Travdogg's positional rankings from week 6 onward (1 Viewer)

[travdogg]

QB
Tier 1:
1. Josh Allen (1)
2. Lamar Jackson (4), schedule after week 7 is pristine, and defensive issues could cause some chase scripts. He might be a monster in the season's 2nd half.
3. Jayden Daniels (3)

Tier 2:
4. Patrick Mahomes (5)
5. Jalen Hurts (2), tush isn't getting pushed as much, and OL injuries give me some pause. Personally, I thought Eagles gameplan last week was an improvement, despite loss. Hopefully they don't turn back because of outcome.
6. Baker Mayfield (7)

Tier 3:
7. Caleb Williams (6), really impressed by the improvements in his 1st 4 weeks, but was getting ahead of my skis so to speak putting him above Baker.
8. Justin Fields (8)
9. Brock Purdy (9)
10. Justin Herbert (10)

Tier 4:
11. Drake Maye (11)
12. Jordan Love (12)
13. Jared Goff (14)
14. Bo Nix (15)
15. Jaxson Dart (NR), I can understand preferring someone like Dak or Stafford (who were the last cuts) but I have always loved me a rushing QB, I think it increases both the floor and the upside, and Dart has been running at a clip that can best be described as Fields-esq. Honestly, if Nabers hadn't gone down, I'd probably have Dart right next to Fields.

Dropped off: Daniel Jones (13), speaking of rushing, where did it go? He hasn't been used at all as a rusher the past 2 weeks, and if he's not getting that, he's closer to QB20 for me.

 

[travdogg]

RB
Tier 1:
1. Jonathan Taylor (2)
2. Bijan Robinson (3)
3. Christian McCaffrey (4)
4. James Cook (1), naturally after I'd been so slow to come around Cook, I finally give him the bump he deserved, and then the reasons I was slow to bump him up instantly come back. Hopefully he gets back to 20+ touches.
5. Jahmyr Gibbs (5)
6. De'Von Achane (6)

Tier 2:
7. Josh Jacobs (7)
8. Saquon Barkley (11), 6 carry game is obviously a fluke. Running iso routes for him might not be and would greatly help his value in a year where the OL isn't the dominant force its previously been.
9. Ashton Jeanty (9)
10. Derrick Henry (12)

Tier 3:
11. Javonte Williams (14)
12. Kyren Williams (13)
13. Bucky Irving (8), another victim of Tuesday timing. If I'm guessing, I think he's back week 8, though if he's like 90%, I could see rushing him for a huge week 7 game against Detroit. If not for the injury, he'd be on the tier 1/2 border.
14. Omarion Hampton (10), injury sucks, as he was really coming on. Sounds like he'll be good to go in a month and could be a league winner down the stretch. Without the injury, I'd have had him up by Jacobs, especially given his huge receiving uptick.

Tier 4:
15. Quinshon Judkins (15)
16. Kenneth Walker (16)
17. Jaylen Warren (19)
18. Chuba Hubbard (17)
19. Jordan Mason (20)
20. Cam Skattebo (23), impressive player in a bad offense, where the QB likely also takes some GL work. High floor.

Tier 5:
21. JK Dobbins (18), slight downgrade due to Badie being involved again. He's just completely uninvolved in pass game. Looking very good on the ground though.
22. Travis Etienne (21)
23. Breece Hall (25)
24. Chase Brown (22)

Tier 6:
25. D'Andre Swift (24)
26. TreVeyon Henderson (30), has shown next to nothing as a runner, but has looked good in the passing game, and now Gibson is gone.
27. David Montgomery (NR), doesn't catch passes, but has established himself as quality start against bad run Ds, and obvious sit against good ones. Contingent upside is higher than anyone else.
28. Jacory Croskey-Merritt (NR), I'm hesitant to go too high, as this could just be another Woody Marks from a week ago, but Bill's rate stats are WAY better, and so is the offense. Could be a fast climber.
29. Tony Pollard (28)
30. Alvin Kamara (26), gotta be hoping for a trade (KC?) at this point. Not only is Kendre Miller making some noise, but the sudden return of Taysom Hill also reared its head. Wasn't certain Hill would have his usual role with a new HC, but he sure looked like he will.

Dropped off: Trey Benson (27), doing these on Tuesdays strikes again. On IR, and frankly, not a guy I was ever a fan of. RJ Harvey (29), Tyler Badie is taking snaps again. Harvey is tough to count on if this is more than a 2-RB backfield.

