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Fantasy Rankings Show Elite Talent Missing Across Multiple Weeks

5/17/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Weeks 11 and 13 rate 9 and 7 as multiple teams sit out, removing 9% elite talent and sidelining 16% talent including Jonathan Taylor.
Week 6 rates 8 with the Panthers and Chiefs on bye, leaving 6% elite talent unavailable (Rashee Rice).
Weeks 5, 9, and 14 rate 2, 1, and 5, affecting 6% (Panthers, Chiefs), 1% (Steelers, Titans) and raising difficulty by 5% (Cardinals, Cowboys) in the playoff week.

History

Historical Context

The 1987 NFLPA strike began on September 22, when players demanded free-agency rights for four-year veterans. Owners cancelled week-3 games, then fielded replacement squads for three weeks; the Washington Redskins, the only team with no strike-breakers, won all three games and later captured Super Bowl XXII. The work stoppage cost owners over $108 million in lost revenue.

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Story summary

Weeks 11 and 13 rate 9 and 7 as multiple teams sit out, removing 9% elite talent and sidelining 16% talent including Jonathan Taylor.
Week 6 rates 8 with the Panthers and Chiefs on bye, leaving 6% elite talent unavailable (Rashee Rice).
Weeks 5, 9, and 14 rate 2, 1, and 5, affecting 6% (Panthers, Chiefs), 1% (Steelers, Titans) and raising difficulty by 5% (Cardinals, Cowboys) in the playoff week.

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