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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

Editor's Note: The FFPC Baby Gorilla Tournament is now open, featuring a $100,000 grand prize and a $675,450 total prize pool! This 12-team, Tight End Premium contest uses a 20-round draft format, with the overall winners determined by total points scored during Weeks 15–17. Get $25 to use toward your first entry by signing up through our link. Grab your team now! 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!




REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Kyle Williams

Deep Threat Kyle Williams Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time
Michael Pittman Jr.

Could Receive Short-Term Value Uptick in PPR Leagues
Stefon Diggs

Chiefs, Commanders Could Make Sense for Stefon Diggs
Will Howard

Dynasty Value Dealt a Blow
Jaylen Warren

Should Benefit From Veteran QB's Return to Pittsburgh
Drew Allar

Could Continue to Hold Dynasty Value
Pat Freiermuth

Could See a Small Dynasty Bump With Veteran QB Returning
DK Metcalf

A Dynasty Sell Candidate With Veteran QB Returning?
Bones Hyland

Wants to Stay in Minnesota
Mike Conley

Hints He Will Continue Playing Next Season
Kevin Huerter

Iffy for Sunday Night
Caris LeVert

Questionable for Game 7
Duncan Robinson

Back on Injury Report Ahead of Game 7
Larry Nance Jr.

Likely Out Sunday Due to Illness
Munetaka Murakami

Fantastic First Season Continues With Two More Homers
Cristopher Sánchez

Cristopher Sanchez Dazzles With 13-Strikeout Complete Game on Saturday
Aaron Rodgers

Signs One-Year Deal With Steelers
Blake Snell

to Undergo Elbow Surgery on Tuesday
Clay Holmes

Could Miss Around Three Months
Jose Altuve

Exits After Swing
Corey Seager

Absent With Back Spasms on Saturday
Jeremy Lauzon

Misses Saturday's Practice
Mark Stone

Doesn't Practice Saturday
Josh Manson

Misses Practice, Considered Day-to-Day
Brent Burns

Day-to-Day Ahead of Conference Finals
Cale Makar

Considered Day-to-Day
Alex Lyon

Likely to Start Game 6 Against Canadiens
Owen Power

Available Saturday
Isaac TeSlaa

Can Isaac TeSlaa Carve Out a Larger Role in Detroit Going Forward?
Troy Franklin

Facing Uphill Battle for Playing Time in Denver
Trevor Lawrence

Should Trevor Lawrence Be Valued as a Dynasty QB1?
Courtland Sutton

in Line for Reduced Role in Denver?
KC Concepcion

Can KC Concepcion Immediately Assume the WR1 Role in Cleveland?
George Pickens

' Dynasty Outlook Clouded by Uncertain Future in Dallas
Trevor Story

Hits the Injured List With Groin Injury
Brandon Aiyuk

a Huge Question Mark for Dynasty Managers
Deebo Samuel Sr.

Now Only a Gadget Player/Kick Returner?
Elic Ayomanor

Offseason Additions Hurt Elic Ayomanor's Dynasty Outlook
Tyler Warren

a Clear Top-Five Dynasty Tight End
Jonathon Brooks

a Dynasty RB to Target Despite Injury History?
Blake Snell

Likely to Need Elbow Surgery
Tyler Allgeier

Currently in a Dynasty Buy Window Amid Rollercoaster Offseason
Duncan Robinson

Nets 14 Points With Four Triples
Cade Cunningham

Contributes 21 Points in Game 6 Win
Jalen Duren

Bounces Back With Double-Double
Anthony Edwards

Finishes Season-Ending Loss With 24 Points
Victor Wembanyama

Tallies 19 Points in Friday's Win
De'Aaron Fox

Highly Effective in Blowout Win
Stephon Castle

Shines in Series-Clincher
Kyle Schwarber

on a Heater, Hits Two More Homers to Take Major-League Lead
Clay Holmes

Suffers Fractured Fibula on Friday Night
Blake Snell

Heads to 15-Day Injured List
Austin Reaves

Could Command $40M Per Year With New Contract
Jalen Duren

Available to Finish Game 6
Yanic Konan Niederhauser

Not Expected to Be Ready for Start of Next Season
Jalen Williams

Declares Himself Healthy for Conference Finals
Terrence Shannon Jr.

