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The following is an excerpt from the latest edition of Yahoo’s fantasy football newsletter, Get to the Points! If you like what you see, you can subscribe for free here.
A column of players to eliminate will never be one-size-fits-all, so tailor these recommendations to suit the size and scope of your league.
Patrick Mahomes, QB, Chiefs (99%)
I usually don’t include injured players in this column because what’s the point? You know what to do. But I suspect many fantasy managers will have trouble taking the bait with Mahomes (ankle) banged up because of the brand value. He’s considered week-to-week, so I don’t see how anyone could confidently start him against Houston. And even if he’s healthy for Week 17, that’s when he’ll face the nasty Steelers. There’s no denying that a healthy Mahomes has been a disaster this year; only two fantasy finishes inside the top 10.
Deebo Samuel Sr., WR, 49ers (95%)
Here is our weekly presentation of the spirit of “numbers, not names.” If the 49ers knew how to get Samuel going this year, they would be doing it. Samuel has not smelled the top 50 in the position over the last five weeksand it’s clear that Jauan Jennings has moved ahead of him in the San Francisco pecking order.
Raheem Mostert, RB, Dolphins (45%)
Did he really score 21 TDs a year ago? NFL seasons age in dog years. Mostert is stumbling along at 3.4 yards per carry and De’Von Achane has a handle on Miami’s usage of the backfield. Even if Achane were to suffer an injury, Mostert offers marginal upside as a 32-year-old.
Jake Ferguson, TE, Cowboys (76%)
Every week we say it: “Ferguson has a juicy matchup, this could be his breakout performance.” Unfortunately, he did little against Cincinnati (3-32-0) and little against Carolina (2-23-0). For the year, Ferguson has stagnated to zero touchdowns and is averaging just 8.8 yards per catch. You probably got a better tight end if you’re still alive in the fantasy playoffs; use Ferguson’s roster spot to get more interesting depth elsewhere.
D/ST Baltimore Ravens (94%)
Not even a matchup against the Giants could save this struggling unit: The Ravens allowed 14 points and generated just three sacks and one interception against a horrible QB quarter. You don’t want to start Baltimore against Pittsburgh or Houston in the next two weeks.