After we saw a handful of upsets in Week 8, teams enter the back half of their schedules some are vying for playoff positions while others are struggling to keep their season alive.
Week 8 saw the Titans, Packers, Browns, and Rams get upset by their opponents. The Seahawks and Steelers picked up impressive victories to keep their foothold among the top teams. Tom Brady and his Buccaneers barely escaped with a Monday Night Football win over the Giants. Dallas' woes continued on Sunday night as they lost to the Eagles and failed to score a touchdown for the second consecutive week.
Let's take a look at the Week 9 power rankings based on what we've seen so far this season.
32. New York Jets (0-8, Last Week 32 +/- 0) - Gross.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-6, Last Week 31, +/- 0) - Should have traded Gardner Minshew at the deadline.
30. New York Giants (1-7, Last Week 30, +/- 0) - Looked competitive against Tampa Bay in Week 8, but the outlook for the season still looks bleak.
29. Dallas Cowboys (2-6, Last Week 29, +/- 0) - Should have traded for Gardner Minshew at the deadline.
28. Washington Football Team (2-5, Last Week 28, +/- 0) - Football Team gets the Giants coming off their bye week and will hope to get continued production from Antonio Gibson to put a win streak together.
Highest-graded rookie RBs: 1. Antonio Gibson - 80.5 2. Clyde Edwards-Helaire - 75.8 3. James Robinson - 75.1 4. Jon… https://t.co/5SSkm62TGu— PFF (@PFF) 1603895462.0
27. New England Patriots (2-5, Last Week 26, - 1) - The Pats fell just short against Buffalo in a game that could've gotten their season back on track, at least from a record standpoint. Instead they're at the bottom of the division looking up and in unfamiliar territory at this point in the season.
26. Houston Texans (1-6, Last Week 24, - 2) - The Texans come out of their bye week with the Jaguars, Browns, Patriots, and Lions on their schedule. This stretch could put them back in the playoff picture if Deshaun Watson can will them to some wins.
25. Chicago Bears (5-3, Last Week 18, - 7) - The Bears lost in OT to the Saints in Week 8, and they slide down seven spots this week. Although they looked better offensively in this game, we need to see it on a more consistent basis.
24. Carolina Panthers (3-5, Last Week 17, -7) - The potential of Christian McCaffrey this week may reverse the drop the Panthers took in the rankings this week. They managed to go 3-3 while McCaffrey was injured behind good play from Teddy Bridgewater and Mike Davis. Their division is competitive, but they're within arm's length of a wildcard spot once they get CMC back.
23. Los Angeles Chargers (2-5, Last Week 21, - 2) - The Chargers lost a close one in Week 8 to the Broncos 31-30. Justin Herbert continues to impress however, and Mike Williams appears to be getting in sync with the rookie QB.
22. Detroit Lions (3-4, Last Week 14, - 8) - After looking better with Kenny Golladay in the lineup, the Lions got blown out 41-21 by the Colts in Week 8 knocking them down a few spots this week.
21. Denver Broncos (3-4, Last Week 27, + 6) - A good comeback victory against a surging Chargers team behind the play of Justin Herbert caught our attention. Resulting in Denver being a big mover on the list this week in the right direction.
20. Las Vegas Raiders (4-3, Last Week 19, - 1) - The Raiders dominated the Browns offense and really should have won by a lot more. The Raiders lose a spot this week due to their average performance against a flat Cleveland team in Week 8.
19. Cincinnati Bengals (2-5-1, Last Week 25, + 6) - The Bengals had an impressive win over the Titans last week and resulted in them jumping up six spots this week. They're on a bye this week and have the Steelers in Weeks 10 and 15. But in between those games Cincinnati plays Washington, the Giants, Miami, and Dallas. While the playoffs are probably out of the question in a competitive AFC, what Joe Burrow and the Bengals have done this year at least makes you wonder Who Dey?
