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 5 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 6 fantasy football rankings and 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 6 and for the remainder of the 2022 season.
- Fantasy Football Kicker Guide, Rankings & Waiver Wire Advice
- Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Quarterback Streamers
- Fantasy Football Waiver Wire: Tight End Streamers
- Fantasy Football Week 6 Waiver Wire FAAB Advice: Players to Target, Stash & Drop
- Let’s Stream Defenses: Week 6
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 |
| Ja’Marr Chase | 38 | 100% | 12 | 35% | 32% |
| Adam Thielen | 44 | 100% | 7 | 18% | 16% |
| Justin Jefferson | 43 | 100% | 13 | 33% | 30% |
| DeVonta Smith | 40 | 100% | 11 | 32% | 28% |
| Josh Reynolds | 39 | 100% | 10 | 31% | 26% |
| DK Metcalf | 30 | 100% | 8 | 33% | 27% |
| Michael Pittman | 48 | 100% | 8 | 22% | 17% |
| CeeDee Lamb | 19 | 100% | 8 | 50% | 42% |
| Tyler Lockett | 30 | 100% | 6 | 25% | 20% |
| Darnell Mooney | 29 | 100% | 5 | 24% | 17% |
| Tyler Boyd | 37 | 100% | 4 | 12% | 11% |
| Parris Campbell | 47 | 98% | 3 | 8% | 6% |
| Cooper Kupp | 46 | 98% | 10 | 24% | 22% |
| Marquise Brown | 44 | 98% | 10 | 26% | 23% |
| Terry McLaurin | 42 | 98% | 6 | 16% | 14% |
| Gabe Davis | 33 | 97% | 6 | 17% | 18% |
| Christian Kirk | 48 | 96% | 3 | 7% | 6% |
| Courtland Sutton | 43 | 96% | 11 | 29% | 26% |
| Jakobi Meyers | 21 | 95% | 8 | 38% | 38% |
| Allen Lazard | 39 | 95% | 8 | 21% | 21% |
| Kalif Raymond | 37 | 95% | 7 | 22% | 19% |
| Amari Cooper | 34 | 94% | 12 | 38% | 35% |
| Stefon Diggs | 32 | 94% | 11 | 31% | 34% |
| Robert Woods | 29 | 94% | 8 | 35% | 28% |
| Diontae Johnson | 52 | 93% | 12 | 24% | 23% |
| Chase Claypool | 52 | 93% | 9 | 18% | 17% |
| Brandin Cooks | 23 | 92% | 6 | 25% | 26% |
| Nico Collins | 23 | 92% | 6 | 25% | 26% |
| D.J. Moore | 45 | 92% | 8 | 20% | 18% |
| Donovan Peoples-Jones | 33 | 92% | 7 | 22% | 21% |
| Corey Davis | 22 | 92% | 4 | 19% | 18% |
| Rondale Moore | 41 | 91% | 8 | 21% | 20% |
| Curtis Samuel | 39 | 91% | 8 | 22% | 21% |
| Deebo Samuel | 29 | 91% | 9 | 30% | 31% |
| Brandon Aiyuk | 29 | 91% | 4 | 13% | 14% |
| Marcus Johnson | 28 | 90% | 3 | 12% | 11% |
| Nick Westbrook-Ikhine | 28 | 90% | 3 | 13% | 11% |
| Michael Gallup | 17 | 89% | 5 | 31% | 29% |
| Ben Skowronek | 42 | 89% | 8 | 19% | 19% |
| Allen Robinson | 42 | 89% | 5 | 12% | 12% |
| Romeo Doubs | 36 | 88% | 5 | 13% | 14% |
| Mike Williams | 33 | 87% | 13 | 39% | 39% |
| Josh Palmer | 33 | 87% | 6 | 18% | 18% |
| Jerry Jeudy | 39 | 87% | 8 | 21% | 21% |
| Marvin Jones | 43 | 86% | 11 | 25% | 26% |
| George Pickens | 48 | 86% | 8 | 16% | 17% |
| A.J. Brown | 34 | 85% | 7 | 21% | 21% |
| Mike Evans | 45 | 85% | 8 | 16% | 18% |
| Noah Brown | 16 | 84% | 2 | 13% | 13% |
| Jaylen Waddle | 30 | 83% | 3 | 10% | 10% |
| Khalil Shakir | 28 | 82% | 5 | 14% | 18% |
| Zay Jones | 41 | 82% | 8 | 18% | 20% |
| K.J. Osborn | 35 | 81% | 5 | 13% | 14% |
| Devin Duvernay | 28 | 80% | 7 | 26% | 25% |
| Quez Watkins | 32 | 80% | 4 | 12% | 13% |
| Robby Anderson | 39 | 80% | 5 | 13% | 13% |
| Olamide Zaccheaus | 27 | 79% | 4 | 17% | 15% |
| Elijah Moore | 19 | 79% | 4 | 19% | 21% |
| Tre’Quan Smith | 21 | 78% | 4 | 16% | 19% |
| Marquez Callaway | 21 | 78% | 3 | 12% | 14% |
| Trent Sherfield | 28 | 78% | 2 | 6% | 7% |
| Kendrick Bourne | 17 | 77% | 1 | 5% | 6% |
| A.J. Green | 34 | 76% | 5 | 13% | 15% |
| Russell Gage | 40 | 75% | 6 | 12% | 15% |
| Alec Pierce | 36 | 75% | 9 | 25% | 25% |
| Garrett Wilson | 18 | 75% | 4 | 19% | 22% |
| Shi Smith | 35 | 71% | 5 | 13% | 14% |
| Demarcus Robinson | 25 | 71% | 2 | 7% | 8% |
| K.J. Hamler | 32 | 71% | 2 | 5% | 6% |
| Randall Cobb | 29 | 71% | 13 | 33% | 45% |
Waddle led all Dolphins WRs in snaps (76%) but he finished with just three targets in Week 5. It has been back-to-back dud games for Waddle, but there’s a silver lining. Tua Tagovailoa has a chance to return for Week 6, and Tyreek Hill is dealing with a potential mid-foot injury that could force him to miss time. I’d be a buyer with Waddle getting past his groin injury in a more favorable offensive situation.
