Another week of fantasy football is in the books, and that leads to some big names on the drop or hold list!
DROP
Kaleb Johnson, RB – Pittsburgh Steelers
Johnson had a brutal Week 2, and fantasy football managers should think twice before holding onto him. First off, his involvement in the game was nearly non-existent. Johnson received just one carry for a yard and no receiving work. More importantly and perhaps most damning, his special teams screw-up gifted Seattle a touchdown.Â
Fantasy football value depends heavily on volume, reliability, and opportunity. Johnson currently lacks all three. Unless you’re in a super-deep league, he’s someone you can drop to chase more productive options on the waiver wire.Â
Mark Andrews, TE – Baltimore Ravens
Mark Andrews has just two catches total through two games. With Isaiah Likely sidelined, Andrews had a clear path to dominate targets and still couldn’t produce. If he can’t get it done as the undisputed TE1, there’s little reason to believe things improve once Likely returns. The chemistry with Lamar Jackson looks off, and the Ravens aren’t forcing him the ball like they used to. At this point, you’re holding onto Andrews because of his name value. Feel free to drop Andrews and seek better options on the waiver wire.
Luther Burden, WR – Chicago Bears
Unfortunately, former Missouri Tigers star wide receiver Luther Burden has yet to really make an impact on the field for fantasy managers. Burden saw only 27% of the snaps in his debut, and not much changed in Week 2. Burden saw two targets for one catch and five yards.Â
The potential is still there for Burden to be a serious fantasy football contributor this season. He will need to earn the trust of Ben Johnson and Caleb Williams and overtake veteran Olamide Zaccheaus for snaps. It’s safe to drop Burden in all formats right now, but keep an eye out for his snap percentages in the coming weeks.
HOLD
Evan Engram, TE – Denver Broncos
Evan Engram was a popular late-round TE sleeper. Through two weeks, Engram has been a disappointment. But I’m not sure if it is time to cut ties with the Broncos‘ pass catcher yet. Engram signed a 2-year $23 million deal in free agency to be a fit in Sean Payton’s offense.Â
In Week 1, Engram played only 34% of offensive snaps due to a calf injury he sustained. The injury left his status for Week 2 up in the air, and after a full practice on Thursday, Engram was listed as active. Engram did not perform well, catching one pass for 12 yards on two targets.Â
There is reason to believe the calf injury is to blame for Engram’s slow start to the season. The upside for Engram in this offense is greater than anything you will find on the waivers at this point. Engram should be on your bench next week, not waivers.
Isiah Pacheco, RB – Kansas City Chiefs
Pacheco, like Engram, has been a disappointment so far this season. After Week 1, when Pacheco had only five carries for 25 yards, there was hope his workload would increase. His workload did increase in Week 2 in a Super Bowl rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles. Pacheco took 10 carries in Week 2, but was not able to muster much production with them.Â
While Pacheco hasn’t delivered for fantasy managers yet, it’s too early to give up completely on him. It’s clear that Pacheco has a role in this offense, while he may not be dominating the snap percentages, Pacheco is still the lead back in Kansas City.
Matthew Golden, WR – Green Bay Packers
The Matthew Golden hype train was going at full speed in late August. Two weeks into the season, and it has slowed down due to the lack of production from the rookie. Golden’s role in the Green Bay offense should grow in the coming weeks with the news of Jayden Reed fracturing his collarbone and landing on the Injured Reserve list.Â
Look for the Packers to start to target Golden more often in the weeks to come. If someone in your league drops Golden, go snag him onto your bench!
