High-end fantasy football performances and weekly finishes are fueled by high numbers of routes run and high-value targets and touches. The majority of top scorers from Week 6 saw healthy doses of red-zone targets, air yards, deep targets and goal-line carries.
Targeting players who run a high percentage of routes is also a good approach for identifying breakout candidates, beatable player props, DFS targets and players to prioritize in the Week 6 fantasy football rankings and rest of season rankings.
This weekly report will look at recent rates of routes run per dropback along with players who commanded a high rate of high-value opportunities compared to larger samples to find sleeper running backs, wide receivers and tight ends who are garnering more or fewer opportunities in the passing game heading into Week 7 and for the remainder of the 2022 season.
- Fantasy Football Week 7 Waiver Wire FAAB Advice: Players to Target, Stash & Drop
- Fantasy Football Week 6 Usage Report: Waiver Wire & Trade Advice
- Fantasy Football Trade Advice: Players to Buy & Sell
- Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Quarterback Streamers
- Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Pickups: Tight End Streamers
- Let’s Stream Defenses: Week 7
- Fantasy Football Kicker Guide, Rankings & Waiver Wire Advice
- NFL DFS Pricing Exploitation: Week 7
- Fantasy Football Panic Meter
- Erickson’s Week 6 Rapid Reactions & Top Performers
- Fantasy Football Week 6 Takeaways: Surprises & Disappointments
- Fantasy Football Heat Index
WIDE RECEIVERS
| Player | Routes | % of routes run per dropback | Targets | Target Share | Target Rate Per Route Run |
| Darnell Mooney | 39 | 100% | 12 | 46% | 31% |
| Michael Pittman Jr. | 58 | 100% | 16 | 29% | 28% |
| Parris Campbell | 58 | 100% | 11 | 20% | 19% |
| Ja’Marr Chase | 42 | 100% | 10 | 28% | 24% |
| Justin Jefferson | 33 | 100% | 8 | 29% | 24% |
| Diontae Johnson | 34 | 100% | 7 | 26% | 21% |
| D.J. Moore | 23 | 100% | 7 | 33% | 30% |
| Christian Kirk | 28 | 100% | 5 | 23% | 18% |
| Zay Jones | 28 | 100% | 5 | 23% | 18% |
| Terry McLaurin | 25 | 100% | 4 | 18% | 16% |
| Drake London | 17 | 100% | 4 | 29% | 24% |
| Rondale Moore | 46 | 98% | 10 | 28% | 22% |
| Tyler Boyd | 41 | 98% | 6 | 17% | 15% |
| Mike Evans | 41 | 98% | 4 | 11% | 10% |
| CeeDee Lamb | 37 | 97% | 10 | 27% | 27% |
| DeVonta Smith | 29 | 97% | 5 | 24% | 17% |
| Allen Lazard | 47 | 96% | 9 | 20% | 19% |
| Romeo Doubs | 47 | 96% | 9 | 20% | 19% |
| Gabriel Davis | 43 | 96% | 6 | 16% | 14% |
| DeVante Parker | 34 | 94% | 6 | 19% | 18% |
| Cooper Kupp | 32 | 94% | 8 | 26% | 25% |
| Adam Thielen | 31 | 94% | 8 | 29% | 26% |
| Marquise Brown | 44 | 94% | 9 | 25% | 20% |
| JuJu Smith-Schuster | 44 | 94% | 5 | 14% | 11% |
| Chris Godwin | 39 | 93% | 12 | 32% | 31% |
| Brandon Aiyuk | 39 | 93% | 11 | 27% | 28% |
| Curtis Samuel | 23 | 92% | 5 | 23% | 22% |
| Jakobi Meyers | 33 | 92% | 4 | 13% | 12% |
| Chase Claypool | 31 | 91% | 7 | 26% | 23% |
| Tee Higgins | 38 | 90% | 10 | 28% | 26% |
| Corey Davis | 19 | 90% | 4 | 24% | 21% |
| A.J. Brown | 27 | 90% | 8 | 38% | 30% |
| Tyler Lockett | 34 | 89% | 5 | 17% | 15% |
| Jaylen Waddle | 49 | 89% | 10 | 22% | 20% |
| Stefon Diggs | 40 | 89% | 13 | 34% | 33% |
| George Pickens | 30 | 88% | 6 | 22% | 20% |
| Olamide Zaccheaus | 15 | 88% | 4 | 29% | 27% |
| D.K. Metcalf | 33 | 87% | 7 | 23% | 21% |
| Noah Brown | 33 | 87% | 3 | 8% | 9% |
| Marquez Callaway | 32 | 86% | 7 | 23% | 22% |
| Allen Robinson II | 29 | 85% | 6 | 19% | 21% |
| Cam Sims | 21 | 84% | 2 | 9% | 10% |
| Donovan Peoples-Jones | 41 | 84% | 5 | 12% | 12% |
| Deebo Samuel | 35 | 83% | 10 | 24% | 29% |
| Marquez Valdes-Scantling | 39 | 83% | 3 | 9% | 8% |
| Michael Gallup | 31 | 82% | 7 | 19% | 23% |
| Russell Gage | 34 | 81% | 4 | 11% | 12% |
| Devin Duvernay | 29 | 81% | 5 | 16% | 17% |
| Tyreek Hill | 44 | 80% | 15 | 33% | 34% |
| Dante Pettis | 30 | 79% | 7 | 27% | 23% |
| Demarcus Robinson | 27 | 75% | 5 | 16% | 19% |
| Marcus Johnson | 24 | 75% | 4 | 16% | 17% |
| Darius Slayton | 24 | 75% | 3 | 12% | 13% |
| Tyquan Thornton | 26 | 72% | 5 | 16% | 19% |
| Amari Cooper | 35 | 71% | 12 | 29% | 34% |
| Alec Pierce | 41 | 71% | 7 | 13% | 17% |
| Tre’Quan Smith | 26 | 70% | 3 | 10% | 12% |
