Fantasy Football: Keep ‘Em or Cut ‘Em – Week Three

Raise your hand if you wish you were Marty McFly right now! I sure wish I could just travel back a week in time and tell Saquon Barkley, CMC, Raheem Mostert, Jimmy G, Courtland Sutton and plenty of other NFL studs to please be extra cautious in week two.

Nonetheless, here we are: Week Three. Scrambling to the waiver wire is going to be the most important task you can do this week to salvage your season. I know, we are only two weeks in. But duty calls. So who should we be keeping or cutting this week, after subpar performances?

Embed from Getty Images

Michael Pittman Jr. – Indianapolis Colts WR (4 receptions for 37 yards)

Michael Pittman hasn’t stood out in his first two NFL starts this season. Pittman has accumulated 8 targets this year and 6 of those targets came in week two. However, Parris Campbell went down with a PCL injury that will sideline him “indefinitely.” Philip Rivers will need a #2 alongside T.Y. Hilton, and Pittman may be ready to step up to the challenge. Hold onto him for now. He may come in handy if you are looking for a WR4 to fill out your depleted roster. Verdict –> Keep ‘Em

Austin Hooper – Cleveland Browns TE (2 receptions for 22 yards)

Two games in and Austin Hooper has 4 receptions for 37 yards. The Browns don’t look great thus far (Aside from the Nick Chubb/Kareem Hunt duo). If Hooper is your only option at tight end, don’t waste your time. At this rate, you are better off streaming tight end for the season. Hooper only has 6 targets this season. Sorry folks: this isn’t the Atlanta Falcons offense anymore. Verdict –> Cut ‘Em

Sony Michel – New England Patriots RB (7 carries for 19 yards)

Embed from Getty Images

Let’s face it. This is Cam Newton‘s team. I never thought I would say that about the Patriots, but after all, this is 2020. Expect the unexpected. Let’s compare Sony Michel’s rushing numbers the past two weeks against QB Cam Newton’s rushing numbers.

Sony: 17 carries – 56 yards – 1 TD

Cam: 26 carries – 122 yards – 4 TD

This offense revolves around Cam and he will continue to take those goalline TDs and opportunities. Sony has only been targeted through the air once as well, so the days of using Sony as your RB or even your FLEX, are over. Verdict –> Cut ‘Em

Emmanuel Sanders – New Orleans Saints WR (1 reception for 18 yards)

In March, Emmanuel Sanders signed a two year deal with the Saints and expectations have been high ever since as he was entering a high powered offense joining the likes of Drew Brees, Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara. However, Manny has been a letdown for fantasy owners this season. After two games, Sanders has 4 receptions for 33 yards and 1 TD. Disappointing to say the least. I wouldn’t cut ties just yet. Michael Thomas is hobbled with injury and Kamara can’t carry the entire team every week. Hold onto Sanders for another few weeks and let the chemistry build with Brees. Remember, with no preseason games, Sanders didn’t have as much time to prepare and get situated in a new offense. Let’s wait and see how this one plays out. Verdict –> Keep ‘Em

Jordan Howard – Miami Dolphins RB (5 carries for 4 yards and 1 TD)

Embed from Getty Images

13 carries for 11 yards and 2 TDs. Don’t get all lovey dovey on Howard because of those 2 TDs. He plays for the Dolphins and currently has 0.8 yards per carry. It would also appear as if Miami is giving their 2nd year RB, Myles Gaskin more opportunities to carry the rock. Is Miami playing the hot hand approach? Maybe. But i’m not wasting my time with Howard anymore. His days are done. Don’t believe me? Howard has only been on the field for 17 offensive snaps this season. That’s 17 total, between two games. That’s not worthy of a bench spot. Verdict –> Cut ‘Em

Will Dissly – Seattle Seahawks TE (1 reception for 9 yards)

Have you seen Russell Wilson yet this year? He has 9 TDs and only 11 incomplete passes. I want any receiver on this offense that I can get my hands on right now. As for Dissly, he is off to a slower start. Through two games, Will Dissly has 3 receptions for 17 yards. Nothing to brag about. His counterpart, Greg Olsen 4 receptions for 24 yards and 1 TD. Take away the TD and that’s nothing glamerous either. Remember, before Dissly went down with an injury last year, he had 23 receptions for 262 yards and 4 TDs. Greg Olsen hasn’t had his fair share of healthy seasons either. The last time Olsen played a full season was in 2016. I fully expect Olsen to miss games and the chemistry between Dissly and Russ will continue to grow this year as a result. Verdict –> Keep ‘Em

Benny Snell Jr. – Pittsburgh Steelers RB (3 carries for 5 yards; 1 reception for -4 yards)

Embed from Getty Images

I know. You used your waiver or blew your FAAB dollars on Benny Snell this past week thinking James Conner was done and demoted to the bench. But Mike Tomlin fooled us all. James Conner took back his duties as lead RB for Pittsburgh and finished with 16 carries, 106 yards and 1 TD, adding 2 receptions for 15 yards. Not a bad showing. That left Snell back in the shadows after a great week one performance. However, don’t let go of Snell just yet. Conner has his fair share of injuries and has yet to play an entire season. I have a feeling Snell will come in handy later this year, especially as injuries continue to take a toll. He could be a decent RB 2/3 if given the start. In week one, Snell had 19 carries for 113 yards. That’s a guy I want to hold on for insurance if Conner goes down. You could even save him strictly for trade bait down the road. Verdict –> Keep ‘Em

ATTN Dynasty Commissioners: Do you want to do something cool for your league? How about a 1-hour live show dedicated to YOUR league? Team-by-team breakdowns, rankings, and more. For details and to book a show, visit: GoingFor2.com/plp.