Fantasy Football Player Notes
Week 5 Rankings
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1.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba
SEA (vs . SF)
It seemed like nothing could slow down JSN, starting the season with finishes of WR seven, one, and one. Unfortunately, the streak came to an end with a WR35 performance against the Chargers. This was not necessarily his fault, as the Chargers failed to show up and only looked functional in the fourth quarter. As a result, JSN was not necessary to move this offense, instead relying on Emanual Wilson. It's JSN; there is no reason to be worried. However, he now starts a stretch of tough matchups against the 49ers, Broncos, and Chiefs. He remains the top fantasy WR, but don't be surprised if his historical pace slows down over the next few weeks.
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2.
Puka Nacua
LAR (vs . BUF)
The Return of the Puka came in full force last week. Last week, Puka caught nine passes for 125 yards and added a rushing score. Whether it's Davante Adams or Puka, the Rams' top receiver is amazing for fantasy. However, last week's performance didn't come without concern. It was reported that Puka has been dealing with a "pre-hernia." By all accounts, this sounds like a ticking time bomb. Maybe it doesn't impact this season, or maybe he aggravates it next week and misses over a month. We're playing with fire, but at least these flames are hot. Over the next few weeks, Puka has great matchups against the Bills and Cardinals. With Ja'Marr Chase dealing with a concussion, and JSN having tough matchups, Puka is my WR1 for this week and likely next week as well.
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3.
Amon-Ra St. Brown
DET (at ARI)
In a Barn Burner of a Sunday Night Football game, ARSB finishing with 75 yards was underwhelming. Who would have thought that the injured Panthers secondary would be the ones to end his three-game touchdown streak? Thankfully, his 11 targets and nine catches showcase his elite floor even in his "down" weeks. This week, they have another shootout on hand, facing the Cardinals. Neither of these teams has learned how to play defense this season and should be able to score at will. As a result, this should be the perfect matchup for ARSB to bounce back. Don't worry about last week; ARSB is my WR2 on the week behind Puka Nacua.
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4.
CeeDee Lamb
DAL (vs . TB)
Lamb has had by far his best start to any season so far. With nearly 500 receiving yards in four games and averaging a touchdown per game, he has been phenomenal. Unfortunately, this production has come at the expense of George Pickens, but if you have Lamb, that doesn't matter. What does matter is that Pickens could return to form any week, sharing what has been a dominant workload for Lamb. As long as that doesn't happen, Lamb is arguably the best receiver in fantasy. Even if Pickens re-emerges, Lamb would only fall into the mid-WR1 territory. This week, they have a tough matchup against the Bucs, who have allowed the fifth fewest fantasy points to the WR position.
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5.
Nico Collins
HOU (at TEN)
Some players can change an entire offense. We saw this last week, with Collins returning to the Texans and immediately boosting the entire offense. Last week, Collins finished the game with seven catches for 118 yards and two scores. In his two healthy games, Collins has finished as the WR9 and WR3. He also has one of the easiest schedules of all receivers over the rest of the season. Seriously, he only plays one game against a defense that is outside the top 16 for most fantasy points allowed to receivers through four weeks. Buckle up, because the Collins ride is just getting started.
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6.
Drake London
ATL (vs . BAL)
Whatever script the NFL had for the Falcons, Michael Penix Jr. has torn it up and turned it into a Michael Bay movie. With fantasy explosions everywhere, Drake London and Bijan Robinson have strung together strong performances. Unfortunately for London, Penix has only passed for one touchdown in each game, and neither has gone his way. This week, they have a tough task against the Ravens, who are likely without Lamar Jackson. However, you can pass on this defense, allowing the eighth most fantasy points to opposing receivers. As long as Penix is under center, London is a WR1 for fantasy.
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7.
Chris Olave
NO (vs . MIN)
Olave is a yardage monster. Sitting as the WR4 with only one touchdown on the season is incredible. If it wasn't for a tough stretch of defenses, there would be no sign of slowing down for the veteran WR. With eight or more receptions in every game so far and over 100 yards in three of four games, he is the perfect mix of consistency for fantasy. Unfortunately, the Saints now face the dreaded Brian Flores defense with the Vikings. Outside of Olave, the Saints struggled against a less-than-mediocre Falcons defense last week. As a result, Flores could have this offense floundering this week. That said, Olave is a top-end talent and is guaranteed to see volume. This keeps him at the bottom of the WR1 range for me this week.
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8.
Zay Flowers
BAL (at ATL)
When Flowers has been on the field, he has been electric. That said, the electricity has also come with Lamar Jackson throwing the rock. With Jackson likely missing this week, it's hard to trust Tyler Huntley to support Flowers as a WR1. There is a world that the exact reason some don't view Flowers as a true "WR1" is the reason he remains a WR1 in fantasy this week. Flowers is explosive with the ball in his hands and should see plenty of easy targets in this game. The Falcons have allowed the seventh most fantasy points to the position, and by far the fewest rushing yards per game. As a result, Flowers will need to have a big game if the Ravens want to stop the Falcons' win streak.
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9.
Davante Adams
LAR (vs . BUF)
In his two games played with Puka Nacua, Davante Adams has had a 19% target share with 0.81 YPRR (58 total receiving yards), two red zone targets, three deep targets, and a 23.2% first-read share. His other two games of the season have loudly displayed that Adams isn't near the end of the line, so this feels like small sample variance with his production dipping so much. His target share and first-read share were still strong in those games. I'm expecting a bounce-back performance for Adams in Week 5. Buffalo has the 11th-highest two-high rate (56.2%). This season against two-high, Adams has a 21% target-per-route run rate with 1.88 YPRR. His numbers are much better against single-high, but these aren't horrible metrics by any stretch of the imagination. Buffalo has allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per opportunity to perimeter wide receivers.
