X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

10 Fantasy Football Lineup Busts for Week 12

Pierre Camus' top 10 potential lineup busts for Week 12 of the 2016 fantasy football season. Players to avoid in your lineups as underperformers and disappointments.

You've read about all the sleepers, waiver wire pickups and starter suggestions based on matchups. Now let me burst some bubbles and tell you who I think is going to bust big time in Week 12.

This isn't to troll or spread hate - that's what those political sites are for. Think of this as a public service for fanboys and truth deniers who insist that everything is going to be alright, when it's clearly not. If you don't believe me, just ask the general public on Twitter. They know everything.

Warning: while the picks made in this article are completely serious, you may find sarcastic humor laced throughout. If you don't have any sense of humor whatsoever, turn back now before you get all worked up.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

Editor's Note: New users that sign up on FantasyAces, make a $20 deposit, and enter any game will receive BOTH our full season NFL and NBA Premium Passes for free, a $119.99 value. Just email [email protected] with your new FantasyAces username - and boom, that's it! We will email you with your Premium Passes.

 

Week 11 Recap

It would be way too obvious to refer to last week's bust picks as "turkeys" just to force a Thanksgiving reference. Not everybody is eating turkey this week, you know. Let's go the Charlie Brown route instead.

A CHARLIE BROWN THANKSGIVING

Jellybeans and popcorn? Neat-O!

 

Amari Cooper (4 REC, 57 YDS, 1 TD)
Doug Baldwin (4 REC, 104 YDS, 1 PASS TD) yes, he threw a TD to Russell Wilson

 

 

 

Charlie-Brown-Thanksgiving-1

Is that burnt toast I smell?


Jared Goff (134 YDS, 0 TD)

Carson Wentz (218 YDS, 2 TD, 2 INT)
Sam Bradford (169 YDS, 1 TD)
Paul Perkins (16 RUSH YDS, 19 REC YDS, 0 TD)
Carlos Hyde (86 YDS, 0 TD)
Jarvis Landry (5 REC, 28 YDS, 1 TD)
Jordy Nelson (3 REC, 28 YDS, 1 TD)
Jason Witten (5 REC, 37 YDS, 0 TD)

 
 
 
 

We're officially back on track with only two picks qualifying as non-busts. Sure, Landry and Nelson reached the end zone, but 28 yards receiving still hampered their value in most leagues. If you saw Landry's score, the offensive line should get credit for that touchdown anyway as they practically threw him into the end zone. Now, let's see which players will go over worse than Aunt Maybelle's leftover mystery casserole this holiday weekend.

 
 

Top 10 Busts for Week 12

Tyrod Taylor (QB, BUF) - Is there a healthy receiver in the house? The Bills are looking forward to the return of star receiver Sammy Watkins, but that probably won't happen until Week 13. Meanwhile, Robert Woods is out with a knee injury and Marquise Goodwin has been in and out of the lineup this year with concussion issues. LeSean McCoy has a thumb issue as well, but should suit up for the game against Jacksonville. Buffalo shouldn't have trouble running the ball, which means Taylor will do a lot of handing off and not much passing to rack up fantasy points. Don't expect Rex Ryan to have sympathy for your fantasy team, though. Unless he's coaching it.

ryantweet

 
 
Jeremy Hill (RB, CIN) - Gio Bernard is out, which means Hill has to carry the load. This may sound good for his fantasy prospects as his carry count will see a huge uptick, but that may not translate into immediate success. The Ravens are the second-stingiest team against running backs this season. Ezekiel Elliott managed 97 yards against them last week, but it took him 25 carries, marking his lowest Y/A since Week 1. Hill is a complete non-factor in the passing game and won't be taking anybody by surprise as the only threat in the backfield for Cincinnati. He is a TD-dependent RB2 this week - don't overpay for him or scramble to put him in your lineups. Unless you're just the overly optimistic type.

hilltweet

 
 
Isaiah Crowell (RB, CLE) - Crowell has pretty much been a bust since Week 4. In the last seven games, he hasn't surpassed 80 total yards in a game. The Browns don't even seem to be trying to run the ball any more. Crowell has failed to carry the ball 10 times in the last three games, probably because he is averaging 2.45 yards per carry in those last seven contests. Against the suddenly juggernaut Giants, Cleveland should be facing a deficit early, which will force the Browns to go pass-heavy once again. Forget his surprising early season success, Crowell is looking downright droppable in standard leagues. Poor Browns... you almost have to feel bad for them. Almost.

