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 8 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 9 fantasy football rankings and the 2022 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 9 and for the remainder of the 2022 season.
- Week 9 Waiver Wire Advice
- Fantasy Football Panic Meter
- Fantasy Football Heat Index
- Week 9 Waiver Wire Rankings
- Erickson’s Week 8 Rapid Reactions
Check out the rest of our weekly fantasy football advice 
WIDE RECEIVERS
| Player | Routes | % of routes run per dropback | Targets | Target Share | Target Rate Per Route Run |
| Brandon Aiyuk | 29 | 100% | 6 | 23% | 21% |
| DeAndre Hopkins | 53 | 100% | 13 | 30% | 25% |
| Justin Jefferson | 42 | 100% | 8 | 26% | 19% |
| Darnell Mooney | 30 | 100% | 5 | 22% | 17% |
| Rondale Moore | 52 | 98% | 8 | 19% | 15% |
| Diontae Johnson | 48 | 98% | 9 | 23% | 19% |
| Garrett Wilson | 42 | 98% | 7 | 21% | 17% |
| D.J. Moore | 37 | 97% | 11 | 31% | 30% |
| Cooper Kupp | 35 | 97% | 12 | 38% | 34% |
| Jerry Jeudy | 34 | 97% | 7 | 27% | 21% |
| Courtland Sutton | 34 | 97% | 4 | 15% | 12% |
| Zay Jones | 34 | 97% | 3 | 11% | 9% |
| Michael Pittman Jr. | 27 | 96% | 9 | 39% | 33% |
| Mike Evans | 46 | 96% | 11 | 26% | 24% |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | 37 | 95% | 10 | 27% | 27% |
| Kalif Raymond | 37 | 95% | 4 | 11% | 11% |
| Terrace Marshall | 36 | 95% | 9 | 25% | 25% |
| George Pickens | 46 | 94% | 3 | 8% | 7% |
| Mack Hollins | 40 | 93% | 8 | 21% | 20% |
| CeeDee Lamb | 26 | 93% | 7 | 27% | 27% |
| Michael Gallup | 26 | 93% | 6 | 23% | 23% |
| Adam Thielen | 39 | 93% | 7 | 23% | 18% |
| Terry McLaurin | 36 | 92% | 8 | 27% | 22% |
| Chris Godwin | 44 | 92% | 11 | 26% | 25% |
| Christian Kirk | 32 | 91% | 7 | 25% | 22% |
| Phillip Dorsett | 31 | 91% | 5 | 17% | 16% |
| Jakobi Meyers | 40 | 91% | 12 | 38% | 30% |
| Hunter Renfrow | 39 | 91% | 2 | 5% | 5% |
| DeVonta Smith | 29 | 91% | 8 | 27% | 28% |
| Drake London | 28 | 90% | 5 | 18% | 18% |
| Marcus Johnson | 35 | 90% | 6 | 19% | 17% |
| Allen Robinson II | 32 | 89% | 7 | 22% | 22% |
| Romeo Doubs | 30 | 88% | 7 | 24% | 23% |
| A.J. Brown | 28 | 88% | 11 | 37% | 39% |
| Cam Sims | 34 | 87% | 2 | 7% | 6% |
| Stefon Diggs | 26 | 87% | 8 | 32% | 31% |
| Gabriel Davis | 26 | 87% | 7 | 28% | 27% |
| K.J. Osborn | 36 | 86% | 5 | 16% | 14% |
| Robert Woods | 12 | 86% | 2 | 25% | 17% |
| Brandin Cooks | 29 | 85% | 6 | 21% | 21% |
| Jaylen Waddle | 34 | 85% | 9 | 26% | 26% |
| Wan’Dale Robinson | 33 | 85% | 3 | 10% | 9% |
| Tyquan Thornton | 37 | 84% | 2 | 6% | 5% |
| Chris Olave | 25 | 83% | 7 | 23% | 28% |
| Josh Reynolds | 32 | 82% | 6 | 16% | 19% |
| Darius Slayton | 32 | 82% | 6 | 19% | 19% |
| Chase Claypool | 40 | 82% | 6 | 15% | 15% |
| Olamide Zaccheaus | 25 | 81% | 1 | 4% | 4% |
| Tyreek Hill | 32 | 80% | 14 | 41% | 44% |
| K.J. Hamler | 28 | 80% | 3 | 12% | 11% |
| Marvin Jones Jr. | 28 | 80% | 3 | 11% | 11% |
| Kendrick Bourne | 35 | 80% | 1 | 3% | 3% |
| Curtis Samuel | 31 | 79% | 4 | 13% | 13% |
| Tyler Lockett | 31 | 76% | 8 | 24% | 26% |
| Parris Campbell | 21 | 75% | 2 | 9% | 10% |
| Denzel Mims | 32 | 74% | 3 | 9% | 9% |
| Ray-Ray McCloud | 20 | 71% | 2 | 8% | 10% |
| DK Metcalf | 29 | 71% | 10 | 30% | 34% |
| Sammy Watkins | 24 | 71% | 1 | 3% | 4% |
| Devin Duvernay | 30 | 70% | 4 | 12% | 13% |
| James Proche | 30 | 70% | 4 | 12% | 13% |
| Alec Pierce | 19 | 68% | 5 | 22% | 26% |
| Davante Adams | 28 | 65% | 5 | 13% | 18% |
| Trent Sherfield | 25 | 63% | 3 | 9% | 12% |
| Quez Watkins | 20 | 63% | 1 | 3% | 5% |
| Tre’Quan Smith | 18 | 60% | 1 | 3% | 6% |
| Damiere Byrd | 18 | 58% | 6 | 21% | 33% |
| Cody Hollister | 8 | 57% | 1 | 13% | 13% |
| Julio Jones | 27 | 56% | 4 | 10% | 15% |
