Mark Andrews: A Fantasy Football Essential Despite Week 1 Struggles
Mark Andrews experienced a subdued Week 1 performance for the Baltimore Ravens, catching just one pass—a disappointing outing for a player expected to be a cornerstone of fantasy football teams. Yet, this inconsistency is often part and parcel of the tight end position. Generally speaking, tight ends do not deliver reliable numbers unless they rank among the elite in any given season.
Take Travis Kelce, for instance. The Chiefs star, widely regarded as one of the best, managed only two catches in the same week. However, he salvaged his lackluster performance with a touchdown reception, showcasing how even the best can have quiet days yet still make a significant impact.
Impact of Teammate Absences
Adding to Andrews’ challenges, he faced Week 1 without his fellow tight end, Isaiah Likely. Likely not only serves as a capable backup but also draws defensive attention, potentially opening up opportunities for Andrews. With Likely sidelined, Andrews was expected to step up, but the lack of production raises questions about his immediate future.
Don’t Abandon Ship on Andrews
Despite the underwhelming start, fantasy managers should resist the urge to part ways with Andrews. The sentiment is clear: dropping him from your roster would be a mistake. He was drafted as a starting tight end for a reason, and patience is crucial in fantasy football.
The Sporting News’ Vinnie Iyer continues to have faith in Andrews, ranking him as the No. 7 tight end for Week 2. His historical performance speaks volumes. Cutting Andrews now could invite regret down the line, especially if he rebounds to form.
While it might be tempting to chase after trendy options like Juwan Johnson or rookie Harold Fannin Jr., the risk of letting go of Andrews is too great. Johnson has shown inconsistency throughout his career, while Fannin lacks a proven track record.
Strategizing for the Future
If you’re contemplating adding a second tight end to hedge against Andrews’ slow start, that strategy is reasonable. However, it should not come at the cost of dropping a player with Andrews’ established pedigree. The fantasy landscape is unpredictable, and with one week of data, it is too early to make drastic roster decisions.
In the world of fantasy football, patience can often pay off. As the season unfolds, Andrews’ potential to regain his form and become a reliable scoring option remains strong.