Love my team #WhoDey https://t.co/iTwpZ0UOHq— Billy Price (@Billy Price) 1604276906.0
18. Atlanta Falcons (2-6, Last Week 23, + 5) - The Falcons seem higher on this list than they should be, but their potential has been close to the surface all season and they seem poised to breakout. Their five spot jump is preemptive to what we expect to see from them the rest of the way out.
17. Minnesota Vikings (2-5, Last Week 20, +3) - It looks like Dalvin Cook is healthy and he has been the most explosive runner in the NFL when healthy. He is leading the league in rushing touchdowns and has been the focal point of that offense that includes a developing Justin Jefferson opening up the passing game. Like Atlanta, the Vikings benefit from the direction we see them going in.
Anyone playing against Dalvin Cook in fantasy @brgridiron https://t.co/OjpIqLnp4F— Bleacher Report (@Bleacher Report) 1604259911.0
16. Philadelphia Eagles (3-4-1, Last Week 22, + 6) - Speaking of teams making big jumps we see the Eagles(!) making a six spot jump up our rankings this week. They have won two in a row and appear to be the clear favorites to win the NFC East. Even if they finish under .500 they still project to be a division winner.
15. Cleveland Browns (5-3, Last Week 11, - 4) - After throwing for five touchdowns in Week 7, Baker Mayfield fell flat on his face in an awful loss to the Raiders in Week 8. The Browns are now without Odell Beckham and need Nick Chubb to return from IR to help boost the running game to the level we saw earlier in the season. This is a good spot for them as they're season is teetering and could go either way depending on the next few weeks.
14. Miami Dolphins (4-3, Last Week 15, + 1) - Tua Tagovailoa got his first NFL win in the first start of his professional career but the Dolphins' defense and special teams helped out adding a fumble returned for a touchdown and a punt return for a touchdown to beat the Rams in Week 8.
13. Los Angeles Rams (5-3, Last Week 13, +/- 0) - The Rams five wins are against the Eagles, Cowboys, Redskins, Giants, and Bears. Their three losses have come against the Dolphins, 49ers, and Bills. Something is askew and we should know who the real Rams are after the next couple weeks.
12. San Francisco 49ers (4-4, Last Week 12, +/- 0) - Jimmy Garoppolo and George Kittle went down with injuries in Week 8 and it looks like Kittle will be gone for at least eight weeks. Why do they remain at 12 this week in the rankings? Kyle Shanahan has done an extraordinary job with this team through injuries so far, and until he proves unable to keep up, I'm keeping the faith in him.
Put Kyle Shanahan on the QB depth chart 😂 @49ers https://t.co/Rj7mE1ZQLi— The Checkdown (@The Checkdown) 1603992274.0
11. Indianapolis Colts (5-2, Last Week 16, + 5) - The Colts trounced the Lions last week and hope to keep that offensive momentum going as they'll have Baltimore this week.
10. Baltimore Ravens (5-2, Last Week 8, - 2) - This seems like a really low spot for Baltimore and it is. But keep in mind they dropped a few spots the prior week just because they were on a bye and they took a loss in which Lamar Jackson looked pretty bad. They don't drop further though because that bad loss was to the undefeated Steelers and that nasty defense.
Lamar Jackson vs Steelers: 2 starts, 3 Pass TD, 5 INT Lamar Jackson vs everyone else: 27 starts, 50 Pass TD, 8 INT https://t.co/8dBEc74MoH— NFLonCBS (@NFLonCBS) 1604266685.0
9. Arizona Cardinals (5-2, Last Week 7, - 2) - Arizona coming off the bye drops a couple spots, but are riding a three game winning streak into their Week 9 matchup with the Dolphins.
8. New Orleans Saints (5-2, Last Week 10, + 2) - Winners of four straight, the Saints will hope to keep the momentum going against Tom Brady and the Buccaneers this week.