| Shi Smith | 21 | 55% | 1 | 3% | 5% |
| Demarcus Robinson | 23 | 53% | 8 | 24% | 35% |
| Braxton Berrios | 23 | 53% | 1 | 3% | 4% |
| Dante Pettis | 16 | 53% | 5 | 22% | 31% |
| Isaiah McKenzie | 16 | 53% | 1 | 4% | 6% |
| N’Keal Harry | 15 | 50% | 2 | 9% | 13% |
| Ben Skowronek | 17 | 47% | 1 | 3% | 6% |
| Amari Rodgers | 16 | 47% | 3 | 10% | 19% |
| Equanimeous St. Brown | 14 | 47% | 3 | 13% | 21% |
| Samori Toure | 14 | 41% | 4 | 14% | 29% |
| Marquez Callaway | 12 | 40% | 1 | 3% | 8% |
| Keelan Cole | 17 | 40% | 5 | 13% | 29% |
| A.J. Green | 20 | 38% | 1 | 2% | 5% |
| Khalil Shakir | 11 | 37% | 2 | 8% | 18% |
| Marquise Goodwin | 15 | 37% | 5 | 15% | 33% |
| Zach Pascal | 11 | 34% | 2 | 7% | 18% |
| D’Wayne Eskridge | 14 | 34% | 2 | 6% | 14% |
| Greg Dortch | 18 | 34% | 3 | 7% | 17% |
| Rashid Shaheed | 10 | 33% | 3 | 10% | 30% |
| Elijah Moore | 7 | 29% | 1 | 3% | 14% |
| Laviska Shenault | 11 | 29% | 6 | 17% | 55% |
| Rashod Bateman | 11 | 26% | 1 | 3% | 9% |
Michael Pittman Jr. (WR – IND)
Michael Pittman led the Colts with 9 targets catching 7 for 53 yards (39% target share) in Sam Ehlinger‘s first start. His 39% target share was the second-highest mark in Week 8 (pending MNF). He also almost scored a rushing TD. The performance is encouraging for Pittman for the remainder of the season, as his new QB is dead set on hyper-targeting him. However, we have seen before how volatile fringy QBs can be supporting WRs especially when they only throw 23 times as Ehlinger did in Week 8. I’d try to sell high on Pittman based on his target share alone. He’s got the Patriots and Eagles in 2 of his next 3 matchups. Alec Pierce‘s usage is worth noting as well. He filled in as the team’s primary deep threat, commanding 100 air yards.
A.J. Brown dominated the production with his 3 TDs and 37% target share, but don’t overlook DeVonta Smith‘s 27% target share. He converted his 8 targets into just 5 catches for 23 yards, which creates a buying window for aggressive fantasy managers. Entering Week 8, Smith and Brown had an equal target share over the last four weeks. He’ll bounce back based on his role in the Eagles offense, which tends to see him run more routes weekly than Brown.
Rookie Romeo Doubs played the most snaps among the Packers WRs and led the team with 7 targets (4-62-1). 24% target share. Tight end Robert Tonyan finished second with 6 targets. But keep in mind his TD score game without Allen Lazard in the lineup. Considering how inconsistent Doubs has been this season, I’d view his excellent prime-time showing as a perfect opportunity to sell high.
Chris Olave had his first “bad” game since Week 2 for the Saints in Week 8, catching just 5 passes for 52 yards on 7 targets (23% target share). However, he was targeted on an elite 28% of his routes. Be all over buying him this week with some fantasy managers likely concerned that Michael Thomas/Jarvis Landry returning will hurt Olave’s status as WR1 in the New Orleans offense. The upcoming schedule versus Baltimore, Pittsburgh and the Rams is ideal for the rookie to go on another tear of production. 25% target share when healthy this season.
Rondale Moore ended Sunday with a 7-92-1 receiving stat line on 8 targets (18% target share). But more importantly, he ran a route on nearly every single one of Kyler Murray‘s dropbacks (98%). And he moved back into the slot, running nearly 51% of his routes from inside. When Moore has played at least 50% from the slot this season, he has had at least 8 targets. Interestingly enough, the only weeks he has not played in the slot have been when A.J. Green has been inactive. When Green is healthy, it’s a green light for Moore’s production to continue.
