👉 TAP TO SAVE 30% WITH CODE NEW
X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

The Cut List (Week 5): Players To Consider Cutting Bait On

Do you ever find yourself knowing exactly who you want to add to your team to make it that much more awesome, but you have not a single clue on who to give the boot? If so, you are in the right place as The Cut List--brought to you each week by All Stats A Salad's hosts Tony Peters and Ben Hamren--is here to provide you with both real and fictional reasons to drop the axe on a variety of players.

The football season waits for no human, don't get stuck with these fantasy stones blocking better options and keeping you from the throes of victory. All ownership rates are taken from Fleaflicker. Be sure to check out the weekly football (and NSFW) podcast, All Stats A Salad, by clicking here.

Editor's Note: Once you're done here, be sure to read about more Week 5 waiver wire recommendations, for all other positions. Just click on any link: ALL - RB - WR - TE - QB - DEF - FAAB - CUTS

Featured Promo: Looking for some more fantasy football action? Adopt a dynasty orphan team over at FFPC. Sign up today and get $25 off any FFPC league. Sign Up Now!

 

Week 5 Players to Consider Cutting or Replacing

Sammy Watkins (WR, BUF) - 74% Owned

WK4: Did not play
2016: 6-of-11 for 63 yards, zero TD
WK5: Doesn't matter

BEN: Foot problems for a speed guy usually spell doom. But in wide receiver Sammy Watkins' case, it means something else entirely: the final nail in the coffin of his immediate fantasy value as he is now officially ruled out until at least Week 12. But even when healthy, he's struggled with consistently at times under Rex Ryan's rule, including this season. With a new coordinator at the helm of the offense and quarterback Tyrod Taylor willing to throw to anyone he deems open, it muddies the waters of his return enough that fantasy players should consider letting him be someone else's headache, including the waiver wire's.

All stats a salad...the dude goes by "King Me" on the Twitter and I'm confused how he could openly request such a thing without another him to stack atop of himself. Maybe he could use this version of himself, the play caller he can finally respect.

 

Mohamed Sanu (WR, ATL) - 45% Owned

WK4: 2-for-3 for 22 yards, zero TD
2016: 13-of-20 for 152 yards, one TD
WK5: Broncos (last in points allowed to WR)

TONY: In a game where Falcons' quarterback Matt Ryan threw for 503 yards and five touchdowns, Sanu caught 2-of-3 targets for 22 yards and no touchdowns. Other than a promising Week 1 performance, he's been a complete dud and there's nothing his next two matchups against the Broncos and Seahawks are going to do to correct that. Oh, and I guess his shoulder is separated, but that seems like trivial information in this case.

All stats a salad...Sanu is making the drop list this week for squandering a pair of the most incredible cleats I have ever laid eyes on. Featuring the mutant bad-ass of all mutant bad-asses, Wolverine, in both his classic yellow and black costume and a maskless, Hugh Jackman-inspired form--with claw marks and blood splatter to boot--he should be beserker barraging defenders left and right and earning cool new nicknames like Weapon Sanu or Mohamed X. Should.

 

Connor Barth (K, CHI) - 42% Owned

WK4: 1-of-2 FG, 2-of-2 XP
2016: 2-for-4 FG, 8-for-8 XP
WK5: Colts (tied for second-most points allowed to K)

TONY: I'm not quite sure why we are even having this conversation, owners of kicker Connor Barth, but here we are. The 42% owned kicker just cracked the top 25 in kickers with 14 total points, nine behind 24th-place Cody Parkey (owned in 0% of leagues, by the way). Sure, the 1-3 Bears have been anything but an offensive juggernaut, but Barth has already squandered two field goals chances and over half of his points have come from extra point kicks. This situation, like Chicago's win-loss record, is never recovering this year, making him a burden in nearly all leagues.

All stats a salad...Barth is destined for a terrible fantasy season thanks to what can only be described as the "Robbie Gould Curse," as seen in action Sunday after he missed a field goal on a day when Gould's face was featured on game-day tickets. After the Bears unceremoniously jettisoned Gould--their franchise leader in points--this preseason against the wishes of Bears' fans, its reasonable to think the wily veteran left behind some sort of foot curse to keep his record forever intact and keep fans chatting his name long into the future.

