NFL Power Rankings Week 6: Commanders rising; checking in on fantasy flops

As we enter Week 6 of the NFL Energy Rankings, it is likely to be time to verify on the fantasy soccer supervisor in your lives.

It’s been a tough begin for many the oldsters who spent weeks poring over knowledge within the preseason to make the proper choose solely to see their plans left in shambles by the primary 5 weeks of the particular season. So this week’s theme is fantasy focus as we have a look at precisely how dangerous issues have gotten.

Spoiler alert: Fairly dangerous.

Not one of the prime 5 fantasy gamers coming into the season based mostly on common draft place is within the prime 48 in fantasy scoring. High choose Christian McCaffrey has extra flights to Germany to get medical session than speeding yards this yr. Extending the scope to take a look at the highest 20 picks doesn’t make issues significantly better. That group contains A.J. Brown, Puka Nacua and Isaiah Pacheco. Oof, oof and oof.

As you’ll see, these fantasy outcomes have a real-life impression on the sphere and have an effect on our rankings, the place the Minnesota Vikings and fantasy afterthought Sam Darnold nonetheless sit up prime. (The fantasy scoring numbers listed here are supplied by TruMedia, and the typical draft place statistics had been compiled by Fantasy Professionals.)

1. Minnesota Vikings (5-0)

Final week: 1

Sunday: Beat New York Jets 23-17

Darnold’s stunning season is properly illustrated by his fantasy numbers. His common draft place was 223rd. His precise rank after one other victory is thirty first, and he’s twelfth amongst quarterbacks with 16.5 factors per recreation. Extensive receiver Justin Jefferson is underperforming his draft place (drafted sixth, at present 14th in factors per recreation, 19) however not by a lot, and nobody in Minnesota is complaining with the Vikings undefeated. Aaron Jones (15.7 fantasy ppg) has been an excellent choose however left early Sunday with a hip harm.

Up subsequent: Bye

Final week: 2

Monday: Beat New Orleans Saints 26-13

Kansas Metropolis’s best fantasy huge receiver this yr has been Rashee Rice, who ranks 67th general and twenty third amongst receivers with 64.9 factors and is unlikely to play once more this season due to a knee harm. After that, it’s rookie Xavier Worthy, who’s 84th in scoring (58.1 ppg). And nonetheless, the Chiefs, who accomplished 12 passes to a few tight ends Monday evening, are undefeated.

Up subsequent: Bye

Final week: 3

Sunday: Beat Cincinnati Bengals 41-38

Lamar Jackson handed for 348 yards and 4 touchdowns, rushed for 55 and led Baltimore to scores on 5 of its six drives after halftime Sunday. After going thirty eighth within the common fantasy draft this season, he’s the highest participant within the league in factors per recreation (24.9). Jackson has accounted for 11 touchdowns and has thrown just one interception this season. And bear in mind Derrick Henry? Disgrace on anybody who forgot. Henry is averaging a league-high 114.4 speeding yards per recreation and is seventh within the league in fantasy scoring (22.02 ppg) after being drafted 18th.

Up subsequent: vs. Washington Commanders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Final week: 7

Sunday: Beat Buffalo Payments 23-20

Nico Collins leads the league in receiving yards (567) and is tied for fifth in targets (45). He caught solely two passes Sunday earlier than leaving with a hamstring harm, however one was a 67-yard landing. After being drafted twenty seventh, he’s tenth within the league in fantasy scoring (21.34 ppg). Collins’ competitors for catches in Houston is rising, although. Stefon Diggs is averaging 81.7 receiving yards within the final three video games. Diggs nonetheless hasn’t scored a landing since Week 1, although.

Up subsequent: at New England Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

CJ TO NICO 67 YARDS!

📺: #BUFvsHOU on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/0wfq5acJXl

— NFL (@NFL) October 6, 2024

5. Washington Commanders (4-1)

Final week: 6

Sunday: Beat Cleveland Browns 34-13

Even the individuals who had been optimistic about Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels weren’t optimistic sufficient. Daniels was 99th within the draft order and sits fifth in factors per recreation (22.68) and second in factors by quarterbacks after 5 weeks. He handed for 238 yards and rushed for 82 towards the Browns and has now led Washington in speeding in three of its 5 video games along with being the NFL’s chief in anticipated factors added per dropback (.38).