HIGH-VALUE TARGETS:
RED-ZONE TARGETS, AIR YARDS AND DEEP TARGETS
| Player | Air Yards Share | Air Yards | Deep Targets | Deep Catches | Red-Zone Targets | Red-Zone TDs |
| Cooper Kupp | 67% | 92 | 2 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Mike Evans | 63% | 184 | 6 | 3 | 3 | 0 |
| Damiere Byrd | 62% | 190 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Terry McLaurin | 61% | 103 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tyreek Hill | 57% | 222 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| A.J. Brown | 57% | 181 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| DK Metcalf | 57% | 149 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| DeAndre Hopkins | 56% | 162 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Romeo Doubs | 56% | 128 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| D.J. Moore | 55% | 251 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Alec Pierce | 52% | 100 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| CeeDee Lamb | 46% | 90 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Brandin Cooks | 44% | 105 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Allen Robinson II | 43% | 59 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Justin Jefferson | 42% | 85 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Jakobi Meyers | 40% | 60 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| Stefon Diggs | 40% | 127 | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Adam Thielen | 38% | 76 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Equanimeous St. Brown | 37% | 75 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Christian Kirk | 35% | 49 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tyler Lockett | 32% | 84 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Diontae Johnson | 32% | 74 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 0 |
| Phillip Dorsett | 31% | 75 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Chris Olave | 31% | 48 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Brandon Aiyuk | 31% | 60 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Darius Slayton | 30% | 74 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Michael Pittman Jr. | 30% | 58 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Samori Toure | 30% | 69 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Cody Hollister | 30% | 14 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Kalif Raymond | 29% | 81 | 2 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| K.J. Hamler | 29% | 85 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Gabriel Davis | 29% | 94 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Josh Reynolds | 29% | 79 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Keelan Cole | 29% | 91 | 3 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Ray-Ray McCloud | 28% | 54 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | 28% | 76 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Davante Adams | 27% | 85 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbie Anderson | 26% | 74 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Robert Woods | 26% | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| George Pickens | 24% | 57 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| James Proche | 23% | 48 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Jaylen Waddle | 23% | 89 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Michael Gallup | 23% | 44 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Mack Hollins | 22% | 71 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Curtis Samuel | 22% | 37 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Demarcus Robinson | 21% | 44 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Marvin Jones Jr. | 21% | 29 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Velus Jones | 20% | 41 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jerry Jeudy | 20% | 58 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Terrace Marshall | 20% | 90 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Cam Sims | 20% | 33 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Drake London | 19% | 59 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Garrett Wilson | 19% | 60 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Marcus Johnson | 18% | 45 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Chase Claypool | 18% | 43 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Kendrick Bourne | 17% | 26 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dante Pettis | 17% | 35 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Zay Jones | 17% | 24 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Denzel Mims | 17% | 54 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rashid Shaheed | 16% | 25 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Darnell Mooney | 15% | 30 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Tre’Quan Smith | 13% | 20 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Courtland Sutton | 12% | 36 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| K.J. Osborn | 12% | 25 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| DeVonta Smith | 12% | 37 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Rashod Bateman | 12% | 24 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tyquan Thornton | 11% | 17 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
TOP TAKEAWAYS
- Not all WR targets are created equally. Case in point, Chris Godwin and Mike Evans both earned 11 targets versus the Baltimore Ravens. But Evans finished with more receiving yards as he continued to see more of the team’s downfield looks. He more than 10x’d Godwin in air yards (184 vs 18).
- Julio Jones returned to the starting lineup in a limited capacity versus the Ravens. He ran a route on 56% of dropbacks, but just caught 2 passes for 21 yards. Although he did score, which may be enough to use him as a bargaining chip in trades. His 3 targets were all located in the red zone.
- Rashod Bateman left Week 8 after playing just 17% of the snaps. He saw just one target. In relief, Devin Duvernay and James Proche led the Ravens WRs in routes run. Demarcus Robinson led Baltimore in targets (8, 24% target share) but ran a route on just 53% of the dropbacks. Don’t add Robinson, who is more of a glorified run-blocker than a reliable wide receiver. Duvernay is the only trusted add, with Bateman slated to miss time with his foot injury.
- Courtland Sutton finished with just one catch on 4 targets for 13 yards in Week 8. But with favorable matchups coming up after bye week versus the Titans and Raiders, I still think Sutton is worth sending a lowball offer for. He may even get dropped.
- Gabriel Davis finally puts up a high-end target share (28% target share) in Week 8 but catches just 2 for 35 yards. Buy-low. No other Bill (besides Stefon Diggs) saw more than 3 targets (Dawson Knox). He also saw almost 100 air yards and combined for three red-zone/deep targets.
- Amon-Ra St. Brown finished with 7 catches for 69 yards on a team-high 10 targets (27% target share). As the target hog in the Lions offense, St. Brown remains a screaming buy across all fantasy formats.
- WRs/TEs/RBs that saw multiple red-zone targets that did not register a receiving score in Week 8 include Diontae Johnson (4), Mike Evans (3), Cade Otton (3), Dalvin Cook (2), Cooper Kupp (2), Michael Carter (2), Chris Godwin (2), Mack Hollins (2) and Demarcus Robinson (2)
- Phillip Dorsett led the Texans in snaps and routes run in Week 8. If Brandin Cooks gets moved before the trade deadline, he will have a full-time role albeit in Davis Mills-led offense.
- Second-year WR Terrace Marshall has seen elite usage in the Panthers offense in back-to-back weeks running a route on 95%-plus of team dropbacks.
- I’d buy low on Wan’Dale Robinson. He went just 2 for 15 on 3 targets in Week 8, but saw his route participation increase from 78% to 85% from the week prior. The Giants also have an extremely favorable schedule – No. 1 per FantasyPros Strength of schedule tool – to round out 2022.
- WRs that saw multiple deep targets that failed to haul them include Damiere Byrd (3), DK Metcalf (3), Keelan Cole (3), Davante Adams (3), Equanimeous St. Brown (2), Diontae Johnson (2), Gabriel Davis (2), Josh Reynolds (2), Robbie Anderson (2), and George Pickens (2).
- Van Jefferson ran a route on 64% of Matthew Stafford‘s dropbacks, ahead of Bennett Skowronek (47%) and behind Allen Robinson (89%). Although he was not targeted, he should see an increase in looks should Cooper Kupp miss anytime with his day-to-day ankle injury.
- Davante Adams ran a route on 28 of Derek Carr‘s 29 dropbacks (97%), but caught just one pass for three yards on 5 targets. It was a disaster for the Raiders all day on offense. Adams failed to catch any of his 3 targets of 20-plus yards. But a bad game for Adams gives savvy fantasy managers the perfect chance to BUY. Even after a horrible game, Adams ranks 6th in target share (30%), 11th in air yards share (40%) and 8th in weighted opportunity. Not to mention, the Raiders also have a top-5 schedule for fantasy WRs the rest of the season.
