For most fantasy football leagues, Week 15 marks the second round of fantasy playoffs.
As you may have learned from last week, playoffs require a slightly different strategy. Now is not the time to gamble on a player that could develop—you need to pick the perfect players to overperform in Week 15, depending on their matchups, injury reports, and various other factors.
A win this week could lead to third, second or even a first place cash prize—or it could mean your frenemy claims your $100 entry fee and your dignity. If you want to cash in next week, here are some drops, pops and shops to make in the second round of fantasy playoffs.
Drop
Antonio Brown
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown (81) runs the ball against the defense of Kansas City Chiefs free safety Juan Thornhill (22) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium.© Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
When Antonio Brown became a fantasy factor in Week 9, fantasy managers who stashed him early thought their golden egg would hatch soon enough. While there's still a chance to cash in on this investment in Week 15 against the Falcons, the fact is that Brown has been closer to gooseggs than golden ones. In his five weeks of play, he's gotten 25 total receptions, but he hasn't been the number one overall pick he once was in 2017. He might be one of Brady's favorite targets, but so are Mike Evans, Gronk and apparently Scotty Miller.
Good stuff from @NFLSTROUD, which echoes some of the things I pointed out last week here: https://t.co/hlaNbGeBw2 https://t.co/1A1GjgmTcN— Luke Easterling (@Luke Easterling) 1608135839.0
Ezekiel Elliott
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) signs to Ohio State fans after the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 14 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Dallas Cowboys at Paul Brown Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020.© Sam Greene via Imagn Content Services, LLC
In Week 8, I suggested dropping Ezekiel Elliott, which would have been a fantasy faux pas in any year before 2020. If you kept Elliott, you enjoyed his 18-point game against the Vikings, but every other start has been a disappointment for the former fantasy first-rounder. Recovering from a calf injury, Elliott split carries with Tony Pollard this week and converted 12 carries into a measly 48 yards. Hurt as he heads into a matchup against the fourth best NFL run defense, things look sour for Elliott in Week 15. Consider starting someone else if possible, like David Montgomery, D'Andre Swift, or Melvin Gordon.
A lot of people in the @FFToday facebook group are saying Ezekiel Elliott is the biggest bust of 2020, but he was a… https://t.co/PyZ8PjvPQz— Chris Paul Towers (@Chris Paul Towers) 1608135875.0
Pop
David Montgomery
Chicago Bears running back David Montgomery (32) during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field.© Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
A skyrocketing fantasy star since the bye, David Montgomery is everything you wanted this Bears running back to be. In the last three games, Montgomery has notched nearly 400 yards and four touchdowns, and the trend will likely continue against the Vikings this week. Montgomery is in set-it-and-forget-it territory for the rest of playoffs, so keep him locked in your lineup as long as you last.
Good morning, David Montgomery is a top 10 RB🚨 https://t.co/T7pRNxUVtu— DaWindyCity Productions (@DaWindyCity Productions) 1608136647.0
D'Andre Swift
Detroit Lions running back D'Andre Swift (L) celebrates with wide receiver Mohamed Sanu (R) after scoring a rushing touchdown during the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field.© Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
After a three-week absence, D'Andre Swift is back, and he's here to lead the Lions running back committee without question. Unlike other NFL RB committees (hello San Francisco), the Lions have their committee order in check, meaning Swift is a sure thing when he's healthy. Although he only managed seven carries for 24 yards, a touchdown saved Swift fantasy owners last week, redeeming his value as a playoff-level player. Facing a weak Titans run defense this week, Swift could get even more work if Stafford is injured in Week 15.
@MikeClayNFL Check down city! Man, D'Andre Swift is gonna feast this weekend!— Chris boughman (@Chris boughman) 1608059597.0
Emmanuel Sanders
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders (17) prior to kickoff against the Atlanta Falcons at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.© Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Drew Brees, or not Drew Brees—that is the question in Week 15.
Whether Drew breezes back for a surefire shootout against the Chiefs or not, it looks like veteran Emmanuel Sanders will get work no matter what. Disappointingly spotty all season, Sanders has produced decent numbers as a flex option, but Week 15 provides a great matchup for someone Taysom Hill has been targeting as well. Although a touchdown saved him last week, Sanders stands to get some catches this week—after all, he's gotten at least three in the past four games.