Chase saw 3 red-zone targets and ran a route on 100% of Joe Burrow‘s dropbacks on Sunday night football. He also earned a 35% target share with Tee Higgins sidelined early on with an injury. Buy low after he posted just 50 receiving yards despite the high-end usage.
Amon-Ra St. Brown was on a pitch count (32% snap share) which resulted in just four catches for 18 yards in 6 targets. Josh Reynolds took advantage, commanding 10 targets, six catches and 92 receiving yards while playing all the snaps. But it shouldn’t be ignored that when ASB was running routes, Jared Goff was peppering his No. 1 wideout. 38% target rate per route run, 6% percentage points higher than his target rate entering Week 5 (32%). Buy him while he’s on bye this week. He’ll be healthy and help you toward your playoff run.
Marvin Jones led the Jaguars in targets (11) followed by Evan Engram (10) in Week 5. Zay Jones also saw 8 targets. Kirk saw just three targets and caught one pass for 11 yards. Chalk it up to WR variance. Marvin Jones won’t see Kirk’s double-digit targets normally. The routes were still there for Kirk. He’s in a nice bounce-back spot ahead of Week 6 versus the Colts. In their first matchup, Kirk caught 6 passes for 78 yards and 2 TDs.
Nico Collins is running just as many routes as Brandin Cooks, but he is putting up superior production. He leads the team in air yards since Week 2 and has more receiving yards than Cooks on the season. His yards per route run (2.13) since that time is way ahead of Cook (1.03).
26% target share for Devin Duvernay without Rashod Bateman in the Week 5 starting lineup. He also led the Ravens with 111 air yards (44% air yards share).
Marquez Valdes-Scantling (WR – KC)
Valdes-Scantling tied Travis Kelce and JuJu Smith-Schuster with a team-high 21% target share (8 targets) on Monday Night Football, leading the team with 90 receiving yards (30% air yards share). Kelce caught 4 TDs, but JuJu finished with just three catches for 33 yards across the flat target share.
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 |
| Mike Williams | 66% | 117 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Darnell Mooney | 57% | 99 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Justin Jefferson | 57% | 92 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 0 |
| Jakobi Meyers | 57% | 101 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Nico Collins | 56% | 80 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Nick Westbrook-Ikhine | 53% | 110 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Darius Slayton | 53% | 73 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| CeeDee Lamb | 52% | 61 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Tyler Lockett | 45% | 135 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Devin Duvernay | 44% | 111 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Ja’Marr Chase | 43% | 50 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0 |
| Randall Cobb | 42% | 122 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| Josh Reynolds | 42% | 116 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 0 |
| Amari Cooper | 42% | 123 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| D.J. Moore | 41% | 139 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Diontae Johnson | 40% | 147 | 1 | 4 | 2 | 0 |
| Courtland Sutton | 40% | 148 | 1 | 4 | 3 | 0 |
| A.J. Brown | 39% | 48 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Dyami Brown | 38% | 133 | 2 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Scotty Miller | 37% | 126 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Chris Olave | 36% | 71 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Gabe Davis | 35% | 159 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Michael Gallup | 35% | 41 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Elijah Moore | 35% | 69 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Marquise Brown | 33% | 98 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Allen Lazard | 33% | 95 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Donovan Peoples-Jones | 31% | 92 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Deebo Samuel | 31% | 73 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| Marvin Jones | 31% | 131 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Mike Evans | 31% | 105 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| DK Metcalf | 30% | 89 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Cedrick Wilson | 29% | 64 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Alec Pierce | 29% | 73 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jerry Jeudy | 29% | 109 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Tutu Atwell | 28% | 96 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| DeVonta Smith | 27% | 34 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Drake London | 27% | 58 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| A.J. Green | 27% | 79 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Stefon Diggs | 26% | 118 | 0 | 2 | 3 | 1 |
| Michael Pittman | 26% | 65 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tyquan Thornton | 26% | 46 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Josh Palmer | 25% | 44 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| George Pickens | 25% | 89 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Corey Davis | 24% | 47 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Robby Anderson | 24% | 81 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Tre’Quan Smith | 23% | 46 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Adam Thielen | 23% | 37 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Cooper Kupp | 23% | 77 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Brandon Aiyuk | 23% | 53 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Romeo Doubs | 22% | 63 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Shi Smith | 20% | 68 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Curtis Samuel lead the Commanders in targets again (8) as he has done every single week this season. That wasn’t shocking, but the lack of increased usage for Terry McLaurin was. He should have been a major benefactor of injuries to Jahan Dotson and Logan Thomas, but he finished with 5 catches for 76 scoreless yards on a meager 16% targets share – which is his season-long average. His route participation can’t get any better, so it’s concerning that he is often third in the target pecking order on an offense he should dominate volume for. I’d be looking to sell TMC.
