Often, knowing when to pull the plug on a failed experiment is one of the more difficult tasks for a fantasy football player. After all, we invest so much time researching and analyzing players throughout the offseason, and in many cases, we have an existing data sample to use as a baseline for expectations.

But when the production fails to meet those expectations, especially for several weeks in a row, we get antsy. But that’s when it pays to take a step back and look at things through an objective lens and consider all of the factors instead of being reactive and emotional. Myriad factors such as health, game script, usage trends, personnel changes, historical trends and so much more play into how a player performs in a given week.

Today, we’ll take a look at a few such players who have caused their fantasy owners angst of late, and highlight some reasons to be optimistic moving forward.

Sterling Shepard, WR, New York Giants

After beginning his career with either a touchdown or 100 yards receiving in each of the first three games, Shepard has come back down to earth over the past two games. He has totaled only six catches for 44 yards in that span. One of those contests was against the Minnesota Vikings, who have been the second-stingiest fantasy defense to opposing receivers. In Week 5, Shepard had an enticing matchup with Green Bay but fell flat, along with the rest of New York’s offense.

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