With fantasy championships on the horizon, roster optimization becomes more critical than ever. While injuries have sidelined players for the immediate future, our focus turns to active players who might be quietly undermining your title hopes and a few loud ones.
Let’s examine five players to consider dropping as you chase championship glory.
Spencer Rattler – QB, New Orleans Saints
Rattler’s struggles continue with under 160 passing yards in consecutive games. His Week 16 performance against Green Bay (15/30, 153 yards) included two turnovers and zero red zone appearances. Even if he retains the starting role with New Orleans eliminated from playoff contention, his production doesn’t warrant a roster spot.
Antonio Gibson – RB, New England Patriots
Despite increased involvement behind Rhamondre Stevenson, Gibson’s fantasy impact remains minimal. In Week 5 against the Dolphins, Stevenson was benched and still led the team in carries. Gibson had six carries for 52 yards and one reception.
Gibson has only rushed more than 52 yards once this season; 62 yards in a Week 13 loss to the Colts.
Keon Coleman – WR, Buffalo Bills
Coleman has seen just two targets in three straight games, managing only one catch for 17 yards in Week 16. With Josh Allen’s passing game struggling and a tough Jets matchup ahead, Coleman’s minimal involvement makes him expendable.
Cam Akers – RB, Minnesota Vikings
Akers played just seven of 66 offensive snaps in Week 16, behind a heavily used Aaron Jones. With only one game over 50 rushing yards this season and limited receiving production, Akers offers little fantasy value even in a backup role.
The Packers are a middle-of-the-road defense when it comes to opposing running backs. Akers operates a bit in a pass-catching role with two of his three touchdowns coming in the air. The Packers have only allowed 3 receiving touchdowns from running backs this season, a necessity for Akers to pay off in fantasy points.
Amari Cooper – WR, Buffalo Bills
Since joining Buffalo, Cooper’s production has been underwhelming with 17 catches for 241 yards and one touchdown in the past seven games. His recent performances—zero targets one week, single reception the next—indicate a concerning trend heading into Week 17.
Cooper is only receiving 3% of the total target share, while Samuel, Collins, Coleman, Kincaid, and Shakir all receive at least a 10% share a piece.
As mentioned before, the Jets have a solid defense, allowing the third-fewest points to wide receivers in the league.