 

[travdogg]

WR
Tier 1:
1. Puka Nacua (1)
2. Amon-Ra St. Brown (2)
3. Ja'Marr Chase (4), I think Flacco>>>Browning. I'm a little confused by the comments in the Bengal QB thread that Flacco will get killed behind this OL. I'd argue the Bengals OL no worse than the Browns OL, they just had QBs who held the ball too long, and yes that's a dig at Burrow too. It's a bad OL, but its not the worst in league like its looked. Flacco's ability to make quicker reads and get the ball out helps everyone, except maybe Higgins, who lives more on deep shots, but even then...? I applaud anyone who bought low when the getting was good.
4. Justin Jefferson (3)

Tier 2:
5. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (6)
6. Garrett Wilson (5)
7. Nico Collins (7)
8. Drake London (8)
9. CeeDee Lamb (11), likely back in week 7, and not 100% he's out week 6. Lamb has been running and making full speed cuts. He's also likely coming back to less defensive attention, after the numbers Pickens and Ferguson (and even Flournoy?) have been putting up. On the other hand, may no longer have 30%+ target share given the success of those guys.

Tier 3:
10. Emeka Egbuka (10)
11. Rome Odunze (9), at least 7 targets and a TD in every game so far. Been a little TD dependent, but don't wanna hold that against him much. He's a clear breakout player, who only moved down because I wanted to move Egbuka and especially Lamb up.
12. Rashee Rice (13)

Tier 4:
13. Davante Adams (14)
14. Tetairoa McMillan (16)
15. Brian Thomas (17)
16. AJ Brown (12), while the production hasn't been there, the signs it will be are. Eagles are passing more, and Brown just missed a 50-yard TD against the Broncos. 35 targets in last 4 games (not all catchable, but still) he's my 2nd favorite buy low after Henry.

Tier 5:
17. Deebo Samuel (19)
18. DK Metcalf (18)
19. Zay Flowers (20)
20. Marvin Harrison (15), I might have as much chemistry with Florence Pugh as Harrison has with Kyler Murray. Its been 22 games they still aren't on the same page at all. This isn't Harrison's fault in my opinion, its on Kyler, and its mostly on OC who should have been fired last offseason Drew Petzing. Still think a ton of Harrison's talent, but these 5-6 target games are maddening.
21. Ladd McConkey (21)

Tier 6:
22. George Pickens (23)
23. Quentin Johnston (22)
24. Courtland Sutton (30), arguably won that game for Denver with several clutch catches against Quinyon Mitchell. Colts egg looks like a bit of an outlier, but benefits from trailing scripts. How many will he see with league best defense?
25. Jaylen Waddle (25)
26. Chris Olave (27)
27. Terry McLaurin (28)

Tier 7:
28. Michael Pittman (31)
29. Mike Evans (26)
30. DeVonta Smith (37), despite better numbers, he's still clearly the #2 behind AJ Brown, Denver's defense told us that. That said, Eagles increased passing leads to increased upside.
31. DJ Moore (33)
32. Tee Higgins (29)

Tier 8:
33. Jordan Addison (34)
34. Ricky Pearsall (24), 4th in yards per game, but notable that big games only came when he was only real option. Jennings could be back this week, Kittle the next, and maybe Bourne is a thing until Aiyuk is back. I like him the most of the WRs, but only 1 ball, and it goes through CMC 1st, and arguably 2nd too.
35. Jakobi Meyers (35)
36. Xavier Worthy (36)
37. Travis Hunter (38)

Tier 9:
38. Wan'Dale Robinson 39)
39. Jameson Williams (32), he can blow up at any time, but it sure feels like he's the #4 pass game option more often that not. Other than 1 game, he's basically just running clear outs. Its not like the schedule has been the problem. He's a week from dropping off the list.
40. Chris Godwin (40)

 

[travdogg]

TE
Tier 1:
1. Trey McBride (1)
2. Tyler Warren (4), honestly gave some consideration to putting him at TE1. Could have had a much bigger game but Jones just missed him on a 2nd TD, and he had a 2pt conversion called back via very weak penalty. 79 yards or a TD in 4 of 5 games so far. He's gotten GL carries and even took a snap and threw a pass.
3. Brock Bowers (2)

Tier 2:
4. George Kittle (3), mildly concerning that he's not coming back after a month off. How bad was that hamstring injury? That combined with other players breaking out a bit, lowers him out of tier 1 for me.
5. Jake Ferguson (6)
6. Tucker Kraft (5)

