Fantasy Football Trust or Bust: Week 5
Host Matt Noah and analysts Zech Lambert and Ben Mooney discuss this past week in fantasy football and preview what to expect in Week 5:
Week 4 was a crazy week. So many unexpected players busted and the players you would least expect to score the touchdowns were the ones to find paydirt. It is finally time to panic on the players you drafted. The teams themselves had an unpredictable week, with the Chief losing to the Lions and the Buccaneers pulling off the upset of the previously undefeated Rams. These are some of the best and worst performances from this week in fantasy football:
Quarterbacks
Jameis Winston, Buccaneers
Winston passed 385 passes with four touchdowns and one interception in the Buccaneers' 55-40 win against the predicted favorite Rams on Sunday. He finished with 29 fantasy points, after only scoring six and 12 points. respectively, in the first two weeks. Facing the reigning NFC champs on the road, it was predicted that Winston would be throwing the ball many times. The quarterback is infamously known for being inconsistent, which makes this two-week hot streak harder to buy into. He has supported both receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Winston has now played sparingly in two straight games and appears to be a potential streamer in two quarterback leagues or as a bye week fill-in. The division showdown will pin Winston’s Bucs versus the Saints in Week 5.
Decision: TRUST
Dak Prescott, Cowboys
Prescott threw for 223 yards and an interception as the Cowboys lost to New Orleans 12-10. After a start which set the NFL on fire, Prescott had a forgettable week finishing with only six points. From watching the game, the Saints had a great gameplan that limited the Cowboys offense altogether. He was not able to fully utilize his passing or running ability that makes him so valuable. With valuable weapons like Ezekiel Elliot and Amari Cooper, Prescott is still primed for a top 10 fantasy year. The Cowboys quarterback has the Packers this Sunday, and although he will rebound, his fantasy will be capped around 15 points. Based on this upcoming matchup, looking for a quarterback with a better matchup is ideal but for most people’s teams it’s the only choice.
Decision: BUST
Running Backs
Nick Chubb, Browns
Chubb continued his breakout campaign in Week 4 with 20 rushes, 165 yards and three touchdowns along with three catches for 18 yards. Leading his team to a 40-25 win over Baltimore, the running back had his best performance of the year. He did the majority of his work in the second half as the Browns finally utilized Chubb with an offense that was moving the football. The divisional showdown meant extra tensions and the running back sealed the game showing his one cut and go speed on an 88-yard score. He is one of those players where you do not look at the matchup and put him in the lineup because he is Nick Chubb, but it does not hurt to be playing against the 49ers in Week 5.
Decision: TRUST
Wayne Gallman, Giants
Gallman proved he could handle running back duties for the Giants going off on 18 times for 63 yards scoring a touchdown and he catching six passes for 55 yards and a second score through the air. Based on the volume, he was going into the game he was a must start and proved it by his statline leading the Giants to 24-3 win over the lowly Redskins. Gallman filled in for injured teammate Saquon Barkley who suffered an ankle injury and pulled out his best impression of Barkley. For owners of the consensus top overall fantasy pick, the backup running back is essential to maintaining teams success. On top of that, new Giants quarterback Daniel Jones has rejuvenated his team, winning two consecutive games. Based on sheer volume, he is worth a flex play but will face a tough matchup next Sunday at home against the Vikings. Look for Gallman to receive 20 touches and potentially the end zone.
Decision: TRUST
Wide Receivers
Cortland Sutton, Broncos
Sutton hauled six catches for 62 yards and exploded for two touchdowns in Week 4 against the Jaguars. He finished with 24 points in PPR leagues, finding the end zone for the first time on the season. As a player who had potential to be a stud from the moment he was drafted, it looks to be that the SMU product has made that leap. Like predicted in the article last week, Broncos running backs were held to a minimum in terms of fantasy points while the receivers showed out. Sutton, who usually plays second to fellow receiver Emmanuel Sanders, it was Sanders who led the team with 104 yards. This season, however, is very promising for Sutton up to this point. The only concern for this breakout star is starting him means trusting his quarterback in Joe Flacco. It is a risky move but Sutton is a second-string reciever with low first-string upside if he can continue to get redzone targets. He will play the Chargers in Week 5, who are very banged up. Sutton should get many targets and chances to succeed.
Decision: TRUST
Sammy Watkins, Chiefs
Watkins caught three passes for 54 yards during the Chiefs close win Sunday 34-30 win over Detroit. He lost a fumble and two fantasy points during the game resulting in six PPR points. After an insane Week 1, with 46 points, Watkins has a combined 27 points in the resulting three weeks. In a high octane offense, like the Chiefs, playing the most targeted receiver is a no-brainer. Especially with Tyreek Hill out with a shoulder injury, Watkins is first in line to reap the benefits. However, with an astounding gameplan from the Lions, even Mahomes’ performance was neutralized. He has maybe the biggest boom or bust situation out of anyone in the NFL. He is solid play and his upside is a long catch with a touchdown mixed in. They play a solid Colts team in Week 5, so slot Watkins in the flex but do not expect any performance like Week 1.
Decision: BUST
Matt Noah is a freshman majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email matthewnoah29@gmail.com.