brownstweet

 
 
Devonta Freeman (RB, ATL) - An Arizona team known for its defense is giving up a ton of points lately, letting the likes of Minnesota, San Francisco and Carolina rack up 80 points in their last three games. However, that hasn't come on the ground as the Cards still rank first in restricting fantasy points allowed to RB. The return of Tevin Coleman to the lineup may cut into Freeman's touches as well. Downgrade Freeman to lower-end RB2 status this week. As if you hadn't already. Remember last year's Devonta Freeman? He was good.

devontatweet

 
 
Jordan Howard (RB, CHI) - Believe it or not, having Matt Barkley behind center isn't going to help Howard one bit. The Bears are also without their top two WR, starting TE and potentially starting guard Josh Sitton too. It will be a surprise to see the Bears muster anything in the passing game, so Howard's stock will likely suffer as a result. Sure, they'll want to hand the ball off a ton, but opponents like Tennessee will be ready for that. He's been explosive at times, posting four 100-yard rushing games, but he's also gone for three games under 50 yards as a starter. It will be tough sledding for Howard this week - consider other options until the Bears have a supporting cast that resembles an NFL squad.

bearstweet

 
 
Doug Martin (RB, TB) - It's a relief to see Martin back after seven long weeks without him. Before you get too excited, you may want to check the stat line though. Martin is averaging a paltry 2.8 yards per carry this season in 65 attempts. He wasn't very effective in the two games before his injury (25 carries for 85 yards) and hasn't been much better in the two games since returning (40 carries for 96 yards). Facing the Seahawks defense won't help in Week 12. Hopefully you have better options, because Martin is downright benchable this week. He'll be a solid play the rest of the season, but don't get carried away.

martintweet

 
 
DeAndre Hopkins (WR, HOU) - Yes, he should have had a long touchdown last week if not for a premature whistle. It's time to get over that and accept the fact he's been a massive disappointment this season. It's not his fault really (cough cough, Brock Osweiler), but that doesn't make him any more valuable to fantasy owners. Hopkins has only topped 60 receiving yards twice all year and hasn't scored since Week 5. He will be shadowed by Casey Hayward on Sunday, who has been a pleasant surprise since coming over from Green Bay with five interceptions. Expect another day on the dark side for the Pro Bowl wideout.

hopkinstweet

 
 
Tavon Austin (WR, LA) - Consistency has never been Austin's calling card, but to start him this week would truly be a shot in the dark. Jared Goff only targeted him twice last week, marking the second time in three weeks he's gotten that amount. Since his 10 catch outburst in Week 7, Austin has a total of four catches in the last three games. The Saints are thought to be a horrible defensive team, but they have improved their red zone defense. In the last three games, they are actually third-best at preventing touchdowns in the red zone. Austin has the speed to break a big play at any time, but if he isn't getting targeted, it can't happen.

ramstweet

 
 
Willie Snead (WR, NO) - New Orleans at home? Sign me up! Of course, all their skill players can't score, so we have to decide who has the best chance at success. Snead draws impressive young CB Lamarcus Joyner in the slot and could be in for a long day. The last five weeks Snead has seen his targets continue to drop (11, 8, 7, 7, 5) and hasn't been a big factor other than his two-TD performance against the Broncos. He simply isn't producing if he isn't scoring, making him a TD-dependent WR3, even at home.

sneadtweet

 
 
Jared Cook (TE, GB) - Cook emerged from hibernation last week to post one of the best games of his career after missing seven weeks with injury. Cook entered Week 11 with three 100-yard games in his eight year career and a total of 53 yards this entire season in Green Bay. He came away with six catches for 105 yards and a touchdown and has become a trendy streamer this week. Here's the rub: the Eagles allow the third-fewest fantasy points per game to tight ends and won't break down in containment the way Washington did in last week's shootout. The Packers spread the ball around too much to depend on a TE that just now is deciding to be a part of the offense.