 

Hot Seat - Sending Warning Signals

Alshon Jeffery (WR, CHI) - 100% Owned

WK4: 3-of-5 for 46 yards, zero TD
2016: 17-of-25 for 317 yards, zero TD
WK5: Colts (26th in points allowed to WR)

TONY: After a rather pedestrian Week 3 performance against the Cowboys, it came out that wide receiver Alshon Jeffery is not at full-health as a knee injury had been holding him back. In-between then and Week 4's game, he added a hamstring injury to the mix, both of which tag-teamed to limit him to three catches and 46 yards Sunday. When healthy--as in the first two games of the season--he's as good as any receiver in the league. But until Jeffery takes time off to heal proper, he is establishing a disturbing trend of non-WR1 production.

All stats a salad...besides the aforementioned Bears-related curse above, Jeffery is drawing my ire this week for letting his stockholders down, down, down. Despite person investment site Fantex paying out a record $2.74mm in cash dividends according to a September press release, investors in Jeffery only received $0.31 per share, behind quarterback EJ Manuel ($0.37), defensive tackle Michael Brockers ($0.61), tight Vernon Davis ($1.50) and fellow cut-lister Sanu ($3.60).

 

Duke Johnson (RB, CLE) - 72% Owned

WK4: eight rushes for 45 yards; 6-of-8 for 31 yards; 1 FUM
2016: 24 rushes for 148 yards; 18-of-25 for 115 yards; 1 FUM
WK5: Patriots (18th in points allowed to RB)

BEN: With the departure of Terrence West to Baltimore, the future was looking bright for Duke. But then Isaiah Crowell took his decent year last year and stormed through the gates of this year to effectively rain all over the hopes and dreams of Duke and his owners alike. This is the one position on the field where Terrelle Pryor won't steal your job as well as the only other spot locked up. Shallow leagues, worth a cut; deep leagues, worth a bench.

All stats a salad...this dude can't catch a break. Johnson has a fumble lost even though he recovered it. The refs thought that it would be funnier to give the ball to Washington though Duke was holding the ball and Washington never had it. That's the Browns, folks.

 

Stash and Pray

Jay Ajayi (RB, MIA) - 30% Owned

WK4: six rushes for 33 yards; 2-of-2 for 13 yards
2016: 18 rushes for 75 yards, 6-of-6 for 44 yards
WK5: Titans (29th in points allowed to RB)

BEN: Miami is a hotbed for nonsense, and Miko Grimes isn't even stirring the pot this time. With the tragic-yet-predictable injury to Arian Foster, the backfield is now wide open and the Dolphins have committed to no one. Both Ajayi and upstart Kenyan Drake were "benched" in favor of second upstart Damien Williams. Ajayi's still the most productive of the lot and Coach Adam Gase is aiming to thin the running back herd, so if he can get anything going against a resilient Titans run defense, he should build himself a buffer against the fate of obscurity as part of running committee.

All stats a salad...the words "sulk and struggle" may have been used to describe Ajayi after he was named the back-up to Foster to start the season. But in reality, this London-born running back just needs his pickle juice. He might say it was a one-time thing he did in college, but that face shows he enjoyed it. Free the pickle!

 

Eric Ebron (TE, DET) - 77% Owned

WK4: 4-of-5 for 42 yards, zero TD
2016: 18-of-25 for 210 yards, one TD
WK5: Eagles (last in points allowed to TE)

BEN: A tight end with upside is a terrible thing to waste. A tight end with ankle and knee injury issues might be. Hopes were high that Eric Ebron would be one of the benefactors following the departure of Megatron. More targets for everyone now, right? Apparently, quarterback Matthew Stafford has found his new paramour, and it's Marvin Jones. Ebron has four-plus receptions in each game this season, but he needs to maximize those chances because Marvin will. Then there's that thing about the Eagles fresh off their bye, but at least Ebron won't be penalized for Stafford's interceptions.

All stats a salad...he gives up on blocking for running backs not named Ameer Abdullah, giving up on a play in the fourth quarter Sunday while blocking for Theo Riddick. With his love for his injured friend clouding his judgement--and I don't blame him based on these thoughts on Boy Meets World's Topanga--the man is going to disappoint more than just fantasy players.

 


Check out RotoBaller's famous fantasy football draft sleepers and waiver wire pickups list, updated regularly!




