Week five of NFL action was overtaken by sideline games thanks to the coronavirus. Several games were suspended or moved, leaving some fantasy managers on the edge of their seats heading into Tuesday night.
Even with the chaos of the current playing conditions, some players showed out, and some, well, did not. Here are the winners and losers from week five of fantasy football.
All scores below are in PPR (points per reception) format.
WINNERS
Mike Davis, 30 points: If you have paid attention to football this season, you know the Atlanta Falcons are terrible at defense, giving a field day to Carolina Panthers running back Mike Davis, who is filling in for the injured Christian McCaffrey.
Davis carried the ball for 89 yards, adding nine catches for 60 yards and one score. While Davis will inevitably see a smaller role in the Panthers offense once McCaffrey returns, the fifth-year back has proved his skill on the field.
Adam Thielen, 29 points: The Minnesota Vikings offense has been trivial in the first half of the season, usually depending on the run and remaining unpredictable in terms of fantasy production. Despite this, wide receiver Adam Thielen has remained efficient, scoring six touchdowns through five games.
Week five was no different for Thielen, who found his way to the endzone two times against a weak Seattle Seahawks defense. Thielen should put up similar numbers in the coming weeks as the Vikings host a favorable matchup against the Falcons.
Todd Gurley, 25 points: Despite recent struggles from a depleted Atlanta Falcons offense, Gurley was able to leave a strong mark in the Panthers defense. Notching 150 yards from scrimmage and one score, Gurley put up his best performance of the year by far.
While the Falcons coaching positions have shifted recently, Dirk Koetter still calls the team’s offensive plays, meaning Gurley owners shouldn’t expect much change.
LOSERS
George Kittle, 7 points: After posting a monster return game last week, Kittle was limited to just four catches for 44 yards by a surprisingly astute Miami Dolphins defense. The San Francisco 49ers will look for Kittle to bounce back in week six as they host the Rams.
Lamar Jackson, 13 points: Jackson could not find consistency in the Baltimore Ravens passing scheme throwing for just 180 yards and turning the ball over once. Jackson scored twice on the day, but it is a far cry from his once-dominant status.
Matt Ryan, 6 points: Ryan could not find the endzone for the second week in a row, leaving the 2016 MVP with 226 yards and one fumble. The Falcons could bounce back against a weak Vikings defense in week six, but for now, it’s safe to keep Ryan on the bench.
