Welcome to Blitz Sports Media’s Fantasy Football “Panic Meter” for Week 9. Each week, we will identify some of the disappointing performances from the prior week to determine if it is time to panic about said player. Below is the last Blitz Sports Media panic meter of the season, discussing the reasoning behind each panic meter level.
Baker Mayfield, QB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Panic Meter: 1
Baker Mayfield has fallen back to earth in the last three games, with 19, 11, and 4 points. With many of his weapons out, like Bucky Irving, Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and a banged-up Emeka Egbuka, it has been a tough showing for the Tampa Bay offense lately. Still, it is crazy they underwhelmed that much against their division rival New Orleans Saints, as even Bucs running back Rachaad White got hurt as well in this game. After their Week 9 bye, they just need their running backs and Godwin back, and they are in ok shape to rebound.
Quentin Johnston, WR, Los Angeles Chargers
Panic Meter: 2
After missing a game with a hamstring, Quentin Johnston came back with 11 points with 6 points prior, but then had an absolute donut the week after, with rookie tight end Oronde Gadsden and receiver Ladd McConkey fully taking over the target share. With so many mouths to feed, along with veteran Keenan Allen, I hope there is a chance Johnston can bounce back, but it is worrisome, especially with Gadsden taking such a big chunk of the receiving game. Most will have to start him again against the Minnesota Vikings and hope Justin Herbert can find him. The Los Angeles Chargers also found their ground attack again with Kimani Vidal.
Matthew Golden, WR, Green Bay Packers
Panic Meter: 3
While some early round rookie pop, some don’t. Many expected post bye that the first-rounder would’ve gotten more of a target share from Jordan Love, but that is not the case with the Green Bay Packers offense. They feature Tucker Kraft at tight end, Romeo Doubs on the outside, and the run game with Josh Jacobs. Unless Matthew Golden connects on a deep bomb, his three games of double-digit fantasy points won’t warrant a start.
Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears
Panic Meter: 4
Post-bye, Caleb Williams has finished with 19, 4, and 11 points in a good matchup against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8. While he has a few good matchups moving forward, it will be hard to trust the Chicago Bears quarterback as anything more than a low-end QB 2. You could find better options to start on the waiver wire.
Cut List | Panic Meter: 4
Besides Week 1, vs. the Ravens, Buffalo Bills receiver Keon Coleman has basically been a non-factor in fantasy and can be dropped. The same can be said for Jerry Jeudy, as rookie Dillon Gabriel focuses on just the tight ends in Cleveland for the Browns. Rookie tight end Colston Loveland, without Cole Kmet, didn’t impress and is likely not worth keeping on benches. After Drake London was ruled out, Darnell Mooney for the Atlanta Falcons had a smash matchup on paper against the Miami Dolphins. But with no Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins coming in, guess again, as this offense is not the same beast without the QB and star WR, making Mooney a drop.
- Keon Coleman, WR, Buffalo Bills
- Jerry Jeudy, WR, Cleveland Browns
- Colston Loveland, TE, Chicago Bears
- Darnell Mooney, WR, Atlanta Falcons