cooktweet




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Jhoan Duran

Takes Comebacker Off Foot, X-Rays Negative
Rashee Rice

NFL Could Reach Settlement Before Hearing
Matt Chapman

Goes to Injured List
George Springer

Likely Returning on Saturday
Max Muncy

Lands on 10-Day Injured List
Joe Mixon

Not a Lock to be Ready For Week 1
Rashee Rice

Receives Clearance to Travel to Brazil for Week 1
Haywood Highsmith

Dealt to Brooklyn on Friday
Amir Coffey

Signs One-Year Deal With Bucks
Jacob Misiorowski

Activated and Starting on Friday
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Back From the Injured List
Khamzat Chimaev

A Favorite At UFC 319
Dricus Du Plessis

Set For His Third Title Defense
Aaron Pico

Set For UFC Debut
Lerone Murphy

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Chase Burns

Hits 15-Day Injured List With Flexor Strain
Geoff Neal

Looks For His Second Win In A Row
Travis Hunter

Dealing With Upper-Body Injury, Could be Held Out of Preseason Game
Michael Page

Set For His Second Middleweight Bout
Jared Cannonier

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Kai Asakura

Looks For His First UFC Win
Tim Elliott

Set To Open Up UFC 309 Main Card
CBJ

Mikael Pyyhtia Re-Signs With Blue Jackets for One Year
UTA

Caleb Desnoyers Expected to Miss 12 Weeks After Wrist Procedure
Tyson Foerster

on Track to Be Healthy for Season Opener
NHL

Olivier Rodrigue Signs KHL Deal
NHL

Emil Bemstrom to Join Swiss Team
Payton Pritchard

Reportedly Moving Into Starting Lineup
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Expected to Return Friday
Michael King

Heading to 15-Day Injured List
Aaron Nola

to Return on Sunday
Quinshon Judkins

Won't Face Formal Charges
Sam LaPorta

To "Miss a Little Bit of Time"
Rashee Rice

Disciplinary Hearing Scheduled For Late September
Chris Godwin

Likely to Start the Season on PUP List?
Kevin Durant

Rockets Not Interested in Keeping Kevin Durant with Max Extension
Paul Goldschmidt

Could Land on the Injured List
NBA

Isaiah Mobley Joins Turkish Team
NBA

Cole Swider Links Up with EuroLeague Powerhouse
Ethan Thompson

Joins Heat for Training Camp
Los Angeles Clippers

Clippers Add Jason Preston for Training Camp
Stefon Diggs

Unsure About Availability for Week 1
Jakob Marsee

Homers Twice in Seven-RBI Night
Owen Caissie

Cubs Promoting Owen Caissie to Majors
Miguel Amaya

Going on 10-Day Injured List With Sprained Ankle
Max Muncy

Scratched With Side Soreness on Wednesday
Josh Hader

Will be Out Longer Than Two Weeks
Matt Chapman

Out in Series Finale With Hand Soreness
Justin Jefferson

Won't Practice This Week, Will be Re-Evaluated Next Week
Oneil Cruz

Placed on Seven-Day Concussion Injured List
Wyatt Langford

Out Wednesday With Forearm Tightness
Adolis García

Adolis Garcia Placed on 10-Day Injured List With Sprained Ankle
Nolan McLean

to Make MLB Debut on Saturday
Akshay Bhatia

a High-Upside Play at BMW Championship
Robert MacIntyre

a Safe Play at BMW Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im a Risky Play at BMW Championship
Xander Schauffele

Chases Big Week at BMW Championship
Shane Lowry

Aims to Rebound at BMW Championship
Si Woo Kim

Looks to Build Momentum at BMW Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Looking to Rebound at BMW Championship
Patrick Cantlay

Eyeing Another BMW Championship Victory
Neemias Queta

Wants to Raise His Free-Throw Attempts
Anfernee Simons

Celtics Stuggling to Trade Anfernee Simons
James Cook

Bills Agree on Four-Year Extension
Cole Anthony

Focuses on Winning with Bucks
NBA

Jesse Edwards Moves to Australia
Kessler Edwards

Joins Nuggets
Bradley Beal

Feeling Rejuvenated in Los Angeles
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Looking "Incredible"
PIT

