Week 5 Studs & Duds + Grizzly Facts
Week 5 reactions! On today’s fantasy football podcast, find out which bust performances are the most concerning going forward! Plus, surprising studs, big injury news, and a Week 5 edition of Monday Punday! Manage your redraft, keeper, and dynasty fantasy football teams with the #1 fantasy football podcast. — Fantasy Football Podcast for October 9th, 2023.
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Summary:
Staley Da Bear and Grizzly Facts 01:03
- The hosts talk about the Chicago Bears and their mascot, Staley Da Bear, which resembles a grizzly bear.
- They jokingly discuss the connection between the team winning and it being a significant day for bears in general.
“Big week for the Bears out there. All the animals… When the team the Chicago Bears wins, it’s a huge day for the species all bear kind.”
Staley Da Bear and the Grizzly Connection 01:57
- The hosts discover that the mascot’s name is actually Staley Dubbear, and it resembles a grizzly bear.
“Staley Dubbear resembles a grizzly bear. There we go. There’s our fact of the evening.”
Recap and Introduction to the Podcast 02:42
- The hosts introduce themselves and the podcast, giving a warm welcome to the listeners.
“Welcome to the fantasy footballers podcast with your hosts Andy Holloway, Jason Moore, and Mike Wright.”
Quick Recap and Date 01:46
- It is Monday, October 9th, and they briefly mention the remaining football game scheduled for tonight.
“It’s Monday, October 9th. We got one more game tonight, but we had another sensational weekend of football.”
Zack Moss‘s Surprising Performance 04:58
- The hosts discuss Zach Moss’s unexpected outstanding performance in Week 5, despite previous underwhelming performances.
- They express amusement and surprise at how well he played against a challenging opponent.
“Zach Moss looks unbelievable… I mean, like we’re watching this together, and I’m just eating my words over and over and over.”
Jonathan Taylor‘s Contract Extension 05:04
- Jonathan Taylor signed a three-year, $42 million contract extension with the Indianapolis Colts.
- The hosts highlight that Taylor’s contract, combined with his stellar performance, made him a significant fantasy football asset.
“JT got healthy, and the Colts gave him a three-year, $42 million contract extension… He ruined people this week.”
Khalil Herbert‘s Injury and Waiver Discussion 09:22
- Khalil Herbert of the Chicago Bears suffered a high ankle sprain and is expected to miss multiple weeks.
- The hosts mention that waiver decisions will be influenced by this injury, as Damien Williams also left the game with a concussion.
“Bears running back Khalil Herbert… was confirmed… a high ankle sprain. He should miss multiple weeks… The Bears will be interesting to talk throughout tomorrow on waivers.”
Injury Updates 09:34
- Players in the league’s concussion protocol usually miss at least one week. This could be the case for the player mentioned earlier.
“We don’t know, but so far this year pretty much anyone that’s gone into protocol has missed one week at least.”
- The team has signed a practice squad player, indicating that they anticipate being without the injured player. This means another player, Foreman, will get more opportunities.
“They signed a practice squad guy already after the game. So I think they’re anticipating they’ll be without him, which means onto Foreman. He’s gonna get his shot.”
- A Saints wide receiver went through an extensive pregame routine with a trainer, which suggests a potential injury concern.
“Saints wide receiver. He was seen going through an extensive pregame routine with a trainer.”
- The player mentioned is Chris Olave, and despite limited information from the team, his performance in the game wasn’t terrible. However, his status should be monitored.
“Uh, Saints wide receiver. He was seen going through an extensive pregame routine with a trainer.”
- Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson suffered a grade three AC joint sprain and is likely to miss a significant amount of time. He will get a second opinion before determining further course of action.
“Then from Sunday Anthony Richardson the Colts quarterback hurt. Unfortunately yet again is initially diagnosed a grade three AC joint sprain. We’re looking at he could miss a month or more probably ends up on the IR. He’s gonna get a second opinion.”
