Targets are paramount when it comes to evaluating pass-catchers for fantasy football. There are no receiving yards, touchdowns, or receptions without a target. We want the players on our rosters in fantasy football who will earn these targets because targets are the most important thing to look at when trying to separate one pass-catcher from another on a base level. Sure, the player that earned 160 targets may be a better fantasy option than the player who earned 110, but that doesn’t take into account the offenses these players are in, the target share percentages on their particular team, how deep down the field these targets were earned, and so on. Each week, we’ll take a weekly team-by-team look into these target earners and separate the wheat from the chaff. 

We're through 14 weeks of the NFL season and this edition is the last with bye weeks. From Week 15 to the end of the season, every team will be playing. For the Week 14 Target Report, we'll go through some team and player usage tendencies. Before we do that, let's dive into a legend of terms we'll be referencing:
 

 

 

LEGEND

Targets

Passes thrown in the direction of a receiver, whether intended or not.

Receptions

Passes caught by a pass-catcher.

Rec. Yards

Yards gained by a reception by the pass-catcher.

TD

Receiving touchdowns.

Air Yards

 Yards a thrown ball travels before it reaches the pass-catcher; on complete or incomplete passes. This statistic is significant for determining the quarterback and coaching staff's predictive value in an offense and their intent.

Air Yards Team Share %

A pass-catcher has a percentage share of air yards on their team in a given week.

Route %

Percentage of routes a pass-catcher runs on a pass play per dropback on their team.

Snap %

Percentage of snaps a pass-catcher plays on an offensive series on their team.

Target Share %

Percentage of targets a pass-catcher receives in a given week on their team.

TPRR

A metric that measures how often a receiver is targeted when they are running a route. A higher % means that player is better at earning targets when he's on the field. A low raw route number or low route % coupled with a high TPRR % means that the pass-catcher is efficient at earning targets and could be in line for more routes depending on the team situation.

YPRR

A metric that contextualizes the efficiency of a pass-catcher with how many receiving yards per route run. A much better metric than yards per reception.

aDOT

aDOT is "average depth of target", and is the average depth of all targets caught or incomplete by a targeted pass-catcher.

RACR

RACR is a ratio dividing receiving yards by total air yards. It measures how many receiving yards a player creates for every air yard thrown at him. The percentage of a team's air yards that a player commands based on his average depth of target and volume of targets. Most RACR numbers for running backs skew wildly by the nature of the running back position that rarely earns air yards.

WOPR

WOPR is a weighted average that incorporates a player's share of team targets and share of team air yards.

PROE

PROE stands for “pass rate over expected”. The awesome nflfastR has play-by-play data going back to 1999 and for every offensive play for each NFL team since 2006, they provide an “xpass”. The xpass determines the probability a pass play is called and references factors such as down, distance, score, specific yardline, how much time is remaining and contextualizes that. A PROE is a team’s actual pass rate (percentage of pass plays divided by offensive snaps) minus their expected pass rate, which is determined with the xpass of each play. Using raw pass play percentage doesn’t factor in the context (if a team was down 21-3 with 11:03 remaining in the fourth quarter for instance) of the situation a team is in. PROE is a much better way to evaluate the intent and how aggressive an offense is with their gameplan.

A negative PROE indicates a team that is predicted to pass in given situations ran the ball more than average, while a positive PROE reflects the inverse.


 

Bye Weeks:

Week 8Chiefs, Chargers

Week 9: Browns, Cowboys, Broncos, Giants, Steelers, 49ers

Week 10: Ravens, Bengals, Patriots, Jets

Week 11: Jaguars, Dolphins, Seahawks, Buccaneers

Week 12: No byes!

Week 13: Cardinals, Panthers

Week 14: Falcons, Bears, Packers, Colts, Saints, Commanders

 

NOTE:

Start Your Studs: Players you should be starting in all formats, regardless of matchup. Use your judgment in shallower leagues where players who are typically startable are plentiful.

Keep Them Rostered: Players that should be rostered in all formats assuming 12-team leagues with six-player benches. League size designations or other designations (bench stash, etc.) will be in parenthesis next to players for deeper leagues. As always, this is a general recommendation; depending on your league, use your best judgment.

Example: Quez Watkins (deeper 12 and 14 team), Samaje Perine (bench stash).

Dump ‘Em: Players that you should be dropping from your rosters. Use your judgment in deeper leagues where players with usefulness on waivers aren’t as plentiful.

 

NFL Week 14 Target Report

Arizona Cardinals

NamePos.TargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %TPRRYPRRaDOTWOPRRACR
DeAndre HopkinsWR11779012240.3%88.5%85.3%26.8%23.9%1.7211.10.6840.648
Marquise BrownWR843408528.1%94.2%96.0%19.5%16.3%0.6910.60.4890.400
James ConnerRB76290-5-1.7%78.8%94.7%17.1%17.1%0.71-0.70.245-5.800
Trey McBrideTE632805016.5%59.6%73.3%14.6%19.4%0.908.30.3350.560
Robbie AndersonWR44500299.6%34.6%30.7%9.8%22.2%2.787.30.2131.724
A.J. GreenWR2170175.6%69.2%60.0%4.9%5.6%0.198.50.1120.412
Stephen AndersonTE227010.3%13.5%18.7%4.9%28.6%1.000.50.0757.000
Corey ClementRB1121041.3%3.8%4.0%2.4%50.0%10.504.00.0465.250
Maxx WilliamsTE000000.0%7.7%20.0%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Keaontay IngramRB000000.0%13.5%12.0%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Greg DortchWR000000.0%5.8%5.3%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000

Well, all of the air was sucked out of State Farm Stadium when Kyler Murray went down with a non-contact knee injury that will end his season. Colt McCoy is likely the Cardinals’ quarterback for the rest of the season, and obviously, that’s going to be a big downgrade for the pass-catching weapons in Arizona. Bummer.

DeAndre Hopkins (7-79, 11 targets) is still a stud and should still be started, but you’ve got to figure that his ceiling games will take a hit. He’s so good he’ll still provide massive value compared to the rest of the position, aside from the heavy hitters at wide receiver. Same with Marquise Brown (4-34, eight targets), but it’s pretty likely his efficiency and volume will take a hit as well, knocking him out of “must-start” range.

 

Week 14 Arizona Cardinals Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: DeAndre HopkinsJames Conner

Keep Them Rostered: Marquise BrownTrey McBride (14 team)

Dump ‘Em: With Kyler Murray’s knee injury, he’s a safe drop. He won’t return this season.

 

Atlanta Falcons

On bye in Week 14.

 

Week 14 Atlanta Falcons Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: A bold claim that there are studs.

Keep Them Rostered: Drake LondonCordarrelle PattersonTyler Allgeier (strictly a contingent play), Desmond Ridder (deep 14 team)

Dump ‘Em: The Falcons announced they will start rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder over the bye week. Marcus Mariota will be placed on IR and thus ending his season. Mariota is an easy drop here.

 

Baltimore Ravens

NamePos.TargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %TPRRYPRRaDOTWOPRRACR
Demarcus RobinsonWR655206448.9%73.9%60.7%35.3%35.3%3.0610.70.8710.813
Mark AndrewsTE621703123.7%95.7%88.5%35.3%27.3%0.775.20.6950.548
DeSean JacksonWR223402922.1%34.8%18.0%11.8%25.0%4.2514.50.3311.172
Kenyan DrakeRB2210-4-3.1%26.1%18.0%11.8%33.3%0.17-2.00.155-0.250
Devin DuvernayWR1000118.4%60.9%57.4%5.9%7.1%0.0011.00.1470.000
James ProcheWR000000.0%17.4%6.6%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Patrick RicardFB000000.0%21.7%73.8%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Josh OliverTE000000.0%30.4%68.9%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
J.K. DobbinsRB000000.0%34.8%42.6%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Gus EdwardsRB000000.0%8.7%34.4%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Isaiah LikelyTE000000.0%47.8%26.2%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Justice HillRB000000.0%0.0%3.3%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000

The Ravens lost backup quarterback Tyler Huntley to a concussion, which led to Anthony Brown (could be real, could be AI, who knows) leading the way for the Ravens at quarterback. Either way, the Ravens were nauseatingly run-heavy, but hey, it worked. When you’re going up against an offensively challenged (and on their backup quarterback as well with Kenny Pickett leaving the game) Steelers team, it’s likely to work. 