Tier 3:
7. Dalton Kincaid (8)
8. Sam LaPorta (9)
9. Darren Waller (NR), Miami is ramping him up slowly. Played 36% week 4, and 68% week 5. If he gets up to 90% this could be a top-5 TE. Of course, Waller has a long history of pulling the rug out just when it looks the greatest. I'm cautiously optimistic. I will add, that I was one of the few who thought trading Jonnu and getting Waller were both good moves. Nice to be right when in the minority.
10. TJ Hockenson (7), I'm being stubborn with Hockenson. There are just so few guys we know have the talent to be at a certain level. Does have 15 catches over 3 weeks with Wentz, but I think its unlikely Wentz keeps the job. Hasn't topped 50 yards in a game yet.

Tier 4:
11. Dallas Goedert (10)
12. Hunter Henry (11)
13. Kyle Pitts (12)
14. Harold Fannin (NR), Njoku had the bigger game last week, but I like Fannin more with Gabriel. I think he'll be more of a move guy, and I also think there is a greater than 50-50 shot Njoku is traded. Fannin would get a huge bump (probably up to LaPorta) then.
15. Travis Kelce (NR), season high in every category against the Jags. Might have one more top-5 week against the Lions in him, before Rice comes back, and he settles in as a streamer caliber TE.

Dropped off: Juwan Johnson (13), usage has declined every week, and now Moreau and Hill are back. Mark Andrews (14), falls off the list without Lamar. Might return to it in week 8. Brenton Strange (15), was coming on before quad injury. By the time he comes back, Thomas and Hunter might be bogarting all the looks.

 

[Tau837]

Thanks, was waiting for this thread. Appreciate the effort, as always.

 

[elmanx]

You're gonna have to explain to me like I'm 5 years old how McConkey > Johnston.

I really hope you're right, though.

 

[gbill2004]

No love for Mason Taylor? And you think Chubba is the clear starter and lead back when he returns?

 

[Kwai Chang Caine]

Love these updates! Just one question: unless I missed it, Diggs isn’t a top 40 WR?

 

[Phil Simms 11]

Mason Taylor jets TE, this week may not be much due to matchup but I have him top 10 ROS

 

[tricky92]

Chase at 3 and no Diggs? Say what?

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Time to digest over a morning cup of coffee and a couple Js
Appreciate the effort as always

 

[Timmay]

JSN not being in tier 1 is a shame. At least Warren made tier 1 this week. Only a matter of time.

No Dak or Darnold!

 

[FantasyGuru24]

Patty Mahomes is Tier 1, Brotha ..

Egbuka should be higher than Garret Wilson .. Better talent on a much better offense ..

Also, no love for Theo Johnson?

 

[TheDirtyWord]

I feel like somehow, Dak has to be in your Top 15. Perhaps it speaks to the depth but rather generic production we're seeing from the QB position past the top tier, but he's better than a bottom half of the NFL/FF QB. Particularly if you have Purdy at #9.

I do think JCM is being unleashed and they're giving him more and more as the season wears on. This is Bucky Irving 2025. On the flip side, after the initial big game against deflated CIN in Week 3...Jordan Mason at #19 feels rich with Aaron Jones likely back Week 8.

I know you raised Waddle from #32 to #25 after Cheetah went down. But I also think last week showed that he'll be a pretty big factor. I'd be surprised if he stays here.

Believe it or not...I'd also be keeping an eye on Kyle Pitts. Not saying #13 isn't right at the moment. But your reasoning on TJH applies here as well and this is the first time I've seen Pitts engaged and acting alpha in a while.

 

[BlackCrowes]

Sutton still two tiers two low, but at least he's made it out of the 30s

 

[TVT 0 N S T A]

Dak is going to be a kingmaker at QB when Lamb returns - that offense is inexplicably rolling.

I assume Worthy is so low because of Rice's perceived target share... I am going to kick myself this week for not dropping him in a shallow bench for Vidal but I am hoping the Chargers gameplan has to be more short, quick passes with Ladd McConkey as the beneficiary.

 

[Stoneworker]

WR
24. Courtland Sutton (30), arguably won that game for Denver with several clutch catches against Quinyon Mitchell. Colts egg looks like a bit of an outlier, but benefits from trailing scripts. How many will he see with league best defense?

Trailing game scripts and having one of the league's best defenses are simply not valid reasons to downgrade Sutton from his current actual WR10 status to the projected WR24 ROS in these rankings.

Through the first four games, the Broncos trailed in the fourth quarter for a grand total of 0.0 seconds. Their two losses were walk-off field goals. PHI was the only game they trailed in Q4.