Diontae Johnson led the team in targets (13, 25%), but George Pickens had more receiving yards (83 versus 60) on 5 fewer targets. Pickens has 71-plus receiving yards from Pickett in the last two games. With so much competition in the offense for targets with a rookie quarterback under center, I’d be looking to get out from underneath Johnson.
Mike Williams SMASHED in Week 5. 13 targets (39% target share and target rate per route run). 10 catches for 134 yards. No. 2 in weighted opportunity. And he narrowly missed on a TD. The newfound consistency from Williams might falter slightly with Keenan Allen returning, but the BOOM weeks will still happen. There’s no guarantee how effective Allen will be coming off the injury.
The Patriots No. 1 WR receiver picked up where he left on in Week 5 after missing the last two games. 38% target share and 100-plus air yards in a full-time role. Super safe PPR floor every single week.
TOP TAKEAWAYS
- Colts rookie WR Alec Pierce‘s route participation increased to 75% in Week 5. He’s led the team in targets, catches and yards the last two weeks. His snaps should continue to increase at the expense of Parris Campbell.
- Darius Slayton was Giants leading receiver in Week 5 – 6 catches for 79 yards on 7 targets. Nobody else had more than 3 receptions. Marcus Johnson ran the most routes
- Allen Lazard continues to be Aaron Rodgers‘ favorite target in the red zone. Scored again on Sunday.
- Don’t get carried away with Randall Cobb, who still ran fewer routes than both Lazard and rookie Romeo Doubs in Week 5.
- Adam Thielen finished 2nd on the Vikings with 7 targets, but just 27 yards on 4 catches in Week 5. The Vikings TD-dependent WR is starting to show his age, ranking 3rd-worst in yards per route run among WRs with at least 30 targets this season.
- Buy low on A.J. Brown. He was heavily targeted to start the game – 3 catches for 32 yards on the 1st drive – but didn’t catch a pass after that. But even so, AJB still had more air yards than DeVonta Smith and came up empty-handed on his two red-zone targets.
- The Indianapolis QB play has been fringy for Michael Pittman Jr., but there’s no ignoring his alpha role on the Colts offense. I’d buy low with matchups against the Jaguars, Titans and Commanders approaching for Indy.
- Chris Godwin played just 52% of the snaps in Week 5 going 6-for-6 for 61 yards – 22% target rate per route run. Bucs beat reporters speculated it was due to the Buccaneers playing with a lead.
- The gap is closing between Nico Collins and Brandin Cooks. Over the last month, Collins has more receiving yards than Cooks. Each saw 6 targets in Week 5. Sell high while Cooks maintains his perceived status as the clear-cut No. 1 WR in Houston.
- Gabriel Davis on just 6 targets and 3 catches – 171 yards and 2 TDs on week-high 159 air yards. Perks of being a WR attached to Allen with an elite 97% route participation. It’s a reminder that guys with elite route run rates in high-powered offenses tend to come around eventually for massive games. And Davis has hardly even reached his final form with just one red-zone target on the year.
- Before you blow your waiver wire budget on Dyami Brown…Both Logan Thomas and Jahan Dotson missed Week 5. And despite his splash plays, he ran a route on just 37% of dropbacks and only saw four targets.
- WRs that saw multiple red-zone targets that did not score in Week 5 include Randall Cobb, Ja’Marr Chase, Josh Reynolds, Courtland Sutton, Darius Slay, Justin Jefferson, Diontae Johnson, A.J. Brown and Adam Thielen.
- WRs that saw multiple deep targets that failed to haul them include Jerry Jeudy (2), Randall Cobb (2), Allen Lazard (2), Cedrick Wilson (2), Marvin Jones (2), Scotty Miller (2)., DJ Moore (2), A.J. Green (2) and Stefon Diggs (2).
- After seeing elite route participation throughout the entire 2022 NFL season, Elijah Moore‘s usage dropped in Week 5 to 79%. It was the first time he ran fewer routes than Corey Davis (92%).
