DFS: Early-Season Bust Candidates

Whether you drafted these players in your seasonal leagues or picked them in your DFS rosters, you're no doubt thoroughly disappointed.

Listed below are four players who have become our early-season bust candidates. These players have seen their DFS prices trending in the wrong direction - or in the right direction if you are looking to buy low.

RB DeMarco Murray, Eagles

Below are Murray's numbers for Weeks 1 and 2; shield your eyes if they're sensitive:

In Week 1, Murray managed to save his value with a touchdown on the ground and through the air. However, it is his absolutely horrendous 11 rushing yards on 21 carries that strikes fear and regret into fantasy players.

Furthermore, Murray's Week 2 performance is cause for the greatest concern. Against Dallas, Murray managed two yards on 13 carries for an average of 0.15 yards per carry (YPC). Compounding this is that Murray's longest carry went for nine yards; exclude it, and Murray had 12 attempts for negative seven yards resulting (-0.58 YPC).

RB C.J. Anderson, Broncos

Since Murray saved his minimal fantasy value with receptions and two touchdowns in Week 1, C.J. Anderson has actually provided less fantasy reward. If your league or DFS format does not reward points per reception, Anderson takes "useless" to another level.

Likely the biggest concern for Anderson is the split carries that Gary Kubiak, Denver's offensive coordinator, has implemented between him and Ronnie Hillman. Through two games, Anderson only has 24 total carries to Hillman's 21. However, Hillman has been more effective with his workload averaging 3.5 YPC compared to Anderson's 2.3 YPC mark.

Anderson in 2015:

Hillman in 2015:

The combination of split carries and poor performance has dropped Anderson's DFS price substantially. Heading into Week 3, Anderson matches up against a porous Detroit run defense that has allowed 147 yards per game.

With this soft matchup and job security a possible issue, Anderson should be motivated to bring his 'A' game. If he fails to do so, he may wind up on the wrong side of a time share with Hillman.

QB Drew Brees, Saints

At the start of the season there was a significant camp doubting Brees' productivity without Jimmy Graham - so far they were right.

Though Brees is fifth with 610 total passing yards, he owns a 2:2 touchdown to interception ratio that is not fit for an elite QB1. The biggest disappoint was his Week 2 performance where he faced what seemed to be an ideal matchup: playing at home against Tampa Bay. Unfortunately for Brees owners, his output of 255 passing yards, one touchdown, and one interception was nowhere near the results they had spent a heavy portion of their DFS salary on.

Specific to DFS pricing, Brees has been near the top in QB salaries but obviously has failed to return value. With his rotator cuff issue now surfacing and a group of unproven receivers, it may best to avoid Brees until he returns to form - if he even does.

WR Brandin Cooks, Saints

Picking two players from the same team was not ideal for this piece but Cooks has undoubtedly earned the bust tag.

Cooks was pegged as an up and coming receiver this year with an increased workload due to the departure of Jimmy Graham. However, he has failed miserably through Weeks 1 and 2 putting up 111 yards on nine catches.

The biggest problem with Cooks in DFS is that there there are plenty of other options at his average price. Names like Julian Edelman, Jordan Matthews, Brandon Marshall, and Jarvis Landry all provided superior choices at similar or lower price tags.

Ultimately, the relationship between Brees and Cooks needs to be mutually beneficial for either to provide value in DFS. Like Brees, it is best to take a 'wait-and-see' approach before rostering Cooks. Clearly there is better value available on the market.