Up subsequent: at Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Final week: 5

Sunday: Bye

The Lions have managed to settle at sixth in these rankings partly due to their offensive steadiness. Fantasy soccer gamers aren’t massive followers of steadiness. Extensive receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown is essentially the most perplexing case on the staff. His common draft place this yr was sixth, however he’s at present twenty fifth in factors per recreation (17.12). Detroit’s prime two working backs — David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs — are mainly the identical fantasy participant (17.38 ppg vs. 17.77 ppg), which cuts into the worth of every, and Gibbs was drafted thirteenth within the preseason.

Up subsequent: at Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

7. Buffalo Payments (3-2)

Final week: 4

Sunday: Misplaced to Houston Texans 23-20

Josh Allen’s stats weren’t the story Sunday. His well being was. The Payments quarterback left the sport after hitting his head laborious on the turf. He was cleared to return however completed 9-for-30 for 131 yards. His 56.4 passer score was the second-lowest of his profession in video games through which he hasn’t thrown an interception. He’s nonetheless Fifteenth within the league in fantasy scoring (18.76). Working again James Cook dinner is twenty ninth in scoring (16.84), which matches his draft place.

Up subsequent: at New York Jets, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

Final week: 13

Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Rams 24-19

Extensive receiver Jayden Reed has carried the Packers by Christian Watson’s accidents and Dontayvion Wicks’ drops. He’s fifth within the league in receiving (414 yards) and first amongst gamers with greater than 20 catches in yards per catch (19.7). He’s fifth amongst huge receivers and 18th general within the league in fantasy factors per recreation (18.28). Not dangerous contemplating he was drafted at No. 83.

Up subsequent: vs. Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

9. Dallas Cowboys (3-2)

Final week: 14

Sunday: Beat Pittsburgh Steelers 20-17

The disastrous destiny of McCaffrey fantasy house owners is offering some cowl for the almost-as-bad points with CeeDee Lamb. The Cowboys huge receiver was taken No. 2 on common in drafts, however he’s simply forty eighth in scoring (15.26), being outscored by, amongst others, Jauan Jennings and Brian Thomas Jr. Lamb is ninth within the league in receiving yards (378) after catching 5 passes for 62 yards on Sunday evening.

Up subsequent: vs. Detroit Lions, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

Final week: 15

Thursday: Beat Tampa Bay Buccaneers 36-30 in OT

The great: Darnell Mooney’s common draft place was 174, however he’s 51st in factors per recreation (15). The dangerous: Bijan Robinson’s common draft place was fourth, however he’s 74th in manufacturing (13.5 ppg). The downright wild: Kirk Cousins’ 509-yard, four-touchdown efficiency Thursday was the second-best fantasy efficiency of his profession (34.4 factors), and he’s forty seventh in factors per recreation (15.34). Cousins turned the primary participant in NFL historical past to throw for 250-plus yards earlier than halftime and 250-plus yards after halftime in the identical recreation.

Up subsequent: at Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

Kirk Cousins accomplished 42 of 58 passes for 509 yards, 4 TDs and an INT, with all 509 yards coming from passes throughout the pocket, essentially the most in a recreation within the NGS period (since 2016).

Cousins Passing Between Numbers: 27/33, 385 yards, 3 TD (+25.1 EPA)#TBvsATL | @AtlantaFalcons pic.twitter.com/FjJ9TCKvJl

— Subsequent Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) October 4, 2024

11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-2)

Final week: 9

Thursday: Misplaced to Atlanta Falcons 36-30 in OT

Baker Mayfield is seven spots forward of Josh Allen in fantasy scoring this yr, identical to everybody anticipated. Mayfield, who was drafted 139 spots decrease than Allen, is averaging 21.9 fantasy factors per recreation largely as a result of he’s tied for second within the league in landing passes (11). By way of 5 video games, that is far and away the most effective fantasy season of Mayfield’s profession. Second place was his rookie yr (17.1 ppg).

