Fantasy Football: 3 Players You Can Drop After Week 1

Players to Drop at a Glance

• Jonathon Brooks, RB, Panthers
• KC Concepcion, WR, Browns
• Keaton Mitchell, RB, Chargers

Every week, basically every fantasy website in the industry puts out a waiver wire column. But in some instances, the real problem isn't deciding who to pick up — it's figuring out which players to part ways with.

Knowing when to drop an under-performing player is a tough call, but I'm here to help you out.

After this past week, here are some players you can drop and why.

All NFL projections via our numbers at FanDuel Research, and NFL odds references are to FanDuel Sportsbook. Statistics via NFL Next-Gen Stats and Pro Football Focus unless otherwise stated.

Fantasy Football Players to Drop After Week 1

Jonathon Brooks, RB, Panthers

Jonathon Brooks is someone I’d be comfortable dropping in a lot of fantasy leagues after what we saw in Week 1.

The biggest concern is his workload: Brooks played just 13 of the Carolina Panthers‘ 68 offensive snaps, a 19% snap rate, while Chuba Hubbard was on the field for 48 snaps (71%).

Brooks also received only four carries, turning them into 14 rushing yards, and added one reception for 48 yards. That 48-yard catch salvaged his fantasy production, but it shouldn't obscure how limited his role was. Hubbard, meanwhile, handled 10 carries and three receptions and scored both a rushing and receiving touchdown, including work as Carolina's primary red-zone back.

Maybe Brooks’ role grows as the year progresses, but I’m fine dropping him for one of this week’s best fantasy football waiver adds.

KC Concepcion, WR, Browns

Maybe I’m cutting bait a little too early here, but I’m not trying all that hard to keep KC Concepcion as a bench stash.

The Cleveland Browns‘ rookie wideout was fourth on the team in routes run in Week 1, totaling just 20 routes in a game where it felt like the Browns were down 20 when they got off the bus.

Concepcion hauled in four of his five targets for 43 yards while also getting three carries, so the Browns made an effort to get him the ball. That’s obviously a good thing. But there’s just going to be so little upside with Cleveland this year, so unless his playing time increases, Concepcion is unlikely to turn into a reliable fantasy contributor.

Fellow rookie Denzel Boston, meanwhile, played 92% of the snaps, led Cleveland in routes run and caught a 46-yard TD. He looks like the Browns’ WR to roster.

Keaton Mitchell, RB, Chargers

Keaton Mitchell had a pretty quiet debut, and while it makes some sense to try to stash him if you have the room, I wouldn’t be bending over backwards to roster him right now.

Mitchell handled a 31% snap rate in Week 1. That’s pretty disappointing, especially when you consider that a negative game script should’ve worked in his favor a bit as he was expected to have a passing-game role. Instead, fullback Alec Ingold out-snapped him.

Mitchell will likely only be useful in fantasy if Omarion Hampton has to miss time.

Fantasy Football Players to Drop FAQ

When should you drop a player in fantasy football?

A player can become droppable when his role, workload, or opportunity has significantly declined and there are better options available on the waiver wire. Injuries and depth-chart changes can also quickly alter a player's fantasy value.

How long should you wait before dropping an underperforming player?

It depends on the player's draft capital and underlying usage. Early-round picks usually deserve more patience, while late-round players with declining snaps, targets, or touches can be moved on from much sooner.

Should you drop an injured player in fantasy football?

Not necessarily. Consider the severity of the injury, expected recovery timeline, and whether your league has an injured reserve spot before making a decision. High-upside players are often worth holding if their absence is expected to be temporary.

Should you drop a player for a waiver-wire pickup?

Yes, if the waiver option has a better path to consistent touches, targets, or playing time. Fantasy managers shouldn't hold onto a struggling player simply because they used a draft pick on him.

What should you look at before dropping a fantasy football player?

Snap rate, touches, targets, depth-chart position, injuries, upcoming matchups, and changes in a team's offense can all help determine whether a player is worth holding or dropping.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.