- Garrett Wilson ran a route on 98% of dropbacks and commanded a 21% target share from Zach Wilson. Wilson has earned a 21% target share over the last four weeks, which bodes well for him moving forward as the Jets’ WR1. The team seems to have no interest in getting Elijah Moore on the field (17% snap share in Week 8), so the rookie will be a major benefactor when the Jets’ schedule gets easier during the second half of the season. And it’s by no means a coincidence that without their star running back Breece Hall, Wilson attempted 41 passes – a season-high and the second-most in his career – to go along with 400 air yards.
- Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd each ran a route on 98% of dropbacks on Monday Night Football. Higgins edged out Boyd with 6 vs 5 targets, but both guys scored. The No. 3 WR was Mike Thomas who ran a route on 48% of dropbacks while playing a 45% snap share. Although Thomas was out-targeted by No. 4 WR Trenton Irwin. (3-27 on 3 targets).
- Amari Cooper does it again. At home the former Cowboys WR has been lights out. He continued his production in Cleveland versus the Bengals, commanding a 35% target share — catching 5 of 7 targets for 131 receiving yards and 1 TD. Although it should be noted that Donovan Peoples-Jones ran more routes (100% route participation, 96% snap share) and was also productive with 81 receiving yards on 4 catches (4 targets, 20% target share). DPJ is a must-stash for when Deshaun Watson returns. No WR has more receiving yards (417) without a TD score than Peoples-Jones this season.
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 |
| Alvin Kamara | 22 | 73% | 10 | 33% | 45% |
| Leonard Fournette | 35 | 73% | 3 | 7% | 9% |
| Christian McCaffrey | 20 | 71% | 9 | 35% | 45% |
| David Montgomery | 21 | 70% | 3 | 13% | 14% |
| Saquon Barkley | 27 | 69% | 5 | 16% | 19% |
| Eno Benjamin | 36 | 68% | 7 | 16% | 19% |
| Devin Singletary | 20 | 67% | 2 | 8% | 10% |
| Melvin Gordon | 22 | 63% | 4 | 15% | 18% |
| Jonathan Taylor | 17 | 61% | 1 | 4% | 6% |
| Dameon Pierce | 20 | 59% | 5 | 17% | 25% |
| Kenyan Drake | 25 | 58% | 4 | 12% | 16% |
| Najee Harris | 28 | 57% | 6 | 15% | 21% |
| Travis Etienne | 20 | 57% | 3 | 11% | 15% |
| Aaron Jones | 19 | 56% | 5 | 17% | 26% |
| D’Onta Foreman | 21 | 55% | 1 | 3% | 5% |
| D’Andre Swift | 21 | 54% | 5 | 14% | 24% |
| Dalvin Cook | 22 | 52% | 6 | 19% | 27% |
| Rhamondre Stevenson | 23 | 52% | 8 | 25% | 35% |
| Tyler Allgeier | 16 | 52% | 3 | 11% | 19% |
| Derrick Henry | 7 | 50% | 1 | 13% | 14% |
| Raheem Mostert | 20 | 50% | 1 | 3% | 5% |
| Michael Carter | 20 | 47% | 7 | 21% | 35% |
| Kenneth Walker | 19 | 46% | 2 | 6% | 11% |
| J.D. McKissic | 18 | 46% | 5 | 17% | 28% |
| Nyheim Hines | 12 | 43% | 2 | 9% | 17% |
| Darrell Henderson | 15 | 42% | 2 | 6% | 13% |
| A.J. Dillon | 14 | 41% | 1 | 3% | 7% |
| Josh Jacobs | 17 | 40% | 4 | 10% | 24% |
| Jeffery Wilson | 11 | 39% | 2 | 8% | 18% |
| Tony Pollard | 11 | 39% | 1 | 4% | 9% |
| Damien Harris | 17 | 39% | 2 | 6% | 12% |
| Dontrell Hilliard | 5 | 36% | 1 | 13% | 20% |
| Kenneth Gainwell | 11 | 34% | 1 | 3% | 9% |
| Miles Sanders | 11 | 34% | 0 | 0% | 0% |
| Antonio Gibson | 13 | 33% | 7 | 23% | 54% |
| Ronnie Rivers | 12 | 33% | 4 | 13% | 33% |
| Ameer Abdullah | 14 | 33% | 5 | 13% | 36% |
| Matt Breida | 12 | 31% | 2 | 6% | 17% |
| Jamaal Williams | 12 | 31% | 3 | 8% | 25% |
| Latavius Murray | 10 | 29% | 2 | 8% | 20% |
| JaMycal Hasty | 10 | 29% | 4 | 14% | 40% |
| Darrel Williams | 15 | 28% | 3 | 7% | 20% |
| Jaylen Warren | 13 | 27% | 3 | 8% | 23% |
| Spencer Brown | 10 | 26% | 1 | 3% | 10% |
| Rex Burkhead | 8 | 24% | 1 | 3% | 13% |
| James Cook | 7 | 23% | 1 | 4% | 14% |
| Ty Johnson | 10 | 23% | 2 | 6% | 20% |
| Caleb Huntley | 7 | 23% | 0 | 0% | 0% |
| Chase Edmonds | 9 | 23% | 0 | 0% | 0% |
| Travis Homer | 9 | 22% | 1 | 3% | 11% |
| Malik Davis | 5 | 18% | 2 | 8% | 40% |
| Alexander Mattison | 7 | 17% | 0 | 0% | 0% |
| Justice Hill | 7 | 16% | 0 | 0% | 0% |
| Rachaad White | 7 | 15% | 3 | 7% | 43% |
Leonard Fournette scored on Thursday night, but it’s hardly a reason for celebration. He has seen 12 or fewer touches for two straight games, while rookie Rachaad White has seen 7 touches for three straight weeks. Fournette rushed just 9 times for 24 yards (2.7 yards per carry). Each running back saw three targets despite Fournette running a route on 73% of dropbacks. Fournette remains a sell-high candidate amid his efficiency woes and White imposing his will as a threat to Lenny’s workload.