7. Tennessee Titans (5-2, Last Week 4, - 3) - Losers of two straight, the Titans want to avoid a mid season slide after starting out 5-0. The loss to the Steelers wasn't alarming, but dropping a Week 8 game to the Bengals certainly raises a flag.
6. Buffalo Bills (6-2, Last Week 9, +3) - Even though they haven't looked their best the past two weeks in division matchups against the Jets and the Patriots, the Bills have managed to win. They will have the Seahawks, Cardinals, and Chargers over their next three games with a bye scheduled for Week 11.
5. Green Bay Packers (5-2, Last Week 6, + 1) - The Packers dropped their second game in three weeks as they lost to the Vikings in Week 8. They don't lose much ground in the rankings though because of what we've seen out of Aaron Rodgers this season. Once they get healthy we expect the Packers to finish the season as NFC North champions.
Aaron Rodgers is really, really good... Since 2018, Rodgers has thrown for 68 TD and 8 INT for a TD/INT ratio of 8… https://t.co/qhfud65RfE— CBS Sports HQ (@CBS Sports HQ) 1603906683.0
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-2, Last Week 3, - 1) - The Bucs drop a spot here because of the struggle they had closing out the Giants on Monday night. They shouldn't have been in a position where they were needing to come back and it feels like they were overlooking this game and their opponents.
3. Seattle Seahawks (6-1, Last Week 5, + 2) - The Seahawks had an impressive win over division rival, San Francisco last week. Russell Wilson had four touchdown passes while Seattle was without their top two running backs in Week 8.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (7-1, Last Week 2 +/- 0) - KC took care of business against the Jets handling them easily. They have Carolina this week before their bye and they're in the driver's seat to win the AFC West.
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-0, Last Week 1, +/-0) - The Steelers had an important division win against the Ravens in Week 8 allowing them to remain undefeated. Turnovers made the difference in that game and the Pittsburgh defense continues to be one of the most feared in the league. The Steelers have the Cowboys, Bengals, and Jaguars over their next three games before taking on the Ravens for the second time. The path for them heading into that game 10-0 is pretty clear.
JuJu and Chase had the Steelers locker room lit after staying undefeated 🔥😂 @TeamJuJu @ChaseClaypool @steelers (… https://t.co/QsGK0ZktdV— The Checkdown (@The Checkdown) 1604269160.0
The NFL kicked off November with some of the biggest divisional matchups of the season: a former underdog evened the score in the AFC East, the dominant team took the lead in the NFC West, and that Steelers-Ravens game was a real nail-biter right up until the last second.
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The #Steelers now own the second-best #SuperBowlLV odds after beating the #Ravens to improve to 7-0.… https://t.co/2TV3fazOpg— Steelers Now (@Steelers Now) 1604429236.0
Lamar Jackson said that the #Chiefs are the #Ravens "kryptonite" - what does it make the Steelers? Lamar's career… https://t.co/Sc6PC3vYYM— Dov Kleiman (@Dov Kleiman) 1604421264.0
If you're competing for your own divisional title in your fantasy league, here are the drops, swaps and shops to make in Week 9.
Drop
Mo Alie-Cox
Syndication: The Indianapolis Star Colin Boyle/IndyStar via Imagn Content Services, LLC
Alie-Cox had promising performances in Weeks 2-4, but after a knee injury sidelined him in Week 5, he hasn't been much of a fantasy factor since then. While he recently returned in Week 8, his workload has gone to Jack Doyle and Trey Burton, meaning Alie-Cox is third in line for tight end work. He's only rostered in three percent of ESPN Leagues, but if Mo Alie-Cox is still on your roster, it's best to leave him on the wire.
