Busts of the Week #8

RB Justin Fargas, OAK

Fargas has not run for more than 100 yards this season and has not surpassed 75 yards since Week 1. Granted he has been set back by injury, but until Oakland's win this past week, their offense has not looked great. This week Fargas is up against a Baltimore defense that got smoked by Indianapolis and then won against a poor Miami team last week. Look for Baltimore to continue to step up the pressure and wreak havoc on Russell and the Oakland offense.

RB Brandon Jacobs, NYG

I am calling for a poor performance from Brandon Jacobs this week. I know, most fantasy owners are going to say, how can I bench a guy who has scored 6 touchdowns in his last 4 games? Jacobs and his running mates Ward and Bradshaw will be up against the second ranked Pittsburgh run defense that holds backs to just under 70 yards per game. It will take more than Jacobs to break down this solid front and Ward and Bradshaw will be utilized as often as needed to change the pace. This is why I would consider putting Jacobs on your bench. Pittsburgh is likely to shut down the inside running lanes that Jacobs prefers to bang his way through. This means Ward's cut and run style and Bradshaw's speed could play significant roles. However, I would hesitate to start either of them as well because of the match-up.

RB Edgerrin James, ARI

James has had one 100 yard game this season and has only scored 3 rushing and zero receiving touchdowns. In the past we would have expected to see James scoring weekly on the ground and possibly through the air as well, but the past few years his performance has been inconsistent at best. This week against Carolina's stand-up defense should be a challenge for James. Warner will likely be airing the ball out and James is not targeted as much with the solid receiving core in Arizona. Look for him to have a 60-70 yard outing with no score.

RB Darren McFadden, OAK

Since the return of Justin Fargas in Week 6, McFadden has not been utilized to his capacity. McFadden had started slipping after Week 2 and has now become a bust until further notice. Some fantasy owners may still be holding onto McFadden, but at this point he is a handcuff at best. I predict Fargas will be a bust this week at Baltimore as well.

RB Kolby Smith, KC

With Larry Johnson out again this week after team and personal issues, Kolby Smith will get the start for Kansas City. Smith has shown some potential to produce, but has not been provided the opportunity lately. This week however, is not the week to put him in as a bye week fill-in or otherwise. The New York defense is ranked fourth in run defense and will likely cause Smith and the Kansas City offense problems.