Can you believe we are a quarter of the way through the season already? In fantasy terms we're even further, considering most league's playoffs start in Week 14. For those of you with a 4-0 record, Congratulations! All the power to you.
This week's edition is more for those that are 0-4, 1-3, or 2-2. I'll take a look at some struggling players from each position and let you know what you how you should proceed with those players. These do not include any players who have missed multiple games with an injury.
QUARTERBACK
Deshaun Watson
Current rank:13th
Drafted as: QB1
Opponents played: at KC, BAL, at PIT, MIN
Record: 0-4
Upcoming schedule: JAC, at TEN, GB, Bye, at JAC
2020 fantasy points through Week 4 76.4 QB13
2019 fantasy points through Week 4 82.2 QB6
2018 fantasy points through Week 4 93.9 QB7
Result: The results so far have been mediocre, but even a slight increase will put him back into the top 10. The Texans' first three games were as difficult as they come. Watson's strength of schedule moving forward is much more favorable.
Lamar Jackson, BAL
Current rank:8th
Drafted as: QB1 - top 2
Opponents played: CLE, at HOU, KC, at WAS
Record: 3-1
Upcoming schedule: CIN, at PHI, PIT, Bye, at IND
2020 fantasy points through Week 4 85.2 QB8
2019 fantasy points through Week 4 112.2 QB1
2018 fantasy points through Week 4 (NA)
There is nothing wrong with being in the top 8, but Jackson was drafted as a QB1 or QB2. He has few big-game wins on his resume and his latest attempt at beating Kansas City resulted in a rather tough loss. Jackson has 235 yards rushing this year with 1 rushing touchdown. He had 238 yards rushing and 1 rushing touchdown at the same time last year. The biggest difference between 2019 and 2020 is his lack of passing yards. He currently has 769 yards passing with 7 touchdowns. Last year at this time he had 1,110 yards with 10 touchdown passes.
Result: Expect a bounceback to the top 5, but perhaps not to the level of success we saw last year.
Drew Brees, NO
Current rank: 20th
Drafted as: QB1-2.
Opponents played: TB, at LSV, GB, at DET
Record: 2-2
Upcoming schedule: LAC, Bye, CAR, at CHI, at TB
2020 fantasy points through Week 4 69.9
2019 fantasy points through Week 4 22.3 (inj)
2018 fantasy points through Week 4 98.3 QB5
Drew Brees is a future Hall of Fame quarterback, so there is nothing we haven't see him do on a football field. His current rank of 20 is somewhat surprising, but he has not had his top receiver, Michael Thomas for three of his four games played and the other options in the receiver corps are not stepping up to the level that Thomas provides. As a result, Brees is checking down to Alvin Kamara at a high rate and his yardage per game has decreased. The Saints have a bye Week 6, so there may only be one more game for Brees without his top target. If he struggles to give us the level of production we're accustomed to, after Thomas returns, then we can begin to talk about his decline at age 41.
Result: Expect a bounce back, especially after the Saints Bye Week 6.
RUNNING BACK
Mark Ingram, BAL
Current rank: 41st
Drafted as: RB3
Opponents played: CLE, at HOU, KC, at WAS
Record: 3-1
Upcoming schedule: CIN, at PHI, PIT, Bye, at IND
The Ravens are currently using a three-man running back by committee approach where neither Mark Ingram, J.K. Dobbins, or Gus Edwards have exceeded 27 snaps in any game this year. As a result, neither back can get into a rhythm with a continuous series of carries. As a whole, the unit is performing well rushing for 644 yards (3rd most in the league). Both Ingram and Dobbins have two touchdowns apiece but the yardage numbers are down. Ingram has 148 rushing yards on 34 carries. After four games last year he had 55 rushed for 328 yards and 5 touchdowns. One big game could catapult Ingram up the ranks, but if this 3-way committee approach continues, or if Dobbins breaks through before Ingram has a big game, we could see a changing of the guard in Baltimore.
2020 fantasy points (Fanduel) through Week 4 30.8 RB41
2019 fantasy points (Fandeul) through Week 4 72.5 RB5
2018 fantasy points (Fanduel) through Week 4 (susp)
Result: There is still a chance for a rebound, but the committee approach isn't helping, plus Dobbins is capable of taking over.
Kenyan Drake, ARI
Current rank: 34th
Drafted as: RB1-2
Opponents played: at SF, WAS, DET, at CAR
Record: 2-2
Upcoming schedule: at NYJ, at DAL, SEA, Bye, MIA
Expectations were high for Kenyan Drake entering the 2020 season. He was the primary ball carrier on a team destined for offensive success. What could go wrong? So far, through four games, Drake is the clear leading rusher with 67 carries compared to 16 from Chase Edmonds. Kyler Murray is closer with 32 carries of his own. Drake is getting the opportunities, but so far he isn't producing, averaging 3.9 yards per carry with only 5 receptions compared to Edmonds 13. The receptions are down, which is surprising. Drake was thought of to have 50-catch potential with a fulltime role, but Edmonds has thwarted that notion. The schedule opens up for the Cardinals in the next few weeks, so there is still a chance for him to have his breakout game. Volume is still there, which is a big plus. For now.