Also, some notes on the Colts' target share since Burton's return in Week 4: Frank Reich was literally showing Bu… https://t.co/b5dQX8MICM— Isaiah Sirois (@Isaiah Sirois) 1603156609.0
Swap
Corey Davis
Syndication: The Enquirer Kareem Elgazzar via Imagn Content Services, LLC
After a bye week and two weeks out with injury, Corey Davis was sitting on waiver wires everywhere until last week—he was picked up in 30.4 percent of leagues, and he's now rostered in 52.4 percent of them. Chances are 50/50 as to whether he's available or not, but do whatever you have to land the number one receiver in the Titans offense. In Week 8, Davis landed eight catches for 128 yards and a touchdown, so it looks like this guy is back on track for a significant season.
Conversely look at the difference for Corey Davis. Again small sample but he has performed SIGNIFICANTLY better wit… https://t.co/RvwTHpDfYN— Jordan Richards (@Jordan Richards) 1604423138.0
DJ Moore
NFL: Carolina Panthers at Green Bay Packers Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Don't let his fantasy points fool you: DJ Moore is a high risk, high reward play, but he's been pretty high reward the past few weeks. Three weeks in a row, Moore turned four or five passes into 93 yards each game, scoring three touchdowns in that three-game spread. While he doesn't get a lot of targets per game, Moore is a deep threat that sees a lot of opportunities, especially for touchdowns, so he's an ideal flex for the remainder of this season.
Receiving Yds #NFL 1. DeAndre Hopkins 704 2. Stefon Diggs 695 3. Robby Anderson 688 4. DK Metcalf 680 5. Calvin Ri… https://t.co/TjL0wAVLp4— El Ovoide (@El Ovoide) 1604416111.0
Chase Edmonds
NFL: Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals Billy Hardiman-USA TODAY Sports
Coming off a bye week, Chase Edmonds is ready to run the Arizona backfield as the top RB option in Week 9. With Kenyan Drake expected to be out for the next few weeks, Edmonds could be someone you want to trade for if you have a few extra wide receivers and lack RB depth. Edmonds is a pass-catching back, which bolsters his fantasy value enough to make him a safe bet as long as he starts.
@Rotoworld_FB Oh really, I was only expecting to ride Chase Edmonds to glory the next few weeks. I’m just gonna go… https://t.co/xE71IXJ7Q4— Flex RB (@Flex RB) 1604328579.0
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Zack Moss
NFL: New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
In a game prediction I wrote for PatriotMaven, I predicted that Bill Belichick would force the Bills to rely on the run. While that turned out to be true, what I didn't anticipate was that Zack Moss would be so good at it. In his highest amount of snaps this season, Moss took 14 carries for 81 yards and two touchdowns. It seems more and more like Moss is the future of the Bills backfield—if he's available in your league, invest in him for the remainder of the Bills' season.
@thadbrown7 Zack Moss be like. https://t.co/fWBp9ndPRu— #BILLSMAFIA-TJDMCR (@#BILLSMAFIA-TJDMCR) 1604425044.0
Kendrick Bourne
NFL: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
As we said in Week 7, the 49ers roster is like a revolving door: each week, a new player gets injured, and a new guy comes to take his place. With Deebo Samuel and George Kittle out, Nick Mullens is likely to rely on Bourne, who is owned in only 9.3 percent of ESPN leagues. As with many NFL teams at this point in the season, Bourne is a sure bet because… he's the only one left to bet on.
WR Pickups: Owned in less than 50% of leagues Curtis Samuel Mecole Hardman Marvin Hall Jakobi Meyers Denzel Mims… https://t.co/MdsF0gTDlR— TheFantasyInsiders (@TheFantasyInsiders) 1604419683.0
Logan Thomas
NFL: Washington Football Team at New York Giants Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
If you are reeling from the loss of Kittle and Bourne isn't right for your roster, consider picking up Logan Thomas. While his target share is concerning, Thomas made the most of his catches by scoring a touchdown in each of his last two games. Although he got four targets, he scored second in most major receiving categories in Week 7, and he stands to benefit against the Giants in Week 9 and from being in football's worst division this year.