| A.J. Green | 33 | 70% | 4 | 11% | 12% |
| Trent Sherfield | 38 | 69% | 4 | 9% | 11% |
| Equanimeous St. Brown | 26 | 68% | 0 | 0% | 0% |
| Bennett Skowronek | 23 | 68% | 5 | 16% | 22% |
| David Bell | 33 | 67% | 2 | 5% | 6% |
| Terrace Marshall | 15 | 65% | 1 | 5% | 7% |
| Shi Smith | 15 | 65% | 2 | 10% | 13% |
| Quez Watkins | 19 | 63% | 1 | 5% | 5% |
| Garrett Wilson | 13 | 62% | 5 | 29% | 38% |
| K.J. Osborn | 20 | 61% | 5 | 18% | 25% |
| Isaiah McKenzie | 26 | 58% | 5 | 13% | 19% |
| Tim Jones | 16 | 57% | 1 | 5% | 6% |
| Keith Kirkwood | 21 | 57% | 1 | 3% | 5% |
| Marquise Goodwin | 20 | 53% | 2 | 7% | 10% |
| Mecole Hardman | 21 | 45% | 4 | 11% | 19% |
| Ray-Ray McCloud III | 18 | 43% | 1 | 2% | 6% |
| Randall Cobb | 20 | 41% | 1 | 2% | 5% |
| Brandon Powell | 13 | 38% | 5 | 16% | 38% |
| Richie James Jr. | 12 | 38% | 2 | 8% | 17% |
| Wan’Dale Robinson | 11 | 34% | 4 | 16% | 36% |
| Ihmir Smith-Marsette | 13 | 34% | 1 | 4% | 8% |
Slowly but surely, the Bears are throwing the ball more. Justin Fields hit a new season high in passing attempts against the Commanders (27) and peppered Darnell Mooney with 12 targets (46% target share). Mooney also saw 121 air yards. He did not finish as the Bears leading WR as No.2 wideout Dante Pettis converted his 7 targets into four catches and 84 receiving yards, plus a score. Still, I’d be looking to sell high on Mooney with tough matchups versus the Patriots and Dallas coming up. Not to mention, Fields is dealing with a shoulder injury.
Terry McLaurin finished with just 3 catches for 41 yards on 4 targets in Week 6, trailing Curtis Samuel (again) who led the team with 5 targets (23% target share). It was an overall disappointing effort from Washington’s passing attack as Carson Wentz attempted just 22 passes and threw for only 99 passing yards. Samuel is a buy-low after a poor game because it should have been much better. He dropped a long TD and was targeted twice in the red zone. Taylor Heinicke is also expected to take over for an injured Carson Wentz, and his lack of deep ball accuracy plays into the strengths of Samuel as a low-aDOT receiver.
Kenny Pickett left the game with a concussion. Expect him to miss next week. With Mitchell Trubisky in at QB, Chase Claypool led the team with 5 targets and 5 receptions for 76 receiving yards plus one TD (42% target share). Diontae Johnson and George Pickens were only targeted once. Tight end Connor Heyward saw all three of his targets from Trubisky. Claypool is going to be viable next week versus a Miami Dolphins secondary that is dealing with a plethora of injuries in their secondary. Same for Diontae Johnson, who was earning north of a 30% target share during the beginning of the season when Trubisky as the starter.
Chris Godwin led the Buccaneers in targets (12, 32% target share) going for 95 yards. It was definitely encouraging to see his snap share rise (89%) and route participation (93%) rise after he basically sat out the second half of Week 5. Mike Evans with just 4-42 on 4 targets. He was targeted on just 10% of his routes. It’s a reminder that Evans isn’t a target hog like Godwin, and thrives off TDs scores for his fantasy production.
Rondale Moore commanded 10 targets (28% target share) in Week 6 for 6 catches and 49 yards, while running a route on 98% of Kyler Murray‘s dropbacks. Nobody else ran more routes on the Cardinals. His usage has been top notch and the production should continue with Marquise Brown potentially out on Thursday night or for even longer. Also, I think Moore is still a buy candidate with the team trading for Robbie Anderson. Anderson won’t interfere with Moore’s role in the slot.
Corey Davis has been Zach Wilson‘s favorite and most productive receiver since his return, and it’s taking a toll on the other New York WRs. Garret Wilson actually led the Jets in targets in Week 6 (5, 29% target share), but caught just one pass on 62% routes run rate. He was targeted at an elite rate of 38%. Elijah Moore was not even targeted despite running a route on 67% of dropbacks. Woof.
Despite seeing just 5 targets (14% target share, 11% target rate per route run), JuJu Smith-Schuster posted 113 receiving yards and one TD – long catch-and-run – on 5 catches. Sell high. JuJu has just an 18% target share on the season.
Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle and Deebo Samuel all saw 10-plus targets and at least 79 receiving yards on 41 of Jimmy G’s pass attempts in Week 6. Aiyuk was the most productive with 2 TDs, 83 yards and 8 receptions while running a route on 93% of dropbacks. But all that glitters is not 49ers gold. Garoppolo had attempted 40 passes as a 49er just 5 times prior to Week 6. This spike in passing volume is not the want the 49ers want to do on offense, so I’d be looking to sell high on Aiyuk. However, be aware that Aiyuk’s value could further increase ahead of a potential shootout versus the Kansas City Chiefs, so maybe wait one more week to trade him for maximum ROI.
HIGH-VALUE TARGETS:
RED-ZONE TARGETS, AIR YARDS AND DEEP TARGETS
| Player | Air Yards Share | Air Yards | Deep Catches | Deep Targets | Red-Zone Targets | Red-Zone TDs |
| D.J. Moore | 184% | 35 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Adam Thielen | 59% | 89 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Corey Davis | 57% | 60 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Zay Jones | 52% | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Darnell Mooney | 52% | 121 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Ja’Marr Chase | 49% | 108 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Chris Godwin | 48% | 135 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Drake London | 47% | 36 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Marquise Brown | 44% | 151 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Allen Lazard | 43% | 162 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| DeVante Parker | 43% | 78 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tyreek Hill | 43% | 181 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Stefon Diggs | 40% | 113 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| DK Metcalf | 40% | 82 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| A.J. Brown | 40% | 36 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Chase Claypool | 38% | 66 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Allen Robinson | 38% | 55 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dante Pettis | 38% | 88 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Gabe Davis | 35% | 99 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Marquez Callaway | 35% | 90 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Olamide Zaccheaus | 35% | 27 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Michael Gallup | 33% | 98 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| DeVonta Smith | 33% | 30 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Brandon Aiyuk | 33% | 103 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Garrett Wilson | 31% | 33 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tyler Lockett | 30% | 62 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Romeo Doubs | 30% | 113 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| George Pickens | 29% | 51 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Marcus Johnson | 29% | 48 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Alec Pierce | 28% | 87 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Tee Higgins | 28% | 61 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Curtis Samuel | 28% | 38 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Deebo Samuel | 27% | 86 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Justin Jefferson | 27% | 41 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Amari Cooper | 27% | 129 | 1 | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Shi Smith | 26% | 5 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Jaylen Waddle | 26% | 111 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Cooper Kupp | 25% | 37 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Parris Campbell | 24% | 74 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Jakobi Meyers | 24% | 44 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Diontae Johnson | 24% | 41 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Michael Pittman | 24% | 72 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Christian Kirk | 23% | 20 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| CeeDee Lamb | 22% | 65 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Wan’Dale Robinson | 21% | 36 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Darius Slayton | 21% | 36 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Terrace Marshall | 21% | 4 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Dyami Brown | 20% | 27 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Ben Skowronek | 18% | 26 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tyler Boyd | 18% | 39 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Devin Duvernay | 18% | 55 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 0 |
| Demarcus Robinson | 17% | 54 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| JuJu Smith-Schuster | 17% | 35 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Kevin White | 17% | 43 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Donovan Peoples-Jones | 16% | 79 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Terry McLaurin | 15% | 21 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| K.J. Osborn | 15% | 23 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Brandon Powell | 15% | 22 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Rashid Shaheed | 14% | 37 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Russell Gage | 14% | 40 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Ray-Ray McCloud | 14% | 44 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tre’Quan Smith | 14% | 35 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Rondale Moore | 13% | 44 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mike Evans | 12% | 33 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
TOP TAKEAWAYS
- Rookie Tyquan Thornton scored twice on Sunday, with one rushing TD. Can’t imagine Nelson Agholor (who missed this game) has a job if Thornton is healthy. Kendrick Bourne also got hurt in this game, which opened up more opportunities for Thornton. His 57% snap share and 72% route participation were season highs, but he was still firmly behind both Jakobi Meyers and DeVante Parker in playing time.
- Wan’Dale Robinson posted a 3-37-1 stat line back from injury, but played on just 23% of the snaps. However, he was hyper-targeted, earning a target on 36% of his routes run. With no answers at WR, you want to add Robinson off waivers this week. Playing time should increase, while his target rate remains high.
- Devin Duvernay caught one of just 5 targets for 14 yards. Also played fewer snaps than glorified run-blocker Demarcus Robinson. Although Duvernay ran the most WR routes and saw multiple red-zone/deep targets.
- WRs/TEs that saw multiple red-zone targets that did not score in Week 6 include Russell Gage (4), Hunter Henry (2), Diontae Johnson (2), Curtis Samuel (2), Darnell Mooney (2), DK Metcalf (2), Devin Duvernay (2) and Mike Strachan (2).
- WRs that saw multiple deep targets that failed to haul them include Ja’Marr Chase, Marquez Callaway, Tyler Lockett, Romeo Doubs and Devin Duvernay.
- Drake London managers are no doubt frustrated but you need to separate the player from the situation. If the Falcons have their way against a beatable run defense, London won’t be used. But if they have to throw, he is going to feast. He ran a route on 100% of dropbacks in Week 6 and owns a 33% target share this season. As 6-point road dogs versus the Bengals in Week 7, London could be squarely in for a major bounce-back effort. Buy low.