- Giants quarterback Daniel Jones left the game with a neck injury in the fourth quarter and did not return. His status is currently listed as questionable, and he will undergo an MRI.
“And then we’ll go from there Daniel Jones Giants quarterback. He left in the fourth quarter with a neck injury. He did not return. He will be marked as if he and questionable. He will be getting an MRI.”
- Travis Kelsey, a tight end for the Chiefs, suffered an ankle injury during the game. Initially, it was a cause for concern, but it was later revealed to be a twisted ankle. However, his availability for the next game is uncertain.
“Travis Kelsey if you saw the play. He went down in a heap on an on-contact injury and it was you could feel fantasy souls leaving their body as. Went down in a heap and it was oh crap then the replay showed it. What was his ankle?”
- Justin Jefferson, a wide receiver for the Vikings, left the game due to a hamstring injury. His body language on the sideline indicated that the injury might be serious.
“Justin Jefferson exited in the second half with a hamstring injury. We had the towel over the head on the sideline. So if you follow that narrative of a player’s body language saying I am hurt for reals.”
- Cardinals running back James Conner exited the game with a knee injury and did not return. The peculiar aspect was Conner running into the locker room rather than walking or being taken on a cart.
“Cardinals Cardinals running back James Conner. He exited with a knee injury off of it was a it was a man run and. He got hurt and he did not come back.”
- Texans wide receiver Brandin Cooks and Steelers wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster both left their respective games with concussions, which should be monitored closely.
“It like answering Devonte Adams questions on Sunday live was it was impossible of like I have no clue. He also had a concussion left a situation to monitor.”
“He Texans wide receiver. He left very early with concussion Juju Smith Schuster. He also had a concussion left a situation to monitor.”
Quotes
“We don’t know, but so far this year pretty much anyone that’s gone into protocol has missed one week at least.”
“They signed a practice squad guy already after the game. So I think they’re anticipating they’ll be without him, which means onto Foreman. He’s gonna get his shot.”
“And then we’ll go from there Daniel Jones Giants quarterback. He left in the fourth quarter with a neck injury. He did not return. He will be marked as if he and questionable. He will be getting an MRI.”
“Travis Kelsey if you saw the play. He went down in a heap on an on-contact injury and it was you could feel fantasy souls leaving their body as.”
“Justin Jefferson exited in the second half with a hamstring injury. We had the towel over the head on the sideline. So if you follow that narrative of a player’s body language saying I am hurt for reals.”
“Cardinals Cardinals running back James Conner. He exited with a knee injury off of it was a it was a man run and. He got hurt and he did not come back.”
“It like answering Devonte Adams questions on Sunday live was it was impossible of like I have no clue.”
“He also had a concussion left a situation to monitor.”
Jalen Hurts impressive performance 18:22
- Jalen Hertz had a great game, with over 300 passing yards, a passing touchdown, and 72 rushing yards with a rushing touchdown.
- His performance was against the Houston Texans, a team that generally doesn’t pose a big challenge to fantasy quarterbacks.
“Jalen Hertz over 300 passing yards passing touchdown a huge day on the ground 72 rushing yards and a rushing touchdown”
Desmond Ridder‘s notable performance 18:42
- Desmond Ritter had a solid game, with 329 passing yards and one touchdown.
- He also had a rushing touchdown and overall looked good.
- However, it’s important to consider that this performance came against the Houston Texans, who have a weak defense.
“Desmond Ritter so wild 329 passing yards one tutty. He had a rushing touchdown as well”
Evaluating Joe Burrow‘s performance 20:55
- Joe Burrow had a strong game, throwing for 317 yards and 3 touchdowns against the Arizona Cardinals.
- However, there are concerns regarding his upcoming matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, who have a stronger secondary.
- It’s worth noting that Burrow showed positive signs, making throws under pressure and moving well in the pocket.
“Joe burrow 36 of 46 317 and 3. I believe Jamar Chase had About 90% of that production”
Evaluating Travis Etienne and Zack Moss performances 24:43
- Both Travis Etienne and Zach Moss displayed inconsistency in their performances.
