Roster construction at this stage should be changing a bit. Depth is not as relevant as it was in previous matchups and bye weeks are done. Consider depth in relation to possible injuries of starters and every rostered player should have a high upside; no exceptions.
So here is a little context. A few of the players listed are obvious and fairly easy cuts as the season winds down. I also wanted to include a few players who may not be “easy” cuts but might help you if you are on the fence with some of your roster decisions.
Geno Smith – QB, Seattle Seahawks
Roster Percentage: 56%
The good news is that Smith looks like he will play in the coming matchup against the Vikings despite taking a brutal hit to the legs from Packers’ lineback Edgerrin Cooper on Sunday. The not-so-good news is that Smith’s availability doesn’t mean gamers should trust him in their fantasy lineups.
The Vikings lead the NFL in blitz rate (38.7%) and rank second in pressure rate (25.8%), creating a nightmare matchup for opposing quarterbacks. Their defensive stats include 54 quarterback knockdowns, 51 hurries, and 40 sacks.
A few things to note about Geno Smith:
- Averaged 11.6 points per game since Week 9
- Hasn’t scored more than 16 points in a game since Week 9
- Failed to deliver a quality start in six consecutive weeks
Seriously consider cutting this player from your roster before Week 16. The combination of defensive pressure, recent poor performance, and injury concerns make him an unreliable option during critical playoff weeks.
If you’re facing a must-win scenario, look for a more consistent quarterback with a favorable matchup. This player’s current trajectory suggests he’s more likely to hurt than help your fantasy team’s chances.
Gus Edwards – RB, Los Angeles Chargers
Roster Percentage: 51%
Edwards’ production breakdown tells a stark story:
- Touchdown games: 8.3 half-PPR points
- Non-touchdown games: 3.3 half-PPR points
- Recent performance: 23 yards, 2.9 yards per carry
- Highest scoring game: 9.6 points
- Highest non-scoring game: 5.9 points
Without a touchdown, Edwards provides minimal fantasy value. Kimani Vidal’s potential emergence further threatens Edwards’ already limited role.
No upside, no consistency. If you’re smart you’ll part ways with Edwards immediately.
Tank Dell – WR, Houston Texans
Roster Percentage: 83%
Dell’s exciting rookie year glimpses have been replaced by consistent disappointment. The Texans’ offensive challenges, including quarterback inconsistency and line problems, have neutralized his potential upside.
In the Texans’ most recent matchup, Dell had 26 yards on two targets and hasn’t scored over 16.0 half-PPR points all year, indicating a pretty low ceiling.
Dell offers minimal fantasy upside. Attractive matchups haven’t translated to production. Three-receiver league managers in desperate need might consider a Week 17 stream, but expectations should remain extremely low.
Cut Dell and seek more consistent fantasy options.
Amari Cooper – WR, Buffalo Bills
Roster Percentage: 91%
After a promising Week 14 performance with 14 targets and 95 yards, Cooper’s Week 15 appearance collapsed into a complete non-factor. Despite an anticipated shootout against the Detroit Lions, he finished fourth in receiver snaps and received zero targets.
The emergence of Dalton Kincaid and Keon Coleman has further marginalized Cooper’s role in the Bills’ offense. With Khalil Shakir and Kincaid now commanding primary passing game attention, Cooper finds himself battling for third-tier targets alongside running backs.
While not an automatic cut in all formats, Cooper represents an extremely high-risk fantasy option. His inconsistent usage and diminishing opportunities make him nearly unplayable in critical playoff weeks.
If you are looking for reliability you may want to look elsewhere. Strongly consider replacing Cooper with a more consistent receiver option, especially in leagues with competitive waiver wire depth.
Cade Otton – TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Roster Percentage: 77%
With Evans on the field, Otton has become an afterthought in Tampa Bay’s offense. Over the past four games, he’s averaged minimal production: three or fewer catches, 30 or fewer yards, and consistently underwhelming half-PPR point totals.
Jalen McMillan’s emergence as Baker Mayfield’s second receiving option has made matters even more complex. Even in the Buccaneers’ 40-point demolition of the Chargers, Otton managed just two receptions.
Looking ahead to Week 17 against the Carolina Panthers—who surrender the most fantasy points to tight ends—could be a potential last-minute lifeline for desperate managers.
Drop Otton for Week 16, but consider retaining him as a speculative Week 17 play if you have roster flexibility.