Chad Ruhwedel Retires From NHL
MIN

Jack Johnson Signs Tryout Deal with Wild
Ryker Evans

Kraken Extend Ryker Evans with Two-Year Deal
Rondale Moore

Out for the Season With Knee Injury
Christian Watson

Likely to Begin Season on PUP List
Jordan Love

Undergoes Procedure on Left Thumb
Bud Cauley

Needs a Big Result in Maryland
Harris English

Confident for BMW Championship
Jason Day

Faces Uphill Battle at BMW Championship
Cameron Young

Hot at the Right Time
J.J. Spaun

Rolls in After Near Miss in Memphis
Brian Harman

is a Longer Shot Heading to Maryland
Corey Conners

Appears Safe This Week in Maryland
Daniel Berger

Must Play Better at BMW Championship
Miami Heat

Kai Jones Works Out for Heat
Sacramento Kings

Russell Westbrook Likely to Join Kings
Golden State Warriors

Al Horford Expected to Sign with Warriors if He Doesn't Retire
Jonathan Kuminga

Reportedly Leaning Toward Accepting Golden State's Qualifying Offer
Cam Thomas

"Increasingly Interested" in Signing Qualifying Offer
Sepp Straka

Withdraws From BMW Championship
Maverick McNealy

Finishes Tied for 28th at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Finishes Tied For Third at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Collin Morikawa

Finishes Tied For 22nd at FedEx St. Jude Championship
Rory McIlroy

Finishes Tied For Seventh at Open Championship
Brandon Aiyuk

Could Return in Week 6
Boston Celtics

Miles Norris Waived by Celtics
Anthony Hernandez

Extends His Win Streak To Eight
Roman Dolidze

Submitted At UFC Vegas 109
Ode' Osbourne

Drops Decision At UFC Vegas 109
Steve Erceg

Gets Back In The Win Column
Angela Hill

Outclassed At UFC Vegas 109
Angela Hill

Iasmin Lucindo Dominates Angela Hill
Christian Rodriguez

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Andre Fili

Gets Back in the Win Column
Miles Johns

Drops Split Decision At UFC Vegas 109
Miles Johns

Jean Matsumoto Edges Out Miles Johns To Win Split Decision
Eryk Anders

Suffers First-Round TKO
Christian Leroy Duncan

Scores First-Round TKO Win
Alexander Mattison

Will Miss Entire Season With Neck Injury
Zayne Parekh

Has Sights Set on Making Flames Roster
Hampus Lindholm

Fully Healthy for New Season
NHL

Nathan Bastian Joins Stars on One-Year Contract
Christopher Bell

Good Pit Strategy Helps Elevate Christopher Bell to Second
William Byron

Extends Championship Lead with Fourth-Place Finish
Ryan Blaney

Despite Finishing Sixth, Watkins Glen Might've Been Ryan Blaney's Best Road Race
Alex Bowman

Loses Ground Above Playoff Cutline, but Still Pretty Safe
Kyle Larson

Finishes Last After Brake Failure and Spin
Chris Buescher

Scores Another Top-5 Run At Watkins Glen
Ryan Preece

Earns Stage Points, but Loses Ground to the Playoffs At Watkins Glen
William Byron

Keeps the Regular Season Points Lead After Watkins Glen
Chase Briscoe

Continues His Hot Streak With A Top-5 Finish At Watkins Glen
Chase Elliott

Top-20 Streak Ends at Watkins Glen After Pit Struggles
Matthew Stafford

Will Return to Practice on Monday
Tyjae Spears

to Miss a Couple of Weeks
Rondale Moore

Expected to Miss Season
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen the Heavy Favorite to Win at Watkins Glen
Kyle Larson

Is Kyle Larson a Must-Play in DFS at Watkins Glen?
Chase Elliott

an Easy Pick to Make in DFS at Watkins Glen
Chris Buescher

Trying to Repeat at Watkins Glen
Tyler Reddick

Struggling to Find Speed at Watkins Glen
Michael McDowell

a Legitimate Threat at Watkins Glen
Joey Logano

Has Been Solid at Watkins Glen in Next Gen Car
Todd Gilliland

Has Upside at Watkins Glen
Ricky Stenhouse Jr

. has Favorable Watkins Glen Record
Justin Haley

Fastest in Practice at Watkins Glen
Riley Herbst

Could Be A Sneaky DFS Play

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP