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
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Stats & Leaders
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
24x7 News and Alerts

Week 10 Fantasy Football Busts? Players Who May Disappoint Include Tony Pollard, Marvin Harrison, Kyler Murray, Rico Dowdle, DeAndre Hopkins

Tony Pollard - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Welcome back to the Week 10 edition of our fantasy football busts, and players that may disappoint for fantasy managers.

The running back rebound is the theme of the 2024 fantasy football season. There have been few injuries to the best runners. Therefore, the position has dominated appearances in this column. A down week happens. Other running backs are suppressing the upside of their quarterbacks and wide receivers. Will the theme continue in Week 10 and beyond?

Let's take a look. Below are my 10 fantasy football busts, or players that may disappoint, for Week 10 of the 2024 NFL season. Good luck, RotoBallers!

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2024:

 

Tony Pollard (RB, TEN) at Los Angeles Chargers

Tony Pollard has been the lone bright spot of a floundering Tennessee offense. He has 20+ touches in four of the last five games and just tallied 31 against the Patriots. That's 31 touches after entering Sunday as a game-time decision. Even Superman has his limits.

The Titans don't want to wear out Pollard, but coaches didn't have any other choice. Tyjae Spears has missed the last three games because of a hamstring injury. He practiced last week before being ruled out. His return could come against the Chargers.

The Titans couldn't lean on the passing game because that's a disaster. Mason Rudolph and Will Levis have combined to throw an interception in every game.

The Chargers allowed the fewest fantasy points to running backs in the last four weeks. They are second for the entire season. If Spears returns to ease Pollard's workload, plus the matchup, Pollard will fall short of fantasy managers' current expectations for him.

 

Tank Bigsby (RB, JAX) vs. Minnesota

The conversation about Jacksonville's running backs begins with game scripts. In wins and one-score games (excluding last week because Philadelphia was ahead by multiple scores for most of the game and Week 2 when he didn't play an offensive snap), Tank Bigsby averages 92 rushing yards per game. He averages 18.3 rushing yards per game in blowout losses (again, counting Philadelphia as a blowout loss). It's a rarity to see any production in the passing game.

The Vikings are seven-point road favorites, and the Jaguars are likely to be without starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Mac Jones would get the start. Brian Flores' defense is designed to bait quarterbacks into turnovers with confusing looks. It is second in the NFL in takeaways. Jones will make mistakes on Sunday.

Even if the game stays competitive, the Vikings have allowed the third-fewest yards to running backs this season and surrendered just three rushing touchdowns. Travis Etienne Jr. will be involved in the Jaguars backfield despite his inefficiencies. There are too many red flags to trust Bigsby this weekend.

 

Javonte Williams (RB, DEN) at Kansas City

The Kansas City Chiefs have an elite run defense. Javonte Williams crumbles against elite run defenses (well, he's not great against some poor run defenses, either).

Add Rachaad White and Bucky Irving to the list of running backs who struggled against the Chiefs. White had 35 total yards but was saved by a touchdown. Irving totaled 34 yards.

Sean Payton and the Broncos coaching staff are frustrated by Williams. He often publicly threatens to increase the touches for a backup running back.

Whether Payton is speaking the truth or not (there were also reports of Estime seeing increased usage against Baltimore but he didn't carry the ball until midway through the fourth quarter), Williams is one to avoid this week. The matchup won't do him any favors. Losing more work would be the cherry on top of a Sunday bust.

 

Rico Dowdle (RB, DAL) vs. Philadelphia

How much can you trust Cooper Rush? The Cowboys offense was already a letdown. Now, they move from Dak Prescott (hamstring) to the career backup.

The entire offense is downgraded, plus the Cowboys host a red-hot Philadelphia defense. Since their bye week, the Eagles have fully embraced first-year defensive coordinator Vic Fangio's system. Their success begins with stopping the run. Tyrone Tracy Jr., Chase Brown, Travis Etienne Jr., and Tank Bigsby failed to reach 33 rushing yards.

