The Dead Report

Guest Column from Dan The Man Mattox

BRING OUT YOUR DEAD! BRING OUT YOUR DEAD! 
Yes, we are only two weeks into this fantasy season, but some things are already clear. Kickers can't be trusted, the Browns may truly be cursed, and there are some notable fantasy duds that are already flat-lining on the season. I am going to give you some names of the dearly departed, and some that are barely breathing, so you can be ready when the dead wagon rolls by your fantasy team.

Barely breathing:
Dak Prescott. Wasn't it just a couple seasons ago that Dak was the hotness? He came out of nowhere, a calm, cool field general that looked for all the world to be a perennial fantasy superstar. My, how things change. After an utterly forgettable season in 2017, those hoping for a Prescott Renaissance in 2018 have been treated to a paltry 330 yards and 1 touchdown through two games. Oh Dak, we barely knew ye.
 
Amari Cooper. Yes, Cooper had a decent second game of the season. He caught all ten of his targets for 116 yards and no scores. On the surface, that seems like good news, right? That's the Cooper the Raiders expected when they spent high draft capital on him coming out of Alabama, right? Perhaps, but despite the small sample size, Cooper is averaging a paltry 11 yards per reception. Remember also that the bulk of Cooper’s fantasy relevance in 2017 came in Week 7 and Week 17. Can you really afford to hang your fantasy hat on a guy that inconsistent? 

Rex Burkhead. As much as I love Burkhead, he is definitely on life support in New England. Besides his usual injury woes, Burkhead has suffered from a decided lack of usage. Big things fantasy-wise were expected from Sexy Rexy this season, but his 24 carries for 86 yards and his ZERO targets in week two do not bode well. Throw in the acquisition of Josh Gordon, and the healthy Sony Michel, and Rex can certainly be considered barely breathing. 

Dead Wagon:
Larry Fitzgerald. It's not your fault, Larry. No one wanted to see you go this way, but it is what it is. Despite his advanced age, Fitzy has managed to stay on the fantasy radar the last couple years. However, he didn't have the dumpster fire that IS the 2018 Cardinals surrounding him. Sam Bradford has been lost, David Johnson has found no room behind what may be the league’s worst offensive line, and Fitzgerald has been surrounded by journeymen and rookies at WR. Larry, you will be buried in your gold jacket. It's been a great run, but you are on the dead wagon.
 
LeSean McCoy. Shady, as he is better known, may be at rest beneath a shade tree. This version of the Buffalo Bills could be historically bad. McCoy is laboring behind a terrible line with a rookie quarterback and pedestrian skill players around him. In the past Shady could overcome such obstacles and post solid, consistent fantasy numbers. Alas, those days are gone. The hits, carries, and age have finally caught up to McCoy. Climb aboard LeSean and enjoy your final resting place. 

Eli Manning. Not a shocker as Manning's play has been progressively getting worse the past couple seasons. However many pundits predicted a mini-revival for Peyton's kid brother with the addition of Saquon Barkley and a healthy Odell Beckham. Through two games that hasn't been the case. Despite solid weapons at WR, RB, and TE, Manning has been the dink-and-dunk king, often looking confused and generally old. Eli, we have all enjoyed the "Manning face" over the years but it's time to ride that dead wagon to your eternal fantasy rest.
 
If you can move any of these guys, my suggestion is to sell. Get what you can, move on, and try to remember the good times.