TE Pickups: Owned in less than 50% of leagues Eric Ebron Trey Burton Jordan Reed Logan Thomas Ross Dwelley Albert… https://t.co/FD5oS4L4JR— TheFantasyInsiders (@TheFantasyInsiders) 1604436361.0
As the mid-way point draws near, Week 7 revealed that some of the biggest names in football are verifiable busts this fantasy season.
It's not their fault, or even a reflection of their talent: some teams simply drew short straws when it came to coronavirus and injuries. Although the COVID-infested Titans are 5-1, and the Saints are winning without what we thought was their entire offense, teams like the Cowboys and Patriots have had stroke after stroke of bad luck.
Although these teams have all but struck out of the playoff picture, there are still plays to be made in your fantasy league that could get you the win in Week 8. Here are the best drops, swaps and shops that will make your week a boom rather than a bust.
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Drop
Julian Edelman
NFL: Denver Broncos at New England Patriots Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
It was heartbreaking to watch the bromance between Tom Brady and Julian Edelman dissolve this season, but what's even more heartbreaking is that the Patriots' top receiver isn't putting up justifiable numbers for any fantasy roster.
AB and Brady are officially reunited with the Bucs. Julian Edelman: https://t.co/B0O6PoTQFD— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) 1603823167.0
To be clear, the 34-year-old receiver's still got it—he put up a 179 yard game in Week 2—but that was against the hole-ridden Seahawks secondary. In the four weeks since, he's put up 13.32 total points, which makes him a non-starter. If you have trouble letting go of Jules, keep him on your bench for another week in case he finds redemption against the Bills.
Michael Gallup
NFL: Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
The Cowboys are lighting the way in the NFC East… as a brightly-lit dumpster fire in an abysmal division. Despite the losses, Cowboys receivers were hot at the beginning of the season, but with Dak's departure, Michael Gallup's fantasy value went with him. Andy Dalton hasn't delivered since throwing Gallup a few surprise passes in Week 5, and besides a 22-point outlier scored against the Seahawks, he hasn't broken 10 points all season. With an upcoming Steelers matchup followed by a bye, Gallup's a WR3 that belongs on the wire.
@JeffRatcliffe Dump Michael Gallup for Rashard Higgins? #ratpack— B. 😷✊🏽⚔️👑😇 (@B. 😷✊🏽⚔️👑😇) 1603814653.0
Noah Fant
NFL: Denver Broncos at New York Jets Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Yes, Noah Fant is the 12th-ranked fantasy tight end and the unequivocal starter for the Denver Broncos. But if you look closely at Fant's numbers, you'll see that in his past four games, he's gotten five or less targets for under 50 yards. His first two weeks were fantastic, but if Fant isn't getting touchdowns, he's not getting enough points to start on your roster. If you're not ready to drop Fant, at least start looking for a replacement as you wait and see.
"It takes everyone to fix this passing game," Broncos Noah Fant. "We aren't living up to our potential." https://t.co/mQmPL7r910— Dave Althouse (@Dave Althouse) 1603821486.0
Swap
Ezekiel Elliott
NFL: Dallas Cowboys at Washington Football Team Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Ezekiel Elliott clearly wants to be fed—he's trying to trademark "Feed Me" after tattooing it on his stomach—but that doesn't change the fact that Zeke now runs in an opportunity-starved offense. The Cowboys are a sinking ship, meaning it might be time to jump and trade the prolific running back to save your season.
'Playing The Heel': @WWE Wrestler Assaults #Cowboys Ezekiel Elliott Claiming 'Stolen' 'Feed Me' Slogan… https://t.co/4Q66qV7JGJ— fishsports (@fishsports) 1601590729.0
It could just be two bad games in a row, it could be a sign of a dismal season to come, but Zeke is still a huge name with a lot of pull on the trading block. If you're feeling uncertain about his future production, at least see what you can pull for the hungriest RB in the game.
