Fantasy studs plunge to cold, cruel reality as benching season strikes
Players to bench (WRs and RBs):
WRs
Justin Jefferson - Minnesota Vikings
This year has been quite disappointing for Jefferson so far. Although he is consistently putting up 10+ points, his title as the #1 wide receiver in the league has not stayed up this year, mainly due to Agent ‘9’, A.K.A J.J. McCarthy, throwing five yards away from his supposed all world target. Although there is a possibility that McCarthy improves, it is strongly recommended to bench Jefferson if there’s another viable receiver, with a functional quarterback, available on the bench.
DK Metcalf - Pittsburgh Steelers
Mr. Unsportsmanlike Penalty has not been the answer for the Steelers. Although the targets look good, his hands are questionable, especially with out of his prime Aaron Rodgers sitting as their quarterback. He barely goes over 50 yards per game, calling into question his ability to be the lock for a WR spot in your roster.
AJ Brown - Philadelphia Eagles
Brown has not been living up to the hype that many fantasy football managers imagined. His QB is scared to throw the ball and now his role as a teammate is under question as well with his comments outside of the field. Believe Brown’s words, if you have him in fantasy, don’t start him. While I don’t recommend it, there might be an upside after his 11 target game against Detroit, if you love risks.
RBs
Alvin Kamara - New Orleans Saints
The veteran running back is not looking good as of late. He has not yet had a 100+ rushing yard game this season and that trend shows no signs of ending. The Saints are currently in a rebuilding phase, and it seems unlikely that the veteran will be able to stay in this team longer. With only one touchdown so far in the season, Kamara looks like a must-bench player.
Breece Hall - New York Jets
Managers who expected Hall to get traded are now in shambles. With Quinnen Williams and Sauce Gardner getting traded and Garret Wilson likely out for the season, he is the only one left in this Jets franchise. While he might be a solid stream running back, he is unreliable in terms of production due to his horrid offensive line. With the quarterback situation he is in, it is highly unlikely that he will be productive for the rest of the season.
Ashton Jeanty - Las Vegas Raiders
Geno Smith. Pete Carroll. I feel bad that Ashton Jeanty got thrown into this Raiders franchise. His talents are there, but football is a team game. The Raiders have been one of, if not the worst team in the NFL so far. He is still a viable option but don’t expect him to have 20+ points. Cut your losses and hit the waiver wire.
by Mark Jung
Published December 1, 2025
Oshkosh West Index Volume 122 Issue III