Only five Ravens earned a target and just four caught a pass. Both Demarcus Robinson (5-52, 74% routes) and Mark Andrews (2-17) led the Ravens with six targets apiece, but this passing game is not one to target at all. Even more concerning, Andrews hasn’t caught a touchdown since Week 6 and has a combined 6-70 line with 13 targets in the last two weeks. It’s a tough pill to swallow for fantasy managers, but he’s got to be started.

Huntley did practice in a limited capacity on Tuesday and Wednesday and with Lamar Jackson missing a fifth consecutive practice, it’s looking like Huntley will progress through the protocol in time to play for Saturday afternoon’s contest vs. Cleveland.

 

Week 14 Baltimore Ravens Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: Mark Andrews, Lamar Jackson (when healthy)

Keep Them Rostered: J.K. Dobbins, Demarcus Robinson (deeper 12 and 14 team), Gus Edwards

Dump ‘Em: If you were holding Kenyan Drake, you can drop him. He’s nothing more than a little-used (18% snaps, 26% routes) pass-catching spell for Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins, who returned in Week 14.

 

Buffalo Bills

NamePos.TargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %TPRRYPRRaDOTWOPRRACR
Dawson KnoxTE744116529.0%93.9%86.4%25.9%22.6%1.329.30.5920.631
Stefon DiggsWR533702812.5%90.9%78.0%18.5%16.7%1.235.60.3651.321
Isaiah McKenzieWR532103314.7%72.7%64.4%18.5%20.8%0.886.60.3810.636
Gabe DavisWR433102912.9%93.9%91.5%14.8%12.9%1.007.30.3131.069
Devin SingletaryRB214083.6%42.4%49.2%7.4%14.3%0.294.00.1360.500
James CookRB119010.4%39.4%40.7%3.7%7.7%0.691.00.0599.000
Nyheim HinesRB114041.8%15.2%16.9%3.7%20.0%0.804.00.0681.000
John BrownWR10004419.6%3.0%5.1%3.7%100.0%0.0044.00.1930.000
Khalil ShakirWR1000125.4%12.1%20.3%3.7%25.0%0.0012.00.0930.000
Quintin MorrisTE000000.0%15.2%27.1%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Tommy SweeneyTE000000.0%0.0%8.5%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000

In a game against a tough Jets defense with weather concerns throughout, the Bills were a bit stifled on offense. Clearly, that trickled down to the passing game, where Dawson Knox (4-41-1, seven targets, 94%) led the Bills in all receiving categories, including catching their lone passing touchdown from Josh Allen.

Every elite wide receiver is afforded a handful of dud games, so even if it did happen at one of the most critical times in the fantasy season, Stefon Diggs (3-37, five targets) is still #good

 

Week 14 Buffalo Bills Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: Stefon Diggs, Josh Allen

Keep Them Rostered: Gabe DavisIsaiah McKenzieDevin SingletaryJames Cook, Dawson Knox (deeper 12 team and 14 team)

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Carolina Panthers

NamePos.TargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %TPRRYPRRaDOTWOPRRACR
Laviska ShenaultWR44310-2-2.3%27.6%29.2%20.0%50.0%3.88-0.50.284-15.500
Chuba HubbardRB3325033.4%20.7%31.9%15.0%50.0%4.171.00.2498.333
DJ MooreWR30003236.8%100.0%95.8%15.0%10.3%0.0010.70.4820.000
Shi SmithWR221711314.9%37.9%33.3%10.0%18.2%1.556.50.2551.308
Ian ThomasTE22110-1-1.1%41.4%63.9%10.0%16.7%0.92-0.50.142-11.000
Tommy TrembleTE200066.9%37.9%40.3%10.0%18.2%0.003.00.1980.000
Terrace MarshallWR111801820.7%86.2%84.7%5.0%4.0%0.7218.00.2201.000
Raheem BlackshearRB11170-7-8.0%27.6%19.4%5.0%12.5%2.13-7.00.019-2.429
D'Onta ForemanRB111011.1%24.1%47.2%5.0%14.3%0.141.00.0831.000
Stephen SullivanTE10002427.6%31.0%25.0%5.0%11.1%0.0024.00.2680.000
Giovanni RicciFB000000.0%0.0%1.4%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000

Don’t look now, but somehow, the Panthers are running the ball even better without all-world back Christian McCaffrey. Granted, he’s not your prototypical “between-the-tackles” type runner, but it’s kind of shocking.

Maybe it’s not so shocking if they want to limit the damage that Sam Darnold starting at quarterback can do to a team.

Their run-heavy approach (-10.3% PROE, fourth-lowest in Week 14) predictably yielded little results from the passing game (not that we were targeting it, mind you), but it would have been nice for DJ Moore (no stats, three targets, 100% route participation) to get on the stat sheet. This just goes to reinforce that we can’t trust a soul in this passing game.

Not Moore, not anybody.

 

Week 14 Carolina Panthers Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: #FreeDJMoore

Keep Them Rostered: DJ MooreD’Onta ForemanChuba Hubbard

Dump ‘Em: N/A, because you should have dropped them already.

 

Chicago Bears

On bye in Week 14.

 

Week 14 Chicago Bears Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: Justin Fields

Keep Them Rostered: David Montgomery, Cole Kmet, Chase Claypool

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Cincinnati Bengals

NamePos.TargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %TPRRYPRRaDOTWOPRRACR
Ja'Marr ChaseWR1510119111952.4%100.0%94.0%46.9%40.5%3.227.91.0701.000
Samaje PerineRB5120-8-3.5%51.4%43.3%15.6%26.3%0.11-1.60.210-0.250
Trent TaylorWR413403816.7%91.9%77.6%12.5%11.8%1.009.50.3050.895
Trenton IrwinWR225814419.4%97.3%83.6%6.3%5.6%1.6122.00.2291.318
Mitchell WilcoxTE21100198.4%67.6%79.1%6.3%8.0%0.409.50.1520.526
Joe MixonRB2210041.8%43.2%58.2%6.3%12.5%0.632.00.1062.500
Trayveon WilliamsRB116062.6%2.7%3.0%3.1%100.0%6.006.00.0651.000
Tyler BoydWR100052.2%2.7%3.0%3.1%100.0%0.005.00.0620.000
Devin AsiasiTE000000.0%18.9%38.8%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Stanley MorganWR000000.0%0.0%7.5%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Tee HigginsWR000000.0%2.7%1.5%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000

In Week 14, it was Ja’Marr Chase or nothing. Literally.

Tyler Boyd played all of two snaps and Tee Higgins played just one snap. The Twitter discourse about Higgins being off of the injury report during the lead-up to Sunday and then being “available but not playing that much due to a hamstring injury” and that being a “coaches’ decision” was just #notgood.

Chase (10-119-1, 15 targets) carried the passing game with nobody else catching more than two passes. If, for some reason, the Bengals are without one or more of Boyd or Higgins against the Buccaneers in Week 15, Chase will have to do it again. And probably will because he’s fantastic, and it’d likely take a SWAT team to stop him. Maybe not even then.

