Wide Receiver Breakouts for Fantasy Football: Targets, Air Yards, Snaps Trends for Tee Higgins, Nico Collins, Drake London, Jahan Dotson

You are already aware that wide receivers will play a critical role in the success of your teams. The undeniable volatility that exists with the running back position has also presented an increasing rationale for prioritizing wide receivers when you build your rosters – both at the onset of your drafts and as you manage your teams throughout the entire season.

The numbers that are generated by all wide receivers provide the foundation for this weekly statistical breakdown of the position, which I will be constructing for a sixth consecutive season. This will be the second installment that will examine game-specific data, including updated totals for targets, air yards, targets per route run, yards per route run, red-zone targets, and snap counts. The information that is contained in this weekly report will analyze how various receivers are being utilized, and how effectively they are capitalizing on their opportunities.

As the season progresses noteworthy changes in usage and production will be blended into the equation. Statistics from our player pages at RotoBaller were included during the compilation of data, while Pro Football Reference, PFF, Rotowire, Fantasy Points Data, NextGenStats, and Rotoviz were also used as resources in the creation of this report.

Editor's Note: Our incredible team of writers won two writing awards and received 12 award nominations by the Fantasy Sports Writers Association. A big congrats to our very own Byron Lindeque (Golf) and Jordan McAbee (NASCAR) for both winning Writer Of The Year awards! Be sure to follow RotoBaller's analysis and advice all year long, and win more. Win More With RotoBaller!

 

Fantasy Football Targets

Wide Receiver	Week 1	Week 2	Total	Targ/Gm	Yards/Targ
Puka Nacua	15	20	35	17.5	7.6
Justin Jefferson	12	13	25	12.5	12.4
Tyreek Hill	15	9	24	12	10.6
Michael Pittman Jr.	11	12	23	11.5	6.7
Chris Olave	10	11	21	10.5	9.4
Tee Higgins	8	12	20	10	4.5
Nico Collins	11	9	20	10	11.3
Kendrick Bourne	11	9	20	10	4.7
Stefon Diggs	13	7	20	10	8.4
Keenan Allen	9	10	19	9.5	9.8
Robert Woods	10	9	19	9.5	6.9
Calvin Ridley	11	8	19	9.5	7
Mike Williams	5	13	18	9	7.1
Mike Evans	10	8	18	9	13.2
DeAndre Hopkins	13	5	18	9	5.8
Davante Adams	9	8	17	8.5	8.8
Amari Cooper	7	10	17	8.5	7.5
Michael Thomas	8	9	17	8.5	6.8
Christian Kirk	3	14	17	8.5	7
Tutu Atwell	8	9	17	8.5	11.5
CeeDee Lamb	4	13	17	8.5	12.9
Ja'Marr Chase	9	8	17	8.5	4.1
George Pickens	7	10	17	8.5	9.6
Elijah Moore	7	9	16	8	4.9
Deebo Samuel	7	9	16	8	7.4
A.J. Brown	10	6	16	8	6.8
Marquise Brown	5	10	15	7.5	5.5
Amon-Ra St. Brown	8	7	15	7.5	11.5
DeVonta Smith	10	5	15	7.5	11.9
Zay Flowers	10	5	15	7.5	9.3
Tank Dell	4	10	14	7	7.6
Brandon Aiyuk	8	6	14	7	12.3
Chris Godwin	6	8	14	7	7.8
Tyler Lockett	4	10	14	7	4.9
Zay Jones	7	6	13	6.5	4.2
Josh Reynolds	7	6	13	6.5	11.2
JuJu Smith-Schuster	7	6	13	6.5	4.7
Garrett Wilson	5	8	13	6.5	9
Jonathan Mingo	5	8	13	6.5	3.3
Jayden Reed	5	8	13	6.5	6.5
Jahan Dotson	7	5	12	6	5.2
Josh Downs	7	5	12	6	5.6
K.J. Osborn	6	6	12	6	5.4
Courtland Sutton	5	7	12	6	8.2
Darius Slayton	5	6	11	5.5	7
Tyler Boyd	3	8	11	5.5	5.6
Adam Thielen	2	9	11	5.5	6
Allen Robinson	8	3	11	5.5	6.9
DK Metcalf	5	6	11	5.5	11.1
Gabe Davis	4	7	11	5.5	11.3
Jaxon Smith-Njigba	5	6	11	5.5	4.3

 

That 9️⃣ ➡️ 1️⃣ 7️⃣ connection!@AsapPuka | 📺 @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/NewumP24Yl

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 17, 2023

Puka Nacua followed up his surprising collection of 15 targets in Week 1 by accumulating a league-best 20 when the Rams hosted San Francisco in Week 2. That propelled his overall total to 35 which is 10 more than any other wide receiver entering Week 3.

Last year’s overall target leader Justin Jefferson has now captured 25 targets while collecting 10+ in 13 of his last 19 games. Tyreek Hill is third overall (24) with a total that has been fueled primarily by the 15 that he collected during Miami’s season opener. Michael Pittman Jr. has collected at least 11 targets in each of his first two matchups, which has launched his overall total to 23.

Chris Olave has soared to fifth overall in target share (30%). while accumulating 21 targets during his first two games with Derek Carr under center.  Tee Higgins has risen to a tie for sixth overall with 20 targets after he accumulated 12 during Week 2. The 12 targets Higgins collected also represented his highest weekly total since Week 11 of last season.

Nico Collins entered Week 1 with an average of 5.3 targets per game during his first two seasons. However, he now advances into Week 3 with a total of 20. He has also reached a double-digit total in four games during his career, including three of his last six.

