We’re now heading into Week 10 of the 2025 NFL season, so it’s time to continue looking for ways to improve your roster. That means determining whether it’s time to get rid of underperforming players.
On this page, we’re going to take a look at five players who were selected in the first seven rounds of drafts who are failing to meet expectations. With that in mind, let’s take a look at the panic meter after Week 9.
Fantasy Football Panic Meter: Week 9
Justin Jefferson (WR – MIN)
Justin Jefferson is currently averaging 12.6 fantasy points per game, which ranks as the WR12 in half-PPR formats. We haven’t seen much of a ceiling from Jefferson this year, as he’s failed to eclipse 20 points in any game this season.
With J.J. McCarthy under center, there’s a risk that he’ll have a bit of a lower floor than what we saw with Carson Wentz, at least until McCarthy gets acclimated to the NFL. We just saw McCarthy limited to only 143 passing yards against the Lions, so there’s definitely some concern here.
Verdict: 5 out of 10 on the Panic Meter
Jordan Addison (WR – MIN)
I’m adding Justin Jefferson’s teammate, Jordan Addison, for similar concerns. However, it’s worse with Addison because we saw him show terrific chemistry with Carson Wentz.
Addison had two 100+ yard games and two games with a touchdown with Wentz under center. In an offense that will pass at a lower rate with McCarthy, you have to be a bit worried about Addison’s rest-of-season outlook. Consider him more as a boom-or-bust WR3 moving forward.
Verdict: 8 out of 10 on the Panic Meter
Breece Hall (RB – NYJ)
The Jets just had a fire sale, trading Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams. Considering that this happened, it was pretty shocking that Breece Hall wasn’t moved as well, especially since he clearly wanted out.
This is terrible news for Hall for the rest of the year, as the Jets are going to be a dumpster fire from here on out. The upcoming schedule doesn’t look great, either. The Jets take on two tough run defenses in the Browns and Patriots in their next two games.
Verdict: 9 out of 10 on the Panic Meter
De’Von Achane (RB – MIA)
De’Von Achane is having a terrific season for the Dolphins, averaging 16.8 fantasy points per game, which ranks as the fantasy RB6 on the season.
However, my concern is that with the Dolphins clearly out of contention, we could see them eventually fire Mike McDaniel and perhaps even bench Tua Tagovailoa. That would have a major impact on Achane’s fantasy value, so we have to panic a bit here.
Verdict: 6 out of 10 on the Panic Meter
Jaylen Waddle (WR – MIA)
Jaylen Waddle has been fantastic without Tyreek Hill, but the same concerns I have for De’Von Achane are also there for Waddle, only more so.
If the Dolphins fire Mike McDaniel and bench Tua Tagovailoa, it would likely come late in the year, with only a couple of games left, aka the fantasy playoffs. In other words, it may be a good time to sell high on Waddle.
Verdict: 7 out of 10 on the Panic Meter
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