 

Week 14 Cincinnati Bengals Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: Ja’Marr Chase, Tee HigginsJoe Burrow, Joe Mixon (when healthy)

Keep Them Rostered: Samaje Perine (still a priority handcuff/contingent play who saw more snaps with a healthy Mixon back), Tyler Boyd

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Cleveland Browns

NamePos.TargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %TPRRYPRRaDOTWOPRRACR
Donovan Peoples-JonesWR128114017861.0%100.0%100.0%30.8%24.5%2.3314.80.8880.640
David NjokuTE975913211.0%89.8%95.8%23.1%20.5%1.343.60.4231.844
Amari CooperWR724206522.3%89.8%86.1%17.9%15.9%0.959.30.4250.646
Kareem HuntRB426010.3%34.7%38.9%10.3%23.5%0.350.30.1566.000
David BellWR3327093.1%77.6%68.1%7.7%7.9%0.713.00.1373.000
Nick ChubbRB3320051.7%46.9%62.5%7.7%13.0%0.871.70.1274.000
Harrison BryantTE118020.7%12.2%11.1%2.6%16.7%1.332.00.0434.000
Michael WoodsWR000000.0%12.2%20.8%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Demetric FeltonRB000000.0%8.2%12.5%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Pharaoh BrownTE000000.0%2.0%2.8%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000

Deshaun Watson looked a bit better this week following his first start in two years in Week 13, but it still wasn’t enough as he was only responsible for one passing touchdown and 10 points. Still, with 42 passing attempts (plus one from backup Jacoby Brissett), he was able to bring some of his targets along for the ride.

The trio of Donovan Peoples-JonesDavid Njoku, and Amari Cooper accounted for over 70% of the available targets for Cleveland in Week 14. Peoples-Jones (8-114, 12 targets) led the way for the Browns in all receiving categories, but it was Njoku (7-59-1, nine targets) who caught the touchdown. Cooper had the down game where he lost out on efficiency, but he should be good to go as he establishes a connection and rapport with Watson.

 

Week 14 Cleveland Browns Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: Amari CooperNick Chubb, David Njoku

Keep Them Rostered: Donovan Peoples-Jones, Deshaun WatsonKareem Hunt

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Dallas Cowboys

NamePos.TargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %TPRRYPRRaDOTWOPRRACR
Dalton SchultzTE10687010632.4%88.1%93.0%25.6%27.0%2.3510.60.6120.821
Noah BrownWR6485010732.7%81.0%70.4%15.4%17.6%2.5017.80.4600.794
Michael GallupWR624007924.2%81.0%76.1%15.4%17.6%1.1813.20.4000.506
CeeDee LambWR65330257.6%100.0%95.8%15.4%14.3%0.794.20.2841.320
Tony PollardRB5420130.9%59.5%57.7%12.8%20.0%0.800.60.1996.667
Ezekiel ElliottRB5319010.3%33.3%49.3%12.8%35.7%1.360.20.19419.000
James WashingtonWR100061.8%16.7%15.5%2.6%14.3%0.006.00.0510.000
Sean McKeonTE000000.0%4.8%15.5%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Peyton HendershotTE000000.0%2.4%14.1%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Jake FergusonTE000000.0%2.4%11.3%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
KaVontae TurpinWR000000.0%0.0%1.4%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000

The Texans almost pulled off one of the biggest upsets in recent memory as the Cowboys kept them in the entire game, but like a cat toying with its food, they scored a touchdown with under a minute left to pull out the win.

There wasn’t really a main part of the offense that went off on either the rushing or receiving side, but really a “death by 1,000 cuts” way of putting together yardage and production. Tony Pollard (4-20-1, five targets) scored the lone receiving touchdown and six Cowboys had five or more targets — the lone remaining target coming from the returning James Washington.

Dalton Schultz (6-87, 10 targets) led the Cowboys in most categories as CeeDee Lamb (5-33, six targets) had a down day but obviously is just fine in the grand scheme. 

 

Week 14 Dallas Cowboys Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, Tony Pollard, Ezekiel Elliott, Dalton Schultz

Keep Them Rostered: Michael Gallup

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Denver Broncos

NamePos.TargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %TPRRYPRRaDOTWOPRRACR
Jerry JeudyWR987336729.6%83.0%83.3%20.9%20.5%1.667.40.5211.090
Greg DulcichTE834208537.6%73.6%75.0%18.6%20.5%1.0810.60.5420.494
Kendall HintonWR65380219.3%86.8%86.1%14.0%13.0%0.833.50.2741.810
Latavius MurrayRB53-10-9-4.0%41.5%52.8%11.6%22.7%-0.05-1.80.1470.111
Brandon JohnsonWR40005022.1%71.7%73.6%9.3%10.5%0.0012.50.2940.000
Marlon MackRB32621-15-6.6%22.6%31.9%7.0%25.0%5.17-5.00.058-4.133
Eric TomlinsonTE3211062.7%17.0%31.9%7.0%33.3%1.222.00.1231.833
Mike BooneRB22270135.8%9.4%15.3%4.7%40.0%5.406.50.1102.077
Eric SaubertTE212020.9%20.8%26.4%4.7%18.2%0.181.00.0761.000
Jalen VirgilWR119062.7%15.1%12.5%2.3%12.5%1.136.00.0531.500
Montrell WashingtonWR000000.0%5.7%5.6%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Albert OkwuegbunamTE000000.0%1.9%2.8%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000

With the Chiefs storming out to a 27-0 lead in the second quarter, we thought this was just going to be another steamrolling by the Chiefs and a status-quo Broncos letdown spot. 

Russell Wilson threw for three touchdowns (!) and was knocked out of the game with a potential concussion, so Brett Rypien finished out the game with a touchdown pass of his own which made the score much closer than the game indicated despite having chances to drive down the field to take a lead. The Broncos were very much pass-heavy here (77.8% raw pass rate — second-highest in Week 14).

Jerry Jeudy (8-73-3, nine targets) was the recipient of three touchdown passes and had by far the best fantasy day of any Broncos’ pass-catcher all season. It did help that there wasn’t a Courtland Sutton to siphon targets, but Jeudy was the only pass-catcher able to put together a worthy fantasy stat line. Despite the outburst, we’re still a bit bearish on most of the options here in Denver.

We still love Greg Dulcich (3-42, eight targets, 74% routes), however.

I have a brand to uphold, people.

 

Week 14 Denver Broncos Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: Courtland Sutton (when healthy)

Keep Them Rostered: Jerry Jeudy, Greg DulcichLatavius Murray (deeper 12 and 14 team), Russell Wilson (deeper 12 and 14 team)

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Detroit Lions

NamePos.TargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %TPRRYPRRaDOTWOPRRACR
Amon-Ra St. BrownWR966806224.7%90.2%87.1%25.0%24.3%1.846.90.5481.097
D.J. CharkWR769416525.9%90.2%85.7%19.4%18.9%2.549.30.4731.446
Josh ReynoldsWR655116827.1%68.3%61.4%16.7%21.4%1.8211.30.4400.750
D'Andre SwiftRB43180-3-1.2%41.5%35.7%11.1%23.5%1.06-0.80.158-6.000
Jameson WilliamsWR214113012.0%14.6%18.6%5.6%33.3%6.8315.00.1671.367
Kalif RaymondWR2219083.2%14.6%11.4%5.6%33.3%3.174.00.1062.375
Shane ZylstraTE22180176.8%36.6%32.9%5.6%13.3%1.208.50.1311.059
Justin JacksonRB1112041.6%29.3%28.6%2.8%8.3%1.004.00.0533.000
Penei SewellOT119020.8%2.4%1.4%2.8%100.0%9.002.00.0474.500
Jamaal WilliamsRB1000-1-0.4%14.6%37.1%2.8%16.7%0.00-1.00.0390.000
Brock WrightTE1000-1-0.4%34.1%57.1%2.8%7.1%0.00-1.00.0390.000
James MitchellTE000000.0%14.6%20.0%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Jason CabindaFB000000.0%7.3%15.7%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000

We know Amon-Ra St. Brown is #good, but the Lions’ big win vs. the Vikings was more centered around the strength of the entire passing game rather than one guy in St. Brown. Lions fans got a glimpse of what’s to come with Jameson Williams (1-41-1, two targets, 15% routes) scoring a 41-yard touchdown and D.J. Chark (6-94-1, seven targets, 90% routes) earning volume as well. St. Brown still had a great game, but now that there are other weapons in tow, I’m not saying St. Brown’s production will come down, but if the Lions are going to be a legit thing, he may have to give up one or two of the huge volume-spike games to some others. 

