Worst Fantasy Football Players of 2008; Top 5 NFL Bust List

It's your fantasy league's draft day and you have done your homework. There is no possible way you can fail this year as you have even weeded out potential failure's that you will put on your "do not draft" list. As the season begins you quickly realize that several players you picked are not performing. Don't worry because you are not alone. Every year there are several highly regarded NFL athletes who fail to produce their projected numbers. In fantasy football one player could make or break your team. Fantasy busts are those players that could ruin your fantasy season. The bust list is based on the highest drafted players with the worst performance. It's unfortunate that injuries, and suspensions cannot be predicted, but it simply contributes to the difficulty of fantasy football. Here are the best of the worst fantasy football busts of 2008;

#5. Braylon Edwards- WR Cleveland Browns

After an amazing 2007 campaign, the pro-bowl wide receiver was one of the first receivers taken in most leagues. In that campaign Edwards had over 1200 yards receiving and a staggering 16 touchdowns. His statistics this year have been average at best. Edwards has 697 yards receiving and only 3 touchdowns after 12 games. Edwards has been booed several times during the season because of his inability to catch the ball this season. If drops brought negative points to a fantasy team than he would be dropped himself in most leagues. Braylon was the 18th overall fantasy pick this year but has less catches than over 30 other players. Edwards is 28th in reception yards behind Eddie Royal, Kevin Walter, Lance Moore, and several other players who were not drafted in over 90% of fantasy leagues.

#4. Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson- WR Cincinnati Bengals

Who knew a new name would bring such bad luck along with it. Chad Johnson in 2007 had 7 games in which he had over 5 receptions. Through 13 weeks in 2008 he has just 1 game with over 5 catches and has only 428 yards receiving and 4 touchdowns. Johnson is averaging a pitiful 40 yards a game and can't seem to find his rythym this season. It looks as though Chad may need another name change, and a change of scenery.

#3. LaDanian Tomlinson- RB San Diego Chargers

According to KFFL.com Tomlinson was the #1 overall fantasy selection in all of fantasy football. The 2008 NFL season has been a crazy one, but could anyone guess that a healthy LaDanian Tomlinson would only have 2 100 yard rushing games in the first 13 weeks of the season!? Against the Atlanta Falcons LT had 14 carries for 24 yards and a touchdown. Since when have teams been able to stop LT? Tomlinson is averaging under 70 yards rushing per game and has only 5 rushing touchdowns. For being the top overall pick, Tomlinson has been a letdown for fantasy owners.

#2. Larry Johnson- RB Kansas City Chiefs

Johnson was the 15th overall average pick in NFL fantasy but has not been worth it. Due to troubles off the field such as allegedly spitting a drink in the face of a woman, Johnson has missed 4 games and only looked good in several games. In the first 12 games of the season Johnson managed 565 yards rushing, 3 touchdowns, and 5 fumbles. Larry johnson has been a disappointment to all fantasy owners who were unfortunate enough to draft him in their league. His troubles this year may make him a steal in next years draft, but this year he is the second biggest overall bust in fantasy football for 2008.

#1. Tom Brady-QB New England Patriots

Tom Brady was a top 5 pick in nearly every fantasy league. He also became useless halfway into week one with a season ending injury. It's not always fair to label a player as a 'bust' due to an injury, but as far as fantasy leagues are concerned, he has been a complete bust on anyone's team for the 2008 season. Hopefully Brady owners were able to cushion the blow by adding Matt Cassel to their fantasy team. Due to the injury much like several other 'busts' from this year, you may just be able to draft him cheaply next year.

Honorable Mention Fantasy Busts:

Edgerrin James- RB Arizona Cardinals

Plaxico Burress- WR New York Giants

Randy Moss- WR New England Patriots

Devin Thomas- WR Washington Redskins

Ryan Grant- RB Green Bay Packers

Jamal Lewis- RB Cleveland Browns

Matt Hasselbeck- QB Seattle Seahawks