As we enter Week 6 of the NFL Power Rankings, it might be time to check on the fantasy football manager in your lives.
It’s been a rough start for lots of the folks who spent weeks poring over data in the preseason to make the perfect pick only to see their plans left in shambles by the first five weeks of the actual season. So this week’s theme is fantasy focus as we look at exactly how bad things have gotten.
Spoiler alert: Pretty bad.
None of the top five fantasy players coming into the season based on average draft position is in the top 48 in fantasy scoring. Top pick Christian McCaffrey has more flights to Germany to get medical consultation than rushing yards this year. Extending the scope to look at the top 20 picks doesn’t make things much better. That group includes A.J. Brown, Puka Nacua, and Isaiah Pacheco. Oof, oof, and oof.
As you’ll see, these fantasy results have a real-life impact on the field and affect our rankings, where the Minnesota Vikings and fantasy afterthought Sam Darnold still sit up top. (The fantasy scoring numbers here are provided by TruMedia, and the average draft position statistics were compiled by Fantasy Pros.)
1. Minnesota Vikings (5-0)
Last week: 1
Sunday: Beat New York Jets 23-17
Darnold’s surprising season is nicely illustrated by his fantasy numbers. His average draft position was 223rd. His actual rank after another victory is 31st, and he’s 12th among quarterbacks with 16.5 points per game. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson is underperforming his draft position (drafted sixth, currently 14th in points per game, 19) but not by much, and no one in Minnesota is complaining with the Vikings undefeated. Aaron Jones (15.7 fantasy ppg) has been a good pick but left early Sunday with a hip injury.
Up next: Bye
GO DEEPER
Bills’ alleged blunder wasn’t so bad, but they need help (Davante Adams?): Sando’s Pick Six
Last week: 2
Monday: Beat New Orleans Saints 26-13
Kansas City’s most productive fantasy wide receiver this year has been Rashee Rice, who ranks 67th overall and 23rd among receivers with 64.9 points and is unlikely to play again this season because of a knee injury. After that, it’s rookie Xavier Worthy, who is 84th in scoring (58.1 ppg). And still, the Chiefs, who completed 12 passes to three tight ends Monday night, are undefeated.
Up next: Bye