👉 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

Top 10 Lineup Busts for Week 1

It's time! Football is here. You're setting your lineups and getting pumped up about your Week 1 matchups. You're looking over your lineup and thinking about how it has absolutely zero holes in it and you are going to be undefeated and all your starters are definitely must starts right now and always.

I'm going to be here all season to tell you to stop, wait, and take that one dude out of your lineup because he is actually going to be bad this week. There are obviously some players who are still must starts under all circumstances--if I tell you to bench David Johnson, you have my permission to send me mean Tweets about it--but sometimes y'all have to temper your expectations.

Below are 10 players who I'm not expecting huge things for in the opening game of the 2017 season. That doesn't necessarily mean bench them, but it means to be careful with placing too much trust in them.

Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. Sign Up Now!

 

Top 10 Busts - NFL Week 1

Leonard Fournette (RB, Jacksonville Jaguars)

If you believe that volume > anything else, go ahead and roll with Fournette against the Texans since he'll be receiving the bulk of the team's carries, but don't expect a breakout game in his first NFL contest. Houston's defense--and their front seven in particular--is stout. J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney can stop opposing run games. Fournette's chances this week are dependent on how many carries he receives, because he's not going to be busting out any huge gains.

Joe Mixon (RB, Cincinnati Bengals)

Say it with me. Joe Mixon isn't actually starting for the Cincinnati Bengals. I'm sorry, but I don't know how anyone is trusting him right now.  Head coach Marvin Lewis is going to feed the ball to Jeremy Hill twenty-five times and then they'll throw a few dump off passes to Gio Bernard and Joe Mixon will barely see the field because MARVIN LEWIS. (In all seriousness, Mixon will likely get a handful of carries, but it won't be enough to justify a start.)

Melvin Gordon (RB, Los Angeles Chargers)

Just a warning--this list is heavy on Chargers players. Los Angeles is on the road against Denver. It's a tough match up for the Chargers against a Broncos team that should be among the top defenses in 2017. Like with Fournette, the volume should be there, but the production might not be. Gordon should be in your lineup for Week 1, but you shouldn't be too shocked if he puts up 60 yards and no scores.

Ty Montgomery (RB, Green Bay Packers)

The Packers have a tough game against the Seahawks. Ty Montgomery's usage in 2017 has a chance to be very, very unpredictable. I know Mike McCarthy has used the phrase "every down back" more times than I can count, but when has Green Bay's running game ever been a thing to rely on? Montgomery's receiving skills give him a decent floor, but he really seems like a player whose value this season will depend on who his opponent is--in easier games, Green Bay will give him the ball ten to fifteen times, but in the tougher match ups they'll likely abandon the run and take to the air.

Jordy Nelson (WR, Green Bay Packers)

But Justin, you literally just said the Packers will abandon the run game and throw the ball a lot this week. Yes, I just said that. And yes, that probably happens. But Jordy will likely be shadowed by Richard Sherman all game and the Packers other receivers--Davante Adams and Randall Cobb--will steal more targets than normal. Jordy is still the top receiver in one of the NFL's best offenses, but I'm not sure Jordy will perform up to where you drafted him.

T.Y. Hilton (WR, Indianapolis Colts)

I've got two words for you: Scott Tolzien. Two touchdowns and seven interceptions. He's started three games and played most of a fourth in his career. He threw for over 300 yards in one of those games, but he also threw three of those career interceptions. So...yeah, I like Hilton a lot once Andrew Luck gets back but I'm not really sure he's going to get the ball very much. There are bad quarterbacks who help their top receiver because they just funnel them the ball and then there are bad quarterbacks who hurt their receivers because they're unable to funnel them the ball. Tolzien is the latter.

Keenan Allen (WR, Los Angeles Chargers)

Another Charger! Same reasons apply as with Gordon, but let's add on to that the fact that Keenan Allen hasn't played an NFL game in a long time and we have no idea how his relationship with Rivers will look. I'm not willing to bet on Allen this week against a strong Broncos team. FLEX him if you like his upside--it's definitely there--but be aware that you're taking a risk.

Matthew Stafford (QB, Detroit Lions)

Stafford takes on a good Cardinals defense without last season's top receiver, Anquan Boldin. I think Stafford will be fine in 2017--especially as the season wears on and the team's WR3 spot settles down--but I'm looking the other way this week. There are better plays that you either have on your bench or can stream. Like...I don't know, maybe his opponent this week, Carson Palmer?

Philip Rivers (QB, Los Angeles Chargers)

I don't hate the Chargers! I know it looks that way since I've placed three of them on this list, but I'm just not feeling it against the Broncos. Could Philip Rivers have a serviceable day? Sure. But he wasn't great against Denver last season--in the Chargers road win against the Broncos, Rivers was efficient but only threw for 178 yards, and in their home loss he tossed three interceptions. I don't trust him this week.