Still, a good Lions team is fun for everybody and this team is certainly that. They worked their way into legitimate playoff contention and with meaningful football in December, we can expect some more fireworks before the season is through.

Of course, there’s nothing more fun than Penei Sewell running jet motion and catching one of the clinching plays of the game.

And proving the Lions made the right choice in wide receivers:

 

Week 14 Detroit Lions Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: Amon-Ra St. Brown

Keep Them Rostered: D’Andre SwiftJamaal Williams, D.J. Chark, Jared Goff, Jameson Williams (stash still)

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Green Bay Packers

On bye in Week 14.

Although I’m sure if there was anybody in the history of the NFL that could have scored a touchdown during his bye week, it would be Christian Watson.

 

Week 14 Green Bay Packers Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: Christian WatsonAaron Jones

Keep Them Rostered: Allen LazardAaron RodgersAJ Dillon

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Houston Texans

NamePos.TargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %TPRRYPRRaDOTWOPRRACR
Chris MooreWR111012408556.7%93.1%80.3%45.8%40.7%4.597.71.0841.459
Amari RodgersWR545714328.7%69.0%54.5%20.8%25.0%2.858.60.5131.326
Phillip DorsettWR32180106.7%93.1%81.8%12.5%11.1%0.673.30.2341.800
Jordan AkinsTE2150117.3%72.4%53.0%8.3%9.5%0.245.50.1760.455
Dare OgunbowaleRB2240-2-1.3%34.5%27.3%8.3%20.0%0.40-1.00.116-2.000
Rex BurkheadRB115032.0%6.9%7.6%4.2%50.0%2.503.00.0771.667
Teagan QuitorianoTE000000.0%44.8%71.2%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Dameon PierceRB000000.0%20.7%54.5%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
O.J. HowardTE000000.0%3.4%24.2%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Brevin JordanTE000000.0%10.3%19.7%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Eno BenjaminRB000000.0%6.9%12.1%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Jalen CampWR000000.0%6.9%9.1%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000

The Texans stink and will continue to stink, but in their almost-upset of the Cowboys, they stunk a bit less than usual with a relatively unconventional usage of their quarterback. Well, quarterbacks in plural.

In a move that evoked memories of Steve Spurrier, Lovie Smith trotted out both Davis Mills and Jeff Driskel in tandem, with Driskel more in the Taysom Hill role. It worked out for most of the game and without Nico Collins and Brandin Cooks in the lineup, they had two players step up to assume most of the receiving work. Surprisingly, Chris Moore (10-124, 11 targets, 93% routes) led the way, but I have a hard time believing that this is some sort of ascension as:

  1. It’s the Texans
  2. Cooks and Collins will be back… maybe?

The Texans picked up Amari Rodgers (4-57-1, five targets, 69% routes) from the Packers after they released him and he scored the only receiving touchdown for Houston. Rodgers is a former third-round pick from 2021 and the Packers gave up on him rather quickly after putting him on punt return duty.

With the Texans losing Dameon Pierce at least for this week and possibly for the next couple of weeks as well with an ankle injury, the Texans may not have any choice but to pepper pass game targets. It will throw efficiency out the window for pure volume, which may not be so bad. It’s still hard to trust any of these options and that extends to Cooks and Collins as well.

 

Week 14 Houston Texans Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: Dameon Pierce (when healthy)

Keep Them Rostered: Nico Collins (when healthy), Brandin Cooks (when healthy), Chris Moore (deep 12 and 14 team)

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Indianapolis Colts

On bye in Week 14.

Week 14 Indianapolis Colts Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: Jonathan TaylorMichael Pittman

Keep Them Rostered: Parris Campbell (deep 12 and 14 team leagues), Alec Pierce (14 team leagues)

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Jacksonville Jaguars

NamePos.TargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %TPRRYPRRaDOTWOPRRACR
Evan EngramTE151116228629.0%73.5%79.2%35.7%41.7%4.505.70.7381.884
Zay JonesWR12877112943.4%81.6%77.8%28.6%30.0%1.9310.80.7330.597
Christian KirkWR754503511.8%87.8%84.7%16.7%16.3%1.055.00.3321.286
Jamal AgnewWR333603110.4%14.3%15.3%7.1%42.9%5.1410.30.1801.161
Dan ArnoldTE315020.7%8.2%20.8%7.1%75.0%1.250.70.1122.500
Marvin JonesWR11220134.4%53.1%48.6%2.4%3.8%0.8513.00.0661.692
Chris ManhertzTE1121010.3%12.2%41.7%2.4%16.7%3.501.00.03821.000
Travis EtienneRB000000.0%51.0%75.0%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
JaMycal HastyRB000000.0%14.3%25.0%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Tim JonesWR000000.0%2.0%16.7%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Luke FarrellTE000000.0%0.0%15.3%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000

The general discourse of the tight end position is such a wild roller coaster ride, but when you see a player that has such an obvious ceiling in a condensed offense, you’ve got to target them. That’s the story of Evan Engram (11-162-2, 15 targets), who with his gargantuan Week 14 performance, shot up from TE14 to TE4 in PPR. Outside of the obvious names at tight end, it’s very difficult to put together even a handful of names who can even come close to the level of upside Engram. It’s why we valued Kyle Pitts so high off of an age-21 season where he put up 1000 yards receiving. True upside is difficult to find at the tight end position, but when it’s around in the late rounds like Engram was, it’s hard for a guy like Andrew Cooper, who has been touting Engram for longer than most have been alive, to ignore.

My Engram soliloquy aside, Engram, Zay Jones (8-77-1, 12 targets), and Christian Kirk (5-45, seven targets) combined for a whopping 81% of targets in Week 14. 

 

Week 14 Jacksonville Jaguars Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: Travis Etienne, Christian Kirk

Keep Them Rostered: Zay JonesTrevor Lawrence, Evan Engram

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Kansas City Chiefs

NamePos.TargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %TPRRYPRRaDOTWOPRRACR
JuJu Smith-SchusterWR1197416221.1%86.4%80.9%26.2%28.9%1.955.60.5401.194
Jerick McKinnonRB97112262.0%54.5%57.4%21.4%37.5%4.670.70.33618.667
Travis KelceTE9471010134.4%81.8%80.9%21.4%25.0%1.9711.20.5620.703
Noah GrayTE33450165.4%45.5%57.4%7.1%15.0%2.255.30.1452.813
Isiah PachecoRB33230-8-2.7%27.3%42.6%7.1%25.0%1.92-2.70.088-2.875
Marquez Valdes-ScantlingWR312003110.5%75.0%51.5%7.1%9.1%0.6110.30.1810.645
Skyy MooreWR2170186.1%25.0%39.7%4.8%18.2%0.649.00.1140.389
Justin WatsonWR20006823.1%70.5%64.7%4.8%6.5%0.0034.00.2330.000
Jody FortsonTE000000.0%6.8%14.7%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Michael BurtonFB000000.0%0.0%5.9%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Ihmir Smith-MarsetteWR000000.0%0.0%4.4%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000

Combined with the Broncos’ 77.8% pass rate, the Chiefs put up a 13.9% PROE, the second-highest PROE of Week 14. Keeping with their typical aggressive pass-game ways, Patrick Mahomes had 42 pass attempts and was very aggressive in building their 27-0 lead.

JuJu Smith-Schuster (9-74-1, 11 targets), Travis Kelce, and Jerick McKinnon combined for a nice 69% of targets in Week 14, with Smith-Schuster and McKinnon accounting for all three touchdowns through the air. With defenses so locked in on Kelce (4-71, nine targets), it’s no wonder Mahomes has had to lock in on some other targets to force the defense’s hand in the need to account for other weapons. Kelce hasn’t had a true ceiling game in a few weeks, but he’s too good to keep down for long.

McKinnon (7-112-2, 55% routes) has in theory taken over the backfield, but Isiah Pacheco does get more of the rushing work, which we know carries (0.65 fantasy points per rush attempt) worth much less than targets (1.51 fantasy points per target) in terms of fantasy points.

