Do you drop them or do you hold on to them? Should you fear their drop in usage? I’ll help you answer those! Every week I’ll be highlighting some players who are either losing opportunity on offense or underperforming based on their ownership percentage.
This can be used as a helpful way to decide on some players you can drop to waivers for the hot new items on the market. Maybe you’re on the fence about a bench player and seeing his name on this list will help you make that final decision!
I will only mention players with over 35% ownership in ESPN leagues because you can’t drop who you don’t have.
Let’s do this!
JaMycal Hasty – 72% ESPN Ownership
In what was supposed to be a big game for Hasty as one of the few healthy backs in San Francisco turned out to be a 3.3 PPR point dud. Jerick McKinnon was on the field almost three times as much as Hasty (42 snaps to 15) and handled over 70% of rushing attempts. The potential week 10 return of Raheem Mostert means Hasty’s role in this backfield could all but disappear. Knowing Shanahan, however, Hasty could have a 3-TD game one week and confuse the masses. I’m comfortable dropping Hasty this week, his ceiling is capped with the eventual Mostert and Tevin Coleman return as well as McKinnon’s inconsistent usage.
Nyheim Hines – 42.9% ESPN Ownership
If you spent up to grab Hines after his two TD game last week against Detroit, I’ve got bad news for you. This 5.8-point game is the expected outcome for Hines every week moving forward. You could blame a stout Baltimore defense for a lack of production, but I fear Hines just isn’t being used to the degree he should be. He was on the field for 34% of snaps, just as many as Jordan Wilkins and slightly more than Jonathan Taylor. He’s on the field enough but this Colts offense doesn’t seem to be productive enough to sustain Hines. If I have Hines I’m dropping him but only for another RB on the wire (JD Mckissic comes to mind, definitely pick up McKissic).
Henry Ruggs – 45.3% ESPN Ownership
It’s time. Henry Ruggs is currently fifth on the Raiders in targets, sixth in receptions, fourth in receiving yards, and has just one TD to go with it. On a team that is 20th in passing yards and 26th in attempts, there’s very little room for value beyond the top few guys. This is an offense that is even struggling to get Josh Jacobs fantasy points. If you’re still holding on to Ruggs in any format (not dynasty), it’s safe to drop him. This is your sign.
Cole Beasley – 55.2% Ownership
I’m indifferent on Beasley. On one hand, Josh Allen has this offense rolling and everybody is benefitting. On the other hand, Beasley has been slipping behind in the targets department. This past week against Seattle, Beasley was fourth on the team in targets behind Stefon Diggs, John Brown, and Gabriel Davis. Beasley is droppable in certain situations. If you’re expected to be hit by bye weeks and injuries for week 10 and need a definite starter, there may be better options on the wire. If you’re a playoff contender and can live with Beasley on the bench for the next few weeks (he has a week 11 bye), I’d stick with him as his weeks 13-15 schedule is juicy.
Other guys I’m dropping
Adrian Peterson – Still losing touches to Swift, very little meaningful touches
Michael Gallup – Bye week, rough upcoming schedule, who is at QB?
Mecole Hardman – Bye week, big NYJ game was just a NYJ game
Russell Gage, Scotty Miller – Better option on the wire