Up subsequent: at New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Final week: 12

Sunday: Bye

J.Okay. Dobbins is quietly one of many feel-good tales up to now this season. Dobbins missed the entire 2021 season due to a knee harm and most of 2023 with an Achilles harm, however he’s averaging 85.5 yards per recreation. That makes him the Fifteenth-best working again in fantasy leagues (15.5). Not dangerous for a man drafted at 130. As for quarterback Justin Herbert, fantasy house owners had Jim Harbaugh’s offense discovered within the preseason. The Chargers quarterback was drafted 127th and is one hundred and twentieth in scoring (10.38).

Up subsequent: at Denver Broncos, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

Final week: 8

Sunday: Misplaced to New York Giants 29-20

It’s nonetheless laborious for folk to consider in Geno Smith. He was drafted 183rd within the preseason. Now that the season has began, he leads the league in passing yards (1,466) and is nineteenth in fantasy scoring (18.25). He threw for 284 yards and a landing on Sunday and led the Seahawks in speeding (72 yards). Kenneth Walker had solely 19 yards towards the Giants.

Up subsequent: vs. San Francisco 49ers, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

14. San Francisco 49ers (2-3)

Final week: 11

Sunday: Misplaced to Arizona Cardinals 24-23

There have been hints about McCaffrey’s well being within the preseason. Extra individuals ought to have paid consideration. McCaffrey was the highest choose in fantasy soccer drafts, however he hasn’t performed a snap due to calf/Achilles accidents that despatched him to Germany searching for assist. Quarterback Brock Purdy had his worst recreation of the season Sunday (62.1 passer score). Nonetheless, he’s seventh in EPA per dropback (.16) and forty fourth in fantasy scoring (15.5) after being drafted 87th on common.

Up subsequent: at Seattle Seahawks, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

15. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-2)

Final week: 10

Sunday: Misplaced to Dallas Cowboys 20-17

Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith has been on loads of fantasy soccer house owners’ dartboards courting to his days in Atlanta, however he’s getting one thing out of Justin Fields this yr. Fields was drafted 213th within the preseason, however he’s twentieth in scoring (17.93). He has accounted for eight touchdowns (5 passing and three speeding) and has turned the ball over solely twice. The dangerous information is working again Najee Harris is simply 126th in scoring (10.18).

Up subsequent: at Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

16. Arizona Cardinals (2-3)

Final week: 21

Sunday: Beat San Francisco 49ers 24-23

Extensive receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and tight finish Trey McBride have been fantasy disappointments. Harrison was drafted sixteenth however is 66th in manufacturing (13.78). McBride was drafted forty eighth however was 111th in manufacturing (10.88). Kyler Murray’s massive season helps to offset these issues. He was drafted seventieth, however he’s sixteenth in scoring (18.32 ppg). On Sunday, he threw for 195 yards and rushed for 83. He’s averaging 10.7 yards per designed run, the most effective amongst NFL quarterbacks.

Up subsequent: at Inexperienced Bay Packers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Final week: 19

Sunday: Beat Carolina Panthers 36-10

Within the final three weeks, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is thirty eighth within the league in fantasy scoring (17.45) and has topped 300 yards passing twice in that span. Williams was drafted 104th within the preseason and within the first two weeks of the season that seemed too excessive, however Williams is making regular progress. That’s why the Bears have gained two in a row. He had 304 passing yards and a 126.2 passer score on 29 makes an attempt towards the Panthers.

Up subsequent: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET (London)

The throw 🤩
The catch 🤩

📺: #CARvsCHI on FOX pic.twitter.com/LY8XUhroJs

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) October 6, 2024

Final week: 20

Sunday: Bye

Why are the Eagles struggling? Perhaps as a result of what everybody thought within the preseason could possibly be the most effective wide-receiving trio within the league has actually simply been one man taking part in properly. A.J. Brown, drafted tenth, had a giant opener (5 catches, 119 yards and a landing towards the Packers), however he hasn’t performed since due to a hamstring harm. Jahan Dotson, acquired in a preseason commerce, has solely 5 catches in 4 video games. DeVonta Smith, drafted forty sixth, is definitely overachieving at twenty seventh in scoring (16.97 ppg), and the Saquon Barkley addition has been enjoyable. Barkley is third in fantasy scoring (24.5).