That’s a hugely important discrepancy when it comes to valuing running backs and what they can offer a team, because while in the Week 14 box score, Pacheco had a slightly more than 2:1 rush attempt advantage over McKinnon, McKinnon dusts Pacheco with receiving volume and usage. I typically weigh the receiving aspect for running backs very heavily and obviously, I talk about that here with running backs around the league weekly. But it gives some more context to the things I mention and allude to weekly.

 

Week 14 Kansas City Chiefs Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: Travis Kelce, Patrick Mahomes

Keep Them Rostered: Isiah Pacheco, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Jerick McKinnonSkyy Moore (deep 12 and 14 team leagues)

Dump ‘Em: N/A


 

Las Vegas Raiders

NamePos.TargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %TPRRYPRRaDOTWOPRRACR
Davante AdamsWR7371013470.5%104.3%96.7%36.8%29.2%2.9619.11.0460.530
Mack HollinsWR422203518.4%100.0%96.7%21.1%17.4%0.968.80.4450.629
Ameer AbdullahRB2217010.5%34.8%13.3%10.5%25.0%2.130.50.16217.000
Josh JacobsRB22150-2-1.1%65.2%83.3%10.5%13.3%1.00-1.00.151-7.500
Keelan ColeWR11110115.8%69.6%48.3%5.3%6.3%0.6911.00.1191.000
Jakob JohnsonFB111010.5%13.0%38.3%5.3%33.3%0.331.00.0831.000
Foster MoreauTE1000136.8%100.0%100.0%5.3%4.3%0.0013.00.1270.000
DJ TurnerWR1000-3-1.6%8.7%6.7%5.3%50.0%0.00-3.00.0680.000
Zamir WhiteRB000000.0%0.0%5.0%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Jacob HollisterTE000000.0%0.0%3.3%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Brandon BoldenRB000000.0%4.3%1.7%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000

The Raiders played a game of keep-away with the Rams, which obviously did not work in their favor in the win column, but clearly, these teams know way better than any of us do. They only passed the ball 20 times and basically sat on their 16-3 lead until the Rams scored two touchdowns in 3:09 of actual game time to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.

With 20 total pass attempts from the Raiders, Davante Adams (3-71, seven targets) saw 35% of those targets and had a pretty pedestrian game by his lofty standards. Outside of Adams, only one other Raider saw more than two targets — Mack Hollins (2-22, four targets).

It was just an ugly performance and based on how conservative the Raiders were, they completely deserved to lose this game. Just like it’s always been for fantasy, you can only trust the two guys who put up over 70% of the Raiders’ total offense this season: Adams and Josh Jacobs.

 

Week 14 Las Vegas Raiders Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: Josh Jacobs, Davante Adams

Keep Them Rostered: Darren Waller (designated to return from IR), Hunter Renfrow (designated to return from IR), Derek CarrMack Hollins

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Los Angeles Chargers

NamePos.TargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %TPRRYPRRaDOTWOPRRACR
Keenan AllenWR14129205321.7%91.1%86.3%29.2%27.5%1.803.80.5901.736
Austin EkelerRB88590-28-11.5%41.1%58.8%16.7%34.8%2.57-3.50.170-2.107
Gerald EverettTE852803012.3%66.1%72.5%16.7%21.6%0.763.80.3360.933
Mike WilliamsWR6611618334.0%73.2%65.0%12.5%14.6%2.8313.80.4261.398
Josh PalmerWR645309036.9%80.4%78.8%12.5%13.3%1.1815.00.4460.589
Joshua KelleyRB216052.0%33.9%40.0%4.2%10.5%0.322.50.0771.200
DeAndre CarterWR210020.8%16.1%15.0%4.2%22.2%0.001.00.0680.000
Stone SmarttTE118041.6%3.6%5.0%2.1%50.0%4.004.00.0432.000
Tre' McKittyTE115052.0%23.2%51.3%2.1%7.7%0.385.00.0461.000
Zander HorvathFB000000.0%7.1%16.3%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Michael BandyWR000000.0%0.0%2.5%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Isaiah SpillerRB000000.0%0.0%2.5%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000

Miami’s vaunted wide receiver duo of Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle was impressively shown up by Mike Williams and Keenan Allen on Sunday night. They were both healthy for the first time this season and it showed. Too bad it only took 14 weeks for that to happen, right?

Williams (6-116-1, six targets) was the downfield winner with a 13.8-yard aDOT and looked very much like the Mike Williams we know and love. Allen (12-92, 14 targets) played the hits and was the short-area targets and racked them up in bunches for Justin Herbert.

With Williams and Allen back, it relegated Josh Palmer (4-53, six targets) and Gerald Everett (5-28, eight targets) to some spot duty, but both earned a lot amount of targets all things considered. That’s what happens when Herbert has 51 pass attempts in a game.

 

Week 14 Los Angeles Chargers Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: Justin HerbertAustin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams

Keep Them Rostered: Josh Palmer, Gerald Everett

Dump ‘Em: If you’re still holding DeAndre Carter, you can go ahead and drop him as with everybody healthy, he’s not seeing very many pass routes.

 

Los Angeles Rams

NamePos.TargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %TPRRYPRRaDOTWOPRRACR
Tutu AtwellWR9550011639.7%63.4%60.9%26.5%34.6%1.9212.90.6750.431
Ben SkowronekWR878908328.4%90.2%100.0%23.5%21.6%2.4110.40.5521.072
Van JeffersonWR424416923.6%100.0%96.9%11.8%9.8%1.0717.30.3420.638
Tyler HigbeeTE3211062.1%73.2%95.3%8.8%10.0%0.372.00.1471.833
Malcolm BrownRB2212051.7%34.1%28.1%5.9%14.3%0.862.50.1002.400
Kyren WilliamsRB21100-4-1.4%22.0%29.7%5.9%22.2%1.11-2.00.079-2.500
Austin TrammellWR2150165.5%22.0%18.8%5.9%22.2%0.568.00.1270.313
Brandon PowellWR2000-6-2.1%14.6%21.9%5.9%33.3%0.00-3.00.0740.000
Brycen HopkinsTE118062.1%7.3%6.3%2.9%33.3%2.676.00.0591.333
Cam AkersRB111010.3%24.4%42.2%2.9%10.0%0.101.00.0471.000

The Rams are riding high with their come-from-behind win against the Raiders which honestly, they did not deserve. It’s not their fault the Raiders put that game on a silver platter to drive the Baker Mayfield hype train, but here we are.

Tutu Atwell (5-50, nine targets) and Ben Skowronek (7-89, eight targets) combined for half the team’s targets in Week 14, but there’s never a world where I can recommend them as starting fantasy options. I just can’t. The other shoe is already destined to drop and the bottom is primed to fall out, as we know the Rams could get stymied by the Packers in Week 15.

Call me the eternal pessimist, but not all production is created equal, and with the Rams, it can turn sour just as easily as it turned sweet on that fateful Thursday night at SoFi Stadium.

 

Week 14 Los Angeles Rams Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: None exist here!

Keep Them Rostered: Tyler Higbee (maybe?), Ben Skowronek (if you must in 12 team, but more of a 14 team guy), Tutu Atwell (deep 12 and 14 team), Van Jefferson (deep 12 and 14 team)

Dump ‘Em: N/A


 

Miami Dolphins

NamePos.TargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %TPRRYPRRaDOTWOPRRACR
Tyreek HillWR10481115251.2%75.8%66.7%41.7%40.0%3.2415.20.9830.533
Jaylen WaddleWR423105317.8%84.8%84.3%16.7%14.3%1.1113.30.3750.585
Trent SherfieldWR41703010.1%63.6%60.8%16.7%19.0%0.337.50.3210.233
Cedrick WilsonWR22190196.4%33.3%39.2%8.3%18.2%1.739.50.1701.000
Mike GesickiTE20003712.5%51.5%39.2%8.3%11.8%0.0018.50.2120.000
Raheem MostertRB117072.4%72.7%72.5%4.2%4.2%0.297.00.0791.000
Alec IngoldFB1000-1-0.3%27.3%39.2%4.2%11.1%0.00-1.00.0600.000
Durham SmytheTE000000.0%30.3%58.8%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Jeff WilsonRB000000.0%9.1%15.7%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Freddie SwainWR000000.0%15.2%13.7%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Salvon AhmedRB000000.0%12.1%9.8%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000

The Dolphins stunk up the joint on national television, putting together a passing attack that netted just 145 yards and was led by a woefully inefficient Tua Tagovailoawho only completed 10 passes on 33 dropbacks. The Chargers answered every question the Dolphins could pose and then some, completely shutting them down.

