RADIO
Your wide receivers remain essential components toward your primary goal of securing league championships. As the season unfolds, an expanding collection of tools are available that can provide you with an extensive level of knowledge regarding this critical position. Those results provide the foundation for this weekly statistical breakdown of the wide receiver position, which I will be constructing for a fourth consecutive season.
This will be the second installment that will examine game-specific data, including updated totals for targets, first downs, red-zone targets, snap counts, and a blend of advanced statistics. 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. It is also designed to help with your roster decisions throughout the season.
As the season progresses noteworthy changes in usage and production will be blended into the equation. That will bolster your efforts to determine which wide receivers should be in your lineups, and which are worthy of remaining on your rosters. Statistics from our newly designed player pages at RotoBaller were included during the compilation of data, while Pro Football Reference, NextGenStats, Rotowire, Rotoviz, PFF, and Football Outsiders 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!
Week 2 Target Leaders
| Wide Receiver | Targets | Targ/Gm | YPT |
| CeeDee Lamb | 24 | 12 | 7.7 |
| Diontae Johnson | 22 | 11 | 6.4 |
| Amari Cooper | 22 | 11 | 7.4 |
| Mike Williams | 22 | 11 | 7.9 |
| Cooper Kupp | 21 | 10.5 | 12.9 |
| Brandin Cooks | 21 | 10.5 | 10 |
| Stefon Diggs | 21 | 10.5 | 6.1 |
| Keenan Allen | 21 | 10.5 | 9.9 |
| Marvin Jones | 20 | 10 | 6.6 |
| Deebo Samuel | 20 | 10 | 14.1 |
| D.J. Moore | 19 | 9.5 | 8.4 |
| Justin Jefferson | 19 | 9.5 | 7.2 |
| Sterling Shepard | 19 | 9.5 | 10.9 |
| Tyreek Hill | 19 | 9.5 | 11.1 |
| Chris Godwin | 18 | 9 | 9.3 |
| Calvin Ridley | 18 | 9 | 6.3 |
| Braxton Berrios | 18 | 9 | 6.9 |
| Terry McLaurin | 18 | 9 | 9.4 |
| A.J. Brown | 17 | 8.5 | 5.4 |
| Laviska Shenault Jr. | 17 | 8.5 | 2.8 |
| Cole Beasley | 17 | 8.5 | 5.6 |
| Adam Thielen | 17 | 8.5 | 7.7 |
| DeVante Parker | 16 | 8 | 7.7 |
| Tyler Lockett | 16 | 8 | 17.4 |
| Davante Adams | 16 | 8 | 11.1 |
| Michael Pittman Jr. | 16 | 8 | 9.5 |
| Hunter Renfrow | 16 | 8 | 7.9 |
| D.K. Metcalf | 16 | 8 | 7.1 |
| Marquise Brown | 16 | 8 | 11.4 |
| D.J. Chark | 16 | 8 | 6.6 |
| Courtland Sutton | 15 | 7.5 | 11.5 |
| Jakobi Meyers | 15 | 7.5 | 5.5 |
| Darnell Mooney | 15 | 7.5 | 6.1 |
| Tee Higgins | 15 | 7.5 | 7.9 |
| Allen Robinson | 15 | 7.5 | 3.9 |
| Sammy Watkins | 15 | 7.5 | 9.3 |
| Mike Evans | 15 | 7.5 | 6.6 |
| JuJu Smith-Schuster | 15 | 7.5 | 6.2 |
10 different wide receivers have collected 20+ targets during their first two matchups of the season. That includes Dallas teammates CeeDee Lamb and Amari Cooper, who are both currently placed among the top four in this category. Lamb has vaulted to the overall league with 24 targets, which has been fueled largely by the career-high 15 that he accrued in Week 1. Cooper is tied with two other receivers for second with 22 targets, despite being limited to five targets during Week 2. He has been joined by Diontae Johnson, who has now accumulated at least 10 targets during 12 of his last 17 contests dating back to Week 1 of the 2020 regular season.
The EFFORT 🙌
Mike Williams for the Chargers TD. pic.twitter.com/ng7pzpBLv8
(via @NFL)— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) September 19, 2021
Mike Williams has also captured 22 targets, after attaining a double-digit target total in each of his first two games (12/10). He only reached 10 targets in one contest throughout all of last season, while Williams' two-game total is also the second-highest since he entered the league in 2017 (Weeks 5-6 of 2019).
Cooper Kupp has also attained a double-digit target total in two consecutive games, which is the second time that he has accomplished that feat during his career. His 21 targets represent the best two-game sequence since 2019 when he stockpiled 44 targets during a three-game span (Weeks 3-5). His two-week total also tied him with Brandin Cooks, whose 14 targets in Week 2 propelled him to the second-highest weekly total of his career (16).