2020 fantasy points (Fanduel) through Week 4 35.9 RB34
2019 fantasy points (Fandeul) through Week 4 26.5 RB41 (still in a backup role at the time)
2018 fantasy points (Fanduel) through Week 4 27.2 RB37 (backup role)
Result: Don't give up on Drake just yet, but the chances of a 35-50 catch season are less likely.
Clyde Edwards-Helaire, KC
Current rank: 13th
Drafted as: RB1-2
Opponents played: HOU, at LAC, at BAL, NE
Record: 4-0
Upcoming schedule: LSV, at BUF, at DEN, NYJ
On the bright side, Edwards-Helaire is ranked inside the top 15, but expectations were higher when he assumed the lead role when Damien Williams opted out for the season. Edwards-Helaire looked spry, capable, and dominant in Week 1 against the Raiders. He has struggled to find the end zone since and has not broken 64 yards rushing since that impressive Week 1 debut. Some positive aspects include 15 receptions and 71 carries (61 more than the next closest back on the team). The only major drawback to this point is his inability to score touchdowns on a potent offense. He's struggling inside the five-yard line, but at least he is still getting opportunities.
2020 fantasy points (Fanduel) through Week 4 56.3 RB13
2019 fantasy points (Fandeul) through Week 4 NA
Result: He's a legit weekly starter on a high-scoring team and the touchdowns should come, but if they come few and far between don't expect a top 10 finish.
Miles Sanders, PHI
Current rank: 29th
Drafted as: RB1-2
Opponents played: at WAS, LAR, CIN, at SF
Record: 1-2-1
Upcoming schedule: at PIT, BAL, NYG, DAL
Keep in mind, Sanders missed Week 1 with a hamstring injury. His stats and ranking are a result of only three games played. Having said that he has finished inside the weekly top 20 once this season (Week 3 he finished RB7). The Eagles are struggling to find a rhythm on offense and are dealing with a multitude of injuries on both sides of the ball, but especially offense. Sanders was always a high-touch back capable of racking up yards and receptions as a rusher and receiver. If there is one aspect of his game that is keeping him from being an elite fantasy back, it's his ability to consistently score. The Eagles are averaging 2.0 touchdowns per game, where only the Colts, Jets, and Giants have less. Sanders has scored in six of his 19 games played in his career, which is good, but not elite. Sanders has a wealth of ability, but if his team can't find consistent success, he'll have a hard time reaching the top 10.
2020 fantasy points (Fanduel) through Week 4 39.9 RB29
2019 fantasy points (Fandeul) through Week 4 27.2 RB40
Result: Like Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Sanders is capable of being an every-down back, but the lack of consistent scoring keeps him outside of the top 10.
WIDE RECEIVER
D.J. Moore, CAR
Current rank: 35th
Drafted as: WR2
Opponents played: LSV, at TB, LAC, ARI
Record: 2-2
Upcoming schedule: at ATL, CHI, at NO, ATL
Robby Anderson has started strong for Carolina while D.J. Moore has had three fairly underwhelming games. The Panthers offense is starting to click, even without Christian McCaffrey (ankle) but Moore hasn't joined the party yet. Moore (32) and Anderson (35) have similar target totals but Anderson is catching balls at an 80% clip, compared to Moore's 56%. Moore started slowly last year as well and then turned it on, however, 2019 the Panthers didn't have an Anderson for him to try to keep pace with. His primary competition for targets was McCaffrey. A new running-mate is slowing down his production, and it doesn't help that he's in a slump. One big game and Moore will be right back in the saddle, but 130-140 targets this year may be pushing it.
2020 fantasy points (Fanduel) through Week 4 37.8 WR35
2019 fantasy points (Fandeul) through Week 4 41.3 WR34
Result: Better days are ahead, but don't expect him to finish with the numbers he had last year. 130-140 targets and 80+ catches may be out of reach.
Jarvis Landry, CLE
Current rank: 49th
Drafted as: WR3-4
Opponents played: at BAL, CIN, WAS, at DAL
Record: 3-1
Upcoming schedule: IND, at PIT, at CIN, LSV
The Browns are off to a 3-1 start and Odell Beckham has shown that he can be a reliable wide receiver. Beckham leads the Browns in targets over Landry 30-19 and he has scored three times to Landry's zero, although the two connected on a pass-play against Dallas. Landry is catching nearly 90% of his targets and his career yards per catch is right where it is this year - 11.2. He has not found the end zone as a receiver yet, but with the way the Browns are scoring (4.0 per game - 4th most in the league), a surge seems imminent.
2020 fantasy points (Fanduel) through Week 4 33.8 WR49
2019 fantasy points (Fandeul) through Week 4 42.8 WR30
Result: Better days are ahead, especially the way the Browns are putting up points.
