Just like that, Week One of the NFL season is past us. We waited for months and months. We went through mock draft after mock draft. And now we were able to get a glimpse this week of how our first and second-round picks fared. Rookies impressed, despite no preseason touches and we were left wanting more and more.
Each week, I will highlight several players that underwhelmed that week and discuss whether you should Keep ‘Em and hold them on your roster or Cut ‘Em and release them to the waiver wire as they are not worth your time and energy (And you probably won’t have any luck trading them either..).
Mecole Hardman – Kansas City Chiefs WR (1 reception for 6 yards)
Mecole Hardman burst onto the scene in 2019 and finished the season with 6 TDs in the best offense there is. As a result, expectations were high on Thursday night as the NFL season officially kicked and Hardman more than disappointed fantasy owners. He finished the game with 1 reception for 6 yards and was only targeted once. Don’t panic. This is the Chiefs offense we are talking about here. Besides Travis Kelce and Tyreek Hill, Patrick Mahomes will continue to spread targets each week, so although Hardman may have a down week here and there, don’t panic drop him this week because he will reward you later. Verdict –> Keep ‘Em
Kerryon Johnson – Detroit Lions RB (7 carries for 14 yards)
Embed from Getty ImagesWell folks, I think this is the end of the road for Kerryon. Listen, I was a Kerryon Johnson truther. I even considered naming my team after him (Kerryon My Wayward Son)! However, the signing of Adrian Peterson and the emergence of rookie D’Andre Swift doesn’t spell a great future for Kerryon. Kerryon finished week one with a measly 2.0 yards per carry, compared to a 6.6 average from AP, who is 35 years old. Swift was given the only goal-line carry which he successfully completed. You can tearfully release Kerryon into the waiver wire abyss. Verdict –> Cut ‘Em
Courtland Sutton – Denver Broncos WR (Shoulder injury; Did not play)
I know, I know. This seems obvious. You probably drafted Sutton around the WR 15-20 range with the hopes that he will continue to produce and build chemistry with QB Drew Lock in his second season. Unfortunately, a shoulder injury sidelined him on Monday’s opener, despite last-minute reports that he may be able to do a few jumping jacks and start the game. Do not drop him out of sheer injury disappointment. Sutton will be back. Lock clearly missed his #1 receiver and connected with 10 different receivers throughout the night. Be patient. Sutton will be back and you will be happy you stayed the course. Verdict –> Keep ‘Em
Rob Gronkowski – Tampa Bay Buccaneers TE (2 receptions for 11 yards)
Embed from Getty ImagesYes, Tampa Bay looked out of sync all game. They faced a top 10 defense in the New Orleans Saints. But in a game where Mike Evans wasn’t 100% and primarily used as a decoy, Tom Brady’s former safety valve, Gronk, was only targeted 3 times all game? Overall, Gronk looked slow and didn’t look great as a run blocker either. The other TE, O.J. Howard, ended up with 6 targets and finished with 36 yards and 1 TD. I know it’s early, but I believe the party is over for Gronk, especially when Evans gets back to 100%. Verdict –> Cut ‘Em
Tyler Boyd – Cincinnati Bengals WR (4 receptions for 33 yards)
It was Joe Burrow’s first NFL game and as expected, it was going to take some reps to get comfortable and settled with his first team offense. The Bengals also faced a decent defense in the LA Chargers. I don’t trust AJ Green to stay healthy all year and even if he does, I expect Boyd to be there early and often for Burrows. Boyd will improve and continue to soak up targets. Don’t lost faith yet! Verdict –> Keep ‘Em
Le’Veon Bell – New York Jets RB (6 carries for 14 yards; 2 receptions for 32 yards)
Embed from Getty ImagesI am tearing up writing this. What was once considered a top 3 RB in fantasy, only a few years ago, is now moving to the waiver wire. Adam Gase is horrible. We know this. He doesn’t know how to use Bell properly. Bell is also dealing with a hamstring injury that has officially placed him on the IR which means he will be out a minimum of 3 weeks. To those of you that took a chance on him this year: I’m sorry. It’s over. Let him go now and grab a waiver wire RB that shined in week one instead. You will thank me later. Verdict –> Cut ‘Em
Darrell Henderson Jr – Los Angeles Rams RB (3 carries for 6 yards)
Sean McVay hinted at a 3 or 4 headed RBBC earlier in the week. But Sunday night showed a different story. Malcolm Brown and Cam Akers shared in 80% of the teams carries. Brown looked sharp, with 18 carries, 79 yards and 2 TDs. Henderson didnt stand much of a chance in this one and I don’t see a reason to hang onto him at this point, given the early success of Malcolm Brown and the new rookie, Akers. You can move on and look for someone on the waivers who will be more productive on your team. Verdict –> Cut ‘Em
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