Stefon Diggs over Xavien Howard 😳
pic.twitter.com/9imYB4o9bU— PFF (@PFF) September 19, 2021
Stefon Diggs has also accumulated 21 targets during his first two outings. Last season's overall leader in targets (166/10.4 per game) has now reached 10+ targets in nine of his last 14 matchups.
Keenan Allen has also been targeted 21 times during his first two regular-season games. His 10.5 per game average is only slightly below the league-best 11.1 average that he achieved from Weeks 1-14 last season.
Deebo Samuel has been targeted 20 times in Weeks 1 and 2 which is the second-highest two-game total of his career (21/Weeks 10-11-2019). That ties him with Marvin Jones, who has now collected 10+ targets in six of his last 10 matchups.
Trevor Lawrence ⏩ Marvin Jones TD
#DENvsJAX pic.twitter.com/S7eHhgXm9c
— Andrew Erickson™ (@AndrewErickson_) September 19, 2021
Jones also completes the list of 10 wide receivers who have reached 20+ targets entering Week 3. A cluster of four wide receivers has captured 19 targets (D.J. Moore, Justin Jefferson, Tyreek Hill, Sterling Shepard), while four receivers have also accrued 18 targets (Chris Godwin, Calvin Ridley, Braxton Berrios, Terry McLaurin. Yet another foursome is tied with 17 targets (A.J. Brown, Laviska Shenault Jr., Cole Beasley, Adam Thielen), while Tyler Lockett and teammate D.K. Metcalf are among the group of eight receivers who have been targeted 16 times entering Week 3.
Week 2 Weekly Changes
| Wide Receiver | Week 1 | Week 2 | Weekly Change |
| Terry McLaurin | 4 | 14 | +10 |
| Courtland Sutton | 3 | 12 | +9 |
| Michael Pittman | 4 | 12 | +8 |
| Brandin Cooks | 7 | 14 | +7 |
| Adam Humphries | 2 | 8 | +6 |
| D.K. Metcalf | 5 | 11 | +6 |
| Tyler Lockett | 5 | 11 | +6 |
| Mecole Hardman | 3 | 8 | +5 |
| Robert Woods | 4 | 9 | +5 |
| Russell Gage | 2 | 7 | +5 |
| Tee Higgins | 5 | 10 | +5 |
| Tyler Boyd | 4 | 9 | +5 |
| Albert Wilson | 2 | 6 | +4 |
| Braxton Berrios | 7 | 11 | +4 |
| Chase Claypool | 5 | 9 | +4 |
| Elijah Moore | 4 | 8 | +4 |
| Freddie Swain | 1 | 5 | +4 |
| Marquise Brown | 6 | 10 | +4 |
| Anthony Schwartz | 5 | 1 | -4 |
| Antonio Brown | 7 | 3 | -4 |
| Danny Amendola | 5 | 1 | -4 |
| DeAndre Hopkins | 8 | 4 | -4 |
| Deebo Samuel | 12 | 8 | -4 |
| Jarvis Landry | 5 | 1 | -4 |
| Marquez Valdes-Scantling | 8 | 4 | -4 |
| Nelson Agholor | 7 | 3 | -4 |
| Gabriel Davis | 5 | 0 | -5 |
| Keenan Allen | 13 | 8 | -5 |
| Stefon Diggs | 13 | 8 | -5 |
| CeeDee Lamb | 15 | 9 | -6 |
| Allen Robinson | 11 | 4 | -7 |
| Chris Godwin | 13 | 5 | -8 |
| D.J. Chark | 12 | 4 | -8 |
| Cole Beasley | 13 | 4 | -9 |
| Tyreek Hill | 15 | 4 | -11 |
| Amari Cooper | 17 | 5 | -12 |
Hot Rod 🏎🔥 to The Archer 🏹@TyrodTaylor x @brandincooks
📺 » @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/rmOAHYzSzd
— Houston Texans (@HoustonTexans) September 12, 2021
17 different wide receivers were targeted at least 10 times in Week 2. That includes Terry McLaurin and Brandon Cooks, who tied for the league’s highest weekly total (14). Diontae Johnson, Courtland Sutton, and Michael Pittman were all targeted 12 times during their matchups, while six different receivers captured 11 targets (Cooper Kupp/Tyler Lockett/D.K. Metcalf/D.J. Moore/Marvin Jones/Braxton Berrios). Six additional receivers accrued 10 targets, which completed the collection of receivers who reached double-digits during their Week 2 matchups (Tee Higgins/Calvin Ridley/Justin Jefferson/Mike Williams/Sterling Shepard/Marquise Brown).
Eight receivers were targeted nine times in Week 2 (Tyler Boyd/Chase Claypool/Mike Evans/Robert Woods/A.J Brown/CeeDee Lamb/DeVante Parker). while Keenan Allen, Rondale Moore, and Darnell Mooney spearheaded a group of 11 receivers who collected eight targets during their matchups.
