Stars of Week 5
QB: Tony Romo: 25-36, 506 yards, 5 TDs, 1 INT
RB: Ray Rice: 27 carries, 74 yards, 2 TDs
WR: Alshon Jeffery: 10 catches, 218 yards, 1 TD
TE: Julius Thomas 9 catches, 122 yards, 2 TDs
So the first two names have been fantasy staples for the past several years, while the last two are newer, but certainly ascending players. Jeffery was looked at more closely in this column last week, while Julius Thomas was reviewed after week 1. Nothing more to add – these guys are good.
Week 5 Takeaways – A Closer Look
Each week we take a closer look at a handful of performances and sort out what such performances mean going forward.
- Russell Wilson: 15-31, 210 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT (13 carries, 102 yards, 0 TDs)
Analysis: Luck vs Wilson this past Sunday pitted the two most productive QBs from the 2012 class thus far, and both QBs brought their A-game. While Luck won the real life battle, Wilson won where we’re most concerned with here – the fantasy side. For the season, Wilson’s owners have dealt with some frustration in connection with his uneven weekly performances. Unfortunately, uneven performances will be an issue throughout the season. This is not a function of Wilson’s ability, however. Rather, because the Seahawks have a top notch ground game, they can score via ground or air, and Wilson’s performance will ebb and flow with what the Seahawks need that game. Against the Colts, the read-option was open for Wilson to exploit, and the Hawks were matched up against a tough foe, so Wilson had a very high usage rate this week. Wilson remains a back end QB1, so start him with confidence. However, be prepared for ebbs and flows in the weekly point totals – consistency (from a fantasy points perspective) will not be a hallmark of Wilson’s weekly performances.
- Andrew Luck: 16-29, 229 yards, 2 TDs
Analysis: Having taken an extensive look at Wilson, Luck’s performance deserves a closer review as well. While Luck’s stats against the Seahawks don’t jump off the page, if you watched the game, you know that his performance certainly did. The Seahawks have the NFL’s best secondary, to go along with a strong pass rush, and Luck picked the secondary apart in the second half of the game. The takeaway here for fantasy purposes - Luck now belongs in the top 6-8 QB range. He’s consistent, and he will feast on most defenses.
- Cam Newton: 21-39, 308 yards, 0 TDs, 3 INTs
Analysis: While Luck and Wilson have excelled, Newton’s pro career has been more enigmatic. Newton has a similarly slow start to the season last year, only to catch fire later in the year. Will he do that again this year? Unfortunately, the answer is who knows? But therein lies the rub – keep starting him, and he could continue to disappoint. Sit him, and watch him go off for a 30 point day. So what to do if you have Newton? It’s fine to field offers, and if you receive a strong offer, pull the trigger. But don’t sell low. Otherwise, you should ride him out, with the caveat that sitting him in tougher matchups is fine if you have a solid alternative on your roster.
- Zac Stacy: 14 carries, 78 yards, 0 TDs
Analysis: The Rams’ RB carousel stopped on Zac Stacy this past weekend, and Stacy had a solid performance. Of course, he was facing the Jaguars, which are the worst in the league in many categories, including rushing defense. So how should you value Stacy? He’s worth a flyer if he’s available in your league and you’re in need of an RB, but don’t expect Stacy to solve any significant RB woes. Let’s see how he fares when he faces an NFL caliber defense for the first time (insert rim-shot). Stacy looks much more like a flex than an RB2, but let’s see.
- Knowshon Moreno: 19 carries, 93 yards, 1 TD (5 catches, 57 yards, 0 TDs)
Analysis: A few weeks back we told you that Moreno would be useful, but not to expect too much (i.e. he’d be a flex guy). Well, apparently Moreno had designs on something more than that, so we’re discussing him again. Peyton likes him, so we need to bump him up to RB2 status until further notice. Moreno looks to have staying power in this offense, so while his skills are rather ordinary, he should continue to produce.
- Terrance Williams: 4 catches, 151 yards, 1 TD
Analysis: The Broncos-Cowboys shootout produced several storylines, including the emergence of Terrance Williams as a weapon in the Cowboys’ passing attack. With Dez Bryant continuing to attract double coverage, Williams has an opportunity to make some serious noise. If you need a WR, grab Williams if he’s available. While Romo only targeted Williams four times (in each case a completed pass ensuing), look for that number to increase going forward. Williams looks to be a WR3/flex play.
- TY Hilton: 5 catches, 140 yards, 2 TDs
Analysis: Sticking with young WRs, second-year pass catcher TY Hilton had a flag planting game this past weekend against the Seahawks. With Luck making the move towards elite QB status, look for Hilton to continue to step up as well. Hilton provides a viable deep threat for Luck, and the connection between QB and WR are improving. Look for Hilton to continue to improve, with low end WR2 status as the ceiling for this season.
Buy Low
Josh Gordon: 18 catches, 303 yards, 2 TDs
Gordon’s name has surfaced in trade rumors recently, and the possibility of a trade cannot be dismissed. Regardless of what uniform Gordon wears, there’s no disputing that he has lights out talent. Gordon has played well since his season started in Week 3, but he still hasn’t garnered appreciation in the fantasy community which matches his value. If you need a WR, kick the tires on what it would cost to acquire Gordon.
