If you drafted a player who's falling well short of preseason expectations, you might still value them much higher than opponents who want to take him off your hands. After Week 4, that wide gap will narrow for several -- maybe many -- underperformers. It's Allen Robinson Syndrome. At some point in the 2021 season, managers realized he wasn't going to snap out of his funk.
By then it was too late. Opponents didn't want him anymore, and those who drafted him were stuck with an early-round bust.
Those are some of the stakes heading into tomorrow's games -- the pressure points that are forcing many of us to either stand firm or sell low. Let's examine these and other major fantasy storylines I'm tracking on Sunday:
Steelers -- DK Metcalf is barely out-targeting and out-producing Calvin Austin. Will Metcalf begin to separate himself as the clear-cut #1?
Vikings -- Carson Wentz played well enough in a soft matchup to warrant a close look in Superflex. Tomorrow will be a bigger test for whether he can still be a net positive for fantasy WRs and TEs.
Texans -- Nick Chubb vs. Woody Marks. While it's still Chubb's backfield, Marks closed the gap a bit last weekend. We'll soon know if that's the start of a trend.
Titans -- At what point is Calvin Ridley droppable, or will overcome his early-season struggles?
Buccaneers -- If Chris Godwin (questionable) plays without limitations, he could immediately step into the #1 role . . . or he could take a permanent backseat to the ascending Emeka Egbuka.
Eagles -- Some broken records need to be continually re-played. After nearly breaking the record for most RB touches in a season, Saquon Barkley is on pace for close to 400. His inefficiency should not be surprising. What *is* surprising is how much Philly is using him this early in the year, knowing that his advancing age and injury history cannot be ignored.
Giants -- All eyes on Jaxson Dart and whether this passing attack can actually get even better with the rookie under center.
Chargers -- Next Wednesday, Oronde Gadsden II might be the trendiest waiver add. He's probably one double-digit performance away from being a must-roster TE.
Patriots -- Six fumbles in his past 19 games, yet Rhamondre Stevenson (according to reports) remains in good graces with head coach Mike Vrabel. I still believe TreVeyon Henderson will lead this backfield during the fantasy playoffs.
Panthers -- Rico Dowdle's rising usage shouldn't ignore the fact that he's run pretty poorly. Last week's blowout victory over Atlanta opened the door for double-digit touches. That doesn't mean he's the 1B in this sub-par offense. He's probably closer to handcuff territory unless he can turn things around.
Lions -- Is Jameson Williams the squeaky wheel in this offense, primed for a breakout?
Browns -- There is a reasonable probability that if Cleveland loses, Joe Flacco won't make another NFL start. The 40-year-old is averaging an anemic 5.0 yards per throw. He has more turnovers than touchdowns. It's a matter of "when," not "if."
Bills -- To what extent can we start Keon Coleman and/or Khalil Shakir with moderate confidence, and will that change after this game?
Saints -- Alvin Kamara has only 10 targets through three games, which translates into a full 3.0 fewer looks per contest than his career average entering this season. His floor is lower than it's ever been.
Falcons -- Drake London is one of the players I was referring to in the opening. An impressive nine targets per game cannot compensate for poor QB play.
Commanders -- The backfield remains a massive question mark. Chris Rodriguez doesn't look like he's the answer. But Jacory Croskey-Merritt isn't gaining ground. If we see more from 30-year-old Jeremy McNichols, it will signal that the coaching staff isn't (yet) satisfied with the other two.
49ers -- Brock Purdy is back. How much of an impact will he have in a still-injury-riddled offense that has only two reliable playmakers (unless the questionable Jauan Jennings returns)?
Jaguars -- Brian Thomas Jr.: another early-round draft pick who's hard to unload for reasonable value, and who's difficult to trust in starting lineups.
Rams -- Puka Nacua is the WR1, but he doesn't even have a touchdown catch (though he did run one in). He's on pace for a blistering 164-1,887 receiving line. He's one of only three preseason top-10 WRs currently posting top-10 numbers.
Colts -- Is the formerly serviceable Josh Downs still fantasy-relevant, or is Michael Pittman Jr. running away with the #1 job?
Raiders -- Tre Tucker is the ultimate fact-or-fiction fantasy producer. Realistically, either he's ready to take over, or he'll settle into a high-upside-streamer role.
Bears -- As referenced last week, it appears Rome Odunze has leapfrogged DJ Moore, who looks increasingly TD-dependent.
Chiefs -- In tomorrow's podcast, I dive into the fantasy chaos surrounding Kansas City's playmakers. One example: How Xavier Worthy's anticipated return will impact Hollywood Brown and Travis Kelce. Can Worthy immediately assert himself as the near-term alpha?
Ravens -- Derrick Henry is both incredible and coming up on 32 years old. His receptions per game have dwindled each year since 2021. He's both dominant (5.9 yards per carry and a touchdown per game) and surprisingly limited with only 13.7 carries per game.
Cowboys -- Can George Pickens be a dominant fantasy force with CeeDee Lamb sidelined?
Packers -- Has rookie Matthew Golden turned a corner and positioned himself to be a consistent #1 target for Jordan Love?
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