- While Etienne had a few big plays, his overall contributions were limited by a shutdown run game.
- Moss, on the other hand, had an outstanding game with 23 carries and looked phenomenal.
- As for what to do next, it could be wise to play Moss for at least one more week to gauge the split in playing time.
“Travis etn is the running back four on the season. He had 26 136 and two and involved in the passing game”
“He’s the mean he’s elite.”
Jonathan Taylor‘s Potential 26:41
- Jonathan Taylor will over as the lead running back, while Zach Moss may become irrelevant if he continues to receive a small share of snaps.
- Uncertainty remains about when Taylor will fully take over and if the transition will take longer than expected.
“Jonathan Taylor will take over and Zach Moss will go put because he’s not gonna be fantasy relevant if he’s getting you know, 35% of the snaps.”
Excitement for Breece Hall 27:25
- Breece Hall had an impressive performance, with 22 carries for 177 rushing yards and a touchdown.
- He had a season-high 52% of the snaps and 73% of the running back opportunities.
- Despite not having the RB6 ranking for the season, Hall’s future looks promising.
“Breece Hall, we’re back, baby. Yeah, I mean it was the Denver Broncos 22 for 177 rushing touchdown, huge vintage breeze Hall breakaway run.”
Devonta Smith Shines 28:16
- Devonta Smith had a standout game with 11 carries for 151 yards and a touchdown.
- He reached over 100 yards on his third carry.
- Raheem Mostert also performed well, adding to the strong showing of running backs.
“Devonta Smith, again, I’ll only on 11 carries 11 for 151 and one. He was over a hundred carries on carry number three.”
Safety of David Montgomery 28:37
- David Montgomery had a solid game with 19 carries for 49 yards and a rushing touchdown.
- He also saw six targets, making him the RB7 for the season.
- Montgomery’s role seems secure, despite the inactive status of Jamir Gibbs.
“David Montgomery, 1949 with a rushing touchdown. He did have six targets as well. He is the running back seven on the season.”
Potential Concerns for Alvin Kamara 28:56
- Alvin Kamara had a less impressive performance with only three catches for 17 yards.
- While his rushing game was better, including a rushing touchdown, his target volume has been declining.
“Alvin Kamara, three catches for 17 yards, which was much better, but he was also great on the ground including a rushing touchdown.”
Jaleel McLaughlin‘s Surprising Performance 29:11
- Jaleel McLaughlin had a solid game with nine carries for 68 yards and three receptions for 21 yards and a touchdown.
- He showed potential and outperformed expectations compared to other running backs like Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine.
- McLaughlin may have the opportunity to secure a starting role or at least disrupt Williams’ second-half comeback.
“Jaleel McLaughlin, if you have if you help the faith and you spent the fab and you played Jaleel McLaughlin, you got nine for 68 on the ground. You also got three for 21 with a touchdown through the air.”
Astonishing Performance by Ja’Marr Chase 31:02
- Jamar Chase had an incredible game with 15 catches for 192 receiving yards and three touchdowns.
- He jumped to the WR6 ranking for the season following this explosive performance.
- The Bengals’ decision to heavily target Chase paid off tremendously.
“Jamar Chase, look, I guess the Bengals took our advice. It works what happens when you just throw at your best player the whole time. 19 targets turned into 15 catches 192 receiving yards three touchdowns.”
Impressive Showing by Adam Thielen 32:05
- Adam Thielen had a strong performance with 11 catches for 107 yards and a touchdown.
- His touchdown reception came during garbage time, but he had 13 targets throughout the game.
- Thielen’s consistency and volume make him the clear number one wide receiver for the Vikings.
“Adam Thielen, 11 for 107 and one. No, no, no, this was the touchdown was garbage time. But very nice for fantasy. He had 13 targets.”
Josh Allen‘s Performance 35:16
- Josh Allen had an impressive game, throwing for 358 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 1 interception.
- Gabe Davis had a standout performance with 8 receptions for 121 yards and 1 touchdown.
