Josh Larky's Week 5 NFL Fantasy Football Rankings
Fantasy 10/9/22
Below you’ll find my Week 5 fantasy rankings for PPR/Half-PPR leagues. Included are my top-32 QB Rankings, top-51 RB Rankings, top-60 WR Rankings, and top-26 TE Rankings.
For each player, you can view their ranking, matchup, and implied team total, according to Vegas. For example, the Philadelphia Eagles and Arizona Cardinals have a Vegas game total of 49, with the Eagles favored by 5.5 points (27.25 points implied for the Eagles, 21.75 points implied for the Cardionals). Seeing the implied point totals can help you understand which games are projected to be the highest scoring.
xPPR (expected PPR points) is a new stat added last week. Think of this as each player’s average expected fantasy points per game based on their underlying usage.
Top-32 Quarterbacks
Rank | Name | Pos | Team | Opp | Team Total | xPPR |
1 | Josh Allen | QB | BUF | PIT | 30.5 | 24 |
2 | Jalen Hurts | QB | PHI | ARI | 27.25 | 23.9 |
3 | Lamar Jackson | QB | BAL | CIN | 25.75 | 25 |
4 | Patrick Mahomes | QB | KC | LV | 29 | 20.2 |
5 | Justin Herbert | QB | LAC | CLE | 25.25 | 18.6 |
6 | Kyler Murray | QB | ARI | PHI | 21.75 | 20.6 |
7 | Joe Burrow | QB | CIN | BAL | 22.75 | 19.6 |
8 | Tom Brady | QB | TB | ATL | 28.25 | 15.4 |
9 | Trevor Lawrence | QB | JAX | HOU | 26 | 16.6 |
10 | Derek Carr | QB | LV | KC | 22 | 16.3 |
11 | Jared Goff | QB | DET | NE | 21.75 | 18.1 |
12 | Kirk Cousins | QB | MIN | CHI | 25.5 | 15.7 |
13 | Russell Wilson | QB | DEN | IND | 23.5 | 15.9 |
14 | Aaron Rodgers | QB | GB | NYG | 24.5 | 14.2 |
15 | Carson Wentz | QB | WAS | TEN | 20.25 | 17.1 |
16 | Ryan Tannehill | QB | TEN | WAS | 22.75 | 14 |
17 | Geno Smith | QB | SEA | NO | 20.25 | 17.3 |
18 | Matthew Stafford | QB | LA | DAL | 24 | 14.8 |
19 | Teddy Bridgewater | QB | MIA | NYJ | 23.5 | 7.2 |
20 | Marcus Mariota | QB | ATL | TB | 19.75 | 15.4 |
21 | Jacoby Brissett | QB | CLE | LAC | 22.25 | 16.6 |
22 | Jimmy Garoppolo | QB | SF | CAR | 22.5 | 13.1 |
23 | Andy Dalton | QB | NO | SEA | 25.75 | 14.5 |
24 | Matt Ryan | QB | IND | DEN | 20 | 16.4 |
25 | Zach Wilson | QB | NYJ | MIA | 20.5 | 16.4 |
26 | Daniel Jones | QB | NYG | GB | 16.5 | 14.3 |
27 | Cooper Rush | QB | DAL | LA | 19.5 | 10.9 |
28 | Justin Fields | QB | CHI | MIN | 18.5 | 12.1 |
29 | Davis Mills | QB | HOU | JAX | 18.5 | 13 |
30 | Baker Mayfield | QB | CAR | SF | 16 | 13.3 |
31 | Kenny Pickett | QB | PIT | BUF | 16.5 | 12.7 |
32 | Bailey Zappe | QB | NE | DET | 24.75 | 5.8 |
- This continues to be a Big-3 at the top of the QB rankings, and I'll keep mentioning this every week until something changes. My expected fantasy points model captures what the actual fantasy points are also telling us. These three are seeing game-breaking fantasy usage every week.
