Every year there are fantasy football stars who end up being a bust when playoffs come. Remember the times that Brady or Julio Jones all had great matchups but ended up being the reason you lost your championships. *Disclaimer* I’m not saying to sit them but expect possible lower expectations for their playoffs. Here are the fantasy football playoff busts.
Saints QB Drew Brees – There is a real possibility that Brees could end up being a playoff bust. Since returning from injury in week eight, Brees has been quarterback 15th during the time frame. He has played well but that could change as playoffs arrive. In week 13 showed things to possible come as Taysom Hill played his highest snap count with Brees at QB. Hill’s versatility could limit Brees from a big play or even throwing a TD pass. It’s hard to sit Brees but the Saints have played a slow pace game with their strong defense. That being said the Saints’ defense could keep Brees from having to throw more than he usually does. There are so many other quarterbacks with better matchups you may want to lean that way.
Patriots QB Tom Brady – Brady could once again fail us in the playoffs. Over the past two seasons, Brady has finished respectively 16th and 19th as a fantasy QB during the fantasy playoffs. One thing isn’t helpful is the Patriots have one of the easier schedules for running back. This could lead to Sony Michel carrying a heavier load. Brady over the last month hasn’t been the “GOAT”. Since week 10, he has been QB 25 and things aren’t going to look too good moving forward. Kansas City and Buffalo have strong pass defense that could limit Brady for success. He does play the Bengals in week 15 but that could get lopsided early and lead to more running. The lack of talent at wide receiver outside of Edelman isn’t great. Brady could very well fail you if you start him.
Raiders RB Josh Jacobs – The first-round pick from the 2019 draft has sure silent doubter from the offseason. Jacobs has been dominate but his involvement in the passing game is concerning. In 13 games this season Jacobs only has 18 receptions. It has gotten worse over the last two games, he has just one reception. Trusting Jacobs is hard especially with him being running back 34 over the last two weeks. The Raiders’ playoff opponents have the passing talent to dominate the Raiders’ secondary. If the defense can’t toughen up then this could force Jocabs out of the line up in passing downs. It’s hard to sit a stud but his limits could cost you a championship.
49ers Tevin Coleman – Coleman has been a solid running back two all season for your fantasy teams. After his big blow-up week in with three touchdowns, Coleman has been running back 40 on the season. He is lower than fellow teammate Raheem Mostert who sits at running back 25 in that span. This backfield has been a mess all season and with Coleman’s season-low in snaps in week 13 is a concern. Mostert has been the most efficient running back all season so the team could increase his snaps.
Plus the return of Matt Breida will make this backfield even more of a headache. The schedule moving forward isn’t favorable with a tough matchup with the Saints on Sunday. While the matchups with the Falcons and Rams are easier but there are still questions with who is going to see the carries. If you rely on Coleman, it could be a mistake and cost you the playoffs.
Bills WR John Brown – Brown is enjoying a very nice season. All good things could be coming to an end with Brown. His recent struggles with just five receptions for 60 yards over the last two games is very concerning. Going into the playoffs it may be a good idea to sit Brown because he could end up hurting your starting lineup. He has three tough matchups with the Ravens, Steelers, and Patriots during the fantasy playoffs. Ravens have allowed four touchdowns to receivers all season. The Steelers don’t allow touchdowns unless they come from slot role players. The Patriots game could be another lower scoring game, especially with the Bills take the road to New England. Proceed with caution with going into the playoffs if you wanted to start Brown.
Browns WR Odell Beckham Jr: The player who has underperformed all season has to be a possible playoff bust. Since week nine, Beckham has been wide receiver 27 even with the increase in targets. His teammate Jarvis Landry has dominated as the wide receiver one. Beckham has upside but the talent around him could limit his fantasy work. The Browns will be getting back David Njoku who has a fantastic schedule for the playoffs.
The recent injury to Baker Mayfield’s hand could force them to rely on their stud running backs more. Beckham matchups this week and next week are favorable but the amount of talent on the roster limits him. Especially if the Browns get ahead in the game which would change the gameplan to more run-heavy. Week 16 matchup is horrible with the Ravens (see John Browns section). You are probably going to start Beckham but just lower your expectations.
ATL TE Austin Hooper – Fantasy Owners are thrilled to have their stud TE back for the fantasy playoffs but you have to lower your expectations now. Coming off that MCL sprain which is about the time he should come back is always a concern for reinjury. Hooper has been dominate as he has been tight end four despite missing three games. He had an easy schedule in term on tight ends but his fantasy playoff matchups are difficult. All three matchups the Falcons’ opponents face are top 15 in stopping fantasy tight ends especially in week 15 against the 49ers. It seems impossible to sit Hooper with horrible matchups but there are players like Jack Doyle or Mike Gesicki who could replace Hooper. Don’t be shocked by some bad games from Hooper.
1 Comment
This is really poorly written.