Up subsequent: vs. Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

19. Denver Broncos (3-2)

Final week: 25

Sunday: Beat Las Vegas Raiders 34-18

This seems like an excellent place to speak about how good Denver’s protection is. The Broncos are tied for second within the league in factors allowed (14.6) and third in defensive success price (64.6 %), sack proportion (10.8) and defensive EPA per 100 snaps. Pat Surtain II had two interceptions Sunday and returned one 100 yards for a landing. The protection is the explanation this staff is 3-2 despite the fact that its highest-rated fantasy participant is rookie quarterback Bo Nix, who’s 69th in scoring (13.71).

Up subsequent: vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

I truly love this from Bo Nix. 🔥🔥🔥

Sean Payton’s going to get heated on the sideline however in the event you actually consider you’re proper…give it again. Reveals how aggressive they each are. pic.twitter.com/dishUG86xP

— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) October 6, 2024

20. New Orleans Saints (2-3)

Final week: 16

Monday: Misplaced to Kansas Metropolis Chiefs 26-13

In 2023, it seemed like Alvin Kamara’s profession was on the downslope. By way of 5 weeks, the eighth-year working again is third within the league in fantasy factors per recreation (23.84). Nonetheless, that falls beneath the class of a silver lining at this level for New Orleans. After their quick begin, the Saints have misplaced three straight, and quarterback Derek Carr left Monday’s recreation within the fourth quarter with an indirect harm.

Up subsequent: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

21. New York Giants (2-3)

Final week: 29

Sunday: Beat Seattle Seahawks 29-20

We would must have a Daniel Jones dialog quickly. In case you take away a tough Week 1 efficiency, Jones is thirty third within the league in fantasy scoring (17.34) this season. Within the final 4 video games, Jones is sixth in EPA per dropback (.18) and ninth in passer score (99.3) amongst quarterbacks with greater than 60 cross makes an attempt. Coming into the season, Jones’ profession EPA per dropback was minus-.03 and his passer score was 81.6.

Up subsequent: vs. Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday 8:20 p.m. ET

22. Cincinnati Bengals (1-4)

Final week: 23

Sunday: Misplaced to Baltimore Ravens 41-38

Ja’Marr Chase is about the one participant preserving the respect of this yr’s top-10 fantasy draft picks. Chase’s common draft place was seventh, and he’s ninth in scoring (21.7). He’s second within the league in receiving (98.6 ypg). Joe Burrow can be within the prime 12 in fantasy scoring (20.14), and he’s first amongst common starters in passer score (113.6). And, nonetheless, the Bengals are 1-4.

Up subsequent: at New York Giants, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

23. New York Jets (2-3)

Final week: 24

Sunday: Misplaced to Minnesota Vikings 23-17

So, about all of the Breece Corridor hype … The Jets’ third-year working again was drafted sixth on common. His manufacturing (14.3 ppg) ranks 61st, and issues aren’t trending in the best path. After averaging 3.9 yards on 30 carries by Weeks 1 and a couple of, he’s averaging 2.3 yards per keep it up 35 carries in Weeks 3-5. Aaron Rodgers is outperforming his fantasy draft place (drafted 134th, ranked seventieth with 13.6 ppg), nevertheless it’s not serving to sufficient on the sphere.

Up subsequent: vs. Buffalo Payments, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

24. Las Vegas Raiders (2-3)

Final week: 18

Sunday: Misplaced to Denver Broncos 34-18

The one Raiders participant within the prime 75 in fantasy scoring this yr gained’t be a Raider for much longer. Davante Adams (14.97 ppg) is 53rd in fantasy scoring however sat out Sunday with a hamstring harm and has requested to be traded. The one shiny spot for Las Vegas is rookie tight finish Brock Bowers, who’s 76th in fantasy scoring (13.3). The Raiders changed quarterback Gardner Minshew with Aidan O’Connell for the second time on Sunday.