Kendrick Bourne had accumulated 9+ targets just three times during the first 91 games of his career. However, he has now accomplished it in each of his first two outings this season. That has also expanded his overall total to 20.

Keenan Allen’s stats today:

8 Receptions
111 Receiving Yards
2 TD

pic.twitter.com/2rOBGE6VDM

— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) September 17, 2023

Keenan Allen has now captured 9+ targets during seven of his last eight matchups. That includes his first two games this season, which has launched him to an overall total of 19. That ties Allen with Robert Woods, who averaged 5.4 targets per game during 2022, but has now accumulated 9+ in his first two games with Houston.

Anyone who invested a third-round draft selection in Calvin Ridley should be encouraged by his usage after two matchups as a Jacksonville Jaguar. He has assembled 19 targets and has been targeted on 28.4% of his routes.

Mike Williams has accumulated 18 targets, even though he was limited to just five during the Chargers’ season opener. Williams was targeted 13 times by Justin Herbert when Los Angeles traveled to Tennessee. That was his highest weekly total since Week 5 of last season.

It was uncertain whether DeAndre Hopkins' ankle injury would prevent him from operating as the Titans' primary receiving option for their Week 2 matchup with the Chargers. He ultimately played on 37 snaps, while running 21 routes during the contest. He was also limited to five targets, although he is currently in a tie for 12th with 18 entering Week 3. That ties him with 10-year veteran Mike Evans, who has now averaged 9.3 targets per game during his last six regular-season matchups.

Jimmy G to Davante Adams for the Raiders TD!!! pic.twitter.com/QQEJlLSnKZ

— Raiders Report Mitchell Renz (@MitchellRenz365) September 17, 2023

Davante Adams has accumulated 811 targets (10.7 per game) since Week 1 of 2018. That is the highest total among all wide receivers. It also includes the 17 that he has garnered during his first two games this season.

Christian Kirk had been relegated to an alarmingly low three targets in a 9.4% share during the Jaguars’ season opener. However, the 14 targets that he accumulated in Week 2 vaulted him to second overall for the week. It had also expanded his overall total of 17 entering Week 3.

CeeDee Lamb experienced a similar rise after being limited to four targets during the Cowboys' season opener. He was targeted 13 times by Dak Prescott in Week 2, which launched his overall total of 17. That ties him with Tutu Atwell, who had only collected 35 targets during the first 30 games of his career prior to the 2023 regular season.

GEORGE PICKENS IS HERE 💥 pic.twitter.com/8qGNfXGKuZ

— PFF (@PFF) September 19, 2023

George Pickens attained a double-digit total for the first time in his career during Week 2 which expanded his season total to 17. Amari Cooper joined him after attaining 10+ for the 26th time since his 2015 rookie season.

Ja’Marr Chase has also collected 17 targets although his 8.5 per game average easily trails the 11.3 per game that he averaged last season. Chase’s numbers and the current state of Cincinnati’s passing attack will be examined further in the Five Things I Noticed section.

 

Targets Risers And Fallers 

Wide Receiver	Week 1	Week 2	Change
Christian Kirk	3	14	+11
CeeDee Lamb	4	13	+9
Mike Williams	5	13	+8
Adam Thielen	2	9	+7
Drake London	1	8	+7
Tyler Lockett	4	10	+6
Chase Claypool	2	8	+6
Tank Dell	4	10	+6
Puka Nacua	15	20	+5
Marquise Brown	5	10	+5
Tyler Boyd	3	8	+5
DJ Moore	2	7	+5
Tee Higgins	8	12	+4
Amari Cooper	7	10	+3
George Pickens	7	10	+3
Garrett Wilson	5	8	+3
Jonathan Mingo	5	8	+3
Jayden Reed	5	8	+3
Gabe Davis	4	7	+3
Elijah Moore	7	9	+2
Calvin Ridley	11	8	-3
River Cracraft	5	2	-3
A.J. Brown	10	6	-4
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine	7	3	-4
DeVonta Smith	10	5	-5
Zay Flowers	10	5	-5
Allen Robinson	8	3	-5
Demario Douglas	7	2	-5
Tyreek Hill	15	9	-6
Stefon Diggs	13	7	-6
Terrace Marshall	6	0	-6
DeAndre Hopkins	13	5	-8

Rams Rookie WR Puka Nacua yesterday:

15 Receptions
147 Receiving Yards

The most receptions in a game by a rookie in NFL history 🙌 pic.twitter.com/qIKFb0rKM2

— NFL Retweet (@NFLRT) September 18, 2023

A total of 14 different wide receivers were targeted at least 10 times during their matchups in Week 2. This group was spearheaded by rookie Puka Nacua, as the 20 targets that he stockpiled easily surpassed all other receivers during their Week 2 matchups.

Nacua has established multiple records during the exceptional start to his career. That includes the most receptions by a rookie during his first two (25), and the most receptions in a single game by a rookie (15).  He also became the first receiver in NFL history to accumulate 10 receptions and 100 yards in each of his first two career matchups.

Christian Kirk’s aforementioned rise from three targets in Week 1 to 14 targets when Jacksonville hosted Kansas City launched him to the second-highest total of the week. There has been no similar fluctuation in Justin Jefferson’s weekly totals, as he followed up the 12-target outing during Minnesota’s season opener by collecting 13 from Kirk Cousins in Week 2.

Mike Williams also captured 13 targets in Week 2. He has now attained a double-digit total in two of his last four regular-season matchups while interspersing those totals were just five targets during the other two outings contained within that span.

Michael Pittman Houses it pic.twitter.com/I9f6hBDg6B

— Bruce Matson (@MetricScout) September 10, 2023

Michael Pittman's 12 targets in Week 2 expanded his season total to 23. That easily leads all Indianapolis wide receivers as rookie Josh Downs is second on the team with 12 entering Week 3.