- Patrick Mahomes and Justin Herbert both have great matchups in Week 5. The Raiders' secondary is in shambles and the Browns defense has underwhelmed through four weeks against what looked like four soft matchups on paper. Below, you can see how elite Justin Herbert - but especially Patrick Mahomes - has been under pressure. Essentially, no matter the pass rush, these two should deliver the yards and the corresponding fantasy points. Screenshot is from our flagship tool, The Edge, built by Sports Info Solutions (SIS).
- Kyler Murray is a tier below Mahomes and Herbert this week, as he has the fifth worst QB rating under pressure this season (34.7), and the Eagles' front has been able to generate heavy pressure, even when rushing four or fewer men. Also, the Eagles haven't allowed an opposing QB to complete even 60% of his passes yet this season, so Kyler likely needs heavy pass volume if you want him to rack up any kind of respectable passing line. His ranking at QB6 for Week 5 reflects the lack of strong QB options after Mahomes/Herbert.
- Joe Burrow has hit 20 fantasy points in three of four games, and should make that four of game in Week 5, as he faces a Ravens team allowing the most passing yards in the entire NFL.
- Tom Brady has been largely disappointing in 2022, but is now playing with a fully healthy supporting cast (Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Russell Gage, Julio Jones), and has a get-right date with the Atlanta Falcons. Pencil him in for 300+ yards, as Brady will do everything in his power to stop the Buccaneers' two game losing streak.
- Justin Herbert surgically eviscerated the Texans defense last week, throwing for 340 yards and multiple TDs despite Keenan Allen missing that contest. Trevor Lawrence is in a great bounce back spot after last week's loss against Philly. He likely gets Zay Jones back, too. An interesting note is how precise Lawrence has been on short passes, as he leads the NFL with 81.7% of his passes within ten yards of the line of scrimmage being deemed "on-target" by SIS game charters. Screenshot courtesy of our free tool, The Edge.
- Jared Goff has a tough matchup against the Patriots this week, but should still be started in all 12-team leagues. The Lions have scored the most points in the NFL, while simultaneously allowing the most points in the NFL to their opponents. The Patriots, led by Bailey Zappe are a Bottom-5 matchup for QBs, but I still would not want to sit Goff this week given Amon-Ra St. Brown's likely return in Week 5.
- The Chicago Bears are allowing only 169 passing yards per game this season. To add context, they faced 1) Trey Lance in the rain game, 2) Aaron Rodgers with no weapons, 3) Davis Mills, and 4) Daniel Jones/Tyrod Taylor. This is a talent-poor secondary to target, and Kirk Cousins should live up to his team's high implied team total (25.5).
- Â Russell Wilson is averaging a healthy 7.9 yards per attempt against zone coverage, and now faces Gus Bradley's zone heavy scheme on Thursday Night Football. For those that refuse to bench Russell Wilson in your 12-team leagues, there is a decent floor here in this matchup. The loss of Javonte Williams (ACL tear) may also force Denver's hand to finally pass more and take more downfield shots.
- Teddy Bridgewater should be able to sustain this Dolphins offense. His weak - but accurate - arm is a great fit for Mike McDaniel's scheme, where he tries to get Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle the ball in space, oftentimes relatively close to the line of scrimmage.
- Andy Dalton should be DFS-viable in Week 5. While I wouldn't start him in a 12-team league, the Seahawks have allowed a ludicrous 9.0 yards per attempt to opposing QBs, while the second place Titans are at 8.2 yards per attempt allowed, for context.
- Among the bottom-tier QBs, Zach Wilson is the one I would have the most interest in stashing in deeper formats. He has an elite supporting cast, and has sneaky mobility. Kenny Pickett fits the same bill, but faces the Bills, Buccaneers, Dolphins, and Eagles in his next four contests, so I have little interest in needing to wait at least another month to see Pickett against a middling pass defense.
- Daniel Jones has been confirmed as the NYG starter for the London game against Green Bay. Temper expectations despite his mobility, as he will be without the top four WRs on the depth chart, again, in this contest.