- CeeDee Lamb earned an insane 50% target share in Week 5. But Michael Gallup is staking his claim as a serviceable piece moving forward in Dallas’ offense. 31% target share in Week 5, while running a route on 89% of dropbacks.
- Tyler Boyd ran a route in 100% of dropbacks in Week 5 but drew just 4 targets. He might be the perfect sell-high candidate for fantasy managers thinking he will replace an injured Tee Higgins 1-for-1.
- Allen Robinson – 3 catches for 12 yards on 5 targets, can be dropped in shallow leagues. He can’t even out-produce Ben Skowronek, who he is now running fewer routes than.
- Chris Olave left with a concussion and is likely going to miss time. 6-10 days usual turnaround time. Without him, Marquez Callaway and Tre’Quan Smith got increased snaps. If Michael Thomas is back, I’d imagine he soaks up the majority of targets in Week 6. Olave’s injury also provides the perfect segway to “sell-high” on MT, who has missed the last two weeks with a lower-body injury.
- Hunter Renfrow made his return to the lineup in Week 5, catching all four of his targets. However he played just 55% of the snaps. I’d expect this number to rise if this hamstring injury is serious to Darren Waller.
RUNNING BACKS
| Player | Routes | % of routes run per dropback | Targets | Target Share | Target Rate Per Route Run |
| Christian McCaffrey | 39 | 80% | 12 | 30% | 31% |
| Alvin Kamara | 18 | 67% | 6 | 24% | 33% |
| Miles Sanders | 26 | 65% | 3 | 9% | 12% |
| Rhamondre Stevenson | 14 | 64% | 2 | 10% | 14% |
| Aaron Jones | 26 | 63% | 3 | 8% | 12% |
| David Montgomery | 18 | 62% | 4 | 19% | 22% |
| Saquon Barkley | 19 | 61% | 6 | 23% | 32% |
| Devin Singletary | 19 | 56% | 2 | 6% | 11% |
| Tyler Allgeier | 19 | 56% | 0 | 0% | 0% |
| Eno Benjamin | 25 | 56% | 4 | 11% | 16% |
| Raheem Mostert | 20 | 56% | 3 | 10% | 15% |
| Darrell Henderson | 26 | 55% | 5 | 12% | 19% |
| Dontrell Hilliard | 17 | 55% | 5 | 22% | 29% |
| Leonard Fournette | 29 | 55% | 11 | 22% | 38% |
| Joe Mixon | 20 | 54% | 3 | 9% | 15% |
| Travis Etienne | 27 | 54% | 5 | 11% | 19% |
| Dameon Pierce | 13 | 52% | 5 | 21% | 38% |
| J.D. McKissic | 22 | 51% | 7 | 19% | 32% |
| Austin Ekeler | 19 | 50% | 4 | 12% | 21% |
| Jaylen Warren | 28 | 50% | 5 | 10% | 18% |
| Kareem Hunt | 18 | 50% | 3 | 9% | 17% |
| Breece Hall | 12 | 50% | 2 | 10% | 17% |
| Ezekiel Elliott | 9 | 47% | 0 | 0% | 0% |
| Kyle Juszczyk | 15 | 47% | 2 | 7% | 13% |
| Jeff Wilson Jr. | 15 | 47% | 2 | 7% | 13% |
| Melvin Gordon III | 21 | 47% | 3 | 8% | 14% |
| Craig Reynolds | 17 | 44% | 3 | 9% | 18% |
| Kenneth Walker III | 13 | 43% | 0 | 0% | 0% |
| Mike Boone | 19 | 42% | 3 | 8% | 16% |
| Rachaad White | 22 | 42% | 4 | 8% | 18% |
| Alexander Mattison | 17 | 40% | 4 | 10% | 24% |
| Dalvin Cook | 17 | 40% | 2 | 5% | 12% |
| Nick Chubb | 14 | 39% | 1 | 3% | 7% |
| J.K. Dobbins | 13 | 37% | 0 | 0% | 0% |
| Rex Burkhead | 9 | 36% | 3 | 13% | 33% |
| Michael Carter | 8 | 33% | 2 | 10% | 25% |
| Samaje Perine | 12 | 32% | 4 | 12% | 33% |
| James Robinson | 16 | 32% | 2 | 5% | 13% |
| Joshua Kelley | 12 | 32% | 2 | 6% | 17% |
| James Conner | 14 | 31% | 1 | 3% | 7% |
| DeeJay Dallas | 9 | 30% | 1 | 4% | 11% |
| Kenyan Drake | 10 | 29% | 1 | 4% | 10% |
| Antonio Gibson | 12 | 28% | 4 | 11% | 33% |
| Najee Harris | 15 | 27% | 4 | 8% | 27% |
| Derrick Henry | 8 | 26% | 2 | 9% | 25% |
| Myles Gaskin | 9 | 25% | 5 | 16% | 56% |
| A.J. Dillon | 10 | 24% | 0 | 0% | 0% |
| Khalil Herbert | 7 | 24% | 0 | 0% | 0% |
| Avery Williams | 8 | 24% | 2 | 8% | 25% |
| Phillip Lindsay | 11 | 23% | 4 | 11% | 36% |
| Matt Breida | 7 | 23% | 2 | 8% | 29% |
| Tevin Coleman | 7 | 22% | 3 | 10% | 43% |
| Tony Pollard | 4 | 21% | 0 | 0% | 0% |
| Andrew Beck | 8 | 18% | 1 | 3% | 13% |
| Chase Edmonds | 5 | 14% | 2 | 6% | 40% |
The Broncos running backs split work on Thursday night with Melvin Gordon (56% snap share) and Mike Boone (41%) snap share, each seeing a decent chunk of playing time. MG3 totaled 18 touches – 15 carries, three catches – for 103 yards, while Boone hit 10 touches – 7 carries, 3 catches – for 85 yards. Gordon was the lead back undoubtedly to start the game and the “guy” in the red zone, but the team didn’t shy away from using Boone. They split routes nearly 50/50 with Gordon running 21 to Boone’s 19. The team also randomly threw out Devine Ozigbo on two snaps. After a so-so performance in the box score, I’d sell Gordon now before the backfield becomes a total mess. The team lost starting tackle Garrett Bolles, and Latavius Murray figures to throw a wrench into the backfield pecking order.
