NFL Fantasy Fixer-Uppers October 20th 2015

This week we're going to do something a little different. As opposed to listing a few players available on the waiver wire we are going to take a look at some players who are universally owned who may not be living up to expectations. In a week where some high profile offensive players have a bye let's see if anyone on your roster is no longer worthy of that spot. You may have to drop someone to pick up a fill-in and sometimes it's hard to sever that tie.

Jimmy Graham, TE, Seattle Seahawks (99% owned standard ESPN leagues)

During his days in New Orleans Graham was either the best or second best tight end in the fantasy world. Using an early round pick on him would not be unusual because if you weren't ready to use it you weren't going to have him on your roster. When he was traded to Seattle most pundits thought his value would dip a little. A little being the key phrase there. Sunday's effort which saw him haul in a season-high eight catches for an also season-high 140 yards pushed him back up to the number six tight end in the game. He is hanging around players such as Ladarius Green and Charles Clay while being vastly outproduced by Gary Barnidge. Those are names that went very late in drafts if they were taken at all. While there's no reason to cut the tight end you could try and use his big game to snag a more consistent option while adding another lesser player as well. I love Jimmy Graham but I just don't think he is going to be the same player in Seattle as we were accustomed to seeing in New Orleans. Verdict? Push. Try to move him but if there are no solid offers keep him in your lineup.

Calvin Johnson, WR, Detroit Lions (99% owned)

Disclaimer: Megatron is one of my favorite players in the NFL today. Fact: Megatron has not been producing like the top three wideout he is. Some of that can be blamed on the tough defenses he has faced lately (Denver, Arizona and Seattle) and some can be blamed on the erratic play of quarterback Matthew Stafford. After a big game Sunday I think that is all about to change. Johnson hauled in six catches for a season-high 166 yards with a score as the Lions picked up their first win. Stafford looked good and wasn't afraid to throw the ball downfield and let Megatron do what he does best. Up next is a matchup against a solid Minnesota defense that the Lions already saw this year. Johnson caught a season-high 10 passes that day and scored his only other touchdown so far. I see that trend continuing this week and for the rest of the year. Verdict? If you own him be happy and enjoy the ride. If not, try and get him now while you can. I saw him traded for Seattle's defense straight up in one of my leagues last week.

Peyton Manning, RB, Denver Broncos (99% owned)

For years Peyton Manning was a fantasy god. His days in Indianapolis and his first year in Denver saw fantasy points pile up in bunches. Lately? Not so much. He has thrown at least one interception in every game this year including multiple picks in the past three. In fact, he has more multi-interception games (three) than multi-touchdown games (2). That isn't going to get it done. Currently Manning ranks as the 28th-best fantasy quarterback. Guys like Brian Hoyer, Josh McCown and even Jameis Winston have put up bigger fantasy points than Manning and in fewer games. Manning has been a joy to watch for the last 17 years but Father Time remains undefeated. Verdict? As crazy as it may sound he is safe to drop.

C.J. Anderson, RB, Denver Broncos (94% owned)

Let me preface this by saying I used a first round pick on Anderson in one of my leagues. Odds are if you have Anderson on one of your rosters you did too so believe me when I tell you I feel your pain. After a tremendous second half of 2014 Anderson simply has not shown up this season. The whole Denver offense has been struggling mightily but none more so than Anderson who has yet to top 45 yards rushing in a single game this season. That is so far removed from the production an early-round pick should provide that I have no words for how to describe it. After being outplayed again by backfield mate Ronnie Hillman it would not be surprising to see C.J. relegated to a backup role once the Broncos come back out after their bye. At this point I can't see any reason why he should be owned if you need to make a roster move. He is unstartable and if he couldn't get it going against the Browns who allow the most rushing yards in the NFL who will he get it going against? Verdict? Safe to drop.

Lamar Miller, RB, Miami Dolphins (94% owned)

Like Anderson Miller was a high draft pick in most leagues. Like Anderson, Miller is on one of my squads (the same one in fact). Prior to this weekend's outburst against the Tennessee Titans Miller had topped 40 yards rushing just once on the season and had not found the end zone as a runner. Again, very far off what you expected when using an early pick on him. That all changed Sunday as he eclipsed 100 yards and found paydirt. There is a new coaching regime in Miami and they certainly played with a fire that they did not exhibit in the first quarter of the season. Up next is a very good matchup against a Houston team that is allowing 18 fantasy points per game to opposing backs. I'm rolling Miller out with confidence this week and you should too. Verdict? Keep and if you don't own him try and trade for him now while his value is still low.

Is there a player you have your eye on that I didn’t cover here? Please leave a comment and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Want to reach me more directly? Ask me on Twitter @therichwhiteguy and give me a follow so you can stay up on all my blogs as they are posted. Not sure you should take my word for it? Well, I have won over $10 on Draft Kings. Pretty sure I'll be on a commercial any day now.