Brown is one of two running backs to score against the Eagles this season. Rico Dowdle has been reliable lately, but likely won't add his name to that list.

 

Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, ARI) vs. New York Jets

This won't be Marvin Harrison Jr.'s first bust and it won't be his last.

James Conner and the running game is the engine of Arizona's offense. The Cardinals run at the eighth-highest rate in the league. Unsurprisingly, the rookie first-round pick averages just a hair over six targets per game. That's not WR1 volume. That's not even WR2 volume.

Fortunately for disappointed MHJ fantasy managers, he's had boom games. Most of those came when he exceeded his target average.

Game Targets Yards TDs 
Week 2 8 130 2
Week 3 11 64 1
Week 4 6 45 1
Week 8 7 111 1

Fantasy managers shouldn't project increased target volume for Harrison this week. Opposing teams throw on the Jets 28.3 times per game. That's the fourth-lowest mark in the NFL. Harrison also lines up outside 80% of the time. New York's outside cornerbacks are the strength of its defense.

 

DeAndre Hopkins (WR, KC) vs. Denver

This is the riskiest pick of the column this week, especially with DeAndre Hopkins logging an eight-catch, 86-yard, two-touchdown spectacular just days ago. The Kansas City Chiefs utilize Hopkins like the now-injured Rashee Rice and JuJu Smith-Schuster. That includes a healthy number of slot snaps.

Will Pat Surtain II shadow Hopkins? The Broncos played a lot of zone defense last week to try and prevent Lamar Jackson from running. Therefore, Surtain did not shadow Zay Flowers, and the Broncos got burned. Expect Denver to return to a league-high man coverage rate.

Surtain has frustrated Mike Evans (two for 17), DK Metcalf (three for 29), George Pickens (two for 29), and Garrett Wilson (five for 41) this season. Hopkins isn't a sit but should be considered more of a flex with a low-floor potential.

 

Courtland Sutton (WR, DEN) at Kansas City

Following his zero-catch, zero-point dud on Thursday Night Football against the Saints, Courtland Sutton has rebounded with two straight 100-receiving yard games (I had to clarify receiving yards because he's completed a pass in both games as well).

The Panthers and Ravens allowed Sutton to get open. Baltimore is the worst defense against fantasy football wide receivers. Carolina is all-around dreadful.

The Chiefs, on the other hand, surrender the fewest yards to receivers. Sutton has a lengthy history of mediocre performances against Kansas City. He averages fewer than 50 yards per game and has scored twice in nine games.

 

Kyler Murray (QB, ARI) vs. New York Jets

Was Kyler Murray included on this week's bust list so we can see Trey McBride wide-open in the end zone again?

The play highlights the problems plaguing Murray's fantasy production. As stated above, the Cardinals prefer to lean on the running game. Murray's rushing is not part of that. Since Week 4, he's topped 20 rushing yards twice. He had a 50- and 44-yard rush in those two games to boost his average.

Murray is averaging 28 pass attempts and under 200 passing yards per game. There are limited opportunities to add to his fantasy total. Missing on plays like the easy touchdown to McBride or Marvin Harrison Jr. streaking down the field turns him from a stud to a bust.

The best way to beat the Jets defense is to pound the rock. How convenient! The Cardinals love to do that! Expect another heavy dosage of Conner, and Murray to fall short of projections.

 

Patrick Mahomes (QB, KC) vs. Denver

For the first time this season, Patrick Mahomes was a QB1 for fantasy football. His 24.5 fantasy points against the Buccaneers was the first time he's topped 20 points this season. His previous personal best was 19.2 points the week prior in Las Vegas. The Raiders allow the eighth-most fantasy points to quarterbacks this season. Tampa Bay ranks second.

