Fantasy Football Player Notes

The usage metrics were ALL there for Chris Olave, who commanded a 25% target share and 40% air yards share (over 1,800 air yards, 8th). Olave made a significant impact with 87 receptions from 138 targets (12th), and he amassed 1,123 receiving yards (17th). He found the end zone 5 times ranked 21st among wide receivers in points per game. Nothing about Olave's talent suggests he should be a fantasy WR2, but that's likely going to be the case with Derek Carr back at QB. However, the duo showed glimpses of improvement in the second half of the season after the bye week as Olave ranked second in catchable target rate (89%) averaging 12.7 points per game (WR16).

Alvin Kamara retained his every-down role last year despite the team drafting Kendre Miller. Miller spent most of his rookie season on the injury report, so we'll see if Kamara can hold him off in 2024, but at least expect Kamara to be a workhorse (maybe not a bellcow). Last year, Kamara was tenth in opportunity share, eighth in weighed opportunities, and ninth in red zone touches. While Karmara's rushing prowess took another massive hit (40th out of 49 qualifying backs in missed tackles forced per attempt per Fantasy Points Data), his receiving chops remained strong. Last year, out of 60 qualifying backs, he ranked first in target share (18.1%) and sixth in yards per route run. Kamara might not have the same bounce in his step as he did during the Drew Brees era, but his pass game and high-leverage usage in 2024 should keep him firmly planted in the RB1 ranks.

Rashid Shaheed enjoyed a solid sophomore season, as a boom-or-bust option. He totaled over 1,000 air yards on just 75 targets (14% target share). Shaheed excelled in making big plays, as seen in his 31 catches of over 20 yards (14th). He scored 132.6 fantasy points, averaging 8.3 points per game. Shaheed was ranked 49th among wide receivers in points per game.

Injuries decimated Kendre Miller's rookie season. He was limited to only eight games played, and he crossed the 30% snap mark only three times. Miller posted interesting/borderline impressive per-touch numbers when he got opportunities, with a 24% missed tackle rate and 3.07 yards after contact per attempt (per Fantasy Points Data). We'll see how much work he can siphon off from Alvin Kamara this season, but don't be surprised if he can eat into his work and carve out a 40-50% snap role weekly. He does have to contend with Jamaal Williams as Kamara's understudy, so it's not a clear path to success. Miller is still an intriguing late-round pick/RB4 for 2024.