Fantasy Football Player Notes

Flowers has had the breakout season that I hoped for as the WR22 in fantasy points per game. Flowers ranks 11th among wide receivers in deep targets, but he has only had two red zone looks in his last nine games. It's a big reason why he only has four touchdowns this season (18th among wide receivers). Flowers has a 24.2% target share, 2.29 YPRR, and a fantastic 29.1% first-read share. The Chargers have utilized two high at the second-highest rate (61.3%) in the NFL. Against two-high, Flowers' numbers have dropped off the table with a 20.3% target share and 1.35 YPRR while seeing his first-read share jump to 26.1%. While Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins just ripped the Chargers secondary apart, they have been a tough assignment. Since Week 6, the Bolts' secondary has allowed the eighth-fewest receiving yards per game and the fourth-lowest PPR points per target.

Bateman is the WR44 in fantasy points per game with four weeks as a WR3 or higher in weekly fantasy scoring (WR19, WR35, WR2, WR12). He has a 14.9% target share, 1.82 YPRR, and a 15% first-read share. He is third on the team in end-zone targets (four). The Chargers have utilized two high at the second-highest rate (61.3%) in the NFL. Against two-high, Bateman ranks second on the team with a 16.3% target share, first in YPRR (2.79), and second in first-read share (15.9%). Bateman could lead the way against the Bolts' pass defense this week. Despite it being a tough matchup, Bateman's efficiency and talent could overcome the matchup. Since Week 6, the Bolts' secondary has allowed the eighth-fewest receiving yards per game and the fourth-lowest PPR points per target.

Mike Tomlin wasn't wrong. You have to be part of the game plan and on the field for an opposing coach to worry about you. The same can be said for Fantasy GMs. Until Johson sees his playing time ramp up more, he's unplayable for fantasy. Last week, he had a 17.1% route share, which is a fancy way to say he ran six routes. That isn't going to cut it.