Up subsequent: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

Final week: 17

Sunday: Misplaced to Jacksonville Jaguars 37-34

Joe Flacco hasn’t performed sufficient to qualify for the official fantasy scoring rankings. If he did, he’d be eleventh within the league (20.8). Flacco, whose common draft place was 339, was 33-for-44 for 359 yards and three touchdowns Sunday towards the Jaguars. You assume the Cleveland Browns would really like that again within the constructing this yr?

Up subsequent: at Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

26. Los Angeles Rams (1-4)

Final week: 22

Sunday: Misplaced to Inexperienced Bay Packers 24-19

Sean McVay is simply displaying off at this level with regards to huge receiver growth. With Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua out with accidents, sixth-round choose Jordan Whittington is seventy fifth in fantasy scoring (14.05 ppg) within the final two weeks. Whittington had seven catches for 89 yards in Sunday’s loss.

Up subsequent: Bye

27. Tennessee Titans (1-3)

Final week: 28

Sunday: Bye

The Titans made headlines after they signed Calvin Ridley to a four-year, $92 million contract within the offseason. In return, they’ve gotten 9 catches for 141 yards. Ridley is the 53rd most-valuable fantasy huge receiver this season (9.3 ppg). Within the final two video games, he’s totaled two catches for 14 yards. Ridley’s manufacturing actually is Will Levis-related. Tennessee’s quarterback is 166th in fantasy scoring (7.81 ppg) and is averaging 1.5 interceptions per recreation.

Up subsequent: vs. Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Final week: 31

Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 15-10

Tyreek Hill, who was drafted third on common, is averaging 10.74 fantasy factors per recreation. That’s his lowest common by 5 weeks since 2019, when he performed solely six snaps in Weeks 1-5. The excellent news is it seems Tua Tagovailoa will return this season. The dangerous information is working again De’Von Achane, who’s Miami’s main fantasy participant (13.98 ppg), left Sunday’s recreation after hitting his head on the turf.

Up subsequent: Bye

29. New England Patriots (1-4)

Final week: 26

Sunday: Misplaced to Miami Dolphins 15-10

The Patriots’ best fantasy participant is working again Rhamondre Stevenson, which explains quite a bit. Stevenson is the Eightieth-most priceless participant within the league, averaging 13.3 factors per recreation. Backup working again Antonio Gibson is subsequent at 176th. No huge receiver is ranked larger than Demario Douglas at No. 193. There’s a purpose this staff has misplaced 4 straight and is thirty first within the league in scoring (12.4). 

Up subsequent: vs. Houston Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

30. Carolina Panthers (1-4)

Final week: 27

Sunday: Misplaced to Chicago Bears 36-10

We should always all go away Bryce Younger alone in some unspecified time in the future, however yet another factor. Younger totaled 14.72 fantasy factors in his two begins this season. Andy Dalton is averaging 14.67 per recreation since taking on because the starter. Working again Chuba Hubbard has been a shiny spot. He’s thirty seventh in scoring (16.1) after being drafted 129th on common.

Up subsequent: vs. Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

31. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4)

Final week: 32

Sunday: Beat Indianapolis Colts 37-34

Let’s rejoice the Jaguars’ first win of the season by specializing in the constructive. Brian Thomas Jr. is thirty fifth in fantasy scoring (16.2 ppg), which is second-best amongst rookie huge receivers behind solely Malik Nabers. Thomas, whose draft place was 118th, is sixth within the league in receiving yards (397) and is second in yards per reception (18) amongst receivers with greater than 20 catches.

Up subsequent: vs. Chicago Bears, Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET (London)

32. Cleveland Browns (1-4)

Final week: 30

Sunday: Misplaced to Washington Commanders 34-13

Browns followers can solely want this season was some form of dystopian fantasy. After Sunday’s recreation, Browns coach Kevin Stefanski mentioned “we’re not altering quarterbacks” despite the fact that just about everybody thinks they need to. Deshaun Watson, who is definitely outplaying his fantasy draft place if anyone cared (and no person does), is twenty eighth amongst starters in passer score (74.8). Watson’s struggles are the largest purpose huge receiver Amari Cooper is simply 114th in fantasy scoring (10.6 ppg) after being drafted 54th.

Up subsequent: at Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(High photograph of Jayden Daniels: Timothy Nwachukwu / Getty Pictures)