Ronald Jones
NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Las Vegas Raiders Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
A surprising star in a refurbished offense, Ronald Jones is the 12th-ranked running back that's been getting an average 13.2 fantasy points per game this season. However, the arrival of Leonard Fournette in a constantly-shifting offense could spell trouble for this dynamic back. Jones will likely remain a fixture in the Bucs offense, but now is the time to sell high before Fournette steps in for more carries.
From Weeks 4-6 without Fournette, Ronald Jones had a 14% target share. Leonard Fournette had 7 targets today, 17%… https://t.co/4PP0pvdd7p— Frank Stampfl (@Frank Stampfl) 1603669675.0
Terry McLaurin
NFL: Dallas Cowboys at Washington Football Team Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
If you can afford to trade for "Scary Terry" during his Halloween bye week, he's a player worth having for the rest of the season. McLaurin has shined on a struggling offense—he's scored at least 10 points in five games, despite only scoring two touchdowns during that whole stretch. McLaurin makes the most of what he gets, and with an increased target share (he's kind of Washington Team's entire passing offense), expect McLaurin to remain solid as the season progresses.
Cowboys corner Trevon Diggs took a swipe at Terry McLaurin. The next play, Scary Terry burned him for a 54-yard to… https://t.co/HpkCPqt5Ce— B/R Gridiron (@B/R Gridiron) 1603651240.0
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Nelson Agholor
NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Las Vegas Raiders Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Maybe all Nelson Agholor needed was a change in scenery—since leaving the Eagles, Agholor's more than made up for the negative reputation he developed while there. In the absence of a preseason, Agholor's been developing a rapport with Carr over the past two months, which is finally coming to fruition: he's scored a touchdown in his last three games. Agholor even fared well against a tough Bucs defense, and with Waller drawing attention from secondaries, Agholor stands to see more targets for the remainder of this season. Somehow, he's only rostered in three percent of ESPN leagues, but don't expect that to be the case for too long.
We are at the point we all knew we would be with this season with more than one waiver column suggesting the addition of Nelson Agholor.— Former WeiYan gank tracker (@Former WeiYan gank tracker) 1603820351.0
Rashard Higgins
NFL: Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Although the Browns' Dream Team 2.0 never really happened, there are some fantasy-worthy players to be found in that offense. In the absence of Odell Beckham Jr., Rashard Higgins stepped up his game this week, catching six targets for 110 yards against the Bengals. OBJ is out for the season, which means that Higgins should be in your waiver wire bids alongside teammate Harrison Bryant.
Logging on for the 10th season in a row to fulfill my annual duty of declaring Rashard Higgins a must-add in fantasy https://t.co/xesz8AMwjB— Matt Harmon (@Matt Harmon) 1603820284.0
Brandon Aiyuk
NFL: San Francisco 49ers at New England Patriots Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports
The disaster capitalism that has allowed some to profit from coronavirus also applies to fantasy rosters: every injured starter represents an opportunity for someone new. Rookie receiver Brandon Aiyuk has benefitted from the dilapidated 49ers roster, as he notched a season-high 115 yards in a win against the Patriots. As the 49ers face off against that aforementioned Seahawks secondary in Week 8, you could potentially flex Aiyuk and see where it goes from there.
Hall of Famer Jerry Rice praises former ASU star receiver Brandon Aiyuk after 100-yard day https://t.co/IMTqL3LDIF— Arizona Sports (@Arizona Sports) 1603823282.0
Hall of Famer Jerry Rice praises former ASU star receiver Brandon Aiyuk after 100-yard day https://t.co/IMTqL3LDIF— Arizona Sports (@Arizona Sports) 1603823282.0
This week, the league's greatest quarterbacks had a chance to battle it out: Tom Brady took on Aaron Rodgers in a surprise blowout win, while MVP candidate Josh Allen lost to Super Bowl MVP Patrick Mahomes.
