Wide Receiver Snap Counts and Target Trends - Week 10 Analysis

Your wide receivers remain essential components toward your primary goal of securing league championships. As this unique regular season continues to unfold, an expanding assortment of tools is available that can provide you with an extensive level of knowledge regarding this critical position. Those results are contained in this weekly statistical breakdown of multiple categories, which is designed to help you fulfill your championship aspirations.

This will be the 10th installment that will examine game-specific data, including updated totals for targets, first downs, red-zone targets, snap counts, and a compilation of advanced statistics. The information that is contained in this weekly report will analyze how various receivers are being utilized, and how effectively they are capitalizing on their opportunities. This massive collection of data supplies the foundation from which the numbers that are generated in various categories can be evaluated.

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 should remain on your rosters as you approach the fantasy postseason. Pro Football Reference, PFF, NextGenStats, Rotowire, Rotoviz, and Football Outsiders were all used as resources in compiling this data.

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Week 10 Target Leaders 

Josh Allen.
Stefon Diggs.
TOUCHDOWN!

And the @BuffaloBills take the lead!

?: #BUFvsAZ on CBS
?: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/p1akRoFoep pic.twitter.com/wEVsojhZNO

— NFL (@NFL) November 16, 2020

Stefon Diggs continues to lead all wide receivers in total targets for the season (102). Allen Robinson is second (95), followed by Keenan Allen (93), and DeAndre Hopkins (88). Terry McLaurin and Robby Anderson are tied with 86, followed by Amari Cooper (83), and Davante Adams (81). No other wide receivers have eclipsed 80 targets through the matchups of Week 10.

Tyler Lockett is next (79), followed by Cooper Kupp (78), Tyler Boyd (76), Tyreek Hill (72), D.K. Metcalf (72) and JuJu Smith-Schuster (70) completing the list of 14 receivers that have collected at least 70 targets. D.J. Moore and Jerry Jeudy are tied with 69, while four different receivers have been targeted 68 times - Calvin Ridley, CeeDee Lamb, A.J. Green, and Brandin Cooks. Cole Beasley has now accumulated 67 targets, followed by Diontae Johnson (65), Adam Thielen (65), Darius Slayton (64), Mike Evans 963), Tee Higgins (61), and two receivers that are tied with 60 targets – Robert Woods, and Will Fuller. D.J. Chark, Chase Claypool, and Brandon Aiyuk are among the 14 additional receivers that have captured season-long target totals between 50-59.

Adams (11.6), Allen (10.3), and Diggs (10.2) are the only three wide receivers that are averaging over 10 targets per game. Hopkins (9.8), Crowder (9.6), Robinson (9.6), McLaurin (9.6), and Cooper (9.2), are the only other receivers who have retained an average of 9+.

Adams has garnered the most targets since Week 7, which has been propelled by his ongoing streak of five consecutive games with 10+ (16/11/12/12). Allen and Diggs are tied for second during that four-game span (43), followed by Smith-Schuster (42), Lockett (41), Diontae Johnson (39), Jakobi Meyers (37), Jeudy (36), and Anderson (35). Eight additional receivers have collected 30+ targets during that four-game sequence including Hill, Metcalf, and Aiyuk.

Adams unsurprisingly also leads in total targets since Week 9 (24), while Diggs and Chase Claypool are tied for second (23). Jeudy is next (22) followed by Johnson (21), Meyers (21), Smith Schuster (20), and K.J. Hamler (20). Anderson, Hill, Allen, and John Brown spearhead a group of 17 receivers that have been targeted 15+ times during that two-game span.

Adams has now accumulated 10+ targets in six different contests, which ties him with Allen for the league lead. Diggs and Johnson have now captured 10+ targets in five matchups, while Hopkins, McLaurin, Anderson, Ridley, Crowder, and Cooper have reached double-digits in four contests.

Largest Weekly Changes

13 different receivers were targeted at least 10 times during their Week 10 matchups, and Brandon Aiyuk’s career-high 14 targets vaulted him to the top of this list. He has now attained a double-digit target total during each of his last two matchups while averaging 12 per game. He had previously averaged 5.3 targets per game from Weeks 2-7 before his recent surge in opportunities.

