Here is your weekly look at some players on the fringe that might be worth dropping from your fantasy football roster. Getting rid of dead weight is just as vital as exploring fantasy additions and in some cases a tougher call.
Exploring trade options can make sense, but many players hold little value. If you struggle to move certain players, it may be worth dropping them all together.
On a positive note, “start ’em, sit ’em” decisions should be easier going into week 13 considering all 32 teams are in action this Thanksgiving weekend.
Jonathan Brooks – RB, Carolina Panthers
Roster Percentage: 61%
The Carolina Panthers’ rookie running back Jonathan Brooks has struggled to make an impact in his first NFL season, leaving serious questions about his value. After a long-awaited debut in Week 12, Brooks’ rushed for seven yards on two carries with no receptions against the Chiefs.
The stark contrast with teammate Chuba Hubbard, who logged 17 touches for 60 yards and scored crucial late-game points, further highlights Brooks’ limited role in the Panthers’ offensive scheme.
The primary concern for fantasy managers is Brooks’ recent major knee injury and the Panthers’ hesitancy to utilize him heavily. With the team likely focusing on development rather than immediate production, Brooks appears to be nothing more than a high-upside handcuff at this point in the season.
Brooks offers little to no immediate fantasy value. Fantasy managers should seriously consider dropping him, especially with playoff implications on the line. Those in keeper or dynasty formats might want to stash him on the bench, but for those seeking immediate production, it may be time to move on.
Unless the Panthers dramatically shift their approach in the remaining weeks, Brooks looks to be a speculative stash at best, with Chuba Hubbard firmly entrenched as the team’s primary running back.
Raheem Mostert – RB, Miami Dolphins
Roster Percentage: 83%
The Miami Dolphins’ backfield has dramatically shifted, rendering Raheem Mostert a fantasy football afterthought. Over the past two weeks, Mostert has been decisively pushed to third-string status, with De’Von Achane and rookie Jaylen Wright commanding the majority of offensive touches.
In Mostert’s last three games, he has managed only eight touches generating 34 yards. This drop in production signals a clear change in Miami’s running back rotation.
What was once a promising timeshare with Achane has now devolved into Mostert becoming a backup to both Achane and Wright. The emergence of the younger, more explosive Jaylen Wright has further marginalized Mostert’s role in the Dolphins’ offense.
For fantasy managers clinging to hope, the writing is on the wall. Mostert, now 32 years old, no longer carries meaningful fantasy value. In most competitive leagues, he represents a roster spot that could be better utilized on a player with more potential for meaningful production.
Managers should feel comfortable dropping Mostert, especially as playoff implications loom and roster spots become increasingly precious.
Audric Estime – RB, Denver Broncos
Roster Percentage: 4%
The promising narrative around Audric Estime’s potential breakout has quickly faded in the Denver Broncos’ unpredictable running back rotation. After a lone standout performance in Week 10 with 14 carries and 53 yards against the Chiefs, Estime has rapidly returned to a marginal role in the offense.
In the past two games, Estime has been reduced to just nine total rushing attempts, illustrating the volatile nature of Sean Payton’s running back strategy. His minimal involvement is further underscored by a diminishing snap rate in Week 12 and a season-long total of only three targets, demonstrating his limited utility in both rushing and passing situations.
The upcoming schedule offers little hope for fantasy managers. The Broncos face challenging run defenses from the Browns, Colts, and Chargers, with an additional Week 14 bye complicating matters. Even if Estime sees an increased role, he’ll continue to compete for touches with Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin in an increasingly crowded backfield.
Payton’s “hot-hand” approach means Estime’s potential big games are unpredictable at best. While the rookie showed a glimpse of promise in Week 10, subsequent performances suggest he is not a reliable fantasy asset for the remainder of the season.
Fantasy managers should be willing to explore alternative options, as Estime appears destined to remain a backup in a committee approach that limits his weekly fantasy production.
Dalton Schultz – TE, Houston Texans
Roster Percentage: 61%
Dalton Schultz is rapidly losing his grip on being a reliable fantasy football option. What began as a promising connection with quarterback C.J. Stroud in 2023 has devolved into a frustrating scenario for fantasy managers in 2024.
Schultz’s recent performance against the Tennessee Titans speaks directly to his declining value: two catches for 20 yards. Rookie, Cade Stover, not only saw more targets but also scored a touchdown, further marginalizing Schultz’s role in the offense.
Despite being on the field for 82% of snaps and accumulating 36 catches on 57 targets for 363 yards this season, Schultz has yet to find the end zone. The Texans’ passing attack prioritizes wide receivers Nico Collins and Tank Dell, leaving Schultz as an afterthought.
Fantasy managers should seriously consider alternative options at tight end. Schultz offers little upside in a crowded and dynamic Texans offense.
Jared Goff – QB, Detroit Lions
Roster Percentage: 87%
Jared Goff stands as a legitimate NFL MVP candidate with impressive +700 odds, yet simultaneously is a quarterback fantasy managers can comfortably release. In Goff’s case, real-world success doesn’t translate to fantasy performance.
Goff’s fantasy profile reveals significant limitations and inconsistencies. He is averaging 16.7 fantasy points per game while lacking the running capability that often provides quarterbacks with a reliable fantasy floor. His recent games underscore this inconsistency: three contests with 10.8 or fewer fantasy points, punctuated by a single 34.6-point anomaly against the Jaguars.
The Lions’ remaining schedule presents additional challenges. Goff faces five opponents ranked in the top 11 for limiting quarterback fantasy production. His playoff matchups are particularly daunting, including road games against the Bills, Bears, and 49ers—environments historically unfavorable for Goff.
Setting aside the excitement for the Lions this season, it may be worth exploring options at quarterback. Here is the clear recommendation, move on from Goff without hesitation.