Shop
Chad Hansen
Houston Texans wide receiver Chad Hansen (17) makes a catch against the Chicago Bears during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field.© Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports
Another benefactor of a decimated roster, Chad Hansen has swooped in to catch Deshaun Watson's bombs just in time for playoffs. Promoted from the practice squad in Week 13, Hansen has scored 12 catches for 157 yards over the past two weeks. While he's been relegated back to the practice squad as of Monday, it's likely that he could return in Week 15. Upgraded or not, he's worth stashing for the next two weeks just in case. If you're not confident in Hansen, Keke Coutee is the only other Houston receiving option unless Brandin Cooks returns.
For those needing to dig deep, the Texans' Chad Hansen could be a viable flex option based on his recent target sha… https://t.co/YJzOYhRK8p— Athlon Sports (@Athlon Sports) 1608136800.0
Russell Gage
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage (83) is unable to catch a pass against Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.© Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Julio is out, Calvin and Russell are in.
While Calvin Ridley is a definite play as the seventh overall fantasy receiver, fellow Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage is available in 85 percent of ESPN leagues. Gage's week went particularly well because he threw a 39-yard touchdown to Calvin Ridley, but he still has a prime matchup against a Tampa Bay defense that's given up the ninth most yards all season. Although the Buccaneers have talented safeties, Gage's position as WR2 positions him to get solid volume in Week 15.
🚨RECOMENDACIONES WAIVERS WIDE RECEIVERS: • Russell Gage – Falcons (92.4% disponibilidad) • Nelson Agholor – Raide… https://t.co/bzNjxo2thF— The Holy Roller (@The Holy Roller) 1608079857.0
Tim Patrick
Denver Broncos wide receicver Tim Patrick (81) on the sidelines in the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium.© Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
Fantasy is always a gamble, but there are still sure bets on waivers that deliver on their promise. That was Tim Patrick this season: I suggested picking him up in Week 7, and here he is in the playoffs, averagng 10.2 points per game at the 35th overall receiver. Miraculously, Patrick is still available in 77 percent of ESPN leagues, which is surprising for Denver's most consistent red zone target. Sure, they actually played an NFL game without a quarterback, but Patrick and Melvin Gordon might be the most stable aspects of this shaky offense. Ignore the noise and pick up Patrick if he's still available in your league for Week 15.
@BrandonKobe_ It’s between Nelson, Cole Beasley or Tim Patrick. Tim been eating on my bench all year but I’m just too scared to play em lol— W O R T H ¥ (@W O R T H ¥) 1608137759.0
Rashard Higgins
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Rashard Higgins (82) and Cleveland Browns tight end David Njoku (85) celebrate after a touchdown during the first half against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium.© Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
We've all been waiting for Rashard Higgins to live up to his fantasy potential: I've been waiting since Week 8, and Yahoo Sports' Matt Harmon has been waiting for forever, apparently.
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
Higgins may have finally arrived in time for playoffs this year: he's gotten six catches and a touchdown in each of his past two games. On a playoff-bound Browns team, Higgins is likely to get some work against the New York Giants in Week 15.
While there are four weeks of football left, Week 13 is the last week of the regular season in fantasy.
If you're one of those lucky divisional leaders who have already clinched a bye, read no further. But if you are one of those bubble teams that could easily pop without the right lineup, this is for you.
Featured here are the usual drops and shops with a twist: there are a few players expected to "pop" in coming weeks that you may want to pop into your lineup to secure a season-changing win.
Without further ado, here are the drops, pops and shops to make your Week 13 count.
Drop
John Brown
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
You probably already know this, but it's cathartic to say it: John Brown is officially a fantasy dud for 2020, and you don't need to keep his bench seat warm any longer.
After stellar performances in Weeks 1 and 2, Brown's production has only suffered due to lower leg injury troubles. Limited with a foot injury in Week 3, Brown scored less than 10 total fantasy points over six weeks—not good for someone who should have reaped the benefits of a Josh Allen offense. Brown made up for it in Weeks 9 and 10, but after a bye week and a "tweaked" ankle that landed him for three weeks on IR, he's effectively out for rest of the fantasy season.
Somehow, he's still rostered in 50 percent of ESPN leagues, so just make sure he isn't rostered for you.