Christian McCaffrey (RB – CAR)
CMC’s receiving usage rolled over from last week. 12 targets – 30% target share – in Week 5 while adding 14 carries for 54 yards and 1 TD. McCaffrey’s 86% snap share and 93% opportunity share are elite usage numbers. The uptick in receiving the past two weeks is extremely encouraging for the Carolina running back as the lone bright spot in this overall anemic offense. He’s gone over 100 yards or scored a TD in every single game this season.
Miles Sanders saw top-tier usage in Week 5. 15 carries to Kenneth Gainwell‘s 3. Also added 3 targets for a 86% opportunity share while running a route on 65% of dropbacks. And most importantly, Sanders earned 3 carries inside the 10-yard line. However, he just didn’t score. That won’t happen every week.
Dalvin Cook finally didn’t get vultured at the goal line! The Vikings RB compiled 20 touches for 96 yards including 2 rushing TDs! But all that glitters is not gold. Alexander Mattison was the more involved receiver (four vs 2 targets) ran as many routes and totaled 12 touches of his own. Cook played just 57% of the snaps while Mattison played 43%. It’s a two-back deployment that we have not ever seen with Cook at any point this season, so it suggests a more committee approach might be brewing in the Vikings backfield. Considering Cook’s long injury history, this is the perfect time to sell high after a big game.
After Rashaad Penny exited the game, rookie Ken Walker got the rushing workload including a 69-yard TD run. Finished with 88 rushing yards on just 8 carries. He was not-targeted, but he still ran a route on 43% of dropbacks on a 58% snap share. Traditional pass-catching RB DeeJay Dallas ran a route on just 30% of dropbacks.
He’ll be a bellcow with Penny out for the rest of the season. He faces Arizona and LA Chargers next two weeks. Juicy and well worth going ALL-IN if he is on waivers.
Zeke got ALL the run for the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5. 22 carries for an 85% opportunity share and 65% snap share. But with all the volume, he was left with 78 scoreless yards, less than teammate Tony Pollard. Pollard stole the show with his explosive 57-yard score. Finished with 8 carries for 86 yards. Dak Prescott coming back is enough to entice another fantasy manager to take Elliott off your hands. Buy Pollard instead.
Josh Jacobs bellcow season continues. The Raiders RB1 totaled an 81% snap share and 84% opportunity share in Week 5, to the tune of 21 carries for 154 rushing yards and 1 TD. Also added 5 catches on 5 targets for 39 yards.
