Fantasy football is officially a quarter of the way past and getting more and more exciting but stressful every week. Week 5 showed some metrics show that a few players are beginning to turn over a new page and save their seasons’ value. Week 5 saw some players give managers signs of relief while others began to separate themselves from their competition. Let’s dive in.
Metrics That Matter In Week 5 Of Fantasy Football
Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase Both Led Their Positions In Week 5
In a classic AFC North clash, the Cincinnati Bengals’ dynamic duo had outstanding showings in Week 5. Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase have been connecting for over six years, including their time together at LSU. On Sunday, they reminded the NFL that they are still one of the best quarterback/wide receiver duos in the league. Coming into the season, the Bengals’ duo looked like it might be ending as Chase and the team had stale contract negotiations. After a poor 1-3 start, Burrow and Chase needed all-time performances to get their team on the right track as a duo. And they did just that.
Burrow and Chase were on the same page all game in a losing effort to the Baltimore Ravens. Burrow threw for 392 passing yards and had two 40-plus yard touchdown passes (one being 70) to Chase. In a seemingly effortless fashion, Chase racked up 193 receiving yards on 10 catches. Both players led their respective positions in yards and fantasy points for Week 5. They scored more fantasy points on Sunday than in any week of the 2023 season. Burrow and Chase had nearly perfect games, and chances are, there is more to come.
Garrett Wilson’s Career-Best Performance Gives Fantasy Managers Hope That Good Things Are Coming
Garrett Wilson, much like the entire New York Jets offense, has struggled to find consistency so far. He was expected to have good chemistry with Aaron Rodgers and become a reliable target, but they have not been able to connect effectively. However, in Week 5, Wilson had a breakout game despite the Jets’ loss. He was targeted 22 times, catching 11 passes, both of which were career-highs. After Sunday, Wilson leads all receivers in targets for the week.
Wilson has been a frequent target this season, ranking alongside Malik Nabers, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Justin Jefferson, all of whom have a 30 percent or greater target share in 2024. Moreover, Wilson’s 22 targets on Sunday were the most since the Los Angeles Rams’ Cooper Kupp early in the 2021 season. It is clear that Wilson has caught Rodgers’ attention, and there is hope that they can repeat this performance next Monday against the Buffalo Bills.
Tank Bigsby Making His Case As The Jaguars RB1
Travis Etienne was expected to make an even bigger leap in 2024 after consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and with no real threat behind him. However, after a poor rookie season for backup Tank Bigsby, he was initially overlooked going into 2024. Through five games, Bigsby is now competing neck and neck with Etienne for the starting role with the Jacksonville Jaguars after taking reps away from him and demonstrating an advantage in production.
Metrics show that Bigsby has widened the gap between himself and Etienne in terms of rushing production after Sunday’s game. Bigsby has the advantage in total rushing yards (273 to Etienne’s 231) and an edge in yards per carry. His yards per carry (7.2) leads all current running backs who have had at least 15 carries through five games. Known for his ability to break tackles and make big plays in college, Bigsby’s running style has translated well in the NFL. This season, Bigsby also ranks near the top of the league in explosive run rate.
Tank Bigsby. Holy smokes. pic.twitter.com/qLtswklhFR
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 6, 2024
These metrics validate Bigsby’s role in the offense and his fantasy value. The only advantage going for Etienne is his involvement in receiving work with more targets and receptions this season. However, the emergence of Brian Thomas Jr. and the frequent success of Christian Kirk have consumed Lawrence’s passing attention, leaving less for Etienne. As the season progresses, Bigsby is likely to become the full-time starter if things remain the same.
Brock Bowers Is Becoming The New Alpha Tight End In Fantasy Football
Coming into the NFL, Brock Bowers was considered the next great tight end. His physicality, dependable hands, and quickness set him apart from most players and his transition to the NFL has seemed effortless. Bowers’ playing style fits perfectly with the culture of the Las Vegas Raiders, making it an ideal match for both realistic and fantasy football terms.
In the first five weeks, Bowers has made 28 catches for 313 yards and scored his first touchdown on Sunday. He currently leads all tight ends in every major receiving category and looks poised to become a superstar. His 313 receiving yards through five games is the sixth-most by a rookie tight end in league history. Bowers has had a better start to his rookie season than players like Travis Kelce, George Kittle and even the great Rob Gronkowski.
If and when Davante Adams gets traded, Bowers will likely become the team’s best passing option. The only potential setback for Bowers is the inconsistency at the quarterback position, but as he has shown this season, he makes the most of any targets he receives. Ultimately, Bowers has the potential to excel no matter which quarterback is throwing to him. Keep an eye on Bowers as he aims to become fantasy football’s best tight end.
Main Photo Courtesy of Cory Perrine – Florida Times-Union