Michael Gallup, DAL
Current rank: 30th
Drafted as: WR3-4
Opponents played: at LAR, ATL, at SEA, CLE
Record: 1-3
Upcoming schedule: NYG, ARI, at WAS, at PHI
All Cowboys receivers are producing due to Dak Prescott's incredible start to the season. The Cowboys are averaging 407 passing yards per game after four games, with 4.0 offensive touchdowns scored per game. Dallas receivers are reaching pay dirt except Gallup. Amari Cooper is WR3, CeeDee Lamb is WR14 and yet Gallup is WR30. Cooper leads the team with 51 targets followed by Ezekiel Elliott's 31, Lamb's 28, Dalton Schultz's 28, and then Gallup's 24. Interestingly enough, Gallup is only one score away from the team lead in receiving touchdowns, and he's averaging 21.2 yards per catch, but his catch rate is a paltry 54.2%. Most of his targets are deep throws (15+ yards) and therefore aren't as accurate, and/or Gallup is struggling to make contested catches. Things should improve for Gallup. He's an excellent buy-low candidate on a team that is capable of scoring big in the worst division in the league.
2020 fantasy points (FanDuel) through Week 4 40.0 WR30
2019 fantasy points (FanDuel) through Week 4 (29.1) WR60
Result: A rebound should come and it may come soon. One long scoring play and increased usage/confidence may be all it takes to catapult him into the Top 20.
Marquise Brown, BAL
Current rank: 51st
Drafted as: WR4-5
Opponents played: CLE, at HOU, KC, at WAS
Record: 3-1
Upcoming schedule: CIN, at PHI, PIT, Bye, at IND
Passing yards are down for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens so far this season, so it's resulting in fewer targets for Brown. The Ravens 25.2 pass attempts per game are second-fewest in the league ahead of only Minnesota (25.0). Brown's 26 targets lead the team, even over Mark Andrews (20). He has 242 yards receiving on 16 catches, but zero scores to date. Last year at this time he had 2 touchdowns and 304 yards on 18 catches. Jackson and the Ravens passing game may take a step back from their lofty 2019 heights, but there will still be big days ahead for the team's top target. So far, Brown's top weekly finish is WR23 with two outside of the top 65. The ability and potential are there, he just needs to develop some consistency and increase his scoring rate. He has a career scoring rate of 38% (7 scores in 18 games). A rebound is likely, but a season with 6-8 touchdowns may be too far-fetched. For a guy who leans on scores for his production, no scores hurt his production.
2020 fantasy points (FanDuel) through Week 4 32.2 WR51
2019 fantasy points (FanDuel) through Week 4 51.4 WR19
Result: It won't take much to leap into the top 30-25. One big game could do it, but picking which game that is can be problematic. The scores must come for him to be an every-week fantasy threat. His success hinges on Lamar Jackson's pass success. A wagered chip on Brown is a chip on Jackson.
TIGHT END
Zach Ertz, PHI
Current rank: 17th
Drafted as: TE1
Opponents played: at WAS, LAR, CIN, at SF
Record: 1-2-1
Upcoming schedule: at PIT, BAL, NYG, DAL
The Eagles offense is struggling and it's affecting Zach Ertz as well. Ertz leads the team in targets and receptions and with Dallas Goedert (ankle) out for a few weeks, he should continue to see a heavy dose of targets moving forward. To jump up the ranks, he'll need to score, which means the Eagles will need to find a way to boost their 2.0 offensive scores per game average. Ertz is only 8 fantasy points off his 2019 pace but he is nine spots lower in the ranks compared to last year. The next two games are not exactly favorable (at PIT, BAL), but anything can happen. Ertz should be able to bounce back, but it may not be felt until Week 7.
2020 fantasy points (FanDuel) through Week 4 31.4 TE17
2019 fantasy points (FanDuel) through Week 4 39.5 TE8
Result: Don't panic, better days are ahead. Philadelphia is going through a tough stretch of injuries and their schedule doesn't help. Ertz should bounce back, but it may not be until after Week 6.
Evan Engram, NYG
Current rank: 25th
Drafted as: TE1
Opponents played: PIT, at CHI, SF, at LAR
Record: 1-2-1
Upcoming schedule: at DAL, WAS, at PHI, TB
The Giants offense has struggled mightily scoring only three times in 16 quarters. The loss of Saquon Barkley is huge, but Daniel Jones is also struggling to fully grasp and execute Jason Garrett's offense compared to Pat Shurmur's offense from 2019. Jones is a smart quarterback, so it may take some time to get on board and we've already seen that. The schedule opens up for New York which will help the offense as a whole. Evan Engram was the #1 tight end after Week 4 last year. He is the Giants leader in targets (30) and receptions (17) but the lack of scores and 56% catch rate is concerning. One has to believe there is no place to go but up, especially with the schedule getting less grueling. Jones' ability to execute on the new offensive system is paramount to Engram's potential for production. A rebound should come, but take it one step at a time. It's a great time to buy low on a top-target tight end in a division that is favorable.
2020 fantasy points (FanDuel) through Week 4 21.6 TE25
2019 fantasy points (FanDuel) through Week 4 58.6 TE1
Result: Engram's success hinges on Daniel Jones' ability to execute in Jason Garrett's offensive system. There are growing pains for all involved but better days are ahead.
Questions, suggestions, and comments are always welcome to haseley@footballguys.com