“Fine digs, eight for 121 and one Gabe Davis post, my guy.”
Wide Receiver Performances 35:24
- Calvin Ridley had a strong comeback game with 7 receptions for 122 yards.
- Cooper Kupp continues to shine as the Rams’ main offensive weapon, with 8 receptions for 118 yards.
- Puka Nakua, a rookie sensation, performed well with 7 receptions for 71 yards and 1 touchdown.
“Why receiver 12 on the season, he is a wide receiver one… The rookie sensation Puka Nakua, 11 targets, seven for 71 and a touchdown.”
DeAndre Hopkins‘ Performance 35:31
- DeAndre Hopkins had an outstanding game with 8 receptions for 140 yards.
Puka Nakua and Cooper Kupp‘s Value 37:42
- Puka Nakua and Cooper Kupp both had strong performances and can coexist in the same game.
- Puka Nakua is projected to take over Robert Woods‘ role in the offense going forward.
“Puka and Cooper Kupp can exist in the same exact game… Puka is gonna be the Robert Woods.”
Impressive Tight End Performances 39:52
- Dallas Goedert had a productive game with 4 receptions for 117 yards and 1 touchdown.
- Dalton Schultz returned from his previous slump with 7 receptions for 65 yards and 1 touchdown.
- Darren Waller performed exceptionally well with 8 receptions for 86 yards.
“Nice, okay. Well, Dallas Goedert… Dalton Schultz finally got back in the office… Darren Waller, absolutely awesome.”
George Kittle‘s Performance 41:26
- George Kittle had a solid performance with 3 receptions for 13 yards and 3 touchdowns.
- Despite his low receiving yards, his three touchdowns made a significant impact in fantasy scoring.
“George Kittle was… he wasn’t a bust… 67 yards and three touch(tdowns).”
Kyle Pitts‘ Performance to Watch 42:37
- Kyle Pitts had a decent performance with 7 receptions for 87 yards.
- His double-digit targets show potential for consistent production going forward.
“Kyle Pitts, seven for 87… first game with double-digit targets since week five of his rookie year.”
“I’m happy you made him a start of the week… His total line on the week was great.”
Final Thoughts 39:25
- Christian McCaffrey‘s performance was criticized despite being the RB13 for the week.
- Logan Thomas, Travis Kelce, and Cole Kmet also had notable performances.
“Christian McCaffrey… he scored… He’s the running back no… we’re not… we’re not the… Christian McCaffrey to have to have the touchdown… Logan Thomas… Travis Kelce… Cole Kmet.”
##uggles of a player 43:25
- The player had multiple instances in the last game where his hands had to touch the ground while making a route. 43:25
“It was like three or four times last game where he just went to make a route and like his hands had to touch the ground.”
- There was discussion about the player’s route tree being shared, revealing that everything was him turning left. He seemed unable to make a good hard cut to the right. 43:41
“Everything was him turning left. Oh… Really? Yes. So as in like as something he can’t go right. Yeah, he…Where his body is right now? He can’t make a good hard cut to the right.”
- The significance of this observation is that it may require adjustments for the player and raises concerns about his performance going forward. 43:59
“So maybe they adjust so they were forcing everything just to go to the left and…I don’t know. It’s that’s why that’s why I’m saying it’s something to monitor.”
- However, it is noted that the player’s performance in the previous game was exceptional, despite these concerns. This adds complexity to the situation. 44:04
“All right, the my only hesitation to monitor it is that Desmond Redder looked so dang good this game…If we knew that that was sticky then it’s something to monitor.”
- The overall conclusion is that while the player’s performance was outstanding in the last game, the concerns about his ability to turn right are something to keep an eye on. 44:25
“I just don’t believe that I mean Desmond Redder has looked as bad as he looked good every other game this season and this was…A home game against the Texans. All right, not everyone had a good game…Pooped in his big boy pants…I feel so bad about this…It’s not fair Lamar Jackson Lamar Jackson. You were awesome…You had a great game. I mean Lamar Jackson managers. I am so sorry.”
