Biggest Fantasy Football Busts of the Week - Fantasy Outlooks for James Cook, DJ Moore, Travis Etienne Jr., Sam LaPorta

December 26, 2023

Several NFL players underwhelmed in Week 16 of the 2023 fantasy football season. Andersen Pickard identifies busts at each position and whether they'll bounce back.

The 16th Sunday of the 2023 NFL season has come and gone. Hopefully, you woke up on Monday morning feeling very good about how your matchup went. However, this week's slate of games was certainly stress-inducing for many fantasy football managers.

Part of that stress was caused by a group of players who drastically underachieved in Week 16. These players simply did not meet fantasy expectations, and it cost their managers in a big way.

Let's take a look at the biggest busts from Week 16, as well as whether or not we can still have some trust in these players moving forward. All point totals are based on the PPR scoring system.

Fantasy Football Quarterback Busts

Sam Howell, 0.24 FPTS

Howell looked miserable against the Jets, ultimately getting benched for the second consecutive week. This time around, he might not be as lucky getting his starting role back. Jacoby Brissett has looked significantly better than Howell despite limited action and preparation, creating some quarterback drama to monitor for Week 17.

Fantasy Football Running Back Busts

James Cook, 4.0 FPTS

After two incredibly dominant performances, Cook came back down to earth with just 70 yards and one lost fumble. Even against the Patriots' solid run defense next week, the young playmaker is primed to bounce back and will rank as a high-end fantasy RB2.

Travis Etienne Jr., 6.1 FPTS

It has been a peculiar year for the Jaguars, who gave just six carries to Etienne on Sunday as they were quickly blown out by the Buccaneers. Fortunately, he's in the perfect position to bounce back against a woeful Panthers run defense next week. All in all, Etienne remains a mid-to-high RB2 option.

Tony Pollard, 5.3 FPTS

Pollard continues to have a decreased role in the rushing attack. Sure, he remains the Cowboys' No. 1 running back, but he has also earned less than 13 carries in each of his last two games. Fantasy managers should treat him as a somewhat risky RB2 versus the Lions' excellent run defense next week.

De'Von Achane, 4.1 FPTS

Achane's historic start to the season hasn't translated to late-season production. He remains an RB3 option in fantasy football after scrapping together just eight touches and 31 scrimmage yards for Week 16. Raheem Mostert has been the Dolphins' top running back all year long and remains superior to Achane in terms of fantasy value.

Kenneth Walker III, 6.6 FPTS

Walker only slightly benefited from facing a banged-up Tennessee squad. Amidst the Titans' injuries, Walker delivered just 56 scrimmage yards. He should bounce back with a much more favorable matchup against the Steelers next week.

More Busts:

• Chase Brown, 4.4 FPTS
• Alvin Kamara, 8.5 FPTS

Fantasy Football Wide Receiver Busts

DJ Moore, 4.8 FPTS

The Bears trampled the Cardinals on Sunday, but Moore had a relatively quiet day. Ultimately, the ex-Panther produced just three catches for 18 yards, turning in his least productive outing of the season. Given that he is still the overall WR9 this season, Moore should have no trouble bouncing back against the Falcons in Week 17.

DeAndre Hopkins, 4.0 FPTS

The Titans were forced to start Ryan Tannehill at quarterback on Sunday and the results weren't pretty. He completed 18 passes, including just two to Hopkins for a total of 20 yards. The talented wide receiver should find himself back in the WR2 tier when Will Levis returns under center.

Diontae Johnson, 3.5 FPTS

Saturday was the George Pickens show for Pittsburgh. As a result, Johnson had a quieter game. Even as the Steelers' offense shows signs of life with Mason Rudolph at quarterback, it could remain difficult for multiple skill players to thrive at once. Johnson could just as easily be a breakout WR3 (or higher) option in 2024.

Curtis Samuel, 3.0 FPTS

Samuel entered this week as an intriguing streaming option, but it cost many fantasy managers. The veteran finished Week 16 with just one catch and 16 yards, marking the end of his three-week streak with double-digit fantasy points. As Howell continues to struggle, Samuel drops off the fantasy radar.

More Busts:

• Jordan Addison, 1.2 FPTS
• Davante Adams, 1.4 FPTS
• Odell Beckham Jr., 3.3 FPTS
• Drake London, 6.9 FPTS

Fantasy Football Tight End Busts

Sam LaPorta, 4.8 FPTS

LaPorta was unable to replicate his huge three-touchdown game from last week. In fact, the Lions' rookie tight end had a relatively quieter outing, amassing just 18 receiving yards against Minnesota. Look for him to bounce back against the Cowboys in Week 17.

Dalton Kincaid, 1.7 FPTS

Kincaid has seemingly been checked out of the Bills' offense lately. He has just one catch over his last two games, failing to look like the reliable TE1 option that he was earlier this season.

Taysom Hill, 0.2 FPTS

Hill was essentially a non-factor on Thursday night. While he's always a threat to get yardage thanks to his versatility, New Orleans' Swiss army knife never really emerged as a prominent weapon within the offensive attack this time around. Next, the Saints play a game on Dec. 31, 2023, against divisional foe Tampa Bay.

LIKE ROTOBALLER?

CLICK HERE, ENTER ROTOBALLER.COM, THEN CHECK THE BOX

More Fantasy Football Analysis