Tee Higgins was also targeted 12 times by Joe Burrow and was targeted on 30% of his routes in Week 2. He currently leads Cincinnati with 20 targets as the team prepares for their Week 3 matchup with the Rams. The disappointing numbers that have been accumulated by the Bengals will be examined further in the Five Things I Noticed section.

Only 14 wide receivers have accumulated more targets than Tyler Lockett since 2019, as he has eclipsed 100+ targets during each of his last four seasons while collecting 480 (7.3 per game) during that span. Lockett’s 10 targets tied him with Keenan Allen, who led the league with 68 targets (11.3 per game) during his final six matchups in 2022. Allen is currently fourth in routes run (88) and has been targeted on 21.6% of his routes.

Marquise Brown secured 10 targets in Week 2, which was his first double-digit total since Week 5 of last season. Rookie Tank Dell also secured his place among wide receivers who attained a double-digit target total in Week 2 by collecting 10 from C.J. Stroud. Dell also accumulated 66 snaps and ran 45 routes during his second career outing.

Kirk’s 14 targets in the aftermath of his disappointing total in Week 1 ignited a week-to-week rise of +11. Lamb’s total of four targets in Week 1 was his lowest since Week 18 of the 2021 regular season. However, the 13 targets that he collected in Week 2 fueled a rise of +9.

Williams was limited to five targets during the Chargers’ season opener. However, the 13 targets that Justin Herbert distributed when Los Angeles traveled to Tennessee. launched his weekly rise of +8. Adam Thielen ran 37 routes but was limited to just two targets during Carolina's season opener. He also ran 137 routes in Week 2 but was targeted 11 times. That improved his week-to-week total by +9.

TYLER LOCKETT FOR THE WIN IN OT! #SEAvsDET pic.twitter.com/diZUktf4Wj

— NFL (@NFL) September 17, 2023

The eight targets that were collected by Drake London were embraced by managers. They also fueled his weekly rise of +7. The 10 targets that were accumulated by Lockett and Dell were collected one week after each receiver had been relegated to four. That ignited their week-to-week increases of +6.

Hopkins’ 13 targets in Week 1 tied him for third overall. He surfaced in Tennessee’s lineup while contending with his ankle issue in Week 2, and was limited to five targets. That created his weekly drop of -8.

Tyreek Hill tied for the league lead with 15 targets in Week. 1. He also captured nine targets when Miami traveled to New England in Week 2, but that still resulted in a decline of -6. That tied him with Diggs, who has been targeted on 43.5% of his routes despite the decline.

DeVonta Smith and Zay Flowers both accrued 10 targets during their teams’ season openers. However, both receivers were relegated to five targets in Week 2. That fueled their week-to-week decreases of -5.

 

Fantasy Football Air Yards 

Wide Receiver	Air Yards	Air Yards%	aDOT
Tyreek Hill	346	46.1	14.4
Justin Jefferson	299	45.4	12
Kendrick Bourne	289	37.7	14.5
Nico Collins	275	43.2	13.8
Tee Higgins	273	58.6	13.7
Puka Nacua	271	36	7.7
Chris Olave	264	40.9	12.6
Tutu Atwell	235	31.3	13.8
Amari Cooper	230	34.2	13.5
Mike Evans	225	47.3	12.5
DeVonta Smith	221	45.7	14.7
A.J. Brown	213	44	13.3
Keenan Allen	200	33.2	10.5
Justin Watson	197	33.4	21.9
Mike Williams	192	31.9	10.7
Calvin Ridley	184	38.4	9.7
Davante Adams	180	48.1	10.6
DeAndre Hopkins	180	36.7	10
Brandon Aiyuk	174	41.6	12.4
Darius Slayton	171	35.9	15.5
Garrett Wilson	165	48.4	12.7
Michael Wilson	164	35.1	23.4
Stefon Diggs	161	34.6	8.1
Jordan Addison	152	23.1	13.8
Jayden Reed	152	32.5	11.7
Josh Reynolds	151	31.5	11.6
Zay Jones	148	30.9	11.4
Robert Woods	144	22.6	7.6
Gabe Davis	144	31	13.1
DK Metcalf	142	39.2	12.9
Tyler Lockett	141	39	10.1
Jaylen Waddle	140	18.7	12.7
Marquise Brown	138	29.6	9.2
Amon-Ra St. Brown	134	28	8.9
Michael Pittman	132	36.5	5.7
Deebo Samuel	129	30.9	8.1
Tank Dell	128	20.1	9.1
Van Jefferson	128	17	14.2
CeeDee Lamb	126	37.2	7.4
Ja'Marr Chase	126	27	7.4
Allen Lazard	124	36.4	15.5
Chris Godwin	115	24.2	8.2
Braxton Berrios	115	15.3	14.4
Courtland Sutton	113	35.4	9.4
K.J. Osborn	112	17	9.3
Skyy Moore	110	18.6	15.7
Mack Hollins	107	40.1	10.7
Terry McLaurin	104	26.3	10.4
Nelson Agholor	103	33.7	17.2
Treylon Burks	102	20.8	14.6
Jahan Dotson	98	24.8	8.2

Tyreek Hill continues to lead the league with 346 air yards. Justin Jefferson is second (299), followed by Kendrick Bourne (289), Nico Collins, (275), Tee Higgins (273), Puka Nacua (271), Chris Olave (264), and Nacua’s teammate Tutu Atwell (235). Amari Cooper (230), Mike Evans (225), DeVonta Smith (221), A.J. Brown (213), and Keenan Allen (200), complete the list of 13 receivers who have eclipsed 200 air yards entering Week 3.