Struggles of Lamar Jackson‘s Receivers 44:41
- Lamar Jackson had an impressive performance running and throwing the ball, but his receivers dropped seven passes, including two in the end zone. 45:14
“He was running the ball so well…He was throwing the ball so well…Seven yes drops. So there was a…We got Ravens were credited with seven drops.”
- This poor performance by his receivers affected Lamar Jackson‘s overall fantasy game, resulting in no touchdowns, an interception, and a fumble. 46:42
“He had 236 passing yards no touchdowns an interception added 45…Rushing you also had a fumble too.”
- It is emphasized that this subpar performance was due to the receivers struggling, rather than Lamar Jackson‘s personal performance. 46:58
“This is not Lamar Jackson lost it or played bad. This was his receivers…Completely pooped the bed. I don’t know how it happened to everyone.”
- The takeaway is that although Lamar Jackson‘s fantasy game was disappointing due to the dropped passes, his performance as a quarterback was not to blame. 47:06
“No, No, this is not Lamar Jackson lost it or played bad. This was his receivers…Completely pooped the bed. I don’t know how it happened to everyone.”
Struggles of Other Players 47:51
- Trevor Lawrence had a down game with fumbles and a loss. 47:51
“This was a bizarre game…25 of 37 315 passing yards a touchdown 31 yards on the ground…Yeah, but and his team won pretty…he fumble.”
- Dak Prescott had a poor performance with only 24 pass attempts and an overall underwhelming performance by the Cowboys’ offense. 48:04
“Oh brother that was that game was a stinky…Through the ball 24 times…It was terrible. I mean the Niners…they featured…they should go to jail for what they just did right to jail.”
- Tony Pollard had a disappointing game with a fumble and the Cowboys’ offense struggling as a whole. 49:04
“Eight four twenty nine four four thirty five. He fumbled…Yeah, just Cowboys did not get to play football…That’s two down games for…For Tony Pollard.”
- Derek Henry had a subpar game, which is unusual for him, as he only managed 43 rushing yards. 49:52
“13 for 43. He did have three receptions…And they lost…he had a monster game…performances …they lost.”
- James Cook had a poor game, with negative rushing yards but some involvement in the passing game. 50:33
“five…Attempts…negative four yards…he got it done in the passing game three for 25…It was a really really bad game for the bills in general.”
- In summary, there were several players across different teams who struggled in Week 5, resulting in disappointing performances. 50:59
“It was a really really bad game for the bills in general…Like I know fantasy wise we talked about digs was great Allen was great Gabe Davis was great…But it wasn’t that way for the bills.”
Rhamondre Stevenson‘s Performance 52:20
- Ramon Ray Stevenson had a disappointing performance in Week 5.
- He only scored 2.4 fantasy points, with no catches and only two targets.
- He played 50% of the snaps, but his snap share has been decreasing recently.
- There are concerns about his usage and production going forward.
“Another absolute stinker 2.4 fantasy points to targets no catches played 50% of the snaps”
Concerns about the New England Patriots 52:41
- The New England Patriots suffered another blowout loss in Week 5.
- They lost 38 to 3 against the New Orleans Saints.
- This is the second consecutive bad loss for Bill Belichick’s team.
- Mack Jones, the Patriots’ quarterback, got benched in both games, but is still considered the starter.
“Now it was another blowout for the New England Patriots this one I think this one’s where if what’s worse losing 38 to 3 or losing 34 to 0 34 to 0, but yeah, shut out”
Concerns about Rhamondre Stevenson and Potential Trade 53:21
- Despite Ramon Ray Stevenson’s recent poor performances, there are upcoming plus matchups that could boost his value.
- However, there are concerns about his recent injury, which might affect his snap percentages.
- Another concern is the lack of involvement in the passing game, with diminishing receiving yardage.
- Nonetheless, due to his currently low value, it could be an opportunity to trade for him.