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10.
Michael Wilson
ARI (vs . DET)
Michael Wilson has emerged as Arizona's running mate with Trey McBride through the air as the WR20 in fantasy points per game. Wilson has a 27% target share, 1.69 YPRR, eight red zone targets (third among all wideouts), five deep targets, and a 35.7% first-read share. These are ELITE usage numbers, and his per-route efficiency is slowly ticking up too. Wilson should eat again this week. Detroit has allowed the sixth-most yards per target and the tenth-most fantasy points per opportunity to perimeter wide receivers.
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11.
Christian Watson
GB (vs . CHI)
Christian Watson has been one of the best storylines this season. The hyper-athletic receiver has progressed into a WR1 and had a great start to the year. Last week, he had his first "down" performance. For whatever reason, the Packers decided to rely on the short game, rarely letting Jordan Love air it out. Still, Watson caught all three of his targets for 47 yards. This week, he faces the Bears defense that was projected to be one of the worst in the league. However, they have only allowed 28 points over the last three games. They are also allowing the third-fewest passing yards per game. Watson is always a threat to break a big play and is in the red zone, making him a great WR2 or fringe WR1.
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12.
George Pickens
DAL (vs . TB)
Through four games, this has been a disappointing season for George Pickens as the WR39 in fantasy points per game. He has only one game with more than 15 PPR points. Last week, I thought we'd see the bounceback game for Pickens, but it didn't happen. What I didn't anticipate for Pickens was that Houston would absolutely abandon their single high ways for two-high (66% of their defensive snaps). We're going back to the single-high well with Pickens this week against a Bucs defense that has utilized single-high at the third-highest rate (66.2%). Overall, Pickens has an 18% target share, 1.65 YPRR, two red zone targets, five deep targets, and a 20.2% first-read share. Against single-high this season, Pickens has seen his target per route run rate climb from 14% to 35% and his YPRR increase from 1.41 to 2.30. If the Bucs continue their single high ways, Pickens should shred them. Tampa Bay has allowed the 11th-most fantasy points per opportunity to perimeter wide receivers while ranking 15th in yards per target against the position.
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13.
Garrett Wilson
NYJ (vs . CLE)
The Jets got dominated by the Bears last week. Running only 32 plays in the game, it was nearly impossible for anyone to get home for fantasy. As a result, Wilson led the team in receptions with three. We can throw out last week's game as it was a master class performance by Ben Johnson and the Bears. This week against the Browns, things should be a lot different. In what has been one of the grossest matchups over the last decade, you may not want to watch these two teams duel it out. That said, there will be fantasy points to be had. The Browns are allowing the ninth-fewest fantasy points to opposing WRs, putting Wilson in the high-end WR2 conversation.
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14.
Malik Nabers
NYG (at WAS)
Malik Nabers landed on the injury report this week (knee). He had soreness and didn't practice. His shoulder has been an issue, but we haven't seen his knee be a problem in the last few weeks, since he has been a full-time option. I'll update his outlook on Friday, but I wouldn't be surprised if Nabers misses Week 5.
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15.
Parker Washington
JAC (vs . PHI)
After last week's surprising dud, Parker Washington is the WR23 in fantasy points per game. Last week, Washington had only a 13% target share and a 14.3% first-read share as Trevor Lawrence was locked onto Brenton Strange. In the three previous weeks, Washington was the team's unquestioned alpha with a 27.2% target share, 3.25 YPRR, 0.132 FD/RR, and a 32.8% first-read share. This feels like an outlier instead of a signal to panic. Washington also faced DJ Turner with 63.6% of his routes last week. Turner held him to one target and zero receptions. Washington could bounce back this week against a secondary that could be without Quinyon Mitchell. Even with Mitchell, Philly ranks 17th in yards per target and 19th in fantasy points per opportunity allowed to perimeter wide receivers, so this is more of a neutral matchup for Washington.
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16.
Jameson Williams
DET (at ARI)
Jameson Williams had a boom game last week as the WR17 for the week. This week could be more of the same for the volatile big-play machine. Williams has a 14.9% target share, 1.45 YPRR, two red zone targets, six deep targets, and a 23.7% first-read share. Arizona has been bleeding out production to perimeter wide receivers, and Williams' splits this season are in favor of the heavy two-high coverage he'll see this week. Arizona has utilized two high at the second-highest rate in the NFL (73.2%). Against two-high, Williams has seen his target-per-route run rate climb from 14% to 16% and his YPRR increase from 1.32 to 1.57. Arizona has allowed the most yards per target and fantasy points per opportunity to perimeter wide receivers.
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17.
DK Metcalf
PIT (vs . IND)
DK Metcalf has had a predictably rough start to the season as the WR35 in fantasy points per game. He has rebounded somewhat over the last two games with at least 12.1 PPR points in each week. Metcalf has a 21.3% target share with 1.33 YPRR, one red zone target, ten deep targets, and a 29.6% first-read share. Metcalf has had some tough corner assignments to begin the season, but he has been woefully inefficient with his targets. We'll see if that changes this week against an Indy pass defense that has held perimeter wide receivers to the ninth-fewest yards per target and the fourth-fewest fantasy points per opportunity. I'm not hopeful for Metcalf this week.
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18.
