Wide Receiver Snap Counts and Target Trends - Risers and Fallers for Week 7 (2022)

You are already aware that wide receivers will play a critical role in the success of your teams. The undeniable volatility that exists with the running back position has also presented an increasing rationale for prioritizing wide receivers when you build your rosters – both at the onset of your drafts and as you manage your teams throughout the entire season. The numbers that are generated by all wide receivers provide the foundation for this weekly statistical breakdown of the position, which I will be constructing for the fifth consecutive season.

This will be the sixth installment that will examine game-specific data, including updated totals for targets, air yards, targets per route run, yards per route run, red-zone targets, and snap counts. The information that is contained in this weekly report will analyze how various receivers are being utilized, and how effectively they are capitalizing on their opportunities.

As the season progresses noteworthy changes in usage and production will be blended into the equation. 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 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.

• Quarterback fantasy football rankings
• Running back fantasy football rankings
• Wide receiver fantasy football rankings
• Tight end fantasy football rankings
• Kicker fantasy football rankings
• FLEX fantasy football rankings
• Defense (D/ST) fantasy football rankings
• Superflex fantasy football rankings
• IDP fantasy football rankings
• Dynasty fantasy football rankings

Week 6 Target Leaders

Just give it to Cooper Kupp and let him do the rest 😮 #RamsHouse

📺: #CARvsLAR on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/3NjUhu7dRf pic.twitter.com/rAi8Ugxq92

— NFL (@NFL) October 16, 2022

Cooper Kupp continues to lead all wide receivers in targets entering Week 7 (72/12.0 per game) which has been fueled by the 14+ that he collected in three different contests. He has attained double-digit target totals during 18 of his last 23 regular season matchups but has failed to do so during two of his last four games.

Two receivers are tied for second with 65 targets including Stefon Diggs, who has garnered at least 11 during four of his last five games. That ties him with Tyreek Hill, who has now interspersed four games of 12+ targets with two other contests in which he has failed to exceed seven.

Marquise Brown failed to reach double digits for the first time since Week 1, as he collected nine targets before sustaining his foot injury. That expanded his overall total to 64. It also placed him just ahead of Justin Jefferson and Ja’Marr Chase. Jefferson is currently eighth overall with a 29.3% target share, while Chase has now accumulated 22 targets during his last two matchups.

CeeDee Lamb has accrued 60 targets as the 10 that he captured in Week 6 represented his highest weekly total since Week 3. Diontae Johnson is next (57) even though he has failed to surpass a total of seven targets during two of his last three games. Amari Cooper has now collected 24 targets during his last two outings which has expanded his overall total to 55. Davante Adams is next (54) even though his overall total remained stationary during the Raiders’ bye week.

A.J. Brown’s second TD as an Eagle pic.twitter.com/WTRuSBcskm

— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) October 17, 2022

A.J. Brown has not reached a double-digit target total since Week 3 but has still accumulated 53 targets entering Week 7. Michael Pittman Jr. has collected 52 targets after he captured a career-high 16 in Week 7. D.K. Metcalf has accumulated 50 targets and his numbers will be examined further in the Five Things I Noticed section. Metcalf is tied with Curtis Samuel who averaged 10 targets per game from Weeks 1-3 but has averaged 6.7 per game since Week 4.

Mike Williams has also collected 50 targets which have been fueled by the 24 that he accrued in Weeks 4-5. Jaylen Waddle has now assembled 49 targets after reaching double digits for just the second time this season (10) in Week 6. That tied Waddle with Courtland Sutton, who was limited to a season-low three when Denver traveled to Los Angeles in Week 6.

Garrett Wilson has accumulated 48 targets, after stockpiling 25 in Weeks 2-3. However, he has only been targeted 15 times during his last three games combined. Deebo Samuel has now collected 47 targets, including 19 during his last two games. He also reached double digits for the first time this season when he was targeted 10 times by Jimmy Garoppolo in Week 6.

Tyler Lockett's five targets in Week 6 expanded his overall total to 45. However, that also represented his lowest weekly total since Seattle’s season opener. D.J. Moore has collected 44 targets even though he has failed to exceed seven during four of his six matchups. That ties him with Christian Kirk, who averaged 9.0 per game from Weeks 1-4 but has also averaged 4.0 per game during his last two outings.

Adam Thielen has accrued 43 targets while averaging 7.8 per game since Week 2. That ties him with Drake London who was limited to a season-low four targets in Week 6. DeVonta Smith has also accumulated 43 targets amid fluctuating weekly totals during his last five games (7/12/4/11/5).