Jaylen Waddle has a combined seven fantasy points in his last two contests. Not great, Bob.

At least Tyreek Hill (4-81-1, 10 targets) caught a deep touchdown and ran back a fumble for a touchdown to post a solid day, but that was essentially it for the Dolphins in terms of their pass-catchers. Considering the Dolphins had a league-low of 46 and 51 offensive plays in both Weeks 13 and 14, that’s not going to get it done. 

 

Week 14 Miami Dolphins Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, Tua Tagovailoa

Keep Them Rostered: Jeff Wilson, Raheem Mostert

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Minnesota Vikings

NamePos.TargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %TPRRYPRRaDOTWOPRRACR
Justin JeffersonWR1511223023050.0%97.7%93.8%37.5%34.9%5.1915.30.9130.970
T.J. HockensonTE867706514.1%90.9%95.4%20.0%20.0%1.938.10.3991.185
Adam ThielenWR876518318.0%93.2%93.8%20.0%19.5%1.5910.40.4260.783
K.J. OsbornWR55381235.0%81.8%73.8%12.5%13.9%1.064.60.2231.652
Dalvin CookRB2113081.7%50.0%84.6%5.0%9.1%0.594.00.0871.625
C.J. HamFB119092.0%4.5%9.2%2.5%50.0%4.509.00.0511.000
Jalen ReagorWR1000429.1%11.4%10.8%2.5%20.0%0.0042.00.1010.000
Johnny MundtTE000000.0%9.1%20.0%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Alexander MattisonRB000000.0%15.9%15.4%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000

Justin Jefferson (11-223, 15 targets) is so-so-so #good. He’s going to be my 1.01 in 2023 and if he’s not that in consensus rankings and drafts to at least start out next season’s drafts, I’d be surprised.

After Jefferson, it’s the status quo for the Vikings: condensed offense to the top targets like T.J. Hockenson and Adam Thielen. The trio of Jefferson, Thielen (7-65-1, eight targets), and Hockenson (6-77, eight targets) combined for over 75% of targets and with K.J. Osborn (5-38-1, five targets), that number spikes to almost 90%.

The Vikings play fewer skill position players each week than an NFL team typically does, which seems to be a Kevin O’Connell trait brought over from the Rams the last couple of seasons and now in Minnesota with him becoming the head coach. Just like the Seahawks, it makes it much easier to pinpoint who is getting the ball each week when we know the secondary and tertiary targets aren’t likely to see more than a target or two.

 

Week 14 Minnesota Vikings Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: Justin JeffersonDalvin Cook

Keep Them Rostered: T.J. Hockenson, Adam ThielenAlexander MattisonKirk Cousins

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

New England Patriots

NamePos.TargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %TPRRYPRRaDOTWOPRRACR
Nelson AgholorWR1053209054.5%100.0%96.6%30.3%27.0%0.869.00.8360.356
Kendrick BourneWR554701911.5%73.0%71.2%15.2%18.5%1.743.80.3082.474
Tyquan ThorntonWR54280169.7%97.3%88.1%15.2%13.9%0.783.20.2951.750
Hunter HenryTE337004627.9%62.2%66.1%9.1%13.0%3.0415.30.3321.522
Rhamondre StevensonRB3220-12-7.3%21.6%22.0%9.1%37.5%0.25-4.00.085-0.167
DeVante ParkerWR222402012.1%10.8%10.2%6.1%50.0%6.0010.00.1761.200
Pierre StrongRB22200-1-0.6%21.6%32.2%6.1%25.0%2.50-0.50.087-20.000
Jonnu SmithTE2000-7-4.2%32.4%47.5%6.1%16.7%0.00-3.50.0610.000
Marcus JonesCB11120-6-3.6%13.5%13.6%3.0%20.0%2.40-6.00.020-2.000
Kevin HarrisRB000000.0%37.8%49.2%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Matthew SlaterWR000000.0%0.0%3.4%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000

Without Jakobi Meyers in the slot for the Patriots and with the Patriots losing DeVante Parker, who had concussion-like symptoms after a huge hit, Nelson Agholor and Kendrick Bourne (5-47, five targets) were thrust into bigger roles. Despite that, there really wasn’t anything to write home about from an offensive or fantasy standpoint. Which sounds apropos for this team.

Agholor (5-32, 10 targets) earned 30% of the targets on Monday night and earned most of the downfield looks with 55% of air yards, but couldn’t put anything together. It wasn’t for a lack of trying, as the Patriots were much more pass-heavy than usual, with a 69% raw pass rate and 8% PROE — the fourth-highest of Week 14. Perhaps that was because the team lost Rhamondre Stevenson early and had to pivot from their game plan after mixing in rookie running backs Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris, who both scored rushing touchdowns.

 

Week 14 New England Patriots Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: Rhamondre Stevenson (when healthy)

Keep Them Rostered: Jakobi Meyers (when healthy), Hunter Henry (deeper 12 and 14 team)

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

New Orleans Saints

On bye in Week 14.

 

Week 14 New Orleans Saints Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: Chris Olave, Alvin Kamara (for now… despite the upside, it’s a ceremonial placement because he sure hasn’t been playing like one lately.)

Keep Them Rostered: Rashid Shaheed (deep 12 and 14 team leagues), Jarvis Landry (deep 12 and 14 team leagues), Juwan Johnson (deep 12 and 14 team leagues)

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

New York Giants

NamePos.TargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %TPRRYPRRaDOTWOPRRACR
Richie JamesWR976116131.4%95.3%90.6%28.1%22.0%1.496.80.6421.000
Isaiah HodginsWR643818342.8%88.4%89.1%18.8%15.8%1.0013.80.5810.458
Matt BreidaRB429042.1%39.5%35.9%12.5%23.5%0.531.00.2022.250
Darius SlaytonWR324203116.0%76.7%82.8%9.4%9.1%1.2710.30.2521.355
Daniel BellingerTE33190105.2%60.5%60.9%9.4%11.5%0.733.30.1771.900
Gary BrightwellRB3218031.5%37.2%32.8%9.4%18.8%1.131.00.1516.000
Saquon BarkleyRB22200-2-1.0%16.3%31.3%6.3%28.6%2.86-1.00.087-10.000
Nick VannettTE219042.1%39.5%43.8%6.3%11.8%0.532.00.1082.250
Kenny GolladayWR000000.0%18.6%17.2%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Marcus JohnsonWR000000.0%11.6%9.4%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Chris MyarickTE000000.0%7.0%6.3%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000

Big Fantasy requires me to talk about every team that played in Week 14 and the New York Giants are certainly one of them. This hodge-podge of passing-game options isn’t being started in 12-team leagues unless you, as a fantasy manager, are desperate — bless your little heart if that’s you.

Richie James (7-61-1, nine targets) and Isaiah Hodgins (4-38-1, six targets) are both running routes on at least 89% of dropbacks, and both scored, but they’re extremely difficult clicks into your lineup and even more so now that the fantasy playoffs are here. Still, they’re running the most routes along with Darius Slayton (2-42, three targets, 77% routes), who took a dip in routes and production this week.