Cole Beasley was targeted 13 times by Josh Allen, which was his highest weekly total since Week 4 of 2019. Since Week 7, Beasley’s weekly totals have included two games with 12+ (12/13), and two games in which he failed to exceed three targets. Smith-Schuster also captured 13 targets, which was his highest weekly total highest total since Week 7. He has now collected 12+ targets during two of his last four matchups after failing to exceed five targets from Weeks 3-6.

Because you can never have too many angles of this catch.@DeAndreHopkins x #RedSea pic.twitter.com/ANrOSiRbF6

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) November 17, 2020

DeAndre Hopkins’ unbelievable game-winning catch will remain one of the most memorable receptions in league history. It was also the result of Hopkins’ 12th target during Arizona’s matchup with Buffalo. Hopkins has now received 10+ targets in two of his last three contests, which have been interspersed with the season-low three that he registered in Week 9.

His 12 targets tied him with Adams, whose propensity to collect double-digit target totals has been one of the most consistent aspects of the entire season. Stefon Diggs collected 11 targets, as the former Viking has now received 10+ targets in five of his last seven games. Mike Evans also received 11 targets, which established a new season-high. Diontae Johnson registered 10+ targets for the third time in four weeks (11), while five receivers were targeted 10 times during their Week 10 matchups – Josh Reynolds, Marvin Jones, Justin Jefferson, K.J. Hamler, and Chase Claypool. The rookies and all three Steelers will be discussed more extensively in the 5 Things I Noticed section.

Aiyuk's league-high 14 targets were also accumulated one week following his absence due to the reserve COVID-19 list. That rise of + 14 represented the largest increase of the week. Beasley's 13 targets occurred one week after he was targeted only three times by Josh Allen. His week-to-week rise of +10 tied him with Josh Reynolds who returned from the Rams' bye week to capture 10 targets for the first time in 2020. Reynolds had entered Week 7 with just 21 targets for the season, but he has now collected 27 during his last three matchups. Hopkins and Higgins both experienced weekly increases of +9, while Tyler Boyd's weekly total rose by +8. Kupp and Jalen Reagor registered weekly increases of +7 while a cluster of six receivers improved their weekly totals by +6 - Smith-Schuster, Woods, Jefferson, Slayton, Marvin Jones, and Greg Ward.

There were fewer receivers that experienced significant declines in Week 10 when compared to the extensive lists of weekly decreases that have been customary this season. Damiere Byrd failed to register a target in Week 10 after collecting nine during the Patriots’ previous matchup. The resulting drop of -9 was the largest of the week. That tied him with Darnell Mooney, who was relegated to a season-low two targets after stockpiling a career-high 11 in Week 9.

Richie James entered Week 9 with 24 career targets before capturing a career-high 13. He was also targeted five times in Week 10 which resulted in a weekly decline of -8. Jakobi Meyers was targeted seven times in Week 10. However, that still represented a drop of -7 after he had stockpiled 14 in Week 9. That tied him with Anderson, Danny Amendola, and Chark.  Jerry Jeudy's recent surge in targets will be discussed in the 5 Things I Noticed section. But the six targets that he collected in Week 10 represented that a drop of -6. Former Ole Miss teammates D.K. Metcalf and A.J. Brown were both targeted nine times in Week 9 but only collected four in Week 10. That resulted in a decrease of -5 for both second-year receivers.

Week 10 Air Yards

Even though D.K. Metcalf was neutralized by Jalen Ramsey in Week 10, he still leads the league with 1,108 air yards. Stefon Diggs is second overall (1,057), followed by Tyreek Hill (1,046), Jerry Jeudy (1,019), Allen Robinson (991), A..J. Green (986), Calvin Ridley (982), and D.J. Moore with (901). No other receivers have eclipsed 900 yards through Week 10. Tyler Lockett is next (888), followed by Marquise Brown (837), Robby Anderson (827), Darius Slayton (815), DeAndre Hopkins (810), and Terry McLaurin with 807. Darnell Mooney (796), D.J. Chark (788), Adam Thielen (786), Tee Higgins (769), and Green Bay teammates Marquez Valdes-Scantling (766), and Davante Adams (749) complete the top 20 in this category through Week 10.