Matthew Golden
GB (vs . CHI)
Matthew Golden continues with his sophomore breakout season as the WR16 in fantasy points per game. Among 77 qualifying receivers, Golden is 19th in separation and 30th in route win rate. Golden leads the team with a 22.7% target share and 27% first-read share with 2.03 YPRR, five red zone targets, and seven deep targets. This week, Golden faces a Chicago pass defense that has the fifth-highest single high rate (62.9%). Against single high, Golden has seen a strong 25% target per route run rate but his YPRR has slipped to 1.27. That's not great at all, but he should still see the volume this week with that strong target per route run rate. Golden and Christian are the team's top targets against single high. Golden should have a strong week against a secondary that has allowed the second-most yards per target and fantasy points per opportunity to perimeter wide receivers.
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19.
Jaylen Waddle
DEN (at LAC)
Bo Nix and suspect play-calling have capsized this offense in most weeks so far. Jaylen Waddle is the WR34 in fantasy points per game. Waddle has a 19.3% target share, 1.70 YPRR, two red zone targets, four deep targets, and a 28.2% first-read share. It has been tough when you can see Waddle getting open on film, but he can't toss the ball to himself. If Bo Nix can get himself together this week, Waddle could have a nice game, but that's a huge question mark. The Chargers have allowed the seventh-most yards per target and the fifth-most fantasy points per opportunity to perimeter wide receivers.
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20.
Mike Evans
SF (at SEA)
Mike Evans is an absolute DAWG! Evans gutted it out last week with a myriad of injuries, including broken ribs. Evans grimaced and was slow to get up after every catch, but that didn't stop him. Evans is the WR24 in fantasy points per game, and he's been awesome when on the field for the 49ers. Last week, Evans had a 67.6% route share, a 26.7% target share, 3.30 YPRR, and a 31.3% first-read share. Overall, this season Evans has a 60.8% route share, a 21.2% target share (32% TPRR), 2.80 YPRR, four red zone targets, four deep targets, and a 24.7% first-read share. This week, he'll face a Seattle secondary that has utilized two high at the ninth-highest rate in the NFL (59.1%). Against two high, Evans has a 33% target-per-route run rate and 3.10 YPRR, which are absolutely elite numbers. Seattle has allowed the sixth-fewest yards per target and the seventh-fewest fantasy points per opportunity to perimeter wide receivers. Evans has the talent to overcome a bad matchup, though. In most leagues, I'm still starting him.
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21.
Luther Burden III
CHI (at GB)
Last week, with Tyson Bagent under center, Luther Burden was third on the team in target share (17.6%) and first-read share (17.4%). Burden finished with 63 receiving yards (2.63 YPRR) and one deep target (zero red zone targets). Overall, Burden leads the team with a 22% target share and 28.6% first-read share while logging 2.11 YPRR, six red zone targets, and a deep target. This week, Burden faces a Green Bay secondary that has the sixth-highest two-high rate in the NFL (62.1%). Over the last two weeks, against two high, Burden ranks third on the team with a 27% target-per-route run rate with 1.73 YPRR. Burden should have a solid week against a secondary that is 17th in fantasy points per opportunity against wide receivers.
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22.
Carnell Tate
TEN (vs . HOU)
After a massive Week 4 performance, Carnell Tate is the WR27 in fantasy points per game. Carnell Tate has been commanding alpha-level volume, and now we're starting to see it pay off. Among 79 qualifying receivers, Tate is seventh in target share (26.9%), 17th in YPRR (2.39), third in air-yard share (50.1%), 20th in FD/RR (0.098), and sixth in first-read share (36%). Tate has only one red zone target and three deep targets this season. Tate could be a strong WR3/flex again this week if Cam Ward can provide him catchable targets. Houston has allowed the third-most yards per target and the fourth-most fantasy points per opportunity to perimeter wide receivers.
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23.
Romeo Doubs
NE (vs . LV)
Romeo Doubs fulfilled all of the offseason hope and promise last week as the WR8 for the week. Last week, Doubs had a 21.6% target share, 58 receiving yards (2.07 YPRR), three red zone targets (two scores), one deep target, and a 26.3% first-read share. Since Week 2, Doubs has had a 17.8% target share with 2.78 YPRR, four red zone targets, three deep targets, and a 19.2% first-read share. We'll see if Doubs can continue the production this week, but the coverage structure works in his favor. The Raiders have the tenth-highest rate of two-high (56.2%). Since Week 2, against two-high, Doubs has a 19% target-per-route run rate (leads the team) with 4.54 YPRR (WOW!). The Raiders are a middle-of-the-road matchup for Doubs, ranking 17th in yards per target allowed to perimeter wide receivers. Doubs could have another strong week against Vegas.
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24.
Deebo Samuel Sr.
SF (at SEA)
Deebo Samuel has been balling this season as the WR16 in fantasy points per game. Samuel has had some rushing production, padding his fantasy stats with seven carries and 74 yards on the ground. He has touchdowns in three of the 49ers' four games this season. Samuel has a 14.2% target share with 2.31 YPRR, five red zone targets, zero deep targets, and a 15.1% first-read share. This week, he'll face a Seattle secondary that has utilized two high at the ninth-highest rate in the NFL (59.1%). Against two high, he has seen his numbers suffer this season, with Mike Evans and George Kittle leading the way against this coverage. Samuel has only a 15% TPRR and 1.11 YPRR against two high this season. With a tough matchup incoming this week, temper your expectations. Seattle has allowed the sixth-fewest yards per target and the seventh-fewest fantasy points per opportunity to perimeter wide receivers.
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25.