Bo Nix has steadily improved on a weekly basis and should perform at or better than last year.

And over the past two games DEN has averaged 40.5 pass attempts to 30 non-Nix rush attempts. So they are clearly not moving toward a "run-first" offense.

So it must be something else

 

[Crash Davis]

I find it hard to swallow that Judkins is below Hamption when OH is going to miss a quarter of the season unless you are factoring in a suspension that may or may not come.

 

[jobarules]

I find it hard to swallow that Judkins is below Hamption when OH is going to miss a quarter of the season unless you are factoring in a suspension that may or may not come.

Yeah if I offered OH to the Judkins owner right now hed laugh at me

 

[LionOfGosforth]

Think McBride needs to drop. Was super excited to draft him this year and a total disappointment so far, not a dud but Murray and Arizona suck. Never been an easier year to stream TEs. Appreciate the work on this, always a good read.

 

[travdogg]

You're gonna have to explain to me like I'm 5 years old how McConkey > Johnston.

I really hope you're right, though.

I think the OL issues lead to more getting rid of the ball quickly, which means more McConkey and maybe less Johnston. This is a team I expect to basically be as pass heavy as anyone in the NFL going forward, so I'm not abandoning Johnston by any means (and Allen was once again the last cut) but McConkey is my 2nd favorite WR buy-low. He's still the guy running the most routes. He's just been off to a slow start in my eyes.

 

[travdogg]

No love for Mason Taylor? And you think Chubba is the clear starter and lead back when he returns?

Dowdle had a great game, but no I don't think he's really a threat to Hubbard. I think that game was much more about the Dolphins defense than anything else. I kinda think Hubbard/Dowdle is similar to Irving/White, where the #2 is a very solid fill in, but not really a threat to the starter when they are healthy.

 

[travdogg]

Love these updates! Just one question: unless I missed it, Diggs isn’t a top 40 WR?

Right on the cusp. I want to see just a little more, to show he wasn't just amped playing at Buffalo. I know he was solid against Carolina too, but Diggs looked better than he has in like 3 years on Sunday Night.

 

[travdogg]

Mason Taylor jets TE, this week may not be much due to matchup but I have him top 10 ROS

He was in the 20-15 cutdown. Jets certainly have a passing game built around garbage time. I'm not fully confident it can support someone besides Wilson, but if it can, its Taylor. Will the garbage time be as easy against defenses that aren't Miami and Dallas?

 

[travdogg]

Chase at 3 and no Diggs? Say what?

I don't see what's weird about Chase at #3. He is in maybe the league's most pass heavy offense, that plays no defense, and in my opinion just got a QB upgrade. Very nice schedule too. This early season was the harder part.

 

[travdogg]

JSN not being in tier 1 is a shame. At least Warren made tier 1 this week. Only a matter of time.

No Dak or Darnold!

Dak was the last QB cutdown. Darnold wasn't even in the conversation. Darnold does enough for JSN, but he himself is whatever. Similar to Stroud/Nico.

 

[travdogg]

Patty Mahomes is Tier 1, Brotha ..

Egbuka should be higher than Garret Wilson .. Better talent on a much better offense ..

Also, no love for Theo Johnson?

No love for Theo Johnson. I think he's a fugazi. He and AJ Barner.

Mahomes very well may be when Rice is back.

Love Egbuka, and agree he's on a much better offense, but also an offense where Godwin's role will get bigger, and Mike Evans will be back soon. I think Egbuka absolutely keeps the #1 role, but I have a hard time moving him higher than this, until we see him do it with Evans. Not the TD heavy stuff from week 1-2, but the downfield stuff we've seen since. I'm rooting for it, I've got all kinds of Egbuka shares.

 

[Jewell]

JSN not being in tier 1 is a shame. At least Warren made tier 1 this week. Only a matter of time.

No Dak or Darnold!

Dak was the last QB cutdown. Darnold wasn't even in the conversation. Darnold does enough for JSN, but he himself is whatever. Similar to Stroud/Nico.

Among all NFL QBs, Sam Darnold is 3rd in passing yards since the beginning of the 2024 season, and he’s 5th in passing TDs. The fact that Darnold’s success has come with two different teams makes it even more impressive.

To many people Darnold may still have some stink from his time in New York, but it’s time to give Sam his due. He’s played phenomenal during his reincarnation.