@OneBillsLive @MSGNetworks @WGR550 @SteveTasker89 @MadGlab @BuffaloBills @EWood70 John Brown is such an important p… https://t.co/4kA9gh5rpz— Mike Vadala (@Mike Vadala) 1606755241.0
Pop
Jarvis Landry
Scott Galvin-USA TODAY Sports
Perhaps you are a current or former disgruntled Landry owner—he's still available in 23.5 percent of ESPN leagues, a somewhat surprising stat for someone who has been a key player in the Browns passing game for several years.
But truthfully, Landry hasn't popped off this season, his Week 12 performance being his best one to date. Remarkably, Landry didn't score a touchdown or snag more than five catches all season until this Sunday, which could predict a positive trend in usage during fantasy playoffs. After a Week 13 game against the Titans, Landry will face the Ravens, the Giants and the Jets, the latter two being favorable matchups for a strong AFC North team set to cop a wildcard slot. If Landry and Mayfield can capitalize on their playoff-bound momentum, perhaps you can too.
Highest rated Week 12 performances, per @PFF: Offense: Jarvis Landry 94.5 Defense: Darnell Savage 96.3 (Yes, I know there's 1 more game)— Andrew Siciliano (@Andrew Siciliano) 1606841608.0
Amari Cooper
Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Since joining the Cowboys, Amari Cooper has transformed from dud to stud as he benefited from an underpaid and underrated Dak Prescott. So when Dak was sidelined with a season-ending injury in Week 5, Cooper was left to deal with the kind of inconsistency he dealt with back in Oakland. Cooper scored 13-point half-PPR games for the first three weeks of the season, but after losing Prescott, he only scored 13 or higher in a Week 6 game against the Cardinals—until now.
Air yards per game over the last 4 weeks: 1. Tyreek Hill (183) 6. DK Metcalf (112) 7. Justin Jefferson (110) 11. Ca… https://t.co/FK3MoDSbvy— Hayden Winks (@Hayden Winks) 1606835280.0
Landing six catches for 112 yards and a touchdown, Cooper is a favorite of a returning Andy Dalton, who dealt with his own injuries this season. In a Cowboys offense that could slowly be stabilizing, Cooper is a desirable fantasy target with a playoff slate against the Bengals, 49ers and Eagles. Cooper is even a solid start against the Ravens in Week 13, so if you have Cooper, now is the time to use him.
DeVante Parker
Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
DeVante Parker is owned in nearly 90 percent of ESPN leagues, and for good reason: when FitzMagic is in the air, so are Parker's fantasy numbers. Parker is easily Fitzpatrick's favorite target on the field. After subbing for Tagovailoa in the fourth quarter in Week 11, Fitzpatrick targeted Parker for three catches, two of them being caught for 36 yards. The last pass, an endzone target, was intercepted, but Fitz and Parker bounced back this week with eight catches for 119 yards.
As long as Fitzpatrick is starting, so should Parker, especially against a weakened Bengals squad in Week 13. While the Chiefs and Patriots prove formidable foes in the fantasy playoffs, a Week 16 matchup against the Raiders should fare well for this Dolphins duo.
#ProBowlVote Devante Parker https://t.co/emVZrhya8D— Tua SZN 🏈 (@Tua SZN 🏈) 1606838208.0
Shop
Collin Johnson
Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Chances are you weren't aware of Jacksonville's Collin Johnson before Week 12, but now is definitely time to pay attention to what could be the wide receiver pickup of Week 13.
Collin Johnson in Week 12: 💥 8 Targets 💥 4 Receptions 💥 96 Yards 💥 1 TD 💥 83% Snap Share @QBsMVP gives you his top… https://t.co/jiE6OIN6dW— PFF (@PFF) 1606842121.0
Averaging no less than 10 yards per catch all season, Johnson averaged an incredible 24 yards per catch against the Browns with four catches for 96 yards and a touchdown. The rookie fifth-rounder is only seeing this kind of production because DJ Chark and Chris Conley are out and quarterback Mike Glennon is in, but Johnson's Sunday performance should secure him a more prominent role in Week 13 against the Vikings. Whether Chark returns or not is a factor, but Johnson is still someone to watch as playoffs near.