Eric Ebron (TE, Detroit Lions)

I know people are high on Ebron this year, but I'm not buying it at this point. He's almost never been used in the red zone--pretty important for an NFL tight end--and the Cardinals defense in 2016 gave up less fantasy points to TEs than any other team. It's a recipe for Ebron to end up with three catches and about 35 yards.

 

More Player Outlooks




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

Marco Penge

Trending Down Entering Zurich Classic
Sahith Theegala

Eyes Another Strong Week at Zurich Classic
Brooks Koepka

Shane Lowry Teams Up with Brooks Koepka at Zurich Classic
Si Woo Kim

Adds Another Strong Finish at RBC Heritage
Elly De La Cruz

Early-Season Breakout Continues on Tuesday
Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals Linked to Ty Simpson, Willing to Trade Up for him?
Jimmy Garoppolo

Rams Not Rushing Jimmy Garoppolo to Make a Decision
Harold Fannin Jr.

Taking Part in Voluntary Offseason Workouts
Jaylen Brown

Leads All Scorers With 36 Points in Game 2
Deshaun Watson

Going First in Early Offseason Drills
VJ Edgecombe

Has Historic Outing in Game 2 Win
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Wins Clutch Player of the Year Award
Austin Reaves

Begins Return-to-Play Protocol
Wyatt Langford

Pulled Early on Tuesday With Forearm Tightness
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Not Expected to Play in First-Round Series
Luke Clanton

Hoping to Find Form in New Orleans
Kevin Durant

Good to Go Tuesday
Jackson Holliday

Leaves Rehab Game With Hand Discomfort
Victor Wembanyama

Lands in Concussion Protocol, Won't Return Tuesday
Corbin Carroll

Returns to Arizona's Lineup Against White Sox
Scottie Scheffler

is Starting to Hit His Stride
Brooks Koepka

Looking for Progress in PGA Return With Partner at Zurich Classic
Matt Fitzpatrick

Looks to Share Recent Form at Zurich Classic
Jonathan Isaac

Unlikely to Play in Game 2
Mark Williams

Could Sit Again in Game 2
Grayson Allen

Questionable for Game 2
Jordan Goodwin

Iffy for Game 2
Chicago Bulls

Billy Donovan Exiting as Bulls Head Coach
Ron Harper Jr.

Available for Game 2 Against 76ers
Zack Wheeler

to Make Season Debut on Saturday
Jonathan Toews

Undecided on NHL Future
Jonathan Huberdeau

Expects to Be Ready for Training Camp
DAL

Nathan Bastian Not Expected to Play Before Round 2
Roope Hintz

Doubtful for Game 4
Adam Henrique

Won't Play in Game 2 Against Ducks
Victor Hedman

Doubtful to Play in Round 1
Charle-Edouard D'Astous

Unavailable Tuesday
Dalton Kincaid

Sell Window in Dynasty Formats May Be Closing Ahead of NFL Draft
Alvin Kamara

Remains a Top Dynasty Sell Candidate Ahead of NFL Draft
Jordan James

Offers Sneaky Buy-Low Potential Ahead of NFL Draft
Jaylen Waddle

a Top Buy-Low Candidate Heading into First Season in Denver
Josh Downs

a Top Buy-Low Candidate Ahead of NFL Draft
Mike Evans

a Sneaky Dynasty Buy Candidate Ahead of NFL Draft?
Tyler Bass

Close to Full Health, Ready to Return to Fantasy Relevance?
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Back in Leadoff Spot on Tuesday After Injury Scare
New England Patriots

Patriots Targeting Eli Stowers in the NFL Draft?
CFB

Ashton Daniels Named Florida State's Starting Quarterback
Aaron Rodgers

Mike McCarthy has Confidence in Aaron Rodgers if he Re-Signs
Daniel Jones

is Dropping Back and Passing in his Rehab
Juan Soto

Expected to Return on Wednesday
NFL

Jermod McCoy Could Fall in Draft Due to Long-Term Knee Concerns
NFL

Ty Simpson Could Fall Out of the First Round
Washington Commanders

Jeremiyah Love Could Unlock Commanders Offense
Royce Lewis

Twins Reinstate Royce Lewis From Injured List on Tuesday
Adley Rutschman

Activated From Injured List on Tuesday
Nnamdi Madubuike

Doctors Think Nnamdi Madubuike Can Resume his Playing Career
Kayshon Boutte

Not Present for Voluntary Workouts
Tetairoa McMillan

Working on "Power" and Weight/Muscle Gain
Ashton Jeanty

a Top Dynasty Buy Ahead of the NFL Draft?
Dylan Cease

Continues Strong Start With 12-Strikeout Performance
Raisel Iglesias

Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Shoulder Inflammation
Jake Sanderson