The lesson to be learned here is don't count those MVP votes before Week 6 (and never, never slander Tom Brady before a big game).
@AaronRodgers12 is a legend for this 😂 https://t.co/VpT7GbLUGb— Matt 🦁 (@Matt 🦁) 1603152049.0
Rodgers' celebration was approved by McCringleberry himself 😂 @AaronRodgers12 @KeeganMKey @packers https://t.co/oTNBVe1BnA— The Checkdown (@The Checkdown) 1603137661.0
While Rodgers has made it clear he'll get over the hump, you still have a fantasy team to worry about in the weeks ahead. Here's how to overcome the mid-season hump and secure a playoff spot in this week's Drops, Swaps and Shops.
Drop
Marvin Jones Jr.
If you look up "Marvin Jones" in an ESPN Fantasy league, there's a video titled, "Is it time to drop Marvin Jones Jr.?" The answer is yes, it's time to let go of the former staple in Matthew Stafford's pass attack.
Drafted in 2012, the 30-year-old veteran signed a five-year, $40 million contract with the Lions in 2016. He balled out in 2017, delivering a 1,000+ yard season, but he's put up quiet WR2 numbers ever since. This season, he's only logged 146 yards. Jones has a name, he's had game, but it's time to dissociate from anyone who isn't Kenny Golladay.
Kerryon Johnson
Speaking of legacies that haven't carried on, Kerryon Johnson is another once-capable Lions player who's been crowded out of his position group. With the addition of Adrian Peterson and D'Andre Swift, Johnson has been lost in the shuffle, ranking third in a RB committee on a weak offense. The Lions might turn around their 2-3 season, but it doesn't look like Johnson will have much opportunity unless someone gets hurt. He can wait it out on your bench, but it's probably time to let go entirely.
#Lions Week 6 RB snap rates: D'Andre Swift - 38% Adrian Peterson - 35% Kerryon Johnson - 22% https://t.co/p1PC9kgU7a— Jared Smola (@Jared Smola) 1603109470.0
Tevin Coleman
While the Lions may have a crowded backfield, the 49ers have a confounding one. Each week, there's a rotation of guys running the ball due to injuries.
Updated Full Team Injury Report: Nick Bosa: Torn ACL Solomon Thomas: Torn ACL (Likely) Jimmy Garoppolo: High Ankle… https://t.co/OOSsZLQClD— Slightly Depressed 49er Fan (@Slightly Depressed 49er Fan) 1600641050.0
Raheem Mostert is the starter when healthy, but Jerick McKinnon, Jeff Wilson Jr. and JaMycal Hasty have all made appearances this season. With Mostert out and only McKinnon and Hasty healthy, it's time to let go of Coleman, the IR player who Kyle Shanahan called a "long shot" to be activated in Week 6.
🚨 Raheem Mostert 🚨 As expected, high ankle sprain. Typical timeline is 3-4 weeks minimum, so yes the IR short ter… https://t.co/Gfm3iGjoup— Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT) 1603147214.0
Swap
Hayden Hurst
Earlier in the season, I passed on a trade offer involving Hayden Hurst for Nick Chubb. While it was an unequal trade at the time, Chubb's IR status and Hurst's burst in recent weeks would have at least given me more points than a benched feature back.
Making it look easy, @haydenrhurst 🙌 📺 FOX https://t.co/tHTvHOsyl0— Atlanta Falcons (@Atlanta Falcons) 1603050993.0
In an explosive offense that won its first game sans Quinn, Hurst has made the most of his catches, averaging at least 12 YPC in four out of the last six games while scoring touchdowns in three of them. While his volume isn't high, Hurst could be worth something for his red zone looks in an offense that can only go up from here.
