Warning Signals for RB/WR/TE - Week 13

November 28, 2018

Martin Konstantinov examines skill position players who have been busts or overvalued in 2018 heading into Week 13. 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

Sony Michel (RB, NE)

It's clear that when Sony Michel is healthy, good things happen for the Patriots. In the four games this season that Michel has been the clear lead back, he has had three 100+ yard performances (the fourth was for 98) and five touchdowns on the ground. Although his receiving ability is rather limited, Michel is still a very valuable player to have due to his status as the early-down back in an electric Patriots offense. However, with the return of running back Rex Burkhead from IR, Michel's workload could suffer. With James White already operating on third downs and Burkhead's presence as a goal-line presence, Sony Michel's workhorse status will certainly be under threat. Although fantasy owners should still start Michel with confidence, don't be surprised if he is not the same back that he has been when healthy once Burkhead gets up to speed.

Tevin Coleman (RB, ATL)

Although he saved fantasy owners with a touchdown through the air, Tevin Coleman was extremely inefficient on the ground in the Falcon's Week 12 loss to the New Orleans Saints. Coleman was only able to put together six yards on the ground through the entire night, a season-low for the Falcons back. Coleman only has two receiving touchdowns on the year and has seen his rushing yardage per game decrease steadily as the season has progressed. With the Falcons trusting their passing game and handing goal-line work over to Ito Smith, Coleman has to be creative in order to generate points for his fantasy owners. With a tough couple of games coming up, Coleman should be monitored and may not be the best starting option coming into the fantasy playoffs.

Courtland Sutton (WR, DEN)

With the departure of veteran wide receiver Demaryius Thomas to the Houston Texans, Courtland Sutton was expected to assume a leading position in the team's passing game. However, the team's passing game has been lackluster for much of the season, mitigating Sutton's upside each week. Sutton only had 14 yards in Week 12; although this was one of his lowest performances of the season, Sutton is trending in the wrong direction as a result of his offense heading into a critical portion of the season. Although his rest-of-season schedule is very enticing for the rest of the season, expect quarterback Case Keenum to focus in on fellow wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders, threatening the weekly starting ability for Sutton going forward.

John Brown (WR, BAL)

Since quarterback Joe Flacco's injury, wide receiver John Brown has found targets and receptions hard to come by. With the Ravens focusing on their ground game as a result of the abilities of quarterback Lamar Jackson, Brown has had to compete with fellow wide receiver Michael Crabtree for far fewer targets. Brown has not eclipsed 28 yards in his last four games and has not scored a touchdown since Week 7. This is very worrisome for the speedy deep threat and former Cardinals player, as he has relied on big plays for much of the season. Brown should not be started going forward unless Joe Flacco assumes the starting quarterback gig once again.

Vance McDonald (TE, PIT)

When he finds the end-zone, Vance McDonald is a very solid option at an otherwise barren position. However, with only three touchdowns on the year and splitting snaps with fellow tight end Jesse James, McDonald has only been a good fantasy option a handful of times. McDonald has not eclipsed 50 yards since Week 6 despite the high-flying nature of the Steelers offense. Therefore, it has been difficult to predict when McDonald has a good performance, mitigating any starting potential for fantasy owners who need solid weekly production from the tight end position.

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