Every Monday of the NFL regular season, we will showcase exceptional player performances from the weekend and analyze their potential for sustained success in fantasy football. We will rank these performances from ? to ????? based on whether we believe they are momentary or long-term options for your fantasy teams.
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Fantasy Football Heat Index
Quarterback
Stats: 28/37, 329 passing yards, 1 TD, 0 INT, 4 rushes, 10 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD
Position Rank (pre-MNF): QB5 (26.16 points)
Analysis: In Atlanta’s 21-19 victory over the Houston Texans, quarterback Desmond Ridder finished with 329 passing yards, scored two total touchdowns, and had his best fantasy output of the season. Considering Ridder’s previous season-high was 237 yards back in Week Two, I’m chalking this one up as a freak occurrence.
After combining for an average of 117.25 rushing yards in the first four weeks of the season, running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier were held to 86 combined rushing yards in Week Five. Houston’s success against the run forced Ridder into more throwing opportunities. It worked out this week, but one above-average game isn’t enough to trust Ridder going forward.
Heat Index: ?
Running Back
Stats: 7 attempts, 34 rushing yards, 1 TD, 4 receptions, 35 receiving yards, 5 targets
Position Rank (pre-MNF): RB8 (14.9 points)
Analysis: Titans backup running back Tyjae Spears is likely already rostered in most leagues, but he’s a must-add where available. Despite Derrick Henry‘s presence, Spears has been featured in a complementary role all season.
In Tennessee’s 23-16 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Spears racked up 69 total yards and scored his first career touchdown. His value will remain hampered as long as Derrick Henry is healthy, but Spears has RB1 upside if ever thrust into the starting role. Players with that high of a ceiling should be rostered everywhere.
Heat Index: ???
Stats: 10 attempts, 45 rushing yards, 1 TD, 1 reception, 12 receiving yards, 3 targets
Position Rank (pre-MNF): RB14 (12.2 points)
Analysis: With starting running back James Conner knocked out with a knee injury and RB2 Keaontay Ingram inactive, Cardinals third-stringer Emari Demercado took over RB1 duties on Sunday. Demercado handled ten carries and was targeted three times in Arizona’s 34-20 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. He was a full-time player in Conner’s absence.
The seriousness of Conner’s injury is unknown at the time of writing, but Demercado could be an intriguing waiver wire option this week. Until there is clarity on the availability of Conner or Ingram, Demercado looks like the clubhouse leader in the running back room.
Heat Index: ???
Wide Receiver
Stats: 3 receptions, 42 receiving yards, 1 TD, 6 targets
Position Rank (pre-MNF): WR19 (11.7 points)
Analysis: After missing Week 1 due to injury, it’s been a roller coaster ride for DJ Chark this season. In his four active weeks, he’s scored 2.0, 16.6, 3.8, and 11.7 fantasy points. That’s enough variance to make any fantasy manager mad.
Players like Chark can be frustrating to roster – since it’s impossible to predict when the spike weeks will come – but he’s a decent depth option in deeper leagues. Adam Thielen is the clear alpha in Carolina’s offense, however Chark led the team in snaps (70) and routes run (43), and was third in targets (6) in Carolina’s 42-24 loss to Detroit.
Heat Index: ??
Tight End
Stats: 9 receptions, 77 receiving yards, 1 TD, 11 targets
Position Rank (pre-MNF): TE5 (16.2 points)
Analysis: Washington tight end Logan Thomas has dealt with a multitude of injuries over his seven-year NFL career, making his emergence as a fantasy-relevant tight end one of the coolest stories of the early season. Even if Thursday night’s performance was an anomaly, it’s an anomaly that we can all get behind.
On Thursday Night Football, Thomas led the Commanders in receptions (9), receiving yards (77), and targets (11). He’s the current TE5 on the week. That type of target share won’t last all season, but we all know it doesn’t take much to be fantasy-relevant at the tight end position.
Heat Index: ??
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