 

Week 14 New York Giants Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: Saquon Barkley

Keep Them Rostered: Darius Slayton, Daniel JonesDaniel Bellinger (deeper 12 and 14 team) Richie James (deeper 12 and 14 team), Isaiah Hodgins (deeper 12 and 14 team)

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

New York Jets

NamePos.TargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %TPRRYPRRaDOTWOPRRACR
Elijah MooreWR10660010429.1%92.2%82.4%22.7%21.3%1.2810.40.5440.577
Tyler ConklinTE852804913.7%70.6%71.6%18.2%22.2%0.786.10.3690.571
Garrett WilsonWR767808624.0%100.0%97.3%15.9%13.7%1.5312.30.4070.907
Michael CarterRB6315020.6%54.9%50.0%13.6%21.4%0.540.30.2087.500
Denzel MimsWR533504813.4%68.6%68.9%11.4%14.3%1.009.60.2640.729
Braxton BerriosWR312504211.7%23.5%23.0%6.8%25.0%2.0814.00.1840.595
C.J. UzomahTE2170185.0%23.5%45.9%4.5%16.7%0.589.00.1030.389
Zonovan KnightRB2260-6-1.7%29.4%47.3%4.5%13.3%0.40-3.00.056-1.000
Corey DavisWR11150154.2%11.8%12.2%2.3%16.7%2.5015.00.0631.000

The Jets hung tough with the Bills, and while there weren’t any huge performances with the volume, there were still some notable takeaways here. 

Elijah Moore (6-60, 10 targets) jumped back into the 90% routes range for the first time since Week 4. I’m not saying he’s a must-start option, but it provides a much safer avenue to capture the clear upside he has. He’s seemingly escaped the Robert Saleh doghouse he was in after he requested a trade early on this season.

Garrett Wilson (6-78, seven targets) is still #good despite being more of a floor game in terms of production. He’s a must-start every week.

 

Week 14 New York Jets Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: Garrett Wilson

Keep Them Rostered: Zonovan Knight, Elijah Moore, Corey Davis, Michael Carter

Dump ‘Em: Ty Johnson is droppable for me in this offense as with Michael Carter and Zonovan Knight holding down the backfield, Johnson is expendable.

 

Philadelphia Eagles

NamePos.TargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %TPRRYPRRaDOTWOPRRACR
DeVonta SmithWR856419030.3%97.2%91.2%25.8%22.9%1.8311.30.5990.711
A.J. BrownWR647017926.6%100.0%85.3%19.4%16.7%1.9413.20.4770.886
Quez WatkinsWR541904715.8%63.9%47.1%16.1%21.7%0.839.40.3530.404
Grant CalcaterraTE422403210.8%41.7%57.4%12.9%26.7%1.608.00.2690.750
Miles SandersRB311103913.1%50.0%66.2%9.7%16.7%0.6113.00.2370.282
Jack StollTE2220093.0%55.6%69.1%6.5%10.0%1.004.50.1182.222
Zach PascalWR115041.3%22.2%27.9%3.2%12.5%0.634.00.0581.250
Boston ScottRB1140-3-1.0%11.1%17.6%3.2%25.0%1.00-3.00.041-1.333
Kenneth GainwellRB110000.0%19.4%17.6%3.2%14.3%0.000.00.0480.000
Tyree JacksonTE000000.0%5.6%13.2%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000

The Eagles had a 50/50 run/pass split and destroyed the overachieving Giants. With 48 points scored, both DeVonta Smith (5-64-1, eight targets) and A.J. Brown (4-70-1, six targets) got there to reasonable degrees, but only Quez Watkins (4-19, five targets) had over four targets and more than two receptions outside of that Brown/Smith duo. Watkins’ time in the sun as the third passing-game target is likely setting as Dallas Goedert’s window to return from IR has opened up and is increasingly likely to play in Week 15.

 

Week 14 Philadelphia Eagles Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert

Keep Them Rostered: Miles Sanders

Dump ‘Em: With Dallas Goedert returning, you can go ahead and drop Quez Watkins. Watkins will be nothing more than an extremely boom-or-bust option without the increased target volume when Goedert was on IR.

 

Pittsburgh Steelers

NamePos.TargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %TPRRYPRRaDOTWOPRRACR
Diontae JohnsonWR8682013340.1%94.3%94.5%25.8%24.2%2.4816.60.6680.617
Pat FreiermuthTE633315015.1%57.1%56.4%19.4%30.0%1.658.30.3960.660
Steven SimsWR44300216.3%48.6%49.1%12.9%23.5%1.765.30.2381.429
George PickensWR337807021.1%91.4%76.4%9.7%9.4%2.4423.30.2931.114
Najee HarrisRB32170154.5%42.9%56.4%9.7%20.0%1.135.00.1771.133
Jaylen WarrenRB32160-2-0.6%37.1%40.0%9.7%23.1%1.23-0.70.141-8.000
Gunner OlszewskiWR2170216.3%31.4%36.4%6.5%18.2%0.6410.50.1410.333
Connor HeywardTE11130144.2%17.1%20.0%3.2%16.7%2.1714.00.0780.929
Zach GentryTE1000103.0%31.4%45.5%3.2%9.1%0.0010.00.0690.000
Miles BoykinWR000000.0%8.6%18.2%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Derek WattFB000000.0%2.9%3.6%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Benny SnellRB000000.0%0.0%3.6%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000

I’m clearly a glutton for punishment as I keep thinking the Steelers will eventually find their weapons much more than they actually do and that it will be a gold mine like it’s been for the last several seasons.

Kenny Pickett was knocked out early with a concussion, which led Mitch Trubisky back out to spearhead the Pittsburgh passing attack. Yikes.

The Steelers didn’t run that many plays (55 total, second-lowest of Week 14) and there really wasn’t much of a fruitful receiving day of the lot outside of Diontae Johnson (6-82, eight targets) and a Pat Freiermuth (3-33-1, six targets) touchdown late to cut the Ravens’ lead to two points.

Reportedly, Mason Rudolph is splitting snaps with Trubisky in practice, so it might have only taken 14 weeks, but I think I’ll finally be hands-off on this passing game for the season.

 

Week 14 Pittsburgh Steelers Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: I can’t do it anymore with the Steelers.

Keep Them Rostered: Najee Harris, Diontae Johnson, Pat FreiermuthGeorge PickensJaylen Warren (contingent play for Harris)

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

San Francisco 49ers

NamePos.TargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %TPRRYPRRaDOTWOPRRACRPlayer SnapsPlayer Routes
Deebo SamuelWR544301210.6%50.0%42.9%22.7%41.7%3.582.40.4153.5832712
George KittleTE542801513.3%87.5%79.4%22.7%23.8%1.333.00.4341.8675021
Brandon AiyukWR325714842.5%87.5%77.8%13.6%14.3%2.7116.00.5021.1884921
Christian McCaffreyRB323412723.9%79.2%69.8%13.6%15.8%1.799.00.3721.2594419
Kyle JuszczykFB2270-5-4.4%37.5%65.1%9.1%22.2%0.78-2.50.105-1.400419
Jauan JenningsWR215010.9%54.2%34.9%9.1%15.4%0.380.50.1435.0002213
Ray-Ray McCloudWR1111098.0%45.8%44.4%4.5%9.1%1.009.00.1241.2222811
Danny GrayWR1110065.3%12.5%20.6%4.5%33.3%3.336.00.1051.667133
Jordan MasonRB000000.0%4.2%30.2%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000191
Tyler KroftTE000000.0%8.3%25.4%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000162
Charlie WoernerTE000000.0%0.0%9.5%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.00060

Brock Purdy in control of this 49ers offense as a game manager makes Jimmy Garoppolo look like a gunslinger by comparison. Purdy only had 21 pass attempts (with Josh Johnson coming in relief to snatch two more attempts), so in this blowout of the now toothless Buccaneers, it’s seemingly going to rely more on efficiency and touchdowns than ever before.

Purdy’s 5.2-yard aDOT in Week 14 was even lower than his league-low 5.4-yard aDOT last week and the team only managed 113 air yards. Purdy isn’t throwing the ball downfield. If the team is blowing out their opponents, maybe they don’t have to, but at some point, Purdy is going to have to take some shots downfield instead of condensing the offense in and around the line of scrimmage.

Losing Deebo Samuel to an MCL and ankle sprain is honestly one of the better scenarios that could have happened, as looking at that play in real-time looked brutal. Samuel (4-43, five targets; rushing touchdown) did chip in with a decent receiving line and scored a rushing touchdown before leaving the game, so his loss will consolidate the rushing work even more to Christian McCaffrey.

