Can you believe we are a quarter of the way through the season already? In fantasy terms, we're even further, considering most league's playoffs start in Week 15. For those of you with a 4-0 record, Congratulations! All the power to you.
This week's edition is more for those who are 0-4, 1-3, or 2-2. I'll take a look at some struggling players from each position and let you know how you should proceed with these players. This list does not include any players who have missed multiple games with an injury.
QUARTERBACK
Joe Burrow, CIN
- Current rank: 31, 33.4 FP
- Drafted as: QB1
- Opponents played: at CLE, BAL, LAR, at TEN
- Record: 1-3
- Upcoming schedule: at ARI, SEA, BYE, at SF
Joe Burrow's slow start is not necessarily performance-related but injury-related. He suffered a calf strain back in August that he re-injured on September 17th. Calf injuries can be tricky to heal and may linger for several weeks, so the light at the end of the tunnel for Burrow, while getting closer, could still be a few weeks away. The calf injury is causing him to not fully step into his throws and put the type of velocity on the ball needed for throws deep downfield. As a result, the Bengals are using an altered offensive approach that includes more short or intermediate throws that give receivers the chance to run after the catch. He has two touchdowns in four games (both came in Week 2) and two interceptions. Luckily for Burrow and Cincinnati, the Bengals have a Week 7 bye. We could potentially see a change in the positive direction in Week 8. Can you hold out that long? You may need to. It's not just Burrow who is affected. Ja'Marr Chase, despite having a strong Week 3 outcome, has been relatively unChase-like with fairly pedestrian numbers, and he has yet to find the end zone this season.
Result: Brighter days are ahead for Burrow, which trickles down to other players but it might not come until Week 8 at the earliest.
Trevor Lawrence, JAC
- Current rank: QB17, 59.8 FP
- Drafted as: Top 10 QB
- Opponents played: at IND, KC, HOU, ATL (London).
- Record: 2-2
- Upcoming schedule: at BUF (London), IND, at NO
Trevor Lawrence's fantasy production has been underwhelming so far in 2023. The offensive line has improved slightly after a challenging start, but the running game is still a major concern. That's keeping Lawrence from being able to establish a rhythm on offense. Travis Etienne Jr. has not been able to break off any big plays, and his average yards per carry in four games is below 4.0. Lawrence's completion percentage is a respectable 67.1%, but he has been inconsistent in the red zone, and the team as a whole is 29th in 3rd down conversion percentage at 31.7%.
Lawrence has the talent to be a top-10 quarterback, but he needs his supporting cast to improve. If Etienne can get going and the Jaguars can find a way to score more touchdowns, Lawrence could start to climb the rankings. He'll also get his left tackle back, who served a four-game suspension.
Result: Last year, Lawrence showed that he could be a reliable fantasy quarterback, finishing 6th. Perhaps a big play or two here and there will elevate his game and get him and the Jaguars back on pace as one of the better teams in the AFC South.
RUNNING BACK
Najee Harris, PIT
- Current PPR rank: RB36, 28.4 FPs
- Drafted as: RB2
- Opponents played: SF, CLE, at LSV, at HOU
- Record: 2-2
- Upcoming schedule: BAL, Bye at LAR, JAC
Najee Harris was the RB8 after Week 10 last year. The Steelers' offense finished on a high note, winning seven of their last nine games. Things were looking up for Pittsburgh and Harris heading into the 2023 season. So far, the Steelers and Harris have struggled to gain traction against this year's opponents. Mike Tomlin always seems to find a way to make things work in Pittsburgh. Will that happen once again in 2023?
Why has Harris struggled up to this point?
- Poor offensive line play: The Steelers' offensive line has been one of the worst in the league this season, giving up a lot of pressure on quarterback Kenny Pickett and making it difficult for Harris to run.
- Increased competition in the backfield: The Steelers' second-year running back Jaylen Warren has been getting more playing time. This has limited Harris' touches, altered his rhythm, and taken away some of his opportunities to produce.
- Tighter defenses: The Steelers have faced some stout defenses in their first few games, namely the 49ers and Browns. These defenses have been able to contain Harris and make it difficult for him to break big runs.
The Steelers are utilizing Harris more in the team's carry share (56% to Warren's 29%). However, Warren has developed into a capable receiver, grasping an 18% team target share, second on the team behind only George Pickens. As a result, Harris has been squeezed out of producing fantasy points as a receiver, which constricts his fantasy point totals to yardage and touchdowns. If the touchdowns aren't coming, the yardage is the only saving grace. At this point, four games in, both the yardage and scoring touch have been a non-factor. Harris has only four receptions on eight targets, he has games of 31, 43, 65, and 71 rushing yards, and he has yet to find the end zone. With other options springing up among fantasy running backs, Harris can be replaced in your lineup until he proves his worth.
