Fantasy Busts
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Quarterbacks
The preseason can be a time of great change in fantasy football. While you shouldn't believe every report coming out of team practices, it is important to keep informed about which players are standing out and who may be underwhelming in the month of August.
Sensing the depth at quarterback this year, many fantasy owners are waiting until the mid or even later rounds to find their starter. It's a strategy that can really pay off, if you find the right player. Failing with your 10th round pick isn't as bad as whiffing in the early portion of the draft, but not being able to come away with a reliable starting option could sink your team all together.
Let's take a look at the quarterbacks most likely to disappoint fantasy owners in 2014.
(Note: all average draft position (ADP) data in this article is courtesy of FantasyFootballCalculator.com and based on 12-team leagues with standard scoring.)
Cam Newton, Panthers
ADP: 7th round
Newton made his preseason debut Sunday night against the Kansas City Chiefs and his performance didn't answer as many questions as one would hope.
The Panthers began the game with three straight three-and-out series, where Newton completed one of his five passing attempts and took a sack. The team rebounded with a pair of drives that were capped off by Jonathan Stewart touchdowns. Newton finished the night 4-of-9 for 65 yards.
The Panthers offensive line and receiving corps are both being rebuilt this season. The line hasn't faired well in the first two preseason games, while the pass catchers are mix of rookies and role players, all unproven as starters. Both groups may exceed expectations this season, but only because the bar is set so low.
In addition to the personnel woes, Newton is dealing with an ankle issue that could be worrisome for a quarterback whose fantasy value is largely dependent on his skills as a rusher.
Newton has been a solid fantasy option in the past, but there are enough red flags going into this season that you should be looking elsewhere for a fantasy starter.
Robert Griffin III, Redskins
ADP: 7th round
Entering his third year, the Redskins have surrounded him with talented skill position players. DeSean Jackson and Andre Roberts join Pierre Garcon in the receiving corps. Alfred Morris is a volume rusher, but is still a quality running back and Jordan Reed has immense upside if he can stay on the field.
The Redskins are also attempting to improve their offensive line, moving guard Kory Lichtensteiger to center and bringing in free agent Shawn Lauvao to play left guard. They will line up with two-time Pro Bowler Trent Williams.
So with all this good news, why is RG3 a bust candidate? It's a year of transition for the Redskins, who will need to find a new identity under first-time head coach Jay Gruden. The early returns from camp have been less than ideal, with some even suggesting backup Kirk Cousins is more suited to play in Gruden's system.
Griffin will be over a year and a half removed from his knee injury when the season starts and things may eventually click for him in the new pass-heavy scheme. However, there are already reports that the designed runs, which Griffin thrived on will no longer be part of the equation.
If you're assessing risk when it comes to the top-12 quarterbacks, Griffin's fantasy value is volatile and if he struggles to put it together or Gruden flounders as a first-year coach, your fantasy team could suffer.
Colin Kaepernick, 49ers
ADP: Late 8th round/early 9th round
Like all the quarterbacks on the list, Kaepernick is an outstanding talent and will be exciting to watch for many years to come. Having Kaepernick on your real life team can lead to conference championships and Super Bowl appearances, but having him on your fantasy squad may not be as beneficial.
The 49ers are a run-first offense and that won't change in 2014. Their offensive line is one of the best in football and if Frank Gore were to go down with an injury, the club has rookie Carlos Hyde to take over.
The team's offense should be productive this season, but their schedule won't do them any favours. If playing in the NFC West wasn't bad enough, Kaepernick will have to deal with the Broncos, Saints and Rams twice during a five week stretch in the middle of the season. He also gets the pleasure of battling the Seahawks in Weeks 13 and 15.
After a 412-yard game in last year's season opener, Kaepernick only broke the 250-yard mark in three games the rest of the way. Unless offensive Greg Roman decides to open up the offense, Kaepernick's upside won't outweigh the fact he will have entire games where he isn't asked to use his arm as the team's rushing attack does all the heavy lifting.
