half of teams in Yahoo! leagues to make sure these are outside the box picks. We’ll keep track of how I do with my picks based on a scoring system outlined after the jump.
Any specific lineup questions beyond this can be asked in the comments or on Twitter. Also, be sure to check out SB Nation’s Fantasy Football War Room from 4-8:30 p.m. eastern time on weekdays and 8 a.m until game time on Sundays to have all of your questions answered.
Quarterback
(Scoring Criteria: Must score fewer than 20 fantasy points, 20 passing yards = 1 point, 10 rushing yards = 1 point, 4 points per passing TD, 6 points per rushing TD)
Michael Vick, Philadelphia Eagles, 73-percent started, Matchup: vs. Baltimore
Michael Vick turned in a stinker in Philadelphia's season opener, throwing four interceptions against the Cleveland Browns. He know goes up against a Baltimore Ravens defense that will bring a ton of pressure and has a knack for forcing turnovers. This may be the week for Vick owners to play their backup.
Running Backs
(Scoring Criteria: Must score fewer than 12 fantasy points, 10 yards rushing/receiving = 1 point, all touchdowns = 1 point)
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans, 94-percent started, Matchup: at San Diego
Two things are working against Chris Johnson. For starters, Tennessee's offensive line is not opening up a ton of room for CJ2K to work with. But the bigger issue might be Johnson's hesitance to hit the holes when they are there. He is not running with the same conviction he did a few years ago, and the Chargers' front-seven isn't going to roll over for him.
Ahmad Bradshaw, New York Giants, 80-percent start, Matchup: vs. Tampa Bay
After David Wilson fumbled early on against the Cowboys, Ahmad Bradshaw shouldered the load for the Giants. While that will likely be the case again, and Tampa Bay may seem like an easy matchup, the Buccaneers defense is a different animal with Gerald McCoy healthy. Bradshaw may disappoint his fantasy owners this weekend.
Wide Receivers
(Scoring Criteria: Must score fewer than 10 fantasy points, 10 yards rushing/receiving = 1 point, all touchdowns = 1 point)
Brandon Lloyd, New England Patriots, 80-percent started, Matchup: vs. Arizona
The New England Patriots have a great matchup against the Arizona Cardinals at home, but that doesn't necessarily mean Brandon Lloyd will rack up fantasy points. Arizona's Patrick Peterson has developed into a dominant cornerback, and I think he'll put the clamps on Lloyd. Tom Brady has plenty of options in the passing game, so he won't mind if Lloyd is locked down.
Miles Austin, Dallas Cowboys, 84-percent started, Matchup: at Seattle
Miles Austin found the end zone in week one, but I don't expect a repeat performance against Seattle. The Seahawks secondary is among the league's top units, and we still don't know if Austin is 100-percent going into this game. He's not an every week starter just yet.
Tight End
(Scoring Criteria: Must score fewer than 8, 10 yards rushing/receiving = 1 point, all touchdowns = 1 point)
Tony Gonzalez, Atlanta Falcons, 72-percent started, Matchup: vs. Denver
Tony Gonzalez continues to pass the test of time, but Denver’s defense provides a tough matchup for him. The Atlanta passing attack should still have a decent night, I just wouldn’t trust Gonzo.
Defense
(Scoring Criteria: Must score fewer than 10 fantasy points)
San Francisco 49ers, 79-percent started, Matchup: vs. Detroit
The 49ers lived up to the hype on Sunday afternoon, holding Aaron Rodgers in check and shutting down any attempts by the Packers' ground game. Detroit presents another tough matchup for them, though, and I think Matthew Stafford will get things clicking this week. There is probably a better option on the waiver wire.
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