Last week I plugged in Hayden Hurst over Mike Gesicki and ended with 2.80 fantasy points while Gesicki in bench had… https://t.co/DbSGsukTqb— Angelo Lopez (@Angelo Lopez) 1603135645.0
Allen Robinson
Ever since Nick Foles stepped up under center for the Bears, everything has vastly improved—including Allen Robinson's fantasy value. We've seen how quickly a receiver's value can fluctuate depending on who's throwing the ball, and Robinson is now the 11th overall receiver after Week 5.
Mr. Go get it @AllenRobinson #TeamISE https://t.co/V1JUATNkp2— ISE Football (@ISE Football) 1603219790.0
Despite a disappointing fantasy showing against the Panthers this Sunday, Robinson still turned five catches into 53 yards, which isn't bad for the Bears' top receiver. If you're looking for a more consistent receiver and need to land someone in a trade, it wouldn't hurt to have Robinson on your roster.
Mike Evans
Trading Mike Evans may sound like a terrible idea—the guy is tied with Randy Moss for the most consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to start a career—but the reappearance of Chris Godwin creates a case for trading the red zone threat for something big.
Me deciding if I should start Mike Evans in fantasy every week https://t.co/TaLNgYJnIE— Cade Argo (@Cade Argo) 1603063768.0
Yes, Brady's favored 6'5" target is tied with Adam Thielen for the most touchdowns this season, but Evans has been playing through a sore ankle in recent weeks, resulting in a lone 10-yard catch against the Packers. Interestingly enough, Evans' target share dipped in Weeks 1, 3, and 6—the same weeks when Chris Godwin was healthy. With Godwin on the mend, it's possible that Evans could see less targets in a more diversified offense. If you need an RB1 or RB2/WR2, this could be a risk worth taking.
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Tight End Targets: Anthony Firkser & Darren Fells
If Ertz and Gronk have been letting you down, it's time to let go and do a little tight end shopping in free agency. Lucky for you, Anthony Firkser showed up this week as a worthy replacement for Jonnu Smith, while Darren Fells has been filling in quite nicely for Jordan Akins. With injuries devastating the league left and right, these backup tight ends are worth starting as long as their starters are out.
Totally believe in Jonnu Smith as a tier 1 TE. I really do. But really need to know if he is out this week. If so… https://t.co/4JB4mFUQpO— Howie The Titan (@Howie The Titan) 1603218681.0
Travis Fulgham
Travis Fulgham should have been targeted in free agency last week after a monster 152-yard game, but ICYMI, Fulgham is the guy to have after another impressive showing against Baltimore.
Eagles projected skill positions this Thursday against the Giants. RB: Boston Scott RB: Corey Clement WR: Greg Ward… https://t.co/lqOa1mgWrf— Karlo (@Karlo) 1603221501.0
It's hard to say how long this will last, as he's filling in for fallen Eagles comrades Alshon Jeffery, DeSean Jackson and Jalen Reagor, but as long as they're out, Fulgham is literally the last man standing. He's available in over half of ESPN leagues, so if he's there, be prepared to splurge on Fulgham.
Week 6 #Fantasy Breakouts #NFL #FantasyFootball Player | Fantasy Pts.| Pct. Owned Trey Burton (IND) | 17.9 | 17% An… https://t.co/N7RHCxWLXc— The Daily NFL + Fantasy Football (@The Daily NFL + Fantasy Football) 1603213529.0
Tim Patrick
Another receiver that could have been targeted after Week 4, Broncos receiver Tim Patrick has been getting less attention than Fulgham in fantasy despite back-to-back games with over 100 yards.
Tim Patrick is the first Bronco with back-to-back 100-yard receiving games since Emmanuel Sanders in 2018 https://t.co/sEJM6UZGfx— Colorado Betting Boys (@Colorado Betting Boys) 1603223160.0
Patrick has been maximizing his impact, getting at least 10 yards per reception in all but one game this season, while making an end zone appearance twice. Patrick needs to be on your roster, like, yesterday—and since he's rostered in less than 20 percent of ESPN leagues, he's an easier get than Fulgham.