We’re back with a very sharp axe this week. Everything has changed. Dak Prescott is out for the year, and so, too, might be Trevor Lawrence. Caleb Williams can’t get the ball to Keenan Allen, DJ Moore, or Rome Odunze. He certainly can’t get it to Cole Kmet. And, while Aaron Rodgers might insist there’s a path forward, the Jets look simply atrocious, and that will continue to affect the values of Garrett Wilson, Davante Adams, and Breece Hall.
That’s an alarmingly high inventory of fantasy football assets who were once-coveted and once-beloved, as recently as this season. All of the players above represent those for whom fans and fantasy managers had great hopes, only to be dashed.
Many of these players below are on teams whose offensive circumstances have shifted so drastically that their preseason value is in the rearview mirror. What this means is that we need to be, a little bit, on “business decision” watch. Players on teams like the above.
NFL teams are getting ready for the stretch run. So, too, are we getting ready for the home stretch in the fantasy regular season. Let’s trim some bloat.
Drop ‘Em
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, Jacksonville Jaguars
Two catches the last two games. Mac Jones as his quarterback. A team that might quit. A rookie superstar whose health and longevity in the franchise might make it
Two ways to look at it: either the hopeless Jaguars run BTJ out there every week with Mac Jones chucking him the ball to see what they’ve really got in him, or they preserve him for next season, when hopefully there’ll be some sort of overhaul.
I’d rather Cedric Tillman than BTJ right now.
Diontae Johnson, WR, Baltimore Ravens
Whether we like it or not, his role on the Ravens is going to be like Odell Beckham Jr.’s was on the 2021 Rams. Diontae Johnson is the third, perhaps fourth passing option on a run-first team.
He might get his ring this year, but he should be doing it from the waiver wire.
Demarcus Robinson, WR, Los Angeles Rams
There will be weeks where this passing offense might funnel a bit more through Demarcus Robinson than what we saw against the Dolphins on Monday Night Football. One thing most of us who saw the Rams getting healthier failed to account for is how, perhaps, a shuffled offensive line might actually make it more difficult on the passing game until it finds its rhythm.
It’s entirely possible Robinson is the guy this weekend against New England, seeing as Christian Gonzales is likely going to be blanketing either/both Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. But you saw the same passing attack that I did last night.
The reshuffling of the offensive line and the return of healthy playmakers has actually caused a bit of a wrinkle in the Rams’ offensive chemistry and playcalling. WR3s will suffer from that.
Mike Gesicki, TE, Cincinnati Bengals
I don’t see him having standalone value when Tee Higgins returns, which should be soon. Gesicki and Iosivas have been the go-to second-and-third options in the passing game with Higgins out. Seeing as the Bengals have no run game—and, eventually, the “unlucky” tag just isn’t going to cut it for a fan base—it’s likely they’ll see about using the tight end position to improve blocking if they have any shot at a playoff run.
Erick All Jr.’s season-ending injury may mean Gesicki absorbs perhaps five more routes per game, but I think his overall snap share might go down
Jordan Mason, RB, San Francisco 49ers
Christian McCaffrey’s back. You can consider dropping Mason if you need to clear room on your bench for a help-me-now player. Mason’s one of the most valuable—if not the single most valuable—handcuff in the league.
But he does not have standalone value, aside from a poached touchdown here or there.
Jameson Williams, WR, Detroit Lions
I said this a few weeks ago after his suspension came down. Other than a strong hands catch over the middle on Sunday Night Football, Jameson Williams had trouble generating separation and couldn’t gain any rapport with Jared Goff. Goff, however, was indeed having an off night.
The only playmakers you want in this offense consistently are David Montgomery, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Amon-Ra St. Brown. I’m not even convinced Sam LaPorta is altogether healthy, more broadly, this season.
Set your DraftKings fantasy football lineups here: NFL $2.5M Fantasy Football Millionaire [$1M to 1st]!
The Crown Is Yours: Sign up for DraftKings and experience the ultimate host for games and betting experiences!
DraftKings promoters may sometimes play on personal accounts in the games that advice is offered on. Personal views on the games and strategies above 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 skills and judgment in building lineups. DraftKings promoters may also deploy different players and strategies than what is recommended above. DraftKings promoters do not have access to any non-public information.