Rome Odunze
CHI (at GB)
Last week, with Tyson Bagent chucking the rock, Rome Odunze was second on the team in target share (20.6%) and first-read share (21.7%). He finished with zero red zone targets and one deep target. Odunze led the team with 94 receiving yards (3.36 YPRR). Overall, Odunze has a 15.2% target share with 2.12 YPRR, two red zone targets, six deep targets (leads the team), and a 15.5% first-read share. This week, Odunze faces a Green Bay secondary that has the sixth-highest two-high rate in the NFL (62.1%). Over the last two weeks, against two high, Odunze has ranked second on the team with a wonderful 29% target-per-route run rate while posting 4.83 YPRR (OH BABY!). I wouldn't be surprised to see Odunze leading the way in the receiving department this week again. Green Bay is 17th in fantasy points per opportunity allowed to perimeter wide receivers.
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26.
Jordan Addison
MIN (at NO)
Jordan Addison was a surprise addition to the injury report with a hamstring injury. He opened the week with a DNP. I'll update his outlook on Friday.
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27.
Josh Downs
IND (at PIT)
Josh Downs had a quiet week last week with a good matchup, but I think the blame should be laid at the Achilles of Daniel Jones and not placed upon Downs. Jones has been quite limited as a passer so far this season. Downs is the WR48 in fantasy points per game with two games with at least 12.7 PRR points this season. Downs has a 20.5% target share, 1.67 YPRR, four red zone targets, three deep targets, and a 26.8% first-read share (leads the team). Among 45 qualifying receivers, Downs leads all of them in separation and ranks sixth in route win rate. We'll see if he can bounce back this week, but the matchup isn't great. Pittsburgh has allowed the 14th-fewest yards per target and the seventh-fewest fantasy points per opportunity to slot receivers.
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28.
Denzel Boston
CLE (at NYJ)
Denzel Boston is the WR20 in fantasy points per game, while commanding an 18.3% target share with 2.39 YPRR, three red zone targets, seven deep targets, and a 22.5% first-read share (second on the team). Boston has excelled so far this season, ranking 17th in separation and YPRR while sitting at seventh in route win rate among 77 qualifying receivers. This week, he'll tangle with a Jets' secondary that has the fifth-highest two-high rate (62.2%). Against two-high, Boston leads the team with a 21% target-per-route run rate against two-high while logging 4.47 YPRR. This is a tougher matchup for Boston, but I think he can overcome it. The Jets have allowed the tenth-fewest yards per target to perimeter wide receivers while ranking 15th in fantasy points per opportunity allowed to the position.
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29.
Malik Washington
MIA (vs . CIN)
Malik Washington is the WR45, but over the last two games he has been the WR39 and WR35 in weekly scoring with volume alone. If you toss a touchdown on top of either of those stat lines, Washington would have been a WR2 in weekly fantasy scoring. Washington has a 27.2% target share, 1.99 YPRR, one red zone target, six deep targets, and a 28.3% first-read share. Washington is a volume-fueled flex again this week. The matchup isn't great, but I expect him to see a heavy target load, and if he finally gets in the endzone, he'll pay off for fantasy this week. Cincy has allowed the seventh-fewest yards per target and the ninth-fewest fantasy points per opportunity to receivers.
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30.
Emeka Egbuka
TB (at DAL)
In Jalon Daniels' first start, Emeka Egbuka found himself as the third option in the passing attack, finishing third on the team with a 14.8% target share and 19% first-read share behind Cade Otton and Chris Godwin. Egbuka finished with only 13 receiving yards and one red zone target. It was a disappointing showing for Egbuka. With Daniels still finding his footing, I'd love to craft a narrative that Egbuka immediately bounces back; I don't know if that happens, but it's possible. Dallas has been tougher against perimeter wide receivers, though, allowing the eighth-fewest yards per target and the 11th-fewest fantasy points per opportunity to the position. Egbuka is just a risky flex with upside this week.
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31.
KC Concepcion Jr.
CLE (at NYJ)
KC Concepcion leads the team with a 22.6% target share and 30% first-read share despite being the WR65 in fantasy points per game. Concepcion has been the higher-volume, low aDOT (4.96) receiver for Todd Monken's offense. He has 1.24 YPRR, three red zone targets (tied for the team lead), and two deep targets. The Jets have the fifth-highest two-high rate (62.2%). Against two-high, Concepcion is fourth on the team in target per route run rate (17%) and has only 0.67 YPRR. This isn't a great matchup for Concepcion, as the Jets have limited slot receivers to the tenth-fewest fantasy points per opportunity while ranking 15th in yards per target allowed to the position.
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32.
Devaughn Vele
NO (vs . MIN)
Devaughn Vele has been a beneficiary of the Saints' pass-happy offense as the WR20 in fantasy points per game. Vele's per-route numbers are nothing impressive. He has a 17.2% target share, 1.30 YPRR, and a 22% first-read share, but the passing volume has helped him have some big box scores along with his six red zone targets and six deep targets. The high cholesterol usage has been wonderful, as he has two scores this season. This week, he faces a Minny defense that has utilized two high with 65.6% of their defensive snaps (fourth-highest rate). Against two-high, Vele has seen his target-per-route run rate drop to 16% with a dip to 1.03 YPRR. These numbers aren't great, and the matchup is tougher, but he could still see enough volume to have a nice flex day. Minnesota has allowed the eighth-fewest yards per target and the sixth-fewest fantasy points per opportunity to slot receivers.
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33.
