So far, this year in fantasy football has many surprise breakout players and some surprise duds which have the waiver wires buzzing. Some players will rebound and pick up the slack but other will just continue sliding downhill. It is hard to predict who will have better fantasy performances in the future. I would not advise dropping any under performers yet this season because anything can happen, although it is always difficult and frustrating to hold on to those early duds. Perhaps you can work out a trade with someone in your league who has more trust in those players than you do. It is always worth a try to better your team in any way you can. Here is a list of the top five fantasy duds through week three:
Ryan Mathews, Running Back, San Diego Chargers
In past years, Mathews has been bitten by the injury bug which led to poor performances even when he was healthy. Fantasy owners are happy he is finally healthy for once but he has yet to prove anything. He has one receiving touchdown and zero rushing touchdowns. The best he is right now is a flex play. Seek better options if you can.
Tom Brady, Quarterback, New England Patriots
It is so hard to call Brady a dud but if you look at the stats, he hasn't done too much. Yes he has five touchdown passes but has yet to toss the ball for over 300 yards in a game and ranks 20th in standard point leagues. Not your typical Terrific Tom but not totally his fault due to young and inexperienced receivers. He will always be worth a start because well... he is Tom Brady after all. We all just have to hope his receivers can catch the ball and stay on the field without injuries.
Dwayne Bowe, Wide Receiver, Kansas City Chiefs
Bowe is in a new offense with a new quarterback in Alex Smith so maybe there just isn't enough chemistry built up for the two of them. Bowe is a deep threat but is not getting any attention down the field with just four targets over ten yards. We have to hope that will change in the upcoming games but if it doesn't, be prepared to be greatly disappointed the remainder of the season.
Roddy White, Wide Receiver, Atlanta Falcons
White has been completely absent in producing good fantasy stats this year with just four total points in standard leagues. It's not like he isn't doing his job on the field because he is opening up big opportunities for fellow wide receivers Julio Jones and Harry Douglas. Eventually White will get his big games but I would not look for a consistent weekly performance of solid fantasy stats. If possible, trade him immediately. Especially if you have players out performing White. Try to get some value in other weak places of your lineup instead of keeping White on your bench or having him start and being angry with his poor performances.
Chris Ivory, Running Back, New York Jets
Ivory was on everyone's watch list this year. He earned the starting job but has not been performing like a starter. He has been irrelevant in the Jets' offense with just 72 rushing yards and zero touchdowns in three games. And now with a hamstring injury he will be getting less and less carries until healthy so his fantasy value is at an all time low. Ivory is not worth starting even in your deepest fantasy leagues for now. Consider dropping or trading if possible.