Chris Olave has collected 42 targets even though he remained in concussion protocol when New Orleans hosted Cincinnati in Week 6. That ties Olave with Brandin Cooks whose concerning numbers will be discussed further in the Five Things I Noticed section.

JuJu takes it home‼️

📺: #BUFvsKC on CBS pic.twitter.com/5UyTeTOo25

— Kansas City Chiefs (@Chiefs) October 16, 2022

JuJu Smith-Schuster has been targeted eight times during four of his six contests which has elevated his overall total to 40. Josh Palmer completes the list of 29 wide receivers who have accumulated 40+ targets after he captured a career-high 12 in Week 6.

Nine different receivers are averaging at least 10.0 targets per game – Kupp (12.0), Hill (10.8), Diggs (10.8), Adams (10.8), Marquise Brown (10.7), Chase (10.5), Jefferson (10.5), Pittman (10.4), and Lamb (10.0).

Week 6 Target Risers And Fallers 

15 different wide receivers accumulated 10+ targets during their matchups in Week 6. Michael Pittman’s career-high 16 targets represented the highest weekly total at his position. It was the second time that he had attained double digits this season and the first time since the Colts’ season opener.

Tyreek Hill creating 5+ yards of separation on a curl at the sticks on 4th-and-5 — guy is unguardable right now. pic.twitter.com/o69XvhMw5C

— Austin Gayle (@austingayle_) October 17, 2022

Tyreek Hill has now captured 14+ targets in two of his last three games, after accumulating 15 when Miami hosted Minnesota. Stefon Diggs collected 13 targets when Buffalo visited Kansas City and he has now averaged 11.2 per game since Week 2.

Amari Cooper accumulated 12 targets for the second consecutive week, while his 32.4% share during that two-game sequence places him fifth overall. Darnell Mooney also collected 12 targets which established a new season-high. Mooney had only averaged 4.2 per game from Weeks 1-5 and had not exceeded six targets during any of those five matchups.

Chris Godwin also attained a season-high 12 targets when Tampa Bay traveled to Pittsburgh. He is now averaging 9.3 per game since he returned to the Buccaneers in Week 4. Brandon Aiyuk was targeted 11 times by Jimmy Garoppolo which propelled him to his first double-digit total since Week 14 of the 2021 regular season. That tied Aiyuk with Parris Campbell whose career-high 11 targets also resulted in the first double-digit total since he entered the league in 2019.

JA'MARR CHASE ARE YOU KIDDING ME 😱

(via @Bengals)pic.twitter.com/44m16UlDVu

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) October 16, 2022

Ja’Marr Chase was targeted 10 times during Cincinnati’s Week 6 matchup in New Orleans, and he has eclipsed double digits during six of his last nine regular season games. Chase’s teammate Tee Higgins also collected 10 targets, which was his first double-digit outing since Week 2. CeeDee Lamb has now reached double digits in four of his six games this season after he was targeted 10 times by Cooper Rush in Week 6.

Jaylen Waddle was targeted 10+ times in seven different matchups during the 2021 regular season and he has now accomplished it twice this season. That tied Waddle with Deebo Samuel, whose total easily exceeded his average of 7.4 per game from Weeks 1-5. Rondale Moore was the sixth wide receiver who was targeted 10 times in Week 6 which was the second time in his career that he has eclipsed 10+.

Higgins' aforementioned 10 targets in Week 6 were collected just one week after his ankle injury limited him to a 16% snap share and zero targets. Hill’s 15 targets in Week 6 established a new season high and were collected just one week after he had been targeted seven times. That fueled his weekly rise of +8. Pittman’s career-best 16 targets were accumulated one week after he was targeted eight times. That increased his week-to-week total by +8.

Parris at the pylon. 🙌#BudLightCelly | @BudLight | 📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/ddqTvglfqQ

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) October 16, 2022

Pittman’s teammate Parris Campbell also registered an increase of +8 as his 11-target outing occurred one week after he was targeted three times. Aiyuk had averaged 5.4 targets per game from Weeks 1-5 while being limited to four on Week 5. However, he captured 11 targets in Week 6 which ignited his rise of +7. That tied Aiyuk with Mooney, who garnered the second-highest total of his career in Week 6 (12) after receiving four targets in Week 5.

Sutton had collected 10+ targets in three different outings, including the 11 that were captured in Week 5. His season-low total in Week 6 (3)  ignited his weekly decline of -8. Williams had reached double digits during three of his four matchups from Weeks  2-5, including the 14 that he accrued in Week 5. He was limited to six in Week 6, which diminished his week-to-week results by-7.

