Earlier this week, the writers at Create-A-Rank published an article in which Adam Durham, Alex Johnson, and Matt Reller gave their opinions on players that they were panicked about due to their slow starts. Now, it is time to practice patience. Not all players who get off to a rough start continue that trend throughout the year. Below, take a peek at who our experts say to relax about. Here are some players who can still have an NFL fantasy breakout in 2019.
Relax: Robby Anderson, WR, New York Jets
Robby Anderson is the 66th ranked receiver in standard PPR scoring formats going into his bye week. It is still is not time to hit the panic button on him. He has only had 10 receptions for 110 yards after three games, but he plays in over 95 percent of offensive snaps each week. The volume will come after his bye this week. Sam Darnold expects to return Week 5, which boosts production for the whole Jets offense. Anderson has also been running mostly midlevel crossing routes in 2019 which typically produce volume.
After the bye week, the Jets face Philidelphia, Dallas, and New England. All three games Darnold will have to fire the pigskin to have a chance to win. Anderson’s route tree and ability to take the top off the defense almost guarantee he is due for a breakout. He will take his place at the top of the Jets receiving corps.
Panic Button: 3 Players The Experts Are Concerned About
Relax: Joe Mixon, RB, Cincinnati Bengals
While most invested a second-round pick on Joe Mixon, the buy-low window is slowly closing. After suffering an injury Week 1, there is still hope he can become an NFL fantasy breakout candidate. Mixon’s schedule and the offensive line will start to open up in the coming weeks. Mixon ran hard versus a tough Bills defense in their home opener and was on the field in many pass situations. With 94 yards and a touchdown on 16 touches, Mixon is starting to provide value to his owners. When his offensive line gets healthy, Mixon faces Arizona, Pittsburgh, Jacksonville, Oakland and Miami. There are weak defenses that are still left on the schedule, all are in the bottom third rush defenses.
Relax: O.J. Howard, TE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Going into the season, O.J. Howard was viewed as a projected top-five option at the tight end position. Rightfully so, Howard through 10 games commanded 48 targets and 34 receptions compiling 565 yards and five touchdowns. That’s an explosive 16.6 yards per reception, pushing Howard into the fifth to sixth round of drafts.
Obviously, that pick has not been paying off with Howard’s mediocre nine targets, seven receptions, and 98 yards through three games. This including the zero point fantasy game he dropped in Week 2. However, no one should panic over Howard, as we all know what he can do when healthy. As Howard understands Arians’ playbook better, his performances will only improve.
Howard is on the field for an average of over 80% of offensive plays, but protecting Winston is problematic. He has already been sacked ten times. Therefore, protection has to be a focus for the Tampa Bay offense. As such, Howard has spent more time being utilized in an attempt to bolster their weak O-line and to provide other opportunities in the offense. In Arians’ offense, we have already seen the game plan flow through Chris Godwin for two weeks, to then shift entirely to Mike Evans for an explosive Week 3 performance. Tampa Bay’s offense will improve and Howard can put his athleticism on full display to become an NFL fantasy breakout candidate.