 

[travdogg]

I feel like somehow, Dak has to be in your Top 15. Perhaps it speaks to the depth but rather generic production we're seeing from the QB position past the top tier, but he's better than a bottom half of the NFL/FF QB. Particularly if you have Purdy at #9.

I do think JCM is being unleashed and they're giving him more and more as the season wears on. This is Bucky Irving 2025. On the flip side, after the initial big game against deflated CIN in Week 3...Jordan Mason at #19 feels rich with Aaron Jones likely back Week 8.

I know you raised Waddle from #32 to #25 after Cheetah went down. But I also think last week showed that he'll be a pretty big factor. I'd be surprised if he stays here.

Believe it or not...I'd also be keeping an eye on Kyle Pitts. Not saying #13 isn't right at the moment. But your reasoning on TJH applies here as well and this is the first time I've seen Pitts engaged and acting alpha in a while.

Dak will probably be there when Lamb is back. He's been the last cutdown of late. Purdy is kinda my guy. Love Shanahan's offense, and they have an amazing schedule and Purdy/Jones have combined to be QB12 despite being down all their top pass catchers at various points. 49ers offense has some sleeping giant to me, where what we've seen so far is the floor.

I 100% agree that JCM could be that. His rate stats are top-5 in the NFL. Its entirely 2 questions: will they give him a much bigger workload, and will those rate stats stay close to this if they do? I'm at maybe with both questions. Maybe I'll be wrong about it, but I expect Aaron Jones to come back as more of a 3rd down RB when he comes back. I think that starting job and 50-50 split are gone. I think Mason has been better than his numbers say, given that he's been playing with basically a backup OL.

Waddle absolutely has top-20 ability. Always been a huge fan of his. I think him and Waller are gonna be interesting, because Achane will always get his, so how much room is there in this offense for both of them to be major weapons? Its not like Hill was a top-15 WR when he went down.

Fully agree on Pitts. He looks as good as he has in a long time. My questions are Penix, and can he usurp Mooney as the #2?

 

[travdogg]

Dak is going to be a kingmaker at QB when Lamb returns - that offense is inexplicably rolling.

I assume Worthy is so low because of Rice's perceived target share... I am going to kick myself this week for not dropping him in a shallow bench for Vidal but I am hoping the Chargers gameplan has to be more short, quick passes with Ladd McConkey as the beneficiary.

Pretty much on Worthy. I think Rice is the clear cut #1 the second he's back on the field. Worthy won't disappear, but I think he'll be boom/bust WR3.

I don't think you'll regret not getting Vidal. I think its gonna be a RBBC between him and Haskins, and maybe Hines too. Probably just a backfield to ignore until Hampton is back.

 

[tricky92]

Chase at 3 and no Diggs? Say what?

I don't see what's weird about Chase at #3. He is in maybe the league's most pass heavy offense, that plays no defense, and in my opinion just got a QB upgrade. Very nice schedule too. This early season was the harder part.

Completely bottomed out in week 1 with Joe Burrow and now has a statue taking over the offense. That line is a mess and there won't be time for many downfield shots. Chase was staring at another basement game until Detroit stopped playing defense. He's going to be closer to a Jameson Williams type than sitting near the top of the WR heap. In my opinion.

 

[stillfeelme]

I find it hard to swallow that Judkins is below Hamption when OH is going to miss a quarter of the season unless you are factoring in a suspension that may or may not come.

I always look at these as his Points per game rankings for the games for the ROS when the person is healthy. So whether someone is hurt or suspended shouldn't matter unless you think they lose their their production/volume/share when they come back. So that is why he has someone like Rashee Rice is still ranked as 12 despite missing the first 6 weeks. This isn't total point ROS otherwise that wouldn't make sense.

 

[travdogg]

I find it hard to swallow that Judkins is below Hamption when OH is going to miss a quarter of the season unless you are factoring in a suspension that may or may not come.

A suspension is still possible for Judkins, but I'm not factoring it in much. For me, Hampton offers a ton more upside down the stretch. Its kind of a weighing it thing to me, if you are 5-0 or 4-1, I'd prefer Hampton. If you are 0-5 or 1-4, obviously you can't sit prefer Hampton.

ETA: Its a bit of a delicate dance with injured/suspended guys, where especially after the 1st couple weeks, values change a lot based on how badly you need to win now.

 

[jobarules]

I find it hard to swallow that Judkins is below Hamption when OH is going to miss a quarter of the season unless you are factoring in a suspension that may or may not come.