Gus Edwards led the Ravens backfield with 11 carries for 65 yards on Thursday night football playing on just 21% of the snaps. He actually played less than Kenyan Drake, who totaled 7 carries for 62 yards plus four catches for 5 yards and 1 touchdown (5 targets, 58% snap share). Although Drake was involved throughout the game, his snaps got a definite bump after Edwards left with a hamstring injury with 12 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. Based on Edwards prior injury history entering this season, I’d be pessimistic about Gus Bus making a quick turnaround. Therefore, Drake needs to be rostered across all formats. He ran a route on 58% of the dropbacks. Edwards ran one route.
Travis Etienne WENT bananas. 24 carries for 156 yards and one rushing TD. Added 3 catches on 3 targets for 6 yards. 79% opportunity share. No.2 running back JaMycal Hasty compiled only four carries, but 4 targets. ETN’s receiving usage still leaves a lot to be desired. Although running a route on 57% of dropbacks is solid, and that leaves room for his role to grow in the passing game.
Have a day Christian McCaffrey. First player since LT (2005) to throw, rush and receive a TD in the same game. CMC totaled 26 touches for 149 yards on an 82% opportunity share. 18-94-1 on the ground and 8-55-1 on a team-high nine targets. Jeff Wilson had just 6 touches.
Dameon Pierce rushed 15 times for just 35 yards but saved fantasy managers with a late receiving TD. Totaled 18 touches (5 targets tied for 2nd-most). But most importantly, he carved out a 91% opportunity share as the leader of the Texans backfield. Worth buying low on due to the ridiculous volume he is seeing as Houston’s only threat on offense.
Antonio Gibson finished second on the Commanders with seven targets catching all 7 for 58 yards and 1 TD (23% target share). Brian Robinson totaled just 8 carries for 20 yards and zero TDs. Only 1 more carry and rushing yard than Gibson. Week 8 was also the first time since Robinson’s return that Gibson out-touched and out-snapped the rookie RB (36% vs 25%). 48% opportunity share for AG. He has an 18% target share and over 200 yards from scrimmage in his last 3 games. Chasing the snaps and Gibson’s efficient play should be the move for fantasy managers this week with Washington’s upcoming schedule favorable for RBs. Top-10 per FantasyPros strength of schedule tool.
D’Onta Foreman bellcow szn. 26 carries for 118 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns. Spencer Brown with just 6 carries for 27 yards. 75% backfield opportunity for Foreman in his first official start. Chuba Hubbard‘s absence may have some looking to cash out on Foreman should the former return from a Week 7 ankle injury, but I think Foreman has shown enough to prove he is the starter moving forward. His schedule is also super favorable over the remainder of the season. Buy high.
D’Andre Swift finished with just 5 carries for 6 yards, but caught five passes for 27 yards and 1 TD receiving on five targets. However, Swift totaled just 10 touches to Jamaal Williams‘ 13. Williams also scored 2 rushing TDs. But Swift still played more snaps (55%) and ran a route on 54% of dropbacks. Considering the struggles of the Lions defense so far this season – they can’t stop anybody – I’d be a buyer of Swift after a so-so game. It’s not crazy to think he was being eased back after so much time missed. He also has a salivating schedule over the next three weeks against Green Bay, Chicago and New York.
Tyler Allgeier rushed for 39 yards on 14 carries but scored on a big play in the receiving game. He finished with 3 catches for 46 yards and 1 score totaling a 49% opportunity share while playing 60% of the snaps. However, Caleb Huntley was the more effective rusher, tallying up 91 yards on 16 carries on a 46% opportunity share. He also earned the lone goal-line carry for Atlanta. He’s an easy plug-in play option versus the Chargers’ poor run defense after playing a season-high in snaps and seeing 16 carries for the second time in the last 3 weeks.
