As we enter Week 5 of the fantasy football season, offenses across the league are starting to develop their identities. Player usage and scheme tendencies are becoming clearer, giving us a better understanding of where quarterbacks are distributing the ball and how wide receivers are being deployed.
One surprising development is the emergence of Baker Mayfield as a top fantasy quarterback. Through four games, Mayfield has averaged 21.5 fantasy points per game, throwing with confidence and location. He has two top-level targets in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, and his ability to use his legs situationally has resulted in two touchdown runs this season.
On the other hand, Patrick Mahomes has struggled to meet expectations, averaging just 14.4 fantasy points per game. While he has made critical plays to lead his team to a 4-0 start, his fantasy numbers are lacking. He has thrown for over 250 yards just once this season, and his eight attempts of 20-plus air yards are a concern. With Rashee Rice potentially out for an extended period, it’s unclear which Chiefs wide receiver can work the dirty areas of the field.
Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ rushing attack are another story altogether. Jackson has thrown just 33 passes in the past two games, but he has been ultra-efficient, completing 75.8% of his passes. He leads all quarterbacks with 308 yards rushing and has logged 15 carries on designed rushes over the past two games, scoring a touchdown in both. The Ravens’ offense is rolling, and Jackson is producing 22.8 fantasy points per game.
Mark Andrews’ value, on the other hand, has rapidly declined. After running 52 total routes in Weeks 1 and 2, Andrews’ usage fell off a cliff in the past two games, running just nine routes and logging two targets without a catch. While game plans will change as the season progresses, Andrews is currently being used as a blocker, not the role fantasy managers anticipated when they drafted him.
Aaron Jones has been a bright spot, quietly posting top-10 numbers at the running back position. He has averaged 18.1 fantasy points per game, making him the RB7 heading into Week 5. Jones has at least 16 touches in three of four games played, including 26 in each of his past two, and has totaled 16 receptions on the season.
Najee Harris has a limited ceiling, averaging just 3.1 yards per carry and producing just five rushes of 10-plus yards. He needs scoring opportunities on low red zone carries to boost his fantasy value, but with Justin Fields as his quarterback, those opportunities may be limited.
DK Metcalf’s production has been rising, and he’s now a matchup-based WR1 given his numbers and the play of Seahawks QB Geno Smith. After a slow start in Week 1, Metcalf has logged three straight games with 100-plus yards receiving, averaging 21.6 points per game during that stretch.
Brian Robinson Jr.’s emerging presence in the Commanders’ backfield is another story. He posted his best numbers of the season in Week 4, scoring 20.3 points, and is one of the most decisive runners in the league. With eight goal-to-go carries, including four inside the 5-yard line, Robinson is seeing scoring opportunities in a thriving Commanders offense.
Finally, keep an eye on Tucker Kraft, who had 17.3 fantasy points in the Packers’ Week 4 loss to the Vikings. Kraft can press vertically, run after the catch, and has the big-body frame to work the middle of the field. While the game script in that game was influenced by the Packers’ comeback attempt, Kraft’s tape was impressive, and he’s the tight end to keep on the fantasy radar moving forward.
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