Fantasy Football Player Notes

Which version of Kupp do we get this year? That has been a heated offseason debate. Did he clearly take a step back, or did injuries nag at him all year, affecting his performance? Last year, he dealt with an ankle sprain and hamstring issues. In 12 games with him and Puka Nacua active, Kupp still commanded a 23.4% target share, produced 2.08 yards per route run, and was the WR23 in fantasy points per game. Last year, Detroit utilized single-high on 54.3% of their defensive snaps. Against single-high, Kupp led the team with a 27.4% target share and a 33.3% first-read share. He was second to only Puka Nacua in YPRR (2.47) and FD/RR (0.107). Kupp will run about 61% of his routes against Amik Robertson (62.5% catch rate and 85.7 passer rating). Kupp could lead the way for the passing attack in Week 1.

My disdain for Shane Waldron's usage of Smith-Njigba last year has been well-documented. No big deal. All he did was take a baller, a first-round pick, and turn him into Malachi Corley. He neutered him into a low aDOT screen merchant. Smith-Njigba was seventh in screen targets last season, with 52.3% of his target volume coming via screens. This is not the way. Ryan Grubb will change this. In the small sample, we got with Smith-Njigba as a perimeter wide receiver, he was very good. Among 81 qualifying wide receivers last season, when he was running routes on the perimeter, Smith-Njigba ranked 15th in YPRR and fourth in TPRR. Among 61 qualifying receivers with at least 40 perimeter targets, he also ranked 14th in FD/RR. Smith-Njigba did run 89.5% of his routes in the preseason from the slot, so I do still project him to be the team's slot with more perimeter time this season possible. Smith-Njigba could be leaned on this week if Metcalf draws shadow coverage from Surtain. Last year, Denver ranked 11th in single-high usage (55.8%). Last year against single-high, when Smith-Njigba was aligned outside against single-high, he posted a 28% TPRR and 1.97 YPRR, so there is some proof in the pudding that he can excel against single-high. Smith-Njigba should run circles around Ja'Quan McMillian (61.2% catch rate and 109.4 passer rating) from the slot in Week 1.