Isaiah Hodgins collected an unsustainable six targets on just 13 snaps in Week 5 but failed to register a target while playing on four snaps in Week 6. That resulted in his weekly decline of -6. Johnson’s weekly totals have fluctuated sizably during his last four games (11/4/13/7), which included his weekly decrease of -6. That tied Johnson with DeVonta Smith, who had captured 11 targets in Week 5, before collecting five when Philadelphia hosted Dallas.

Jefferson assembled eight targets in Week 6 after he had accumulated 13 targets in both Weeks 4 and 5. That resulted in his weekly reduction of -5. Jefferson was joined by Marquez Valdes-Scantling, whose season-low three targets in Week 6 occurred just one week after he had collected a season-high (8). Robbie Anderson’s week-to-week totals also dropped by -5 after he accumulated more confrontations than targets during his final game as a Panther.

Week 6 Air Yards

Chris Olave has maintained his league lead in air yards (744) even though he was in concussion protocol during the Saints’ Week 6 matchup with Cincinnati. Marquise Brown is second overall (669), followed by Tyreek Hill (666), Stefon Diggs (641), Diontae Johnson (603), Mike Williams (597), Davante Adams (592), Tyler Lockett (589), Courtland Sutton (568), Amari Cooper (576), CeeDee Lamb (566), and D.K. Metcalf, who has accumulated 560 air yards.

Ja’Marr Chase has accrued 558 air yards, followed by Cooper Kupp (554), Corey Davis (518), Jaylen Waddle (510), and A.J. Brown (509), which completes the list of 16 receivers who have eclipsed 500 air yards entering Week 6.

Terry McLaurin is next (497), followed by Allen Lazard (492), Justin Jefferson (486), George Pickens (481), Darnell Mooney (471), Jerry Jeudy (466), Josh Reynolds (436), Gabriel Davis (433), Drake London (428), and two receivers who are tied with 416 air yards – Garrett Wilson, and D.J. Moore.

Mooney continues to lead all wide receivers in air yard share (46.0%), followed by A.J. Brown (43.1%), Olave (41.0%), Marquise Brown (40.5%), Adams (39.9%), Lamb (39.8%), Williams (38.6%), Lazard (38.5%), and Lockett with a share of 38.5%. Kupp is next (38.0%), followed by Darius Slayton (38.0%), Jefferson (37.7%), D.J. Moore (37.7%), Chase (36.9%), Metcalf (36.5%), Hill (36.4%), Jakobi Meyers (36.2%), Cooper ( 35.5%). and Sutton (35.2%).

Diggs is next (34.8%), followed by Johnson (34.0%), London (33.7%), Nico Collins (32.8%), DeVonta Smith (32.5%), Marvin Jones (31.9%), Adam Thielen (30.2%), Rashod Bateman (30.1%), Corey Davis (29.8%), Robbie Anderson (29.6%). DeVante Parker (29.5%), Christian Kirk (29.5%), Brandon Aiyuk (29.2%), and Brandin Cooks (29.0%).

Week 6 Targets Per Route Run

Cooper Kupp continues to lead all wide receivers in targets per route run (40%). CeeDee Lamb is second overall (35.1%), followed by Tyreek Hill (33.3%), Deebo Samuel (32.9%), Amon-Ra St. Brown (32.8%), Davante Adams (31.6%), Drake London (30.5%), Hunter Renfrow (28.6%), Jakobi Meyers (28.2%), and two receivers who have been targeted on 27.8% of their routes: Chris Olave, and Amari Cooper.

Chris Godwin is next (27.7%), followed by A.J. Brown (27.6%), Garrett Wilson (27.3%), Stefon Diggs (27.2%), Brandon Aiyuk (26.8%), Courtland Sutton (26.3%), Brandin Cooks (25.8%), Justin Jefferson (25.6%), Mike Williams (25.3%), and two receivers who have been targeted on 25% of their routes: Tee Higgins, and D.K. Metcalf. Jaylen Waddle is next (24.7%), followed by Marquise Brown (24.6%), Scotty Miller (24.4%), Noah Brown (23.9%), Zay Jones (23.6%), Jerry Jeudy (23.5%), and three receivers who are tied with a percentage of 23.3%: Tyler Lockett, D.J. Moore, and Richie James.

Week 6 Yards Per Route Run

Tyreek Hill leads all wide receivers with an average of 3.59 yards per route run. Cooper Kupp is second (3.37), followed by Jakobi Meyers (2.92), Stefon Diggs (2.74), Jaylen Waddle (2.69), Justin Jefferson (2.66), A.J. Brown (2.62), Chris Olave (2.58), Rashod Bateman (2.56), Olamide Zaccheaus (2.53), Davante Adams (2.42), and Deebo Samuel, who is averaging 2.41 yards per route run.