I always look at these as his Points per game rankings for the games for the ROS when the person is healthy. So whether someone is hurt or suspended shouldn't matter unless you think they lose their their production/volume/share when they come back. So that is why he has someone like Rashee Rice is still ranked as 12 dispite missing the first 6 weeks. This isn't total point ROS otherwise that wouldn't make sense.

Thats not how most look at rest of season rankings. Injury should be part of it. The reason rice is 12 is hes coming back next week. Im sure he wasn't ranked 12 a few weeks ago.

 

[travdogg]

Think McBride needs to drop. Was super excited to draft him this year and a total disappointment so far, not a dud but Murray and Arizona suck. Never been an easier year to stream TEs. Appreciate the work on this, always a good read.

He's been disappointing for sure. He's 2nd at the position in targets and catches (and Ferguson being #1 has a lot to do with no Lamb) but yeah, he's not doing a ton with them. Cards in theory should be getting more pass heavy, given their RB issues, but yeah, he's #1 for me more based on track record and targets than anything else. Warren might be coming for that spot really soon.

 

[LionOfGosforth]

@travdogg do you foresee Chuba taking his same role back this week (or next) and Dowdle going back to minor duty? Been offered Chuba for my Charbonnet (I have KW3 and Dowdle) which would give me the whole Panthers backfield but if they're likely going to split, then it probably doesn't help me much.

 

[travdogg]

I find it hard to swallow that Judkins is below Hamption when OH is going to miss a quarter of the season unless you are factoring in a suspension that may or may not come.

I always look at these as his Points per game rankings for the games for the ROS when the person is healthy. So whether someone is hurt or suspended shouldn't matter unless you think they lose their their production/volume/share when they come back. So that is why he has someone like Rashee Rice is still ranked as 12 dispite missing the first 6 weeks. This isn't total point ROS otherwise that wouldn't make sense.

Thats not how most look at rest of season rankings. Injury should be part of it. The reason rice is 12 is hes coming back next week. Im sure he wasn't ranked 12 a few weeks ago.

Its not entirely PPG or total points scored, more of a PPG with reasonable replacement factored in. Like I'm not counting Hampton as a zero the next 4 games, I'm counting him as a
reasonable replacement level guy during that stretch then himself afterward. So, I'll always have injured/suspended guys a little higher than those who are just looking at it as total points going forward, but I'm also not ranking them as if those missed games don't matter at all. Its a delicate dance.

 

[travdogg]

JSN not being in tier 1 is a shame. At least Warren made tier 1 this week. Only a matter of time.

No Dak or Darnold!

Dak was the last QB cutdown. Darnold wasn't even in the conversation. Darnold does enough for JSN, but he himself is whatever. Similar to Stroud/Nico.

Among all NFL QBs, Sam Darnold is 3rd in passing yards since the beginning of the 2024 season, and he’s 5th in passing TDs. The fact that Darnold’s success has come with two different teams makes it even more impressive.

To many people Darnold may still have some stink from his time in New York, but it’s time to give Sam his due. He’s played phenomenal during his reincarnation.

Darnold is a solid NFL QB. He also doesn't run and had 5 TDs in 4 games (and was averaging 226 yards) before last week's explosion. This is a run 1st offense.

 

[travdogg]

Chase at 3 and no Diggs? Say what?

I don't see what's weird about Chase at #3. He is in maybe the league's most pass heavy offense, that plays no defense, and in my opinion just got a QB upgrade. Very nice schedule too. This early season was the harder part.

Completely bottomed out in week 1 with Joe Burrow and now has a statue taking over the offense. That line is a mess and there won't be time for many downfield shots. Chase was staring at another basement game until Detroit stopped playing defense. He's going to be closer to a Jameson Williams type than sitting near the top of the WR heap. In my opinion.

I think I could be the Bengals QB, and Chase would still be well above Jameson Williams. Chase doesn't require downfield shots, he's arguably just as dangerous in the RAC game. Chase has 30 catches in his last 4 games, he's got a catch floor, that Williams just doesn't have, in addition to obviously just being infinitely more talented.

Williams to me, might honestly be more close to a guy like Shaheed. I have wondered somewhat if Williams breakout last season, was more tied to LaPorta not being fully healthy for much of last season. Williams is NEVER going to be the #1 option for the Lions. Chase is the #1 guy in Cincy almost every week.

Chase has been more boom/bust so far, but I think Flacco is a clear upgrade at QB. Don't care that he's a statue, he can read defenses, not sure Browning can. Its funny to me how people acted like Flacco was this underrated QB all offseason, and then now he sucks and is done. To me he's been what I expected all along, and now he's going to a much better situation.

