Each week, the Noise highlights under-started names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must be started in fewer than 60% of Yahoo leagues. Speaking as an accountability advocate, I will post results, whether genius or moronic, the following week. Scoring thresholds in .5 PPR format are — QB: 18 fantasy points, RB: 12 fantasy points (10 for shockers), WR: 11 fantasy points, TE: 10 fantasy points.
More Week 5 Flames: Running back | Wide receiver and tight end
| Started in Yahoo | DraftKings DFS | Matchup | Vegas line | Total pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 28% | $5,600 | vs. Texans | Jaguars -7 | 44.5 |
They say blondes have all the fun. Last season in his rookie campaign, however, good times were few and far between for Lawrence. A hilariously incompetent head coach who excelled at heckling his own kicker (while wearing tactical jean shorts no less) and the enduring typical first-year lumps sapped the 2021 top pick’s production. As a result, he finished QB22 in fantasy scoring and QB26 or lower in six different completion percentage categories. Talk about a buzzkill.
Though his step backwards last Sunday in rain-soaked Philadelphia gave managers flashbacks, Lawrence has made significant strides early in Year 2, especially putting the ball on the numbers. He ranks No. 10 in adjusted completion percentage. He has also topped 20 fantasy points in two of four games.
The Texans secondary can be best described as forgiving. Yes, they’ve surrendered the 10th-fewest fantasy points to QBs, but they’re also allowing 283.2 passing yards and 7.42 passing yards per attempt. They are pliable to say the least. Back home with the plus matchup, Lawrence is a borderline QB1 in 12-team leagues. Let the locks flow.
Fearless Forecast: 277 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 1 turnover, 11 rushing yards, 21.9 fantasy points
Week 5 Bonus Flame
Sep 25, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston (2) throws the ball against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Guillory-USA TODAY Sports
| Started in Yahoo | DraftKings DFS | Matchup | Vegas line | Total pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7% | $5,500 | vs. Seahawks | Saints -5.5 | 45.5 |
Last Sunday in London, Winston proved about as worthy as an over-served patron at the nearest pub. A balky back kept him in street clothes. When healthy this season, he’s often thrown deep, as evidenced by his No. 1 ranking in air yards per attempt (11.4). His accuracy is undoubtedly suspect, but with Chris Olave and hopefully an active Michael Thomas, Winston has the field stretchers to surpass 300 yards for the second time in four games.
Seattle is a silver-platter opponent. The Seahawks have served up a staggering 9.05 passing yards per attempt and the eighth-most fantasy points to signal callers. Fly the Fleur-de-lis, assuming Winston is a go.
Fearless Forecast: 302 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 1 turnover, 4 rushing yards, 22.5 fantasy points