Terry McLaurin: A man of the people@budlight | #BudLightCelly pic.twitter.com/XhyCj0gJPB
— Washington Football Team (@WashingtonNFL) September 17, 2021
McLaurin had been relegated to four targets during Washington's season opener which was his lowest weekly total since 2019 (Week 13). However, McLaurin’s massive rise to the league lead in Week 2 also resulted in the largest week-to-week increase of 10+.
Courtland Sutton has now attained a double-digit target total in four different games during his career after he procured a career-high 12 targets in Week 12. Managers who invested in Sutton had to be ecstatic after he had only been targeted three times during Denver's season opener. That weekly increase of +9 placed him second overall among weekly risers. Sutton and the entire Denver passing attack will be discussed further in the 5 Things I Noticed Section.
Pittman's 12 targets in Week 2 also registered the highest weekly total of his career. His previous best (9), had been constructed last season (Week 12). That also resulted in a week-to-week increase of +8 after he had been limited to four targets in Week 1. Lockett and Metcalf both attained a rise of +6 after both receivers were targeted 11 times by Russell Wilson in Week 2.
Cooks has now assembled 47 targets during his last four regular-season matchups and has captured 10+ in three of those contests. His 14 targets in Week 2 also doubled his Week 1 total, which resulted in an increase of +7.
Anyone who drafted Robert Woods was understandably concerned after he was limited to four targets in Week 1. His Week 2 total (9) was overshadowed by teammate Cooper Kupp's exceptional performance. However, it still infused a rise of +5 for Woods, which tied him with four other receivers.
Elijah Moore wide open for 27 yards. Good to see. 🚀#NEvsNYJ #TakeFlight #NFL pic.twitter.com/jwiz3lhjcQ
— Ben Eby 🚀🚀🚀 (@TheBenEby) September 19, 2021
Rookie Elijah Moore became the source of considerable interest during the offseason and all optimism regarding his prospects of delivering favorable numbers this season remain intact. Many managers had been disappointed when he registered four targets in Week 1. But he garnered eight targets during the Jets' Week 2 matchup with New England. This allowed Moore to join five other receivers in expanding his weekly total by +4.
Amari Cooper’s 17 targets in Week 1 catapulted him into the league lead. But that was a difficult total to replicate, and his five targets during Week 2 fuel the largest week-to-week decline (-12).
Tyreek Hill experienced a similar drop (-11), after registering his lowest weekly total since Week 6 of 2020 (4). Cole Beasley joined Hill in being limited to four targets in Week 2, which caused his weekly total to plunge by -9. Chris Godwin and D.J. Chark collected 12+ targets during their season openers. But their week-to-week totals diminished by-8 when they combined for nine targets in Week 2
Even though CeeDee Lamb is now the overall leader in targets. the nine that he captured during Week 2, still represented a decline of -6. That was a byproduct of the 15 targets that he stockpiled during the Cowboys' season opener. Stefon Diggs’ weekly total dropped by -5 (13-8), while Keenan Allen’s weekly contrast also produced a reduction of -5. Deebo Samuel’s favorable overall target total still includes a week-to-week drop of -4 (12/8).
Week 2 Air Yards
| Wide Receiver | Air Yards | AY % | aDOT |
| Courtland Sutton | 309 | 44.78 | 20.6 |
| Brandin Cooks | 303 | 55.29 | 14.4 |
| Marvin Jones | 279 | 33.86 | 13.9 |
| Tyler Lockett | 270 | 52.12 | 16.9 |
| Marquez Valdes-Scantling | 268 | 45.19 | 22.3 |
| D.J. Chark | 261 | 31.67 | 16.3 |
| Stefon Diggs | 258 | 35.34 | 11.7 |
| A.J. Brown | 255 | 37.89 | 15 |
| Chase Claypool | 255 | 43.89 | 18.2 |
| Tyreek Hill | 248 | 42.91 | 13.1 |
| Justin Jefferson | 248 | 47.97 | 13.1 |
| Emmanuel Sanders | 243 | 33.29 | 17.4 |
| DeVonta Smith | 224 | 50.34 | 14.9 |
| Keenan Allen | 221 | 35.14 | 10.5 |
| CeeDee Lamb | 220 | 43.48 | 9.2 |
| Kenny Golladay | 213 | 32.03 | 15.2 |
| Antonio Brown | 207 | 28.4 | 20.7 |
| Mike Evans | 207 | 28.4 | 13.8 |
| Elijah Moore | 205 | 31.49 | 17.1 |
| Mike Williams | 204 | 32.43 | 9.3 |
