Potential fantasy busts in 2008

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bust², n., 1. A failure; a flop.

Failures and flops, don't you just hate 'em? When that player you selected in the first round winds up performing more like a fourth rounder, you've got good reason to be upset. If only you had advance warning that the player you so dearly covet today is due for a down year tomorrow, you just might have the edge that takes you to the top of your league. Well, you've come to the right place. We here at RotoExperts specialize in advance warnings.

In forecasting busts, it's not always about projecting complete failures. After all, what kind of benefit would we be providing by placing a "Buyer Beware" sign around John David Booty's neck? No, we're talking about the players who are most likely to fail to live up to their preseason hype and/or expectations.

Rest assured, we're not just picking these names out of a hat; there's usually a significant reason for us to believe a player is bound for a drop-off. Sometimes it's an injury, sometimes it's age, and sometimes it's due to factors beyond that player's control -- it's never just a hunch. Some of the names below may come as a surprise, and others may have the hardcore fantasy footballer screaming, "blasphemy!" But hey, if we were going to tell you something you already knew, this wouldn't be as fun.

Let's dig in.

Philip Rivers, Chargers

If you've read Matt Greber's piece on sleepers (or "slippers" as he likes to call them), you already know that he's thinking big things for Rivers in 2008. I'll admit, he raises some valid points, but I'll have to respectfully disagree with him (and put some money on it). You see, one thing about Rivers has always stood out for me -- he rarely makes big plays. Rather, the superstars are the ones on his team who usually make the big plays for him. With Rivers' success directly tied to the playmaking ability of a few superstars, let's eliminate the hype, forget about names, and concentrate on the following:

1. The main weapon in the Chargers offense is a 29-year-old running back coming off a torn MCL. He's also averaged 400-plus touches per season in his seven-year career (we saw small signs of the wear-and-tear taking its toll on him last season).

2. The No. 1 passing option in San Diego's offense had toe surgery this offseason, and isn't yet able to run. There's no telling if he'll be ready for the opener.