CeeDee Lamb is next (2.39), followed by Tee Higgins (2.38), Courtland Sutton (2.32), Kendrick Bourne (2.29), Amon-Ra St. Brown (2.28), Brandon Aiyuk (2.25), Nelson Agholor (2.25), Chris Godwin (2.23), Tyler Lockett (2.19), Mike Evans (2.18), and Drake London (2.17). Noah Brown (2.16), Juju Smith-Schuster (2.09), Mike Williams (2.07), Randall Cobb (2.06), Nico Collins (2.05), and D.K. Metcalf (2.03) completing the list of 28 wide receivers who are averaging at least 2.00 yards per route run.

Week 6 Red Zone Targets

Ja’Marr Chase has captured five red zone targets during his last two matchups, which has propelled him into the overall lead with 13 targets. That ties him with Davante Adams, who maintained his share of the lead during the Raiders’ bye week. Stefon Diggs and Justin Jefferson have both been targeted 11 times while Allen Robinson is the only other wide receiver who has received 10+ targets inside the 20.

Six different receivers have been targeted nine times (A.J. Brown/Courtland Sutton/D.K. Metcalf/Christian Kirk/Garrett Wilson/Adam Thielen) while three receivers have been targeted eight times inside the 20: Cooper Kupp/Amari Cooper/Josh Reynolds.

Robinson has surged into the lead with eight targets inside the 10-yard line, while Adams, Jefferson, and Wilson have been targeted seven times. Chase, Brown, Kirk, Thielen, and Reynolds have all collected six targets inside the 10. Adams and Robinson lead all wide receivers with six targets inside the 5-yard line while Kirk is next with five. Chase, Diggs, Reynolds, and Sutton have all been targeted four times.

Week 6 Snap Counts

Cooper Kupp leads all wide receivers with a 99.2% snap share. Davante Adams is second overall (97.1%), followed by D.J. Moore (96.9%), Justin Jefferson (96.8%), Michael Pittman (96.2%), Ja’Marr Chase (95.8%), Adam Thielen (95.2%), Marquise  Brown (94.9%), CeeDee Lamb (94.7%), Gabriel Davis (93.5%), and Courtland Sutton who has attained a snap share of 93.0%.

Terry McLaurin is next (92.5%), followed by DeVonta Smith (92.4%), Christian Kirk (92.4%), Mack Hollins (92.3%), Allen Lazard (91.7%), Allen Robinson (91.7%), Rondale Moore 91.4%, Darnell Mooney (90.8%), Brandon Aiyuk (90.7%), and Mike Williams, who has secured a percentage of 90.4%. Diontae Johnson is next (90.2%), followed by his teammate Chase Claypool (88.0%), D.K. Metcalf (85.3%), Donovan Peoples-Jones (84.3%), Brandin Cooks (84.3%), Parris Campbell (83.9%), Ben Skowronek (83.7%), Robbie Anderson (83.6%), and Tyler Lockett, who has played on 83.6% of Seattle’s offensive snaps.

Marquise Brown leads all wide receivers with 409 offensive snaps. Devonta Smith is next (392), followed by Ja’Marr Chase (386), Mike Williams (376), Cooper Kupp (370), Terry McLaurin (368), Justin Jefferson (365), Adam Thielen (359), Michael Pittman (355), Christian Kirk (353), A.J. Brown (352), and two players that are tied with 350 snaps: Donovan Peoples-Jones, and Parris Campbell.

Courtland Sutton is next (347), followed by Allen Robinson (342), Amari Cooper (339), Cooper’s former teammate CeeDee Lamb (339), Diontae Johnson (331), Joshua Palmer (331), Tyler Boyd (329), Curtis Samuel (328), Elijah Moore (326), and two receivers are tied with 323 snaps: Brandon Aiyuk, and Chase Claypool.

Gabriel Davis is next (316), followed by D.J. Moore (313), Ben Skowronek (312), Corey Davis (309), Stefon Diggs (305), Darnell Mooney (304), Davante Adams (303), Romeo Doubs (301), and Allen Lazard completing the list of 33 receivers who have played on at least 300 snaps.

Five Things I Noticed  

1. The first six weeks of regular season game action have provided a plethora of surprises, and the ascension of Geno Smith into a reliable QB1 for fantasy managers arguably resides atop the list of unforeseen developments. Smith was essentially ignored during draft season (ADP 274/QB34), while significant concerns surrounding his ability to perform proficiently also reduced enthusiasm for selecting D.K. Metcalf (ADP 60/WR27) and Tyler Lockett (ADP 109/WR45). during the offseason draft process.