- Allen Lazard (4-76-1, 9 targets) and Romeo Doubs (4-21-0, 9 targets) were heavily involved after Randall Cobb was carted off the field with an ankle injury. Both Lazard and Doubs ran a route on 96% of dropbacks, but the former continues to be the favorite in the red zone. Lazard also saw 162 air yards to Doubs’ 113 air yards. However, Doubs is a buy-low based on his usage and matchup in Week 7: the Washington Commanders.
- Gabriel Davis, no targets no problem. Caught three of six targets including a 34-yd-TD. Because his role – 96% route participation – is just too good.
- D.J. Moore also has a great role, but it doesn’t matter with his horrid QB play. He caught just 3 passes for 7 yards on 7 targets. His starting quarterback threw for -1 air yards. Hence why his air yards share looks so funky and why his production is so bad.
- Allen Robinson has life! 5 for 63 yards and 1 TD on six targets. Two words. Sell. High. Just a 19% target share and a 14% target share on the year.
- Tee Higgins saw 10 targets in Week 6 (6-for-47) despite being limited all week with an ankle injury. The results were not great, but his 90% route participation indicates he is healthy. Buy.
- Players like Michael Gallup are the reason why air yards exist. The Cowboys WR posted a team-high 33% air yards share (nearly 100 air yards) in Week 6, but he caught just two passes on 7 targets. With Dak Prescott back and the Lions up next…Gallup is due to blow up. Trade for him on the cheap.
- Don’t trust Isaiah McKenzie. He played horribly on Sunday, and his route participation was still at sub-60%. Wouldn’t surprise me to see rookie Khalil Shakir take a bigger role as the season progresses.
- Jerry Jeudy led the Broncos with a 28% target share on Monday Night Football, catching 3 of 7 targets for 54 yards. But his day should have been better, as he compiled 111 air yards and a massive 49% air yards share. Courtland Sutton was basically non-existent, but ran a route on 100% of dropbacks and played 100% of the snaps on offense.
- Josh Palmer led the Chargers with a 22% target share with Mike Williams getting the Patrick Surtain coverage (2-for-17 on 6 targets). Palmer caught 9-of-12 targets for just 57 yards. His role will likely be reduced with Keenan Allen expected back. I’d imagine his route participation falls into the 75%-80% range which is what DeAndre Carter has seen as the clear No. 3 in the offense.
Check out the rest of our weekly fantasy football advice
RUNNING BACKS
| Player | Routes | % of routes run per dropback | Targets | Target Share | Target Rate Per Route Run |
| Eno Benjamin | 39 | 83% | 3 | 8% | 8% |
| David Montgomery | 30 | 79% | 1 | 4% | 3% |
| Christian McCaffrey | 18 | 78% | 8 | 38% | 44% |
| Leonard Fournette | 30 | 71% | 6 | 16% | 20% |
| Tyler Allgeier | 12 | 71% | 0 | 0% | 0% |
| Saquon Barkley | 22 | 69% | 3 | 12% | 14% |
| Devin Singletary | 30 | 67% | 5 | 13% | 17% |
| Alvin Kamara | 24 | 65% | 9 | 29% | 38% |
| Darrell Henderson | 21 | 62% | 3 | 10% | 14% |
| Deon Jackson | 34 | 59% | 10 | 18% | 29% |
| Joe Mixon | 24 | 57% | 5 | 14% | 21% |
| Rhamondre Stevenson | 20 | 56% | 5 | 16% | 25% |
| Ezekiel Elliott | 21 | 55% | 1 | 3% | 5% |
| Aaron Jones | 27 | 55% | 4 | 9% | 15% |
| Najee Harris | 17 | 50% | 3 | 11% | 18% |
| Miles Sanders | 15 | 50% | 1 | 5% | 7% |
| Raheem Mostert | 27 | 49% | 2 | 4% | 7% |
| Dalvin Cook | 16 | 48% | 1 | 4% | 6% |
| Kenyan Drake | 17 | 47% | 2 | 6% | 12% |
| Patrick Ricard | 17 | 47% | 1 | 3% | 6% |
| Travis Etienne | 13 | 46% | 2 | 9% | 15% |
| Jeffery Wilson | 19 | 45% | 1 | 2% | 5% |
| Chase Edmonds | 24 | 44% | 2 | 4% | 8% |
| Kyle Juszczyk | 18 | 43% | 4 | 10% | 22% |
| Michael Carter | 9 | 43% | 1 | 6% | 11% |
| Jerick McKinnon | 20 | 43% | 3 | 9% | 15% |
| J.D. McKissic | 10 | 40% | 3 | 14% | 30% |
| Kenneth Walker | 15 | 39% | 3 | 10% | 20% |
| A.J. Dillon | 19 | 39% | 6 | 14% | 32% |
| Kareem Hunt | 18 | 37% | 1 | 2% | 6% |
| Clyde Edwards-Helaire | 17 | 36% | 0 | 0% | 0% |
| Breece Hall | 7 | 33% | 2 | 12% | 29% |
| Nick Chubb | 16 | 33% | 2 | 5% | 13% |
| Tony Pollard | 12 | 32% | 3 | 8% | 25% |
| DeeJay Dallas | 12 | 32% | 0 | 0% | 0% |
| Reggie Gilliam | 13 | 29% | 3 | 8% | 23% |
| James Robinson | 8 | 29% | 1 | 5% | 13% |
| Antonio Gibson | 7 | 28% | 4 | 18% | 57% |
| Phillip Lindsay | 16 | 28% | 3 | 5% | 19% |
| Kenneth Gainwell | 8 | 27% | 0 | 0% | 0% |
| Mark Ingram | 9 | 24% | 2 | 6% | 22% |
| Brian Robinson | 6 | 24% | 0 | 0% | 0% |
| Alec Ingold | 12 | 22% | 2 | 4% | 17% |
| D’Onta Foreman | 5 | 22% | 0 | 0% | 0% |
| Rachaad White | 9 | 21% | 4 | 11% | 44% |
| JaMycal Hasty | 6 | 21% | 0 | 0% | 0% |
| Samaje Perine | 8 | 19% | 2 | 6% | 25% |
