We’re now heading into Week 9 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 8.
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Fantasy Football Panic Meter: Week 8
Caleb Williams (QB – CHI)
Caleb Williams is currently averaging 17.5 fantasy points per game, which ranks as the QB15. However, it’s been a rough stretch for the former first overall pick, as he’s put up 12.8 fantasy points per game since Week 4, good for QB30.
That’s simply not going to cut it in 1-QB formats, especially since it’s such a robust position. It’s clear there’s going to be ups and downs in Williams’ first year in Ben Johnson‘s scheme, so we need to panic a bit and treat him merely as a streamer for the rest of the season.
Verdict: 6 out of 10 on the Panic Meter
Omarion Hampton (RB – LAC)
Omarion Hampton has missed the last three games due to an ankle injury. The rookie running back is eligible to come off injured reserve (IR) in Week 10, but it’s unclear if he’ll be ready by that date.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh has said Hampton is improving, but the fact that there’s some uncertainty about his return is a bit concerning. It’s hard to trade Hampton while he’s injured, but it’s a good idea to prepare for the scenario where he’s out longer than Week 10.
Verdict: 5 out of 10 on the Panic Meter
J.K. Dobbins (RB – DEN)
J.K. Dobbins is averaging 11.9 fantasy points per game, which ranks as the RB22 on the season. The problem is that he’s slowed down lately, putting up only 8.5 points per game since Week 6 (RB27).
Then you have to consider that rookie RJ Harvey just had a huge game against the Cowboys, putting up 51 total yards and three touchdowns. The first-year player is a weapon out of the backfield who will likely see an increasing role as the season progresses.
That’s not to say that Dobbins will be cast aside, but Harvey definitely caps his upside. Consider shopping Dobbins for a running back thrust into a larger role due to a season-ending injury, perhaps someone like Tyrone Tracy Jr.
Verdict: 5 out of 10 on the Panic Meter
Deebo Samuel Sr. (WR – WSH)
Deebo Samuel Sr. got off to a strong start in his first year with the Commanders, but due to injury, he’s slowed down lately, averaging only 3.1 points per game in his last two matchups (WR96).
With Terry McLaurin back in the lineup and Jayden Daniels dealing with an injury, there’s a risk that Samuel’s best fantasy production this year is already behind him. Considering these circumstances, I’d consider Samuel as a boom-or-bust WR3 moving forward.
Verdict: 6 out of 10 on the Panic Meter
Matthew Golden (WR – GB)
Matthew Golden has been one of the most disappointing rookie wideouts this year. He was in the ideal position to cement his role as the Packers’ No. 1 WR, but that hasn’t happened at all.
Golden is averaging only 5.8 fantasy points per game, which ranks as the WR71. With Christian Watson back in the lineup and making an immediate impact, it’s simply not going to happen for Golden this year. You can safely drop him from your roster.
Verdict: 10 out of 10 on the Panic Meter
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