Fantasy Football Player Notes

D.K. Metcalf finished 2023 with 66 receptions on 119 targets (23% target share), accumulating 1,114 yards and over 1,500 air yards (40% air yards share, 14th), averaging 16.9 yards per reception as the WR16 overall. 22nd in weighted opportunity. His longest catch of the season was a notable 73-yard play. He demonstrated his big-play capability with 37 receptions of 20+ yards (10th) and finished 20th in points per game (12.0). Metcalf scored 8 touchdowns, underlining his scoring prowess over 16 games with the 5th-most end-zone targets (15). He missed the first game of his NFL career in 2023. He's an Iron Man and a staple of consistency as high-end fantasy WR2.

In his first season, JSN managed 63 receptions from 93 targets (17.5% target share), totaling 628 yards with an average of 10 yards per reception. Smith-Njigba scored 4 touchdowns, indicating his growing role in the Seahawks' offensive scheme. 59th in points per game (7.0) and WR48 overall. But it shouldn't be forgotten that Smith-Njigba suffered a wrist injury that contributed to a slow start. He started to hit his stride more from Week 6 onward where he averaged 8.2 points per game. But still over this span, his route participation (74%, 50th) and high-end target competition made it tough for JSN to produce. With more opportunities in 2024 at just 22 years old, Smith-Njigba is an easy breakout candidate.

Tyler Lockett is past his prime and he showed it all year long with his very inconsistent play. 43rd in points per game (9.6) and WR33 overall despite a strong 22% target share and over 1,300 air yards. He failed to crack the top 30 WRs for the first time since 2017. It was also the first time he failed to match or exceed D.K. Metcalf in fantasy points.
Lockett recorded 79 receptions on 122 targets, totaling 894 receiving yards at an average of 11.3 yards per catch. He found the end zone 5 times. Lockett is also a logical cut candidate with him due nearly $28M against the salary cap in 2024 and 2025. Seattle has an "out" in his contract for 2024. Entering his age-32 season, you don't need to squint to see the potential fall for Lockett in fantasy football.