Records Two Assists in Losing Effort
Brock Faber

Bags Two Goals in Monday's Defeat
Wyatt Johnston

Notches Two Goals in Game 2 Win
Troy Terry

Has Special Playoffs Debut
Dan Vladar

Leads Flyers to Victory With 27-Save Shutout
Yakov Trenin

Suffers Upper-Body Injury in Game 2
Rasmus Sandin

to Miss Start of 2026-27
CJ McCollum

Shines at MSG in Game 2
Donovan Mitchell

Extends 30-Point Streak
Jakob Poeltl

Gets Benched in Second Half
Brandon Ingram

Continues to Struggle
Al Horford

Undecided on Future
Brandin Podziemski

Wants to Stay With Warriors Long-Term
Max Muncy

With Another Two-Homer Game, Becoming Must-Add Off Waiver Wire
Jordan McLaughlin

Ruled Out for Game 2
Ron Harper Jr.

Probable for Game 2
Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Day-to-Day After Being Hit on the Hand on Monday
Mick Abel

Injury Described as "Not Too Serious"
Brendan Donovan

Mariners Place Brendan Donovan on Injured List With Groin Strain
Sonny Gray

Heading to the Injured List With Hamstring Injury
Edwin Díaz

Edwin Diaz Expected to Miss Around Three Months
Edwin Uceta

Shut Down for 2-3 Weeks; Is he Still Stash-Worthy?
Charle-Edouard D'Astous

Doubtful for Game 2
Brad Keller

Will "Probably" Earn First Save Situation in Modified Phillies Bullpen
Roope Hintz

to Miss at Least Two More Games
Edwin Díaz

Edwin Diaz Placed on 15-Day Injured List with Elbow Injury
Ross Johnston

Won't Play in Game 1 Against Oilers
Artem Zub

Considered a Game-Time Decision Monday
Tyler Kleven

Remains Out Monday
Jason Dickinson

a Game-Time Call Monday
Leon Draisaitl

Expected to Return Monday
Tyler Reddick

Earns His Fifth Win of the 2026 Season at Kansas
Kyle Larson

Finishes as the Runner-Up at Kansas
Chase Briscoe

Rallies for A New Career-Best Finish at Kansas
Denny Hamlin

Leads the Most Laps at Kansas but Misses Out on Victory
Christopher Bell

Falls Out of Contention for Kansas Victory on Final Restart
Mike Malott

Scores Third-Round TKO Win
Sonny Gray

Leaves Monday's Start Early With Hamstring Tightness
Gilbert Burns

Retires After UFC Winnipeg Loss
Charles Jourdain

Extends Winning Streak
Kyler Phillips

Drops Decision At UFC Winnipeg
Mandel Nallo

Suffers First-Round TKO Loss In His UFC Debut
Jai Herbert

Scores First-Round TKO Win
Karine Silva

Gets Dominated at UFC Winnipeg
Jasmine Jasudavicius

Dominates Karine Silva
Kyle Larson

Should not be Underestimated for the Win at Kansas
Denny Hamlin

Can Denny Hamlin Dominate at Kansas Again?
NASCAR

Christoper Bell Should Contend for First Win at Kansas
Tyler Reddick

Fastest in Practice and Qualifying for Kansas Race
Ryan Blaney

Could Score another Top-10 Finish at Kansas
Ty Gibbs

Poised to Continue Hot Streak at Kansas
Chris Buescher

Always Consistent, Has Speed Heading Into Kansas
William Byron

is A Solid DFS Option for Kansas Lineups
Carson Hocevar

Poised for Career-Best Run at Kansas
Chase Briscoe

Is Chase Briscoe Worth Rostering for DFS at Kansas?
Chase Elliott

Is A Favorable DFS Option for Kansas Lineups
Joey Logano

Could Joey Logano be Considered Playable In DFS This Week at Kansas?
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace is A Favorable Driver to Consider for Kansas Lineups
Ross Chastain

Is Ross Chastain A Worthy DFS Option for Kansas?
Brad Keselowski

Could Brad Keselowski be A Sneaky DFS Option for Kansas?
Daniel Suarez

Should DFS Managers Roster Daniel Suarez at Kansas?
Mike Malott

A Favorite At UFC Winnipeg
Gilbert Burns

Set For UFC Winnipeg Main Event
Kyler Phillips

Set UFC Winnipeg Co-Main Event
Charles Jourdain

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Jai Herbert

An Underdog At UFC Winnipeg
Mandel Nallo

Set For His UFC Debut
Karine Silva

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Jasmine Jasudavicius

Looks To Bounce Back
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF