The Hot Sheet looks at which top prospects are excelling and which ones are struggling on a week-to-week basis. The consensus top-flight players may not always appear on this list because we are trying to help you find the next group of breakout players before your league mates do.
Hot List:
1) Branden Oliver, RB SD
We knew undrafted rookie running back Branden Oliver would get a shot at some increased playing time in Week Five, but when starter Donald Brown suffered a concussion, Oliver took over. He totaled over 180 yards and scored a pair of touchdowns. With the other Chargers’ backs either dealing with injuries or simply struggling to produce, Oliver has a chance to keep his significant role and could be a huge factor in PPR leagues.
2) Brian Quick, WR STL
Rams receiver Brian Quick has been one of the major surprises of the season and he continued his ways in Week Five, hauling in five receptions for 87 yards and two scores, easily the best game of his career based on fantasy numbers. The Rams have some tough matchups over the next month, including three games against division rivals San Francisco and Seattle, meaning they could be forced to throw the ball a lot. Quarterback Austin Davis has shown no fear and seems to have formed a connection with Quick. At just 25 years old, Quick is making a case for himself to be considered among the game’s top wide receivers.
3) Odell Beckham, Jr., WR NYG
If you missed the Giants’ game last week, the stat line for rookie Odell Beckham, Jr. might not have jumped out for you. He caught four passes for 44 yards and his first career touchdown, but according to many observers, looked like the Giants’ best wide receiver already. Obviously, playing alongside Victor Cruz and Rueben Randle, that is a big compliment. With the trio of wide receivers, along with tight end Larry Donnell, there will be some up and down games for all New York pass catchers, but Beckham is clearly on the rise.
4) Andre Williams, RB NYG
Beckham was not the only Giants rookie to impress. Running back Andre Williams has rushed for over 60 yards and a score in each of the past two games. In Week Five, following an injury to starter Rashad Jennings, Williams even got involved in the passing game, catching both of his targets for 18 yards. This is significant because Williams’ hands and poor catching ability were the main criticism of his game entering the league. Williams is in prime position to help the Giants and fantasy owners over the next couple of weeks with Jennings out of action.
5) Antone Smith, RB ATL
Falcons’ running back Antone Smith is another huge surprise this season and while he’s just RB28 in PPR scoring, he leads all running backs in fantasy points per touch, averaging over 1.5 fantasy points every time he touches the ball. It’s difficult to count on Smith with his limited touches, but he seemingly makes one big play every week.
Also considered: Travis Kelce, Andrew Luck, Mike Glennon, Khiry Robinson, Golden Tate, Terrance Williams, Austin Davis, Taylor Gabriel, Dwayne Allen, http://www.nbcsports.com/edge/player/NFL/8764/Josh-HillJosh Hill
Cold List:
1) Bishop Sankey, RB TEN
With only the pedestrian veteran Shonn Greene standing in his way, most dynasty owners expected rookie Bishop Sankey to quickly claim the starting running back job for the Titans and be among the most productive rookies in this class. Instead, Sankey is struggling to even earn consistent touches. On pace for less than 500 rushing yards, Sankey is a huge disappointment, though he might have a chance to redeem himself coming up in Week Six. It appears as though Greene might miss the game, leaving Sankey to carry the load against the struggling Jaguars’ defense.
2) Calvin Johnson, WR DET
After including superstar running back LeSean McCoy on the Cold List last week, it was only fair to add Lions’ wide receiver Calvin Johnson to the list this week. Johnson, who was the top overall wide receiver in Week One, has only scored 33.4 fantasy points since that opening game, which places him at WR53 over the past four weeks. Battling an ankle injury, Johnson has totaled less than five points over the past two weeks and is likely to miss Week Six, and possibly more time. While Johnson is still valued among the dynasty elite, he has clearly fallen behind the top four younger receivers and likely tight end Jimmy Graham as well.
3) Cordarrelle Patterson, WR MIN
Like Johnson, Vikings’ receiver Cordarrelle Patterson started the season off right with a huge Week One game, aided by a long touchdown run and becoming the first wide receiver in decades to rush for over 100 yards. Since then though, Patterson, arguably the Vikings’ best weapon, has been almost invisible. Despite showing great ability in the rushing game, Patterson has just one carry in the four games since and he hasn’t done much as a receiver either. Patterson’s talent is undeniable, unless you’re a coach for Minnesota. This might be a great time to buy Patterson if the owner in your league is getting cold feet.
4) Michael Floyd, WR ARZ
It’s tough to predict which Michael Floyd we might see on a weekly basis. Floyd has had two great games this year, catching five passes for over 100 yards in each. He also has two other games in which he’s tallied a total of two catches for 26 yards. Of course, part of this can be attributed to some shaky quarterback play. Following the Carson Palmer injury, Drew Stanton and Logan Thomas have been iffy at best. Hopefully for Floyd’s dynasty stock, Palmer can return soon. Until then, inserting Floyd into your starting lineup is no sure thing.
5) Carlos Hyde, RB SF
As the regular season drew near, the hype surrounding 49ers rookie running back Carlos Hyde continued to grow. With Kendall Hunter and Marcus Lattimore dealing with serious injuries, Hyde had the backup job in the bag and we just knew this would be the year Frank Gore finally hit the wall. Well, that hasn’t really happened and even when Hyde has seen some carries, he hasn’t done much with them, rushing for just 132 yards through five games.
Also considered: Toby Gerhart, http://www.nbcsports.com/edge/player/NFL/3511/Cam-NewtonCam Newton, Montee Ball, Alfred Morris, Robert Woods, Percy Harvin, Markus Wheaton, Richard Rodgers, http://www.nbcsports.com/edge/player/NFL/6681/Charles-ClayCharles Clay
