For those tuning into the usage report for the first time; the idea behind the usage report has always been about identifying which players are running routes, seeing high snap shares, and earning high-value targets as these tend to be precursors for future fantasy production. And sometimes they don’t always show up in the normal box score.

So, without further ado…let’s unveil the 2023 Usage Report for Week 2, to prepare for success in Week 3. The Fantasy Football Week 3 Rankings Forecast featuring Waiver Wire Pickups and Buy Low/Sell High Trade Targets.

Let’s ride. Because the forecast calls for more action in the upcoming Week 3 slate. Here is the full article with all of my takeaways and actionable advice.

For some overarching data points, check out my Twitter/X thread that covers some important nuggets from Week 2’s action.

Notable Fantasy Football Snap Counts

From Week 2.

To prepare you for Week 3…

— Andrew Erickson™ (@AndrewErickson_) September 18, 2023

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Fantasy Football Forecast

New York Giants

Add Matt Breida

The big loss in the comeback was Saquon Barkley getting hurt at the end of the game, throwing his helmet in total frustration. In the game, he totaled 17 carries for 63 yards and 1 TD – also added a receiving score on one of his 6 catches for 29 yards. It’s an ankle injury that is going to keep Barkley out 3-4 weeks. Going too be tough to replace Barkley after he played 97% of the snaps in Week 2.

No. 2 RB Matt Breida had one carry – but might be needed on a short week. NYG plays SF on Thursday night. No bueno. Expect Breida to get the majority of work with rookie Eric Gary sprinkled in. But it’s a desperation spot I’d try to avoid if possible. Still there’s long-term appeal after Thursday with Barkley missing several weeks.

Darren Waller was Daniel Jones‘ favorite target – 6 for 76 on 8 targets – and his usage was epic. 82% route participation and a 90% snap share. I’d Imagine his target share stays extremely high with Barkley out of the lineup.

All Giants WRs helped in the legendary comeback. Specifically, rookie Jalin Hyatt led the team with 89 receiving yards on just 2 targets. His big-play ability was on full display. However, his snaps need to increase until he can be trusted in lineups. Just a 21% snap share in Week 2.

Darius Slayton finished second with 62 receiving yards among the WRs (3 catches on 6 targets), while running the most routes.

San Franciso 49ers

Sell George Kittle

It was a quiet game for Brandon Aiyuk (6 targets) but he took some shots and might have been playing through some pain. He only played 53% of the snaps. I’d buy low. He still was the leader in air yards (63%) and still ran a route on 77% of dropbacks. Doubled George Kittle‘s targets. Kittle remains a bust candidate as the clear-cut third option in the pecking order. 6 catches through two games.

And through two games in 2023, Aiyuk owns a 28% target share and is the leader in air yards. Samuel leads the team with a 31% target share.

Tennessee Titans

Add Tyjae Spears

Derrick Henry aka the Big Dog eats for 80 rushing yards and 1 TD on 25 carries. 3 catches on 4 targets and 15 yards. Saw his snaps climb back up to 71% after a low rate in Week 1. 28 total touches.

No.2 RB Tyjae Spears more than doubled his touches from a week ago, totaling 10 (8 carries, two receptions). Efficien rushing the ball 8 times for 49 rushing yards (37% snap share). The fact that Spears is this involved alongside a healthy Henry just tells you how talented and excited the team is for him. Think Spears’ constant involvement will cause issues for Henry sooner rather than later.

The passing game was led by Treylon Burks ripping off big plays. 3 for 76 yards (17% target share). Commanded a massive 40% air yards share.

DeAndre Hopkins still saw the most targets but probably wasn’t at 100% after missing all practices. 4 for 40 yards (21% target share). The route rate fell to 72% as did his snaps (78% vs. 60%).

Tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo was efficient catching all four of his targets for 35 yards. Nick Westbrook Ikhine ran the most routes and played the most WR snaps. Burks saw his route participation dip from Week 1 (62%). Okonkwo’s routes also descended (65%).

Through two games, Burks and Okonkwo are tied for third in target share (13%). Hopkins leads by a wide margin (30%), followed by Westbrook (16%).

Tough matchup versus the Browns defense in Week 3.

Los Angeles Chargers

Drop Quentin Johnston

The usage for the Chargers WRs was status quo – Joshua Palmer as WR3, Quentin Johnston buried and played less than Derius Davis – but the tight end usage is noteworthy. Gerald Everett, we have a problem. Donald Parham Jr. played MORE snaps (50% vs 41%) than Everett and ran more routes. YHTSI. Drop Everett if you have not already. I’m dying inside.

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