5 Overrated Fantasy Players for 2013
By Guest Writer Ryan Gerrity:
1. Ryan Mathews, Running Back, San Diego Chargers
On average Ryan Mathews is being selected in the 7th round of fantasy football drafts this year, and I just am not sold on him as a fantasy running back. Last year he broke his collarbone twice and scored only one touchdown. He is behind one of the worst offensive lines in the league, and the coaching staff keeps changing around him.
I would try to avoid Mathews unless he falls past the 9th round which might be possible. I would consider Mathews a low end #2 Running back or a possible #1 Flex player for a fantasy roster.
2. Matthew Stafford, Quarterback, Detroit Lions
Stafford is being drafted in the 6th of fantasy football drafts when there are plenty of other players that are on the board that have higher value. After a year throwing 20 touchdowns and 17 interceptions, the Lions decided to give him a contract extension? Explain that to me. Stafford will put up some good numbers this year but I think a lot of people have too high of expectations for him. He led the league in attempts last year, but he does not have the receiving corps, outside of Calvin Johnson of course, that have the ability to make plays after the catch.
I would wait on a quarterback like an Andrew Luck or Eli Manning who are ranked lower than Stafford, but have the potential to put up more points this year.
3. Mike Wallace, Wide Receiver, Miami Dolphins
Wallace is a wide receiver who last year who had 64 receptions, 8 touchdowns and over 800 yards receiving. He was also targeted 119 times and only caught 64 passes, which is already a concern for fantasy owners.
Wallace is getting drafted in the 5th round for fantasy drafts on average, and I would want to wait on him because there is such a big question mark around him. Yes, he is the fastest player on the field when he plays, yes Joe Philbin the head coach wants to throw the ball deep, and yes Ryan Tannehill has a great arm and has improved this off season. But, going from Big Ben to Tannehill is still a downgrade in my book. Remember Tannehill only threw 12 touchdown passes last year while Wallace caught 8 alone.
4. Darren McFadden, Running Back, Oakland Raiders
It shocks me that people are still taking Darren McFadden in the first 3 rounds of a fantasy football draft. On average he is going in the early 4th round, but he does not have the fantasy value of someone who is drafted in the 6th or 7th round. Let’s think about this, he has never played a full season healthy, he plays on the Raiders who are not a great team, and last year even when he was healthy he did not look spectacular to say the least. Last year he ended with over 700 yards and only 2 touchdowns.
I will avoid Darren McFadden at all costs this upcoming fantasy draft.
5. Vernon Davis, Tight End, San Francisco 49ers
Last year once Kaepernick took over as quarterback for the 49ers, Vernon Davis was the second best fantasy tight end for the 49ers behind Delanie Walker. Vernon Davis is being drafted in the 6th for fantasy drafts and even though Delanie Walker is not with the 49ers anymore, they have added more talent around them.
The addition of Anquan Boldin will take some targets away from Davis, but Kaepernick just does not seem to like to throw Davis for some reason. There are plenty of tight ends you can wait on before grabbing Vernon Davis.
Twitter: @RyanGerrity
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