| Calvin Ridley | 198 | 50.64 | 11 |
| Ja'Marr Chase | 196 | 44.34 | 17.8 |
| Darius Slayton | 195 | 29.32 | 15 |
| Robby Anderson | 189 | 35.13 | 21 |
| Marquise Brown | 188 | 39.25 | 11.8 |
| Julio Jones | 184 | 27.34 | 13.1 |
| Diontae Johnson | 183 | 31.5 | 8.3 |
| D.J. Moore | 179 | 33.27 | 9.4 |
| Quintez Cephus | 178 | 30.74 | 12.7 |
| DeVante Parker | 178 | 38.95 | 11.1 |
| Henry Ruggs III | 178 | 20.99 | 14.8 |
| Sterling Shepard | 178 | 26.77 | 9.4 |
| Michael Pittman | 177 | 40.5 | 11.1 |
| D.K. Metcalf | 174 | 33.59 | 10.9 |
| Amari Cooper | 170 | 33.6 | 8.1 |
| Chris Godwin | 164 | 22.5 | 8.6 |
| Cooper Kupp | 162 | 36.16 | 7.7 |
| Sammy Watkins | 159 | 33.19 | 10.6 |
| Davante Adams | 157 | 26.48 | 9.8 |
Courtland Sutton now leads all wide receivers in air yards (309), after accumulating 258 of those yards during Denver's Week 2 matchup in Jacksonville. Brandon Cooks is a close second (303), followed by Marvin Jones (279), Tyler Lockett (270), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (268), D.J. Chark (261), and Stefon Diggs (258). A.J. Brown and Chase Claypool are tied with (255), followed by Tyreek Hill (248), Justin Jefferson (248), Emmanuel Sanders (243), DeVonta Smith (224)and Keenan Allen (221). CeeDee Lamb (220). Kenny Golladay (213), Mike Evans (207), Antonio Brown (207), Elijah Moore (205), and Mike Williams (204) complete the list of 20 wide receivers who have eclipsed 200 air yards entering Week 3.
Brandin Cooks leads the position in percentage share of air yards (55.3), followed by Tyler Lockett (55.1), Deebo Samuel (51.9), Calvin Ridley (50.6), DeVonta Smith (50.3), Justin Jefferson (48.0), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (45.2), and Courtland Sutton (44.8). Ja’Marr Chase is next (44.3), followed by Chase Claypool (43.9), CeeDee Lamb (43.5), Tyreek Hill (42.9), and Michael Pittman (40.5). Marquise Brown is next (39.3), followed by DeVante Parker (39.0), A.J. Brown (37.9), Darnell Mooney (37.5), Cooper Kupp (36.2), and Stefon Diggs (35.3) completing the top 20 in this category.
Robby Anderson leads all wide receivers in targeted air yards (21.8), followed by Anthony Schwartz (21.7), Marcus Valdes-Scantling (20.4), Courtland Sutton (19.9), and Justin Jefferson (19.7). K.J. Hamler is next (19.4), followed by Antonio Brown (17.9), Tyler Lockett (17.6), Emmanuel Sanders (17.6), Christian Kirk (17.5), Chase Claypool (17.3), and Ja’Marr Chase (17.2), Gabriel Davis is next (16.5), followed by Demarcus Robinson (16.4), Elijah Moore (16.3), DeVonta Smith (15.9), D.J. Chark (15.6), Kenny Golliday (15.3), Darius Slayton (15.2), A.J. Brown (15.2), Marvin Jones (14.7), and Bryan Edwards 14.3.
Week 2 First Downs
| Wide Receiver | First Downs |
| Cooper Kupp | 11 |
| Keenan Allen | 11 |
| Chris Godwin | 11 |
| Amari Cooper | 10 |
| Sterling Shepard | 10 |
| CeeDee Lamb | 10 |
| Mike Williams | 10 |
| D.J. Moore | 10 |
| Terry McLaurin | 9 |
| Deebo Samuel | 9 |
| Tyreek Hill | 9 |
| Marquise Brown | 9 |
| Adam Thielen | 8 |
| Brandin Cooks | 8 |
| Diontae Johnson | 7 |
| Stefon Diggs | 7 |
| Tyler Lockett | 7 |
| Rondale Moore | 7 |
| Hunter Renfrow | 7 |
| Tyler Boyd | 7 |
| Tee Higgins | 7 |
| DeAndre Hopkins | 7 |
| Mike Evans | 7 |
| A.J. Brown | 7 |
| Davante Adams | 6 |
| Calvin Ridley | 6 |
| Michael Pittman Jr. | 6 |
| Courtland Sutton | 6 |
| Julio Jones | 6 |
| DeVante Parker | 6 |
| Christian Kirk | 6 |
| Sammy Watkins | 6 |
| Robert Woods | 6 |
| Bryan Edwards | 6 |
| Tim Patrick | 6 |
FIRE. THOSE. CANNONS. 💣💥
📺: #ATLvsTB on FOX pic.twitter.com/o9qrILWp3G
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 19, 2021
There is currently a three-way tie for the league lead in first down receptions at the wide receiver position, as Chris Godwin, Cooper Kupp, and Keenan Allen have all collected 11. Five receivers are also tied with 10 receptions (Amari Cooper/Sterling Shepard/CeeDee Lamb/ Mike Williams/D.J. Moore), while four receivers have assembled nine catches (Terry McLaurin/Deebo Samuel/Tyreek Hill/Marquise Brown). Adam Thielen and Brandin Cooks are next with eight, while A.J. Brown, DeAndre Hopkins, and Rondale Moore, are among the list of 10 wide receivers who have accumulated seven first down receptions entering Week 3.
Week 2 Red Zone Targets
| Wide Receiver | Inside 20 | Inside 10 | Inside 5 |
| Keenan Allen | 5 | 2 | 0 |
| Mike Williams | 5 | 3 | 1 |
| Chris Godwin | 5 | 1 | 1 |
| Amari Cooper | 5 | 1 | 1 |
| Cooper Kupp | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Sterling Shepard | 4 | 0 | 0 |
| Stefon Diggs | 4 | 1 | 1 |
| Mike Evans | 4 | 2 | 2 |
| A.J. Green | 4 | 4 | 1 |
| Allen Robinson | 4 | 1 | 0 |
| CeeDee Lamb | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Marquise Brown | 3 | 1 | 0 |
| Rondale Moore | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Michael Pittman | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| DeAndre Hopkins | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Marvin Jones | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Tee Higgins | 3 | 2 | 1 |
| Calvin Ridley | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Robert Woods | 3 | 2 | 2 |
| Zach Pascal | 3 | 2 | 0 |
| Tim Patrick | 3 | 1 | 1 |
| Tyreek Hill | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Brandin Cooks | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Julio Jones | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Diontae Johnson | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Adam Thielen | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Hunter Renfrow | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| D.K. Metcalf | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Jaylen Waddle | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Corey Davis | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| A.J. Brown | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Darnell Mooney | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Jalen Guyton | 2 | 1 | 0 |
| Terrace Marshall | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Russell Gageale | 2 | 2 | 1 |
| Malik Taylor | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Ty Montgomery | 2 | 2 | 1 |
Mike Williams collected three red zone targets during his Week 2 matchup. That propelled him into a tie for the league lead (5) entering Week 3. His teammate Keenan Allen, Chris Godwin, and Amari Cooper have also been targeted five times, while six different receivers have garnered four targets (Cooper Kupp/Stefon Diggs/Sterling Shepard/Mike Evans/Allen Robinson/A.J. Green).
A collection of 11 different wide receivers are next with three targets (CeeDee Lamb/Marquise Brown/Rondale Moore/Michael Pittman/ DeAndre Hopkins/Marvin Jones/Tee Higgins/Calvin Ridley/Robert Woods/Zach Pascal/Tim Patrick), while 16 additional receivers have been targeted twice in the red zone during their first two matchups.
A.J. Green's first TD with the #AZCardinals!
📺: #MINvsAZ on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/9GUuDDohvi— NFL (@NFL) September 19, 2021
Green has vaulted into the league lead with four targets inside the 10-yard line, while Williams is second with three. Allen, Kupp, Evans, and Woods are among the 12 receivers who have been targeted twice inside the 10. Woods, Marvin Jones, Mike Evans, and Quintez Cephus have all collected a league-high two targets inside the 5-yard line.
Week 2 Snap Counts
| Wide Receiver | Week 2 | Total Snaps | Total Snap % |
| Adam Thielen | 60/100% | 138 | 96.5 |
| Michael Pittman | 59/90.8% | 133 | 94.33 |
| Amari Cooper | 58/96.7% | 132 | 91.67 |
| Stefon Diggs | 50/78.1% | 129 | 86.58 |
| Emmanuel Sanders | 49/76.6% | 128 | 85.91 |
| Zach Pascal | 59/90.8% | 128 | 90.78 |
| Justin Jefferson | 52/6.7% | 128 | 89.51 |
| Jakobi Meyers | 51/89.5% | 125 | 94.7 |
| Keenan Allen | 58/93.6% | 125 | 87.41 |
| Terry McLaurin | 69/100% | 124 | 100 |
| A.J. Brown | 71/85.5% | 123 | 83.67 |
| Darnell Mooney | 54/88.5% | 123 | 94.62 |
| CeeDee Lamb | 58/96.7% | 119 | 82.64 |
| DeAndre Hopkins | 58/96.7% | 119 | 92.25 |
| Sammy Watkins | 62/91.2% | 118 | 86.76 |
| Calvin Ridley | 57/82.6% | 118 | 83.69 |
| Sterling Shepard | 59/92.2% | 117 | 90 |
| Chris Godwin | 53/88.3% | 117 | 93.6 |
| D.J. Moore | 64/87.7% | 116 | 84.67 |
| Cole Beasley | 38/59.4% | 115 | 77.18 |
| Julio Jones | 64/77.1% | 114 | 77.55 |
| Brandin Cooks | 53/91.4% | 114 | 83.82 |
| Nelson Agholor | 50/87.7% | 114 | 86.36 |
| Allen Robinson | 50/82.0% | 113 | 86.92 |
| Ja'Marr Chase | 50/92.6% | 112 | 91.06 |
| Dyami Brown | 60/87.0% | 111 | 89.52 |