However, Smith’s proficiency in spearheading Seattle’s attack from Weeks 1-5 had obliterated expectations.

pic.twitter.com/MyFFDrQ5i0

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) October 10, 2022

He entered Week 6 at QB7, while his league-best 75.2% completion rate easily exceeded his career average (58.6%). He was also 11th in completions (118/23.6 per game) 12th with an average of 261 yards per game and constructed a 9:2 touchdown to interception ratio.

Metcalf and Lockett also remained unchallenged while operating as the top two options in Seattle's aerial attack. Not only had they combined for a 54.3% target share from Weeks 1-5. but no other Seahawk wide receiver had even reached a 6% share.

Right on the money to @dkm14. 🎯

📺: next up #AZvsSEA on FOX pic.twitter.com/u16tDJD0OQ

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) October 11, 2022

Metcalf was WR19 while leading the team in targets (43/8.6 per game) and routes run (165). He had also been targeted on 26.1% of his routes while averaging 2.25 yards per route run. Metcalf was a close second behind Lockett in air yards (473) and also with his 35.9% share of air yards. Metcalf’s 65.3% catch rate was also the highest of his career.

Perfect placement for the score by @GenoSmith3!

📺: #SEAvsNO on FOX pic.twitter.com/ypgBJ6FwlQ

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) October 9, 2022

Lockett entered Week 6 at WR8 while averaging 16.5 points per game. He also led Seattle in receptions 32/6.4 per game), receiving yards (406/81.2 per game), air yards (527), and yards share (39.6%). Lockett had also been targeted on a team-best 26.3% of his routes while averaging 2.67 yards per route run.

However, even though Smith, Metcalf, and Lockett seemed positioned to sustain their recent statistical success during their Week 6 matchup with Arizona, we were presented with another example of the unpredictability that can be blended into NFL game action.

Seattle had been averaging 23.3 rushing attempts per game entering Week 6 before the Seahawks accumulated 30 attempts against the Cardinals. This contributed to Smith's disappointing outing, as he failed to reach 200 passing yards, and did not generate a touchdown pass. His 64.5% completion percentage was the second lowest of the season. His average of 6.35 yards per attempt also established a season-low, as did his 2.7 completed air yards per attempt. Smith also finished at QB18, after he had finished QB2/QB4 during his matchups in Weeks 4-5.

Smith distributed a team-high seven targets to Metcalf, (23.3% share) who was relegated to season-lows in receptions (2) and receiving yards (34). Metcalf had entered Week 6 averaging 5.6 receptions and 74.4 yards per game and had accumulated 237 yards (118.5 per game) during his two previous matchups. Metcalf’s 4.86 yards per target was also well below the 12.95 that he attained in Weeks 4-5. Metcalf was targeted on 20% of his 35 routes and averaged 0.97 yards per route run.

Lockett collected five targets (16.7%) but he registered his lowest reception total (2) since Week 10 of the 2021 regular season. His 17 receiving yards were also the fewest in any of his matchups since Week 7 of last season. Lockett’s 40% catch rate was also his lowest since Week 10 (2021) as was his 3.4 yards per target. Lockett also ran 41 routes, but was targeted on 12.2% of those routes and averaged 0.41 yards per route run.

Fortunately for fantasy managers, future game scripts will create the need for the Seahawks to rely more heavily on their aerial attack while providing Metcalf and Lockett with the opportunity to deliver numbers that resemble the productive outings that transpired before Week 6.

2. Carson Wentz is now contending with a fractured finger that was sustained during Washington’s Week 6 matchup in Chicago. This has required surgery which will be followed by a protracted recovery. His absence now presents another potential obstacle for the Commandeers’ passing attack. However, this could also become beneficial for Washington’s wide receivers, as Wentz had recently failed to match the encouraging numbers that he assembled at the onset of the regular season.

Commanders QB Carson Wentz facing 4-6 week recovery from broken finger. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/KJq6rHpcHN

— NFL (@NFL) October 17, 2022

Wentz entered Week 3 with seven touchdowns, which tied him for the league lead. He was also second among all quarterbacks in passing yardage (650/325 per game), third in attempts (87/43.5 per game), and fourth in completions (57/28.5 per game). Wentz was also ninth with a QB rating of 100.3, while his 65.5% completion percentage placed in 12th overall.

