Much of fantasy football's in-season team strategy centers around which players to pick up from the waiver wire or to target in the trade market. However, roster spots are a premium (and finite) resource. Cutting a player - or adding them to a trade - opens a roster spot for a key waiver wire addition or the flexibility to keep a currently injured player through a missed game or two. Here are the key players to cut or trade after Week 4:
*Roster Rate references data collected from myfantasyleague.com leagues*
Shallow Formats
*15-18 roster spots*
RB Nick Chubb, Houston
Why: The transition to Woody Marks as the featured back for the Texans completed its journey in Week 4. Nick Chubb has been involved in the passing game more than expected (nine targets in four games), while Marks has looked superior and risen in market share by the game. Week 4 was the first time with Marks hitting more than 50% of the rushing attempts in the backfield and more than 50% of the team routes. Chubb is merely a backup option and a cut candidate in shallow formats where the waiver wire consists of plenty of primary backup running backs.
RB Isiah Pacheco, Kansas City
Why: The backfield in Kansas City is trending away from Isiah Pacheco. Kareem Hunt is the preferred goal-line and short-yardage option. In Week 4, Brashard Smith continued his elevation as a not insignificant third (and receiving-centric) option in the rotation. That leaves Pacheco with the empty calorie touches in the middle of the field and on traditional early downs. Pacheco is still rostered like a true starter (RB27 in Roster Rate) where a chunk of primary backup running backs should be rostered ahead of Pacheco on upside alone.
WR Ladd McConkey, LA Chargers
Why: McConkey is a sell candidate after the opening month of the season. After a quality rookie season, McConkey has been met with strong target competition. Quentin Johnston has continued his growth in Year 3. Keenan Allen was added through free agency. Oronde Gadsden is also flashing on his early opportunities. The key data point is that all of those options are seeing a higher target rate per route than McConkey. At this point, McConkey projects to need an injury around him in the passing game to be a lineup consideration.