Fantasy Football 2011: Ranking the Top 20 Flex Players Heading Into Week 5

Wow, is it really Week 5 already? Remember when the lockout seemed like it would never end?

Now is the time when strategy plays a key role in your fantasy success, because the first NFL bye week is now upon us. 

After a slew of key injuries in Weeks 1-4, this top 20 list of flex players has been shaken up a bit.

Let's take a look at the players who have become the core of all fantasy leagues so far in 2011.

20. Andre Johnson

After going down with a knee injury in Week 4, Johnson barely made the list.

Although he hauled in 20 receptions for 352 yards and two TDs, Johnson's fantasy value is in question, as he will miss at least three games with a bye in Week 8.

19. Hakeem Nicks

You gotta love fantasy football!

This TD catch—which occurred as a result of the controversial play from Sunday—was the difference in many fantasy owners winning or losing this past week.

Nicks already has 24 receptions for 347 yards with two TDs, and it looks as though Eli Manning and the Giants offense is really swinging into full gear heading into Week 5.

18. Larry Fitzgerald

With at least 90 receptions and 1,000 yards in each of his last four seasons, Fitzgerald looks to be on track to make it five years in a row.

Twenty-three receptions for 361 yards and two TDs.

17. Frank Gore

Gore has rushed for 275 yards and two TDs so far as he looks to at least match his total of 13 from 2009.

Although he still doesn't have a TD reception on the year, owners shouldn't be too worried, as he only averages about two or three per year when healthy.

What owners should be worried about is backup Kendall Hunter, who has shown some promise early on.

If you have Frank Gore, it would probably be a good idea to snatch Hunter off waivers. He is still available in most leagues.

16. Mike Wallace

Even though the Steelers have had some trouble early on, Wallace is averaging a spectacular 113.5 yards per game through the first four weeks.

This guy could become one of the top three receivers in the game—if he isn't already.

15. Beanie Wells

Entering the 2011 season, Wells only had nine career TDs and already has more than half that with five through the first four games.

The question was and still is—can he stay healthy?

14. Ahmad Bradshaw

As the Giants offense looks to be heating up, expect Bradshaw to surpass his career best of eight TDs in a season.

He already has three in 2011.

13. Vincent Jackson

Jackson is playing like a man happy to be in southern California again.

With 374 yards and three TDs on the year, look for the Chargers wideout to be back in the Pro Bowl at the end of the year.

12. Michael Turner

Here is an interesting trivia question for you—how many career reception TDs does Michael Turner have?

Try none.

Aside from that, he still averages at least 10 TDs per season and will most likely surpass that number this year.

If you are an owner of Turner, it would probably be in your best interest to pick up Jacquizz Rodgers for safekeeping.

11. Fred Jackson

Heading into 2011, no one saw Fred Jackson being among the top 10 flex options, and he could end up there by the year's end.

With an average of 92.3 yards and one TD per game through Week 4, Jackson has become a top 10 back in NFL.

10. Greg Jennings

Jennings is the top receiver in the most potent offense in the NFL today.

What more could you ask for?

Twenty-five receptions for 366 yards and three TDs through Week 4.

9. Matt Forte

Matt Forte wants a new contract in Chicago, and he is playing like it so far in 2011.

After a 205-yard outburst last Sunday, I want this guy on my fantasy team.

8. Chris Johnson

After finally breaking the century mark for the first time on Sunday, Johnson looks to be bouncing back from a slow start to the season.

7. Calvin Johnson

Eight TDs after only four games?

This guy is a freak.

It also helps when Matthew Stafford is positioning himself to be an elite quarterback for years to come.

Great job, Matt Millen!

6. Maurice Jones-Drew

After a controversial start to the season for the Jaguars, Jones-Drew is averaging almost 100 yards per game but just one TD thus far.

Look for Jones-Drew to really put it in full gear heading into Week 5.

5. LeSean McCoy

It looks as though Brian Westbrook has been reincarnated into LeSean McCoy—and that's a good thing for fantasy owners.

4. Arian Foster

After a rough start to the season, Foster rebounded in Week 4 against the Steelers, rushing for more than 150 yards and a touchdown.

3. Ray Rice

It puzzled me a bit that the Ravens didn't turn to Rice with the lead on Sunday night, but any way you look at it he is averaging a combined 85 yards per game and one TD.

Although Ricky Williams may get a few touches here and there, Rice will continue to score big for fantasy owners.

2. Darren McFadden

So far so good for Darren McFadden owners.

If you took him with one of your first picks, it is paying off early on.

Let's just keep our fingers crossed that he stays healthy, which is always a concern.

Making a minor deal for Michael Bush would probably be a good idea for some security.

1. Adrian Peterson

No surprise here.

Adrian Peterson is a force to be reckoned with, no matter who the quarterback is in Minnesota.