.@KirkCousins8 threads the needle! #MINvsPHI on Prime Video
Also available on #NFLPlus https://t.co/eMkDgB1MP1 pic.twitter.com/MjrrQsMvSi

— NFL (@NFL) September 15, 2023

Jefferson’s 185 yards in Week 2 led all wide receivers, followed by Bourne with 173. Williams was next (152), followed by Higgins (140), Wilson (134), Olave (133), and two receivers who accumulated 129 air yards - Nacua and Darius Slayton.

Higgins has soared into the league lead in air yards share (58.6%), followed by Darnell Mooney (53.5%), Wilson (48.4%), Adams (48.1%),  Evans (47.3%), Jonathan Mingo (46.2%), (Hill (46.1%), Smith (45.7%), and Jefferson, who attained a share of 45.4%.

George Pickens led all receivers with a share of 72.1% in Week 2. He was followed by Smith (60.5%), Higgins (58.8%), Mingo (55.0%), Lamb (51.8%), Jefferson (51.4%), and Wilson, who secured a share of 51.0%.

 

Wide Receiver Routes Run  

Wide Receiver	Routes
Justin Jefferson	93
Ja'Marr Chase	92
Tutu Atwell	91
Keenan Allen	88
Puka Nacua	85
Van Jefferson	84
Michael Pittman	83
K.J. Osborn	82
Jahan Dotson	82
DJ Moore	81
Robert Woods	80
Alec Pierce	77
Josh Downs	76
Tyler Boyd	75
DeVonta Smith	74
Terry McLaurin	74
Parris Campbell	74
Tee Higgins	73
Marquez Valdes-Scantling	71
Tyler Lockett	70
Nico Collins	69
Zay Flowers	69
Kendrick Bourne	69
Darius Slayton	68
Calvin Ridley	67
Mike Williams	66
Tank Dell	66
Courtland Sutton	66
Curtis Samuel	66
Christian Kirk	65
Chris Godwin	65
A.J. Brown	65
CeeDee Lamb	63
Jordan Addison	63
DK Metcalf	63
Mike Evans	62
Marquise Brown	62
Tyreek Hill	61
Amon-Ra St. Brown	61
Skyy Moore	59
Chase Claypool	59
Deebo Samuel	58
Joshua Palmer	58
JuJu Smith-Schuster	56
Jaylen Waddle	54
DeAndre Hopkins	54
Treylon Burks	54
Zay Jones	54
Jaxon Smith-Njigba	54
Drake London	53
Davante Adams	52

Justin Jefferson has run 93 routes entering Week 3 which leads all wide receivers. Ja’Marr Chase is second overall (92), followed by Tutu Atwell (91), Keenan Allen (88), Puka Nacua (85), Van Jefferson (84), Michael Pittman (83), and two receivers who have run 82 routes. - Jahan Dotson, and K.J. Osborn. D.J. Moore (81) and Robert Woods (80) complete the list of 11 receivers who have accumulated at least 80 routes.

Atwell led all receivers with 58 routes during the matchups of Week 2. Chase was second (52), followed by Nacua (51), Van Jefferson (49), Justin Jefferson (47),  Lockett (47), and two receivers who were tied with 46 (Stefon Diggs/DeVante Parker). 10 additional receivers ran at least 40 routes, including Tank Dell, CeeDee Lamb, and Christian Kirk.

 

Wide Receiver Targets Per Route Run 

Wide Receiver	TPRR%
Amari Cooper	77.3
Chris Olave	63.6
Elijah Moore	57.1
Michael Thomas	51.5
Stefon Diggs	43.5
Jakobi Meyers	41.7
Puka Nacua	41.2
Tyreek Hill	39.3
Garrett Wilson	38.2
George Pickens	37
Kadarius Toney	37
Gabe Davis	36.7
Calvin Austin	35.7
Jayden Reed	35.1
DeAndre Hopkins	33.3
Rashid Shaheed	33.3
Davante Adams	32.7
Jonathan Mingo	31.7
Adam Thielen	29.7
Brandon Aiyuk	29.2
Nico Collins	29
Kendrick Bourne	29
Mike Evans	29
Diontae Johnson	28.6
Calvin Ridley	28.4
Michael Pittman	27.7
Deebo Samuel	27.6
Tee Higgins	27.4
Mike Williams	27.3
CeeDee Lamb	27
Justin Jefferson	26.9
Allen Lazard	26.7
Marvin Mims	26.7
Mack Hollins	26.3
Christian Kirk	26.2
Josh Reynolds	25
A.J. Brown	24.6
Amon-Ra St. Brown	24.6
Allen Robinson	24.4
Marquise Brown	24.2
Zay Jones	24.1
Robert Woods	23.8

Amari Cooper leads all wide receivers in targets per route run (77.3%). Chris Olave has risen to second overall ((63.6%), followed by Elijah Moore (57.1%), Michael Thomas (51.5%), Stefon Diggs (43.5%), Jakobi Meyers (41.7%), and Puka Nacua (41.2%). Tyreek Hill was next at 39.3%, followed by Garrett Wilson (38.2%), George Pickens (37%), Kadarius Toney (37%), and Gabe Davis, who has been targeted on 36.7% of his routes.

Bourne led all receivers in targets per route run during Week 2 (40.9%), followed by Nacua (40.2%), Deebo Samuel (36%), Hill (34.6%), and Christian Kirk (34.1%). Seven receivers were targeted on 33.3% of the routes including Davante Adams, Chase Claypool, and Kadarius Toney.