Top-51 Running Backs
Rank | Name | Pos | Team | Opp | Team Total | xPPR |
1 | Christian McCaffrey | RB | CAR | SF | 16.00 | 15.5 |
2 | Nick Chubb | RB | CLE | LAC | 22.25 | 16.9 |
3 | Austin Ekeler | RB | LAC | CLE | 25.25 | 17.3 |
4 | Joe Mixon | RB | CIN | BAL | 22.75 | 19.9 |
5 | Dalvin Cook | RB | MIN | CHI | 25.50 | 12.7 |
6 | Derrick Henry | RB | TEN | WAS | 22.75 | 14.6 |
7 | Leonard Fournette | RB | TB | ATL | 28.25 | 15.5 |
8 | Alvin Kamara | RB | NO | SEA | 25.75 | 10.7 |
9 | Saquon Barkley | RB | NYG | GB | 16.50 | 18.2 |
10 | Jamaal Williams | RB | DET | NE | 21.75 | 15.3 |
11 | Josh Jacobs | RB | LV | KC | 22.00 | 16.5 |
12 | Aaron Jones | RB | GB | NYG | 24.50 | 12.2 |
13 | Miles Sanders | RB | PHI | ARI | 27.25 | 14.9 |
14 | James Robinson | RB | JAX | HOU | 26.00 | 15 |
15 | Devin Singletary | RB | BUF | PIT | 30.50 | 12.2 |
16 | Jeff Wilson | RB | SF | CAR | 22.50 | 11.2 |
17 | Kareem Hunt | RB | CLE | LAC | 22.25 | 13.1 |
18 | Breece Hall | RB | NYJ | MIA | 20.50 | 15.7 |
19 | Rhamondre Stevenson | RB | NE | DET | 24.75 | 10.7 |
20 | Najee Harris | RB | PIT | BUF | 16.50 | 12.9 |
21 | AJ Dillon | RB | GB | NYG | 24.50 | 12.4 |
22 | David Montgomery | RB | CHI | MIN | 18.50 | 9 |
23 | Damien Harris | RB | NE | DET | 24.75 | 12.2 |
24 | Dameon Pierce | RB | HOU | JAX | 18.50 | 13.2 |
25 | J.K. Dobbins | RB | BAL | CIN | 25.75 | 12.6 |
26 | Nyheim Hines | RB | IND | DEN | 20.00 | 7.4 |
27 | James Conner | RB | ARI | PHI | 21.75 | 13.8 |
28 | Clyde Edwards-Helaire | RB | KC | LV | 29.00 | 13.1 |
29 | Rashaad Penny | RB | SEA | NO | 20.25 | 8.6 |
30 | Ezekiel Elliott | RB | DAL | LA | 19.50 | 9.9 |
31 | Antonio Gibson | RB | WAS | TEN | 20.25 | 15.5 |
32 | Melvin Gordon | RB | DEN | IND | 23.50 | 9.4 |
33 | Raheem Mostert | RB | MIA | NYJ | 23.50 | 7.5 |
34 | Tony Pollard | RB | DAL | LA | 19.50 | 9 |
35 | Travis Etienne | RB | JAX | HOU | 26.00 | 9.1 |
36 | Rachaad White | RB | TB | ATL | 28.25 | 6.5 |
37 | Darrell Henderson | RB | LA | DAL | 24.00 | 7.4 |
38 | Isiah Pacheco | RB | KC | LV | 29.00 | 4.8 |
39 | J.D. McKissic | RB | WAS | TEN | 20.25 | 9.4 |
40 | Tyler Allgeier | RB | ATL | TB | 19.75 | 5.6 |
41 | Chase Edmonds | RB | MIA | NYJ | 23.50 | 8.9 |
42 | Khalil Herbert | RB | CHI | MIN | 18.50 | 12.4 |
43 | Cam Akers | RB | LA | DAL | 24.00 | 7.2 |
44 | Mike Boone | RB | DEN | IND | 23.50 | 6.1 |
45 | Michael Carter | RB | NYJ | MIA | 20.50 | 11.1 |
46 | Brian Robinson | RB | WAS | TEN | 20.25 | - |
47 | Eno Benjamin | RB | ARI | PHI | 21.75 | 7.5 |
48 | Kenneth Gainwell | RB | PHI | ARI | 27.25 | 6.5 |
49 | Caleb Huntley | RB | ATL | TB | 19.75 | 5.2 |
50 | Rex Burkhead | RB | HOU | JAX | 18.50 | 12.6 |
51 | Kenneth Walker | RB | SEA | NO | 20.25 | 6.3 |
- Christian McCaffrey finally saw vintage Christian McCaffrey usage in Week 4, totaling more targets (nine) than carries (eight). He surpasses 25 fantasy points for the first time this season, and this usage is encouraging for both his long-term health and rest of season outlook. The 49ers pass rush should overwhelm the Panthers line, and CMC is likely in for another big day through the air.