Will Play Friday Night
Kevin Huerter

is Available for Game 6
Duncan Robinson

is Returning for Game 6
Caris LeVert

is Cleared for Game 6 on Friday
Blake Snell

Scratched From Start on Friday for Undisclosed Reasons
Max Fried

Heading to Injured List With Elbow Bone Bruise
CFB

Julian Sayin Looking To Build Off Of Strong Debut Season
CFB

College GameDay Set for First Three Weeks
CFB

Jeremiah Smith Aiming For Ohio State Receiving Records
CFB

Keshaun Singleton Projects as Auburn's WR1
CFB

Jeremiah Cobb Impresses New Auburn Staff
CFB

Alberto Mendoza Very Likely to Start for Georgia Tech
CFB

Charles Woodson Jr. Commits to Michigan
Jordan Westburg

to Have Season-Ending Elbow Surgery
Melquizael Costa

Set For UFC Vegas 117 Main Event
Arnold Allen

A Favorite At UFC Vegas 117
Daniel Santos

Set For UFC Vegas 117 Co-Main Event
MMA

Dohoo Choi Returns At UFC Vegas 117
Juan Diaz

Set To Make His UFC Debut
Malcolm Wellmaker

Looks To Bounce Back
Christian Edwards

Set For His UFC Debut
Modestas Bukauskas

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Tarik Skubal

Resumes Playing Catch, Ahead of Schedule?
Lane Hutson

Contributes Two Assists in Game 5 Victory
Nick Suzuki

Amasses Three Points in Crucial Victory Thursday
Juraj Slafkovsky

Dishes Out Three Assists in Game 5 Win
Carter Hart

Stops 31 Pucks in Series-Clinching Win
Pavel Dorofeyev

Enjoys Second Consecutive Multi-Goal Game
Shea Theodore

Records Two Points in Game 6 Win
Mitchell Marner

Scores Special Goal in Series-Clincher
Ryan Johnson

Takes Over as Canucks GM, Sedins Promoted to Co-Presidents
Drew Helleson

Won't Play Thursday
Radko Gudas

Unlikely to Play Thursday
Jeremy Lauzon

Remains Out Thursday
Mark Stone

Misses Third Consecutive Game
EDM

Kris Knoblauch Fired as Oilers Head Coach
CFB

Virginia Tech Lands Commitment from Four-Star QB Peter Bourque
Byron Buxton

Scratched on Thursday With Hip Soreness
Cal Raleigh

Heading to Injured List With Oblique Strain
Francisco Alvarez

has Knee Surgery, Expected to Miss Eight Weeks
Quinn Hughes

Finishes Postseason With 15 Points
Cal Raleigh

Exits With Apparent Side Injury on Wednesday Night
Juan Soto

X-Rays Come Back Negative on Juan Soto's Ankle
Jacob Misiorowski

Pulled Early With Possible Leg Injury
CFB

NFL Veteran Tom Moore Joins Iowa Coaching Staff
CFB

Can Cam Cook Dominate in Return to Big 12?
CFB

ACC, Big 12 Support 24-Team College Football Playoff
CFB

Anthony Colandrea Looking to Elevate Nebraska Back to National Contention
CFB

Kwazi Gilmer Set for Big Impact at Nebraska
Justin Thomas

Trending Well Ahead of PGA Championship Despite Concerning Form
J.J. Spaun

Trending Up Ahead of PGA Championship
Adam Scott

Riding Strong Form Into PGA Championship
Patrick Reed

Looking to Make Another Run at PGA Championship
PGA

Sungjae Im Looks to Build on Strong Finish at Truist Championship
Sam Burns

Must Keep Ball in Play at PGA Championship
Jordan Spieth

Looks to Complete Career Grand Slam at Aronimink
Brandt Snedeker

Not the Best Option for the PGA Championship
Rasmus Hojgaard

a Volatile Option at PGA Championship
Maverick McNealy

Seeking Better Start in Philadelphia
Harry Hall

a Boom-or-Bust Option at Aronimink
Hideki Matsuyama

Attempts to Improve Over 2025 PGA Championship
Scottie Scheffler

Looks to Defend PGA Championship at Aronimink
Nicolai Hojgaard

Wants to Keep Momentum Rolling in Philadelphia
Ben Griffin

Attempting to Bounce Back After Truist Championship
CFB

Transfer Defensive Lineman Devarrick Woods Commits to Clemson
Harris English

Will Need His Putter to Thrive at Aronimink
Akshay Bhatia

Creative Flair Could Show Itself in Philadelphia
Keegan Bradley

Knows the Aronimink Golf Club Well
Si Woo Kim

Struggles at Truist Championship
Gary Woodland

Can Continue Incredible 2026 Season at PGA Championship
Xander Schauffele

In Excellent Form Heading to PGA Championship
CFB

Isaac Brown Has All-American Upside in 2026
CFB

Nyck Harbor Heading into Breakout Year?
CFB

Notre Dame, USC in Discussions to Resume Rivalry Series
CFB

Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele Has Eyes on ACC Title
CFB

Ahmad Hardy's Gunshot Wound Not Viewed as Career-Threatening
RANKINGS
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SS
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SP
RP

RANKINGS

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TE
K
DEF