 

Wide Receiver Yards Per Route Run  

Wide Receiver	YPRR
Chris Olave	6
Amari Cooper	5.77
Rashid Shaheed	5.07
Tyreek Hill	4.18
Gabe Davis	4.13
Mike Evans	3.82
Stefon Diggs	3.65
Brandon Aiyuk	3.58
George Pickens	3.54
Michael Thomas	3.52
CeeDee Lamb	3.49
Garrett Wilson	3.44
Jakobi Meyers	3.38
Justin Jefferson	3.32
Nico Collins	3.28
Puka Nacua	3.13
Jaylen Waddle	3.04
Davante Adams	2.88
Amon-Ra St. Brown	2.84
Elijah Moore	2.82
Josh Reynolds	2.81
DeVonta Smith	2.41
Mack Hollins	2.39
Jayden Reed	2.3
Tutu Atwell	2.15
Keenan Allen	2.13
Jordan Addison	2.11
Deebo Samuel	2.03
Zay Flowers	2.03
Calvin Ridley	1.99
DeAndre Hopkins	1.94
Mike Williams	1.94
D.K. Metcalf	1.94
Michael Pittman	1.84
Christian Kirk	1.83
Adam Thielen	1.78
Treylon Burks	1.74
Allen Robinson	1.69
Calvin Austin	1.68
Chris Godwin	1.68
A.J. Brown	1.66

Chris Olave leads all wide receivers with an average of 6.0 yards per route run. Amari Cooper is second overall (5.77), followed by Rashid Shaheed (5.07), Tyreek Hill (4.18), Gabe Davis (4.13), Mike Evans (3.82), Stefon Diggs (3.65), and Brandon Aiyuk, who is averaging 3.58 yards per route run.

Mike Evans attained the highest yards per route run average during the matchups of Week 2 (6.33). Nelson Agholor was second (4.50), followed by Treylon Burks (4.47), Nico Collins (3.95), Jaylen Waddle (3.91), DeVonta Smith (3.85), Davante Adams (3.50), and two additional receivers who averaged over 3.4 yards per route run - CeeDee Lamb (3.49), and Amon-Ra St. Brown 3.4.

 

Fantasy Football Red Zone Targets  

Wide Receiver	Inside 20	Inside 10	Inside 5
Tyreek Hill	5	4	3
Zay Flowers	5	2	1
Calvin Ridley	5	2	1
Tyler Lockett	5	2	1
Zay Jones	5	1	1
Keenan Allen	4	3	0
Stefon Diggs	4	2	1
Tee Higgins	4	2	2
Ja'Marr Chase	4	2	1
Michael Thomas	4	2	0
Brandon Aiyuk	3	2	0
Robert Woods	3	1	0
DK Metcalf	3	1	0
Michael Thomas	3	2	0
Chris Godwin	3	1	0
Courtland Sutton	3	1	1
Jayden Reed	3	2	0
Nick Westbrook-Ikhine	3	1	1
Marquise Brown	3	1	1
Jakobi Meyers	3	3	2
Josh Downs	3	1	1
K.J. Osborn	3	2	0
Parris Campbell	3	0	0
KaVontae Turpin	3	1	0
Joshua Palmer	3	2	0
Amon-Ra St. Brown	2	1	0
George Pickens	2	0	0
Michael Pittman	2	1	1
Rashid Shaheed	2	0	0
Davante Adams	2	1	0
Mike Williams	2	2	0
Garrett Wilson	2	1	1
DeAndre Hopkins	2	0	0
Kendrick Bourne	2	0	0
Elijah Moore	2	0	0
River Cracraft	2	2	1
Skyy Moore	2	1	0
Drake London	2	2	1
Isaiah Hodgins	2	1	0
Romeo Doubs	2	2	1
Dontayvion Wicks	2	0	0
Kadarius Toney	2	1	1

Five different wide receivers are tied for the lead lead with five targets inside the 20. Tyreek Hill, Zay Flowers, Calvin, Ridley, Tyler Lockett, and Zay Jones. Five receivers have garnered four targets - Keenan Alle//Stefon Diggs/Michael Thomas/Tee Higgins/Ja’Marr Chase.

TYLER LOCKETT FOR THE WIN IN OT! #SEAvsDET pic.twitter.com/diZUktf4Wj

— NFL (@NFL) September 17, 2023

Hill leads the position with four targets inside the 10, while Allen is second with three. Hill has also accumulated a league-best three targets inside the 5-yard line, while Higgins and Jakobi Meyers have been targeted twice.

Four of Lockett’s five red zone targets were accumulated in Week 2 when Seattle traveled to Detroit. Teammates Chase and Higgins each collected four targets inside the 20, while six different receivers were targeted three times in Week 2, including Calvin Ridley, Keenan Allen, and Jayden Reed.

Lockett, Chase, Higgins, and Drake London all collected two targets inside the 10 during their Week 2 matchups. Higgins was also the only wide receiver to capture more than one target inside the five.