Mohamed Sanu
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Mohamed Sanu has had a quiet and challenging 2020 season: the Patriots released him on September 4th after trading a second-round pick for him, with head coach/GM Bill Belichick claiming, "it just didn't work out." The Patriots often field aging players to see if there's any talent left, so such a statement could have tempered hype for the former Falcons receiver.
Sanu bounced from the 49ers, then the Lions, suiting up for the blue and silver in Week 12 against Houston. Despite an embarrassing Thanksgiving loss, Sanu was a winner on Sunday, catching all four targets for 32 yards and a touchdown. As long as Kenny Golladay, Danny Amendola and Marvin Hall are out, Sanu looks to benefit from a Matt Stafford offense that is newly freed of maligned head coach Matt Patricia.
@andyholloway Mohamed Sanu MVP SZN https://t.co/mGj7w6PLby— Stephen Andress ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿 (@Stephen Andress ✊🏻✊🏼✊🏽✊🏾✊🏿) 1606662427.0
Gabriel Davis
Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
If you finally dropped John Brown, it's time to pick up his replacement: Gabriel Davis.
The rookie third-rounder has had a few decent games all season, his second best being a 15-point game against Seattle in half-PPR leagues. This week, Davis did slightly better, catching three of four targets for 79 yards and a touchdown. With Brown out, Davis will accompany Diggs and Beasely, carving his own role opposite Diggs, who often faces double coverage.
In one of the best NFL passing games, Davis is someone to stash in Week 13 against the 49ers, as well as a Week 15 Broncos match and a Week 16 Patriots rematch.
scary part about the bills receiving core: Diggs is a top 5-7 receiver in the game Cole Beasley is the number 1 slo… https://t.co/SCMiGybyWc— Philip Gong (8-3) (@Philip Gong (8-3)) 1606765845.0
scary part about the bills receiving core: Diggs is a top 5-7 receiver in the game Cole Beasley is the number 1 slo… https://t.co/SCMiGybyWc— Philip Gong (8-3) (@Philip Gong (8-3)) 1606765845.0
This week follows a weekend of uniquely extreme highs and lows: some good, some bad, and so much ugly.
While Comeback Player of the Year candidate Alex Smith suited up and bravely played opposite Aaron Donald, Dak Prescott put on his own brave face as he was carted away with a brutal broken ankle that'll have him sidelined for the rest of the season.
The Texans won their first game, valiantly redeeming the fantasy value of Brandin Cooks and David Johnson. The Falcons lost again and finally fired disgraced head coach Dan Quinn, while Carson Wentz lost the Eagles' perch atop the division with a pick-ridden loss to a steely defense.
As Week 6 approaches, here are the drops, swaps and shops you need to make in light of a shocking Week 5.
Drop
Golden Tate
Syndication: NorthJersey Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com via Imagn Content Services, LLC
Golden Tate has made headlines this season, but unfortunately, it hasn't been for his fantasy performance. The veteran has made a name for himself through eleven years and four different franchises, but he hasn't been able to produce much on a weak Giants offense. Tate is on the field and does catch the majority of his targets, but they're only for a couple of yards: He hasn't gotten more than 47 yards in a game. If he's not adding at least 10 points to your roster, he's not even worth a flex spot, and it seems Darius Slayton is the guy to roster instead of Tate.
Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments of your life. 💯 https://t.co/0sjVD2FkHQ— Golden Tate (@Golden Tate) 1602550826.0
Russell Gage
NFL: Chicago Bears at Atlanta Falcons Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Russell Gage was a promising part of a high-powered Falcons offense in Weeks 1 and 2, but in the three weeks since, he's barely gotten more than 50 yards… total. While Gage did suffer a concussion in Week 3, he's been listed as active in every game this season. It's possible that the Falcons are reeling from their 0-5 record, and it's very possible that the offense can turn things around in a week like the Texans did, but Gage is a gamble at this point, and there are likely better options out there if you prefer not to wait.