Dontayvion Wicks
PHI (at JAC)
Last week, with DeVonta Smith sidelined, Dontayvion Wicks was third among Philly's starting wide receivers in target share with 14.8%, as he also tied for second among the group with a 22.2% first-read share. Wicks finished with 18 receiving yards (0.58 YPRR), zero red zone targets, and one deep target. He did have to deal with Trent McDuffie last week, with 51.6% of his routes. Against McDuffie, he had only one target, which he secured for seven receiving yards. In the previous three games, Wicks was involved with a 17% target share, 2.29 YPRR, and a 23.2% first-read share. This could be a nice bounceback spot for Wicks. In three of the Jags' four games, they have utilized two high with 56.7-56.9% of their defensive snaps. Against two-high, Wicks has an 18% target-per-route run rate and 2.31 YPRR. The Jags have only given up one receiving touchdown to perimeter wide receivers while surrendering the tenth-most yards per target to the position.
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34.
Keon Coleman
BUF (at LAR)
Keon Coleman has functioned as Buffalo's Rashod Bateman. He is essentially DJ Moore's handcuff. If Moore misses this week, Coleman could see a ton of work. I'll update his outlook on Saturday.
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35.
Khalil Shakir
BUF (at LAR)
Khalil Shakir is the WR64 in fantasy points per game. His best performance of the season came last week as the WR24 in weekly scoring. Overall, Shakir has a 19.3% target share with 1.98 YPRR (65.4% route share), five red zone targets (zero scores), two deep targets, and a 23.4% first-read share. Shakir is flex-worthy again this week. The Rams are tied for the most receiving touchdowns allowed to slot receivers while also surrendering the seventh-most fantasy points per opportunity to the position.
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36.
Jakobi Meyers
JAC (vs . PHI)
Jakobi Meyers is the WR37 in fantasy points per game with two outings with 12 or more PPR points. Meyers has a 14.4% target share, 1.85 YPRR, three red zone targets, one deep target, and a 17.7% first-read share. Trevor Lawrence has leaned on Meyers more over the last two games, as he has had a 23.1% target share, 2.16 YPRR, and a 29.3% first-read share during that span. Meyers is a viable flex this week with the increased usage. Philly ranks 17th in yards per target and 19th in fantasy points per opportunity allowed to perimeter wide receivers.
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37.
Tre Tucker
LV (at NE)
Outside of his outlier performance in Week 2, Tre Tucker hasn't surpassed 44 receiving yards in any game this season. Taking Week 2 out of the sample, Tucker has a 13.9% target share with 1.25 YPRR, one red zone target, four deep targets, and a 19.4% first-read share. Tucker is a deep league flex only against a secondary that has held perimeter wide receivers to the 13th-fewest yards per target, but also allowed the 12th-most fantasy points per opportunity to the position.
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38.
Justin Jefferson
MIN (at NO)
Justin Jefferson is still recovering from an ankle injury. He opened this week with a limited practice. I'll update his outlook on Friday.
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39.
Dohnte Meyers
CIN (at MIA)
With the status of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins up in the air for Week 5 and the fact that Colbie Young missed last week's game (knee), I'll update the outlook for this receiving depth chart on Friday after we have more info.
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40.
Courtland Sutton
DEN (at LAC)
As bad as things have been for Jaylen Waddle, they have been even worse for Courtland Sutton as the WR89 in fantasy points per game. Sutton has only a 14.8% target share, 0.77 YPRR, five red zone targets, three deep targets, and a 23.9% first-read share. Only 55% of his targets have been catchable. Despite a wonderful matchup this week, Sutton is a desperation flex only. The Chargers have allowed the seventh-most yards per target and the fifth-most fantasy points per opportunity to perimeter wide receivers.
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41.
Marvin Harrison Jr.
ARI (vs . DET)
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42.
Quentin Johnston
LAC (vs . DEN)
Quentin Johnson opened this week with a limited practice (chest). He could be the Bolts' leading receiver this week or he could miss the game. I'll update his outlook on Friday.
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43.
Tre' Harris
LAC (vs . DEN)
Tre Harris could be the last healthy Bolts receiver left standing this week, with Ladd McConkey dealing with a foot injury and Quentin Johnston (chest) also hurt. I'll update his outlook on Friday.
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44.
Makai Lemon
PHI (at JAC)
Last week, without DeVonta Smith, Makai Lemon had an 18.5% target share with 27 receiving yards (1.04 YPRR) and a 22.2% first-read share. Lemon is the WR94 in fantasy points per game without more than six PPR points in any game this season. Overall, Lemon has a 12.2% target share with 0.59 YPRR, zero red zone targets, one deep target, and a 14.9% first-read share. This could be a game where he offers flex value, but in most leagues I'm sitting him. In three of the Jags' four games, they have utilized two high with 56.7-56.9% of their defensive snaps. Against two-high, Lemon has had only a 12% target-per-route run rate and 0.25 YPRR. The Jags have allowed the tenth-most yards per target to slot receivers, but they haven't yielded a receiving touchdown to the position yet.
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45.
Kalif Raymond
CHI (at GB)
Last week, Kalif Raymond's role shrank as his route share dipped to 44.4% and his snap share fell to 47.2%. The offense looked like what we thought we were getting in the summer with Colston Loveland, Luther Burden, and Rome Odunze leading the way. With Tyson Bagent under center again this week, I can't confidently say that Raymond's role will bounce back, so I have to declare him a sit this week. If he bounces back and is an integral part of the passing attack this week, I won't be surprised, but a sub-50 % snap share last week with a 5.9% target share has me spooked that he also could easily give you a zero in your fantasy lineup in Week 5.
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46.
Brian Thomas Jr.
JAC (vs . PHI)
I don't care that Brian Thomas Jr. caught a touchdown in Week 4. He has been phased out of the offense with a 43.8% and 63% route share over the last two games. In those games, Thomas Jr. had target shares of 3.4% and 8.7% with first-read shares of 5% and 9.5%. Sit Thomas Jr. until his usage improves.
