Fantasy Football: 3 Players You Can Drop After Week 4

Fantasy Players to Drop at a Glance

• Kyle Pitts, TE, Falcons
• Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Steelers
• Kyler Murray, QB, Vikings

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 Drop Candidates

Kyle Pitts, TE, Falcons

Kyle Pitts finally showed a little life Monday night, catching all three of his targets for 47 yards, but even that performance highlighted the problem with his fantasy profile. He has only 9 targets, 5 receptions, 67 receiving yards, and zero touchdowns through four games, and his playing time has also become concerning.

With Drake London commanding targets and Pitts no longer operating as an every-down receiving weapon, the upside that once made him worth waiting on is difficult to find. Unless you're in a deeper league or the tight end waiver wire is completely barren, I'd rather use Pitts' roster spot on a TE with a more dependable route and target profile.

Michael Pittman Jr., WR, Steelers

Michael Pittman Jr.‘s first season in Pittsburgh hasn't produced a fantasy-friendly role. He has only 12 targets across three games, turning them into 7 receptions for 89 yards and zero touchdowns, and he's coming off consecutive games with just 16 and 15 receiving yards.

The lack of volume is particularly damaging for Pittman because he isn't the type of receiver who can regularly deliver usable fantasy weeks on three or four opportunities.

With D.K. Metcalf, Roman Wilson, and Pat Freiermuth among Aaron Rodgers' other options, Pittman is expendable in standard-sized leagues.

Kyler Murray, QB, Vikings

In a one-quarterback league, Kyler Murray‘s name value shouldn't prevent you from looking elsewhere. In his two full games since returning to the lineup, he's thrown for 168 and 247 yards while producing only one passing touchdown, and he has just 33 rushing yards over those two contests.

The Minnesota Vikings are 4-0, so there isn't much incentive for the Vikings to dramatically change an offense that's been complemented by excellent defense and special teams, even though the passing attack has struggled. Quarterback is deep enough that I'd rather stream for weekly ceiling than hold Murray and hope his rushing production eventually returns. Murray isn’t even a must-start in two-QB formats.

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.

New customers can get up to $250 in Bonus Bets — guaranteed — when you bet $5 every day for five days. Place your first wager now! See here for full terms and conditions. Learn about today's other offers at FanDuel Sportsbook Promos.

Which NFL bets stand out to you? Check out FanDuel Sportsbook's latest NFL odds to see the full menu of options.

Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook and FanDuel Daily Fantasy today!

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.