👉 TAP TO SAVE 50% WITH CODE SPRING
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
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

Fantasy Wasteland - Five NFL Offenses to Avoid in 2016

Sometimes it's best to just say "no." Well, at least "probably not." You should never go into a fantasy draft with a list of players that you absolutely, under no circumstances, would consider drafting. Every player has value at a certain point and, as Herm Edwards told us back in 2002, you play to win the game!

With that being said, there are a handful of NFL teams that you should try to avoid this season. Earlier this week I looked at the top five offenses to target in fantasy drafts. Now I've identified five teams I'll be avoiding in fantasy drafts, along with individual players currently being selected in 15-round standard drafts.

Editor's Note: RotoBaller has the best Premium NFL Subscription for only $1.99 per week. We have all the preseason tools to help win your drafts, and in-season tools to win your seasonal and daily leagues: Draft Kit, Premium Rankings, ADP Sleepers Tool, Matchup Ratings for every player, Daily DFS Cheat Sheets, Lineup Picks, Expert Lineups, Stacks and Avoids. 

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! Sign Up Now!

 

Fantasy Football Offenses to Avoid

San Francisco 49ers

RB Carlos Hyde (4.02), WR Torrey Smith (10.02)

Oh boy, this is ugly. The 49ers had virtually no fantasy relevant standouts last season, and based upon these average draft results, the fantasy world doesn't expect that to change in 2016. Hyde is being drafted as a lower-end RB2, which seems about right for him. Smith, a No. 1 receiver in title only, is currently being drafted as the 45th wideout off the board on average.

Is it possible that one of San Francisco's quarterbacks, either Blaine Gabbert or Colin Kaepernick, ends up as a decent QB2? Is it possible that Bruce Ellington, Quinton Patton, Vance McDonald, or any of the 49ers' other young pass-catchers has a breakout season? Yes and yes, but I'm not betting on either of those. As it currently stands, the 49ers have the most hopeless fantasy situation and looks to be bound for a top pick in the 2017 NFL draft.

Los Angeles Rams

RB Todd Gurley (1.04), WR Tavon Austin (10.09), D/ST (12.07)

Just to clarify -- this is not an indictment on Gurley, who is a stud and should be drafted with confidence in the first round of every fantasy draft. Of course, the Rams' fantasy appeal plummets quickly once you get past Gurley. The supremely-talented Austin has a skill set in the mold of Percy Harvin, but he has become a perpetual underachiever. Perhaps the arrival of No. 1 overall pick Jared Goff will help him, but he's being drafted even lower than Smith (48th among WRs).

Los Angeles does boast a top-10 defense/special teams, anchored by arguably the most talented defensive line in the NFL. The potential for 50 sacks, combined with Austin's return ability, makes this unit a viable option. Outside of Gurley and the D/ST, however, there's little to get excited about in the city of angels in 2016.

Cleveland Browns

RB Duke Johnson (7.01), TE Gary Barnidge (8.06), RB Isaiah Crowell (8.12), WR Corey Coleman (10.06), WR Josh Gordon (11.11), QB Robert Griffin III (14.11)

The Browns have more players being drafted than either the 49ers or Rams, but they aren't coming until later in drafts. Johnson is Cleveland's top-drafted player and he's lasting until the seventh round on average (RB3 range). He has considerably more value in PPR leagues. Barnidge, a major regression candidate, is being drafted as a top-10 tight end, which speaks to the weakness of the position.

Cleveland's two highest-upside players are at receiver -- Coleman and Gordon. Coleman, the No. 15 overall pick in April's draft, enters training camp as Cleveland's de facto No. 1 receiver. Gordon, who is three years removed from a league-leading 1,646 receiving yards, is still seeking reinstatement. Griffin is another wild card, but not one worth taking until the final non Kicker/Defense pick in fantasy drafts.

Philadelphia Eagles

RB Ryan Mathews (5.09), WR Jordan Matthews (6.07), TE Zach Ertz (10.09), RB Wendell Smallwood (13.06), RB Darren Sproles (13.11), WR Nelson Agholor (14.04), D/ST (14.09)

Like the Browns, the Eagles have a decent number of players being drafted, but none stand out as elite options. Mathews, the presumptive starter at running back, is being drafted in the RB3 range. Matthews and Ertz are going 30th and 12th among wide receivers and tight ends, respectively.

