Rob Hayek’s Bold Bust List
When picking wide receivers for your fantasy football draft, you want to ensure you get some nice sleepers, along with the studs who will help you win your league. But it’s also essential to understand the players that might become a bust. Being a bust could mean many things. Ultimately, a bust could mean someone who struggles. A bust could also be a player who suffers an injury that forces them to miss a significant portion of the season.
While this is not particularly their fault, it does not change the fact that they are a bust for you and someone who did not help your fantasy football team. With that said, here are five receivers who you should avoid drafting for your fantasy football draft this upcoming season.
Editors Note: FantasyData is adding a disclaimer to this article as not everyone agrees with Rob’s list. Side bets have been placed 😉
Deebo Samuel
ADP: 28, WR13
When you draft Deebo Samuel, you know you are taking a big chance on whether he can stay healthy. While Samuel will likely be the number-one receiver in this loaded San Francisco 49ers offense, especially with Brandon Aiyuk on the way out, he might miss a few games. Samuel has only played a full season once in his five-year career. Despite being only 28 years old, his style of play has caused him an injury every season. Last season, Samuel caught 60 passes for 892 yards and seven touchdowns while rushing 37 times for 225 yards and five touchdowns. Yes, he is a fantasy football superstar, especially at his value, which is likely around the third or fourth round. But Samuel always suffers an injury. So, if you draft Samuel, expect him to miss at least one game and have a good backup plan.
Cooper Kupp
ADP: 34, WR17
Cooper Kupp was a megastar just a few seasons ago and was a top pick in many leagues. Sadly, injuries have derailed what was an amazing career. Yes, the chemistry with Matthew Stafford is still there. But he has not played a full season since 2021. Ultimately, he endured injuries in each of the past two seasons. Kupp finished with 59 receptions for 737 yards and five touchdowns last season. When he is healthy, Kupp is the top option on this offense and Matthew Stafford’s favorite target. But do you want to bet the farm that he will be able to stay healthy? Kupp is 31 years old, and the decline has already begun after years of wear and tear. Consequently, it is difficult to see him making it through a full season.
Malik Nabers
ADP: 50, WR25
Malik Nabers is a rookie who may disappoint people who select him. Yes, he will be the top option in a receiving core that leaves little to be desired. But he will also be catching passes from Daniel Jones and the New York Giants. Nabers will be the only option for the Giants after Darren Walker retired. Because of that, defenses might work harder to stop him by doubling him up. We’re not saying to completely avoid him in this case. However, it would be best to temper your expectations for what he will be. If he is your second receiver on your team, then you might feel some disappointment. Therefore, it is best to proceed with some caution before selecting him in your fantasy football draft for 2024.
Keenan Allen
ADP: 63, WR29
The temptation to draft Keenan Allen is strong. He is a bonafide stud when he is healthy. However, the keyword is ‘healthy.’ Allen caught 108 passes for 1,243 yards and seven touchdowns over 13 games while missing four with yet another injury. Unfortunately, he has only played four whole seasons in 11 years in the league. If you draft him, he may find a way to catch a lot of passes, considering he will be catching passes from Caleb Williams. But he also will likely suffer another injury. Given the fact that he is 32, we would express great caution if you were to draft him and not reach for him.
Tank Dell
ADP: 64, WR30
Tank Dell was electric whenever he was on the field. Unfortunately, he was not on the field for a full season. In fact, Dell suffered several injuries that caused him to miss some time. Overall, he finished with 47 receptions for 709 yards and seven touchdowns over 11 games. If he had played 17 games, Dell likely might have finished with 72 receptions for 1095 yards and 10 touchdowns. But his rookie season did not go the way he planned. Another factor working against Dell is the addition of Stefon Diggs to the roster. The Houston Texans will want to get him the ball, along with Nico Collins. Consequently, this means that Dell will often be a boom-or-bust candidate on most weeks.
Recap
There is no guaranteed strategy to win your fantasy football league. However, there are steps you can take based on data from past seasons that can help you dictate what you are going to do. When you approach these players, understand the factors that caused them to appear on this list and proceed with caution while also having a failsafe ready for whenever things eventually go wrong. You cannot win your fantasy football league in your draft. But you can give yourself a leg up by making smart decisions and being able to give yourself the players who are ready to suit up and perform.