CARSON WENTZ 🚀 TERRY MCLAURIN
pic.twitter.com/H0HCoO2AUp

— PFF (@PFF) September 11, 2022

Since that two-game sequence, Wentz’s QB rating had plunged to 74.5, while he has also dropped to 28th in completion percentage (60%). He had only thrown three touchdown passes while averaging seven fewer attempts per game (36.3), and nearly seven fewer completions per game (21.8).

Terry McLaurin had already operated with substandard play from Washington’s quarterbacks during his first three seasons with the team, and Wentz’s arrival appeared to provide McLaurin with an upgrade when contrasted with the previous collection of signal callers. However, the transition to Wentz did not fuel a statistical surge for McLaurin, as his current per-game averages in targets (6.2), receptions (3.7), and receiving yards 61.2) are the lowest of his career.

McLaurin has yet to attain a double-digit target total during his first six games and has failed to exceed six targets in four of those contests.  That includes his four-target outing in Week 6 which tied his season low. McLaurin’s 16.4% target share has also plunged from his percentages during 2019-2021 (23.1%/25.5%/24.6%).

McLaurin had led Washington in targets (358/7.8 per game) during each of his first three years with the team but is currently second to Curtis Samuel (37/6.2 per game). He also trails Samuel in routes run (237), and targets per route run (15.6%). McLaurin is also third in receptions (22/3.7 per game) behind Samuel, and J.D. McKissic.

McLaurin does lead the team in snap share (91.6%), air yards (497), air yards share (27.3%), yards before catch (222), and yards per route run (1.55). However, he is also WR33 in scoring and his overall numbers have failed to match his results from 2019-2021.

Samuel had vaulted to 11th overall in targets from Weeks 1-3 (30/10 per game/23.8% share). That also propelled him to fifth in receptions (22/7.3 per game). However, those averages have dropped to (6.7 targets/20.2% target share/4.0 receptions/35.3 yards per game since Week 4.

Curtis Samuel was +700 to score the first touchdown 😬😬😬pic.twitter.com/zHSzYrqADi

— SportsLine (@SportsLine) October 14, 2022

Despite the statistical downturn, he currently leads the Commandeers in targets (50/8.3 per game), receptions (34/5.7 per game), yards after catch (151), routes run (247), targets per route run (20.2%), and red zone targets (6).

Jahan Dotson's first catch in the NFL is a touchdown! Nice PA fake to clear the field, Dotson runs a nice route to break free inside and Wentz finds him in the back of the end zone for a #Commadners TD pic.twitter.com/AkJtHBqU6s

— Mark Bullock (@MarkBullockNFL) September 11, 2022

Jahan Dotson‘s troublesome hamstring injury sidelined him during the Commanders' last two matchups. This placed an abrupt halt to production from Washington’s first-round draft selection (16th overall) during April’s NFL Draft. Dotson led Washington in snap share (93.4%) from Weeks 1-3, had accumulated a team-high 140 routes, and vaulted to WR15 in scoring (18.0 per game). He also generated a league-best four touchdowns during his first four games and was averaging 5.5 targets/4.0 receptions/38 yards per game. It remains uncertain when Dotson will resurface after he appeared to suffer a setback during practice.

Wentz’s finger issue will elevate Taylor Heinicke under center, while rookie Sam Howell looms as a candidate to accumulate snaps during the upcoming weeks. This transition from Wentz could conceivably fuel an initial boost in McLaurin’s output. However, fantasy managers might be forced to contend with inconsistency due to the collection of shortcomings that continue to permeate Washington’s offense.

3. Several rookies have recently emerged following injuries that impacted their availability during the initial weeks of the season. Their encouraging performances in Week 6 have provided a legitimate reason for optimism that both newcomers will develop into valuable resources as the season continues.

Wan'Dale Robinson was deployed primarily as both a rusher (580 yards) and receiver (914 yards) during two seasons at Nebraska before he accumulated 104 receptions, 1334 yards, and seven touchdowns as a wide receiver at Kentucky in 2021. The Giants selected Robinson with the 43rd overall pick in last April‘s NFL draft. He suffered a knee injury after performing on just nine snaps during New York’s season opener and remained sidelined until the Giants hosted Baltimore in Week 6.

Even though Robinson's involvement was limited to 15 snaps/23% share, he collected three of his four targets, generated 37 yards, and produced his first career touchdown.

WELCOME BACK WAN'DALE!

📺: CBS pic.twitter.com/GJmvBjuYzb

— New York Giants (@Giants) October 16, 2022

Robinson's usage will expand, as the Giants’ collection of wide receivers does not currently contain an unquestioned WR1. Sterling Shepard had led New York in targets (24/8.0 per game/28.2% share) receiving yards (154/51.3 per game), air yards (225), routes run (65) and targets per route run (36.9%) from Weeks 1-3, although a torn ACL ended his season.