 

[travdogg]

@travdogg do you foresee Chuba taking his same role back this week (or next) and Dowdle going back to minor duty? Been offered Chuba for my Charbonnet (I have KW3 and Dowdle) which would give me the whole Panthers backfield but if they're likely going to split, then it probably doesn't help me much.

I don't know that Hubbard is back this week. I'd hate to break up the Seattle combo, but in a vacuum, I do easily prefer Hubbard to Charbonnet. I would wonder why the other owner wants Charbonnet if you have Walker. To me that sounds like maybe they just wanna sell Hubbard and figured to offer to the Dowdle owner. I'd see if maybe they'd take someone else for Hubbard.

 

[LawFitz]

I offered Deebo for AJ Brown last week and was promptly rejected. I am kinda glad that happened, as Deebo went on to win me the week last weekend.

Not sure where Deebo and Egbuka should slot into a ROS projection, but both have been kicking *** with class over the first five weeks. Hoping their momentum sticks!

 

[Tau837]

JSN not being in tier 1 is a shame. At least Warren made tier 1 this week. Only a matter of time.

No Dak or Darnold!

Dak was the last QB cutdown. Darnold wasn't even in the conversation. Darnold does enough for JSN, but he himself is whatever. Similar to Stroud/Nico.

Among all NFL QBs, Sam Darnold is 3rd in passing yards since the beginning of the 2024 season, and he’s 5th in passing TDs. The fact that Darnold’s success has come with two different teams makes it even more impressive.

To many people Darnold may still have some stink from his time in New York, but it’s time to give Sam his due. He’s played phenomenal during his reincarnation.

I just checked one of my leagues with fairly standard scoring. He is QB13 in total points but QB21 in ppg. I wouldn't have him top 15.

Heck, there are 2 teams that each have 2 QBs who have outplayed Darnold from a fantasy perspective this season: SF (Purdy and Mac) and Washington (Daniels and Mariota).

 

[Tau837]

I don't think you'll regret not getting Vidal. I think its gonna be a RBBC between him and Haskins, and maybe Hines too. Probably just a backfield to ignore until Hampton is back.

As a Chargers fan, I agree with this.

 

[the moops]

Think McBride needs to drop. Was super excited to draft him this year and a total disappointment so far, not a dud but Murray and Arizona suck. Never been an easier year to stream TEs. Appreciate the work on this, always a good read.

Drop him down where though? Would you trade him straight up for any other TE? I have Warren and would gladly swap him for McBride

 

[LionOfGosforth]

Think McBride needs to drop. Was super excited to draft him this year and a total disappointment so far, not a dud but Murray and Arizona suck. Never been an easier year to stream TEs. Appreciate the work on this, always a good read.

Drop him down where though? Would you trade him straight up for any other TE? I have Warren and would gladly swap him for McBride

Good question, I just don't think he's 1 or even top 3. To answer your question, it's a debate at least, Mcbride only has 1 td and one double digit game this year in non-ppr.

 

[stillfeelme]

I find it hard to swallow that Judkins is below Hamption when OH is going to miss a quarter of the season unless you are factoring in a suspension that may or may not come.

I always look at these as his Points per game rankings for the games for the ROS when the person is healthy. So whether someone is hurt or suspended shouldn't matter unless you think they lose their their production/volume/share when they come back. So that is why he has someone like Rashee Rice is still ranked as 12 dispite missing the first 6 weeks. This isn't total point ROS otherwise that wouldn't make sense.

Thats not how most look at rest of season rankings. Injury should be part of it. The reason rice is 12 is hes coming back next week. Im sure he wasn't ranked 12 a few weeks ago.

Its not entirely PPG or total points scored, more of a PPG with reasonable replacement factored in. Like I'm not counting Hampton as a zero the next 4 games, I'm counting him as a
reasonable replacement level guy during that stretch then himself afterward. So, I'll always have injured/suspended guys a little higher than those who are just looking at it as total points going forward, but I'm also not ranking them as if those missed games don't matter at all. Its a delicate dance.

In that case I will probably not give any pushback because without knowing that detail it's really hard to critize your ranking.

 

[tricky92]

Chase at 3 and no Diggs? Say what?

I don't see what's weird about Chase at #3. He is in maybe the league's most pass heavy offense, that plays no defense, and in my opinion just got a QB upgrade. Very nice schedule too. This early season was the harder part.