| Tevin Coleman | 8 | 19% | 0 | 0% | 0% |
| Khalil Herbert | 7 | 18% | 0 | 0% | 0% |
| Avery Williams | 3 | 18% | 1 | 7% | 33% |
| J.K. Dobbins | 6 | 17% | 0 | 0% | 0% |
| D’Ernest Johnson | 7 | 14% | 2 | 5% | 29% |
| James Cook | 6 | 13% | 0 | 0% | 0% |
| Isiah Pacheco | 6 | 13% | 2 | 6% | 33% |
| Matt Breida | 4 | 13% | 2 | 8% | 50% |
| Alexander Mattison | 4 | 12% | 0 | 0% | 0% |
| Malcolm Brown | 4 | 12% | 1 | 3% | 25% |
| Caleb Huntley | 2 | 12% | 0 | 0% | 0% |
Robinson followed up his seasonal debut in Week 5, with a solid effort on Thursday night football. The rookie running back rushed 17 times for 60 yards and one rushing touchdown at the goal line. His 55% opportunity share in just his second NFL game is super encouraging for him ROS. Should be noted that he was not targeted as he only ran 6 routes (24%). Antonio Gibson and JD McKissic were both more involved in the passing game, but neither played more than 30% of the snaps.
Kenyan Drake – not J.K. Dobbins – led the Ravens backfield in touches (11 to 7) and snap share (58% vs 27%). Drake went over 100 rushing yards (119) and scored. Dobbins hit just 15 yards on 7 carries with zero targets. Dobbins’ knee tightened up, per John Harbaugh. Hence, his quiet second half. Per Dr. Deepak Chona, the injury would be mild hamstring strain. Worse if his knee was swollen – would need an MRI and re-evaluation. Stay tuned. Drake should be added off waivers as an RB replacement, but don’t get carried away. Drake has started twice this season – Weeks 1 and 5 – and totaled 15 carries for 57 yards with next-to-zero receiving usage. Although, the matchup against a horrible Browns run defense in Week 7 warrants a start if Dobbins can’t go at all. Be mindful that Gus Edwards is also getting closer to his return.
Saquon Barkley was dealing with his shoulder injury, but it didn’t stop him. 22 carries for 83 rushing yards to go along with three catches on 3 targets (83% opportunity share).
Time to buy low on Joe Mixon. He only had 8 carries in this game, his lowest output of the season. Just 13 touches overall. Still a 76% opportunity share and 72% snap share. Even though the fact that this massive Bengals victory came at the expense of Mixon’s volume, I don’t think that spells doom. The team shifted to more shotgun and that led to a high-octane passing attack. But Mixon’s efficiency on the ground increased – 5.6 yards per attempt the last two weeks – while he maintained a role in the passing game (4 targets per game).
And quarterback Joe Burrow himself said that the team found its identity in their road win, which foreshadows a more efficient Mixon ROS. If you can get someone who is only concerned about Mixon’s carry total, I’d be a buyer. A solid schedule is approaching – Atlanta, Cleveland and Carolina.
Rhamondre Stevenson SZN. LFG. 24 touches for 91 yards and two TDs. 86% snap share and 25 opportunities for an 83% opportunity share. 5 targets and 4 catches. 3 carries inside the 5-yard line and two more red-zone targets. No other Pats RB touched the ball till 4:32 in the 3rd quarter. Fantasy RB1 as long as Damien Harris remains sidelined.
Eno Benjamin totaled 18 touches as the No. 1 Cardinals RB (85% opportunity share) but just 65 scoreless yards. He played an elite 87% snap share and ran a route on 83% of dropbacks but came up short on his carry inside the 5-yard line. No. 2 RB Keaontay Ingram had just 3 carries for 7 yards. Go right back to him Thursday night if James Conner and Darrel Williams remain sidelined.
Devin Singletary is the league’s most underrated bellcow. 17 carries for 85 yards and four catches for 22 yards on 5 targets. 86% snap share and 67% route participation. Zack Moss was inactive and James Cook had 2 carries. Buy him.
Travis Etienne Jr. (10 for 86) and James Robinson (12 for 54) split carries, but ETN was more efficient, saw more targets (2 vs 1), played more snaps and ran more routes. As the second-year back continues to see more playing time and look explosive with the ball in his hands, the breakout game is impending. Buy low now while you still can. He is currently PFF’s 5th-highest graded rusher this season.
The ground game for Dallas was ALIVE in Week 6. Ezekiel Elliott carried the rock 13 carries for 81 yards and 1 TD (one target). The yardage is nice, but the lack of receiving continues to be a major problem. He has one game with more than 1 catch and zero with 2-plus targets. As is Tony Pollard, who totaled 13 touches (11 carries, 2 receptions) – which was good for a 50% opportunity share split with Zeke. Sell high after the prime time showing with Dak Prescott making his return. That optimism should create trade suitors for Elliott.