RB Opportunity Share | Week 5
Goal-line carries (Any carry inside the 10-yard line)
| Player | Carries | Touches | Opportunities | Goal-Line Carries | Goal-line TDs | Overall Opportunity Share |
| Christian McCaffrey | 14 | 21 | 26 | 0 | 0 | 93% |
| Miles Sanders | 15 | 17 | 18 | 3 | 0 | 86% |
| Ezekiel Elliott | 22 | 22 | 22 | 0 | 0 | 85% |
| Rhamondre Stevenson | 25 | 27 | 27 | 0 | 0 | 84% |
| Dameon Pierce | 26 | 29 | 31 | 2 | 1 | 84% |
| Derrick Henry | 28 | 30 | 30 | 4 | 2 | 83% |
| David Montgomery | 12 | 16 | 16 | 1 | 1 | 80% |
| Alvin Kamara | 23 | 29 | 29 | 0 | 0 | 76% |
| Cam Akers | 13 | 13 | 14 | 0 | 0 | 74% |
| Leonard Fournette | 14 | 24 | 25 | 1 | 1 | 74% |
| Aaron Jones | 13 | 15 | 16 | 1 | 0 | 73% |
| Joe Mixon | 14 | 17 | 17 | 1 | 0 | 71% |
| Saquon Barkley | 13 | 16 | 19 | 1 | 1 | 70% |
| Raheem Mostert | 18 | 19 | 21 | 0 | 0 | 64% |
| Jeffery Wilson | 17 | 18 | 19 | 0 | 0 | 63% |
| Breece Hall | 18 | 20 | 20 | 2 | 1 | 63% |
| Melvin Gordon | 15 | 18 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 62% |
| Devin Singletary | 6 | 7 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 62% |
| Dalvin Cook | 18 | 20 | 20 | 3 | 2 | 61% |
| Najee Harris | 11 | 14 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 60% |
| Austin Ekeler | 16 | 20 | 20 | 1 | 0 | 57% |
| Nick Chubb | 17 | 17 | 18 | 2 | 1 | 56% |
| Travis Etienne | 10 | 13 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 56% |
| Jamaal Williams | 15 | 15 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 54% |
| Tyler Allgeier | 13 | 13 | 13 | 1 | 0 | 50% |
| Eno Benjamin | 8 | 11 | 12 | 0 | 0 | 48% |
| Kenneth Walker III | 8 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 44% |
| J.K. Dobbins | 8 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 44% |
| James Robinson | 10 | 12 | 12 | 1 | 0 | 44% |
| Rashaad Penny | 8 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 44% |
| Kareem Hunt | 11 | 14 | 14 | 1 | 1 | 44% |
| Phillip Lindsay | 11 | 14 | 15 | 0 | 0 | 43% |
| Jaylen Warren | 5 | 9 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 40% |
| James Conner | 9 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 40% |
| Alexander Mattison | 9 | 12 | 13 | 2 | 0 | 39% |
| Michael Carter | 10 | 12 | 12 | 3 | 2 | 38% |
| Tevin Coleman | 8 | 11 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 37% |
| Brian Robinson | 9 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 36% |
| Mike Boone | 7 | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 | 34% |
| Joshua Kelley | 10 | 12 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 34% |
| Craig Reynolds | 6 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 32% |
| Tony Pollard | 8 | 8 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 31% |
| James Cook | 4 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 31% |
| Samaje Perine | 3 | 7 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 29% |
| J.D. McKissic | 0 | 5 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 28% |
| Antonio Gibson | 3 | 6 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 28% |
| Kenyan Drake | 4 | 5 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 28% |
| Myles Gaskin | 4 | 7 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 27% |
| A.J. Dillon | 6 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 0 | 27% |
| Rachaad White | 5 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 26% |
| Darrell Henderson | 0 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 0 | 26% |
| Mark Ingram | 9 | 9 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 24% |
| Matt Breida | 4 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 22% |
| Khalil Herbert | 4 | 4 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 20% |
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
- Nyheim Hines got knocked out of Thursday’s game very early with a concussion, setting up Deon Jackson and Philip Lindsay to take over the load. Near dead-even split in carries, but Jackson played more snaps (58% versus 38%) and ran more routes (25 versus 11). Both guys were targeted four times. Should Jonathan Taylor/Hines not return, Jackson would be the priority waiver wire target.
- Aaron Jones (13 carries, 3 targets, 73% snap share) dominated the backfield over A.J. Dillon (6 carries, no targets, 32% snap share). The positive game script provided no favors for either Packers RB.
- Rhamondre Stevenson ate to the tune of 25 carries for a career-high 161 yards on a 90% snap share in Week 5. He also added two catches for 14 yards while running a route on 64% of dropbacks. No other RB touched the ball in the second half. Damien Harris missed the entire second half (hamstring) and totaled just 6 snaps in the first half. If Harris is out next week, it will be hard to rank Stevenson outside the top-12 fantasy RBs.
- David Montgomery came back to a 72% snap share and put Khalil Herbert on the bench. Out-touched him 16-4. Montgomery only rushed for 20 yards on 12 carries but posted 62 receiving yards on 4 catches. If and when he’s healthy, he is the Bears RB1.
- RBs that saw multiple carries inside the 10-yard line that did not score in Week 5 include Miles Sanders (3) and Alexander Mattison (2). Aaron Jones, Joe Mixon, Najee Harris, Tyler Allgeier and James Robinson all saw one but failed to score.
- Falcons rookie RB Tyler Allgeier – 13-45-0 – led the backfield in carries, snaps (59%) and routes run in Week 5. He should be viewed as the starter with Patterson on IR.
- Eno Benjamin totaled 11 touches for 53 yards with James Conner (rib) and Darrel Williams also banged up. His 56% route participation is encouraging that he will stay involved in the passing game if Conner misses any time.
- Raheem Mostert‘s RB1 season continues. 18 carries for 113 yards on 69% snap share. Chase Edmonds 1 for 1. Less than Myles Gaskin. Woof. However, Mostert’s injury history precedes him. And he’s 30 years old. I’d cash out now.