“He’s got really plus matchups…my only worry with doing that is simply the fact that he was injured this last week and I worry a little bit…Like I don’t know how much of the snap percentages this week…He was injured this last week and I worry a little bit…Like I don’t know how much of the snap percentages this week”
Considerations for Trading Rhamondre Stevenson 55:36
- Managers who own Ramon Ray Stevenson might be willing to trade him due to his recent underwhelming performances.
- This presents an opportunity to offer a startable wide receiver or any other valuable player to acquire Stevenson.
- However, it’s important to weigh the risks and potential rewards before making such a trade.
“Everything I saw was I’m benching Ramandre Stevenson from here on out when you’re talking to a manager…They’ll take just about anything. They’ll…you know, if there’s a startable wide receiver on your roster like a…Guy who scored a couple weeks in a row and he’s like, oh, yeah…He’s starting you just offer that straight up”
Disappointing Performances by Miles Sanders and Matt Breida 55:50
- Miles Sanders had another disappointing performance in Week 5, with limited production against the Detroit Lions.
- Matt Breida‘s performance was also underwhelming with only 9 carries for 21 yards.
- The situation is exacerbated by a decline in snap share and workload compared to Chuba Hubbard and Saquon Barkley.
“Miles Sanders another down game…Matt Burrito farts 9 for 21. I think it’s it”
Kyren Williams‘ Performance and Concerns 56:13
- Kyron Williams had a relatively quiet game in Week 5, with 13 carries for 53 yards and 2 receptions for 4 yards.
- He played 84% of the snaps, but there were concerns about his limited workload in practice due to a hip injury.
- Despite the dip in performance, it is believed that Kyron Williams’ overall value remains solid, especially considering his upcoming matchup against Arizona.
“Kyron Williams…13 for 53 on the ground only two targets…He was limited on Wednesday’s practice report with the I think with the hip so we weren’t exactly sure…So I’m not I’m not worried about him at all and he gets Arizona this coming week”
Najee Harris‘ Disappointing Season 57:45
- Naji Harris has been underperforming throughout the season and has only had one game with more than 6.5 fantasy points.
- Despite receiving consistent opportunities, he has struggled to generate significant production.
- With the Pittsburgh Steelers on bye in Week 6, managers can avoid starting Harris and further disappointing results.
“Naji Harris…I mean he is oh man, he has…One game right now over too bright over six and a half fantasy points on the season”
Jaylen Warren‘s Performance and Consistency 58:52
- Jalen Warren has been outperforming Naji Harris in recent weeks.
- He has finished as a top 24 running back in three of the last four weeks, despite receiving fewer opportunities.
- Considering Warren’s efficiency with his limited workload, managers should start him over Harris going forward.
“Jalen Warren…Three of the last four weeks has been a top 24 running back at the position…I think like it’s it’s done…You have to start Warren if you’re choosing between the two”
Devonta Smith‘s Disappointing Game 59:10
- Devonta Smith had a disappointing performance in Week 5, with just one reception for six yards.
- Despite the favorable matchup, Smith’s involvement in the passing game was overshadowed by AJ Brown and Dallas Goddard.
- While the trade for Smith might be regrettable, there is still hope for improvement in future games.
“Devonta Smith…One for six…Unfortunate because it felt like this will be a great matchup for him”
CeeDee Lamb‘s Fantasy Performance 01:00:36
- CD Lamb’s fantasy output has been negatively affected by the offense’s play calling and the position he has been put in.
- Despite a few good games, Lamb’s overall performance has been disheartening.
“He right now lamb is having to overcome the offense of play calling and the position that he has been put in.”
Fantasy Performances of Brandon Aiyuk and Christian McCaffrey 01:01:26
- Both Brandon Aiyuk and Christian McCaffrey had subpar performances.
- The hosts mention their fantasy teams are overlapping, implying they both have these players.
“Brandon I you Ended up with a not great game because of George Kittle. So look Christian McCaffrey managers and Brandon I you commanders we are Our our Venn diagram is overlapping right now.