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47.
Wan'Dale Robinson
TEN (vs . HOU)
Wan'Dale Robinson is the WR39 in fantasy points per game. He has commanded a 19.3% target share with 1.21 YPRR, a 24% first-read share, four red zone targets, and two deep targets. Robinson has at least 11 PPR points in each of his last two games. He's a viable PPR flex again this week. Houston has allowed the 13th-fewest yards per target to slot receivers while ranking 16th in fantasy points per opportunity allowed to the position.
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48.
Chris Godwin Jr.
TB (at DAL)
Last week, in Jalon Daniels first start, Chris Godwin had a team-leading 25.9% target share with a 23.8% first-read share (second on the team). Now, Godwin did nothing with the volume, with only 31 receiving yards and 1.03 YPRR, but it's notable that he was the team leader in target share. Last week, Godwin didn't see a red zone or deep target. Godwin could see his best game of the season against Dallas, though, if this usage holds for Week 5. Dallas has been ripped to shreds by slot receivers, giving up the highest yards per target and the fourth-most fantasy points per opportunity.
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49.
Roman Wilson
PIT (vs . IND)
Roman Wilson has popped up out of nowhere to finish as the WR24 and WR18 in weekly scoring over the last two weeks. Since Week 3, Wilson has had a 17.6% target share, 3.83 YPRR, two red zone targets, five deep targets, and a 20.8% first-read share. This week, he could keep the hot streak rolling with a matchup against Indy's secondary that has allowed the second-most yards per target and the eighth-most fantasy points per opportunity to slot receivers.
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50.
Antonio Williams
WAS (vs . NYG)
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51.
Rashid Shaheed
SEA (vs . SF)
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52.
Ryan Flournoy
DAL (vs . TB)
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53.
Chris Bell
MIA (vs . CIN)
Last week, Chris Bell was so close to a big game, but he stepped out of bounds, and a massive play was called back. Don't let his quiet box score overshadow the fact that his route share was up to 80% last week. Bell also had a 17.6% target share and 16.7% first-read share. With his 93.8% snap rate on the perimeter last week, though I'm worried he sees a ton of DJ Turner this week, so I'm sitting him. Turner has followed DK Metcalf, Xavier Hutchinson, Emeka Egbuka, and Parker Washington on 52.9-77.1% of their routes this season. Only one of those receivers surpassed 31 receiving yards in Turner's coverage. Only Metcalf scored a touchdown because another Bengal ran into Turner. Sit Bell this week, but hopefully brighter days are ahead.
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54.
Rashod Bateman
BAL (at ATL)
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55.
Isaac TeSlaa
DET (at ARI)
Isaac TeSlaa is a solid deep league flex this week. Last week, he finished with a season-high 95 receiving yards while seeing an 11.5% target share with one red zone target, two deep targets, and a 10.3% first-read share. The market share marks aren't amazing, but the matchup is wonderful, and the coverage structure is in his favor. Arizona has utilized two-high at the second-highest rate in the NFL (73.2%). Against two-high, TeSlaa has seen his target-per-route run rate increase from 8% to 15% and his YPRR jump from 0.48 to 2.52. Arizona has allowed the most yards per target and fantasy points per opportunity to perimeter wide receivers.
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56.
Malachi Fields
NYG (at WAS)
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57.
Kayshon Boutte
HOU (at TEN)
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58.
DeMario Douglas
NE (vs . LV)
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59.
Kendrick Bourne
ARI (vs . DET)
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60.
Cooper Kupp
SEA (vs . SF)
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61.
Isaiah Williams
NYJ (vs . CLE)
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62.
Xavier Hutchinson
HOU (at TEN)
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63.
Jauan Jennings
MIN (at NO)
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64.
Darius Cooper
PHI (at JAC)
Last week, Darius Cooper finished as the WR13 for the week as he secured two touchdowns. Cooper had a 25.9% target share with 33 receiving yards (1.18 YPRR) and a 27.8% first-read share. Cooper had three red zone targets and two deep targets. Some of Cooper's high-volume usage could be related to the fact that Dontayvion Wicks was dealing with Trent McDuffie for more than half of the game. Cooper only had to deal with McDuffie for 25% of his routes. Cooper is an interesting deeper league flex this week. In three of the Jags' four games, they have utilized two-high with 56.7-56.9% of their defensive snaps. Against two-high, Cooper has had a massive 28% target-per-route run rate in his limited playing time with 1.44 YPRR. The Jags have only given up one receiving touchdown to perimeter wide receivers while surrendering the tenth-most yards per target to the position. Cooper is a desperation flex that could pay off this week.
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65.
Ted Hurst III
TB (at DAL)
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66.
Ja'Marr Chase
CIN (at MIA)
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67.
Jaylin Noel
HOU (at TEN)
Last week was the second time that Jaylin Noel has had above a 55% snap share and route share (60.3%, 60%). Noel saw a season-high 9.7% target share and 13.6% first-read share. When he has been on the field, Noel has been productive with 2.21 YPRR and 0.083 FD/RR, but Houston refuses to utilize him in a full-time role consistently. It's infuriating for a team that has obvious needs at pass catcher outside of Nico Collins. I don't know if Houston will continue to feature him more or if he'll get shoved back into an idiotic part-time role, but if he sees targets this week, he'll produce. Tennessee has allowed the third-most yards per target and the most fantasy points per opportunity to slot receivers (Noel: 73.8% slot).
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68.
DJ Moore
BUF (at LAR)
DJ Moore reinjured or exacerbated his shoulder injury last week. I'll update his outlook on Saturday once we have practice reports to chew on.
