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
Baltimore Ravens
Buy Zay Flowers, Add Odell Beckham Jr., Nelson Agholor, Avoid Rashod Bateman
The final box score suggests a dual backfield, between Gus Edwards and Justice Hill. Edwards was more effective – 10 carries for 62 yards and 1 TD – but Hill got one more carry (11) for 41 yards. And Hill was the featured back with nine carries in the 1st half. He also started, ran more routes (11 vs 23) and caught three passes for 62 yards. Edwards only had four carries in the first half. Pretty much a committee with no J.K. Dobbins, with a lean towards Hill as RB1A. Hill played 57% of the snaps to Edwards’ 43%. He also saw 3 red zone carries for Edwards’ one. Hill was stuffed prior to Edwards’ lone TD score at the goal line.
Odell Beckham Jr. got hurt in this game (52% snap share) which opened the door for other guys to step up. Most notably, Nelson Agholor who caught five for 63 on 6 targets with 1 TD (33% snap share, 33% route participation). Lamar missed him deep earlier in the game. But even before Beckham exited Agholor was being frequently targeted by Jackson in the first half. Overall, he was targeted nearly on half of his 13 routes run (46%).
Rashod Bateman caught just three for 18, as he continues to get eased back in. 59% route participation was same as Week 1, but his overall snaps increased (39% vs. 59%). Would imagine he gets the biggest bump if OBJ’s injury is long-term. The Colts secondary is HORRIBLE and the Ravens WRs should FEAST in Week 3. Although in deeper formats, I wouldn’t be surprised if Agholor remains one of Jackson’s go-to targets after finished with a team-high 34% air yards share. Beckham’s injury is not expected to sideline him (ankle). Given his usage and how he has looked overall through two weeks (good), I’d prefer him over Bateman.
Zay Flowers caught 4 balls for 62 yards with some added production (5 targets). Was also possible that with Mark Andrews returning (team-high 8 targets, 24% target share) Flowers’ production might tail off slightly. Even so, the rookie made a GORGEOUS grab on a downfield strike from Jackson. And more designed looks near the red zone.
Andrews went 5 for 45 and 1 TD. Still, Flowers remained in the Ravens WR1 chair running a route on 87% of dropbacks. Over his first two games, Flowers ranks 5th in the NFL with a 31% target share.
1st play – Pass to Isaiah Likely just like last week. Perhaps a potential betting spot here? Stay tuned.
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