 

Fantasy Football Snap Counts

Wide Receiver	Total Snaps	Total Snap %
Van Jefferson	137	87.82
Donovan Peoples-Jones	136	88.89
Tutu Atwell	135	86.54
DeVonta Smith	135	99.26
Keenan Allen	132	93.62
A.J. Brown	127	93.38
Puka Nacua	127	81.41
Robert Woods	122	78.21
Stefon Diggs	122	85.92
Michael Pittman	122	97.6
Gabe Davis	120	84.51
Alec Pierce	119	95.2
Justin Jefferson	117	99.15
Mike Williams	117	82.98
Jonathan Mingo	117	91.41
Adam Thielen	113	88.28
Elijah Moore	113	73.86
Amon-Ra St. Brown	112	83.58
Jahan Dotson	111	84.73
DJ Moore	111	91.74
K.J. Osborn	110	93.22
Ja'Marr Chase	108	97.3
Chris Olave	108	78.26
Michael Thomas	108	78.26
Chris Godwin	108	79.41
Kendrick Bourne	107	71.81
Deebo Samuel	107	89.17
Drake London	107	84.92
Terry McLaurin	106	80.92
Courtland Sutton	106	88.33
Calvin Ridley	106	79.7
Marquise Brown	105	88.98
Amari Cooper	105	68.63
CeeDee Lamb	103	74.64
Nico Collins	102	65.38
Zay Jones	102	76.69
Zay Flowers	102	79.69
Tee Higgins	101	90.99
Allen Robinson	100	87.72
Darius Slayton	100	75.76

Van Jefferson leads all wide receivers in offensive snaps for a second consecutive week (137).  Donovan Peoples-Jones is next (136), followed by two receivers that accumulated 135 snaps - DeVonta Smith, and Tutu Atwell. Keenan Allen has played on 132 snaps, while A.J. Brown and Puka Nacua have accumulated 127.

DeVante Parker has played on 100% of New England‘s offensive snaps although he was sidelined in Week 1. Smith is second overall (99.3%), followed by Justin Jefferson (99.2%), Michael Pittman (97.6%), Ja’Marr Chase (97.3%), and Alec Pierce (95.2%).

Smith led all wide receivers with 75 offensive snaps in Week 2. Atwell was second overall (74), followed by Donovan Peoples-Jones (72), and A.J, Brown (72). Parker was next (71), followed by Woods (68), Nacua (67), and two receivers who are tied at 65 -  Jefferson, and Diggs.

Four receivers were involved in 100% of their teams' offensive snaps - Smith, Parker, Jefferson, and Pierce. Three receivers played on 98% of their team snaps- Chase, Michael Pittman, and Jonathan Mingo.

 

Five Things I Noticed

1. The historically poor performance by Cincinnati’s offense during the Bengals’ season opener was catastrophic for anyone who was dependent upon Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, or Joe Burrow in their lineups during Week 1. Cincinnati only managed an anemic 82 passing yards (67 net), when the Bengals visited Cleveland. That easily established a new career low for Burrow, while plummeting well below his average of 280.3 per game. As did his eye-opening average of 2.65 yards per attempt.

Chase ran 40 routes during the opener, which tied him for 14th overall. He also collected a team-high nine targets from Burrow and was targeted on 22.5% of his routes. However, the two-time Pro-Bowler only averaged 0.98 yards per route run, was limited to 39 receiving yards, and was also relegated to WR44 in PPR scoring with an average of 9.1 points per game.

Higgins's numbers were even more problematic after he failed to catch a pass for the second time in his career. Higgins played on 51 snaps and ran 33 routes. He also finished second on the Bengals in targets (eight) and led Cincinnati wide receivers in targets per route run (24.2%), despite failing to secure a reception.

Tee Higgins is first player since Amari Cooper to post 0 catches on 8 targets....(2015)

Cooper went for 6-120-2 the following week.

BURN THE TAPE. IT WAS WET. BAD JOEY B VIBES

— Andrew Erickson™ (@AndrewErickson_) September 10, 2023

The discouraging performance was a byproduct of Joe Burrow’s extended absence after he sustained a calf injury on July 27th. That sidelined him throughout nearly all of training camp and also forced him to miss the entire preseason. However, it was logical to anticipate more favorable numbers from Chase, Higgins, and Burrow, along with a significant improvement in all aspects of Cincinnati’s offense when the Bengals hosted Baltimore in Week 2.

The offense did perform more effectively in some categories. However, the passing attack still is not operating with the level of proficiency that had been expected. Burrow’s yardage total improved to 222, as he completed 27 of his 41 attempts. His 5.41 yards per attempt represented an increase, as did his 5.29 yards per attempt.

Chase collected five of his eight targets but failed to reach 40 receiving yards for a second consecutive game. His 35.0 yards per game average entering Week 3 resides far below the 86.2 per game average that he attained in 2021 and 2022 combined. Chase is second overall in routes run (92) but is 16th overall with 17 targets, and his average of 8.5 per game remains below the 11.3 that he secured during 2022. He is also 24th in receptions (10),  and just 58th with 70 receiving yards. He is also averaging just 0.76 yards per route run.

Higgins's numbers did rise considerably in Week 2. He led Cincinnati with 12 targets, which was his highest weekly total since Week 11 of 2022. He also paced the Bengals in receptions (eight), and receiving yards (89), while also generating two touchdowns.

PUT TWO HANDS UP THAT'S A TD#BALvsCIN | 📺 @paramountplus, CBS pic.twitter.com/28RrScB7Y0

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 17, 2023

Higgins also captured a league-high four red zone targets in Week 2 and tied for the league lead with two targets inside the 10. He also ran 39 routes in Week 2, while finishing 13th in targets per route run (30%). and averaging 2.23 yards per route run.

The concerns regarding the numbers that have been registered by Cincinnati’s offense have also escalated after Burrow aggravated his troublesome calf in Week 2. The Bengals' prospects of resembling the aerial attack that had been anticipated prior to Week 1 are largely dependent upon Burrow's health moving forward. If Burrow is forced to the sideline, the transition to Jake Browning under center will negatively impact Chase and Higgins.

 

2. The fact that Drake London operates in an Atlanta offense that maintains an unrelenting reliance on the run is no longer newsworthy. There was a legitimate reason for optimism that the combination of London's favorable target share and the late-season surge in his production during 2022 could usher him to a significant increase in his overall numbers this season.