That's how fantasy managers navigate streaming the position. Find and exploit the matchups to find fantasy success. Don't let Mahomes' name and recent success take away that he should be in the streaming category. It's just not possible because he's rostered everywhere. The Chiefs win with the running game and defense first.

Mahomes won't have the same matchup advantage in Week 10. Lamar Jackson is the only quarterback who had fantasy football success against the Denver Broncos. Sportsbooks expect a low-scoring divisional affair (41.5 over/under, third lowest this week).

 

Jake Ferguson (TE, DAL) vs. Philadelphia

Once again, I ask, how much can you trust Cooper Rush? Jake Ferguson's production is even more of a concern than Rico Dowdle's.

With CeeDee Lamb (shoulder) banged up and Brandin Cooks (knee) not cleared to practice, Dallas' tight end could be the de facto top receiver against the Eagles. That may or may not be a good thing.

The Cowboys have struggled to move the football against poor defenses. It's hard to imagine that changing against one of the league's hottest defenses and a backup quarterback, especially if Lamb is on the sideline.

Ferguson has been reliable but not explosive in 2024. He averages 10.2 PPR fantasy points (TE10) but maxes out at 15.5 points. A lack of touchdowns is to blame for Ferguson's steady hand. He hasn't found paydirt in seven games. The Eagles are one of three teams to keep opposing tight ends out of the end zone.



Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy football app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, rankings, starts/sits & more. All free!

More Start/Sit Advice




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Stats & Leaders
Starts and Sit
Daily Fantasy
Who To Pickup
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Calvin Ridley1 hour ago

Out Wednesday With Illness
Isiah Pacheco2 hours ago

To Practice On Wednesday
D'Andre Swift2 hours ago

Won't Practice On Wednesday
Brandin Cooks3 hours ago

Cowboys Open Brandin Cooks' Practice Window
Mike Evans3 hours ago

Practicing Again On Wednesday
Cam Whitmore5 hours ago

Considered Questionable For Wednesday
Ryan Rollins5 hours ago

Continues To Sit Wednesday
Kevon Looney5 hours ago

Expected To Return On Wednesday
Kyle Anderson5 hours ago

Questionable For Wednesday
Miles McBride5 hours ago

Remains On The Shelf Wednesday
Norman Powell6 hours ago

Will Not Play On Wednesday
Connor Bedard6 hours ago

Ends Drought With Two Assists
Sam Reinhart6 hours ago

Pushes Point Streak To 11 Games
Mark Scheifele6 hours ago

Celebrates Ninth Career Hat Trick
Evan Bouchard6 hours ago

Rocks Senators With Three-Point Period
Connor McDavid6 hours ago

Nets Two Goals During Three-Point Night
TB6 hours ago

Nicholas Paul Exits Early With Injury Tuesday
Zach Hyman7 hours ago

Sits Out Third Period Versus Senators
14 hours ago

Guardians' Stephen Vogt Named AL Manager Of The Year
Milwaukee Brewers14 hours ago