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69.
Terry McLaurin
WAS (vs . NYG)
Terry McLaurin missed last week's game with a late-week hamstring injury. He opened this week with a DNP (hamstring). I'll update his outlook on Friday, but I'm expecting him to miss Week 5.
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70.
Tee Higgins
CIN (at MIA)
Tee Higgins sustained a groin injury last week. I'm projecting that he misses Week 5, but I'll update his outlook on Friday. He missed practice on Wednesday.
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71.
Joshua Palmer
BUF (at LAR)
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72.
Germie Bernard
PIT (vs . IND)
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73.
Mitch Tinsley
CIN (at MIA)
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74.
Jahan Dotson
ATL (vs . BAL)
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75.
Darnell Mooney
NYG (at WAS)
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76.
Josh Cameron
JAC (vs . PHI)
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77.
Laquon Treadwell
IND (at PIT)
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78.
Cody White
LV (at NE)
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79.
Jerry Jeudy
CLE (at NYJ)
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80.
Elic Ayomanor
TEN (vs . HOU)
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81.
Keenan Allen
IND (at PIT)
Keenan Allen missed last week's game with a groin injury. He opened this week with a limited practice. I'll update his outlook on Friday.
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82.
Ladd McConkey
LAC (vs . DEN)
Ladd McConkey opened the week with a DNP (foot). We'll see if McConkey will be good to go for Week 5, but I'm expecting him to miss this week. I'll update his outlook on Friday.
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83.
Troy Franklin
DEN (at LAC)
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84.
Efton Chism III
NE (vs . LV)
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85.
Bryce Lance
NO (vs . MIN)
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86.
Skyy Moore
GB (vs . CHI)
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87.
Kevin Coleman Jr.
MIA (vs . CIN)
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88.
Kyle Williams
NE (vs . LV)
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89.
Calvin Ridley
TEN (vs . HOU)
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90.
Tez Johnson
TB (at DAL)
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91.
Marvin Mims Jr.
DEN (at LAC)
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92.
Tory Horton
SEA (vs . SF)
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93.
Zachariah Branch
ATL (vs . BAL)
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94.
Olamide Zaccheaus
ATL (vs . BAL)
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95.
Treylon Burks
WAS (vs . NYG)
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96.
Konata Mumpfield
LAR (vs . BUF)
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97.
Dyami Brown
WAS (vs . NYG)
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98.
Devontez Walker
BAL (at ATL)
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99.
Jordan Watkins
SF (at SEA)
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100.
KaVontae Turpin
DAL (vs . TB)
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101.
Chimere Dike
TEN (vs . HOU)
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102.
Jordan Whittington
LAR (vs . BUF)
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103.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling
LAC (vs . DEN)
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104.
Malik Benson
LV (at NE)
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105.
Michael Pittman Jr.
PIT (vs . IND)
Michael Pittman was seen using a scooter to move around the locker room on Wednesday. His foot was elevated. He was listed as a limited participant in practice on Wednesday, but I'm calling bs. Pittman is so limited with his foot that he needs the use of a scooter, but he suited up for practice? C'mon man. I'll update his outlook on Friday, but it's not looking good for him to play in Week 5.
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106.
Elijah Sarratt
BAL (at ATL)
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107.
Jacob Cowing
SF (at SEA)
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108.
Brandin Cooks
SF (at SEA)
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109.
Chris Moore
BAL (at ATL)
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110.
Ben Skowronek
PIT (vs . IND)
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111.
Tai Felton
MIN (at NO)
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112.
Tutu Atwell
LAR (vs . BUF)
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113.
Dareke Young
LV (at NE)
|
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114.
Jared Wayne
HOU (at TEN)
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115.
Deion Burks
IND (at PIT)
|
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116.
Isaiah Bond
CLE (at NYJ)
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117.
Zavion Thomas
CHI (at GB)
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118.
Bo Melton
GB (vs . CHI)
|
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119.
Travis Hunter
JAC (vs . PHI)
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120.
Sterling Shepard
NYJ (vs . CLE)
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121.
Caleb Douglas
MIA (vs . CIN)
Caleb Douglas looks like he'll be sidelined for another week (ankle). He opened this week with another DNP.
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122.
Derius Davis
LAC (vs . DEN)
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123.
Elijah Moore
PHI (at JAC)
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124.
Ryan Miller
MIA (vs . CIN)
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125.
Brenen Thompson
LAC (vs . DEN)
|
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126.
Jonathan Mingo
DAL (vs . TB)
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127.
Jahdae Walker
CHI (at GB)
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128.
LaJohntay Wester
BAL (at ATL)
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129.
Chris Blair
ATL (vs . BAL)
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130.
Kameron Johnson
TB (at DAL)
|
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131.
J. Michael Sturdivant
GB (vs . CHI)
|
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132.
Myles Price
MIN (at NO)
|
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133.
Kevin Austin Jr.
NO (vs . MIN)
|
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134.
Jalen Tolbert
MIA (vs . CIN)
|
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135.
Jalen Brooks
ARI (vs . DET)
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136.
Charlie Jones
NYG (at WAS)
|
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137.
Malik McClain
NYJ (vs . CLE)
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138.
Colbie Young
CIN (at MIA)
With the status of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins up in the air for Week 5 and the fact that Colbie Young missed last week's game (knee), I'll update the outlook for this receiving depth chart on Friday after we have more info. Young managed a limited practice on Wednesday.
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139.
Barion Brown
NO (vs . MIN)
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140.
Darius Slayton
IND (at PIT)
|
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141.
