You used a premium draft pick on Mark Andrews, expecting elite production. Instead, you've gotten weeks of frustration. Now, halfway through the season, the panic is real and the question is unavoidable: is it time to cut bait?
The Anatomy of a Slump
Let's be clear: your frustration
is valid. Through seven weeks of the 2026 season, Mark Andrews has been a ghost of his former self. After a decent start, his production has fallen off a cliff, with three consecutive games of fewer than 50 receiving yards. He's currently ranked outside the top 20 tight ends in fantasy points per game, a far cry from the top-three status managers paid for on draft day. The most concerning part is the dip in efficiency; his yards per reception are hovering at a career-low, and the explosive, defense-breaking plays have been nonexistent. In Week 7 against the Bengals, he managed just three catches for 23 yards. This isn't just a minor cold streak; it's a prolonged slump that is costing fantasy teams valuable wins.
Unpacking the 'Why'
So, what's behind the downturn? It's a cocktail of issues. First, the Baltimore Ravens offense has been inconsistent, especially with quarterback Lamar Jackson missing time with an ankle sprain. The offense has struggled to find a rhythm, getting shut out in the second half in multiple recent games, which limits opportunities for everyone. While Andrews' overall target share remains respectable, his usage in the most valuable part of the field has been disappointing. He's seen only a handful of red zone targets and has just one touchdown on the season. Other players, like wide receiver Zay Flowers and even rookie tight end Josh Cuevas, have started to command attention, preventing Andrews from being the lone focal point he once was. It's a classic case of a talented player caught in a sputtering offensive machine.
The Case for Patience
Before you rage-drop him or accept the first lowball trade offer, take a deep breath. There are reasons for optimism. For one, his underlying metrics, like target share, show he's still a primary read in the passing game. Touchdowns are notoriously volatile, and his lack of scores so far is more likely bad luck than a permanent trend. Players with his history and target volume don't typically stay out of the end zone for this long. Furthermore, the potential return of a healthy Lamar Jackson could be the spark the entire offense needs to get back on track. Selling Andrews now would be selling at his absolute lowest value. Smart fantasy management is about buying low and selling high, not the other way around. Panic-selling a player of his caliber is often a season-wrecking mistake.
Welcome to the Tight End Wasteland
The most compelling argument for holding Andrews is the state of the tight end position itself. It's a fantasy football wasteland. With several top options on bye in Week 8, including George Kittle and Isaiah Likely, the waiver wire is incredibly thin. The players available are likely touchdown-dependent streamers or low-ceiling options who won't offer a fraction of Andrews' week-winning upside. Even a slumping Mark Andrews commands more defensive attention and has a clearer path to volume than the likes of Hunter Henry or Juwan Johnson. Dropping him for a waiver wire replacement is like trading a lottery ticket for a nickel. While frustrating, Andrews' floor, even in this slump, is arguably higher than the ceiling of most tight ends available for free.
The Verdict: Your Action Plan
So,' should you give up on Mark Andrews? No.' You should,' however,' adjust your strategy.' Do not drop him.' The potential for a bounce-'back is too high,' and the replacement-'level options are too poor.' Your primary move should be to hold and wait for positive regression,' especially with Lamar Jackson''s potential return.' If you have a manager in your league who is even more panicked than you are,' now is the time to try and acquire him via trade.' His trade value is at rock bottom,' making him a prime ''buy-'low'' candidate.' If you own him,' your best bet is to bench him if you have a viable streamer for a tough matchup,' but keep him on your roster.' The odds are high that his production will rebound in the second half of the season,' and you''ll be glad you didn''t make a rash decision in a moment of frustration.
