The days of Jayden Daniels being a locked-in fantasy football starter are over. Once hailed as a promising rookie quarterback, his recent performances have left fantasy managers scratching their heads and reconsidering their options. How did we go from excitement to uncertainty in just a few short weeks?
He opened his rookie season on fire in the stat sheets, averaging 22.4 fantasy points in his first six starts. That included five games where he scored at least 19.7 points, while compiling an impressive 75.3% completion percentage. He also averaged 53.7 rushing yards per game and had scored four touchdowns on the ground. It was a dazzling start that had many believing Daniels could be a fantasy football gem.
Unfortunately, his stats have taken a downward turn over the last month, and it’s become a concern for fantasy managers who have been locking him into their starting lineups. Since injuring his ribs in a Week 7 game where he was limited to just 10 snaps, Daniels has looked more like a rookie and less like a fantasy star. His fantasy point average has fallen six full points (to 16 PPG) since Week 8 compared to his first six games, and he’s completed just 59.5% of his passes. That’s a decrease of 15.8% compared to his first six starts.
This decrease in statistical success was on display Thursday night, as Daniels threw for just 191 yards and rushed for 18 yards in a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. He finished with 13.4 fantasy points, and most of those points came on the Commanders’ final drive when he threw a touchdown pass to Zach Ertz. He also threw for a two-point conversion. Heading into the fourth quarter, he had scored just 5.4 points. It’s moments like these that make you wonder: can he regain his early-season form?
Looking ahead, Daniels’ schedule isn’t the most favorable either. While a Week 12 game against the Dallas Cowboys is attractive and warrants him being a starter, his opponents for the remainder of the fantasy season have allowed the 18th, ninth, fourth, and 16th-fewest points per game to opposing quarterbacks. With his recent trend of modest totals, the rookie out of LSU has become more of a matchup-based option than a locked-in starter.
So, what does this mean for fantasy managers? It’s time to reassess your strategy. If you’ve been relying on Daniels as your QB1, you might want to explore other options. The inconsistency is alarming, and with the fantasy playoffs looming, you can’t afford to gamble on a player who’s struggling to find his rhythm.
Now, let’s break down what you should consider moving forward.
Assessing the Situation
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Injury Impact: Daniels’ rib injury has clearly affected his performance. Is he fully healed? If not, it’s risky to keep him in your lineup.
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Matchup Analysis: Look at the defenses he’ll be facing. If they’re tough against the pass, it might be best to sit him and look for a more favorable matchup.
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Alternative Options: With so many quarterbacks performing at a high level, consider streaming options or even picking up a solid backup who has a more favorable schedule.
- Playoff Preparation: As you gear up for the fantasy playoffs, every point counts. Don’t let loyalty to a struggling player keep you from making the right choice for your team.
In the ever-evolving landscape of NFL fantasy football, adaptability is key. Jayden Daniels burst onto the scene with promise, but the reality is that fantasy football is a week-to-week game. With his recent struggles, it’s essential to stay informed and make decisions that will benefit your team in the long run.
As we move deeper into the season, the stakes are higher, and the pressure is on. Will Daniels bounce back, or will he continue to falter? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: in the world of fantasy football, it’s better to be proactive than reactive. Keep your eyes peeled for updates, and don’t hesitate to make the tough calls that could lead your team to victory.