RB Opportunity Share | Week 8
Goal-line carries (Any carry inside the 10-yard line)
| Player | Carries | Touches | Opportunities | Goal-Line Carries | Goal-line TDs | Overall Opportunity Share |
| Dameon Pierce | 15 | 18 | 20 | 0 | 0 | 91% |
| Kenneth Walker | 18 | 19 | 20 | 1 | 0 | 91% |
| Saquon Barkley | 20 | 23 | 25 | 2 | 1 | 86% |
| Alvin Kamara | 18 | 27 | 28 | 1 | 1 | 85% |
| Dalvin Cook | 20 | 25 | 26 | 2 | 1 | 84% |
| Christian McCaffrey | 18 | 26 | 27 | 2 | 1 | 82% |
| Travis Etienne | 24 | 27 | 27 | 4 | 1 | 79% |
| Derrick Henry | 32 | 33 | 33 | 1 | 1 | 79% |
| D’Onta Foreman | 26 | 26 | 27 | 4 | 2 | 75% |
| Devin Singletary | 14 | 15 | 16 | 1 | 0 | 73% |
| Josh Jacobs | 10 | 12 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 70% |
| Aaron Jones | 20 | 24 | 25 | 0 | 0 | 69% |
| Raheem Mostert | 14 | 15 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 68% |
| Jonathan Taylor | 16 | 16 | 17 | 1 | 0 | 68% |
| Eno Benjamin | 9 | 13 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 67% |
| Rhamondre Stevenson | 16 | 23 | 24 | 1 | 0 | 65% |
| Leonard Fournette | 9 | 12 | 12 | 3 | 1 | 63% |
| Najee Harris | 8 | 14 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 61% |
| Tony Pollard | 14 | 15 | 15 | 1 | 1 | 60% |
| Michael Carter | 7 | 11 | 14 | 1 | 0 | 58% |
| Latavius Murray | 14 | 15 | 16 | 2 | 1 | 55% |
| David Montgomery | 15 | 18 | 18 | 1 | 0 | 53% |
| Ronnie Rivers | 8 | 12 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 52% |
| Jamaal Williams | 10 | 13 | 13 | 3 | 2 | 50% |
| Miles Sanders | 9 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 50% |
| Tyler Allgeier | 14 | 17 | 17 | 0 | 0 | 49% |
| Antonio Gibson | 7 | 14 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 48% |
| Khalil Herbert | 16 | 16 | 16 | 0 | 0 | 47% |
| Caleb Huntley | 16 | 16 | 16 | 1 | 0 | 46% |
| Melvin Gordon | 9 | 12 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 45% |
| Kenyan Drake | 7 | 11 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 42% |
| Gus Edwards | 11 | 11 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 42% |
| Malik Davis | 8 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 40% |
| Jaylen Warren | 6 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 39% |
| Boston Scott | 7 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 39% |
| D’Andre Swift | 5 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 38% |
| Rachaad White | 4 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 37% |
| Damien Harris | 11 | 13 | 13 | 0 | 0 | 35% |
| Darrel Williams | 5 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 33% |
| A.J. Dillon | 10 | 11 | 11 | 0 | 0 | 31% |
| Nyheim Hines | 5 | 7 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 28% |
| Brian Robinson | 8 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 28% |
| James Cook | 5 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 27% |
| Darrell Henderson | 4 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 26% |
| James Robinson | 5 | 5 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 25% |
| Ameer Abdullah | 0 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 25% |
| J.D. McKissic | 2 | 5 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 24% |
| JaMycal Hasty | 4 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 24% |
| Malcolm Brown | 5 | 5 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 22% |
| Dontrell Hilliard | 8 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 21% |
| Spencer Brown | 6 | 6 | 7 | 2 | 0 | 19% |
| Jeffery Wilson | 4 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 18% |
| Chase Edmonds | 4 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 18% |
| Ty Johnson | 2 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 17% |
| Alexander Mattison | 5 | 5 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 16% |
| Justice Hill | 4 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 15% |
| Matt Breida | 2 | 3 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 14% |
| Travis Homer | 2 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 14% |
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
- Latavius Murray out-carried Melvin Gordon (14 vs 9) but in Week 8. The latter saw more targets (4 vs 2), played a larger snap share (56% vs 44%) and ran more routes. Both scored rushing TDs. Gordon is still the starter, but Murray has the equity to score every week in a full-blown 1A-1B RB committee in Denver.
- RBs that saw carries inside the 10-yard line that did not score in Week 8 include Malcolm Brown (2), Michael Carter (1), Raheem Mostert (1), David Montgomery (1) Devin Singletary (1), Jonathan Taylor (1), Rhamondre Stevenson (1), Najee Harris (1), Caleb Huntley (1) and James Cook (1).
- Khalil Herbert posted a 16-99-1 rushing line versus David Montgomery‘s 15-53-0. Montgomery added 3 targets and out-snapped Herbert (70% vs 28%). The final touches were at 19 for Montgomery, and 16 for Herbert. But we all know how this backfield is trending…with Herbert continuing to be the better, more productive RB.
- Over the last three weeks, Herbert has more rushing yards (235 vs 182) on 10 fewer carries (35 vs 45). Buy now ahead of the Bears’ cakewalk schedule of opposing fantasy matchups that rank No. 2 per FantasyPros strength of schedule tool.
- Jonathan Taylor rushed 16 times for 76 yards in Week 8 but did re-injure his ankle. He also commanded just 1 target with Sam Ehlinger at QB. Ehlinger rushed for 15 yards on 6 carries. The lack of receiving was to be expected with Ehlinger at QB, but the lack of juice overall in the Colts offense is holding JT back. As is a nagging ankle injury that seems like it will be a bother for the rest of 2022. With the third-most difficult schedule for RBs remaining, I’d do my best to get out of the Taylor business while he still has his name cache attached to his value. Only a 68% opportunity share for Taylor in Week 8, which ranked outside the top 10 running backs.
- Ronnie Rivers led the Rams in carries (8) in Week 8. Rushed 8 times for 21 yards. Darrell Henderson totaled just 6 touches. Rivers also out-targeted Henderson 4 vs 2. All in all, the rookie free agent posted a 52% opportunity share. I’d suspect a similar role for rookie Kyren Williams when he returns from IR.
- Josh Jacobs had been seeing elite usage as a receiver, but it bottomed out in Week 8. He ran a route on just 40% of dropbacks and saw fewer targets than Ameer Abdullah, who ran a route on 33% of dropbacks. However, 3 of Abdullah’s targets came when the game was completely out-of-reach and Jarrett Stidham was in at QB. I’d throw out this game for the Raiders offense, which had been a top-10 unit entering Week 8.
- Aaron Jones workhorse mode. The Packers No. 1 running back carried the ball 20 times for 143 yards while catching four of 5 targets for 23 yards on a 67% snap share/69% opportunity share in Week 8. A.J. Dillon tallied just 11 touches (10 carries, 1 catch) while playing 42% of the snaps. It’s back-to-back weeks where Jones has dominated the usage over Dillon, as the Packers lean more on their No.1 runner.
- Michael Carter went 7-26-0 rushing and 4-35-0 receiving. Also added 7 targets on a 58% opportunity share. He led the Jets backfield with 11 touches – 3 of which were in the red zone. It’s possible that James Robinson overtakes Carter as the starter on early downs (5 for 17 rushing in Jets debut), but Carter’s receiving usage and goal-line deployment suggest he will have the most fantasy value in Gang Green’s backfield.