Completely bottomed out in week 1 with Joe Burrow and now has a statue taking over the offense. That line is a mess and there won't be time for many downfield shots. Chase was staring at another basement game until Detroit stopped playing defense. He's going to be closer to a Jameson Williams type than sitting near the top of the WR heap. In my opinion.

I think I could the Bengals QB, and Chase would still be well above Jameson Williams. Chase doesn't require downfield shots, he's arguably just as dangerous in the RAC game. Chase has 30 catches in his last 4 games, he's got a catch floor, that Williams just doesn't have, in addition to obviously just being infinitely more talented.

Williams to me, might honestly be more close to a guy like Shaheed. I have wondered somewhat if Williams breakout last season, was more tied to LaPorta not being fully healthy for much of last season. Williams is NEVER going to be the #1 option for the Lions. Chase is the #1 guy in Cincy almost every week.

Chase has been more boom/bust so far, but I think Flacco is a clear upgrade at QB. Don't care that he's a statue, he can read defenses, not sure Browning can. Its funny to me how people acted like Flacco was this underrated QB all offseason, and then now he sucks and is done. To me he's been what I expected all along, and now he's going to a much better situation.

Appreciate the conversation!

 

[Payne]

JSN not being in tier 1 is a shame. At least Warren made tier 1 this week. Only a matter of time.

No Dak or Darnold!

Dak was the last QB cutdown. Darnold wasn't even in the conversation. Darnold does enough for JSN, but he himself is whatever. Similar to Stroud/Nico.

Among all NFL QBs, Sam Darnold is 3rd in passing yards since the beginning of the 2024 season, and he’s 5th in passing TDs. The fact that Darnold’s success has come with two different teams makes it even more impressive.

To many people Darnold may still have some stink from his time in New York, but it’s time to give Sam his due. He’s played phenomenal during his reincarnation.

Darnold is a solid NFL QB. He also doesn't run and had 5 TDs in 4 games (and was averaging 226 yards) before last week's explosion. This is a run 1st offense.

If you're going to remove last week's 341-yard 4 touchdown game, then remove his week 1 performance. Can't cherry pick games.

Remove week one and he's averaging 274 yards with 2.25 TD's per game.

 

[bolzano]

JSN not being in tier 1 is a shame. At least Warren made tier 1 this week. Only a matter of time.

No Dak or Darnold!

Dak was the last QB cutdown. Darnold wasn't even in the conversation. Darnold does enough for JSN, but he himself is whatever. Similar to Stroud/Nico.

Among all NFL QBs, Sam Darnold is 3rd in passing yards since the beginning of the 2024 season, and he’s 5th in passing TDs. The fact that Darnold’s success has come with two different teams makes it even more impressive.

To many people Darnold may still have some stink from his time in New York, but it’s time to give Sam his due. He’s played phenomenal during his reincarnation.

I just checked one of my leagues with fairly standard scoring. He is QB13 in total points but QB21 in ppg. I wouldn't have him top 15.

Heck, there are 2 teams that each have 2 QBs who have outplayed Darnold from a fantasy perspective this season: SF (Purdy and Mac) and Washington (Daniels and Mariota).

I’ve been rolling with the SF QB stack in a league where I drafted Burrow and I’ve been quite happy.

 

[travdogg]

JSN not being in tier 1 is a shame. At least Warren made tier 1 this week. Only a matter of time.

No Dak or Darnold!

Dak was the last QB cutdown. Darnold wasn't even in the conversation. Darnold does enough for JSN, but he himself is whatever. Similar to Stroud/Nico.

Among all NFL QBs, Sam Darnold is 3rd in passing yards since the beginning of the 2024 season, and he’s 5th in passing TDs. The fact that Darnold’s success has come with two different teams makes it even more impressive.

To many people Darnold may still have some stink from his time in New York, but it’s time to give Sam his due. He’s played phenomenal during his reincarnation.

Darnold is a solid NFL QB. He also doesn't run and had 5 TDs in 4 games (and was averaging 226 yards) before last week's explosion. This is a run 1st offense.

If you're going to remove last week's 341-yard 4 touchdown game, then remove his week 1 performance. Can't cherry pick games.

Remove week one and he's averaging 274 yards with 2.25 TD's per game.

I don't see those as equal things. I think the week 1 game is more what Seattle is/wants to be than week 5. Seattle wants to be a run 1st, win with defense team. The defense (secondary really) was just missing too many guys last week, and Seattle got drawn into a shootout because of it. None of those guys are on IR or anything, so I think week 5 is a lot more of a one off than week 1 was.