Can you believe we're already a quarter of the way through the season? In fantasy terms, we're even further, considering most leagues' playoffs start in Week 15. Congratulations to those of you with a 4-0 record! All the power to you. This week's edition is more for those who are 0-4, 1-3, or 2-2. I'll take a look at some struggling players from each position and let you know how you should proceed with these players. This list does not include any players who have missed multiple games due to injury.
Quarterbacks
Patrick Mahomes II, KC
- Current rank: QB17
- Opponents played: BAL, CIN, at ATL, at LAC
- Record: 4-0
- Upcoming schedule: NO, BYE, at SF, at LV
The Chiefs may have a 4-0 record but they are a long way away from a polished product. Kansas City will need to overcome several injuries to key offensive players, namely Rashee Rice (knee), Isiah Pacheco (ankle fracture), and Marquise Brown (sternoclavicular). All are expected to miss the season or a large chunk of it. To make matters worse, Travis Kelce at age 35, is starting to show his decline. He is no longer expected to have big games every week. This all comes back to Mahomes as a much larger hill that he will need to climb. So far, he has handled the adversity in the win column, but his stats are a far cry from years past, particularly his interceptions (6) and low number of touchdowns (5). He has also failed to surpass 300 yards passing in four games this season. Last year, through four games, he averaged 19.9 FP/gm (QB8). This year, he is QB17, sitting at 14.1 FP/gm, which is lower than Deshaun Watson. Despite the 4-0 record, Mahomes has been a fantasy disappointment.
Can Mahomes turn it around?
Based on his previous quality of work, superior down-field vision, and capable coaching staff, one must assume he will eventually come around. Rookie speedster Xavier Worthy has produced well for him in limited touches so far. We may start to see more involvement, usage, and targets his way as a result of the dwindling weapons on the roster. Don't be surprised if Kansas City doesn't look elsewhere to bring in a wide receiver, and it could happen soon, especially with a Week-6 bye looming. Players suggested include Amari Cooper, Davante Adams, Diontae Johnson, and even bringing back Tyreek Hill. In the meantime, Mahomes will have to do his magic with a roster that includes the likes of Kareem Hunt, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Justin Watson, the rookie Worthy, and an aging Travis Kelce. Don't expect Mahomes to automatically turn up the production, at least not until Kansas City decides to make a move and bring in some additional talent. Then again, if anyone can make lemonade out of lemons, it's Mahomes.
Result: The demise of Mahomes is not imminent, but he needs to find his way with the talent he has around him. Consider replacing him with a better option at quarterback until he progresses. Look for the Chiefs to make a roster move within the next two weeks.
Kirk Cousins, ATL
- Current rank: QB28, 10.6 FP.gm
- Opponents played: PIT, at PHI, KC, NO
- Record: 2-2
- Upcoming schedule: TB, at CAR, SEA, at TB
Kirk Cousins is at that point in his career where he can help his team win, but he isn't going to do much in terms of fantasy production. We tend to see that with older quarterbacks who pose no threat in the running game. Aaron Rodgers is at this point as well. So is Andy Dalton and Derek Carr to name others. In order to be fantasy-relevant, high yardage and touchdown production is needed. Cousins has disappointed in those areas so far this season. He has not surpassed 250 yards in a game and he has one game of two touchdowns. Through four games he has four touchdowns and four interceptions. At this time last year, Cousins was QB4 thanks to three 300-yard games with 11 touchdowns and 4 interceptions.
Why has he declined?
An Achilles tear ended his season in Week 8 of 2023. While he has battled back, one must wonder if that is keeping him from his full potential as a quarterback. Cousins tore his right Achilles, and he is right handed, which means he pushes off with his right leg when setting to throw down field. If there is slight uncomfortableness or instability, it could affect the trajectory and power of his throws.
He did look awfully impressive in the last two minutes of Week 2 against Philadelphia, where he drove down the field in surgical fashion leading the Falcons to a game-winning touchdown drive. Where is that Kirk Cousins?
What can we expect moving forward?
Cousins is 15th in passing yards (864) and 18th in yards per attempt (7.3). Of 18 quarterbacks with at least 115 attempts, only Bo Nix has been sacked fewer (5) than Cousins (6). He has a decent supporting cast of talent led by Bijan Robinson, Drake London, and Darnell Mooney. Kyle Pitts is also in the mix, but he's been unreliable so far. Atlanta is 10-for-38 on third down (29th in the league), and they commit a turnover on 13% of their drives (6th highest). If they can solve those issues, Cousins has a chance to rise up the ranks, but don't expect top-15 numbers. His ceiling is likely around 20th or the high teens.
Result: Expect Cousins to bounce back but not be at a point where he is a must-start in fantasy circles.
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