Sports · American Football · 1 day ago
Fantasy model urges caution on Hockenson, backs Croskey-Merritt for Week 5
Fantasy football players are setting their lineups for Week 5 of the 2026 NFL season.
The Chiefs and Panthers have byes, leaving fewer players to choose from, and injuries have ruled out some players while others remain uncertain.
A computer model that simulates each NFL game 10,000 times has published its Week 5 rankings and advice.
It ranks Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt among the top 15 fantasy running backs, although he is 35th so far this season.
The model points to his history against the Giants and the yards or touchdowns their defense has allowed to running backs this season.
It is less optimistic about Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson, who had a career-high 13 catches last week while Justin Jefferson was out injured.
The model expects Jefferson may return and notes that the Saints have limited opposing tight ends this season; fantasy players can use the rankings to guide their Week 5 lineup choices.
SportsLine’s model recommends caution on Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson for Week 5 of the 2026 NFL season.
The model ranks Hockenson just inside the top 20 at his position despite his strong game the previous Sunday.
It is more optimistic about Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt, ranking him among its top 15 fantasy running backs for the week.
Croskey-Merritt faces the Giants, who have allowed five running backs to reach at least 92 scrimmage yards or score a touchdown in four games.
The model simulates each NFL game 10,000 times, according to CBS Sports.
- Who
- SportsLine’s model, T.J. Hockenson and Jacory Croskey-Merritt.
- What
- The model urges caution on Hockenson and ranks Croskey-Merritt among its top 15 fantasy running backs for Week 5.
- When
- Week 5 of the 2026 NFL season.
- Where
- Hockenson faces the Saints; Croskey-Merritt faces the Giants.
- Why
- The model cites the possibility Justin Jefferson returns and the Saints’ defensive record against tight ends; it points to the Giants’ record against running backs and Croskey-Merritt’s past performances against New York.
Fantasy model
Potential Hockenson fantasy starters
Hockenson’s Week 5 ranking
Fantasy model
The model places him just inside the top 20 at tight end, citing Jefferson’s possible return and the Saints’ defense.
Potential Hockenson fantasy starters
A fantasy manager could still consider him because he ranks among the top 10 tight ends in fantasy points.
Croskey-Merritt’s Week 5 ranking
Fantasy model
The model ranks him among its top 15 fantasy running backs despite his RB35 standing through four weeks.
Potential Hockenson fantasy starters
His season totals so far are 43 to 56 scrimmage yards in each game.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
Hockenson recorded a career-high 13 catches for 119 yards while Justin Jefferson was out.
Hockenson is scheduled to face the Saints, while Croskey-Merritt is set to face the Giants.
- Hockenson’s previous game
- 13 catches for 119 yards
- Hockenson’s Week 5 position ranking
- Just inside the top 20 among tight ends
- Croskey-Merritt’s season standing
- RB35 through four weeks
- Croskey-Merritt’s Week 5 ranking
- Top 15 fantasy running back
- Model simulations
- 10,000 per NFL game
Sources
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