Here we go! Hot and heavy, baby.
Three football players. Five flames apiece.
Somebody call the fire department because we’re about to burn this mother down.
If you’re new to the Heat Index, here’s the deal: This is a list of typically unknown, unowned, or undervalued players coming off a hot week. We usually ask, “Will they stay hot? Or will they not?”
But in this edition, we’re spitting straight fire. So keep your head on a swivel because we’re coming in hot.
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Chase Claypool (WR – PIT)
Rookie wide receiver Chase Claypool had the breakout game of the season in Week 5. The former Notre Dame standout caught seven-of-11 targets for 110 yards and three—count them, three—touchdowns in the Steelers’ win against the Philadelphia Eagles. He also carried the ball three times for six yards and another score. Yinz see that?! Yowza.
Claypool ran routes out of the slot and on the outside. He caught passes on slants, comebacks, and screens. He reeled in deep shots down the sideline and up the seam. If not for a questionable push-off penalty against him in the fourth quarter, he’d have had an even more impressive performance. Rest assured, the Iron City brewskis were flowing on Sunday (pour one out for the Philly secondary).
Are we ready to crown Chase Claypool as the new pass-catching king in Steel Town? The coronation could be close. Fellow wideout and former “No. 1” receiver Diontae Johnson has been battling a gauntlet of injuries since training camp (toe, concussion, back), and his timetable to return is unknown. As long as he remains sidelined (or otherwise limited), Claypool should continue to command a healthy target share (32% in Week 5!).
Claypool is as hot as they come, but he’s rostered in just 17% of Yahoo leagues. Are you looking for an extra iron in the fire that this year’s fantasy football season? Pick up Claypool while you can.
Week 5 Heat Index: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Rest-of-season Heat Index: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Travis Fulgham (WR – PHI)
Travis Fulgham is a wide receiver in the NFL. He plays for the Eagles. He has played in exactly two professional football games this season. He’s scored in both of them. In Week 5, he caught 10 of his 13 targets for 152 yards and a touchdown. Travis Fulgham, ladies, and gentlemen. Travis Fulgham.
No, you didn’t see his country music CD in the 99-cent bin at Wal-Mart. But you did see him play the game of his life against the Steelers last Sunday. You did see him make diving catches over the middle. You did see him break tackles and rack up YAC. And you definitely saw him exploit the Steelers’ zone defense to collect a 4-yard TD reception.
Travis Fulgham. The second-year pro. Travis Fulgham. The sixth-round draft pick out of Old Dominion. Travis Fulgham. Your new favorite fantasy football asset.
Fulgham (6’2″, 215 pounds) saw an incendiary 36% of his team’s target share in Week 5. Yes, the Eagles primary wideouts have been snuffed out by injuries. Yes, there’s “no one else to throw to” except for a tight end or two. But yes! Travis Fulgham has filled the void. What’s more, the Eagles will probably need to rely on his services for the rest of the season.
While reports from Philadelphia indicate that Alshon Jeffery (foot) and DeSean Jackson (hamstring) are nearing their return, you have to wonder how long they can hack it, stay healthy, or even stay invested in what already seems like a lost season for the Eagles.
Given the nagging nature of lower-body injuries to these aging wideouts, Fulgham’s hot start with the team could spread as the season rages on.
Week 5 Heat Index: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Rest-of-season Heat Index: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Derek Carr (QB – LV)
In Week 5, Derek Carr roasted the Chiefs for 347 yards and three touchdowns with one interception. He’s currently sixth in the league completions (128), sixth in touchdowns (11), and seventh in passing yards (1,442). And according to NFL.com, he’s the 12th best quarterback in fantasy football. That’s pretty good for a “value QB” who was ranked well outside the top 12 at his position entering fantasy drafts this season.
The Raiders have scored the fifth-most points in the NFL, averaging 30.8 points per game. Why? Newly acquired wide receivers, Nelson Agholor and Henry Ruggs III have made an instant impact on offense, playing the third and fourth most snaps on the team.
Even though Hunter Renfrow leads the team in receptions with 17, the Raiders’ newfound playmakers are commanding attention from defenders, opening up more space for the offense, and creating better opportunities for Carr to succeed.
On the other side of the ball, the Raiders have been hurt by a slew of critical injuries to key defenders, particularly in their secondary. With a better offense and a weakened defense, it’s no wonder that Carr has thrown at least 30 passes in every game this season.
That was a lot of statistical sticks and stones. Here’s the flashpoint: The Raiders offense is good. The Raiders’ defense is hurt. Every game will be competitive. Derek Carr will throw a ton this season.
Rostered in just 21% of Yahoo leagues, Carr is a must-own QB for the rest of the season in any capacity you need him—whether it’s as an immediate starter, a matchup play here, and there, or a bye-week gem.
Week 5 Heat Index: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Rest-of-season Heat Index: 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Are these takes too hot to handle? Or is the heat just right? Let me hear it on Twitter. Until then, stay spicy, my friends.
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Jim Colombo is a correspondent at FantasyPros. For more from Jim, check out his archive and follow him @WideRightNBlue.
