Fantasy soccer analyst Ray Garvin shares his ideas on Week 5’s most noteworthy motion.
Stefon Diggs will get his revenge, Patriots make assertion in win over Bills
Drake Maye didn’t end as a high 20 fantasy quarterback in Week 5, however on the sector, he completely delivered. On the street in a hostile Buffalo surroundings, the second-year quarterback seemed calm, composed and in command from begin to end.
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The remaining dagger got here off the leg of rookie kicker Andy Borregales, who buried a 52-yard area purpose with 15 seconds left to provide New England the 23-20 win. But make no mistake: This night time belonged to Stefon Diggs.
In his return to Buffalo, Diggs torched his former group for 10 catches, 146 yards and 7 chain-moving grabs within the second half alone. After the game, Diggs mentioned this was private; he backed it up. He gained everywhere in the area as Maye’s high goal. This was a revenge game and a reminder to all: Diggs nonetheless has it and with back-to-back 100-yard video games, he’s clearly creating actual chemistry with Maye.
The Patriots’ younger sign caller went 22 of 30 for 273 yards, averaging 9.1 yards per try. He added 12 dashing yards and took 4 sacks however didn’t flip the ball over. While the 12.1 fantasy factors solely slot him in as QB22 heading into Monday night time, the tape tells a special story. Maye went 13 of 14 within the second half and led a game-winning drive that confirmed maturity past his years.
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Fantasy numbers don’t all the time replicate actuality. This was particular.
Meanwhile, Josh Allen was his standard harmful self. He racked up 253 yards and two touchdowns by means of the air, added 53 extra on the bottom and completed Week 5 because the QB11 heading into MNF. But he needed to do all of it. The Bills’ run game — as soon as a stabilizing pressure — vanished. James Cook ran 15 instances for 49 yards and was bottled up from the bounce. Buffalo couldn’t get in rhythm and went simply 3 of 11 on third downs.
One decide, one sack, one-dimensional offense — and one loss.
Dalton Kincaid led the group with 108 receiving yards however no different playmaker stepped up constantly. Buffalo’s 4-1 report continues to be sturdy however this offense doesn’t really feel proper with out Cook and the bottom game working. Even Superman wants assist generally.
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On the New England facet, the backfield continues to be a thriller. Antonio Gibson left with a knee subject that didn’t look good. Rhamondre Stevenson fumbled once more — his third misplaced fumble of the season — however nonetheless scored each of the Patriots’ dashing touchdowns. And regardless of all of the chaos, rookie TreVeyon Henderson couldn’t take benefit. Six carries, 24 yards and minimal involvement within the cross game. Even with the door cracked huge open, he’s not strolling by means of it.
Instant response: The Drake Maye-Stefon Diggs combo is actual — and right here to remain.
Emeka Egbuka is that dude
What a game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Seattle Seahawks, a 38-35 remaining and what made it even higher — particularly if you happen to had any cross catchers on this one — is that the fellows who wanted to get the ball bought the ball.
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Sam Darnold threw 4 landing passes and went for 341 yards, ending as QB3 on the week heading into Sunday Night Football. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, absolute star, eight receptions, 132 yards, one landing. And on the opposite facet of the ball, Baker Mayfield gave you 379 yards by means of the air, two touchdowns and simply sufficient dashing to pat the fantasy stat line.
But the identify you’ll want to know, the one which ought to be on the tip of everybody’s tongue proper now, is Emeka Egbuka.
Egbuka didn’t simply present up, he erupted. Seven targets, seven receptions, 163 yards and a landing. All 5 of his downfield (10+ air yard) targets had been caught; 145 yards and the landing got here on these alone. He did this all in opposition to zone protection, operating 29 of his 31 routes in opposition to zone seems to be and torching it at each degree. He now ranks second within the NFL in receiving yards versus zone (418) and first in touchdowns in opposition to zone (4). He additionally uncovered Josh Jobe for 81 yards in protection, probably the most that defender has ever allowed to a single participant in his profession.
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What we’re seeing right here isn’t just a proficient rookie making some noise — it is a particular participant on a particular run.
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The stars have aligned for Egbuka in Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers have misplaced their high three cross catchers from final 12 months and what was left behind is an offense with a fearless quarterback and a large receiver room that simply wanted somebody to step up. Emeka Egbuka hasn’t simply stepped up, he’s taken over. This is classic Cooper Kupp/Puka Nacua degree territory. This is a participant whose ability set is assembly alternative within the precise proper second. And if you happen to guess on that expertise in the summertime, or if you happen to traded for him early, you’re watching that funding blossom in actual time.
This is what successful fantasy soccer seems to be like —it’s hitting on one in all these guys.
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Heading into Sunday Night Football, Emeka Egbuka is the WR3 in whole half PPR scoring behind solely Puka Nacua and Amon-Ra St. Brown. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is WR5. He might not attain Puka’s rookie reception quantity however this isn’t about quantity, that is about dominance. Egbuka is a zone beater, a deep menace and probably the most constant participant in a pass-heavy offense that continues to win video games late. What we’re witnessing is a breakout within the truest type.