It has become increasingly difficult to envision Kenny Golladay ever becoming a factor while the prospects of Kadarius Toney fulfilling expectations are also unlikely. The Giants’ current decision-makers have no allegiance to Darius Slayton, while former 49er Richie James is not a candidate to function as a primary receiver. These factors create a path for Robinson to seize a sizable role while providing Daniel Jones with a viable weapon.

.@Humble_Ty19's first NFL touchdown!

📺: #NEvsCLE on @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/2ftKMF2tGu

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 16, 2022

Tyquan Thornton accumulated 143 receptions, 2,242 yards, and 19 touchdowns during his four seasons at Baylor, which includes his production during 2021 (62 receptions/948 yards/10 touchdowns). He also completed the 40-yard dash in 4.28 at the NFL Combine, and the Patriots were compelled to seize Thornton in Round 2 of last April’s NFL Draft (50th overall).

Thornton sustained a broken collarbone during the preseason and was not activated from injured reserve until October 8. He attained a 42% share during his debut in Week 5 while catching two of his three targets and accruing seven receiving yards (3.50 yards per reception). His snap share rose to 57% during the Patriots’ Week 6 matchup with Cleveland and his performance vaulted him firmly into the fantasy landscape.

Thornton captured four of his five targets while generating 37 receiving yards as a pass catcher. He also generated his first receiving touchdown, while supplementing his numbers with 16 rushing yards and a second touchdown. While he did not assemble astronomical yardage totals the enticing level of speed that Thornton can inject into the New England offense was also on display during the matchup.

Two touchdown Tyquan.@Humble_Ty19 | #ForeverNE

📺: #NEvsCLE on @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/PYiThMbgW4

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) October 16, 2022

Thornton's contributions might be inconsistent in the short term, but he is a receiver to secure on your rosters. His role should expand as the year progresses, and his involvement will expand significantly if New England trades one of their veteran receivers before the November 1 deadline.

4. Anyone who has Garrett Wilson or Elijah Moore on their rosters is already aware that Zach Wilson has been spearheading the Jets’ offense since Week 4. He resurfaced following his recovery from the knee issue that had elevated Joe Flacco under center from Weeks 1-3. However, the transition to Zach Wilson, combined with New York’s expanding reliance on Breece Hall and the Jets’ ground game has negatively impacted the usage and output of Garrett Wilson and Moore. This has been a frustrating development after both receivers had delivered encouraging numbers while Flacco was guiding the team’s aerial attack.

The Jets might be winning games, but Zach Wilson has killed the fantasy value of his wideouts. Only Corey Davis is averaging double digits (barely) with Wilson under center, while both Garrett Wilson and Elijah Moore are averaging fewer than five points per game.

— Michael Fabiano (@Michael_Fabiano) October 16, 2022

Garrett Wilson quickly stockpiled 33 targets (11 per game) during the Jets’ first three matchups. This included his 25 targets (12.5 per game/26.4% share) in Weeks 2-3, which launched him to fourth among all receivers during that span. He was also second overall with eight red zone targets, and 10th in targets per route run (29.9%.). Wilson was also averaging 6.0 receptions 71.3 yards per game, and 2.0 yards per route run during that sequence.

However, his numbers have declined significantly since Week 4. He is only averaging 5.0 targets per game after accumulating 8+ during each of his first three games. He has also failed to receive any additional red zone targets since Week 3. Wilson is also averaging just 2.0 receptions after he had averaged 7.0 in Weeks 2-3. His yardage has also dropped substantially (25.3 yards per game) after he had eclipsed 50+ during each of his first three contests. Wilson had also run at least 34 routes in Weeks 1-3 (34/37/36) but was limited to 18 in Week 5, and only 13 routes when the Jets visited Green Bay in Week 6.

Moore had not matched Garrett Wilson’s stellar numbers from Weeks 1-3  but the second-year receiver was still averaging 7.0 targets per game and operating with a 14.8% target share. He was also being targeted on 14.4% of his 146 routes and was averaging 4.0 receptions and 46.3 yards per game. Moore had also attained a 26.0% air yards share during those matchups before his numbers began a precipitous plunge.

Elijah Moore isn’t too happy about his target share 😬 pic.twitter.com/80F8HDpo4o

— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) October 17, 2022

Since Week 4, Moore is averaging just 2.7 targets per game. He was limited to only four in both Weeks 4 and 5 before failing to register a target during the Jets’ matchup with the Packers. He is also averaging just 1.3 receptions, which includes just one catch in Weeks 5-6 combined. Moore is also averaging 21.3 yards per game after he averaged 60+ during each of his first four contests. Moore has also been targeted on 15.1% of his routes while averaging 1.21 yards per route run.