London had secured a league-high 33.0% target share from Weeks 15-18 last season which corresponded with Atlanta's transition from Marcus Mariota to Desmond Ridder under center. This vaulted London to second overall in targets per route run (33%), third in yards per route run (3.06), sixth in receptions (25/6.3 per game), and eighth in receiving yards (333/83.3 per game) during his final four games last season.

Unfortunately, anticipation that London would exceed the expectations of his Round 6 ADP (56/WR23) during the draft season was promptly eviscerated following the discouraging results that transpired during the Falcons’ season opener.

Falcons coach Arthur Smith, told that Drake London had one fewer reception than Desmond Ridder in today's win: "Let the fantasy guys worry about that. We've got to clean some things up ... We don't care. Drake London doesn't care. All we care about is 1-0."

— Greg Auman (@gregauman) September 10, 2023

London played on 43 snaps (89.6% share). However, he was limited to only one target throughout Atlanta’s matchup with Carolina. He failed to collect the attempt from Ridder which ensured that London would complete his first game without a reception. Even though Arthur Smith’s unwavering passion for Atlanta‘s ground game has been proven repeatedly, the thorough omission of London from the Falcons’ offense was still an unforeseen development.

The lack of involvement by Atlanta’s 2022 first-round draft selection was also exasperating for anyone who had invested in him. It also added fuel to what is already a steady disdain for Smith’s strategic approach involving the utilization of London and Kyle Pitts. Ridder launched eighteen passes against the Panthers which was easily the lowest total among all 32 teams in Week 1. A league-high 52.9% of his passes were distributed to the Falcons' running backs, while Atlanta finished dead last in targets, to wide receivers (29.4%).

These numbers understandably launched emerging doubts surrounding London’s ability to reward anyone who selected him during draft season. However, London’s unwanted dearth of production in Week 1 was not replicated against the Packers.

WR1 🤧

📺: FOX | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/weNhGrwHIS

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) September 18, 2023

The Falcons ran 78 plays, which is a significant increase from the 48 that they accumulated in Week 1. Smith utilized Atlanta’s ground game on 45 of those plays, although that still allowed Ridder to launch 32 passes - which is the second-highest total during his six starts. He only completed 59.4% of his throws although he did generate a career-high 237 yards.

London accumulated 64 snaps (82.1% share) and ran 34 routes. He was also targeted on 23.5%  of his routes and averaged 1.97 yards per route run. London also led the Falcons in targets (eight/24.1% share), receptions (six), and receiving yards (67).

Working 9 to 5!

📺: FOX | NFL+ pic.twitter.com/DJfDyJHa4l

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) September 17, 2023

While London’s expanded production output is a welcome development, Smith will still rely heavily on Atlanta’s rushing attack. When the Falcons are able to operate with an expansive play total during their upcoming matchups, that will increase the likelihood that London will deliver numbers that approach the optimistic expectations that emerged during the offseason.

 

3. The Chargers’ passing attack failed to assemble numbers during the season opener that replicated the results that had been constructed during 2022. However, it was reasonable to expect Justin Herbert and his receiving weaponry to combine for a statistical eruption during their Week 2 matchup at Tennessee, versus a Titans pass defense that had yielded 305 yards to Derek Carr and the Saints in Week 1.     

The Chargers ranked second in pass play percentage (65.1%) and third in passing yardage (268.7 per game) during the 2022 regular season which was Joe Lombardi’s final year as the team’s offensive coordinator. Justin Herbert, averaged 41.1 attempts per game, along with 6.8 yards per attempt, and 6.9 air yards per attempt.

The Chargers dropped to 24th in pass play percentage (47.4%) during their season opener, which was the first installment of a restructured Los Angeles offense, under new OC Kellen Moore. Los Angeles rose to eighth in run play percentage (52.6%) in Week 1, after finishing 31st with a percentage of 34.9% last season.

Herbert completed 22 of his 33 passing attempts and generated 229 yards through the air, while veterans Keenan Allen and Mike Williams combined to commandeer 14 of the targets that were accumulated by the Chargers’ receiving weaponry. Allen paced the team (nine/29.0% share), followed by Williams (five/16.5% share). LA's first-round draft selection Quentin Johnston registered three targets (9.7% share), while third-receiver Joshua Palmer was targeted once (3.2% share). Allen easily led the Chargers in routes run (43), was targeted on  20.9% of his routes, and averaged 1.77 yards per route run.

Williams ran 26 routes, was targeted on 19.2% of those routes, and averaged 1.73 yards per route run. Palmer ran 30 routes and was targeted on 3.3% of his routes while averaging 0.13 yards per route run. Johnston was limited to 19 routes during his NFL debut. He was also targeted on 15.8% of those routes while averaging 0.47 yards per route run.

The Chargers are the 33rd team in the Super Bowl era (since 1966) with 50+ points and 0 turnovers through 2 games

They are the only team to start 0-2

— Doug Clawson (@doug_clawson) September 17, 2023

However, their numbers rose significantly in Week 2. Herbert eclipsed 300 yards in Tennessee (305) while completing 27 of his 41 attempts. Herbert also distributed a league-high 76.9% of those passes to his wide receivers. His yards per attempt rose from 6.9 to 7.44 when contrasted with Week 1, as did his adjusted air yards per attempt (7.5/8.4).

Allen led the Chargers in snaps (60), routes run (45), receiving yards (111), and also generated two touchdowns. Allen was also targeted on 22.2% of his routes, an averaged 2.47 yards per route run. Williams led Los Angeles in targets (13) and tied Allen for the team lead with eight receptions. He also assembled 83 receiving yards, ran 40 routes, was targeted on 32.5% of those routes, and averaged 2.08 yards per route run.

