There was no shortage of fantasy busts last season. They were aggravating to fantasy owners from week one all the way to the end of the season. The bust is your biggest fear on draft day. When you draft a player to be in your lineup every week, nothing is more disappointing than needing to find a replacement early in the season.
As we approach a new fantasy football season, the debates on every player will come. I’m here to help you find those guys who will bounce back this year. They made you pull your hair out last season, but you are going to get them much cheaper this time around. A bust is only as aggravating as the amount you had to invest in them. Here are the guys you paid too much for last year, but can get a much better price that will actually help you this season. There is one player from each position (excluding defense and kicker) and a bonus pick to round out the five. So, let’s get started with my five fantasy bounce-backs.
QB Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers
Last year, Cam Newton was drafted as one of the top two quarterbacks. He did not perform near that level. Cam disappointed week after week and finished outside the top-10 in pretty much every format. Is Newton going to continue on the downward trend or return to the level he has achieved in every other year of his career? I just have a feeling that the Panthers are going to bounce back this year and return to their playoff form.
RB Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams
Gurley was the biggest bust in all of fantasy last year. He cost you a top-five pick, then he proceeded to stink it up all season. The sample size on Gurley is only two seasons. His rookie year was fantastic, but the sophomore campaign was lack luster. Gurley’s season and career is going to go one of two ways: he will have a successful year and be on top of the fantasy world again or the Rams will be drafting a running back in one of the first three rounds next season. Gurley is going to be the focal point of the offense and has no competition at the position. Look for Todd Gurley to have a bounce-back year.
WR DeAndre Hopkins, Houston Texans
If Gurley was the biggest bust last year, Hopkins was a close second. Luckily, the Houston Texans have had the entire offseason to realize what they were missing last year: getting their best and most talented player the ball. Brock Osweiler is long gone. I don’t care if it is Tom Savage or DeShawn Watson, the Texans are going to force feed Hopkins the ball if they want to get back to the playoffs. You will get Hopkins much cheaper than last year, and it can’t get worse than last season.
TE Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati Bengals
Tyler Eifert’s bust status last season was entirely related to his health. During draft season, Eifert’s health was uncertain and many drafted him as their top tight end. He then missed the first six games of the season and was questionable all year long. When he is on the field, he is amazing. If he can stay healthy, Eifert will be a steal.
WR Alshon Jeffery, Philadelphia Eagles
Alshon Jeffery’s bounce back involves a team change as well. He traded in the sinking ship that is the Chicago Bears for one of the brightest young quarterbacks in the league in Carson Wentz. I’m always a little hesitant when a player changes teams, but it can’t get much worse than last year. Jeffery missed four games, had only two touchdowns, and one 100-yard receiving game. This much talent shouldn’t go to waste in Philly.
Each of these bounce-back busts will be able to help you this year. As long as you don’t draft them too high, they will return nice value for you. If you are interested in reading more of my fantasy content on a different site, click the links below from Reggie B Sports.
2017 Running Back Rankings