- The Chargers allow 6.1 yards per carry to RBs (next most is only 5.4). Nick Chubb is averaging a hefty 5.7 yards per carry on the season. Sometimes this game doesn't have to be hard. Chubb should have his fourth 100 yard performance of the season.
- For the first time all season, Austin Ekeler had 100% of the team's RB red zone opportunities in Week 4. He leads all RBs in targets on the season, and looks like he has his elite fantasy role from 2021 again.
- Derrick Henry now has back-to-back games with 20 or more carries and five or more targets. This is an elite fantasy role, and while the Titans offense has underwhelmed, Henry can put up around 20 fantasy points now without needing to find the end zone.
- While the Packers are allowing 5.2 yards per carry to opposing backs, the Giants currently do not have a WR core. I'm worried this NYG offense will be anemic in Week 5, and don't see any TD upside for Saquon in this matchup. His RB9 ranking reflects my concern with a NYG offense trotting out scrubs at the WR positions against a talented Green Bay defense. The Packers have been a shut down unit against the pass, and I fear they will be able to lock down the Giants WRs while still stacking the box against Saquon.
- Josh Jacobs had nine red zone carries through three games but hadn't found the end zone. That changed in Week 4, when he handled 28 of 30 RB carries, scoring twice on his six red zone attempts. Jacobs also has back-to-back games with five or more targets. This is an elite fantasy role, and while the matchup with the Chiefs is not ideal, Jacobs is seeing enough pass game usage that the floor should remain high regardless of game script.
- Miles Sanders is the starting RB on a Top-3 Eagles offense, and has led the team in total carries, red zone carries, and routes run in all four games. While the Cardinals have had an above average run defense through four games, the Eagles have scored at least 24 points in every game this season. The TD upside and the role are there for Miles Sanders.
- From my 33 Fantasy Takeaways from Week 4 article, Devin Singletary has broken free from the three-way RB committee that Buffalo employed the first two weeks. The past two weeks, Singletary handled 73% and 90% of the snaps, along with 73% and 100% of the RB routes. He has run 33 or more routes each of the past two weeks, and the Bills are the only team with an implied total over 30 points in Week 5.
- Jeff Wilson handled all but one RB carry in each of the past two games. While this 49ers offense has under-performed overall, Wilson has a strong and stable rushing role in this offense. The 49ers should blow out the Panthers, expect another healthy dose of Wilson in this contest.
- This is now Breece Hall's backfield. Week 4 usage presented below.
Player | Snaps | Carries | GL Carries | Routes | Targets | PPR |
Breece Hall | 45 | 17 | 2 | 25 | 6 | 15.8 |
Michael Carter | 29 | 9 | 0 | 14 | 3 | 4.9 |
- David Montgomery returned to a limited showing in Friday's practice, and for now, I'm assuming he will start for the Bears Sunday against Minnesota.