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Import Your Leagues
Weekly Rankings
Compare Any Players
Projections
Articles & Tools
Weekly Planner
24x7 News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Lucas Krull

Broncos Re-Sign Tight End Lucas Krull
Carson Wentz

Looking Unlikely for the Jets
LeBron James

Questionable Thursday Against Bulls
Foster Moreau

Texans Sign Foster Moreau to Add to Tight End Room
Dallas Goedert

Eagles Buy Some Extra Time to Negotiate With Dallas Goedert
Matas Buzelis

Probable Thursday After Career Night
Lamar Jackson

Ravens Still Hopeful They Can Reach Extension With Lamar Jackson
Ryan Kalkbrenner

Added to Injury Report as Probable
Josh Giddey

Likely Active Thursday
Isaiah Hartenstein

Remains Out Against Boston
Chet Holmgren

Ready to Play Thursday
Josh Hart

Won't Play Wednesday vs. Jazz
Victor Wembanyama

Questionable vs. Nuggets
Keyonte George

Set to Suit Up Wednesday
Jakob Poeltl

Cleared to Play Wednesday vs. Pelicans
Kelly Oubre Jr.

Out at Least Two Weeks
Grant Williams

Sidelined Against Kings
John Metchie III

Signing One-Year Deal to Join Panthers
Chris Rodriguez Jr.

Jaguars Signing Chris Rodriguez Jr. on Wednesday
Coby White

Active On Wednesday
Stephen Curry

Expected to Miss 10 More Days
Jake Browning

Plans to Sign One-Year Deal With Buccaneers
Dylan Parham

Jets Agree With Dylan Parham on Two-Year Deal
Durham Smythe

Ravens Agree to Terms With Durham Smythe
Sean Tucker

Buccaneers Tender Sean Tucker on One-Year Deal
Kyler Murray

Officially Released by the Cardinals
Kirk Cousins

Falcons Officially Release Kirk Cousins
Jake Tonges

49ers, Jake Tonges Agree to Two-Year Deal
Bryce Miller

Shuts Down Bullpen Due to More Oblique Discomfort
Zac Gallen

Named Arizona's Opening Day Starter
Kyle Teel

Could Miss 4-6 Weeks With Hamstring Strain
Jaylinn Hawkins

Plans to Sign Two-Year Deal With Ravens
Chig Okonkwo

Commanders Agree to Three-Year Deal With Chig Okonkwo
Patrick Taylor Jr.

Agrees to Extension With 49ers
Aaron Jones Sr.

