Ten Biggest Fantasy Disappointments of 2009

#1) JASON WITTEN, Cowboys TE

What do Vernon Davis, Visanthe Shiancoe, Dallas Clark, Brent Celek, Antonio Gates, Greg Olsen, John Carlson, Fred Davis, Tony Gonzalez, Todd Heap, Heath Miller, Kevin Boss, Owen Daniels, Jermichael Finley, Ben Watson, Kellen Winslow, Spencer Havner, Kellen Davis, Will Heller, Jeff King, Zach Miller, Jeremy Shocker, and Todd Yoder have in common?  They are all tight ends with more TDs than this season’s biggest fantasy disappointment, the #1 TE on most draft boards.

#2) MATT HASSELBECK, Seahawks QB

While he was listed as a mid-rounder, The Hass was supposed to be the sleeper that made it acceptable to pass on all those high-end QBs like Brees, Manning, and even Matt Schaub.  After all, he was leading what was supposed to be a pass-first offense in Seattle with weapons galore: TJ Houshmanzadeh, Deion Branch, and co.  He garners the #2 spot because he was a constant tease, frequently earning a spot on most fantasy sites’ MUST START lists due to his often favorable match-ups.   While Hasselbeck owners remained loyal week after week, all they got were more and more turnovers and a one-way ticket out of playoffland.

#3) MATT FORTE, Bears RB

Most fantasy experts listed Forte as #2 or #3 overall in the pre-season rankings.  Well, here he is at #3 again.  In a mostly abysmal Bears offense, Forte was the least productive of them all, treating the end zone like it was swirling with H1N1 virus.   He failed to have a 1,000 yard rushing season, a common feat accomplished by fifteen of his running back colleagues. And, he had a whopping six fumbles.

#4) MICHAEL TURNER, Falcons RB

The Burner didn’t burn it up in the yardage department, rushing for less than our #3 pick.  His ten touchdowns were fine – for a #3 back.  But considering his multiple multi-TDs of the previous season, and his clearly inflated status by many, including Matthew Berry who had him at #1, Turner owners are about the only ones feeling The Burn (thanks, I’ll be here all night.).

#5)  TERRELL OWENS, Buffalo Bills WR

Sure, T.O. is always a risky pick due to his propensity toward the maniacal.  But even approaching AARP membership by today’s standards, we still expected productivity out of TO.  Instead, we got The Invisible Man until the last couple weeks of the season.  There are many angles to highlight his piss poor season, but #33 in receiving yards probably sums it up best.

#6)  CALVIN JOHNSON, Lions WR

 No one will debate Calvin Johnson’s athletic awesomeness, but the stats just don’t add up to fantasy  awesomeoness.   Considering he was in Larry Fitzgerald/Andre Johnson territory on many a draft board, we must say, Matt Stafford, Duante Culpepper, and Drew Stanton – C’mon men!

#7)  FELIX JONES, Cowboys RB

 Remember OTAs and Jerry Jones spouting off about his namesake getting more carries? Since it’s assumed that everything Jones says is gospel, we all thought Felix would be the starter in no time, paving the way for his rapid climb up fantasy draft boards.  Well, the ever resilient Marion Barber said no, leaving Jones owners with a lemon

#8) JAY CUTLER, Bears QB

 A top 10 fantasy QB on most draft boards, the Cutler Interception Bonanza has been pretty well chronicled.  So unless you were in a touchdown only league, you got to play the one step forward, two steps back dance all season long.

#9) STEVE SMITH, Panthers

Yes, he had a psychologically damaged, inept quarterback, but somehow we still expected crazy heroics from the ever fiery Smith. Unfortunately for Smith owners, all you got was the productivity of a very average receiver.  

#10) BRIAN WESTBROOK, Eagles

I hate to add him because he’s such a great guy and had been such an integral part of the Eagles offense when healthy.  But the fact that he was a Top Ten pick in so many fantasy leagues, played in six games, and had the potential to come back at various points throughout the season makes him an utter fantasy disappointment.

So fantasy players, who did we miss? Who have you sworn to never draft again? 

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