- Cam Akers posted a 13-33-0 rushing line in Week 5 (zero rushing attempts for Darrell Henderson). But Henderson saw more targets (5 vs 1), played more snaps for a second straight week and ran more routes. Not good for Akers, who has not been effective as a rusher this season, running behind a piss-poor offensive line. Despite the 74% opportunity share in Week 5, he’s a sell-high candidate.
- For the second straight week Travis Etienne and James Robinson split carries – 10 for each of them. But ETN was more efficient rushing for 71 yards to Robinson’s 27 yards. Etienne was also the more involved receiver, seeing 5 targets versus Robinson’s 2. He played a higher snap share (53% vs 40%) with more routes run (54% versus 32%). The increased snap usage was a tell-tale sign to buy guys like Rhamondre Stevenson and Breece Hall in the past weeks, so follow the snaps and trade for Etienne.
- Dameon Pierce getting FED. 29 TOUCHES. 84% opportunity share. 79% snap share. 26 carries for 99 yards. 5 targets on a 52% route run rate. Rex Burkhead had just three carries. Three targets. He’s a no-doubt bellcow and a top-15 fantasy option for the rest of the season.
- End of the line for Antonio Gibson. Three carries for 6 yards. 32% snap share and 28% opportunity share. Brian Robinson Jr. in his first game back totaled nine carries for 22 yards. 29% snap share and 36% opportunity share which will only increase in the coming weeks. Gibson also saw fewer targets than JD Mckissic (7 vs 4).
- Breece Hall takeover in full effect (18-97-1 rushing, 2-100-0 receiving, 69% snap share)
- Can’t say the same for this second-year RB. Najee Harris reached just 11 carries for 20 yards. Four targets on 52 attempts from Kenny Pickett. No. 2 RB Jaylen Warren had more targets (5), ran more routes and compiled more yards from scrimmage (63 versus 36). Now he did see a solid chunk of playing time in garbage time, but Harris’ every-down role from 2021 is long gone. He’s a TD-dependent RB that plays on a bad offense. You need to pivot. The Buccaneers are up next. Rut-roh.
- Clyde Edwards-Helaire‘s horrible usage to start the season finally reared it’s ugly head. He totaled just 12 touches for 35 yards versus the Raiders, seizing an abysmal 52% opportunity share and 43% snap share. He was out-snapped by Jerick McKinnon (53% vs 43%) and rushed for fewer yards (53 vs 15) despite one more carry. SELL.
TIGHT ENDS
| Player | Routes | % of routes run per dropback | Targets | Target Share | Target Rate Per Route Run |
| Mark Andrews | 34 | 97% | 10 | 37% | 29% |
| Cole Kmet | 27 | 93% | 4 | 19% | 15% |
| Dallas Goedert | 37 | 93% | 9 | 26% | 24% |
| Cade Otton | 49 | 92% | 7 | 14% | 14% |
| Zach Ertz | 41 | 91% | 10 | 26% | 24% |
| Hayden Hurst | 32 | 86% | 7 | 21% | 22% |
| David Njoku | 31 | 86% | 6 | 19% | 19% |
| George Kittle | 27 | 84% | 6 | 20% | 22% |
| Evan Engram | 41 | 82% | 10 | 23% | 24% |
| Hunter Henry | 18 | 82% | 5 | 24% | 28% |
| Tyler Higbee | 37 | 79% | 10 | 24% | 27% |
| T.J. Hockenson | 30 | 77% | 4 | 13% | 13% |
| Quintin Morris | 26 | 76% | 5 | 14% | 19% |
| Gerald Everett | 28 | 74% | 3 | 9% | 11% |
| Irv Smith | 30 | 70% | 5 | 13% | 17% |
| Austin Hooper | 21 | 68% | 1 | 4% | 5% |
| Mike Gesicki | 24 | 67% | 2 | 6% | 8% |
| Noah Fant | 18 | 60% | 5 | 21% | 28% |
| O.J. Howard | 15 | 60% | 1 | 4% | 7% |
| Tommy Tremble | 28 | 57% | 1 | 3% | 4% |
| Juwan Johnson | 15 | 56% | 2 | 8% | 13% |
| Daniel Bellinger | 17 | 55% | 3 | 12% | 18% |
| C.J. Uzomah | 13 | 54% | 2 | 10% | 15% |
| Robert Tonyan | 22 | 54% | 4 | 10% | 18% |
| Eric Saubert | 24 | 53% | 7 | 18% | 29% |
| Zach Gentry | 28 | 50% | 6 | 12% | 21% |
| Cole Turner | 21 | 49% | 3 | 8% | 14% |
| John Bates | 21 | 49% | 3 | 8% | 14% |
| Adam Trautman | 12 | 44% | 3 | 12% | 25% |
| Will Dissly | 13 | 43% | 3 | 13% | 23% |
| Kylen Granson | 20 | 42% | 3 | 8% | 15% |
| Harrison Bryant | 15 | 42% | 1 | 3% | 7% |
| Pat Freiermuth | 21 | 38% | 2 | 4% | 10% |
| Mo Alie-Cox | 18 | 38% | 1 | 3% | 6% |
| Jordan Akins | 9 | 36% | 2 | 8% | 22% |
| Parker Hesse | 12 | 35% | 1 | 4% | 8% |
| Tre’ McKitty | 13 | 34% | 2 | 6% | 15% |
| Mason Schreck | 8 | 32% | 1 | 4% | 13% |
| Dalton Schultz | 6 | 32% | 1 | 6% | 17% |
| Albert Okwuegbunam | 14 | 31% | 1 | 3% | 7% |
| Anthony Firkser | 10 | 29% | 1 | 4% | 10% |
| Tyler Conklin | 7 | 29% | 1 | 5% | 14% |
| Jelani Woods | 13 | 27% | 1 | 3% | 8% |
| Isaiah Likely | 9 | 26% | 2 | 7% | 22% |
| Marcedes Lewis | 10 | 24% | 1 | 3% | 10% |
I needed to see it twice from Mo Alie-Cox before trusting him as a fantasy tight end. Spoiler, he still can’t be trusted. His snaps (44%) and route participation (36%) plummeted in Week 5. Kylen Granson was more involved and out-snapped Big Mac.
