The following is an excerpt from the latest edition of Yahoo’s fantasy football newsletter, Get to the Points! If you like what you see, you can subscribe for free here.
A player-to-drop column will never be one-size-fits-all, so tailor these recommendations to suit the size and scope of your league.
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs (99%)
I normally don’t include injured players in this column, because what’s the point? You know what to do. But I suspect many fantasy managers will have a hard time cutting bait with the dinged Mahomes (only) because of the name-brand value. He’s a week-to-week basis, so I don’t see how anyone could confidently start him against Houston. And even if he’s fit for Week 17, he’ll still draw the mean Steelers. There’s no denying that a healthy Mahomes has been a mess this year; only two fantasy finishes in the top 10.
Deebo Samuel Sr., WR, 49ers (95%)
Here’s our weekly breakdown of the ‘numbers, not names’ ethos. If the 49ers knew how to get Samuel started this year, they would do it. Samuel hasn’t sniffed the top 50 at the position in the past five weeks, and it’s clear that Jauan Jennings is ahead of him in San Francisco’s pecking order.
Raheem Mostert, RB, Dolphins (45%)
Did he really score 21 TDs a year ago? NFL seasons age in dog years. Mostert is limping along with 3.4 yards per carry and De’Von Achane is hammering Miami’s use of the backfield. Even if Achane were to get injured, Mostert offers a marginal advantage as a 32-year-old player.
Jake Ferguson, TE, Cowboys (76%)
Every week we say it: “Ferguson has a juicy match, this could be the breakthrough.” Unfortunately, he did little against Cincinnati (3-32-0) and little against Carolina (2-23-0). This year, Ferguson is stuck with zero touchdowns and is averaging just 8.8 yards per catch. You’ve probably reached a better tight end if you’re still alive in the fantasy playoffs; use Ferguson’s roster spot for more interesting depth elsewhere.
D/ST Baltimore Ravens (94%)
Not even a matchup against the Giants could save this struggling unit – the Ravens allowed 14 points and generated just three sacks and one interception against a terrible QB room. You’re not going to want to play between Baltimore and Pittsburgh or Houston in the next two weeks.