- Dameon Pierce faces the Jaguars in Week 5, the sixth best defense according to Football Outsiders' DVOA. The Jaguars are no longer a defense to target in fantasy football.
- JK Dobbins had five red zone carries (three of those came within five yards of the end zone), along with a red zone target. He totaled 13 carries and four targets, and the Ravens should put points on the board every week. Dobbins is a threat to score weekly, and the role is strong. He will continue to climb the rankings with each successive week if this usage keeps up.
- Nyheim Hines has been out-targeted by Jonathan Taylor all four games. Despite this, he has seen at least five targets in three of four games. He is getting targeted on 27% of his routes, and should see increased snaps on Thursday with Taylor's ankle sprain. Hines is a strong candidate for double digit targets and a strong PPR/Half-PPR performance in Week 5.
- Rashaad Penny now has back-to-back games as a workhorse for the Seahawks. He has led the team in carries and routes run the past two games, and the Saints' once formidable run defense has been largely average this season.
- Travis Etienne out-snapped James Robinson in Week 4 against PHI, and both had eight carries. Etienne has been frustrating in fantasy this year, but he keeps showing just enough for me to be intrigued on a weekly basis.
- Rachaad White began taking every third drive from Fournette in Week 4. He is an elite pass-catcher, and brought in all five of his targets last week, getting targeted on nearly 30% of his routes, an elite figure. He is at worst an excellent bench stash in case of a Fournette injury, and may have carved out a flex-worthy role on a weekly basis moving forward.
- Tyler Allgeier is not a strong start in fantasy football, despite Cordarrelle Patterson landing on IR. Caleb Huntley handled all four red zone (two of those at the goal line) carries in Week 4, and Allgeier is simply a between-the-20s grinder back on a mediocre offense. He needs to find the end zone to be fantasy relevant each week, and the Buccaneers defense could entirely shut down the Falcons offense on Sunday.
- It's unclear how the Broncos will deploy Melvin Gordon and Mike Boone in Week 5, but I'd assume Gordon is the preferred red zone and goal line option. Boone is a career role player, and I'd be hesitant to start him this week. Gordon's fumbling issues of late could create increased opportunities for Boone, so he's a great bench stash with Javonte's season-ending ACL injury.
- Brian Robinson was shot less than two months ago and makes his return to game action this Sunday. Antonio Gibson received a slight drop in the rankings, as I expect Robinson to be in the mix for both early down and goal line work.
Top-60 Wide Receivers
Rank | Name | Pos | Team | Opp | Team Total | xPPR |
1 | Cooper Kupp | WR | LA | DAL | 24.00 | 21.2 |
2 | Stefon Diggs | WR | BUF | PIT | 30.50 | 18.1 |
3 | Justin Jefferson | WR | MIN | CHI | 25.50 | 20.6 |
4 | Davante Adams | WR | LV | KC | 22.00 | 20.6 |