With Week 5 almost in the books, here are some players who are droppable: - Tre'Quan Smith - AJ Green - Nyheim Hin… https://t.co/qAwR8AyBuq— Fantasy Football Laboratory (@Fantasy Football Laboratory) 1602603849.0
Carson Wentz
NFL: Philadelphia Eagles at San Francisco 49ers Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
It's probably not fun being Carson Wentz right now. It's also not that fun having Carson Wentz on your fantasy team. The once-lauded Eagles quarterback who helped bring his city their only championship is now drawing ire from the NFL world for his subpar play this year. To be fair, the Eagles haven't given him much to work with: he lacks offensive line protection and receiving options, putting the quarterback in a universally difficult position. While Wentz may not be entirely to blame, he's barely broken 20 points and is the 20th quarterback after Week 4—there are better options, even in twelve-person leagues.
My man is so done with Carson Wentz 😂 https://t.co/WEcfugPkR1— DailySportsDosage (@DailySportsDosage) 1601344938.0
Swap
Mark Ingram
NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Mark Ingram carries a name in fantasy, but that seems to be all he's carrying these days in Baltimore. Once upon a time, the former Saints running back shared a backfield with Kamara as half of a rare and productive RB tandem, but this year, there just aren't enough opportunities for Ingram. Between Lamar Jackson, Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins and maybe Justice Hill, Ingram can't start on your fantasy roster right now. But since so much of fantasy knowledge still relies on what happened last season, you might be able to convince someone that Mark Ingram is the starting Ravens running back and at least get something useful out of this touchdown-or-bust player.
J.K. Dobbins (Rookie) has touched the ball 25x and has 199 yards & 2 touchdowns Mark Ingram (10th year) has touche… https://t.co/Mp51Q6SsCQ— Joe Reed (@Joe Reed) 1602612890.0
Darius Slayton
NFL: New York Giants at Los Angeles Rams Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Another touchdown-or-bust kind of guy, Darius Slayton is a talented deep threat on a winless offense that ranks last in the NFL's worst division this season. He's actually averaging about 15.6 yards per game, so the guy can catch… he's just not catching enough. So even if Slayton gets points a few times this season, it's not consistent, making him a potential play in weak matchups, such as against the Cowboys this week. Either hold onto Slayton for those attractive matchups or sell him on his big-play ability.
Top 10 in percentage share of team's air yards, per @NextGenStats: Adam Thielen- 48.4% Marquise Brown- 45.1% DK Me… https://t.co/EnqGNkU5wC— Frank Stampfl (@Frank Stampfl) 1602612093.0
Devin Singletary
NFL: Buffalo Bills at Las Vegas Raiders Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Devin is the starting running back for the Bills, but with Josh Allen's passing attack working fairly well for the undefeated team, the run game hasn't been so much of a factor thus far. While his carries have increased each week and he did score a touchdown in Week 4, that score is really what saved him that week and gave him RB2 numbers. With fellow running back Zack Moss set to return this week, now's a good time to score something from Singletary if you need a stable wide receiver or tight end.
Devin Singletary has looked great all season. He currently has -130 odds to have over 58 rushing yards. Bet on th… https://t.co/T0ZLq4dS8s— BetOnline.ag (@BetOnline.ag) 1602610998.0
Shop
Chase Claypool
NFL: Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Alright, so adding Chase Claypool might be so obvious that it isn't even worth mentioning, but in case you didn't hear, this Steelers WR scored 7 catches for 110 yards as well as four touchdowns, earning him… 39 points.* Even before this week, Claypool was averaging 25 yards per catch, but he wasn't getting enough volume to justify making your roster. Well, now he is, so bid for him, negotiate for him, spend half of your waiver salary… just try to get this guy, because everyone will be clamoring for him.
The Week 6 Waiver Wire WR Priority List! @FFToday discusses if Chase Claypool can consistently give your team prod… https://t.co/Xp4vRLhHLP— CBS Sports HQ (@CBS Sports HQ) 1602615058.0
Laviska Shenault Jr.
NFL: Jacksonville Jaguars at Cincinnati Bengals Joseph Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
He may be available in two-thirds of leagues, but Laviska Shenault is an interesting WR waiver wire add if he continues at his current pace. His target share has increased week by week, and he's been able to accrue more than 10 points without scoring a touchdown. After DJ Charkexited with an ankle injury in the fourth quarter this Sunday, Shenault and Keelan Cole will be looking to split targets in a favorable Week 6 matchup against the Lions.