Pat Murphy Named NL Manager Of The Year
Bradley Beal17 hours ago

Still Out On Wednesday Evening
Jusuf Nurkic17 hours ago

Questionable Versus The Knicks
Anthony Davis17 hours ago

Will Play Against The Jazz
Stephen Curry18 hours ago

Back On The Injury Report For Wednesday
Jalen Johnson18 hours ago

Questionable Versus Golden State
Ben Sheppard19 hours ago

Considered Questionable For Wednesday
Jalen Green19 hours ago

Uncertain For Wednesday’s Game
Myles Turner19 hours ago

Considered Questionable For Wednesday
Cam Thomas19 hours ago

Will Not Play Tuesday
Giannis Antetokounmpo19 hours ago

Listed As Probable For Wednesday
Marcus Smart19 hours ago

Ruled Out For Tuesday
Cam Thomas19 hours ago

Is Questionable For Tuesday
Anfernee Simons19 hours ago

In Danger Of Missing Another Game
Deandre Ayton20 hours ago

Considered Doubtful For Wednesday
Kyle Lowry20 hours ago

To Miss Next Three Games
Jonas Brodin20 hours ago

Returns To Action
Joel Eriksson Ek20 hours ago

Returns To Wild Lineup
21 hours ago

Nick Pivetta Declines Boston's Qualifying Offer
Robert Thomas21 hours ago

Back For Blues Tuesday
Jose Siri21 hours ago

Mets Acquire Jose Siri From The Rays
Alexander Romanov21 hours ago

Rejoins Islanders Lineup
Brayden Point21 hours ago

Ready To Return Versus Penguins
Conor Garland21 hours ago

A Game-Time Call Tuesday
J.T. Miller21 hours ago

Takes Indefinite Leave For Personal Reasons
Jake Ferguson21 hours ago

"Will Be Hard-Pressed" To Play In Week 12
Alex Ovechkin21 hours ago

Considered Week-To-Week
Cooper Rush21 hours ago

Will Start In Week 12
Brandin Cooks21 hours ago

Cowboys Hoping Brandin Cooks Returns This Week
24 hours ago

Phillies To Meet With Juan Soto
1 day ago

Luis Severino Rejects Qualifying Offer From Mets
Aaron Rodgers1 day ago

' Status With Jets In Doubt For 2025?
1 day ago

Willy Adames Declines Brewers Qualifying Offer
1 day ago

Teoscar Hernandez Declines Qualifying Offer From Dodgers
1 day ago

Juan Soto Declines Yankees' Qualifying Offer
New York Jets1 day ago

Jets Fire GM Joe Douglas
Travis Konecny1 day ago

Stretches Point Streak To Seven Games
Sam Montembeault1 day ago

Records 30-Save Shutout Versus Oilers
William Eklund1 day ago

Scores Twice In Overtime Victory
Brett Leason1 day ago

Tallies Three Points In Win Over Stars
Brock McGinn1 day ago

Exits Win With Injury
Alex Ovechkin1 day ago

Evaluated For Leg Injury
Luke Schoonmaker2 days ago

Commands 10 Targets Amidst Teammate's Injury
CeeDee Lamb2 days ago

Remains Productive Despite Loss
Houston Texans2 days ago

Texans D/ST Finds End Zone In Victory At Dallas
Joe Mixon2 days ago

Extends Hot Streak Against Cowboys
Luis Gil2 days ago

Wins AL Rookie Of The Year Award
Jake Ferguson2 days ago

Won't Return On Monday
Paul Skenes2 days ago

Named 2024 NL Rookie Of The Year
Brock Purdy2 days ago

Day-To-Day With Shoulder Soreness
George Kittle2 days ago

Expected To Practice On Wednesday
CeeDee Lamb2 days ago

Officially Active On Monday Night
Nico Collins2 days ago

Won't Face Playing-Time Restrictions On Monday Night
New York Giants2 days ago

Brian Daboll On The Hot Seat In New York?
Brady Singer2 days ago

Reds, Royals Discussing Jonathan India, Brady Singer
Gardner Minshew II2 days ago

Raiders Sticking With Gardner Minshew II At QB
2 days ago

Sean Manaea To Reject Mets' Qualifying Offer
2 days ago

Braves Have Interest In Walker Buehler
2 days ago

Astros Interested In Willy Adames
Charles Oliveira2 days ago

Gets Back In The Win Column
Michael Chandler2 days ago

Gets Dominated At UFC 309
Karine Silva2 days ago

Suffers Her First UFC Loss
Viviane Araujo2 days ago

Gets Back In The Win Column
Mauricio Ruffy2 days ago

Extends His Win Streak To Six
Nick Martinez3 days ago

Signs Qualifying Offer With Reds
3 days ago

Luis Severino Likely To Decline Qualifying Offer From Mets
James Llontop3 days ago