5 | Ja'Marr Chase | WR | CIN | BAL | 22.75 | 16.4 |
6 | Mike Evans | WR | TB | ATL | 28.25 | 13.5 |
7 | Marquise Brown | WR | ARI | PHI | 21.75 | 16.2 |
8 | Tee Higgins | WR | CIN | BAL | 22.75 | 12 |
9 | A.J. Brown | WR | PHI | ARI | 27.25 | 15.5 |
10 | Amon-Ra St. Brown | WR | DET | NE | 21.75 | 18.6 |
11 | Mike Williams | WR | LAC | CLE | 25.25 | 12.9 |
12 | Christian Kirk | WR | JAX | HOU | 26.00 | 15.4 |
13 | Tyreek Hill | WR | MIA | NYJ | 23.50 | 17.2 |
14 | Jaylen Waddle | WR | MIA | NYJ | 23.50 | 13.8 |
15 | Chris Godwin | WR | TB | ATL | 28.25 | 9.7 |
16 | CeeDee Lamb | WR | DAL | LA | 19.50 | 16.1 |
17 | Deebo Samuel | WR | SF | CAR | 22.50 | 12.3 |
18 | Courtland Sutton | WR | DEN | IND | 23.50 | 15.7 |
19 | DK Metcalf | WR | SEA | NO | 20.25 | 14.2 |
20 | Chris Olave | WR | NO | SEA | 25.75 | 15 |
21 | Michael Pittman | WR | IND | DEN | 20.00 | 15 |
22 | Amari Cooper | WR | CLE | LAC | 22.25 | 13 |
23 | Romeo Doubs | WR | GB | NYG | 24.50 | 10.8 |
24 | Juju Smith-Schuster | WR | KC | LV | 29.00 | 10.3 |
25 | Diontae Johnson | WR | PIT | BUF | 16.50 | 13.3 |
26 | DeVonta Smith | WR | PHI | ARI | 27.25 | 13.1 |
27 | Drake London | WR | ATL | TB | 19.75 | 13.6 |
28 | Adam Thielen | WR | MIN | CHI | 25.50 | 12.5 |
29 | Elijah Moore | WR | NYJ | MIA | 20.50 | 11.4 |
30 | Curtis Samuel | WR | WAS | TEN | 20.25 | 15.2 |
31 | Brandin Cooks | WR | HOU | JAX | 18.50 | 14.6 |
32 | Robert Woods | WR | TEN | WAS | 22.75 | 8.7 |
33 | D.J. Moore | WR | CAR | SF | 16.00 | 11.6 |
34 | Tyler Lockett | WR | SEA | NO | 20.25 | 12.5 |
35 | Garrett Wilson | WR | NYJ | MIA | 20.50 | 17 |
36 | Terry McLaurin | WR | WAS | TEN | 20.25 | 12 |
37 | Allen Lazard | WR | GB | NYG | 24.50 | 11.1 |
38 | Zay Jones | WR | JAX | HOU | 26.00 | 15.8 |
39 | Jerry Jeudy | WR | DEN | IND | 23.50 | 9.5 |
40 | Josh Palmer | WR | LAC | CLE | 25.25 | 9.2 |
41 | Gabe Davis | WR | BUF | PIT | 30.50 | 7.9 |
42 | Josh Reynolds | WR | DET | NE | 21.75 | 11.2 |
43 | Corey Davis | WR | NYJ | MIA | 20.50 | 12.2 |
44 | Jakobi Meyers | WR | NE | DET | 24.75 | 12.9 |
45 | Hunter Renfrow | WR | LV | KC | 22.00 | 10.7 |
46 | George Pickens | WR | PIT | BUF | 16.50 | 9 |
47 | Allen Robinson | WR | LA | DAL | 24.00 | 9.9 |
48 | Marquez Valdes-Scantling | WR | KC | LV | 29.00 | 10.1 |
49 | Michael Gallup | WR | DAL | LA | 19.50 | 7.1 |
50 | Khalil Shakir | WR | BUF | PIT | 30.50 | 3.7 |
51 | Tyler Boyd | WR | CIN | BAL | 22.75 | 8.6 |
52 | Darnell Mooney | WR | CHI | MIN | 18.50 | 7.3 |
53 | Brandon Aiyuk | WR | SF | CAR | 22.50 | 9.4 |
54 | Alec Pierce | WR | IND | DEN | 20.00 | 9.3 |
55 | Devin Duvernay | WR | BAL | CIN | 25.75 | 9.2 |
56 | Rondale Moore | WR | ARI | PHI | 21.75 | 8.7 |
57 | Donovan Peoples-Jones | WR | CLE | LAC | 22.25 | 12.7 |
58 | Marquez Callaway | WR | NO | SEA | 25.75 | 8.6 |
59 | Nico Collins | WR | HOU | JAX | 18.50 | 9.4 |
60 | K.J. Osborn | WR | MIN | CHI | 25.50 | 7.5 |
- Cooper Kupp is averaging over 13 targets, over 10 receptions, and over 100 yards per game. He is back in the WR1 chair going forward.
