We’re back again for Fantasy Football: Fact or Fiction for Week 5! Join myself and Dustin Brown as we highlight some of the biggest stories in the NFL and determine if they’re fact or fiction.
Fact or Fiction – Week 5
There will be an international team within 5 years in the NFL.
Dustin: Fiction
I like what the NFL is doing, in terms of expanding the game internationally. However, I think that they will look at the failed experiment that was NFL Europe and hold off on international NFL teams for at least the next five years. If anything, the international games will continue to be played and possibly expand into other parts of the world as the NFL looks to continue to build its brand.
Erika: Fact
I’m not sure the expansion team would be overseas, but I do think they could expand into Mexico. While there is not a game in Mexico in 2023 due to stadium renovations ahead of the 2026 World Cup, Mexico City has already hosted five international games. The last one was in 2022 with the Arizona Cardinals against the San Francisco 49ers. The main problem with overseas games is the time difference, but with Mexico City games, they are in CST. Much easier on the players and the fans as well. It’s a possibility that after the 2026 World Cup, we see a team in Mexico for the first expansion.
Micah Parsons will win Defensive Player of the Year.
Dustin: Fiction
Micah Parsons finished as runner-up for DPOY last season, and I think he likely finishes even further back this season. While Parsons does already have four sacks this year, TJ Watt is playing like a man possessed this season. Watt is currently tied for first in the league with six sacks so far. Watt will continue to be a stalwart for the Steelers defense, and I think he walks away with the award this season.
Erika: Fact
The award alluded Parsons last year, and I’m sure he remembers it well. He wants to be the best player in the NFL and the award is in his sights. He is currently the favorite in Vegas to win the award, and the crew behind him is just as explosive; including Myles Garrett, TJ Watt, Nick Bosa, and Aiden Hutchinson. Parsons will have to continue is domination at the line, but I fully suspect him to do so.
The Chicago Bears will end up with the first two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Dustin: Fact
There is a slight chance that the Carolina Panthers have worse struggles than the Chicago Bears, but with the way the Chicago defense has been playing it is only a slight chance. The Bears should have two wins on the season — if not for the epic collapse against the Denver Broncos — but alas they only have one with their win against the Commanders. This could be a tight race, but you could say the Bears would “win” if they ended up with the first two picks in 2024. After all, quarterback Caleb Williams and wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. are the top-two draft candidates in 2024.
Erika: Fiction
Maybe this is my hope as a Bears fan, but I think they could win a few more games than what my co-writer believes. They have the potential to win four more games this season, with games against the Raiders, Panthers, Cardinals and Falcons. This coaching staff is good at making adjustments, as seen by Justin Fields‘ play these past two weeks, plus the Denver game. I think they end the season with a total of six wins; but they still might have the overall first pick thanks to the Panthers. Even so, this coaching staff will have a difficult decision with the pick. Do they stick with Fields or draft Caleb Williams?
Stefon Diggs will play for the Buffalo Bills in 2024.
Dustin: Fact
Even with all of the visible frustration that Stefon Diggs has shown in the offseason and 25-20 loss to the Jaguars in London, I think he stays with the Bills. However, if the season falls off the rails for Buffalo, they might look to trade the star receiver and get something in return.
Erika: Fact
Probably the easiest one we’ve done thus far this season. Diggs and Josh Allen is a fantastic duo, and Diggs signed a four-year extension in April of 2022. At this point in his career, he wants to be on a team with an explosive offense that can ultimately win a Superbowl and I believe he has the best chance being tied to the Bills for a few more years.
New England Patriots will have a new QB1 in 2024.
Dustin: Fact
The Mac Jones experiment should be coming to a close. He has been replaced during the second half of the past two games by Bailey Zappe. Whether or not he will still be with the Patriots organization is another question, but if he is, he will likley be the new backup quarterback.
Erika: Fact
The Patriots don’t look like a team that is ready to compete. Jones has looked awful the past few weeks, posting five touchdowns to six interceptions and averaging just 201 yards per game. Bill Belichick has already sat his starter for the backup Zappe. It wouldn’t surprise me if they move on from Jones in 2024, either through the draft or free agency.
Erika Brown
Erika Brown is a fantasy football writer for The League Winners. A journalism graduate from Oklahoma State University, she enjoys watching OkState football games and writing about college football.