Welcome to Blitz Sports Media’s Fantasy Football “Panic Meter”. Each week we will identify some of the disappointing performances from the prior week to identify if it is time to panic about a certain player. Below is the official Blitz Sports Media panic meter discussing the reasoning behind each panic meter level.
This Week’s version of the Panic Meter was delayed one day and will be a shorter list due to the schedule change. Let’s get into all of the players who made this week’s version of the panic meter.
Justin Jefferson WR (MIN)
Panic Meter: 1
Justin Jefferson has experienced a significant dip in production after a dominant first half of the season. Over his last three games, the star wide receiver has managed only 21.1 fantasy points, which contrasts sharply with his earlier performances. He has averaged 9.5 fantasy points over his last three games compared to 19.7 points in his previous eight contests. The Bears decided to utilize double and even triple teams to slow down Jefferson but allowed Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson to have big days.
While Jefferson should have a chance to bounce back in Week 13, he faces a tough matchup against the Arizona Cardinals. Arizona has been playing strong defense recently, allowing just one offensive touchdown in their last three games. The Cardinals are particularly effective in man coverage, which plays into their strengths but could make things more challenging for Jefferson, who excels against zone defenses. Jefferson will have a Bounce Back week soon but might be falling out of a Top 4 player at Wide Receiver conversation in Fantasy Football.
Jonathan Taylor RB (IND)
Panic Meter: 2
Jonathan Taylor has struggled to make an impact in fantasy football since the Indianapolis Colts reinstated Anthony Richardson as the starting quarterback, scoring just 10 total points across two games. he has now failed to break 60 rushing yards in three of his last four games. What’s more concerning is that he hasn’t posted 15 or more PPR points since Week 8, which raises questions about his ability to contribute consistently to fantasy lineups. His receiving volume has never been high but with Anthony Richardson at quarterback, we are seeing a decrease in his role in the passing game with fewer touches near the goal line.
Despite this, there is some positive news—Taylor’s workload has remained solid. Over those two games, he’s logged 35 carries, a healthy volume that should eventually translate into fantasy production. His next opportunity to break out could come this Sunday against the New England Patriots, who rank 30th in DVOA defensively and are allowing 137.8 total yards per game to opposing running backs. Taylor’s floor may be lower with Richardson at quarterback but should still be locked into your lineup on a weekly basis.
Kyren Williams RB (LAR)
Panic Meter: 2
Kyren Williams was one of the hottest fantasy football running backs to start the 2024 season. The third year back from Notre Dame exceeded 14 fantasy points in his first seven games and scored over 20 points in three. His production has significantly dropped off in recent weeks, as he has failed to surpass 12 points in each of his last four games and has only rushed for one touchdown during that span. One major change is the return of star wide receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua to the Rams’ lineup after extended absences. his involvement in the passing game has diminished, as he has failed to record a target in two straight games and has had just one game with multiple catches in the last four.
As a result, Williams has seen fewer touches, averaging just 15.3 rushes per game over the past three contests. With fewer touches, his 42nd-ranked yards per touch among running backs makes his floor lower than ever this season. Despite these struggles, Williams still has high fantasy value, especially in favorable matchups like this week’s game against the New Orleans Saints. The Saints rank in the bottom 10 in run defense, allowing 134.2 rushing yards per game, and they are also in the bottom half of the league in points allowed. With no real competition for snaps or touches in the Rams’ backfield, Williams remains a must-start, though his recent dip in production has lowered his fantasy ceiling making him an RB2 to the rest of the season
Marvin Harrison Jr. WR (ARI)
Panic Meter: 3
The rookie wide receiver ranks just 84th in ESPN’s Open Score and 55th in Average Separation Score, which speaks to his struggles in getting open and creating separation from defenders. While he has struggled to separate, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing has not done enough to get Harrison Jr. scripted open routes. Despite his potential, Harrison Jr. only has 36 receptions and has struggled to consistently produce in fantasy football. Currently, he ranks as the WR39 in fantasy points per game and is tied for tenth in deep targets among wide receivers. However, he’s only managed two touchdowns and just one red zone target since Week 5.
Arizona ranks near the bottom in pass rate over expected, at -6.0%. the lack of volume will continue to be inconsistent 2024 campaign. His matchup this week against Minnesota doesn’t offer much hope for a turnaround either. The Vikings have the highest rate of two-high safety looks in the NFL (68.4%), which has been particularly problematic for Harrison Jr. He has posted just a 17.9% target share, 1.46 yards per route run, and a 25.7% first-read share against two-high coverage. Harrison Jr should not be a lock in anyone’s starting lineups going forward and should be a matchup dependent streamer at flex.
Cut List | Panic Meter: 5
Dalton Schultz TE (HOU)
Raheem Mostert RB (MIA)
Ricky Pearsall WR (SF)
Darius Slayton WR (NYG)
Tyler Lockett WR (SEA)
Check out all of the Week 12 Reactions from around Fantasy Football