Loses Clear-Cut Decision In Thrilling Fight At UFC 309
Paul Craig3 days ago

Loses Decision At UFC 309
Bo Nickal3 days ago

Remains Undefeated With Lackluster Performance At UFC 309
Stipe Miocic3 days ago

Retires After UFC 309 Loss
Jon Jones3 days ago

Gets TKO Win At UFC 309 To Defend Heavyweight Title
Grayson Rodriguez5 days ago

Orioles Optimistic Grayson Rodriguez Will Have A Full Spring Training
5 days ago

Red Sox Have Productive Meeting With Juan Soto
Michael Chandler5 days ago

Set For A Rematch At UFC 309
Charles Oliveira5 days ago

A Favorite At UFC 309
Viviane Araujo5 days ago

An Underdog At UFC 309
Karine Silva5 days ago

Looks To Extend Her Win Streak
Mauricio Ruffy5 days ago

Looks For His Second UFC Win
Jett Williams6 days ago

Suffers Sprained Ankle In AFL
James Llontop6 days ago

A Big Underdog At UFC 309
Paul Craig6 days ago

Looks To Snap Losing Skid At UFC 309
Bo Nickal6 days ago

Puts Undefeated Record On The Line At UFC 309
Stipe Miocic6 days ago

Ends Layoff At UFC 309
Jon Jones6 days ago

Defends Heavyweight Title At UFC 309

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 
Patrick Mahomes - Fantasy Football Rankings, DFS Lineup Picks, NFL Injury News

NFL Pick'em Pool Picks (Week 12) - Targets, Avoids, Predictions for Pick'em Contests (2024)

There will be six teams on a bye for Week 12. The good news is, we still have some great matchups. That includes the Chargers hosting the Ravens and the Rams taking on the Eagles. Each week of the NFL season, I’ll share my picks for each game and rank their selections for those who […]


Jake Bates - Fantasy Football Rankings, Kicker Waiver Wire Pickups, Streamers

Week 12 Fantasy Football Kicker Rankings: Kicker Updates Include Justin Tucker, Chris Boswell, Austin Siebert, Cameron Dicker, Wil Lutz, Chase McLaughlin

If you're one of the many fantasy managers who have struggled to get production out of your fantasy kicker spot, be sure to use our Week 12 fantasy football kicker rankings for 2024 to guide you in setting optimal lineups. The kicker position has always been challenging to predict and project, so we're here to […]


Isiah Pacheco - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Running Backs

Week 12 Fantasy Football Projections: Running Backs (Half-PPR) - Chubba Hubbard, Isiah Pacheco, Tyrone Tracy, JK Dobbins, Kareem Hunt, Tony Pollard

Somehow, only three weeks of the fantasy football regular season remain in most leagues. Whether you're hoping to hold onto a top seed or need to stack a few wins together to qualify for the playoffs, our initial Week 12 fantasy football running back projections for the 2024 NFL season will help you understand where […]


Xavier Worthy - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Week 12 Fantasy Football Projections: Wide Receivers (Half-PPR) - Xavier Worthy, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Jayden Reed, DeAndre Hopkins, Tank Dell

The fantasy football playoffs begin in Week 15, so needless to say, time is running out if you need wins to qualify. If you're in a must-win spot down the stretch, it's critical to read our Week 12 fantasy football wide receiver projections for the 2024 NFL season. Ahead of the all-important slate, let's dig […]


David Njoku - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire

Week 12 Fantasy Football Projections: Tight Ends (Half-PPR) - George Kittle, Hunter Henry, Zach Ertz, David Njoku, Tucker Kraft, Mark Andrews, more

We're back for another week of fantasy football coverage, and while rankings are a great place to start your weekly start-or-sit preparation, you can use our Week 12 fantasy football tight end projections for the 2024 NFL season for further assistance. Ahead of the Week 12 slate, let's navigate the numbers and see the projected […]


