Sometimes, fantasy football forces difficult decisions, especially when once-promising players fall flat. Two quarterbacks who were supposed to be reliable options have become major disappointments.
Their teams are struggling, and their on-field performances have made it nearly impossible to justify holding onto them. It might be time for fantasy managers to finally move on, exploring new matchups, rising waiver wire talent, and safer quarterback options for the weeks ahead.
Cut: Justin Fields, New York Jets
Rostered: 76%
This was supposed to be the year. Justin Fields more than proved himself capable of being an NFL starting quarterback during his stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers last season. On a New York Jets team with 36-year-old Tyrod Taylor as the backup, Fields finally had job security. There was no way he could be so bad that the Jets would be inclined to go to Taylor. They know Taylor is not the future. Yet, here we are.
Fields got benched at halftime of what would be the Jets’ seventh consecutive loss to open the season. Prior to his removal, Fields threw for 46 yards and ran for 22. He didn’t turn the ball over, which he never does. But he continued to offer the team nothing.
Now that Fields is no longer a starting quarterback, you can’t justify continuing to roster him. Perhaps he gets the job back at some point. Even if he does, the floor he displayed against the Denver Broncos in Week 6 is scary low. It will be very difficult to trust him ever again.
Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
Rostered: 52%
The more opportunities Trevor Lawrence gets to play in standalone games, the more people will realize there’s no way he should be starting for an NFL team next season.
Lawrence cannot read a defense. He can’t move beyond his first read. He processes the game very slowly. It’s astounding that he’s gotten this long of a leash.
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Over the past three weeks, Lawrence has managed to scam his way to solid fantasy numbers. He’s hit 17+ fantasy points in four of his seven starts this season.
The Jaguars have one of the more difficult remaining schedules for quarterbacks, though. Their bye week is upon us. And Lawrence simply lacks the upside to be anything more than a weekly streamer.
If you find yourself in a bind later in the season and Lawrence has a favorable matchup, spot start him. But he does not need a weekly roster spot.