Rookie Cade Otton had 7 targets and six catches for 43 yards without Cameron Brate in the starting lineup. He took over Brate’s high-end usage – 94% snap share and 92% route participation. But unlike Brate, he actually earned targets from Tom Brady. Definitely playable in future weeks if Brate misses any more time. Two of his 7 targets were in the red zone.
Hayden Hurst is a solid TE streamer. 6 for 53 and 1 TD with Tee Higgins sidelined early on in Week 5. His 86% route participation is borderline elite, and Joe Burrow continues to target him in the red zone. Hurst has also been the more productive No. 3 pass-catcher all-season versus Tyler Boyd, so it’s no surprise that he benefitted most from Higgins’ absence on Sunday night. Continue to play him.
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 |
| Zach Ertz | 33% | 98 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Hayden Hurst | 31% | 36 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| Dallas Goedert | 30% | 37 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Evan Engram | 27% | 116 | 2 | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| Mark Andrews | 25% | 64 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Adam Trautman | 20% | 40 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Tyler Conklin | 20% | 39 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Hunter Henry | 20% | 35 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Noah Fant | 17% | 52 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| T.J. Hockenson | 17% | 46 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| David Njoku | 16% | 46 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| George Kittle | 15% | 35 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jelani Woods | 14% | 36 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Mike Gesicki | 14% | 31 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Cole Kmet | 14% | 24 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Gerald Everett | 14% | 24 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Irv Smith | 13% | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Tyler Higbee | 11% | 37 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Jordan Akins | 9% | 13 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Eric Saubert | 9% | 33 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Quintin Morris | 8% | 36 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Kylen Granson | 8% | 19 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cade Otton | 7% | 25 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| John Bates | 7% | 25 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Juwan Johnson | 6% | 12 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cole Turner | 6% | 21 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Daniel Bellinger | 6% | 8 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Chigoziem Okonkwo | 6% | 12 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| O.J. Howard | 6% | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Zach Gentry | 6% | 20 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
TOP TAKEAWAYS:
- Eric Saubert operated as the Broncos’ TE1 for the second straight week. RIP Albert Okwuegbunam, who played just 21% of the snaps.
- Evan Engram will always be in the tight end streaming conversation. His high-end route participation lends itself to games like in Week 5, when he earned 10 targets (23% target share).
- Rookie Cade Otton, had 7 targets and six catches for 43 yards w/o Cameron Brate in the starting lineup. He took over Brate’s high-end usage – 94% snap share, and 92% route participation. But unlike Brate, he actually earned targets from Tom Brady. Definitely playable in future weeks if Brate misses any more time.
- Hayden Hurst is a solid TE streamer. 6 for 53 and 1 TD with Tee Higgins sidelined early in Week 5.
- David Njoku: The late-round tight end WE NEEDED. 6-for-6, 88 yards while running a route on 86% of dropbacks YLTSI. He’s an every-week starter.
- Hunter Henry was decent without Jonnu Smith (4-54 on 5 targets, 24% target share). Played nearly every down (98% snap share). Good enough by tight end standards in deeper formats.
- Gerald Everett disappeared in Donald Parham‘s seasonal debut.
- Irv Smith Jr.with a season-high 70% route participation in Week 5. Stock up.
- RIP Tyler Conklin szn. C.J. Uzomah ran more routes straight up, something we have not seen at all in 2022. Conklin’s route participation fell from 79% to 29% in Week 5. Drop him.
- Robert Tonyan played fewer snaps than Marcedes Lewis and failed to crack 60% route participation. His role needs to grow before he can sniff starting fantasy lineups.
- Darren Waller played just 12% of the snaps before leaving MNF with an injury. Foster Moreau was also banged up, so Jesper Horstead played a larger role (59% snap share).
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