Fantasy football can be exhilarating, but it’s also a game of tough decisions. Every week presents a new challenge, and one of the hardest tasks for managers is deciding when to part ways with players who just aren’t living up to expectations. By Week 8, patterns have emerged, and the underperformers on your roster might be costing you valuable points, or at the very least, taking up space that could be filled by breakout stars or more consistent contributors.
This guide will walk you through five underperforming players you should seriously consider cutting before Week 8, based on their performances so far, injury statuses, and projected future value. While it’s always hard to drop players who once seemed like they would be key contributors, fantasy football is about making bold moves to maximize your chances of success.
Fantasy Football Week 8
Why Cutting Players Mid-Season Is Essential
Before diving into the list, it’s important to understand why cutting players mid-season can be crucial for fantasy success. Fantasy football is about getting the most production out of your roster every week. Holding onto players who are underperforming or who have limited potential moving forward means missing out on waiver wire opportunities to pick up players with higher upside.
Here’s why you need to act now:
- Roster Flexibility: Every spot on your roster is valuable. By holding onto an underperformer, you’re potentially missing out on a hot waiver wire pickup that could help you win games.
- Opportunity Cost: Each week in fantasy football is critical, especially as the season progresses. Keeping underperforming players means you are wasting points you could be earning with players who have greater potential.
- Avoiding Stagnation: Fantasy football is a dynamic game. Sticking to early-season strategies and players without adjusting to current trends often leads to missed opportunities. It’s important to adapt to changes like injuries, team dynamics, and new breakouts.
Now, let’s take a look at five players who, despite their potential, have simply not performed to the level expected and are candidates for being dropped heading into Week 8.
1. Najee Harris (Pittsburgh Steelers)
Why Consider Dropping Him?
Najee Harris came into the 2024 season with high expectations as the Steelers’ starting running back. Drafted in the early rounds of most fantasy drafts, Harris was expected to be a reliable RB1 or RB2. However, through the first seven weeks, he has failed to deliver consistent production. The Steelers’ offensive line has struggled, limiting Harris’ ability to find open lanes, and his lack of involvement in the passing game has severely hampered his fantasy output.
Key Stats:
- Low rushing yardage per game
- Minimal involvement in the passing game
- Few touchdowns through the first half of the season
Future Outlook:
While Harris may still have some upside if the Steelers’ offense improves, the current trajectory suggests that he may continue to struggle. The backfield is also starting to feature other players, which reduces Harris’ touches and potential for big plays. It’s time to consider dropping Harris in favor of a player with higher week-to-week upside.
2. JuJu Smith-Schuster (New England Patriots)
Why Consider Dropping Him?
JuJu Smith-Schuster was another high-profile player expected to lead the Patriots’ receiving corps. Unfortunately, both injuries and poor quarterback play have hindered his production. Through the first seven weeks, Smith-Schuster has been inconsistent at best, and the Patriots’ offense has been one of the least productive in the league. The chemistry between Smith-Schuster and quarterback Mac Jones just hasn’t materialized.
Key Stats:
- Low targets per game
- Inconsistent fantasy points output
- No big breakout performances
Future Outlook:
With the Patriots’ offensive woes and Smith-Schuster’s nagging injuries, it’s hard to envision him becoming a reliable fantasy option in the second half of the season. The Patriots may begin focusing on younger receivers, and Smith-Schuster could fade further from fantasy relevance. Dropping him in favor of a higher-upside receiver on a more productive team could be the right move.
3. Joshua Kelley (Los Angeles Chargers)
Why Consider Dropping Him?
Joshua Kelley was a popular waiver-wire pickup early in the season when Chargers’ star running back Austin Ekeler went down with an injury. Fantasy managers hoped Kelley would step into a lead role and provide solid production in Ekeler’s absence. However, Kelley failed to capitalize on his opportunities, delivering underwhelming performances even when given significant touches.
Key Stats:
- Low rushing efficiency
- Lack of involvement in the passing game
- No significant fantasy production even in a starting role
Future Outlook:
Now that Austin Ekeler has returned to the lineup, Kelley’s role has diminished significantly. He’s no longer seeing enough touches to warrant a roster spot, and barring another injury to Ekeler, Kelley will be nothing more than a handcuff with minimal upside. It’s time to cut Kelley and use that roster spot for a player who can contribute right away.
4. Kyle Pitts (Atlanta Falcons)
Why Consider Dropping Him?
Kyle Pitts came into the 2024 season with hopes that he would break out as one of the top tight ends in the league. Drafted early by many fantasy managers due to his incredible athleticism and potential, Pitts has been one of the biggest disappointments so far. The Falcons’ inconsistent quarterback play has hurt his production, and despite flashes of brilliance, he’s been unable to consistently deliver solid fantasy performances.
