Although it has been to a different extent with each guy, Matt Forte, LaDainian Tomlinson, Larry Johnson and Jamal Lewis have been relatively awful fantasy football options this season. Considering we're finished with Week 7, it's time to start seriously considering the season a bust for anyone who hasn't started to show something at this point. You can't cling to "small sample size" forever. Is it time to throw in the towel on each member of this foursome?
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Matt Forte
The promise: Forte was unanimously considered a top-five fantasy player heading into this season after ambushing fantasy players with a huge rookie season.
The problem: He's put together a single week worthy of considering him an RB1. These past two weeks, he hasn't even put up RB2 or even flex numbers. I feel compelled to point out -- since I'm personally a fan of Forte the man -- that it's not totally his fault. The offensive line is so dreadful it's embarrassing to watch and the Bears are clearly a passing team that tries to run the ball, as opposed to a running team that tries to pass (like they were last year). Still, that doesn't produce fantasy football points for Forte. It pains me to say it, being a Bears fan, but I don't see things changing anytime soon.
The solution: I'm abandoning ship and trading him immediately. He's playing the Browns this coming week at home, so you can use that as a selling point in order to rid yourself of him. Sure, you might be giving away a big game, but after it happens, any savvy owner will realize he's only played well against the Browns and Lions this season. You'll get more for Forte by moving him before the supposed big-point output. And, as a side note, I'll personally apologize for telling owners to have patience with him after the first few weeks.
LaDainian Tomlinson
The promise: Despite being 30 years old and having well over 3,000 touches in his career, Tomlinson was loved as a bounce-back candidate in many circles before the season.
The problem: He's been injured, unable to punch it in from short yardage at times and definitely a step (or two, or three) slower than he was in his prime. He's only averaging 3.5 yards per carry and isn't used effectively in the passing game like he used to -- due to the presence of Darren Sproles. Plus, as I tried to tell anyone who would listen before the season, the Chargers are a passing team now. The solution: There are still some out there willing to "buy low" on Tomlinson. If I owned him, I'd trade him to an owner with that line of thinking. If you can't do better than 73 yards on 23 carries against the Swiss Chiefs, you aren't any good to my fantasy team on a regular basis. Just as with Forte, LdT has an easy matchup in Week 8 (the Raiders), so that could be a selling point. If you don't trade him and he sucks against Oakland, he will have lost all value.
Larry Johnson
The promise: Considering the fact that Johnson was still just 29 years old, had less than 1,400 career carries and was finally two full seasons removed from when Herm Edwards ran him into the ground, I personally thought we'd see Johnson get himself back into RB2-range this season. I wasn't entirely alone, though there were detractors.
The problem: He's averaging just 2.7 yards per carry and has gained a whopping 358 yards through seven games (that's 51.1 a game ... woo hoo!). He has yet to score a touchdown. Now, as the cherry on top of his crap sundae, LJ has decided to start attacking the credibility of his head coach via Twitter. It's only a matter of time before he loses his job to second-year back Jamaal Charles.
The solution: I would only own him as depth at running back, but I believe he's done now -- especially after his tweeting episode. LJ owners are advised to put in a waiver claim on Charles if he's still available. If you own Johnson and can find some poor sap to take him in a trade, obviously do so.
Jamal Lewis
The promise: Well, he was guaranteed carries as the Browns starting running back. So there's that.
The problem: He sucks. He's old. He's broken down. His team is pathetic. We knew all that, but then he offered some a glimmer of hope when he ran for over 100 yards against the Bills a few weeks back. Those who got excited have seen return to form in the past two weeks.
The solution: Drop him in all leagues. He's worthless.