Kenneth Walker III RB1 SZN: 21 carries for 97 yards and 1 rushing TD. Also caught 2-of-3 targets for 13 yards. A monster 92% opportunity share and more routes run than DeeJay Dallas. Dallas had just 2 carries and zero targets. KW3 is a fantasy RB1 from here on out.
Darrell Henderson led the Rams backfield with 12 carries for 43 yards, adding two catches for 9 yards in 3 targets. Also scored a rushing TD. But Malcolm Brown was somewhat also involved in earning 7 carries for 15 yards (1 catch for 13 yards). Henderson didn’t play every snap (71%), so the role wasn’t as good as it was in Week 1. With the Rams a candidate to make a move at RB in lieu of the Cam Akers situation, I’d sell high on Hendo to someone that thinks he will be the RB1 rest of the season. Not to mention, after the bye week, the Rams face the 49ers and Buccaneers top-tier run defenses. Rookie Kyren Williams may also return after being placed on IR to start the season.
Broncos backfield managers worst fears were realized in Week 6, with Denver blowing up their running back carousel entirely. Latavius Murray led the backfield in snaps (47%) and touches (16) followed by Mike Boone (36%, 2) and then Melvin Gordon III (16%, 2). Murray was the primary ball carrier with 15 carries for 66 yards — 67% opportunity share — while Boone ran the most routes and saw the most RB targets (4). MG3 did enter this game with a questionable tag, which could have influenced his lack of playing time. But reports post game surfaced that he was indeed benched for the other Broncos RBs. Regardless, this backfield is going to be tough to trust with 3 guys involved.
RB Opportunity Share | Week 6
Goal-line carries (Any carry inside the 10-yard line)
| Player | Carries | Touches | Opportunities | Goal-Line Carries | Goal-line TDs | Overall Opportunity Share |
| Dalvin Cook | 13 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 93% |
| Kenneth Walker | 21 | 23 | 24 | 1 | 0 | 92% |
| Devin Singletary | 17 | 21 | 22 | 1 | 0 | 92% |
| Najee Harris | 14 | 16 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 89% |
| Eno Benjamin | 15 | 18 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 86% |
| Saquon Barkley | 22 | 25 | 25 | 4 | 1 | 83% |
| Rhamondre Stevenson | 19 | 23 | 24 | 4 | 1 | 83% |
| Raheem Mostert | 14 | 15 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 80% |
| Deon Jackson | 12 | 22 | 22 | 1 | 1 | 79% |
| Leonard Fournette | 21 | 27 | 27 | 3 | 0 | 77% |
| Joe Mixon | 8 | 12 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 76% |
| Breece Hall | 20 | 22 | 22 | 3 | 0 | 76% |
| Christian McCaffrey | 13 | 20 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 72% |
| Alvin Kamara | 19 | 25 | 28 | 0 | 0 | 72% |
| David Montgomery | 15 | 16 | 16 | 1 | 0 | 70% |
| Nick Chubb | 12 | 13 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 67% |
| Darrell Henderson | 12 | 14 | 15 | 2 | 1 | 65% |
| Miles Sanders | 18 | 19 | 19 | 1 | 1 | 63% |
| Kenyan Drake | 10 | 11 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 63% |
| A.J. Dillon | 10 | 14 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 55% |
| Brian Robinson | 17 | 17 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 55% |
| Clyde Edwards-Helaire | 9 | 9 | 9 | 1 | 0 | 53% |
| Ezekiel Elliott | 13 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 50% |
| Jeffery Wilson | 7 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 50% |
| Tony Pollard | 11 | 13 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 50% |
| James Robinson | 12 | 13 | 13 | 2 | 0 | 46% |
| Aaron Jones | 9 | 12 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 45% |
| Caleb Huntley | 16 | 16 | 16 | 2 | 0 | 44% |
| Travis Etienne | 10 | 12 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 43% |
| Tyler Allgeier | 15 | 15 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 42% |
| J.K. Dobbins | 7 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 37% |
| Malcolm Brown | 7 | 8 | 8 | 1 | 0 | 35% |
| Khalil Herbert | 7 | 7 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 30% |
| Jerick McKinnon | 2 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 29% |
| Antonio Gibson | 5 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 29% |
| Mark Ingram | 9 | 10 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 28% |
| Kyle Juszczyk | 0 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 25% |
| Tevin Coleman | 4 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 25% |
| Michael Carter | 6 | 7 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 24% |
| Kareem Hunt | 4 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 24% |
| Samaje Perine | 2 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 24% |
| Isiah Pacheco | 2 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 24% |
| Rachaad White | 4 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 23% |
| Phillip Lindsay | 3 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 21% |
| Chase Edmonds | 2 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 20% |
| Boston Scott | 6 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 20% |
| D’Onta Foreman | 5 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 17% |
| Kenneth Gainwell | 5 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 17% |
| Matt Breida | 3 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 17% |
| J.D. McKissic | 2 | 2 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 16% |
| Alec Ingold | 1 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 15% |
| Keaontay Ingram | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 14% |
| Reggie Gilliam | 0 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 13% |
| JaMycal Hasty | 3 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 11% |
| Jaylen Warren | 2 | 2 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 11% |
| Chuba Hubbard | 2 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 10% |
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
- FREE Khalil Herbert. The Bears No. 2 RB looked explosive after ripping off a 64-yard run, and could have scored even more fantasy points had he converted his 4th-down run at the goal line. But despite his effectiveness week-to-week, it’s still David Montgomery‘s backfield. He out-touched Herbert 16-7 and out-snapped him 78% vs 22%. Monty’s 70% opportunity share and 79% route participation didn’t falter in the short week.
