SIGN UP: Get the best player prop and game betting projections at BetAlytics. Use code JUICE for a special promo rate.
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.
Caleb Williams, Bears
| Start pct. | 19% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | vs. Jaguars in London |
| BetMGM line | Bears -2 |
| BetMGM total | 44.5 points |
| BetAlytics projection | N/A |
If you’re a knackered bloke who’s bloody done with losing and Williams is rostered, make sure you have the bollocks to start the rookie quarterback — in London, no less. This curtain twitcher demands it.
Someone pour me a Boddingtons.
The USC product’s NFL evolution over five games is striking. He still occasionally grips the ball entirely too long, but his accuracy and mental processes have steadily improved. Sure, Carolina’s defense is Pillsbury Doughboy soft, but his QB11 Week 5 finish in adjusted completion percentage was a tremendous development. Williams also threw for 304 yards, ran for 34 yards, tossed two touchdowns and didn’t commit a single turnover. Again, he’s ascending.
Given his pocket evasiveness, off-platform precision and all-fields arm, Williams owns the tools, once refined, of an All-Pro. Jayden Daniels has front offices and virtual GMs munching sour grapes, but even the most impatient Bears fan has to feel good about the franchise cornerstone’s blindingly bright future. His comfort level and subsequent growth are just beginning.
This Sunday, Williams could enjoy his best performance yet.
Jacksonville is a dungeon dweller in pass EPA D, ranking No. 32 out of 32. Overall, the cuddly kittens have surrendered 8.03 passing yards per attempt, 298.8 passing yards per game, a 10-0 touchdown/interception ratio and THE most fantasy points to the position. The last three weeks, each opposing signal caller scored at least 23 points against the Jaguars in Yahoo leagues. The executioner is sharpening his blade, Doug Pederson.
Oh, and due to the early start (9:30 a.m. ET), don’t forget to plug in Williams before the butt crack. Another Britishism? No, that’s midwestern American for “dawn.”
Fearless Forecast: 278 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 1 interception, 27 rushing yards, 23.6 fantasy points
Week 6 Bonus Flame
Kirk Cousins, Falcons
| Start pct. | 14% on Yahoo |
| Matchup | at Panthers |
Written off due to concerns over his legs being encased in cement after Achilles surgery, Cousins has earned his White Claws. Exhibiting vintage poise and DB-threading precision in a thrilling overtime win last Thursday against division foe Tampa Bay, the Atlanta veteran stiff-armed every doubter imaginable. His 35.4 fantasy-point outburst (509 yards, 4 TDs, 1 INT) vaulted him to QB13 in total scoring. Expect that standing to climb.
The Panthers are downright pathetic defensively. Per EPA data, only the Jags and Rams rank lower in dropback D. Overall, Carolina has yielded 8.07 passing yards per attempt, 232.4 passing yards per game, 2.2 passing touchdowns per game and the eighth-most fantasy points to QBs. When Gardner Minshew and Aidan O’Connell combine for 24.2 fantasy points against you, it speaks to your worthlessness.
As another Captain Kirk once famously said, “Risk is our business.” In what should amount to the free square in bingo, Cousins rewards backers with a multi-TD effort.
Fearless Forecast: 239 passing yards, 2 passing touchdowns, 0 interceptions, 19.9 fantasy points
Season record: 7-3