Smallwood and Sproles both going in the 13th round speaks to the uncertainty surrounding the Eagles' backfield. Agholor is talented, but with a new coaching staff and an average quarterback in Sam Bradford, his upside appears limited.

Tennessee Titans

RB DeMarco Murray (4.06), TE Delanie Walker (7.03), RB Derrick Henry (9.04), WR Dorial Green-Beckham (9.10), QB Marcus Mariota (12.01), WR Rishard Matthews (14.05), WR Kendall Wright (14.08)

This was a tough call for the fifth and final spot between Tennessee and Miami, but ultimately the Titans got the nod. Walker, who is coming off a 94-catch, 1,088-yard season, is a stud and deserves to be drafted as a TE1. The rest of Tennessee's draft-worthy players are either too risky, too unproven, or both.

Murray is just two years removed from a league-leading 1,845 rushing yards, but last season destroyed his stock. He's being drafted as a low-end RB2, which seems about right, although Henry could steal carries. Green-Beckham and Mariota could take big steps forward in their sophomore seasons. "Could" seems to be the word of choice in describing the Titans' fantasy options. They could be great, or they could disappoint. There's too much uncertainty here to heavily invest in Tennessee players.

 

Honorable mention

Miami Dolphins: WR Jarvis Landry (4.04), RB Jay Ajayi (5.03), WR DeVante Parker (6.11), QB Ryan Tannehill (13.05), TE Jordan Cameron (13.09), D/ST (14.07), RB Kenyan Drake (14.09)

 

NFL & Fantasy Football Chat Room

[iflychat_embed id="c-0" hide_user_list="yes" hide_popup_chat="no" height="400px"]


Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Compare Any Players
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Tommy Fleetwood

on Upward Trend Ahead of PGA Championship
Bryson DeChambeau

a High-Upside Play With Risk at PGA Championship
Isaiah Davis

' Dynasty Value Takes a Hit Thanks to Teammate's Extension
Kaleb Johnson

Will Kaleb Johnson Have a Bigger Role Under New Coaching Staff?
Draymond Green

Set to Stay With Warriors
Trey McBride

an Elite Fantasy TE Any Way You Slice it
Stephen Curry

Warriors Looking to Extend Stephen Curry in Offseason
Brock Purdy

All Signs Point to Bounce-Back Season for Brock Purdy in 2026
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Bucks Listening to Offers for Giannis Antetokounmpo
Jalen McMillan

has a Path to Bigger Role, But There Will be Target Competition
OG Anunoby

Expected to Be Ready for Game 1 of East Finals
De'Aaron Fox

Listed as Questionable for Game 5
A.J. Ewing

Mets to Call Up Top Prospect A.J. Ewing
Kevin Huerter

to Remain Sidelined in Game 4
Caris LeVert

is Cleared for Game 4 on Monday
Thomas Bryant

is Available to Play in Game 4
Victor Wembanyama

Won't be Suspended Following Game 4 Ejection
Mookie Betts

is Officially Back on Monday
Nathan Eovaldi

Scratched From Monday's Start With Side Tightness
Mark Jankowski

Signs Two-Year Extension With Hurricanes
Joel Kiviranta

Cleared to Play Monday
Josh Manson

Available for Game 4 Monday
Mackenzie Blackwood

Expected to Start Monday
Jonas Brodin

Won't Play Monday
Joel Eriksson Ek

Remains Out Monday
Justin Jefferson

Dynasty Stock on the Rise With New QB in Minnesota
J.J. McCarthy

Injuries, QB Addition in Minnesota Deal Big Blow to J.J. McCarthy's Dynasty Value
Aaron Rodgers

Doesn't Meet With Steelers Over the Weekend
Chris Boswell

Steelers Agree With Kicker Chris Boswell on Four-Year Extension
Henry Bolte

Athletics to Promote Top Outfield Prospect Henry Bolte to Major Leagues
Khamzat Chimaev

Suffers his First Loss
Sean Strickland

Recaptures Middleweight Title
Tatsuro Taira

Suffers Fifth-Round TKO Loss
Harold Fannin Jr.