"Laviska Shanault Jr is better than Chase Claypool 🤢😑, Chase had 1 good game.... Laviska been doing since the start… https://t.co/xY8vcy09jB— Tramainetho (@Tramainetho) 1602615184.0
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Syndication: Palm Beach Post Allen Eyestone via Imagn Content Services, LLC
It seems that Fitzmagic wins games when he wants to, but in fantasy, it looks like he's been playing like a winner all season. Excluding a 2-point showing opposite the Patriots, Fitzpatrick had two 20-point outings and three that were around 30-points each. Here's the real magic: he's the 10th overall quarterback, but somehow only appears on 19.9 percent of ESPN rosters. Make Fitzmagic appear on yours if you need an upgrade at QB.
Ryan Fitzpatrick is in the earn the starting job phase of his cycle. Playing well tonight. #MIAvsPIT #MNF https://t.co/Ypx8e0hYXx— Willie L. Franklin (@Willie L. Franklin) 1572311519.0
* — dependant on league scoring rules
In a world where defenses no longer seem to matter, a new crop of receivers and tight ends are on the come up every week.
If you were one of the smart ones who predicted the Steelers and Buccaneers would have the best defenses, congratulations. The rest of us are stuck with unpredictable streaming options because no free agency D/ST is worth a long-term investment at the moment.
That being said, we turn our attention this week to the guys who are earning points: wide receivers, tight ends, and a few running backs who are stepping up, largely due to the myriad injuries plaguing NFL rosters. This also means some guys should be stepping off your roster, as they haven't been producing as they should, or they're likely to peak this week.
Here are the drops, swaps and shops to make in Week 5.
Drop
Nyheim Hines
NFL: Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports
Despite his breakout Week 1 performance, Nyheim Hines isn't the pass-catching back he's perhaps capable of becoming. Fellow Indy running back Jordan Wilkins matched his nine carries, and while neither amounted to much on Sunday (Hines averaged 2.7 YPC), Hines is more likely to still be rostered after three deflating weeks. Although the Colts are successful at 3-1, as long as there aren't pass-catching opportunities for Hines, he shouldn't start for your team.
Larry Fitzgerald
NFL: Detroit Lions at Arizona Cardinals Billy Hardiman-USA TODAY Sports
If you drafted Fitzgerald for sentimental reasons and with the hope that Murray and Hopkins would improve the Cardinals passing offense, you were right about one thing—but unfortunately, that "thing" wasn't Fitz's production.
Fitzgerald is a definite Hall of Famer who has made it work with over 20 different quarterbacks, but in his 17th season, he just isn't getting that elite attention on the field. Despite a decent showing against Washington, he's had only three catches for four yards in the two weeks since. Arizona is likely to have a field day against the 0-4 Jets, but besides that, Fitz likely won't show up this season fantasy-wise.
@burst_sports Kyler is still a young QB, Christian Kirk is struggling, DHop is balling out, Kenyan Drake hasn't bee… https://t.co/lLKzeVaMrL— TrashTalk Sports (@TrashTalk Sports) 1602021400.0
A.J. Green
Syndication: The Enquirer Sam Greene via Imagn Content Services, LLC
Another player still resting on the fantasy laurels of years past, A.J. Green is rostered in 93.6 percent of fantasy leagues… despite averaging 4.7 fantasy points so far this season.
Another troubling stat is his 41.2 percent catch rate this season. Meanwhile, fellow Bengals receiver Tyler Boyd is averaging 11.4 yards per reception, ranking him 17th amongst fantasy wide receivers. Clearly, Burrow and Boyd are not the problem, which means it's time to part ways with Green.
How bad has A.J Green been in fantasy football this year?? Let me get out this ridiculous unabridged Week 4 fanta… https://t.co/tqMxPs87au— Stathole Sports (@Stathole Sports) 1602026580.0
Swap
Flex For Flex
Zach Ertz
NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Philadelphia Eagles Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Fantasy benches are full of players that are still too good to drop, and this former fantasy TE stunner is one of them. Over a few years and many, many different Eagles receivers, Ertz has been a constant in an offense that has remained competitive in their division until now. Everything seems to be going wrong with the Eagles offense this year, and unfortunately, that has soured Ertz' fantasy value—he's scored under 10 points in three games.
Although it hurts to consider, if you can find a way to get something for Ertz, now is the time. He's still riding off his name and you may be able to get a surer thing than continuing to take a gamble on this Eagles casualty.
