3 Fantasy Football Players Sending Out Warning Signals in Week 5

October 8, 2014

Rek analyzes the top three fantasy football players that did not perform well in Week 5. These fantasy football busts and under performers are sending out warning signals.

Players That Are Making Me Nervous For Week 6

Of course because I finally showed concern about him last week Cam Newton finally had a decent game. However both Cordarrelle Patterson and Pierre Garcon did not have good games as I expected. I'd still be trying to sell on Garcon's name value as fast as possible and trying to move Patterson as well. Now let's move on to this weeks list that players don't wish to find themselves on.

Drew Brees (QB, NO)

99% owned on Fleaflicker

Fantasy owners may not be as disappointed with Brees as I was considering that he put up 19 + points in standard formats. However, he was facing the Bucs who embarrassed themselves nationally against the Falcons a few weeks ago.

Brees, as an elite quarterback, was supposed to destroy the Bucs.  Granted Brees threw for 371 yards and 2 TDs but he also threw 3 picks and had a completion percentage of right around 61 %.

You know who has games very similar to that? Myself when I play Madden and that's because I force the ball no matter what! Brees is an elite QB who is supposed to be smarter than I am playing Madden and not throw stupid picks like he did. Honestly, Brees has looked average this year. He does not look like the top 3 QB many thought he would be coming into the season.

The good news for Brees owners is he now has a bye week to get himself right. He does have a tough matchup against the Lions pass rush when he comes off his bye, but if he can't produce at a high level it may be time to consider selling Brees on name value. There is someone out there who refuses to believe he won't bounce back to 25 + fantasy points per game, and if he can't pass well against Stafford in a shoot-out it might be time to sell to that person in your league.

LeSean McCoy (RB, PHI)

98% owned on Fleaflicker

Rejoice McCoy owners! McCoy had one of his best days of the season rushing 24 times for 81 yards. Wait. What? That's only 3.4 yards per carry, and when you're talking about the guy who was number one on many fantasy owners draft boards that's a problem.

While some of his lackluster performance can be placed at the feet of the Eagles' porous offensive line, unfortunately in fantasy football there's no separating a running back from their o-line. McCoy has just not seemed like the real McCoy since his week two tilt with the Colts. In fact, even though he performed decently in his first two games he hasn't broken 4.0 yards per carry once this season. On the season he has a gross 2.9 yards per carry. He's left many fantasy owners asking if the real Shady will please stand up.

Did I mention his best game came against the Rams who have been getting torched by the run? If this is all that McCoy can do against a terrible defense I don't even want to think of  him against a team like the Jets. Fortunately for McCoy owners his next opponent is the Giants who have been giving up the 6th most points to running backs. On the other hand, Pro Football Focus rates the Giants as the second best run defense, so McCoy could be hit or miss in week 6.  He's a must start, but as a Giant fans I'll be rooting against him personally, and honestly if I was offered any other RB in the top ten I'd at least consider it for McCoy.

Zac Stacy (RB, STL)

93% owned on Fleaflicker

Am I about to be that guy who picks on an injured player? You betcha I am! Zac Stacy is dealing with a minor calf injury that may keep him out for a week or possibly two. But that's not why Stacy owners should really be concerned.

No, after tantalizing us in his rookie season Stacy hasn't really done much this season. However, the blame isn't really on Stacy for this one. The Rams simply are not a good team, and are so frequently playing from behind that they have to abandon the run game. You know how excited the fantasy community is about Brian Quick? That is all coming at the expense of Mr. Stacy.

To date, Stacy is averaging just 15 touches per game. He's also caught some passes for big yardage which is where he has managed to scrape together his value, but really if he doesn't see more touches he won't live up to his draft day value. The good news is that personally I think the new rams quarterback Austin Davis is the real deal, and that means the Rams may in fact be ahead in some games. I'd still be trying to package Stacy with another piece to get a more reliable weekly RB2 to plug-in.

Closing Thoughts On Week 5

The examples of Brees and McCoy just go to show the season is not won or lost on draft day. It's won in the trenches of the waiver wire and trades. As for Stacy, I really do believe he's a victim of his own team's circumstances more than his own talent but these are factors you have to consider when evaluating a player's value.

Good luck in Week 6 everyone, I can't believe we're this deep into the football season already! As always if you want to debate me/talk about this piece or anything sports related hit me up on twitter @RekedFantasy. Cross your fingers that your players don't show up on this list next week Rotoballers!