Each week there are fantasy football players who do not meet their projected expectations. By looking at players who disappointed each week, it can help us when setting our lineups. Also, if you like one of the players on this list, it may be a good time to "buy low."
Below are some of the fantasy running backs who were most disappointing in Week Four play based on Yahoo Sports' projected rankings. The following players were each projected in Yahoo's top 24 running backs for the week, making them recommended starts in 12-team leagues with two active running backs.
1. Darren McFadden, Oakland Raiders
McFadden was ranked as the fifth running back in Yahoo's projections for Week Four, but he managed only 34 rushing yards against the Denver Broncos. Oakland's offense is not very good, and McFadden now has only 201 rushing yards with one touchdown. He does have 18 catches, helping owners in PPR (points per reception) leagues.
2. Ryan Mathews, San Diego Chargers
Owners may have been encouraged when Mathews was projected as a top 10 running back last week, but his 61 yards were likely disappointing. Furthermore, he may now be competing with Jackie Battle for playing time after Battle scored twice in Week Four.
3. Doug Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Martin was ranked 10th in last week's projections but had his worst week yet against the Washington Redskins. Martin gained 33 yards on only eight carries, adding just nine yards on two catches. His stock has declined the last few weeks, and owners may need to start looking for other options until Tampa Bay's offense improves.
4. Ryan Williams, Arizona Cardinals
Williams was projected to be in the week's top 20 running backs as the Cardinals faced the Miami Dolphins. However, the Dolphins held Williams to 26 rushing yards and one reception for no gain. The Cardinals have not had much success running the ball, and Kevin Kolb has the passing attack winning games. Williams has only 131 yards and has not scored this year.
5. Ben Tate, Houston Texans
Also projected as a top 20 running back in Week Four, Tate was held to 11 rushing yards in a blowout over the Tennessee Titans. It was definitely an off day for the Texans' running game, as Arian Foster was held under 100 yards himself. Tate should be a safe play moving forward, but as the team's second rushing option, he will have weeks like this.
Sources
Yahoo Sports - Fantasy Football
Mike Patton is a co-host on the Deep Sleeper Fantasy Football Podcast. He has been a fantasy enthusiast since 1997 and has won championships in baseball, football, basketball, hockey and pick 'em leagues.