Why Joe took Zach Ertz in the fifth round of his fantasy draft https://t.co/GTdjoJ17Vx https://t.co/QPVXbQeatL— PlayBoy Carti Janetty (@PlayBoy Carti Janetty) 1602028304.0
Package Deal
David Johnson & Brandin Cooks
NFL: Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Long before head coach/GM/hopeful playcaller Bill O'Brien was fired this week after his fourth straight loss this season, Johnson and Cooks have been disappointing fantasy managers with their lackluster production.
Johnson and Cooks can play—Johnson's 2016 was unforgettable, and Cooks boasts four 1,000+ seasons on three different teams—but the question has been whether they will play for the Texans. Johnson has been decent so far and managed to score at least 10 points in three games, but Cooks has been abysmal besides a singular 12 point game.
Whether you have both or just one, these two will likely be a risk with new management, but things could improve with former Patriots defensive coordinator Romeo Crennel as the head coach. If you can sell Crennel and his crew to a buyer, it could be a boom if you're in the market for someone else.
Blockbuster Trade
Odell Beckham Jr.
NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Cleveland Browns Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
This may sound insane, but Beckham's Week 4 fantasy miracle follows a week where he couldn't muster eight fantasy points. Don't get me wrong, the guy can obviously catch, but he hasn't quite been the same OBJ when sharing the field with college friend and fellow talent Jarvis Landry. OBJ is no longer carrying the Giants offense, and the Browns have options—his 5 targets for 81 yards is the most he's had in a game all season, and without his touchdowns, he'd only have 13 points in PPR leagues. Beckham will still have big games, but you may not know when those games will happen—but you can likely get an RB1 or RB2 for Beckham now if you need one.
🎩🎩🎩 for @obj!!! Watch a replay of the @Browns' thrilling win over the Cowboys tomorrow night at 6:30 on SportsTime… https://t.co/W5dO4POxrz— FOX Sports Cleveland (@FOX Sports Cleveland) 1602031280.0
Shop
Robert Tonyan
NFL: Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
He was only rostered in 13.1 percent of ESPN Fantasy leagues, but Robert Tonyan was worth stashing on your bench after solid Week 2 and 3 performances. Then the Green Bay TE went and caught all six targets for 98 yards and three touchdowns, getting fantasy managers around 30 points depending on scoring. He's going to be the hottest pickup this week, so let's hope you're first in line or have money to blow in waivers this week.
looking at Robert Tonyan on my bench like https://t.co/BlG7wmgZ2d— Mina Kimes (@Mina Kimes) 1601953508.0
Scotty Miller
NFL: Los Angeles Chargers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
If Scotty Miller looks kind of familiar, it's because he fulfills a favored Brady profile: he's short, he's white, and he's a slot guy who can make the catch. Miller runs in Julian Edelman/Wes Welker territory, and as Tom Brady stabilizes in a Bucs offense that's on a three-game winning streak, Miller stands to benefit in the weeks to come. With Godwin sidelined, Miller could be a good pickup that stands to produce decently if you need a flex.
Week 5 WR Stream #1 - TB Scotty Miller Miller draws a tough matchup vs the Bears secondary, but it seems as though… https://t.co/79Yrom3El6— The Fantasy Streamer (@The Fantasy Streamer) 1602018558.0
Cole Beasley
NFL: Buffalo Bills at Miami Dolphins Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
I've had Beasley on and off since he was on the Cowboys, then left to join them in Buffalo—but on Josh Allen's rejuvenated offense, he's worth picking up for a guaranteed 10 points every week. While he garnered at least six targets in the first three games, his four-target game Sunday was complemented by his first touchdown of the year. As his chemistry with Josh Allen grows, Beasley stands to gain a steady stream of looks and is worth stashing on your bench for future flex play.
In 2017-2018, the #billsmafia ‘s weak wide receiver unit was “led” by 2nd round bust Zay Jones, underperforming Kel… https://t.co/tOkvIBwU6S— Steve (@Steve) 1602029328.0
In 2017-2018, the #billsmafia ‘s weak wide receiver unit was “led” by 2nd round bust Zay Jones, underperforming Kel… https://t.co/tOkvIBwU6S— Steve (@Steve) 1602029328.0