- Despite Chris Godwin's return, Mike Evans more than doubled his average target depth, and had three end zone targets to Godwin's zero in Week 4. Evans is still my preferred option among the two, though both should be Top-15 weekly options moving forward. Each had ten targets last week, and I'd expect 18-25 combined targets between them on a weekly basis.
- Marquise Brown has at least 11 targets each of the past three games, and even in a tough matchup against the Eagles, I cannot fade a WR getting featured in this way.
- Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle are getting slight downgrades this week, as Teddy Bridgewater will be starting for MIA, and the Jets will have a tough time keeping this game competitive. Both are strong starts, but their floors and ceilings are slightly reduced in this matchup.
- CeeDee Lamb has at least a 27% target share in every game this year. Michael Gallup's return will force teams to respect another option on the boundary, and Lamb's 36 slot snaps in Week 4 was a season-high, per The Edge.
- The Seahawks allow a NFL-high 9.0 yards per pass attempt. Chris Olave has at least 137 air yards each of the past three games, and should convert a high percentage of those into receiving yards in this matchup, regardless who the Saints roll out at QB.
- Romeo Doubs has back-to-back games with eight targets, and the Giants have a Bottom-10 pass defense according to Football Outsiders' DVOA.
- Kenny Pickett's penchant for throwing to George Pickens was at least mildly concerning for Diontae Johnson in Week 4. However, the Bills pass rush should overwhelm the Steelers offensive line, and Diontae's much lower depth of target should benefit him in this matchup.
- Elijah Moore continues to lead the Jets in routes run, and flashed as a rookie. I will continue to (stubbornly) rank him as the WR1 for fantasy in this Jets offense.
- Curtis Samuel is now ahead of Terry McLaurin in my weekly rankings. While McLaurin is dominating the air yards per game (104 vs 38), Samuel is out-targeting him (nine to seven), and Carson Wentz is not known for his accuracy. I continue to lean Samuel over McLaurin in Half-PPR/PPR leagues.
- Jamison Crowder broke his ankle in Week 4. If Isaiah McKenzie can suit up in Week 5 (concussion), he is a strong start and should see a heavy snap share in the slot. He now has back-to-back games with at least six targets, and has three red zone targets in that span. Gabe Davis has been largely disappointing, as he has commanded very few targets, along with a target depth that is much lower than last season.
- Curtis Samuel is now ahead of Terry McLaurin in my weekly rankings. While McLaurin is dominating the air yards per game (104 vs 38), Samuel is out-targeting him (nine to seven), and Carson Wentz is not known for his accuracy. I continue to lean Samuel over McLaurin in Half-PPR/PPR leagues.
- Josh Reynolds should start in two wide sets again in Week 5 with DJ Chark ruled OUT.
- Corey Davis deserved a tweet for his early season performance, and should be started each week.
Corey Davis
On pace for
- OVER 1,100 receiving yards
- OVER 1,700 air yards- End zone target in 2 of 4 games
- Red zone target in 3 of 4 gamesCon: Plays on the Jets
— Josh Larky (@jlarkytweets) October 4, 2022
- Isaiah McKenzie failed to clear concussion protocol Sunday morning, and Jamison Crowder broke his ankle last week. Dawson Knox is also OUT of this contest. Khalil Shakir is in line for some type of volume on Sunday against the Steelers.
- Alec Pierce now has at least 61 yards in back-to-back weeks, despite only a 50% route share in the offense. I expect his role to tick up in Week 5, and he's an interesting WR4 or flex play in deeper leagues.
- Rashod Bateman is OUT for Week 5 and Devin Duvernay is now a desperation flex play for those needing a Bateman replacement. Duvernay also has at least one red zone target in three of four games on the season.