Result: Shelve Harris until further notice. If the Steelers' offense improves, Harris will also likely see a bump in production. At this time, you cannot rely on and hope that he turns it around. Plus, his lack of a receiving option makes his outlook less appealing.
Rhamondre Stevenson, NE
- Current PPR rank: RB24, 43.1 FPs
- Drafted as: Low-end RB1
- Opponents played: PHI, MIA, at NYJ, at DAL
- Record: 1-3
- Upcoming schedule: NO, at LSV, BUF, at MIA
The schedule has not been kind to the Patriots in the first quarter of the season, and the next few games aren't that much better. Rhamondre Stevenson finished as the RB8 in 2022, and expectations were high that he would pick up where he left off. That hasn't been the case in 2023.
What has kept Stevenson from taking off?
- The biggest difference compared to 2022 has been his lack of targets. Last year, he was 2nd on the team with 88 targets and 69 receptions. So far this season, he is fourth in targets (16) and third in receptions (12). He started slow in this area last year, too, so there is some hope for a rebound.
- Lack of touchdowns - Stevenson has one touchdown in four games.
- 2.7 yards per carry on 60 carries isn't helping the Patriots offense sustain drives. His lack of production is a factor in New England's struggles on offense. On the bright side, Stevenson is averaging 15 carries per game despite the low yardage average. This suggests the team trusts him and will continue to feed him going forward.
- New England has faced one of the toughest schedules in the league - PHI, MIA, at NYJ, at DAL. The second half of the season is less difficult, which should help the offense.
Result: Don't give up on Stevenson. Better days are ahead. He is 5th in routes run by running backs this season with a 70% (and climbing) route participation, which is tied with Bijan Robinson. He also has seen 100% of the team's rushes inside the five-yard line this year, which is surprising because many thought Ezekiel Elliott would handle some of that load.
Dameon Pierce, HOU
- Current rank: RB27
- Drafted as: RB2
- Opponents played: at BAL, IND, at JAC, PIT
- Record: 2-2
- Upcoming schedule: at ATL, NO, Bye, at CAR
From the outside looking in, Dameon Pierce has been a slight disappointment stemming from a lack of touchdowns (1) and limited receptions (8). The Texans' offense has been one of the bigger surprises in the AFC. Rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud has amassed two 300-yard games with three multiple-touchdown efforts. As a result, the Texans' offense has totaled a respectable 96 points (24 points per game), including 67 points in their last two games. Pierce has been the primary back, handling 51% of the team's snaps (Devin Singletary is 2nd with 33%) and 56% of the team's carries (Singletary 25%). He is the first option in the Texans backfield, and the future doesn't appear to show any changing of the guard anytime soon. Houston's offense is performing well, which suggests the ground game, by default, will also see an increase in production sooner rather than later. In layman's terms, it's only a matter of time before Pierce starts to see the fruits of his labor.
Result: Look for Pierce to break out of his mini-slump with an impressive game in the coming weeks. As long as the Texans' offense is humming, the ground game should benefit. Pierce is currently sitting as the RB27 after four games. That should increase into the Top 20 over the next few weeks.
WIDE RECEIVER
Jerry Jeudy, DEN
- Current rank: WR67, 26.8 FPs
- Drafted as: WR2
- Opponents played: LSV, WAS, at MIA, at CHI
- Record: 1-3
- Upcoming schedule: NYJ, at KC, GB, KC
Jerry Jeudy is currently the WR67, but keep in mind that he did not play in Week 1 due to a hamstring injury. He also has been playing through a knee injury. Is that the reason for his slow start to 2023? Probably not. Jeudy has seen 19% of the team's target share in each of the three games he has played. However, he has produced mediocre results with zero scores. It's not from a lack of scoring. The Broncos have thrown eight touchdowns to wide receivers with none going to Jeudy. Jeudy has occupied the slot position for 71% of his snaps. Lil'Jordan Humphrey handled the majority of the slot in his absence in Week 1. Ironically, Humphrey scored a touchdown in that game. So what's with the lack of scoring by Jeudy? The short answer - maybe nothing. Maybe it's just an anomaly that will correct itself in the coming weeks. Rumors are floating that Denver is shopping either Jeudy or Courtland Sutton as a trade deadline deal. Perhaps a change of scenery would do Jeudy well. He has excellent route-running skills and is capable of being a team's top target. With the right team and quarterback, he could have a Stefon Diggs-like transformation.
Result: The volume and opportunities are there for Jeudy in the Broncos offense, but he hasn't been able to break out with a big game yet. He did score a touchdown this year, but it was negated due to a penalty. His resurgence is coming. It seems like it is only a matter of time before he sees an uptick in production.
