Dead Weight Report: Week 13 Droppables
Unless you’ve cruised this season and have already a clinched a playoff spot, this week is crucial. Getting rid of those underperforming players could be the difference-maker in whether you’re still setting lineups after this week or watching from the sidelines.
Those already bound for postseason play can also use this week to drop players who are unlikely to get off the bench in favor of those with greater potential in their vital win-or-go-home matchups ahead. Plus, the end of bye weeks means there are plenty of placeholders who can be safely waived this week, as well.
Below is a look at some players who are drop-zone worthy as we head down the stretch of the NFL and fantasy seasons.
Tyrell Williams, WR – Raiders
In theory, Williams was a solid choice heading into this season, but he’s been a disappointment for those who drafted him in 2019. He missed Weeks 5 and 7 due to injury and hasn’t been a consistent part of the Raiders offense upon his return. His 5.4 targets per tilt rank 59th among wideouts, and with Oakland struggling offensively of late (think three total points against the Jets in Week 12), Williams now has four-straight games with a single-digit PPR output.
It doesn’t help his fantasy outlook that Williams’ next four contests are against tough defenses. According to our signature metric, schedule-adjusted fantasy points allowed, or aFPA, Oakland faces the sixth-, 17th-, 18th- and third-ranked units in WR aFPA, respectively, moving forward. It may sting a bit, but send Williams to the waiver wire in favor of a wideout in a better situation down the stretch.
Frank Gore, RB – Bills
He was on this list earlier in the season, but 30% of you are still hanging onto the sentimental aspect of Gore, probably. I know he just passed Barry Sanders last week to sit alone at third in NFL history in all-time rushing yards with 15,289, but that doesn’t mean he should be on your roster moving forward. He’s been out-touched 44 to 72 by rookie Devin Singletary over the past four contests and has not posted double-digit PPR points since Week 4.
Besides sticking it to Father Time, Gore is still receiving some goal-line work but he is more of an RB4 or RB5 as we head into the fantasy playoff season. Not only has his workload diminished, but the Bills see Pittsburgh and New England in Weeks 15 and 16, who rank fourth and six in rushing aFPA, respectively. Send Gore to the metaphorical fantasy pasture for the rest of the 2019 season and grab someone like Bo Scarbrough or Benny Snell Jr., with greater potential for volume.
Zach Pascal, WR – Colts
The Pascal era, at least for this season, has come and gone. He saw one ball which he did not catch in Week 12 and it was during the final three minutes of the game. Game script was not in his favor as the Colts ran more than they passed against Houston, plus the return of T.Y. Hilton didn’t exactly help Pascal’s cause.
He can safely be dropped in all leagues as we enter the final stretch of the season, in favor of some waiver wire magic in perhaps A.J. Brown, Cole Beasley or even James Washington.
Vance McDonald, TE – Steelers
Despite his late-sixth round ADP as TE5, 2019 has not been particularly kind to McDonald. He can’t help that Ben Roethlisberger went down, but it happened, and the entire Steelers offense has suffered as a result. The 29-year-old tight end has yet to eclipse 40 yards this season—back in Week 1 with Big Ben under center.
Tight end is pretty ugly, but you can do better than McDonald and the dog and pony show Pittsburgh currently has at quarterback. Pluck someone like Jacob Hollister or Ryan Griffin off the waiver wire. Your roster will thank you if it had the ability to do so.
Kalen Ballage, RB – Dolphins
Despite the film being out there of Ballage’s ability, he’s still rostered by 36% of Yahoo! fantasy managers. I totally get the fact he has limited competition in the Miami backfield, but they are always behind and boast one of, if not the worst offensive lines in the league this season. Plus, he’s just not very good. He’s certainly better at running the football than me or the rest of us, but compared to NFL caliber backs, he’s subpar.
Please move on from the Miami backfield. You’re better off picking up a handcuff or a change-of-pace back than relying on Ballage to get you legitimate points.
Eric Ebron, TE – Colts
This is more of a courtesy for those of you who have not heard Ebron was placed on Injured Reserve due to two bum ankles. He requires surgery on both and is now done for the season. Jack Doyle will take his place as the starter with Mo Alie-Cox also getting some reps in.