Tom Brady: 1,211 yards passing, 7 TDs, 3 INTs
Brady has not posted the numbers that we’re used to seeing thus far. The reason for the suppressed numbers is straightforward – he has not had much to work with thus far due to injuries, defection, etc. Well, Danny Amendola is back, and Rob Gronkowski’s return is very close. So, Brady’s numbers will improve, and if you’re looking for a QB, see what Brady’s owner would look for in a trade.
Week 6 Rankings
Quarterbacks
1. Peyton Manning, Broncos (JAC)
2. Tony Romo, Cowboys (WAS)
3. Drew Brees, Saints (at NE)
4. Aaron Rodgers, Pacers (at BAL)
5. Andrew Luck, Colts (at SD)
6. Cam Newton, Panthers (at MIN)
7. Tom Brady, Patriots (NO)
8. Robert Griffin III, Redskins (at DAL)
9. Jay Cutler, Bears (NYG)
10. Philip Rivers, Chargers (IND)
11. Matthew Stafford, Lions (at CLE)
12. Colin Kaepernick, 49ers (ARI)
13. Terrelle Pryor, Raiders (at KC)
14. Alex Smith, Chiefs (OAK)
15. Russell Wilson, Seahawks, (TEN)
16. Nick Foles, Eagles (at TB)
17. Geno Smith, Jets (PIT)
18. Ben Roethlisberger, Steelers (at NYJ)
19. Eli Manning, Giants (at CHI)
20. Andy Dalton, Bengals (at BUF)
Running Backs
1. Jamaal Charles, Chiefs (OAK)
2. Adrian Peterson, Vikings (CAR)
3. Arian Foster, Texans (STL)
4. Matt Forte, Bears (NYG)
5. LeSean McCoy, Eagles (at TB)
6. Marshawn Lynch, Seahawks (TEN)
7. Doug Martin, Buccaneers (PHI)
8. Reggie Bush, Lions (at CLE)
9. DeMarco Murray, Cowboys (WAS)
10. Ray Rice, Ravens (GB)
11. Frank Gore, 49ers (ARI)
12. Alfred Morris, Redskins (at DAL)
13. Giovani Bernard, Bengals (at BUF)
14. Eddie Lacy, Packers (at BAL)
15. Le'Veon Bell, Steelers (at NYJ)
16. Trent Richardson, Colts (at SD)
17. Knowshon Moreno, Broncos (JAC)
18. Darren Sproles, Saints (at NE)
19. Fred Jackson, Bulls (CIN)
20. Bilal Powell, Jets (PIT)
21. C.J. Spiller, Bills (CIN)
22. BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Bengals (at BUF)
23. Zac Stacy, Rams (at HOU
24. DeAngelo Williams, Panthers (at MIN)
25. Steven Ridley, Patriots (NO)
26. Danny Woodhead, Chargers (IND)
27. Pierre Thomas, Saints (at NE)
28. Andre Ellington, Cardinals (at SF)
29. Ronnie Hillman, Broncos (JAC)
30. Willis McGahee, Browns (DET)
Wide Receivers
1. Dez Bryant, Cowboys (WAS)
2. Demaryius Thomas, Broncos (JAC)
3. A.J. Green, Bengals (at BUF)
4. Calvin Johnson, Lions (at CLE)
5. Pierre Garcon, Redskins (at DAL)
6. Brandon Marshall, Bears (NYG)
7. Victor Cruz, Giants (at CHI)
8. Jordy Nelson, Packers (at BAL)
9. Wes Welker, Broncos (JAC)
10. Justin Blackmon, Jaguars (at DEN)
11. Josh Gordon, Browns (DET)
12. Randall Cobb, Packers (at BAL)
13. Alshon Jeffery, Bears (NYG)
14. Andre Johnson, Texans (STL)
15. Reggie Wayne, Colts (at SD)
16. Torrey Smith, Ravens (GB)
17. T.Y. Hilton, Colts (at DEN)
18. Vincent Jackson, Buccaneers (PHI)
19. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals (at SF)
20. Antonio Brown, Steelers (at NYJ)
21. Dwayne Bowe, Chiefs (OAK)
22. DeSean Jackson, Eagles (at TB)
23. Cecil Shorts, Jaguars (at DEN)
24. Eric Decker, Broncos (JAC)
25. James Jones, Packers (at BAL)
26. Hakeem Nicks, Giants (at CHI)
27. Denarius Moore, Raiders (at KC)
28. Kenbrell Thompkins, Patriots (NO)
29. Golden Tate, Seahawks (TEN)
30. Steve Smith, Panthers (at MIN)
Tight Ends
1. Jimmy Graham, Saints (at NE)
2. Julius Thomas, Broncos (JAC)
3. Vernon Davis, 49ers (ARI)
4. Rob Gronkowski, Patriots (NO)
5. Jordan Cameron, Browns (DET)
6. Jason Witten, Cowboys (WAS)
7. Antonio Gates, Chargers (IND)
8. Greg Olsen, Panthers (at MIN)
9. Martellus Bennett, Bears (NYG)
10. Jermichael Finley, Packers (at BAL)
11. Garrett Graham, Texans (STL)
12. Coby Fleener, Colts (at SD)
13. Jared Cook, Rams (at HOU)
14. Brandon Pettigrew, Lions (at CLE)
15. Heath Miller, Steelers (at NYJ)
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- Neema Hodjat is the fantasy sports writer for RealGM. He can be reached via email at nhodjat@gmail.com and followed on Twitter at @NeemaHodjat.