- If I am desperate for instant running back production, I am trading for Raheem Mostert. He continues to dominate the touches in the Dolphins backfield over Chase Edmonds – 68% opportunity share in Week 8, 15 to 4 in touches – and the upcoming schedule is JUICY. Bears, Browns and Texans with a bye week thrown in. And for all those same reasons, I am stashing Edmonds on my bench if I can in case the injury-prone Mostert goes down.
- Devin Singletary out-touched rookie James Cook 15 to 6 on a 73% opportunity share. The team could have increased the rookie’s role post-bye week, but instead went right back to the veteran as their bellcow. Still, it’s encouraging that Cook has at least supplanted Zack Moss as the clear-cut RB2 and is worth stashing should an injury occur to Singletary.
- Nick Chubb totaled 24 touches for 104 yards on Monday night (62% opportunity share) with two rushing TDs. Kareem Hunt also saw more involvement than the two weeks prior, hanging 11 carries for 42 yards with 4 catches for 30 yards.
- Joe Mixon was not effective as a rusher (8 for 27), but delivered for fantasy managers in PPR formats. He led the Bengals with nine targets (26% target share) hauling in 7 for 32 yards. Good for a 77% opportunity share while playing 72% of the snaps.
TIGHT ENDS
| Player | Routes | % of routes run per dropback | Targets | Target Share | Target Rate Per Route Run |
| Foster Moreau | 41 | 95% | 9 | 23% | 22% |
| Evan Engram | 33 | 94% | 6 | 21% | 18% |
| Cade Otton | 44 | 92% | 5 | 12% | 11% |
| Greg Dulcich | 32 | 91% | 5 | 19% | 16% |
| Zach Ertz | 48 | 91% | 5 | 12% | 10% |
| Kyle Pitts | 27 | 87% | 9 | 32% | 33% |
| George Kittle | 24 | 86% | 5 | 19% | 21% |
| Tanner Hudson | 32 | 82% | 5 | 16% | 16% |
| Isaiah Likely | 35 | 81% | 7 | 21% | 20% |
| Dallas Goedert | 26 | 81% | 6 | 20% | 23% |
| Dawson Knox | 23 | 77% | 3 | 12% | 13% |
| Pat Freiermuth | 36 | 73% | 7 | 18% | 19% |
| Tyler Conklin | 31 | 72% | 10 | 29% | 32% |
| Cole Kmet | 21 | 70% | 2 | 9% | 10% |
| T.J. Hockenson | 27 | 69% | 4 | 11% | 15% |
| Robert Tonyan | 22 | 65% | 6 | 21% | 27% |
| Dalton Schultz | 18 | 64% | 7 | 27% | 39% |
| Juwan Johnson | 19 | 63% | 4 | 13% | 21% |
| Noah Fant | 24 | 59% | 2 | 6% | 8% |
| Will Dissly | 24 | 59% | 2 | 6% | 8% |
| Mike Gesicki | 23 | 58% | 4 | 12% | 17% |
| Tommy Tremble | 21 | 55% | 4 | 11% | 19% |
| Hunter Henry | 24 | 55% | 1 | 3% | 4% |
| Jonnu Smith | 23 | 52% | 4 | 13% | 17% |
| Chigoziem Okonkwo | 7 | 50% | 2 | 25% | 29% |
| C.J. Uzomah | 21 | 49% | 1 | 3% | 5% |
| Irv Smith Jr. | 20 | 48% | 4 | 13% | 20% |
| Brevin Jordan | 16 | 47% | 4 | 14% | 25% |
| Mo Alie-Cox | 12 | 43% | 1 | 4% | 8% |
| Johnny Mundt | 18 | 43% | 1 | 3% | 6% |
| Tyler Higbee | 15 | 42% | 6 | 19% | 40% |
| Jake Ferguson | 11 | 39% | 2 | 8% | 9% |
| Peyton Hendershot | 11 | 39% | 1 | 4% | 18% |
| Armani Rogers | 15 | 38% | 2 | 7% | 13% |
| Josiah Deguara | 13 | 38% | 1 | 3% | 8% |
| Kylen Granson | 10 | 36% | 3 | 13% | 30% |
| O.J. Howard | 12 | 35% | 3 | 10% | 25% |
| Jordan Akins | 12 | 35% | 2 | 7% | 17% |
| Nick Vannett | 10 | 33% | 1 | 3% | 10% |
| Josh Oliver | 14 | 33% | 1 | 3% | 7% |
| Austin Hooper | 4 | 29% | 1 | 13% | 25% |
| Jack Stoll | 9 | 28% | 1 | 3% | 11% |
| Ross Dwelley | 7 | 25% | 1 | 4% | 14% |
| Ian Thomas | 9 | 24% | 1 | 3% | 11% |
| Parker Hesse | 7 | 23% | 1 | 4% | 14% |
| Zach Gentry | 11 | 22% | 1 | 3% | 9% |
| Colby Parkinson | 9 | 22% | 1 | 3% | 11% |
| Tyler Kroft | 6 | 21% | 1 | 4% | 17% |
| Stephen Sullivan | 8 | 21% | 2 | 6% | 25% |
| Mark Andrews | 9 | 21% | 5 | 15% | 56% |
There’s no debate who benefited most from the injuries to Mark Andrews and Rashod Bateman on Thursday night: Isaiah Likely. The Ravens rookie “tight end” ran a route on 81% of the dropbacks and led all skill players with a 67% snap share. And the Coastal Carolina product delivered on his increased playing time, catching 6-of-7 targets for 77 yards and one touchdown. He needs to be added this week off waivers with injuries plaguing the Ravens. Rashod Bateman is expected to be out for multiple weeks.
