In this week’s version of cut ‘em or keep ‘em, I’m looking to keep three players who had subpar performances in Week 5 and drop a pair of players who haven’t lived up to the preseason hype.
Keep ‘Em
Dalton Schultz (DAL)
I know Schultz put up a goose egg and possibly cost fantasy managers their matchups in Week 5, but I think patience is key for Schultz.
The Cowboys did not throw the ball much in the win against the Rams on Sunday and that has been the formula for wins with Cooper Rush at quarterback.
However, Dak Prescott should be back within the next couple of weeks. If you can, hold on to Schultz until Dak comes back to see what happens.
Schultz had nine targets and seven receptions in Week 1 with Dak healthy. He has eight targets combined in the three games he’s played with Rush.
Embed from Getty ImagesBrandin Cooks (HOU)
The biggest problem for Cooks so far this season has been the erratic play of Davis Mills. I’m not ready to drop Cooks but there is cause for concern. His targets have gone down in each game this season.
Cooks put up a 4-20 line on six targets in Week 5. Nico Collins has emerged as the viable No. 2 option in the passing game most thought he would be coming into the season.
If Mills continues to struggle, Cooks should remain on benches.
Khalil Herbert (CHI)
David Montgomery returned Sunday and handled most of the running back touches. Montgomery ran 12 times compared to Herbert’s four.
Montgomery was relatively ineffective on his carries, gaining just 20 rushing yards but scoring a touchdown. He led the Bears in receptions (4) and receiving yards (62).
Montgomery took all of the goal-line and two-minute snaps, but he split snaps on third downs, according to PFF.
Herbert remains one of the better handcuff options at running back.
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Cut ‘Em
Embed from Getty ImagesBrandon Aiyuk (SF)
Aiyuk seemed to develop chemistry with Trey Lance this offseason and seemed primed for a breakout season with the second-year quarterback at the helm.
Lance’s injury put Aiyuk’s potential breakout season on hold. He is the clear third receiving option on a team that doesn’t throw the ball enough.
Aiyuk hasn’t been terrible this season, but he hasn’t been great either. He has three games with less than 10 PPR points and no games with over 15 PPR points.
As long as Deebo Samuel is healthy, Aiyuk will continue to have these mediocre outings. I understand anyone wanting to move on from Aiyuk, particularly in shallower leagues.
Josh Palmer (LAC)
Similar to Aiyuk, Palmer hasn’t been horrible this season, but he hasn’t been good either considering the opportunity.
Keenan Allen has been out since Week 1 and Palmer has done little. He has one game over 30 yards this season with one touchdown.
The Charger offense just hasn’t been as good as most people expected it to be and with Allen’s return looming, Palmer can be placed on waiver wires.
Richie James (NYG)
James didn’t have any hype heading into the season, but he hasn’t done anything with the opportunity that was presented.
Sterling Shepherd tore his ACL in Week 3, which thrust James into a more prominent role in theory. The injuries to Kadarius Toney, Wan’dale Robinson, and Kenny Golladay left the Giants with a depleted receiving corps.
After earning over 50 yards receiving in each of the first two games, James has seven catches for 61 yards total in the last three games.
Robinson and Toney should be returning soon and even if they don’t come back soon, Darius Slayton has stepped up. Drop James and move on.
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