Nacua Tops Fantasy; Rams' WR Duo Shines

As the NFL enters Week 5, quarter-season award conversations — including a new "Protector of the Year" honor — are taking shape amid inconsistent rookie defenders and pass rushers. Thursday Night's NFC West clash pits the 3-1 San Francisco 49ers against the 3-1 Los Angeles Rams; the 49ers are banged up with Brock Purdy's toe uncertain and receivers Jauan Jennings and Ricky Pearsall questionable, increasing reliance on Christian McCaffrey and potentially expanded roles for backups like Brian Robinson. The Rams field one of the league's top wide receiver tandems in Puka Nacua and Davante Adams, with Nacua leading all skill players in fantasy points through four weeks as Matthew Stafford's passing game has surged. These personnel issues and rising workloads are reshaping early fantasy MVP races and award narratives.