Warning Signals for RB/WR/TE - Week 15

December 12, 2018

Martin Konstantinov examines skill position players who have been busts or overvalued in 2018 heading into Week 15. These RB, WR, or TE could be cuts, drops or trade candidates in fantasy football leagues.

Every year, certain players are highly drafted in drafts by fantasy owners due to the belief that they will vastly outperform expectations throughout the season. Oftentimes, these players carry a significant amount of hype due to breakout potential, elite status, or lack of alternative options on their teams.

However, with every player that does meet the threshold for good performance, there seem to be several similar players that fail to live up to the lofty expectations placed on them by fantasy owners. Whether the players are drafted at the beginning, middle, or end of drafts, not living up to the draft capital spent on them is one of the weekly dilemmas for fantasy owners.

Because fantasy owners tend to hold on to players that they believe in for too long, it is important to recognize warning signals from players early on so that the players can be removed from lineups and the damage of their poor performances can be mitigated. Let's take a look at some players at each of the skill positions who have shown some worrying signs this week. Fantasy owners should proceed with caution with the following players.

Players With Warning Signals

David Johnson (RB, ARI)

This year has been disappointing for both the Arizona Cardinals and star running back David Johnson. Although the running back is clearly an extremely talented player, playing on a stagnant Cardinals offense has taken its toll on David Johnson. Although his goal for the season was to have 1,000 rushing yards as well as 1,000 receiving yards, his numbers right now are far from those expectations. Johnson has largely had to contend with negative game-scripts, a lack of other offensive options for the Cardinals, and minimal work in the receiving game. Even though Johnson had eight receptions in Week 14, he was only able to come up with 12 yards through the air. Additionally, with just 49 yards on the ground, Johnson had a day to forget - something that has become a common theme this season. With games against the Falcons and Rams coming up, Johnson is a difficult player to bench - but also a difficult player to justify starting given his performances this season. Johnson is still an RB2, but tough matchups may limit his upside in the fantasy playoffs.

Mark Ingram (RB, NO)

Although he was able to save his day from a fantasy perspective with a touchdown, Mark Ingram has shown some worrying signs in recent weeks that throw his playoff viability in doubt for fantasy owners. Ingram has not had more than 52 rushing yards in his last three games and has only scored four touchdowns since his season debut in Week 5. Although the veteran running back has definitely had some decent performances this season, the timeshare with fellow back Alvin Kamara and his lack of involvement in the passing game has truly limited Ingram's overall output this year. With difficult games against the Panthers and Steelers to finish the year, there are better options to start than Ingram. If you have to play him, hope he can find the end-zone and give your team the boost that it may well need.

Kenny Golladay (WR, DET)

Despite playing as the top Lions receiver against a poor Cardinals defense, Kenny Golladay was only able to haul in one catch for five yards on the night. Although the game-script favored heavy ground usage, those who believed that Golladay was a weekly lock were surely surprised to see him put up such a dismal stat-line. Despite the departure of fellow wide receiver Golden Tate and injury to Marvin Jones, Golladay has been largely mediocre outside of two very good performances in Weeks 10 and 11. Golladay is still a decent option heading into the playoffs, but there are other players with higher floors who have the ability to produce that are likely also in your team. Start Golladay at your own risk, especially in Week 16 against the Vikings.

Golden Tate (WR, PHI)

Since being traded to the Eagles mid-season, Golden Tate has largely been irrelevant in the team's passing attack. Although he had a great Week 13 (85 yards and a touchdown), Tate has failed to get a significant share of the team's snaps and as a result, suffered a poor night in Week 14 against the Cowboys (just seven receiving yards). Whereas with Detroit Tate was a reception machine, for the Eagles he has largely been a role player buried on the team's depth chart. With games against the Rams and Texans, it looks like Tate should not be started as a reliable option outside of deeper formats.

David Njoku (TE, CLE)

Although David Njoku was a solid tight end for the Browns and fantasy owners for the first half of the season, his big performances have largely faded down the stretch. Over the last six games, Njoku only has one touchdown and has crossed the 50-yard mark just twice. With just 35 receiving yards in Week 14, Njoku was largely irrelevant in the team's victory over the Panthers. Although he is clearly a young, talented tight end, Njoku looks like a risky start heading into a difficult Week 15 matchup with the Broncos.

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