Bo Nix - Fantasy Football Rankings, QB, NFL Rookies, Draft Sleepers

Week 12 Fantasy Football Projections Quarterbacks: Justin Herbert, Bo Nix, Russell Wilson, Jared Goff, C.J. Stroud, Sam Darnold, Jordan Love, Jayden Daniels

It's make-or-break time for many fantasy managers, so it's time to lock in and set optimal lineups. Our Week 12 fantasy football quarterback projections for the 2024 NFL season are here to assist. Check the projections below to see how key Week 12 QBs such as Justin Herbert, Bo Nix, Patrick Mahomes, Jordan Love, Jared […]


Video: Week 12 Must-Start Defense (D/ST) Streamers - 2024 Fantasy Football Start/Sit Analysis

We're back and dropping fire content for Week 12! Check out our top 2024 fantasy football must-start Defenses (D/ST) and be prepared to dominate your matchups! LaQuan Jones discusses his top "Must Start" Defense (D/ST) streamers that have the potential to be game-changers in Week 12, as well as some defenses that you might want […]


D'Andre Swift - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injuries

Fantasy Football Trade Targets - Buy/Sell For Week 12 Including Josh Downs, T.J. Hockenson, Bucky Irving, D'Andre Swift

For many fantasy football gamers, the end of Week 11 marked the last opportunity to make trades ahead of the fantasy playoffs. However, there are plenty of leagues that have a later deadline and some that have no deadline at all. This is especially true of dynasty leagues, and while this week's column will still […]


Justin Herbert - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Fantasy Football Matchups We Love - Start 'Em, Sit 'Em Picks for Week 12 Include Bo Nix, De'Von Achane, Quentin Johnston, Calvin Ridley, more

It seems as though fantasy managers were either incredibly disappointed or incredibly excited in Week 11. The output was modest for most players. However, if you had a monopoly on a select few players such as Cooper Kupp, Taysom Hill, or the Detroit Lions, you likely won your week. With the fantasy playoffs roughly three weeks […]


Christian McCaffrey - Fantasy Football Rankings, DFS and Betting Picks, NFL Injury News

Fantasy Football Matchups to Target, Avoid (Week 12) - Offensive Line Champs and Chumps

11 weeks have come and gone in the NFL season, which means the fantasy playoffs are just around the corner. Whether you are at the top of the standings or fighting for a playoff spot, Week 12 will feature a unique challenge. Six teams are on bye in Week 12, forcing fantasy managers to get […]


Darnell Mooney - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Fantasy Football WR Injury Reports: Week 12 Updates For Darnell Mooney, Gabe Davis, Mike Evans, Adam Thielen

The season's (first) biggest bye week has arrived. Six teams (Falcons, Bills, Bengals, Jaguars, Saints, Jets) get a week off. That makes it more important for fantasy football that the wide receivers scheduled to play do so. To keep close tabs on all of the news across the NFL, make sure to favorite or bookmark […]


George Pickens - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL injury News

Steelers vs. Browns TNF Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: Jameis Winston, Nick Chubb, David Njoku, Jerry Jeudy, Russell Wilson, Najee Harris, George Pickens

The Week 12 Thursday Night Football game between two bitter AFC North rivals (Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers) is not likely to end up like the Thursday night game from two weeks ago when two different AFC North teams (Bengals and Ravens) battled to a 35-34 shootout. Somewhere deep in the charter of the Pittsburgh […]


Isiah Pacheco - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Rookies

Fantasy Football Injury Reports For NFL RBs: Week 12 Updates for Isiah Pacheco, Tyjae Spears, Jonathon Brooks, Miles Sanders

Below is our fantasy football injuries report for running backs in Week 12, as of November 20. The injury statuses for various NFL running backs are up in the air for Week 12, including Isiah Pacheco, Tyjae Spears, Jonathon Brooks, and Miles Sanders. As the fantasy football season continues, every decision, transaction, and lineup change […]