Offers Tantalizing Dynasty Upside Despite Uncertain Offense
Joshua Van

Defends Flyweight Title
Dalton Kincaid

Is Dalton Kincaid's Long-Term Dynasty Upside Fading Due to Health Concerns?
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Drops Decision
Alexander Volkov

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Jordan James

Could Emerge as a Must-Roster Handcuff Option for Dynasty Managers
Jaylen Waddle

Dynasty Stock Rising After Offseason Move to Denver
Josh Downs

in Line for Expanded Role in Indianapolis
Shane Van Gisbergen

Dominates Watkins Glen for First Win of 2026
Mike Evans

Could Be Well-Positioned for a Resurgent Season in San Francisco
Michael McDowell

Finishes Second for Best Run of the Year At Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Scores New Career-Best Finish of Third at Watkins Glen
Tyler Reddick

Continues His Strong Season With Fifth-Place Run at Watkins Glen
Austin Dillon

Earns his First Top-10 Finish of 2026 at Watkins Glen
Ameer Abdullah

Jaguars Sign Running Back Ameer Abdullah for Backfield Depth
Mookie Betts

Dodgers Expect Mookie Betts to Return on Monday
NFL

Ahmad Hardy in Stable Condition After Suffering Gunshot Wound on Sunday
CFB

Ahmad Hardy Sustains Gunshot Wound, in Stable Condition
Kayshon Boutte

in a Likely No-Win Scenario for 2026
Anthony Edwards

Powers Wolves to Game 4 Win
Tetairoa McMillan

Can Tetairoa McMillan Become a Dynasty Cornerstone?
De'Aaron Fox

Posts 24 Points as Spurs Drop Game 4 to Wolves
Justin Herbert

One of Fantasy's Biggest Offseason Winners
Victor Wembanyama

Ejected in Game 4 Loss
VJ Edgecombe

Struggles with Shot in Game 4
Oronde Gadsden

Breakout Chances Dealt a Serious Blow
Paul George

Held to Seven Points in 76ers' Game 4 Loss
Josh Hart

Helps Knicks Reach East Finals
Jalen Brunson

Finishes Game 4 Sweep with 22 Points
Rasmus Dahlin

Records Two Points in Game 3 Loss
Tage Thompson

Comes Alive in Game 3 Against Canadiens
Cole Caufield

Ends Dry Spell Sunday
Alex Newhook

Nets Two More Goals in Sunday's Victory
Mitchell Marner

Notches Three Assists in Losing Effort
Beckett Sennecke

Extends Goal Streak to Three Games
Cutter Gauthier

Records Hat Trick of Assists in Game 4 Win
Karl-Anthony Towns

Logs Sixth Double-Double of Postseason
Mike Conley

Ayo Dosunmu Replaces Mike Conley in Starting Unit Sunday
Miles McBride

Tallies Game-High 25 Points in Series-Clincher
Tyrese Maxey

Settles for 17 Points Sunday
Joel Embiid

Scores Efficient 24 Points in Season-Ending Loss
Auston Matthews

Uncertain About Future With Maple Leafs
Frederik Andersen

Enjoying Special Postseason
Josh Manson

"Close" to Returning
Joel Kiviranta

Could Return to Action Monday
Radko Gudas

a Game-Time Call Sunday
Mark Stone

Unavailable Sunday
Connor Zilisch

Will Start Fifth in his First Watkins Glen Cup Series Race
Tyler Reddick

Is A Top DFS Option for Watkins Glen Lineups
Christopher Bell

Is Likely to Bounce Back This Week at Watkins Glen
Carlos Rodón

Carlos Rodon Activated for Season Debut on Sunday
William Byron

Is William Byron Playable in DFS Lineups at Watkins Glen?
Kyle Larson

May have A Positive Day at Watkins Glen
Chase Briscoe

May Compete for A Top-10 Finish at Watkins Glen
NASCAR

A.J. Allmendinger May have Another Solid Outing at Watkins Glen
Ty Gibbs

Should Fantasy Managers Roster Ty Gibbs at Watkins Glen?
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain Worth Rostering for Watkins Glen Lineups?
Austin Cindric