CeeDee Lamb went 5-77-1 on 7 targets on Sunday, but tight end Dalton Schultz also saw seven targets turning out 6 for 75 (27% target share) on just 64% route participation. He’s back on the TE1 radar with Dak Prescott under center. No less than 49 receiving yards and 5 catches for Schultz in his 3 starts with Prescott this season. Buy on the bye week.
Keep starting Evan Engram. He was the Jaguars leading receiver (4-55-1) on 6 targets (21% target share) in Week 8. He played 93% of the snaps and ran a route on 94% of dropbacks, which is going to provide him with a super-high weekly floor. He’s got a great matchup on tap versus the Raiders in Week 9. They rank third in fantasy points per game allowed to TEs.
We have LIFE. 5 catches for 80 yards and one touchdown on 9 targets while running a route on 87% of dropbacks. Naturally, Kyle Pitts got “sit of the week” status from me on the podcast…so a bounce-back game was nearly a guarantee. His 32% target share and 9 targets were a season-high…also tied for 2nd-most in his career. However, Marcus Mariota‘s 28 attempts were the second-most this season. 253 passing yards was a season-high. Next week the Falcons face a Chargers run defense that cannot stop anybody. I’d sell high on Pitts frankly, even as somebody that owns him in a lot of different leagues. His usage didn’t really change from weeks prior, except they just threw the ball more overall.
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 |
| Tyler Conklin | 47% | 149 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| Chigoziem Okonkwo | 47% | 22 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Evan Engram | 44% | 62 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Greg Dulcich | 39% | 114 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Isaiah Likely | 31% | 64 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Dalton Schultz | 29% | 56 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Pat Freiermuth | 29% | 67 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Juwan Johnson | 24% | 37 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Kyle Pitts | 19% | 57 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Ross Dwelley | 18% | 35 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Robert Tonyan | 15% | 35 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Mark Andrews | 14% | 30 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Cade Otton | 14% | 42 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Hunter Henry | 13% | 20 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tanner Hudson | 13% | 32 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| George Kittle | 13% | 25 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| T.J. Hockenson | 12% | 34 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dallas Goedert | 11% | 35 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tommy Tremble | 11% | 49 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Mike Gesicki | 10% | 40 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| O.J. Howard | 10% | 24 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Zach Ertz | 9% | 27 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Foster Moreau | 8% | 26 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Dawson Knox | 8% | 26 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Irv Smith Jr. | 7% | 14 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Jonnu Smith | 7% | 10 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Jordan Akins | 5% | 12 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Nick Vannett | 5% | 7 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Kyle Rudolph | 4% | 13 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| C.J. Uzomah | 4% | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jack Stoll | 4% | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jesper Horsted | 4% | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cole Kmet | 4% | 8 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Brevin Jordan | 4% | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
- Mark Andrews earned 4 targets on the Ravens’ two first drives Thursday night finishing the night with a total of 5 targets on just nine routes run. He was forced to exit the game after playing just 13% of the snaps due to a shoulder injury.
- Cade Otton caught a TD late in the fourth quarter but it was called back by a holding penalty. Also was targeted another time in the end zone, but it was incomplete. I think better days will be ahead for Otton as long as Cameron Brate remains sidelined. He ran a route on 92% of Tom Brady‘s dropbacks – which is an elite number for any tight end…let alone a rookie.
- Rookie Greg Dulcich led the Broncos in receiving yards (4-87) on 5 targets (114 air yards) while playing 80% of the snaps and running a route on 91% of dropbacks. He’s a weekly starter after an impressive 3 games to start his NFL career. 17% target share on an average of 4 receptions for 61 receiving yards. It’s not by chance that Dulcich’s return has negatively correlated with Sutton’s dip in production.
- TE/QB Taysom Hill saw his best usage to date in Week 8. He played 36% of the snaps, totaled 10 carries for 61 yards (Mark Ingram left with an injury) and also saw 2 targets. If Ingram misses extended time, we could see Hill’s fantasy floor dramatically rise.
- If Daniel Bellinger misses any more time, Tanner Hudson is the guy to fill in. Ran a route on 82% of dropbacks for Big Blue in Week 8, commanding 5 targets.
- Tyler Conklin comeback szn. Conklin has run a route on 72%-plus of dropbacks the last two weeks, a return to form to his early season usage. This puts him back in the tight-end streaming conversation, especially if the Jets stay pass-happy without Hall at RB. He also saw 4 targets of 20-plus yards (149 air yards).
- Mike Gesicki‘s 58% route participation is a major red flag, along with seeing an equal snap share alongside Durham Smythe. He benefitted when Smythe was hurt, but his role is reduced when the No. 2 tight end is active.
- Patriots TEs split routes run in Week 8. Hunter Henry (55%) and Jonnu Smith (52%) make both unplayable.
- Irv Smith was trending in the right direction but ran a route on just 48% of dropbacks. Woof. And to add literal insult to injury, he also is expected to miss time with an ankle injury. DOUBLE WOOF. Expect Jonny Mundt to take over TE1 duties.
- Tyler Higbee only ran a route on 42% of dropbacks because of an injury, but still managed 6 targets (40% target rate per route run). The dude will be PEPPERED if Kupp misses any games.
- Logan Thomas ran a route on 49% of dropbacks as he progresses back from his injury.
- Hayden Hurst ran a route on 73% of Joe Burrow‘s dropbacks without Ja’Marr Chase active, catching four balls for 42 yards (12% target share).
- Harrison Bryant drew the start for Cleveland with David Njoku out, but he ran a route on only 42% of dropbacks. He was not targeted.
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