As the 2023 NFL season hurtles toward its finale, attention now turns to those players whom fantasy football managers should drop. In this piece, we'll delve into the struggles of eight players who face injury concerns, performance decline, and bad matchups in Week 17. We will shed light on how their diminishing prowess might impact fantasy football.

The 2023 NFL season has seen its fair share of remarkable highs and concerning lows. As we approach Week 17, the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens have solidified their positions as formidable contenders for the playoffs. Conversely, the San Francisco 49ers and Dallas Cowboys have experienced highs and lows of their own. The 49ers have allowed a league-low 15.5 points per game in the regular season, while the Cowboys are grappling with a point differential of +168.

Heading into Week 17, the playoff landscape remains shrouded in uncertainty. Six teams have secured a postseason berth, while eight have been eliminated. The remaining squads are locked in a fierce battle for the last coveted playoff spots. This pivotal week will determine their fate as they strive to clinch their positions in the postseason.

Here we will look at the Fantasy Football Drop List for Week 17 of the 2023 NFL regular season, including Terry McLaurin and Alexander Mattison.

Week 17 Fantasy Football Drop List

Running Backs

Alexander Mattison (Minnesota Vikings)

The Minnesota RB made have returned last week. However, his minimal involvement raises concerns. Ty Chandler out-touched Alexander Mattison 8-2, indicating a shift in the Vikings' running back strategy. With a rostership of 82 entering Week 17, it might be time to part ways with Mattison. Consider swapping him for an RB with more potential upside.

Vikings RB Alexander Mattison, who is out with an injury for Week 15 vs Bengals.

Kareem Hunt (Cleveland Browns)

Despite scoring, Kareem Hunt has struggled to surpass 10 fantasy football points in seven of his last eight games. This lands him outside the RB2 status. With his snap count lingering in the 30s, Hunt has become a risky starter. As such, now is a suitable time to bid farewell to Kareem Hunt.

Rhamondre Stevenson (New England Patriots)

Rhamondre Stevenson's season comes to an end as the Patriots place him on Injured Reserve. This move paves the way for Ezekiel Elliott to take on the majority workload in the final two regular-season games. The future for Stevenson remains uncertain. It hinges on potential changes to the Patriots' pedestrian offense.

Wide Receivers

Terry McLaurin (Washington Commanders)

Terry McLaurin unexpectedly finds himself on our drop list for Week 17. Despite a standout performance in Week 15 with Jacoby Brissett at quarterback, McLaurin faces a formidable 49ers defense in Week 17. Sure, the decision to part ways with the 92 percent rostered receiver may be tough. Still, benching him in favor of a more stable option in a favorable matchup could be a prudent move.

Elijah Moore (Cleveland Browns)

Despite the potential for a revenge game against the Jets, Elijah Moore's production is hindered by the limitations of Joe Flacco's offense. In a game with 364 passing yards last week, Moore managed only two receptions for 19 yards. Flacco's focus on deeper passes may not align with Moore's strengths. This makes him a questionable fantasy football option. Amidst the Browns' playoff push, managers must consider alternatives for consistent performance.

Josh Downs (Indianapolis Colts)

With Michael Pittman expected back in Week 17, it's time to bid farewell to Josh Downs. Despite seeing nine targets in Pittman's absence, Downs failed to surpass 10 fantasy football points. This has extended his streak of subpar performances to seven games. Averaging only 5.7 fantasy football points per game (FFPG) during this stretch, Downs lacks the consistency needed for success. Don't hesitate to drop him and explore more promising options.

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Tight Ends

TJ Hockenson (Minnesota Vikings)

A season-ending injury has dashed the fantasy football hopes of those relying on TJ Hockenson. Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell confirmed in his Tuesday press conference that Hockenson suffered a torn ACL and MCL during Sunday's loss to the Lions. Despite finishing with career highs in games played (15) and touchdowns (5), the focus now shifts to the recovery timeline for the 26-year-old tight end. The concern lingers about how much time Hockenson might miss at the start of the 2024 season. This casts a shadow over his fantasy football outlook for the foreseeable future.

The VIkings lose tight end T.J. Hockenson for the season with an injury.

Pat Freiermuth (Pittsburgh Steelers)

For those who took a chance on drafting Pat Freiermuth, the 2023 season has been a source of frustration. He has been far from the reliable fantasy football option many had hoped for. The tight end has been touchdown-less since Week 3 and delivered a disappointing zero-target performance last week. Despite facing a middle-of-the-road matchup against Seattle, the inconsistency in Freiermuth's volume makes him a risky choice. With the majority of managers still holding onto hope, it might be time to consider alternatives such as Tucker Kraft or even Chigoziem Okonkwo.

Looking Ahead

As the 2023 NFL season approaches its climax, the focus on performance declines, matchups, and injuries is more important than ever. The eight players discussed in this article have shown signs of decline during the current season. Their impact on fantasy football could be significant. Keep an eye on these players as the season progresses, and consider adjusting your fantasy football strategies accordingly.