Through four weeks, we have learned a few things. Some players, we were too high on, and others, we were too low on. Let’s take a look to see which players make up my All Bust Team at the unofficial quarter mark of the season. These players are significantly under performing compared to their draft capital, for multiple reasons. I tried to avoid players who have battled injury early in the season, so these are players who have just been bad with no excuses
All Bust Team Quarterback – Matthew Stafford (Rams)
Matthew Stafford was an easy choice for my All Bust Team quarterback. Stafford was taken as QB12 with the 102nd pick and currently ranks as QB28. He currently has a 4:6 TD to interception ratio and has looked terrible through four games. The Rams high powered offense is anything but elite after a Super Bowl win. Stafford has repeatedly cost this team games, having yet to throw for 300 yards in a game this season and has totaled 10.5 fantasy points or less in 3 of 4 games. If you drafted Stafford you likely have either flat out dropped him or began streaming the likes of Jared Goff or Carson Wentz who have been nearly twice as productive.
All Bust Team Running Back – Najee Harris (Steelers)
Najee Harris has been nothing short of unplayable through four games. He has yet to total 12 fantasy points in a single game and currently sits with two total touchdown on the season. Harris has achieved 50 yards once this season, with a season high of 74 in week four. Those totals are not what you expect out of a player who was consistently drafted as RB5 in the first round of most drafts, going as early as 7th overall. The Steelers offense is a mess and Kenny Pickett will be taking over at quarterback. Combine that with Harris only eclipsing 10 yards receiving once this season and he has been the biggest All Team Bust this season.
All Bust Team Wide Receiver – DJ Moore (Panthers)
DJ Moore was going as WR14 in fantasy drafts, which is good for 39th overall. That draft capital has unfortunately not translated to fantasy results. Moore consistently racked up 1,100 yards or more every season and it seemed the only thing keeping him from being a top five receiver was a lack of touchdown upside; due to his bad quarterback play, of course. That issue seemed to be solved when Sam Darnold was replaced by Baker Mayfield. We all assumed Mayfield would increase Moore’s touchdown total, but we were extremely wrong. Through four games DJ Moore scored just one touchdown and has yet to eclipse 50 yards receiving. DJ’s current season high in fantasy points is 11.8, which translates to 51st overall among receivers. The Panthers aren’t getting better and neither will Moore’s production. At this point his value has taken such a hit managers are left, with no option but to hold him and hope he turns it around. Maybe we get lucky enough and the Panthers will turn back to Darnold when healthy… Yikes!
All Bust Team Tight End – Kyle Pitts (Falcons)
Kyle Pitts was the easy TE3 in drafts, going right behind Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews. His ADP halted somewhere in the late third round, which leads him to be apart of the All Bust Team. Pitts currently ranks as TE18 on the season having yet to score this season. He’s has gone over 25 yards receiving once this season. Pitts has totaled 25 fantasy points, not in a single week that is, but for the entire season. The Falcons offense has looked decent through four weeks, but the issue for Pitts has been the emergence of star, rookie wide out, Drake London. From game one of the season, it has been obvious that Marcus Mariota’s primary target is London, which has all but killed Pitts’ value. Unfortunately for Pitts, he is in no man’s land. The managers who roster Pitts can’t play him, but they also can’t trade him. The only option for Pitts’ managers is to sit tight and hope he has a miraculous turnaround.
How to React
The 1/4 mark team is final and it includes: Matthew Stafford, Najee Harris, DJ Moore and Kyle Pitts. If you own one or more of these high draft capital players you likely aren’t off to a solid start in your season. At this point all you can do is stay the course and hope they turn it around. Check back in soon for my All Trust Team, consisting of the players that have been the best surprises this season.