- Najee Harris totaled 14 carries for 42 yards (89% opportunity share, 69% snap share) in Week 6. Caught 2 of three targets (w/ TD). Just one target from Mitchell Trubisky (incomplete). Jaylen Warren had just two carries and zero targets playing 31% of the snaps.
- Leonard Fournette led the backfield with 27 touches (6 catches, 21 carries) for 101 yards and one receiving TD. 77% opportunity share. Rachaad White earned 7 touches (4 targets and 4 carries). Two of his targets came inside the red zone.
- RBs that saw multiple carries inside the 10-yard line that did not score in Week 6 include Breece Hall (3, inside the 5-yard line), Caleb Huntley (2), James Robinson (2), Michael Carter (2) and Khalil Herbert (2).
- Malcolm Brown, Travis Etienne and Eno Benjamin all saw at least 1 carry inside the 5-yard line but failed to convert.
- Alvin Kamara posted 99 rushing yards on 19 carries with six catches on 9 targets with 25 yards to boot (29% target share). But no scores for AK41. However, he was targeted 4 times in the red zone. With his usage super encouraging over the last two weeks, it’s just a matter of time till Kamara pops off a multi-TD game. Buy after he didn’t score.
- More split backfield for the Falcons in Week 6. Caleb Huntley (16 for 59, 34% snap share) and Tyler Allgeier (15 for 51, 57% snap share) combined for over 100 rushing yards. Although Huntley got more volume in the first half (9 for 36) and the red-zone usage. Both guys will be in the RB3 conversation next week versus a Bengals run defense that could be without key run defenders such as DJ Reader, Josh Tupou and Logan Wilson. Allgeier will be used more if the Falcons have to throw, based on his 71% route participation.
- Just 13 carries for Dalvin Cook, who was a complete non-factor in the first half. 5 carries for 9 yards. But he ripped off a 53-yard TD run to save fantasy managers. Alexander Mattison had just one carry and zero targets. Worth mentioning Mattison was on the injury report this week, which probably influenced his 13% snap share and boosted Cook’s to 87%. Cook caught just one pass on one target. He ran a route on less than 50% of dropbacks. His receiving usage continues to leave fantasy managers wanting more. He had a 93% opportunity share in this game and didn’t have that much to show for it. Sell high.
- No Myles Gaskin for Miami meant Raheem Mostert‘s RB1 season continued on an 80% opportunity share. 14 carries for the older RB, for 49 yards and zero TDs. He was targeted twice and had one catch because he ran a route on fewer than 50% of dropbacks. Chase Edmonds also had two targets, but just one carry. However, Mostert’s injury history precedes him. And he’s 30 years old. I’d cash out now.
- Clyde Edwards-Helaire continues to see horrible usage. Zero targets and just nine carries for 33 yards. He’s TD-or-bust ROS. Jerick McKinnon (3 targets) is lapping him as a receiver. And Isiah Pacheco saw more targets than him for the first time all season.
- Deon Jackson bellcow szn. The 3rd-string running back totaled 22 touches for 121 yards including 10 catches for 79 yards and a rushing score. However, he left the game with a quad injury. Philip Lindsay saw 6 touches behind him. Jackson is worth stashing in deeper formats, but how much he will see the field remains to be seen with Jonathan Taylor and Nyheim Hines coming back soon.
- Joshua Kelley got hurt on Monday night (knee injury, 2 snaps played), which thrusted Sony Michel into the direct backup role (32% snap share, 11 touches).
TIGHT ENDS
| Player | Routes | % of routes run per dropback | Targets | Target Share | Target Rate Per Route Run |
| Mark Andrews | 35 | 97% | 11 | 34% | 31% |
| Dallas Goedert | 29 | 97% | 5 | 24% | 17% |
| George Kittle | 40 | 95% | 10 | 24% | 25% |
| Cole Kmet | 36 | 95% | 3 | 12% | 8% |
| Cole Turner | 23 | 92% | 2 | 9% | 9% |
| Zach Ertz | 43 | 91% | 10 | 28% | 23% |
| Evan Engram | 24 | 86% | 6 | 27% | 25% |
| Kyle Pitts | 14 | 82% | 3 | 21% | 21% |
| Daniel Bellinger | 26 | 81% | 5 | 20% | 19% |
| Juwan Johnson | 30 | 81% | 6 | 19% | 20% |
| Dawson Knox | 36 | 80% | 3 | 8% | 8% |
| Mike Gesicki | 42 | 76% | 7 | 16% | 17% |
| Robert Tonyan | 37 | 76% | 12 | 27% | 32% |
| Hunter Henry | 27 | 75% | 7 | 23% | 26% |
| Travis Kelce | 35 | 74% | 10 | 29% | 29% |
| Hayden Hurst | 31 | 74% | 3 | 8% | 10% |
| David Njoku | 34 | 69% | 6 | 14% | 18% |
| Irv Smith | 21 | 64% | 4 | 14% | 19% |
| Cameron Brate | 25 | 60% | 3 | 8% | 12% |
| Tyler Higbee | 20 | 59% | 2 | 6% | 10% |
| Noah Fant | 22 | 58% | 7 | 23% | 32% |
| Peyton Hendershot | 22 | 58% | 5 | 14% | 23% |
| Tyler Conklin | 12 | 57% | 2 | 12% | 17% |
| C.J. Uzomah | 11 | 52% | 2 | 12% | 18% |
| Connor Heyward | 17 | 50% | 3 | 11% | 18% |
| Zach Gentry | 17 | 50% | 1 | 4% | 6% |
| Will Dissly | 18 | 47% | 1 | 3% | 6% |
| Cade Otton | 17 | 40% | 3 | 8% | 18% |
| Kylen Granson | 23 | 40% | 4 | 7% | 17% |
| Jake Ferguson | 15 | 39% | 6 | 16% | 40% |
Cameron Brate left with a scary head injury. Likely going to miss time, which would put rookie Cade Otton back in the TE1 role. He caught three targets for 23 yards while playing just 56% of the snaps. Expect that number to increase in Week 7 against the pushover Carolina Panthers.
