Fantasy Preview: Players to Avoid

It’s nothing personal, but I don’t like ‘em. Not as fantasy picks anyway. Sure, if they drop really far in the draft, cool, I’ll gladly take them and pretend this article never existed. But I caution you against taking them at the current asking price. Don’t be a sucker. Let someone else make the mistake.

Maurice Jones-Drew – It pains me to put this little cutie pie in the corner. He’s MJD and everyone loves him. And his playful desire to appease fantasy owners is a bonus. But I’m worried about his knee. Not because of a prolonged leave of absence, or the risk of re-injury. I’m worried that he won’t be able to cut and change speeds quickly, and burn his defenders like he does every year. And I’m worried he’ll disappoint and play like a No. 25 draft choice vs. a No. 5. And let’s not forget Rashad Jennings could siphon some playing time. Sorry, MJD. No hard feelings, right?

Brandon Lloyd – The No. 1 wide receiver of 2010 will not repeat. Mark my words. Lloyd’s 1,448 yards and 11 touchdowns were impressive, but also an abnormality in the fantasy universe. For starters, look at his history: mediocre. Look at the changes in play calling: Josh McDaniels vs. John Fox. And lastly, look at how he earned his catches: repeatedly winning jump balls over his defenders. The chance that lightning strikes twice? Zero. The chance that I’ll use an overused cliché? Most definite.

Ryan Mathews – This one may not surprise you. The most coveted rookie of 2010 disappointed last year, skipping much of the season with injuries. He watched as Mike Tolbert blossomed with nearly 1,000 all-purpose yards and 11 touchdowns. When Mathews did play, he produced mixed reviews: 678 yards and 7 scores: good. Five fumbles: bad. Everyone knew the two backs were expected to share carries this year. How did Mathews respond to the inevitable competition? He arrived at training camp out of shape, failing the physical. Nice job, Ryan. I will not draft you.

LeSean McCoy – This one will surprise you. He’s a premier back on a premier team. McCoy rushed for 1,080 yards, with a ton of receptions (78 ), which is yummy in PPR leagues. But in every league, scoring is paramount. And McCoy just didn’t get enough chances at the goal, mustering only seven rushing TDs. The reason: Michael Vick, who can run and score just as easily. And if that’s not enough, the Eagles signed bulldozer Ronnie Brown. Gulp.

Reggie Wayne – He’s neither injured or unfit. Perhaps a little overrated. But the real reason Wayne’s on this list: he’s old and worn down. Take his decline in production in the final weeks last season, and his six measly touchdowns as proof. Plus, he has young pups now competing for the ball. Manning doesn’t have favorites anymore. And perhaps the best reason: his training camp interviews. He comments on how young and fresh he feels. Young people don’t do that. If he’s your No. 1 receiver, I hope you’re No. 2 makes up for it.

Erin Skelley joins SportsRadio 610 every football season with riveting fantasy knowledge. Follow her on Twitter.