Elijah Moore did not have a target today.

— Ryan McDowell (@RyanMc23) October 16, 2022

Zach Wilson launched 36 passes in Week 4 but has only averaged 19.5 attempts per game since Week 5. That includes his season-low 18 attempts in Week 6 when he distributed four targets to Corey Davis. The sixth-year receiver has averaged 4.7 targets per game since Week 4, and leads the Jet wide receivers in receptions (9/3.0 per game), and receiving yards (164/54.7 per game). Davis is also pacing the Jets in air yards (205), and air yards share (33.3% per game). Davis easily leads the trio of receivers in routes run (164), targets per route run (21.2%), and his average of 2.48 yards per route run.

The Jets ran the ball 31 times in Week 4 and have rushed 33 times during each of their last two matchups. Their increased reliance on the ground game has been successful which decreases the likelihood that the strategy will be adjusted anytime soon. This is an unfavorable development for fantasy managers who invested in Moore and Garrett Wilson, as the Jets will not ask Zach Wilson to launch the ball with great frequency.

5. Brandin Cooks’ ADP ascended near the top of Round 6, as he was selected as a low-end WR2 during draft season (WR23). This was justifiable as he had established new career highs in targets (134/8.4 per game/26.9% share), and receptions (90/5.6 per game) last season. Cooks also surpassed 1,000 yards for the sixth time in seven seasons (1,037/64.8 per game), while also exceeding 114 targets for the sixth time during that span.

Cooks had also finished seventh in air yards share (39.1%), 10th in target share (26.9%), and 10th in targets per route run (25.8%). He also completed the year at WR17, despite the obstacles of operating in a Houston offense that ranked 28th in passing (194.4 yards per game), and dead last in total offense (278.1 yards per game).

Cooks appeared primed to deliver another highly productive season while functioning as the primary receiving weapon in the Texans’ aerial attack. However, his numbers have failed to match expectations as the Texans entered their bye.

Cooks was WR36 while averaging 10.7 points per game. He was also 17th in targets (42/8.4 per game, while his 25.9% share placed him 20th overall. He was also 22nd in receptions (22.4.8 per game) but was only 45th in receiving yardage (224/47 per game). He had also been limited to just one touchdown.

Brandin Cooks! The @HoustonTexans pull within 6!

📺: #LACvsHOU on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/UxfHPqQqWn pic.twitter.com/bnFLkWV5d1

— NFL (@NFL) October 2, 2022

That is the second-lowest yardage average of his career, while his career-low 5.6 yards per target and his 9.8 yards per reception were well below his averages from 2014-2021 (9.0 yards per target/13.8 yards per reception). Cooks’ 8.2 aDOT (average depth of target) has also dropped from the 12.3 that he averaged from 2018-2021. Cooks does lead the Texans in targets per route run (25.8%) but is second to second-year receiver Nico Collins with an average of 1.44 yards per route run.

Nico Collins, woah 🫡

📺 CBS | Paramount+pic.twitter.com/LbL03ufW71

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) October 9, 2022

Collins leads the Texans in receiving yards (272/54.4 per game), air yards (389), air yards share (32.8%), yards per target (10.1), yards per reception (18.1),  aDOT (14.4), and total routes run (272).

He is also second to Cooks in targets (27/5.4 per game/16.7% share). However, the gap between their totals in this category has narrowed from Weeks 2-6, as Cooks has accumulated 30 targets (7.5 per game/23.6% share), while Collins has garnered 24 (6.0 per game/18.9% share).

Cooks and Collins are easily the top two receiving options in a Houston offense that is 16th in pass play percentage (60.1%), but just 26th with an average of 192 yards per game. No other wide receiver on the Texans has reached a 9% target share or a double-digit reception total throughout the entire season.

Davis Mills has not demonstrated discernable improvement as his numbers have declined in multiple categories when contrasted with his 2021 rookie season. This includes a drop in his completion percentage (66.8%/62.7%), yards per attempt (6.8/6.3), and air yards per attempt (6.4/5.8). Mills is currently 20th in attempts (166/33.2 per game), 21st in completions (104/20.8 per game), 21st in completion percentage, and 29th in yards per attempt (6.3).

Unfortunately for anyone who drafted Cooks, the unfavorable blend of his declining yardage totals, Collins's surging usage, and Mills’ limitations do not bode well for Cook’s prospects of fulfilling the expectations of your Round 5 investment.

More Fantasy Football Analysis