Calvin Ridley, JAC
- Current rank: WR36, 48.1 FPs
- Drafted as: Low-end WR1, high-end WR2
- Opponents played: at IND, KC, HOU, ATL (London)
- Record: 2-2
- Upcoming schedule: at BUF (London), IND, at NO
Calvin Ridley started well with 8 receptions for 101 yards and a touchdown on 11 targets in Week 1. Early in Week 2, he suffered a knee injury that looked painful and uncomfortable, likely an MCL sprain. He took a few reps off and was back at it, playing through the injury. Coincidentally, his numbers took a dive in that game, plus Week 3 and Week 4 despite a blown-coverage touchdown to save face. In Week 4, the Falcons played a heavy Cover-2 defense that forced Jacksonville to pepper targets to the side of the field and stay away from deeper routes. This didn't favor Ridley, and his knee status held him in check, which he continues to play through. He should be healthier in the coming weeks, and Jacksonville's pass protection should improve with the return of their left tackle, Cam Robinson, who was serving a four-game suspension. Ridley's game and production should improve soon. The expectation is that we'll see more of the Week 1 Ridley in the coming weeks.
Result: Weather the storm with Ridley. His knee sprain likely played a role in his drop-off in numbers after Week 1. Brighter days are ahead for the team's projected top target.
Jordan Addison, MIN
- Current rank: WR43, 43.5 FPs
- Drafted as: WR3
- Opponents played: TB, at PHI, LAC, at CAR
- Record: 1-3
- Upcoming schedule: KC, at CHI, SF, at GB
There were high expectations that Jordan Addison, the Vikings' first-round pick, would blend in with the Vikings' already potent receiving corps and be able to produce numbers that would warrant fantasy appeal. He started well with a touchdown in each of his first two games, but the volume of targets has been lower than expected, including a goose egg in Week 4 - zero receptions on one target. The order of target distribution in Minnesota has been Justin Jefferson (34% team target share), T.J. Hockenson (20%), and Addison (12%) followed by K.J. Osborn at 11%. This is not too far removed from expectations, but there was a degree of higher hopes for Addison and his skill set in a formidable offense. Can Addison be a top-20 fantasy receiver? Maybe, yes, but it might not happen this season as long as Jefferson and Hockenson are reeling in the targets ahead of him. The Vikings have used several receivers in the slot, with Osborn leading the way. There are a handful of plays where Addison isn't even on the field - his snap percentage is 64% compared to Osborn's 91% and Jefferson's 98%. Temper expectation moving forward. The first two weeks with scores may be an anomaly to what we should expect for the rest of the season.
Result: Look for Addison to make some splash plays here and there, but don't expect him to be a heavy contributor in the Vikings offense any time soon.
TIGHT END
Darren Waller, NYG
- Current rank: TE12
- Drafted as: TE1
- Opponents played: DAL, at ARI, at SF, SEA
- Record: 1-3
- Upcoming schedule: at MIA, at BUF, WAS, NYJ
Expectations were high for Darren Waller coming to the Giants. He had an impressive preseason and was one of the top-featured receivers on the team. The bottom fell out after an early season hamstring injury with an additional nerve complication that slowed his ascent as a productive fantasy tight end option. Waller does lead the team in targets (23) and receptions (15), but he has yet to find the end zone. Plus, the Giants offense has been horrible for most of the season, except for the second half of the Arizona game in Week 2. The combination of the Giants' woes and Waller's challenging and lingering hamstring injury have resulted in fantasy totals much lower than expected. The Giants don't have a bye until Week 13, which isn't great for Waller, who could use a respite from the weekly grind.
Result: Expect his hamstring injury to linger and slowly improve, but if the Giants don't solve their offensive woes, it may not matter in terms of Waller's future production. Tread carefully with Waller and use an alternate option until he proves his fantasy appeal.
Dallas Goedert, PHI
- Current rank: Henry TE30, 21.8 FPs
- Drafted as: TE1
- Opponents played: at NE, MIN, at TB, WAS
- Record: 4-0
- Upcoming schedule: at LAR, at NYJ, MIA, at WAS
Dallas Goedert missed a good chunk of last season with a shoulder injury. Expectations were that he'd be a decent TE1 option in Philadelphia's high-scoring offense. That has not been the case so far. The Eagles are putting up decent point totals (25, 34, 25, 34), but Goedert has not found the end zone in four games. The next question is why? The answer could be luck, but you also have to look at the Eagles' offense as a whole. They are a run-heavy offense, and when they do pass, it is dominated by A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. Goedert is third on the team in target share with 17%, so it's not like he is a forgotten piece of the offense. He just is not seeing the fruits of his labor...yet, and it is safe to assume that he won't generate consistent weekly production. He'll have his share of big plays here and there, which might include a touchdown, but his presence as a weekly dominant contributor on offense may be too far-fetched in this offense.
Result: Better days are likely ahead for Goedert, but he's not going to be a consistent producer in Philadelphia's offense which is dominated by the run game and two prominent wide receivers.
Thank you for reading. Questions, comments, and suggestions are always welcome. You can find me on "X", formerly Twitter.