| Marvin Jones | 44/78.6% | 111 | 85.38 |
| Mike Williams | 48/77.4% | 109 | 76.22 |
| Cooper Kupp | 59/100% | 108 | 97.3 |
| Elijah Moore | 52/76.5% | 108 | 81.2 |
| DeVonta Smith | 46/83.6% | 108 | 85.71 |
| Juju Smith-Schuster | 54/96.4% | 107 | 93.86 |
| Corey Davis | 49/72.1% | 107 | 80.45 |
| Robby Anderson | 53/72.6% | 105 | 76.64 |
| Tyreek Hill | 48/98.0% | 105 | 92.11 |
| Kenny Golladay | 53/82.8% | 105 | 80.77 |
Adam Thielen leads all wide receivers in offensive snaps (138), followed by Michael Pittman (133), Amari Cooper (132), Stefon Diggs (129), and three receivers that are tied with 128 - Justin Jefferson, Zach Pascal, and Emmanuel Sanders. Keenan Allen and Jakobi Meyers are tied (125), followed by Terry McLaurin (124), A.J. Brown (123), Darnell Mooney (123), CeeDee Lamb (119), DeAndre Hopkins (119), and two receivers that are tied with 118 - Calvin Ridley, and Sammy Watkins. Chris Godwin and Sterling Shepard are tied with 117, followed by D.J. Moore (116), and Cole Beasley (115) completing the top 20 in this category.
McLaurin has performed on 100% of Washington’s offensive snaps which vaults him to the league lead in that category. Cooper Kupp is second (97.3), followed by Adam Thielen (96.5), Jakobi Meyers (94.7), Darnell Mooney (94.6), Michael Pittman (94.3), Juju Smith-Schuster (93.9), and Chris Godwin (93.6). D.K. Metcalf is next (93.4), followed by DeAndre Hopkins (92.3), Tyreek Hill (92.1), Amari Cooper (91.7), Ja'Marr Chase (91.1), Zach Pascal (90.8), and Sterling Shepard (90.0). Dyami Brown, Justin Jefferson, and Tyler Lockett are among the 12 additional receivers that have been involved in at least 85% of their teams' offensive snaps.
Five Things I Noticed
1. The fusion of Matthew Stafford’s big-play capabilities and Sean McVay’s play-calling acumen have quickly achieved favorable results for the Rams. Stafford is just 23rd among all quarterbacks in passing attempts (56) and tied for 22nd in completions (39) However, he is currently seventh in passing yardage (599) and is second in yardage that is generated on play-action passing (240). Stafford is also third overall in yards per attempt (10.7), second in adjusted yards gained per attempt (11.7), and leads all signal-callers in yards per game per completion (15.4). Stafford’s 69.5 completion percentage is also the highest of his career.
Stafford’s arrival in Los Angeles has been particularly advantageous for six-year veteran Cooper Kupp, who has captured 16 of the 21 targets that have been distributed by Stafford. That has propelled Kupp to a league-high 38.2 target share, while he is also tied for the league lead in receptions (16/8 per game), third in receiving yards (271/135.5 per game), and is also third among all wide receivers in yards after catch (146).
GOING DEEEEEP!
Staff to @CooperKupp for six! pic.twitter.com/DJOhmksjF3
— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 13, 2021
Kupp’s 9.1 yards after catch per reception easily exceeds his average from 2018-2020 (7.2). He is also averaging a career-high 16.9 yards per reception, after entering the season with an average of 12.8, while his 12.9 yards per target average also exceeds his career average entering the season (9.1).
The ADPs for Kupp and teammate Robert Woods were comparable throughout the recent draft process as Woods was selected at WR15, followed directly by Kupp at WR16. However, anyone who selected Woods is already aware that Kupp has exceeded Woods’ usage and production by a substantial margin. Woods is currently just 45th among all wide receivers in targets (13/6.5 per game), and receptions (8/4 per game), and only 58th at his position in receiving yardage (91/45.5 per game). Those are easily Woods’ lowest per-game averages since he signed with the Rams in 2017 (8.3 targets, 5.6 receptions, 70.2 yards per game).
Van Jefferson did generate 80 yards during the Rams' season opener. However, that was fueled by a 67-yard connection with Stafford. Otherwise, Jefferson has manufactured only 27 yards on two catches during his first two outings. He has also attained an 81.1% snap share, but should not emerge as a legitimate threat to consistently impact Woods' usage. However, it appears unlikely that Woods will surpass Kupp as Stafford's most targeted receiving weapon.