Emeka Egbuka is a star. And fantasy managers who’ve him, you’re not simply alongside for the journey, you’re main the way in which.
Instant response: Emeka Egbuka is the WR1 in Tampa Bay. It doesn’t matter who’s lively. Even when Mike Evans returns, this offense runs by means of Egbuka.
Philadelphia Eagles: More passes, extra issues
If I advised you the Eagles would run the ball simply 11 instances with 4 completely different ball carriers and Jalen Hurts would throw 38 passes, you’d in all probability guess A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith went nuclear. You’d be half proper. DeVonta Smith did his half — 10 targets, 8 receptions, 114 yards, led the group throughout the board. A.J. Brown? Third in targets behind Dallas Goedert with simply 5 catches for 43 yards and no touchdowns, and he and Hurts missed badly on what ought to’ve been a 61-yard home name. Brown mentioned he slowed down as a result of he misplaced the ball within the air. Hurts missed him.
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Whatever angle you’re taking, the consequence is similar — a wasted play, a wasted game and a WR43 fantasy end on the week for a high fantasy receiver coming into the season.
This was purported to be a “make-it-right” game. Reports popping out mentioned there was locker room stress concerning the passing assault, and it felt like Philly tried to pressure the ball by means of the air to show a degree. The consequence was ugly. They misplaced at residence to Bo Nix and the Broncos, who had been virtually begging the Eagles to take the game. Saquon Barkley touched the ball simply 9 instances. Six carries. Thirty dashing yards. No red-zone work. The solely factor that saved his fantasy day — and I imply saved it — was a protracted receiving landing. He completed Week 5 as RB9 in half PPR, and though you’re not mad on the remaining line, it’s terrifying realizing that one play stored you from a complete dud.
This offense seems to be disjointed. Philly misplaced Landon Dickerson in the course of the game, Hurts didn’t flip the ball over however nonetheless seemed shaky and nobody can appear to agree on who the point of interest of the offense is. And but, you’re trapped. You can’t bench A.J. Brown. You can’t bench DeVonta Smith. You undoubtedly can’t bench Saquon. You’re simply caught beginning all of them and hoping for one of the best.
Coming out of Week 5, that’s the one phrase that feels proper for the Eagles: Stuck. And that ought to make any fantasy supervisor uneasy.
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Instant response: You have to begin your Eagles and hope for one of the best. A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Saquon Barkley are in your lineup each week, however simply be prepared for issues to go sideways.
Put some respect on Dak Prescott’s identify
Y’all higher stop taking part in and put some respect on Dak Prescott. You don’t have to love the Dallas Cowboys however we’re not right here to speak about playoff wins. This is fantasy soccer and Dak is balling.
Week 5, QB2 going into Sunday night time. Eighteen-for-twenty-nine for 237 yards and never one, not two, not three however 4 passing touchdowns. That’s QB9 on the season and he’s doing it with out CeeDee Lamb. The man’s throwing dimes to Jake Ferguson, George Pickens continues to be doing his factor and unheralded Ryan Flournoy simply dropped a buck-14 on six grabs. If Lamb misses extra time, this offense continues to be lit. And oh yeah, Dak had 4 new offensive line starters and nonetheless added 28 yards on the bottom. This ain’t simply stable, that is licensed star territory. He’s elevating everybody round him. You higher lock him into lineups weekly, no questions requested.
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Instant response: If CeeDee Lamb misses time, Ryan Flournoy is totally in play for Week 6 and possibly past.
Rico Dowdle simply put the league on discover
Rico Dowdle’s identify was referred to as — and Rico Dowdle delivered.
With Chuba Hubbard out, he bought the beginning and turned it into a press release. The man went nuclear: 23 carries, 206 yards, one landing, three catches for 28 extra and sits because the RB1 in half PPR heading into Sunday night time with 30.9 factors. That’s 26 whole touches and never one defense-adjusted fluke.
He ripped Miami all day. But right here’s the kicker: Hubbard’s anticipated to overlook extra time and subsequent week, Dowdle will get a house game in opposition to the identical Dallas protection that simply gave up a monster day to Breece Hall. That’s a revenge spot for a again who rushed for 1,000 yards in Big D final season.
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The quantity is there. The upcoming matchup is juicy. If you grabbed Rico off waivers, you’re flexing gold proper now.
Instant response: Rico Dowdle is a locked-in RB2 with RB1 upside subsequent week vs. Dallas
Reality test for Giants’ rookies
Y’all bear in mind final week, when people had been able to put Cam Skattebo and Jaxson Dart in Canton? Yeah, let’s chill. This Week 5 L to the Saints? That was the comedown. Dart threw two touchdowns, but additionally threw two picks, fumbled and seemed skittish down the stretch. Skattebo? He bought his 22 alternatives and gave you RB19 numbers in half-PPR (11.4 factors), however that fumble was brutal.
