Cutting the Cord: Week 8

Photo: Imagn Images

Much of fantasy football's in-season team strategy centers around which players to pick up from the waiver wire or to target in the trade market. However, roster spots are a premium (and finite) resource. Cutting a player - or adding them to a trade - opens a roster spot for a key waiver wire addition or the flexibility to keep a currently injured player through a missed game or two. Here are the key players to cut or trade after Week 7:

*Roster Rate references data collected from myfantasyleague.com leagues*

SHALLOW FORMATS

*15-18 roster spots*

QB Matt Ryan, Indianapolis Colts

Why: Ryan being QB18 in Roster Rate is one of the most surprising figures at the quarterback position. After a volume-infused game against Jacksonville in Week 6 bought Ryan a longer leash and produced a 60% start rate this week, Week 7 was back to more of the same: a poor fantasy performance and turnovers. Ryan has 12 turnovers spanning seven games and offers no rushing upside. Ryan is arguably the worst quarterback in the NFL to throw at least 200 passes this season. Finally, the Colts announced Sam Ehlinger as the Week 8 starter with Matt Ryan suffering a Grade 2 shoulder separation during the Week 7 game.

RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire, Kansas City Chiefs

Why: Edwards-Helaire's usage has been treacherous all season with only one game with more than 12 touches, surviving on six total touchdowns. Week 7 marked a low-water mark for Edwards-Helaire as Isiah Pacheco drew the start and both Pacheco and Jerick McKinnon logged more snaps. With his bye week up next, Edwards-Helaire is a tough hold in shallow formats.

RB Jamaal Williams, Detroit Lions

Why: Williams has devolved since Week 4 when D'Andre Swift exited the starting role. Williams' lack of receiving involvement has devolved to two targets over the past two games with Craig Reynolds and Justin Jackson combining more than double the routes of Williams. This makes Williams touchdown-or-bust even without Swift set to return soon (as early as Week 8).