Vikings Bringing Aaron Jones Sr. Back
New England Patriots

Kevin Byard Signing With Patriots on One-Year Deal
Cade York

Jets Agree to One-Year Deal With Kicker Cade York
James Mitchell

Returns to Panthers on One-Year Deal
Hideki Matsuyama

Brings Strong Course History to TPC Sawgrass
Josh Hader

to Start the Year on the Injured List
Adam Scott

in Strong Form Ahead of The Players
Shayne Gostisbehere

to Remain Out for "Couple of Games"
Robert Thomas

Blues Hopeful Robert Thomas Can Play Through Upper-Body Injury
Ross Colton

Suffers Upper-Body Injury Tuesday Night
Connor Ingram

"Feeling Well" After Tuesday's Early Exit
Dylan Larkin

Doubtful for Rest of Road Trip
Andrew Copp

Sustains Lower-Body Injury Tuesday
Justin Brazeau

Out Week-to-Week
Ace Bailey

Cleared to Play Wednesday
Keyonte George

Still Dealing With Illness, Questionable Wednesday
Mitchell Robinson

Available for Wednesday's Tilt
Josh Hart

Questionable for Wednesday Night
Jarrett Allen

Remains Out Wednesday
Cameron Johnson

Considered Probable Wednesday
Kyle Teel

Exits Tuesday's Game With Hamstring Injury
Jamal Murray

Probable for Matchup With Rockets
Rickie Fowler

on Quite the Run Heading to TPC Sawgrass
Sepp Straka

Needs to Forget What Happened Sunday at Bay Hill
Jordan Spieth

an Enigma Heading to The Players Championship
Justin Rose

Trying to Pick Up the Pieces in Florida
Maverick McNealy

Bounces Back at Arnold Palmer Invitational
Brooks Koepka

Continues His Florida Swing With Some Momentum
Nicolai Hojgaard

in Strong Form Ahead of The Players
Robert MacIntyre

a Volatile Option at The Players
Matt Fitzpatrick

Looks to Return to Top Form at The Players
Sam Burns

a High-Risk, High-Reward Option at The Players
Keegan Bradley

Hard to Trust at The Players
Xander Schauffele

Rounding into Form Heading to Players Championship
Rory McIlroy

Set to Return at Players Championship to Defend Title
Jake Knapp

Set to Return at Players Championship
Viktor Hovland

Continues Strong Start to 2026 Season
Jakub Dobes

Makes 17 Saves in Victory
Rasmus Hojgaard

Looking for Bounce-Back at Players Championship
Tommy Fleetwood

Will Need to Find Putter to Compete at Players Championship
Akshay Bhatia

Continues Improving Heading to Players Championship
Alexis Lafrenière

Alexis Lafreniere's Hat Trick Leads New York to Victory
Carter Verhaeghe

Wins it for Florida on Tuesday
Merrill Kelly

Set to Make Spring Training Debut on Friday
Francisco Lindor

"100 Percent Optimistic" he Can be Ready for Opening Day
Justin Thomas

Continues Competitive Return at The Players Championship
Colton Parayko

Rejoins Blues Lineup
Shayne Gostisbehere

Unavailable Against Penguins
Marcus Johansson

Returns From Two-Game Absence
Darren Raddysh

Sits Out Tuesday's Game
Sam Reinhart

Out Tuesday
John Gibson

Available Tuesday
Dylan Larkin

Misses Second Consecutive Game
Corbin Carroll

Set to Play in Cactus League Game on Wednesday
Kyle Stowers

to Make Grapefruit League Debut on Saturday
Hunter Greene

to be Sidelined Through July
James Reimer

Posts Shutout With Seventh Franchise
Tim Stützle

Tim Stutzle Stretches Point Streak to 13 Games
Justin Sourdif

Amasses Three Points In Monday's Win
Connor Bedard

Sets Up Two Goals in Overtime Win
Jesús Luzardo

Jesus Luzardo, Phillies Agree on Five-Year Extension
Corbin Carroll

Could Make Spring Debut This Week
Max Holloway

Drops Decision At UFC 326
Charles Oliveira

Becomes The New BMF Champion
Caio Borralho

Bounces Back
Reinier de Ridder

Reinier De Ridder Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Rob Font

Gets Dominated
Raul Rosas Jr.

Extends His Win Streak
Michael Johnson

Suffers Second-Round Knockout Loss
Drew Dober

Knocks Out Michael Johnson
Rafael Devers

Back in Cactus League Lineup on Monday
Ryan Blaney

Earns his Second Consecutive Phoenix Cup Series Win
Christopher Bell

Falls Short of Victory Despite Dominating at Phoenix
Kyle Larson

Earns Hard-Fought Finish of Third at Phoenix
Denny Hamlin

Quietly Gains Another Top-Five Finish at Phoenix
Joey Logano

Crashes out at Phoenix Despite Strong Run
Tarik Skubal

Could Make Another Start in World Baseball Classic
Jackson Chourio

Should Return to WBC Lineup on Monday
Byron Buxton

"Fine" After Being Hit by Pitch
Ryan Blaney

is Always A Top Favorite to Compete for the Win At Phoenix
Denny Hamlin

Is Denny Hamlin Worth Rostering for Phoenix?
Christopher Bell

is Likely to have Another Solid Phoenix Run
Chase Briscoe

has Plenty of Upside for DFS Lineups at Phoenix
Joey Logano

Could Dominate at Phoenix This Weekend
Chase Elliott

has Plenty of Upside for Sunday's Race at Phoenix
Chris Buescher

Is Chris Buescher Worth Rostering For Phoenix DFS Lineups?
Ross Chastain

Has Found Speed Again at Phoenix
Josh Berry

a Solid Sleeper at Phoenix
Brad Keselowski

Skips Qualifying After Practice Crash at Phoenix
Tyler Reddick

Spins in Practice at Phoenix
William Byron

Should Be a Contender at Phoenix
Kyle Larson

Is Always a Threat at Phoenix
NASCAR

Could Bubba Wallace Be Playable for Phoenix DFS Lineups?
Anthony Alfredo

Is A Favorable DFS Option In A Substitution Role At Phoenix
Brandon Woodruff

Making Cactus League Debut on Saturday
Byron Buxton

Leaves WBC Game After Being Hit by a Pitch on his Elbow
Jackson Chourio

"Fine" After Suffering Hand Contusion
Max Holloway

A Favorite At UFC 326
Charles Oliveira

Set For BMF Title Fight
Reinier de Ridder

Reinier De Ridder Looks To Bounce Back
Caio Borralho

Set For UFC 326 Co-Main Event
Rob Font

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Raul Rosas Jr.

Looks For His Fifth Consecutive Win
Drew Dober

Returns At UFC 326
Michael Johnson

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Rafael Devers

Could Return to Game Action Next Week
Jeremy Peña

Jeremy Pena Hopes to be Ready for Opening Day
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF