NFL Weeks 3-5 Recap

The Highlights

• Baker Mayfield (QB, TB) carved up Seattle in what some analysts are calling a perfect game: 379 yards, 2 TD in a 38–35 shootout victory.
• Emeka Egbuka (WR, TB) erupted for 7/163/1, arguably the splash WR line of the slate. The rookie looks stellar through 5 weeks and though it's still early should he continue with this pace don't be too shocked if he ends up challenging Puka Nacua's record setting rookie year stat line. Don't take our word for it though see for yourself:

• Jonathan Taylor (RB, IND): Taylor and the Colts absolutely torched the lowly Raiders 40-6 as they move onto a 4-1 record. The Colts are on fire this season and look like the early favorites to win their division. Taylor himself is the leading all RB's through 5 games with 480 yds on the season thus far.

Stalwarts & Laggards

Stalwarts

• Baker Mayfield (QB, TB): near-perfect efficiency and an early MVP favorite.
• Emeka Egbuka (WR, TB): the rookie sensation continues to impress. He's a stalwart through and through.
• Javonte Williams (RB, DAL): Williams is consistent through 5 games and doesn't look to be slowing down anytime soon.

Laggards

• Kyler Murray (QB, ARI): Through 5 weeks he's not even a Top 15 QB. That's quite the drop from last year's performance. It's hard to say if he'll turn things around but for now Murray is viewed as a laggard for us.
• Emari Demercado (RB, ARI): Speaking of the Cardinals. Demercado's fumble reminds us all that you've got to finish. For that and that alone we're lumping him with our laggards for the week. Will he get a chance to redeem himself? Find out next week.
• Chase Brown (RB, CIN): Bengals backfield blues continue. Brown had 7 catches for 21 yards but mustered just 27 rushing yards on 8 carries in that shootout loss to Detroit. No TDs, middling efficiency, and with Burrow sidelined, the offense's spark feels dim. Is it time to package Brown in a trade? For now, he's firmly in laggard territory, but a softer matchup could flip the script.

Injuries to Monitor

• Brock Bowers (TE, LV): Inactive pregame with a knee issue. With Vegas muddling along, a cautious approach wouldn’t surprise; monitor mid-week practice reports before starting him.

Tweet of the Week:

In a hilarious viral fan video, Baker Mayfield was caught dishing the trash talk right back to a heckling Seahawks fan in the stands. The Seahawks had the lead and Baker let him know what he thought of him and what would happen to his beloved Seahawks. His linemen appeared jubilant as they watched their QB get fired up. The best part is that they did go on to win the game in dramatic fashion.

Player Spotlight: Baker Mayfield

Baker Mayfield is having himself an impressive start to the season. After being drafted in 2018 by the Browns only to be traded to the Panthers. Getting released, to then having a stint with the Rams. To ultimately getting what by most accounts was likely to be his last shot at a starting role with the Bucs. Baker's story is still being written but it has all the makings of an underdog story which we love to see. Through 5 games he has been accurate and most importantly he's been winning. The Bucs also have the right pieces around Baker including the rookie WR Emeka Egbuka who has quickly become a favorite target for Mayfield. Don't sleep on the Bucs the rest of the season.

The Bottom Line

Five weeks in, we’ve already had surprises (hello, Daniel Jones and the surging Colts) and a few heavyweights looking the part (Bills, Eagles, 49ers, Buccaneers, Lions). The Jaguars just clipped the Chiefs on MNF and Kansas City looks mortal. The Chargers started hot but cooled off, the Steelers are grinding out wins, and the Ravens have stumbled out of the gate. Point is: it’s early, and the next 2–3 weeks will swing seasons. Stay aggressive on waivers/FA, trade smart with the Fleece-O-Meter, and stream matchups while injuries and bye weeks churn the board. Play proactive, not reactive. Till next time MoneyLeaguers.