Fantasy Football Player Notes

Jonathan Taylor fell short of expectations last week in a favorable matchup against the New York Jets. Taylor had the third-lowest yards per carry in his five-year NFL career. He also failed to find the end zone, while quarterback Anthony Richardson ran for two scores. Taylor has a tough task this week against the Detroit Lions. Detroit is a top-five defense versus the run this season. They have allowed seven rushing touchdowns but have given up less than 100 total yards per game to enemy backs. Taylor may be more of an RB2 than RB1 this week if the Lions keep him out of the end zone.

There's no slowing down or stopping Downs' breakout season as the WR17 in fantasy points per game. Downs has finished outside the top 31 fantasy wide receivers in weekly scoring only once since Week 4. He is 11th in red zone targets among wide receivers. Downs has a 24.9% target share, 2.58 YPRR, and a 31.4% first-read share. Since Week 6, the Lions have had the fourth-highest rate of single-high (60%). Against single-high, Downs has seen his YPRR increase to 2.76. Downs should have another banner day against a secondary that, since Week 6, has allowed the tenth-most fantasy points per game and the most receiving yards per game to slot receivers.

Since Week 4, Pittman hasn't had more than 63 receiving yards in any game. He hasn't hit double-digit fantasy points or seen a red zone target since Week 6. It's been a tough season for Pittman, and he has struggled to stay healthy. Pittman has a 21.1% target share, 1.51 YPRR, and a 23.5% first-read share. Since Week 6, the Lions have had the fourth-highest rate of single-high (60%). Against single-high, Pittman has seen his YPRR drop to 1.37 and his first-read share fall to 21.5%. He's a must-sit this week against a secondary that, since Week 6, has allowed the sixth-fewest fantasy points per game and receiving yards per game to perimeter wide receivers.

Ok, we're back for another edition of "Is it time to flex Alec Pierce." Is the team bad against deep passing? Ok, let's check. Detroit has allowed the second-lowest passer rating and the ninth-lowest deep completion rate. Well, it's definitely not time to flex Pierce, then. 46.5% of his target volume this season has come via deep passing. Sit him this week, and thanks for coming to my Pierce talk.