Key Stats:
- Low target share compared to other top tight ends
- Minimal red-zone usage
- Inconsistent week-to-week production
Future Outlook:
While Pitts may have a high ceiling due to his talent, the Falcons’ offensive struggles make it hard to trust him as a starting fantasy tight end. There are other tight ends available on the waiver wire who offer more consistent production. If you’ve been holding out hope for Pitts to turn things around, it might be time to let go and pick up a more reliable option at the position.
5. Jerry Jeudy (Denver Broncos)
Why Consider Dropping Him?
Jerry Jeudy was expected to be the top receiver for the Denver Broncos in 2024, but things have not gone according to plan. The Broncos’ offense has been erratic, and Jeudy has struggled to establish himself as the go-to target for quarterback Russell Wilson. Injuries and poor quarterback play have contributed to his underwhelming performance, making him a risky play in fantasy lineups.
Key Stats:
- Few explosive plays
- Inconsistent target share
- Minimal red-zone involvement
Future Outlook:
Jeudy’s talent is undeniable, but the Broncos’ offensive inconsistencies and the presence of other pass-catching options make him a tough player to trust in fantasy. As the Broncos’ struggles continue, Jeudy may continue to see limited opportunities, and fantasy managers may be better off dropping him for a receiver with a higher floor and more consistent production.
Who Should You Pick Up?
Now that you’ve cut some of the underperformers on your roster, it’s time to consider the players you can add to replace them. Here are a few options that have been trending upward and could provide a boost to your lineup heading into Week 8.
1. Kareem Hunt (Cleveland Browns)
With Nick Chubb out for the season, Kareem Hunt has seen an increased workload in the Browns’ offense. While he’s sharing carries with Jerome Ford, Hunt’s versatility as a pass-catcher makes him a valuable fantasy asset. He’s worth a pickup if you need running back depth.
2. Josh Downs (Indianapolis Colts)
Josh Downs has emerged as a reliable target for Colts quarterback Gardner Minshew. The rookie wide receiver has shown a strong rapport with Minshew and could be a solid pickup for teams in need of wide receiver help.
3. Dalton Kincaid (Buffalo Bills)
Rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid has started to carve out a role in the Bills’ high-powered offense. With Dawson Knox injured, Kincaid is seeing an increased target share and could provide consistent production at the tight end position moving forward.
4. Roschon Johnson (Chicago Bears)
Roschon Johnson has shown flashes of potential in the Bears’ backfield, especially with injuries to other running backs on the roster. As the season progresses, Johnson could see more opportunities, making him a valuable stash for teams needing depth at running back.
5. Michael Mayer (Las Vegas Raiders)
Another rookie tight end, Michael Mayer, has begun to see more involvement in the Raiders’ offense. As his role continues to grow, Mayer could become a reliable fantasy option, especially in deeper leagues where tight end production is scarce.
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Conclusion: Be Proactive, Not Sentimental
Fantasy football is a game of adaptation. As much as we want to hold onto players we drafted early or had high hopes for, it’s important to make tough decisions to stay competitive. By Week 8, it becomes clear which players are holding your team back, and it’s essential to act decisively by cutting underperformers and picking up players with more upside.
Dropping players like Najee Harris, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Joshua Kelley, Kyle Pitts, and Jerry Jeudy might seem drastic, but fantasy success often requires bold moves. There are always new breakout stars and waiver-wire gems waiting to be picked up, and by freeing up space on your roster, you increase your chances of success down the stretch.
Remember, fantasy football is won by those who stay ahead of the curve, make strategic roster adjustments, and aren’t afraid to move on from players who
FAQs
Q. How do I know when to drop a player from my fantasy football team?
You should consider dropping a player if they consistently underperform, have limited opportunities, or if there are better options available on the waiver wire.
Q. What factors should I consider before dropping a player?
Look at their recent performances, injury status, team dynamics, upcoming schedule, and potential for improvement.
Q. Is it okay to drop a high-profile player if they are underperforming?
Yes, while it can be difficult, if a high-profile player is not producing, it’s important to prioritize performance and team needs over sentimentality.
Q. How can I find good replacement players after dropping underperformers?
Check the waiver wire for trending players, consider their recent performances, upcoming matchups, and overall team health to identify potential additions.
Q. Should I keep players on my roster just in case they have a breakout game?
Holding onto players for potential breakout games can be risky. Prioritize active roster spots for players who are currently producing consistently over speculative picks.
