2011 Fantasy Football: Top 10 Players Who Will Go Bust

JM Van Horn

Every fantasy football draft there are those certain players that owners select who help bring their team down to the cellar or to pay too much for their production. Here are ten players every fantasy football owner should pay attention to when making their selections.

Michael Vick Quarterback - Philadelphia Eagles

Yes, we know Vick had an amazing year last year when he took over the starting role. As a result, several sites, including writers at ESPN feel he should be the top selection overall. That is where they are mistaken. They are several quarterbacks like Aaron Rodgers or Phillip Rivers who are going to out produce him in 2011. If you are going to select Vick, make sure it is a middle of the first round.

Ryan Matthews Running back - San Diego Chargers

Prior to the start of his rookie season, everyone was gaga over Matthews who was going to be the major cog in the running game of the Chargers. Instead fantasy owners found that he was sharing time with Tolbert and losing precious goal line carries. Expect more of the same in 2011.

Peyton Hillis Running back - Cleveland Browns

Hillis was the feel good story of 2010 when he came out of nowhere to be a major force for the Browns running game. There are a few things you need to pay attention to. His production dropped during the final weeks of the season and the backfield will be full once more thanks to several backs healing from injuries. Also, let us not forget the Madden Curse.

Michael Turner Running back - Atlanta Falcons

When it comes to a player scoring 39 touchdowns during the last three seasons, you have to wonder why he landed on this list. He has carried the ball 900 times over the last three seasons since taking over the role in Atlanta. The wear and tear on his body is evident and he is 29 years of age. Turner can still produce but should be picked after up and comers likes Ray Rice.

Cedric Benson Running back - Cincinnati Bengals

While Benson has done a nice job revitalizing his career with the Bengals, putting together two 1,000 yard seasons, the time has come to pass him up in your fantasy football draft. Why? Because the Bengals offense is going to be atrocious this year with a rookie signal caller at the helm.

Dez Bryant Wide Receiver - Dallas Cowboys

By the end of the 2010 season, Bryant put together a solid rookie season with 45 receptions for 561 yards with 6 touchdowns. This performance along with the return of a healthy Tony Romo has elevated his status. The only problem is that he had numerous injuries during his first year and the team is filled with explosive playmakers. Be warned, he is best if selected as your third wide receiver at best.

Tony Gonzalez Tightend - Atlanta Falcons

Fantasy owners are still banking on Gonzalez based on his name rather than looking at his performance. In 2010, we saw his reception and yards drop from the previous two seasons. He will score some points but he is no longer the second best option for Matt Ryan on the team. Do not forget Father Time is catching up to him.

Reggie Wayne Wide Receiver - Indianapolis Colts

Wide receivers can be a fickle bunch when it comes to their production. Wayne 's performance in 2010 is the perfect example. Even though we saw him increase his receptions and yardage from 2010, we saw his touchdown receptions drop in half. Peyton Manning has been nursing a neck injury and with the return of Austin Collie, there are going to be less balls for Wayne. Do not over pay for him, he is no longer a top ten wide receiver.

Lee Evans Wide Receiver - Baltimore Ravens

You could hear every fantasy football owner take a sigh of relief when Evans was traded from the Bills to the Ravens during the off-season. While we always saw his potential in Buffalo, he never had the arm. While it is hard not to get excited about him pairing up with Joe Flacco, just remember what Anquan Boldin did not do last year.

Jay Cutler Quarterback - Chicago Bears

Since arriving in Chicago, Cutler has had plenty of opportunity to shine under the Mike Martz system of throw first and ask questions later. It shows in the amount of interceptions he has been responsible for, 42 picks in 2 years. While he will have some touchdowns, his interceptions could cost you. There will be better options than him unless you would like to have him as a backup.

Published by JM Van Horn

I have spent the last several years writing for various outlets, from newspaper print to online sports sites. Though I may not be right all the time, I enjoy sharing my thoughts on a variety of subjects for...  View profile

To comment, please sign in to your Yahoo! account, or sign up for a new account.