Brandon Aiyuk (2-57-1, three targets) scored a touchdown and George Kittle (4-28, five targets) helped lead the team in targets with Samuel, but didn’t put up a meaningful stat line in the end. Getting the fantasy-friendly stat lines we want will require Purdy to be a bit more aggressive. Whether or not that’s going to happen — especially if the 49ers are steamrolling their opponents — remains to be seen.

 

Week 14 San Francisco 49ers Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel (when healthy)

Keep Them Rostered: Brandon Aiyuk, George Kittle, Jordan Mason (purely a handcuff/contingent play)

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Seattle Seahawks

NamePos.TargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %TPRRYPRRaDOTWOPRRACR
DK MetcalfWR10571116040.6%95.2%90.7%27.8%25.0%1.7816.00.7010.444
Tyler LockettWR956019724.6%97.6%92.6%25.0%22.0%1.4610.80.5470.619
Marquise GoodwinWR659518120.6%78.6%75.9%16.7%18.2%2.8813.50.3941.173
Will DisslyTE322004310.9%26.2%38.9%8.3%27.3%1.8214.30.2010.465
Travis HomerRB3280102.5%64.3%90.7%8.3%11.1%0.303.30.1430.800
Colby ParkinsonTE21100153.8%23.8%31.5%5.6%20.0%1.007.50.1100.667
Tony JonesRB2100-7-1.8%4.8%9.3%5.6%100.0%0.00-3.50.0710.000
Noah FantTE1000-5-1.3%40.5%55.6%2.8%5.9%0.00-5.00.0330.000
Laquon TreadwellWR000000.0%4.8%7.4%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Dareke YoungWR000000.0%4.8%3.7%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000

Stop me if you’ve heard this one before: the hyper-condensed Seattle Seahawks passing game.

It’s as evergreen as ever when the top-two targets are targeted at a combined 52.8% of the week. Both DK Metcalf (5-71-1, 10 targets) and Tyler Lockett (5-60-1, nine targets) caught five balls, ran more than 95% of routes, and both reeled in a touchdown, but Marquise Goodwin (5-95-1, six targets) got in on the fun as well with a touchdown of his own.

That makes the Seahawks' passing game a cinch to predict each week outside of Goodwin. We know where the targets are going; it’s just a matter of if Geno Smith is going to bring both Metcalf and Lockett with him each week or if it will be one over the other.

Seattle had the highest raw pass rate of the week (79.6%) where they didn’t have Kenneth Walker or DeeJay Dallas, so it certainly makes sense for Seattle to lean on the pass so heavily. With Walker back, it likely scales back the passing game to a degree. Still, Smith’s efficiency as a passer has been on display in most weeks, so that condensed passing attack is certainly one to lock into every week if you roster one of the main pieces.

 

Week 14 Seattle Seahawks Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Geno Smith, Kenneth Walker

Keep Them Rostered: Noah Fant (deep 12 and 14 team leagues)

Dump ‘Em: The one-week honeymoon with Travis Homer is over with Walker expected to play on Thursday night. Homer is droppable, as is DeeJay Dallas.

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

NamePos.TargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %TPRRYPRRaDOTWOPRRACR
Chris GodwinWR955405817.3%91.1%90.8%17.6%17.6%1.066.40.3860.931
Mike EvansWR944408525.3%87.5%86.8%17.6%18.4%0.909.40.4420.518
Julio JonesWR853808023.8%69.6%72.4%15.7%20.5%0.9710.00.4020.475
Leonard FournetteRB7633051.5%50.0%47.4%13.7%25.0%1.180.70.2166.600
Cade OttonTE54280319.2%55.4%59.2%9.8%16.1%0.906.20.2120.903
Rachaad WhiteRB55210-1-0.3%37.5%52.6%9.8%23.8%1.00-0.20.145-21.000
Cameron BrateTE421203510.4%39.3%36.8%7.8%18.2%0.558.80.1910.343
Russell GageWR22121113.3%37.5%32.9%3.9%9.5%0.575.50.0821.091
Ko KieftTE1111051.5%1.8%6.6%2.0%100.0%11.005.00.0402.200
Scotty MillerWR1000278.0%12.5%14.5%2.0%14.3%0.0027.00.0860.000

Tom Brady’s 55 pass attempts used to mean something, damn it.

Now, it’s just a hollow 253 passing yards and seven points on a deflected pass to Chris Godwin (5-54, nine targets) that Russell Gage (2-12-1, two targets) caught the carom in the end zone. Where has our country gone?

Gone are the days of Mike Evans (4-44, nine targets) popping off with some volume, instead showing up as an inefficient version of himself for weeks now and continuing the trend in Week 14. Brady has even taken guys like Leonard Fournette (6-33, seven targets) and Rachaad White (5-21, five targets), who would have been target monsters like James White in his Patriots heyday and split up the workload evenly like a pair of twins who a mother cannot favor one over the other. 

As we look wistfully at what used to be in this Buccaneers’ offense, we must remember the good times and never take them for granted. We may never get the fully-functioning, high-powered Bucs offense again.

 

Week 14 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: Chris Godwin, Mike Evans

Keep Them Rostered: Leonard Fournette, Rachaad White, Tom BradyCade OttonJulio Jones (12 team flex option, deep 12 and 14 team leagues)

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Tennessee Titans

NamePos.TargetsRec.Rec. YardsTDAir YardsAir Yards %Route %Snap %Target Share %TPRRYPRRaDOTWOPRRACR
Nick Westbrook-IkhineWR832319025.7%95.7%95.5%21.1%18.2%0.5211.30.4960.256
Robert WoodsWR754905916.9%87.0%86.6%18.4%17.5%1.238.40.3940.831
Chigoziem OkonkwoTE66451318.9%52.2%49.3%15.8%25.0%1.885.20.2991.452
Austin HooperTE55680339.4%58.7%53.7%13.2%18.5%2.526.60.2632.061
Derrick HenryRB53340-1-0.3%47.8%74.6%13.2%22.7%1.55-0.20.195-34.000
Racey McMathWR400010730.6%39.1%32.8%10.5%22.2%0.0026.80.3720.000
Julius ChestnutRB228041.1%13.0%10.4%5.3%33.3%1.332.00.0872.000
Chris ConleyWR11270277.7%52.2%47.8%2.6%4.2%1.1327.00.0931.000
Geoff SwaimTE000000.0%2.2%25.4%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Dontrell HilliardRB000000.0%15.2%13.4%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000
Kevin RaderTE000000.0%0.0%3.0%0.0%0.0%0.000.00.0000.000

The Titans have spiked their pass rate a little bit with Ryan Tannehill seemingly in a bit of a groove, but in terms of options you’d want to roster for fantasy, they’re few and far between. So when we see a Jonnu Smith-clone in Chigoziem Okonkwo (6-45-1, six targets, 52% routes) pop off for a touchdown, we want to believe. The routes are not quite where we want them and it’s going to take big volume and/or a touchdown to make him worth starting each week, but there’s something clearly there with him. Now the usage has to come with the peripherals (25% TPRR., 1.88 YPRR) at a thin tight end position.

Outside of Okonkwo, Robert Woods (5-49, seven targets, 87% routes) led the way for wide receivers without Treylon Burks, but he’s merely a weak flex option heading into the fantasy playoffs.

 

Week 14 Tennessee Titans Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: Derrick Henry

Keep Them Rostered: Treylon Burks (when healthy), Robert Woods (deep 12 and 14 team leagues), Chigoziem Okonkowo (deep 12 and 14 team leagues)

Dump ‘Em: N/A

 

Washington Commanders

On bye in Week 14.

 

Week 14 Washington Commanders Fantasy Takeaways:

Start Your Studs: Terry McLaurin

Keep Them Rostered: Brian RobinsonAntonio GibsonCurtis Samuel (deep 12 and 14 team), Jahan Dotson (deep 12 and 14 team)

Dump ‘Em: N/A


Stat Credits:

 

 

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