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Each week, the Noise highlights under-started names who he believes are destined to torch the competition. To qualify, each player must have started in fewer than 60 percent of Yahoo leagues. Speaking as an accountability advocate, I will post results, whether genius or moronic, the following week. Scoring thresholds (0.5 PPR) – QB: 18 fantasy points; RB: 12 fantasy points (10 for shockers); WR: 11 fantasy points; TE: 10 fantasy points.
Baker Mayfield, Buccaneers
| Start pct. | 17% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | at Falcons |
| BetMGM line | Buccaneers -2.5 |
| BetMGM total | 43 points |
| BetAlytics projection | 249.5 pass yds, 1.4 pass TDs, 10.8 rush yards |
Forget insurance or car commercials. When Baker, Baker the Touchdown Maker returns to a pitchman role, he better be selling Fireball Whisky.
The scorching-hot Tampa Bay quarterback has his investors drunk with enthusiasm. He’s the second-most valuable passer in the virtual game, averaging a massive 22.0 fantasy points per game in Yahoo leagues. His command of the Buccaneers offense and the scheme’s alterations — sliding Chris Godwin back into the slot was a wise move — have him on a career-year path. Tom Brady, however, probably still thinks his approach is soft.
Beyond just the surface numbers, Mayfield ranks fifth in adjusted completion percentage (81.9%) and top-10 in six other accuracy-related categories, including red-zone performance. Not to be overlooked, he’s also top-10 in fantasy points per dropback. Working behind an above-average offensive line and facing Tampa’s unsupportive defense, his high volume is likely to remain consistent.
Shootouts rarely occur on Thursdays, but this week the forecast calls for points.
Mediocre at best describes Atlanta’s pass defense, which is No. 19 in pass EPA D. The surface data suggests the Falcons have performed at a more commendable level. They’ve surrendered only 6.21 passing yards per attempt, 198.8 passing yards per game, three passing touchdowns and the 13th-fewest fantasy points to QBs. Still, questions remain.
It is a road matchup in a short week, but Mayfield is a hot-handed casino dealer serving backers nothing but blackjacks. Keep the favorable cards coming.
Fearless Forecast: 239 passing yards, 2 passing TDs, 1 interception, 20 rushing yards, 20.9 fantasy points
Week 5 Bonus Flame
Jordan Love, Packers
| Start pct. | 30% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | at Rams |
For the Love of the fantasy gods! How is the Green Bay starter only deployed by 30% of the Yahoo fantasy football playing audience? The disrespect runs deep.
Sporting a Brett Favre jersey entering Lambeau Field last Sunday, Love channeled the Hall of Famer’s loose cannon vibes by tossing four TDs and three interceptions against rival Minnesota. Still, his 29.2 points accumulated in Yahoo leagues ranked second in Week 4 only to Pittsburgh’s Justin Fields.
Spraying the ball all over the field whether to Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, Tucker Kraft or his recent crush Dontayvion Wicks, Love keeps defenses guessing. Though he currently stands outside the top 15 in every completion percentage category imaginable, he’s a rubber-stamped QB1 in 12-team and deeper leagues — especially in Week 5.
On Sunday, the Pack descends on the City of Angels to lock horns with the Rams, who have one of the weakest defenses in the NFL. Sean McVay’s club is No. 31 in pass EPA defense, yielding 9.14 passing yards per attempt, 233.0 passing yards per game, an 8-to-1 TD/INT split and the seventh-most fantasy points to QBs.
For the third time in three games, Love leaves investors rolling in the green.
Fantasy Forecast: 268 passing yards, 2 passing TDs, 1 interception, 4 rushing yards, 20.8 fantasy points
Season record: 6-2