Top-26 Tight Ends
Rank | Name | Pos | Team | Opp | Team Total | xPPR |
1 | Travis Kelce | TE | KC | LV | 29.00 | 14.1 |
2 | Mark Andrews | TE | BAL | CIN | 25.75 | 16 |
3 | Darren Waller | TE | LV | KC | 22.00 | 12.1 |
4 | Zach Ertz | TE | ARI | PHI | 21.75 | 13 |
5 | Dalton Schultz | TE | DAL | LA | 19.50 | 8.6 |
6 | Gerald Everett | TE | LAC | CLE | 25.25 | 10.4 |
7 | Tyler Higbee | TE | LA | DAL | 24.00 | 12.9 |
8 | David Njoku | TE | CLE | LAC | 22.25 | 10.1 |
9 | Dallas Goedert | TE | PHI | ARI | 27.25 | 7.7 |
10 | Pat Freiermuth | TE | PIT | BUF | 16.50 | 11.4 |
11 | T.J. Hockenson | TE | DET | NE | 21.75 | 13.1 |
12 | George Kittle | TE | SF | CAR | 22.50 | 8.1 |
13 | Irv Smith | TE | MIN | CHI | 25.50 | 9.3 |
14 | Taysom Hill | TE | NO | SEA | 25.75 | 7.7 |
15 | Tyler Conklin | TE | NYJ | MIA | 20.50 | 10 |
16 | Robert Tonyan | TE | GB | NYG | 24.50 | 6.9 |
17 | John Bates | TE | WAS | TEN | 20.25 | 6.5 |
18 | Will Dissly | TE | SEA | NO | 20.25 | 6 |
19 | Hayden Hurst | TE | CIN | BAL | 22.75 | 8.1 |
20 | Evan Engram | TE | JAX | HOU | 26.00 | 6.4 |
21 | Juwan Johnson | TE | NO | SEA | 25.75 | 10.2 |
22 | Mike Gesicki | TE | MIA | NYJ | 23.50 | 5.1 |
23 | Mo Alie-Cox | TE | IND | DEN | 20.00 | 6.2 |
24 | Cole Kmet | TE | CHI | MIN | 18.50 | 6.2 |
25 | O.J. Howard | TE | HOU | JAX | 18.50 | 6.6 |
26 | Daniel Bellinger | TE | NYG | GB | 16.50 | 4.7 |
- While Zach Ertz' streak of double digit target games was snapped at two, he still had six targets (two in the red zone) in Week 4, and will continue to head the second tier of TEs after the Big-3 each week.
- Assuming Keenan Allen misses Week 5, Gerald Everett will continue to be a strong start in fantasy. Everett has at least 13 fantasy points in three of four games, and has four red zone targets on the season.
- Tyler Higbee is second among TEs in targets per game (nine), fourth in yards per game (61), and first in targets per route run (42%). His average target depth is a paltry 3.1 yards, and he is clearly benefitting from the Rams injury-depleted offensive line.
- David Njoku has an end zone target in each of his past three games. Also during this span, he is on pace for over 1,100 yards. Njoku is a strong start thanks to Jacoby Brissett's surprising competence.
- TJ Hockenson erupted in Week 4, but I'm assuming Amon-Ra St. Brown will return in Week 5. If he does, St. Brown should vacuum up the targets. If Amon-Ra is again ruled out, Hockenson will return to Top-5 TE territory for the week.
- George Kittle is simply not much of a factor in the 49ers passing game as it currently stands. This ranking may prove to be an overreaction, but the 49ers should go up early in this contest, and feature a heavy dose of the run game in the second half.
- Logan Thomas was ruled OUT Sunday morning. John Bates is a deep streamer for Week 5 for those desperate for five to eight fantasy points.
- OJ Howard is a deep TE sleeper to monitor. He ran 26 routes in Week 4 (compared to Brandin Cooks' 34), and reeled in two of his five targets for 27 yards.
These Week 5 fantasy rankings will be updated throughout the week. Make sure to check this post each day throughout the week as the news hits.