Need any proof that fantasy football is the most unpredictable game on the planet? Look no further than Mark Andrews.
The three-time Pro Bowler entered the season with high hopes. Despite missing seven games due to injury last year, the prevailing thought was that the veteran would serve as the clear number one option in the Baltimore passing game. There was no reason to think otherwise; since 2018, no other Ravens player comes close in receiving yards (5,043) or touchdowns (41).
Flash forward six weeks into the 2024 campaign, and Andrews isn’t even the most productive tight end on his own team. While some of the loss in production has to do with a loaded supporting cast on offense, the fact of the matter is that the former Oklahoma Sooner has looked like a shell of himself. At just 186 receiving yards and one touchdown on the year, is there any reason for fantasy managers to trust Andrews going forward?
Mark Andrews outlook ROS
Last week offered some signs of life. Against the Commanders, the tight end put together a vintage performance, hauling in three catches for 66 yards and a TD. Nothing exceptional on paper, but a clear sign of progress compared to Weeks 3 and 4 when Andrews failed to grab a single catch.
There aren’t many underlying stats to suggest an immediate Andrews breakout. Both his 18 targets and 10.6% target share are fourth on the roster, and a troubling 54.5% snap rate marks a major regression from previous healthy seasons.
Part of the issue is increased competition. Tight ends Isaiah Likely (TE6) and even third-stringer Charlie Kolar (TE38) are playing too well to sit on the bench. A revamped wide receiver room and the arrival of superstar running back Derrick Henry all mean fewer touches for everyone else.
Can Andrews turn it around?
Andrews has a years-long track record of success as Lamar Jackson’s safety blanket. Given the disastrous state of tight ends in fantasy right now, he could have value even if his snap count remains the same. Still, the production and advanced numbers all point to a player that is, at best, the third option in a run-first offense. At this point, managers who drafted Andrews might as well hold onto him and hope for the best; nobody is going to offer anything close to his draft-day price. However, his days of being an elite TE are probably over.
All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook, lines and odds subject to change.
I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is barmy) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skill and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.