GRIDDY TIME. @KirkCousins8 @JJettas2
📺: #MINvsAZ on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/4uiX7SDfFp— NFL (@NFL) September 19, 2021
2. When this week’s enormous assortment of data was examined, the increased involvement of Minnesota’s aerial attack through two weeks made a distinct impression. Minnesota ranked 27th overall in pass play percentage during the 2020 regular season (54.3%). But the Vikings currently rank 10th in that category (63.7%) entering their Week 3 matchup with Seattle. Kirk Cousins had averaged 32.3 attempts per game last season, and 33 per game during his first three years with Minnesota. But he has launched 40.5 passes per game this season, which places him eighth overall. The rise in his completions is comparable, as his 23 per game average from 2018-2020 has climbed to 29 in Weeks 1-2 - which has vaulted Cousins to fifth overall.
Cousins’ 71.6 completion percentage is the highest of his career, while he has exceeded his current 297.5 yards per game average only once during his 10-year career. He is also constructing a 5:0 touchdown to interception ratio while targeting his wide receivers on 66% of his passes.
Justin Jefferson leads Minnesota in targets (19/9.5 per game), and also in aDOT (12.5). Adam Thielen is pacing the Vikings in receptions (15/7.5 per game) and is second to Jefferson in targets (17/8.5 per game). Thielen is also tied for second among all wide receivers in touchdowns (3), while his 88.2% catch percentage easily surpasses his career average (67.5%). Jefferson and Thielen were expected to operate as Cousins’ top two receiving options, and they have combined for a 45.6% target share. But second-year receiver K. J. Osborn has surprisingly emerged to provide Minnesota with a productive WR3 presence.
K.J. Osborn. Gone. 64 yards. pic.twitter.com/IDVatWM92o
— Will Ragatz (@WillRagatz) September 19, 2021
The Vikings selected Osborn 176th overall during the 2020 NFL draft. But he failed to register an offensive snap last season, as his usage was confined to special teams. But his snap share has soared to 72% this season. Osborn has captured 12 of his 15 targets while attaining a 19-% target share. He has also accumulated a team-high 167 yards and finished 19th among all receivers with 91 in Week 2.
Osborn also leads the Vikings in yards per reception (13.9), yards per target (11.1), yards before catch (99), and yards after catch (68). Osborn was only rostered in 3% of all leagues entering Week 2 and remains available on over 75% of league waiver wires. Minnesota should continue to utilize three-receiver sets with greater frequency due to the lack of weaponry at the tight end position. This should allow Osborn to continue functioning as a viable flex/WR3 option for managers.
3. In addition to the receivers with favorable usage and production that have been discussed earlier, a handful of other players have accumulated impressive numbers that deserve attention.
Adorable 🥰@K1 x @moore_rondale pic.twitter.com/AI9c0x5pV4
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) September 19, 2021
Rondale Moore has surfaced in an environment that is committed to capitalizing on his explosiveness and versatility while recognizing that his capabilities extend far beyond limited usage as a gadget player. Moore leads Arizona in targets (13/6.5 per game), receptions (11/5.5 per game), and receiving yards (182/91 per game). He is also second among all wide receivers in yards after catch (151), 10th in yardage (182), and ninth in yards per target (14.0). He has also collected three red zone targets, and the talented rookie appears primed to easily surpass expectations during his first season.
Marquise Brown entered his third season with per-game averages of 5.7 targets, 3.5 receptions, and 44.9 yards per game. But he is averaging 8.0 targets, 6.0 receptions, and 91 yards per game during the Ravens' first two matchups. He is currently WR8 in scoring, eighth among all receivers in target share (29.6), ninth in receiving yards (182), and eighth in yards after catch (82). Brown’s 15.2 yards per reception average has surpassed his 13.0 average from 2019-2020, while his 11.4 yards per target average is 3.45 higher than the 7.95 per average that he assembled in his first two seasons. Brown also leads Baltimore in targets, receptions, receiving yards, air yards (188), and percentage share of air yards (39.3).
HENRY RUGGS IS FAST. #RaiderNation
📺: #LVvsPIT on CBS
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/hjVv6vvE2y— NFL (@NFL) September 19, 2021
Henry Ruggs III averaged just 3.1 targets per game during his 2020 rookie season, while only reaching five targets twice during the year. He also failed to exceed three receptions throughout the entire season. But he is averaging 6.0 targets per game after his first two matchups while establishing new career-highs in targets (seven), and receptions (five) in Week 2. Ruggs is also 11th overall in yards before catch per reception (14.9), while averaging 22.8 yards per reception. He has also performed on 66% of the Raiders’ offensive snaps and his potential to explode for big plays should compel Jon Gruden to sustain his current rise in usage.
WR @QoDeep_87 finishing the opening drive in the end zone 🙌#DETvsGB | 📺 ESPN pic.twitter.com/71tS9vWIkh
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) September 21, 2021
Detroit selected Quintez Cephus in Round 5 of the 2020 NFL Draft and he captured a team-high 10 targets in Week 1. However, he averaged 1.9 per game from Weeks 2-17. But Cephus has collected 13 targets (6.5 per game) during the Lions' first two matchups, including seven in Week 2. Cephus also established a new career-high with four receptions, while also tying his career-high with 63 yards. Cephus leads Detroit's wide receivers in targets, receptions (7/3.5 per game), and receiving yardage (75/37.5 per game). He also paces the team in air yards (178), and percentage share of air yards (30.7%). The Lions rank just 28th in targets that are distributed to wide receivers. But Cephus has an opportunity to continue operating as their WR1 - even after Tyrell Williams returns to the lineup (concussion).