The Chargers' pass play percentage of 56.7%  now ranks 18th overall entering Week 3. The repeated connections between Herbert, Allen, and Williams should be sustained during the short term in Moore’s offense. That will keep the trio involved with sufficient frequency to reward fantasy managers during upcoming weeks. Johnson's role will eventually expand, which looms as an eventual threat to William's current level of involvement.

 

4. 13 wide receivers were selected before Houston secured Nico Collins with the 89th overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft. Collins entered Week 1 with career highs of 66 targets, 37 receptions, and 481 receiving yards that were established in 2022.  He had also averaged 5.3 targets, 2.9 receptions, and 38.6 yards per game during his first two seasons.

However, he delivered an encouraging sequence during his final four matchups last season when he vaulted to sixth overall in targets (36/9.0 per game), while averaging  4.8 receptions, and 44 yards per game.

Collins also began the season with the most career targets, receptions, receiving yards,  and air yards among all wide receivers who were returning to the Texans’ roster. He was also included in a depth chart that also contained 31-year-old Robert Woods, six-year veteran Noah Brown, 2022 draft selection John Metchie, and rookies Tank Dell, and Xavier Hutchinson.

Texans WR Nico Collins has a special connection with rookie QB CJ Stroud.

Collins dominated the middle of the field Week-2. There is a trust factor there with Stroud.

I’m feeling a big breakout incoming. pic.twitter.com/GsPZhPOmUJ

— Brett Whitefield (@BGWhitefield) September 19, 2023

After his first two matchups this season, Collins is easily assembling the most prolific numbers of his career. Collins has played on 102 snaps, procured a 22% target share, and ascended to sixth overall in targets (20/10 per game). He is also fifth in receiving yards (226/113 per game), fifth in yards per reception (17.4), and sixth in yards before catch (151). Collins has also risen to ninth in receptions (13/6.5 per game) and has vaulted to second with six receptions of 20+ yards.

Nico Collins is a NIGHTMARE for single coverage 👹 pic.twitter.com/CnU1zWSoFa

— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) September 19, 2023

Collins has benefitted from operating in a Houston aerial attack that is currently fifth in pass play percentage (67.6%). C.J. Stroud has also launched 91 passing attempts, which is a total that has only been exceeded by two other signal callers. Stroud is also fourth in passing yardage (626/313 per game), and the Texans should need to sustain their reliance on Stroud and the team’s aerial efforts during the majority of their matchups.

.@CJ7STROUD ➡️ @Tankdell4 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Mj7nl1hwkt

— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) September 17, 2023

Collins is also sixth with an average of 20.8 points per game and his numbers have been embraced by fantasy managers. However, Tank Dell’s usage and output in Week 2 are noteworthy, and he has also emerged as a viable roster option.

Dell played on 33 snaps during Houston's season opener, ran 23 routes, was targeted on 17.4% of those routes, and averaged 1.48 yards per route run. He also collected three of his four targets and assembled 34 receiving yards. However, Brown was placed on injured reserve (groin) which launched Dell into an expanded role.

He operated on 63 snaps (75%) share and ran 43 routes when Houston hosted Indianapolis in Week 2. He was also targeted on 23.3% of those routes while capturing 10 targets (23.8%) share) from Stroud. Dell also collected seven receptions, while generating 72 yards and a touchdown.

Dell should retain a sizable role as Stroud distributes targets to his weaponry in the upcoming weeks. He should overtake Woods as Houston's WR2 and it is conceivable that he could challenge Collins’ current WR1 responsibilities by the conclusion of the season.

 

5, Jahan Dotson was included in the select group of wide receivers that I targeted for the majority of my rosters throughout the offseason. Several other receivers on that list have begun the year with promising numbers (Chris Olave/Brandon Aiyuk), while it is too soon to determine whether Drake London will match expectations. However, I am increasingly concerned that Dotson will not achieve a breakout status in 2023.

Dotson became the 16th player to be selected during the 2022 NFL draft which placed in a group of six receivers who were selected in Round 1. Dotson assembled encouraging numbers during his rookie season even though a protracted hamstring issue made a significant impact on his season-long results.

Dotson led Washington with a 93.4% snap share in Weeks 1-2 while rising to third among all wide receivers in routes run (92), second in touchdowns (three), and averaging five targets/3.5 receptions/50 yards per game. The problematic hamstring sidelined him from Weeks 5–12 while limiting him to 38 routes from Weeks 10-12. However, Dotson paced the Commanders in targets (26/6.5 per game), targets per route run (22.2%), receptions (16/4.0 per game), receiving yards 290/72.5 per game) and yards per route run (2.48) from Weeks 15-18.

Dotson appeared primed to surpass the level of usage and output that he delivered during his best performances in 2022 while building upon the late-season momentum that he had attained. However, the numbers entering Week 3 have been disappointing. Dotson does lead Washington’s wide receivers with 111 snaps (84.7% share) and also in routes run (82). Dotson also paces the Commandeers with 12 targets and is tied with Curtis Samuel for the team lead in receptions (eight).

However, Dotson is fourth on the team in receiving yardage while averaging 31 per game.  He is also averaging 5.2 yards per target, 7.8 yards per reception, and 1.59 yards per route run. Dotson has been targeted on 14.6% of his routes and is averaging just 0.76 yards per route run. He has also finished at WR46 and WR81 in scoring during his first two matchups. Despite the underwhelming production that Dotson has delivered, it is premature to dismiss his prospects of generating a surge in his output based on the results of just two games. Anyone who invested in Dotson during the draft season should remain patient, as the favorable number of routes that he is accumulating could lead to a rise in his production.

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