Fantasy News & Analysis

Premium Content Sign Up

The 12 players you shouldn't draft in fantasy football this year

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) throws a pass during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, Nov. 15, 2015, in Pittsburgh. The Steelers won 30-9. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Training camp is underway. Last-minute signings are throwing wrenches into everything. So many questions remain unanswered, and yet fantasy football drafts are coming.

Today, I’m rolling out my 2016 Stay-Aways, the guys who I’m not taking in drafts. To be clear, I'm not saying these players shouldn't be drafted at all. What I am saying is that I have no interest in selecting them in the range of picks where they are currently coming off the board. Get these guys several rounds lower and I’m taking them, but that’s not what the ADPs are showing right now.

It is extremely important that you hit on those early rounds and at big-time positions. I’m taking a stand on some early suspension and injury news and it’s a little contrarian. Being a good football player doesn’t necessarily make you a good fantasy option, especially when you have to invest early.

Know your league, and then watch out for the following players.

Quarterbacks

Ben Roethlisberger, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers (current ADP: 66th overall, No. 6 QB): Roethlisberger’s ceiling is to die for, but it’s his floor that will kill your fantasy team.

Seven of his 12 games in 2015 yielded 20 or more fantasy points. However, four of his games during the regular season produced less than 12. That means one third of his games were complete busts. Also, he didn’t score even 14 fantasy points in either of his playoff appearances.

DOMINATE FANTASY FOOTBALL & BETTING WITH AI-POWERED DATA & TOOLS TRUSTED BY ALL 32

Unlimited Fantasy League Sync
Fantasy Start/Sit Line-Up Optimizer & Waiver Wire
WR-CB & OL-DL Matchups, PFF Player Grades, & Premium Stats 2.0 Tools
Nathan Jahnkes Rankings - #1 Most Accurate Last 70 Weeks
PFF Best Bets, Player Props, & Power Ranking Tools
NFL Mock Draft Sim with Trades & Draft Grades

Already have a subscription? Log In

Subscriptions

Unlock the 2023 Fantasy Draft Kit, with League Sync, Live Draft Assistant, PFF Grades & Data Platform that powers all 32 Pro Teams

$31 Draft Kit Fee + $8.99/mo
OR
$89.88/yr + FREE Draft Kit