As is always the case, the NFL regular season is filled with players who haven't met our expectations yet. We weekly talk through the current state of things in our segment called - "Peace or Panic."
If you're listening now, you know who you might be panicking about—players who've gotten off to a slow start or had a down week this past week.
Our fantasy coaches, Trip Smith and Bryce Johnson, share their thoughts below.
Peace or Panic Week 5: Fantasy Football Breakdown
As we head into Week 5 of the NFL season, some major fantasy football questions loom. Are your players destined to thrive, or is it time to cut ties? Let’s break down the "Peace or Panic" debate across a few key players.
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Breece Hall: Panic or Patience?
Breece Hall has had a tough couple of weeks, logging under 10 fantasy points in back-to-back games. With the Jets' ongoing offensive struggles and changes in coaching, is it time to hit the panic button?
While Hall’s name still carries value, there’s a concern about the Jets’ offensive line and the negative cloud surrounding the team post-Aaron Rodgers' injury. If someone in your league still views Hall as a top-three running back, it might be smart to trade him for a more stable tier-2 RB. The Jets are in full panic mode, so getting a good deal for Hall could save you headaches down the line.
Verdict: Panic
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Josh Allen and Dalton Kincaid: A Weaker Buffalo?
The Buffalo Bills have had some strange performances lately. Josh Allen’s nine completions on 30 attempts in Week 4 were jarring, and Dalton Kincaid, who was drafted with top-5 tight end expectations, has been underwhelming. Sitting at tight end 12, Kincaid is averaging just 8.2 fantasy points per game.
Despite this, it's too early to panic. The Bills have shown they are a competent franchise capable of turning things around. While Kincaid hasn’t yet lived up to his hype, the tight end landscape is notoriously thin, and you won’t find many better options at this stage. In fact, consider buying low on Kincaid and possibly Khalil Shakir, who has been a sneaky contributor.
Verdict: Peace for now
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Seattle Seahawks: Keep the Faith
Seattle fans might be feeling nervous after a less-than-stellar performance from DK Metcalf and Kenneth Walker in Week 4. Walker had a slight dip in production, and DK’s inconsistency continues to frustrate. However, it’s not time to panic just yet.
Walker remains the clear bell-cow running back, and Seattle’s offensive weapons, including Metcalf and rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba (JSN), have the potential for explosive performances. Sure, there may be bust weeks, but you’ll need to ride the waves if you want to cash in on those boom weeks. Hold tight, especially if you’re invested in any of the Seahawks' main offensive players.
Verdict: Peace
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Chris Olave: A Cause for Concern?
The New Orleans Saints' wide receiver Chris Olave has not delivered the WR1 performances many expected. After a couple of decent games, Olave has been a massive disappointment. If you drafted him as your wide receiver one, you’re probably feeling the pinch.
At this point, it's hard to justify keeping him in your starting lineup. His trade value has plummeted, so you may not even be able to get much in return for him. If you can’t trade him, it might be time to bench him for a more reliable option until he turns it around. The panic is real here.
Verdict: Panic
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With some players, it’s wise to hold on and see how the season plays out. Others, however, may be sinking ships that you need to abandon before it’s too late. Keep a cool head, but don’t be afraid to make bold moves as we enter this crucial phase of the fantasy football season.
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