Tom Kennedy
DET (at ARI)
|
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142.
Greg Dortch
BUF (at LAR)
|
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143.
Pat Bryant
DEN (at LAC)
|
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144.
Lil'Jordan Humphrey
DEN (at LAC)
|
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145.
Skyler Bell
BUF (at LAR)
|
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146.
Simi Fehoko
ARI (vs . DET)
|
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147.
Anthony Gould
IND (at PIT)
|
|
148.
Malachi Corley
CLE (at NYJ)
|
|
149.
Xavier Smith
SF (at SEA)
|
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150.
Britain Covey
PHI (at JAC)
|
|
151.
Luke McCaffrey
WAS (vs . NYG)
|
|
152.
Savion Williams
GB (vs . CHI)
|
|
153.
Tay Martin
DET (at ARI)
|
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154.
Ke'Shawn Williams
CIN (at MIA)
|
|
155.
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine
IND (at PIT)
|
|
156.
Odell Beckham Jr.
MIN (at NO)
|
|
157.
Kaden Wetjen
PIT (vs . IND)
|
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158.
Jamaal Pritchett
NYJ (vs . CLE)
|
|
159.
Alex Bachman
LAR (vs . BUF)
|
|
160.
Hollywood Brown
PHI (at JAC)
|
|
161.
Malik Turner
SF (at SEA)
|
|
162.
Braxton Berrios
NYG (at WAS)
|
|
163.
Jalen Cropper
NO (vs . MIN)
|
|
164.
KhaDarel Hodge
FA (BYE)
|
|
165.
Lewis Bond
HOU (at TEN)
|
|
166.
Jackson Meeks
DET (at ARI)
|
|
167.
Tank Dell
HOU (at TEN)
|
|
168.
Tylan Wallace
CLE (at NYJ)
|
|
169.
Velus Jones Jr.
SEA (vs . SF)
|
|
170.
Reggie Virgil
ARI (vs . DET)
|
|
171.
Devin Duvernay
ARI (vs . DET)
|
|
172.
Christian Kirk
SF (at SEA)
|
|
173.
Jimmy Horn Jr.
CLE (at NYJ)
|
|
174.
Jalin Hyatt
NYG (at WAS)
|
|
175.
Phillip Dorsett II
LV (at NE)
|
|
176.
Kolbe Katsis
DEN (at LAC)
|
|
177.
Montorie Foster Jr.
SEA (vs . SF)
|
|
178.
Trey Palmer
NO (vs . MIN)
|
|
179.
Tetairoa McMillan
CAR (BYE)
|
|
180.
Rashee Rice
KC (BYE)
|
|
181.
Brycen Tremayne
CAR (BYE)
|
|
182.
CJ Daniels
LAR (vs . BUF)
|
|
183.
Xavier Worthy
KC (BYE)
|
|
184.
John Metchie III
CAR (BYE)
|
|
185.
Cyrus Allen
KC (BYE)
|
|
186.
Jalen Royals
KC (BYE)
|
|
187.
Dont'e Thornton Jr.
LV (at NE)
|
|
188.
CJ Williams
JAC (vs . PHI)
|
|
189.
Jalen Coker
CAR (BYE)
|
|
190.
Emmanuel Henderson Jr.
SEA (vs . SF)
|
|
191.
Scotty Miller
CHI (at GB)
|
|
192.
Xavier Restrepo
TEN (vs . HOU)
|
|
193.
Gage Larvadain
BAL (at ATL)
|
|
194.
Tim Jones
JAC (vs . PHI)
|
|
195.
David Sills V
TB (at DAL)
|
|
196.
Jake Bobo
SEA (vs . SF)
|
|
197.
Trent Sherfield Sr.
BUF (at LAR)
|
|
198.
Deven Thompkins
LV (at NE)
|
|
199.
Kendrick Law
DET (at ARI)
|
|
200.
James Proche II
CLE (at NYJ)
|
|
201.
Jeshaun Jones
MIN (at NO)
|
|
202.
Dominic Lovett
DET (at ARI)
|
|
203.
Anthony Smith
DAL (vs . TB)
|
|
204.
Mason Tipton
NO (vs . MIN)
|
|
205.
Quez Watkins
IND (at PIT)
|
|
206.
Ja'seem Reed
CAR (BYE)
|
|
207.
Curtis Samuel
FA (BYE)
|
|
208.
Laviska Shenault Jr.
FA (BYE)
|
|
209.
Roc Taylor
FA (BYE)
|
|
210.
Mecole Hardman Jr.
FA (BYE)
|
|
211.
Tahj Washington
FA (BYE)
|
|
212.
Malik Taylor
FA (BYE)
|
|
213.
Byron Pringle
FA (BYE)
|
|
214.
JuJu Smith-Schuster
FA (BYE)
|
|
215.
Noah Brown
FA (BYE)
|
|
216.
Jamari Thrash
FA (BYE)
|
|
217.
Brandon Powell
FA (BYE)
|
|
218.
Casey Washington
CAR (BYE)
|
|
219.
Xavier Weaver
FA (BYE)
|
|
220.
Equanimeous St. Brown
FA (BYE)
|
|
221.
Julian Hicks
FA (BYE)
|
|
222.
Nick Nash
FA (BYE)
|
|
223.
Rakim Jarrett
FA (BYE)
|
|
224.
Bisi Johnson
FA (BYE)
|
|
225.
David Moore
CAR (BYE)
|
|
226.
Nikko Remigio
KC (BYE)
|
|
227.
Trishton Jackson
FA (BYE)
|
|
228.
Ainias Smith
FA (BYE)
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