4. An offseason of uncertainty regarding the identity of Denver’s starting signal-caller ignited conjecture surrounding the ramifications that would ensue for Jerry Jeudy and Courtland Sutton when either Teddy Bridgewater or Drew Lock eventually emerged under center. Jeudy’s ADP was surging as the regular season approached, in anticipation that his exceptional route running would combine with improved efficiency to propel him into a highly productive season. Sutton was returning after a torn ACL had limited him to just 31 snaps during 2020, although it was unclear whether he had reached full recovery.
The first installment of Denver’s reconstructed passing attack was on display in Week 1, as Bridgewater completed 77.8% of his passes while distributing just 55.1% of those throws to his wide receivers. Jeudy led his position in target share (20%), receptions (7), and receiving yards (72) during that season opener, while also accruing a 27.6% share of air yards. But Jeudy also encountered a high ankle sprain during that matchup, which created an immediate need for the Broncos to reshape the usage of their remaining resources.
Sutton was a logical candidate to operate as Bridgewater’s primary option, although he had been limited to three targets in Week 1 (8.6% share), and his lone reception accrued 14 yards. He also averaged 4.7 yards per target after entering the contest with an average of 9.5. Tim Patrick and K.J. Hamler had both been targeted four times in Week 1, and all three receivers were expected to share opportunities during Denver’s Week 2 matchup with Jacksonville.
Go long, @SuttonCourtland!
📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/MMvIHYhPp2
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 19, 2021
But Sutton commandeered a 35.3% target share versus the Jaguars, while easily operating as the Broncos’ primary option. Bridgewater completed 26 of his 34 passes, with 58.8% of those throws being dispensed to his wide receivers. Sutton led the team in targets (12), receptions (9), and receiving yards (159) while establishing new career highs in each category. Sutton also paced the team in air yards (258), and percentage share of air yards (66,3%). Patrick was allotted four targets for a second consecutive week (3 receptions/37 yards), while Hamler caught one of his three targets, for a minuscule five yards.
Sutton’s promising performance also vaulted him to WR4 in scoring, while suppressing lingering concerns about his health. He will continue to function as Denver’s WR1 during Jeudy’s absence while approaching WR2 status for managers.
5. Managers did not prioritize Sterling Shepard among their preferred targets during the recent draft process, which was underscored by his Round 14 ADP. But enthusiasm has been building for the 28-year old receiver, whose usage and production have vaulted him to the team lead in multiple categories.
Shepard was averaging 7.2 targets, 4.9 receptions, and 54.9 yards per game entering the regular season. But he is averaging 9.5 targets, 8.0 receptions, and 103.5 yards per game. He has also commandeered a team-high 31.1% share while performing on 93% percent of the Giants’ offensive snaps.
Sterling Shepard is Mr. Reliable!
3rd-and-10 converted for a FIRST DOWN #NYG pic.twitter.com/9lE2oqnHO0
— Alex Wilson (@AlexWilsonESM) September 17, 2021
Shepard’s 10.9 yards per target average is the highest of his career, while his 12.9 yards per reception average is the best since 2018. Shepard is also averaging 9.4 yards before catch per reception, after averaging 7.4 prior to Week 1. He also leads the Giants in red zone targets (4), in his third season with Daniel Jones guiding the team’s aerial attack. Jones has connected on 44 of his 69 passes while attaining a career-high 63.8 completion percentage.
Shepard is also spearheading a receiving unit that was reassembled during the offseason. Former Lion Kenny Golladay joined the equation after signing a $72 million contract in March and is currently second to Shepard in targets (14/7 per game), and receptions (7/3.5 per game). Golladay is also pacing New York in air yards (213), and percentage share of air yards (32.3). However, his averages in yards per receptions (14.6) and yards per target (7.3) are the lowest of his career. Kadarius Toney was selected with the 20th overall pick in last April's NFL Draft. But has failed to establish himself as a factor (2.9% target share/2 receptions/-2 yards).
Darius Slayton is second on the Giants in receiving yardage (119) while averaging 59.5 yards, 6.5 targets, and 3.0 receptions per game. Slayton’s output has also been negatively impacted by a potential 43-yard touchdown that became a lost opportunity during New York’s Week 2 matchup with Washington.
How in the world did Darius Slayton drop this ball 🤦🏼♂️pic.twitter.com/rrISwKLJVc
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) September 17, 2021
Golladay will remain heavily involved in the Giants' reshaped passing attack. But Shepard should sustain his lead in team target share while operating as a dependable weapon for Jones.
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