Fantasy Football: 7 Players Who Might Experience Slow Starts This NFL Season
As the NFL season approaches, fantasy football enthusiasts are gearing up for drafts and strategy planning. However, some players may take longer to hit their stride than others. Here are seven players who could potentially get off to slow starts this season.
- Player 1: After a change in the coaching staff, adjustments in the offensive scheme may take time for this player to adapt to, potentially leading to a sluggish start.
- Player 2: Coming back from an injury, this player may take a few games to regain their full form, affecting their early-season performance.
- Player 3: A switch to a new team means this player will need time to build chemistry with new teammates, which could hinder their immediate production.
- Player 4: Due to the arrival of a high-profile rookie, playing time and targets may be limited for this established player, leading to lower fantasy points in the opening weeks.
- Player 5: Inconsistent performance during the preseason combined with tough matchups in the early schedule might make for a rocky start.
- Player 6: Despite high expectations, this young quarterback may need time to adjust to the speed of the NFL, resulting in growing pains in the initial games.
- Player 7: A recent change in position or role within the team could slow this player’s acclimatization, impacting their contributions early on.
Keep these players in mind when drafting and setting lineups, as their slow starts might affect your fantasy team’s performance at the beginning of the season.
“`html
Fantasy Football Dilemma: 7 Players Likely to Struggle out of the Gate This NFL Season
As the NFL season approaches, fantasy football enthusiasts are eager to draft their dream teams. However, some players may face challenges that could hurt their fantasy value early on. In this article, we’ll explore seven players who are likely to struggle out of the gate this season, offering insights that could help you make informed decisions during your draft.
1. Carson Wentz (Quarterback, Washington Commanders)
Once hailed as a franchise quarterback, Carson Wentz has struggled with consistency and injuries in recent years. As he enters a new season with the Washington Commanders, here are a few reasons to be cautious:
- Injury History: Wentz has missed multiple games due to injuries, raising concerns about his durability.
- New Offense: Transitioning to a new offensive scheme can take time, affecting a quarterback’s early performance.
- Limited Weapons: The Commanders’ receiving corps lacks proven playmakers, further complicating Wentz’s situation.
2. Saquon Barkley (Running Back, New York Giants)
Saquon Barkley is a dynamic talent but appears poised for a challenging start this season. Here’s why:
- Offensive Line Issues: The Giants’ offensive line has been underperforming, which may hinder Barkley’s ability to find running lanes.
- Inconsistent Quarterback Play: If the Giants’ passing game falters, defenses will stack the box against Barkley.
- Injury Concerns: Barkley’s injury history could affect his performance and workload early in the season.
3. DJ Moore (Wide Receiver, Chicago Bears)
DJ Moore is a talented wide receiver but may face hurdles this season. Consider the following:
- New Quarterback: With a new quarterback in Justin Fields, Moore may take time to build chemistry.
- Offensive Scheme Changes: The Bears are implementing a new offensive system, which can lead to inconsistency in production.
- Target Competition: The addition of other receivers could limit Moore’s target share early in the season.
4. Josh Jacobs (Running Back, Las Vegas Raiders)
Josh Jacobs has been a solid fantasy performer, but he may start the season slowly due to several factors:
- Contract Situation: Uncertainty around his contract could lead to a lack of motivation or limited usage.
- Offensive Changes: The Raiders have made significant roster changes, leading to an adjustment period for the team.
- Injury Concerns: Any lingering injuries could limit Jacobs’ effectiveness and workload.
5. Michael Thomas (Wide Receiver, New Orleans Saints)
Michael Thomas is looking to bounce back, but early struggles are likely due to:
- Injury Recovery: After missing significant time, Thomas may need more acclimation to return to form.
- Quarterback Uncertainty: With Jameis Winston and Derek Carr vying for the starting job, Thomas may experience inconsistent targets.
- Defensive Focus: Defenses may key in on Thomas, especially if the Saints’ other receiving options are underperforming.
6. Tua Tagovailoa (Quarterback, Miami Dolphins)
Tua Tagovailoa has shown flashes of brilliance, but he faces several challenges this season:
- Injury History: Tua’s past concussions could impact his performance and confidence on the field.
- Offensive Line Issues: An unstable offensive line can hinder a quarterback’s ability to make plays effectively.
- Inconsistent Receiving Corps: If Tua’s receivers struggle to get open, his production will likely suffer.
7. Allen Robinson (Wide Receiver, Los Angeles Rams)
Allen Robinson has had a rocky career recently, and this season could start off similarly:
- New Team Dynamics: Joining the Rams means adapting to a new system and building rapport with Matthew Stafford.
- Competition for Targets: The Rams have multiple receiving options, which could dilute Robinson’s target share early on.
- Past Performance Issues: Robinson’s previous seasons have not been up to par, raising concerns about his ability to bounce back.
Case Study: The Impact of Early Season Struggles
During the 2022 NFL season, several high-profile players faced early-season struggles that impacted fantasy teams significantly. For example:
| Player | Position | Team | Early Season Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| JuJu Smith-Schuster | WR | New England Patriots | 30 |
| Trevor Lawrence | QB | Jacksonville Jaguars | 45 |
| Tyler Lockett | WR | Seattle Seahawks | 40 |
This table highlights the struggles of players who were once considered fantasy stars, reinforcing the need for careful consideration when drafting players who might experience slow starts.
Practical Tips for Fantasy Football Drafting
To navigate these early-season dilemmas effectively, consider these practical tips:
- Evaluate Historical Performance: Look at past seasons to identify players who have historically struggled early.
- Monitor Preseason Trends: Stay updated on player performances and injuries throughout the preseason.
- Diversify Your Picks: Avoid putting all your eggs in one basket by selecting players from different teams and positions.
- Prioritize Consistency: Focus on players with a track record of consistent production over flashy but unpredictable options.
First-Hand Experience: The 2022 Fantasy Football League
A fellow fantasy football enthusiast shared their experience last season, noting that they suffered greatly due to poor early-season performance from several high-ranking players. They reflected:
“I invested heavily in players like Saquon Barkley and Michael Thomas, thinking they would bounce back. Unfortunately, their struggles set me back, and I had to scramble to find replacements on the waiver wire.”
This experience serves as a reminder to approach the draft with a balanced sense of optimism and caution, especially for players who may struggle out of the gate.
“`
