I’m starting my own ‘can’t trust ‘em list’
Michael Fabiano | Tags: Braylon Edwards, Cedric Benson, Clinton Portis, Darren McFadden, Greg Olsen, Larry Johnson, Tony Romo

Braylon Edwards didn't catch a single pass in Week 4. (Mark Duncan / Associated Press)
I don’t care how good the matchup is — no matter how attractive it might look — there are a few players I have lost complete trust in after four weeks.
At the top of this list is Darren McFadden. He couldn’t have had a better matchup this week, facing a Texans defense that was dead last in the league against the run.
How poorly did he do?
Let’s put it this way. I rushed for more yards than McFadden (six carries, minus-3 yards) sitting in my office chair in front of the computer. Until McFadden wakes up, if he ever wakes up, he is basically dead to me.
Despite his success since joining the Bengals, it’s pretty apparent that you can’t trust Cedric Benson, either. Despite a ridiculously favorable matchup against the Browns, Benson was only able to record 74 rushing yards.
And he needed overtime to reach that mark.
I still think Benson can be a nice No. 2 fantasy back down the stretch, but this week was a reminder that he’s still Cedric Benson and you just can’t trust him to be a superstar.
Another member of my “can’t trust ‘em list” is Greg Olsen.
I loved this guy coming into the season, and he has scored a touchdown in each of the last two weeks. But after four games, Olsen has just 10 catches for 94 yards. That projects to 40 catches and 376 yards. Yuck.
Braylon Edwards made the list as well. He didn’t catch a single pass against the Bengals.
THE BENGALS!
Outside of his impressive 2007 season, Edwards has been a bust and no longer warrants a starting role on fantasy teams.
Guess what, Clinton Portis? You’re on the list, my friend. I appreciate all the yards and touchdowns you’ve scored for me in the past, but it’s pretty evident that all of those career carries have caught up to you.
Portis was a non-factor in last week’s loss to the hapless Lions, and his 9-point fantasy effort this week against the Buccaneers was a disappointment. Don’t feel lonely, though, Clinton, because Larry Johnson is right there with you on the list.
Since running the ball 416 times in 2006, Johnson’s production and fantasy value have continued to fall. After a 53-yard performance against the Giants, L.J. is now on pace to finish the season with 756 rushing yards and zero touchdowns.
Hey Tony Romo, if you don’t shape up you’re going to be on the list next!