Mike Gesicki hauled in the two receiving TDs, six receptions, and 69 receiving yards with no Durham Smythe in the lineup. He ran a route on a season-high 76% of dropbacks, which dramatically changes his projection for the remainder of the season. Makes him actually playable in fantasy football. But be warned that if Smythe returns, there’s a chance Gesicki crashes and burns in his original role. Proceed with caution.
Robert Tonyan had a monster day through the air – 10 catches for 90 yards on 12 targets. It also came when Tonyan’s route participation spiked up to 76%, which is no coincidence. Add Tonyan off waivers and trust him as a plugin-play option with him looking fully back from his injury.
Albert Okwuegbunam was a healthy scratch Monday night, which teed up rookie tight end Greg Dulcich to play a featured role. He did just that, running a route on 71% of the Broncos’ dropbacks while commanding 3 targets. One went for a TD and the other was a target in the end zone. Add him off waivers as the Denver TE for the foreseeable future.
HIGH-VALUE TARGETS:
RED-ZONE TARGETS, AIR YARDS AND DEEP TARGETS
| Player | Air Yards Share | Air Yards | Deep Catches | Deep Targets | Red-Zone Targets | Red-Zone TDs |
| Mark Andrews | 49% | 152 | 0 | 1 | 3 | 1 |
| Travis Kelce | 46% | 92 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Zach Ertz | 34% | 117 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Evan Engram | 33% | 29 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Dallas Goedert | 32% | 29 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robert Tonyan | 25% | 94 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Kyle Pitts | 23% | 18 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Hunter Henry | 23% | 42 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| David Njoku | 20% | 95 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Mike Gesicki | 18% | 76 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 2 |
| Peyton Hendershot | 17% | 51 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jake Ferguson | 17% | 49 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Tyler Conklin | 13% | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cade Otton | 13% | 36 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Jelani Woods | 13% | 39 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Dawson Knox | 13% | 35 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Noah Fant | 12% | 24 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Cole Turner | 12% | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Connor Heyward | 11% | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Juwan Johnson | 11% | 28 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| George Kittle | 11% | 34 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Cameron Brate | 10% | 27 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Daniel Bellinger | 9% | 15 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Isaiah Likely | 8% | 26 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Tyler Higbee | 8% | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Kylen Granson | 8% | 25 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Josh Oliver | 8% | 25 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Pharaoh Brown | 7% | 36 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Charlie Woerner | 7% | 23 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Harrison Bryant | 6% | 31 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cole Kmet | 6% | 15 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Hayden Hurst | 6% | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
- Washington No. 3 tight end Cole Turner saw the most usage among Commanders TEs on Thursday night due to injuries to Logan Thomas and John Bates. Ran a route on 92% of dropbacks.
- Tight end Daniel Bellinger played on 94% of the Giants offensive snaps and led the team with 5 targets (20% target share). He caught all five for 38 yards and one TD while running a route on 81% of dropbacks. The rookie owns a 17% target share and has at least 2 catches in every single game since Week 3.
- Irv Smith Jr. is slowly getting his way into the streaming TE conversation. A perfect 4-for-4 on his targets and scored. 7 yards isn’t ideal, but hey that’s tight end for ya.
- Evan Engram led the team with 6 targets for 40 yards on 5 catches while maintaining his top-tier route participation. Fine streamer versus the Giants in Week 7.
- Juwan Johnson should be added and started this week versus the Arizona Cardinals. They are one of the worst defenses against TEs this season, and Johnson has routinely seen great deployment in the Saints offense. He ran a route on 81% of dropbacks in Week 16. Also, Adam Trautman got hurt during the game, creating more opportunities for Johnson.
- Dawson Knox caught the TD in Week 6, but his usage coming off the injury was also insanely encouraging. He ran a route on 80% of dropbacks, by far his highest mark of the season.
- Tyler Higbee dudded out in Week 6, with just 2 targets and 59% route participation. It might be injury-related as Higbee entered the game with a questionable tab. It’s probably a blip on the radar.
- Gerald Everett stock down. The Chargers are utilizing a three-way committee at tight end between Everett, Donald Parham and Tre’ McKitty. As a result, Everett’s route participation (61%), snaps (55%) and production has fallen off the last two weeks. If you roster Everett, you may need to find a new week-to-week tight end option.
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