Could Austin Cindric be A Sneaky Tournament Play for Watkins Glen?
Shane Van Gisbergen

Shane van Gisbergen the Heavy Favorite at Watkins Glen
Chase Elliott

Is Chase Elliott a No-Brainer DFS Pick at Watkins Glen?
Chris Buescher

Qualifies 14th at Watkins Glen
Ryan Blaney

Has Upside at Watkins Glen After Signing Contract Extension
Michael McDowell

Still Searching for First Top-Five Finish at Watkins Glen
Carson Hocevar

Is Carson Hocevar Too Aggressive for Road-Course Racing?
Luis Castillo

Mariners Intend to Piggyback Luis Castillo, Bryce Miller
Logan Webb

Placed on 15-Day Injured List With Knee Bursitis
Bryce Miller

is Set to Return on Wednesday
Jeff Hoffman

Could Return to Closer Role
CHI

Blackhawks Bring in Roman Kantserov for Next Season
Mason McTavish

Set to Rejoin Ducks Lineup Sunday
Taj Bradley

Hits the Injured List With Pectoral Inflammation
Kyle Bradish

has Nice Bounce-Back Performance With 10 K's
Casey Mize

Throws Bullpen on Friday, Return Not Imminent
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Optimistic About Returning Next Wednesday
Tyler Glasnow

Dodgers Put Tyler Glasnow on Injured List With Back Spasms
Blake Snell

to Make Season Debut for Dodgers on Saturday
Cole Ragans

Royals Place Cole Ragans on Injured List With Elbow Impingement
Sean Strickland

An Underdog At UFC 328
Khamzat Chimaev

Set For UFC 328 Main Event
Tatsuro Taira

Can Become The New Flyweight Champion
Joshua Van

Set For His First Title Defense
Alexander Volkov

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
MMA

Waldo Cortes-Acosta Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Nick Lodolo

Officially Activated, Making Season Debut on Friday
CFB

Walker Lyons Could be Go-To Target for Bear Bachmeier
CFB

Ty Benefield a Potential Game-Changer for LSU Defense
CFB

Hayden Lowe Set for Significant Role Following Miami's NFL Departures
CFB

Taylor Wein in Position for Big Season on Oklahoma's Defensive Line
CFB

Rasheem Biles an Instant Impact Player for Texas
Roman Anthony

Heading for the Injured List
CFB

Sam Leavitt Expected to Be Full-Go for Fall Camp
Tarik Skubal

Could Return in 4-6 Weeks After Successful Elbow Surgery
Cole Ragans

Royals Hopeful That Cole Ragans Makes his Next Start
CFB

Brauntae Johnson the Next Star in Notre Dame's Secondary?
CFB

Ethan Barbour a Name to Know in Georgia's Tight End Room
CFB

Payton Pierce Next Up at Linebacker for Ohio State
CFB

Javin Gordon to Play Significant Role for Tennessee?
CFB

Tanook Hines Stepping into WR1 Role for USC
CFB

Rueben Owens II has "Star Potential" in Fourth Campaign
Collin Morikawa

Withdraws From Truist Championship
Xander Schauffele

Carries Elite Form Into Quail Hollow
Hideki Matsuyama

Looks to Bounce Back at Truist Championship
Matt Fitzpatrick

Secures Third Win of 2026 Season
Patrick Cantlay

Continues Playing Well Heading to Truist Championship
Ludvig Aberg

Returns to Action For Truist Championship
Justin Thomas

Searching for Consistency at Quail Hollow
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Break Through at Quail Hollow
Adam Scott

Brings Strong Form to Quail Hollow
Robert MacIntyre

a Steady Option at Truist Championship
Jason Day

Looks to Overcome Approach Struggles at Quail Hollow
Akshay Bhatia

Looks for Complete Game at Truist Championship
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF