As fantasy football managers make their final push for the playoffs, identifying the players on the rise and those losing momentum can make all the difference. With only five weeks left in the regular season and plenty of NFL teams yet to have their bye weeks, navigating the upcoming matchups requires a keen eye for trends. Let’s dive into the players trending up and those heading in the opposite direction.
Players Trending Up
Courtland Sutton, WR, Denver Broncos: Sutton’s recent surge in volume bodes well for his fantasy outlook. The veteran wideout has seen 10 or more targets in consecutive games, turning 21 total targets into 15 catches for 222 yards. Rookie quarterback Bo Nix’s poise and timing in Sean Payton’s offense have played a significant role in Sutton’s success, as he’s producing at multiple levels of the route tree.
DeAndre Hopkins, WR, Kansas City Chiefs: In just his second game with the Chiefs, Hopkins erupted for 28.6 fantasy points, catching 8 of 9 targets for 86 yards and two touchdowns. His route deployment and red zone usage in Andy Reid’s offense suggest that Hopkins will continue to be a focal point for Patrick Mahomes, especially in the short-to-intermediate passing game.
Hunter Henry, TE, New England Patriots
Henry has emerged as a reliable streaming option at the tight end position, providing a solid floor in an otherwise unstable landscape. Over his past four games, Henry is averaging 13.1 points per game and has quickly become a trusted target for rookie quarterback Drake Maye.
“If I can grab a tight end who is averaging 7.0 targets per game over the past four weeks while also giving me a consistent 10 to 12 points in the lineup, I’m going to jump on it.”
– Fantasy expert Matt Bowen on Hunter Henry’s value
Other Players on the Rise
- Justin Herbert, QB, Los Angeles Chargers: Looking healthy and primed for a strong finish with a favorable schedule.
- Chase Brown, RB, Cincinnati Bengals: Poised to lead the Bengals’ backfield with Zack Moss likely out for the season.
- Cedric Tillman and Jerry Jeudy, WRs, Cleveland Browns: Benefiting from Jameis Winston’s aggressive mentality in the passing game.
Players Trending Down
DJ Moore, WR, Chicago Bears: Struggling to find consistency in the Bears’ offense due to average playcalling, play design, and rookie quarterback Caleb Williams’ growing pains. Moore has scored fewer than 10 points in three straight games and faces a challenging upcoming schedule.
Travis Etienne Jr., RB, Jacksonville Jaguars: A preseason favorite, Etienne has failed to live up to expectations, averaging just 9.0 points per game. The emergence of Tank Bigsby and a Week 6 hamstring injury have limited Etienne’s upside, making him a fringe flex play at best.
Javonte Williams, RB, Denver Broncos
Despite high hopes for Williams in Sean Payton’s offense, the third-year back has struggled to deliver consistent results. Outside of a 26.1-point outburst against the Saints in Week 7, Williams is averaging just 10.2 points per game and faces competition from rookies Audric Estime and Jaleel McLaughlin in the Broncos’ backfield.
As the fantasy football season reaches its crucial stages, staying ahead of player trends can give managers the edge they need to secure a playoff berth and make a championship run. By targeting ascending stars like Courtland Sutton and DeAndre Hopkins while avoiding the pitfalls of fading assets like DJ Moore and Travis Etienne Jr., fantasy managers can optimize their lineups for success down the stretch.
