Fantasy Football Player Notes

DeVonta Smith didn't have a massive Week 1 as the WR45 in weekly scoring. Hurts only threw the ball 25 times against the Commanders, so Smith's 20% target share (tied for the team lead) with a 23.5% first-read share didn't seem great. Smith finished with only three receptions and 53 receiving yards (1.83 YPRR, third on the team). Smith did see a deep target, but he didn't garner any red zone or end zone targets. Smith might not see a huge influx of volume in Week 2, but against the Titans he could easily be a WR2. In Week 1, Tennessee allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per target and the second-most yards per target to perimeter wide receivers. Cordale Flott and Alontae Taylor weren't a formidable outside duo for Tennessee in Week 1, allowing a 118.8 passer rating and a 75% catch rate combined.

Well, Dontayvion Wicks made the most of his opportunities in Week 1 as DeVonta Smith's running mate. He was the WR21 in Week 1 while seeing a 16% target share (third on the team) with 73 receiving yards (2.70 YPRR), an end zone target (one score), and a 23.5% first-read share. Wicks also led the team with two deep targets (21.5 aDOT). If Hurts is looking to go deep again this week, Wicks could have another nice day. Last week, Tennessee allowed both of their deep targets to be secured while giving up 62 deep passing yards (tenth-most). In Week 1, Tennessee allowed the eighth-most fantasy points per target and the second-most yards per target to perimeter wide receivers. Cordale Flott and Alontae Taylor weren't a formidable outside duo for Tennessee in Week 1, allowing a 118.8 passer rating and a 75% catch rate combined.

Last week, Makai Lemon was Philly's starting slot receiver (64.3% slot). While he only played 66% of the snaps, he had an 84.8% route share, so he was on the field when Philly was looking to pass which honestly is good for Lemon, but not great for Philly. If defenses are looking for a tell for when Philly is looking to pass, Lemon could be an easy one to spot with this split if his overall playing time doesn't increase in Week 2. Lemon had only a 16% target share while seeing only manufactured targets around the line of scrimmage. Lemon had a -0.25 aDOT with three receptions, five receiving yards, and 50% of his targets coming on designed looks. In a low passing volume offense, Lemon isn't even flex worthy with this type of usage. I hope his role continues to evolve, but if this is how his usage remains all season he'll be tough to trust even in a flex spot. Sit Lemon in Week 2.