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Dart ended up QB16 (15.6 factors) and nonetheless couldn’t drag this offense to a win. The Giants are 1-4, the schedule will get nasty and this offense is operating out of solutions. If you’ve bought an opportunity to flip Skattebo off the field rating or transfer Dart in redraft, I’m making that decision.
This loss was the warning shot. It’s about to get tough.
Instant response: Cam Skattebo is sliding down from auto-start to flex consideration. Jaxson Dart? You can’t roll him out once more. Not on a brief week. Not in opposition to Philly.
Stick a fork in ’em: The Ravens are performed
This ain’t the identical Baltimore squad we had been hyping a month in the past. No Lamar Jackson, no shot. Cooper Rush is taking part in like a profession backup, as a result of that’s precisely what he’s. The Ravens are permitting 35.3 factors per game; you simply can’t win like that. The offensive line is Swiss cheese, the protection can’t get off the sector and outdoors of Zay Flowers and Derrick Henry, there’s nothing right here to lean on.
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Henry bailed us out with a garbage-time rating however that’s not a weekly guess. Zay’s getting quantity, however it’s empty. Baltimore is completed within the water with out Lamar. I’m benching each Raven not named Flowers or Henry and even they could be yet another dud away from hitting the pine too.
You’re not taking part in vibes, you’re taking part in fantasy. Don’t be loyal to a sinking ship.
Instant response: Only Derrick Henry is comfortably startable for Baltimore with Cooper Rush at quarterback. Even Zay Flowers comes with actual danger proper now.
Arizona Cardinals: Shame, disgrace, disgrace
The Arizona Cardinals ought to be ashamed of themselves. They misplaced 22-21 to the Titans in embarrassing style. Emari Demercado dropped the ball on the purpose line on what would have been a 72-yard landing. Instead of placing the game away, it resulted in a turnover.
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Marvin Harrison Jr. began sizzling however solely completed with 4 catches for 98 yards on 5 targets. Trey McBride posted 5 receptions for 41 yards. Kyler Murray rushed for a rating and threw for 220 yards, however this offense continues to be inconsistent and irritating.
On the Tennessee facet, Calvin Ridley lastly got here by means of with 5 for 131, however it got here in a game the place most fantasy managers had benched him. Tony Pollard fumbled but additionally scored and ran for 67 yards.
You’re beginning MHJ and hoping, you’re beginning McBride and hoping and because it stands proper now, you’re in all probability nonetheless not beginning Calvin Ridley subsequent week.
Instant response: This doesn’t appear like it’s getting higher for Marvin Harrison Jr. The quantity simply isn’t there and the game scripts are by no means proper. Even Trey McBride is underwhelming. Stock down for everybody in Arizona.
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Bench your Bengals
Ja’Marr Chase bailed you out. That’s the takeaway right here. Chase goes into Sunday Night Football because the WR2 on the week in half PPR scoring after placing up six catches for 110 yards and two touchdowns. But right here’s the factor: 79 of these yards and each touchdowns got here on simply two catches within the fourth quarter. The Bengals had been trailing, determined — and that’s when Chase got here alive.
Jake Browning? Still unhealthy. He tossed three picks and this offense seemed utterly caught till the very finish. Tee Higgins discovered the top zone however had simply 22 yards. Chase Brown led the group in catches with seven for 21 yards.
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You’re beginning Ja’Marr as a result of you must. He’s that type of expertise. But exterior of him, there’s nobody in Cincinnati you can begin proper now and really feel remotely good about it.
Instant response: Benching each Bengal not named Ja’Marr Chase transferring ahead.
The Los Angeles Chargers undergo a second straight loss
That’s two straight losses for the Chargers — and this one’s unhealthy. They fell to a Washington Commanders group that simply bought Jayden Daniels again from damage. Daniels didn’t look proper for a lot of the first half, taking part in with an enormous knee brace, however nonetheless managed 231 yards and a landing on simply 15 completions. No interceptions, just one sack. He did sufficient.
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Jacory Croskey-Merritt lastly had his breakout efficiency. Over 100 yards dashing, two touchdowns, and two catches for 39 yards. Deebo Samuel Sr. seemed like classic Deebo once more. Ninety-six yards and a landing on 11 targets. On the Chargers’ facet, Justin Herbert’s 22 completions got here with simply 5.7 yards per try. He was sacked 4 instances, led the group in dashing and the offensive line seemed banged up. Omarion Hampton bought banged up late and now has an ankle damage we have now to observe. Keenan Allen led the group in receiving. Ladd McConkey discovered the top zone however solely had 39 yards. Quentin Johnston fumbled and the explosive performs weren’t there.
Instant response: Not able to panic simply but, however there could be some actual issues brewing with the Chargers’ offensive line. If that entrance can’t maintain up, we’ve bought a critical subject in Los Angeles.