Joe Burrow, Bengals

It goes without saying that the production and poise of Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow has been one of the most enchanting storylines through the first month of the NFL season. To put his numbers into perspective, his 1,121 passing yards are the most for a rookie through four games since Cam Newton back in 2011. 

Burrow is even Pro Football Focus’ highest-rated rookie gunslinger (79.4) through his first four career games since 2017. He’s completing 65.5% of his passes for six touchdowns compared to just two interceptions. Those aren’t fantastic numbers from a Fantasy Football perspective, but they’re more than serviceable for managers, who likely drafted him as a backup and don’t currently roster a reliable starter. 

Over the last three weeks, Burrow has racked up 72.02 fantasy points in standard PPR leagues, which is good for an average of 24 per game. He currently ranks 11th among all quarterbacks in fantasy points and that includes his underwhelming Week 1 showing in which he threw for less than 200 yards and an interception without a touchdown. 

With all of that in mind, it would be understandable for fantasy managers to continue riding his undeniably hot hand. However, we would advise fading the 2020 No. 1 overall pick in Week 5, when the Bengals travel to Baltimore to face a stout Ravens defense. Both of Burrow’s best games have come on the road, but the Browns and Eagles defenses are nothing to write home about. The Ravens’ unit, on the other hand, currently ranks third in the NFL in points allowed (18.3) per game. 

Outside of allowing four touchdowns to Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ unstoppable offense, Baltimore has conceded just two scores (!) through the air this season. Throw in the fact that Burrow has been sacked the second-most times in the league (15) and the Ravens are blitzing on 33.7% of snaps, which is the fifth most in the NFL, and we would seriously consider an alternative option to that of the former LSU stud.