Should I Drop Demarcus Robinson? Fantasy Football Outlook

Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Demarcus Robinson entered 2024 as the presumptive No. 3 wide receiver for the team. He had an excellent stretch of games to end 2023, finishing with five straight games of double-digit PPR fantasy points and had four consecutive games with touchdowns from Weeks 13-17.

Naturally, when Rams star wide receivers Puka Nacua (in Week 1) and Cooper Kupp (in Week 2) went down with injuries and were reported to be expected to miss significant time, fantasy managers assumed Robinson would quickly step into the new No. 1 wide receiver role vacancy and be productive and fantasy-relevant.

That simply hasn't happened. Should you drop Demarcus Robinson or is he worth keeping on rosters for a bit longer? Let's dive in.

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Should I Drop Demarcus Robinson in Fantasy Football?

Yes. Robinson has had two games now without either Kupp or Nacua seeing the field and has failed to be even worth flex consideration. Despite playing a big majority of the snaps (93% in Week 1 and 85% in Week 2), Robinson has seen just seven targets over those two games and scored just 9.90 full-PPR fantasy points.

A couple of things that have become clear for the Rams. First, Demarcus Robinson is nowhere near a WR1 and can’t be expected to produce like one. Second, Tyler Johnson just isn’t good. He has been invisible right when he has the opp. Third, Jordan Whittington has an NFL future.

— Mike Winchell (@mrmikewinch) September 30, 2024

After two games, the receivers showing any signs of production and/or usage that managers should be excited about are Tutu Atwell and rookie Jordan Whittington. Robinson and fellow WR Tyler Johnson have become afterthoughts, which isn't surprising considering Johnson has been a JAG his whole career and Robinson is a 30-year-old NFL journeyman.

There isn't a reason to roster Robinson further. Kupp is likely to return after the bye, so with just one (maybe two) more game(s) of even a chance at relevance, Robinson isn't a good player to have on rosters. He's essentially the WR3 now with Kupp and Nacua off the field.

Who Should I Pickup in Week 5 Fantasy Football?

Whittington is the player you should pick up if you want a Rams wide receiver. Atwell isn't a bad choice, either. That said, it's interesting the role Whittington is now occupying. It takes rookies some time to get up to speed, so it's not surprising he didn't have much of a role through three games, but his new role shows head coach Sean McVay's confidence in him.

Rams often left Jordan Whittington as the isolated WR to his side

and let him work short to intermediate on crossers and inside breaking routes

remind you of anyone? pic.twitter.com/93rrw6fvk3

— Josh Norris (@JoshNorris) October 1, 2024

Whittington leads all Rams receivers in snaps, routes run, and targets, meaning he was the receiver the Rams had the most faith in having on the field most of the time. Whittington is an excellent blocker, which helps him earn more playing time. He's also the better long-term option, as this kind of usage so early is a great sign.

Even when Nacua and Kupp return, Whittington will likely have the No. 3 job locked in, and though he may rotate out with Atwell, it's still a valuable role in the Rams offense. Nacua isn't projected to return for at least a few more weeks now, so Whittington could be a serviceable starter for at least a few more games. Target Whittington as a waiver pickup.

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