Adam Thielen leads all receivers in percentage share of air yards (41.0), followed by McLaurin (40.4), Hill (39.6), Brown (39.5), Anderson (38.6), and Moore (38.3), while Metcalf and Darius Slayton are tied at (37.1). Diggs is next (35.1), followed by Ridley (32.7), Lockett (31.8), Hopkins (31.7), Green (31.6), and Chark (30.5). Jeudy (30.4), Chase Claypool (30.3), Damiere Byrd (30.2), and Valdes-Scantling (30.0) complete the list of 18 receivers that are averaging a percentage share of 30+.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling now leads all wide receivers in targeted air yards (17.5), followed by Mike Williams (16.9), Brown (15.8), Scott Miller (15.6), Ridley (15.3), Preston Williams (14.6), and Darnell Mooney (14.5). Metcalf and Hill are tied with 14.4, while Jeudy and Green are tied at 14.3, They are followed by Kenny Golladay (14.1) and both Nelson Agholor and Gabriel Davis with 14.0. No other receivers have attained a percentage of 14+. Adam Thielen and D.J. Chark are included in the group of seven receivers that are exceeding 13.

Week 10 First Downs

DeAndre Hopkins and Keenan Allen are tied for the league lead in first down receptions with 42. Davante Adams and Stefon Diggs are tied for third (39), while Terry McLaurin and Tyler Boyd are tied with (37). Allen Robinson is next (36), followed by Robby Anderson (35), D.K. Metcalf (35), and four receivers that are tied with 34 – Amari Cooper, Calvin Ridley, Tyler Lockett, and Cole Beasley. D.J. Moore has accumulated 33 first down receptions, while Mike Evans and Tee Higgins are tied with 32. Tyreek Hill 30, and Darius Slayton 30, complete the list of 18 wide receivers that have collected 30+ receptions for first downs.

Week 10 Red Zone Targets

.@TomBrady + @MikeEvans13_ = 6️⃣

?: #TBvsCAR on FOX pic.twitter.com/kl8qIiMVRo

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) November 15, 2020

Mike Evans entered Week 10 with nine red zone targets throughout the season. But he is now tied for the league lead with Davante Adams (14) after he collected five targets during Tampa Bay’s matchup with Carolina.  Calvin Ridley and JuJu Smith-Schuster are tied for third (12), while four different receivers have all been targeted 11 times inside the 20 - Brandon Aiyuk, Tyreek Hill, Tyler Boyd, and Zach Pascal. Four additional receivers have collected 10 targets - Tyler Lockett, Julio Jones, Russell Gage, and Emmanuel Sanders, while no other receivers have reached a double-digit target total for the season.

Five different receivers have received nine red zone targets - DeAndre Hopkins, D.K. Metcalf, Keenan Allen, Adam Thielen, and Marvin Jones, while Terry McLaurin and Robby Anderson spearhead a group of nine receivers that have been targeted eight times inside the 20.

Four of Evans' Week 10 targets were also located inside the 10, which propelled him into the league lead with 12 targets in that category. Adams is second overall with 10 targets inside the 10-yard line while Aiyuk, Lockett, and Hill have all been targeted seven times. Ridley and Metcalf have collected six targets, while a whopping 15 receivers have received five targets inside the 10, including Hopkins, Thielen, CeeDee Lamb, and A.J. Brown.

Evans also leads the position with eight targets inside the 5-yard line. Adams and Lockett are tied for second (6), while Aiyuk has been targeted five times. Five different receivers have accumulated four targets inside the 5 - Ridley, Pascal, Lamb, Tee Higgins, and Chase Claypool.

Week 10 Snap Counts

Michael Gallup had led all wide receivers in total offensive snaps for six consecutive weeks. However, his absence during the Cowboys’ bye week enabled Stefon Diggs to ascend into the overall lead (612). Gallup is second (605), followed by DeAndre Hopkins (597), D.K. Metcalf (579), Terry McLaurin (576), Mike Evans (576), and Keenan Allen (575). Allen Robinson is next (574), followed by Darius Slayton (570), Robert Woods (566), Tyler Lockett (557), and both D.J. Moore and Amari Cooper with 552. Damiere Byrd is next with 547, followed by Marvin Jones (539), Cooper Kupp (530), and Adam Thielen (519). Larry Fitzgerald (516), Tyreek Hill (516), and Tyler Boyd (515) complete the top 20 in total offensive snaps.

Metcalf continues to lead the position in offensive snap count percentage (96.2). He is followed by McLaurin (94.4), Hopkins (92.7), Lockett (92.5), Byrd (92.2), Thielen ( 92.2), Diggs (91.5), Denzel Mims (90.0), and Marvin Jones (90.0). Only those nine receivers have attained a snap count percentage of 90+. Woods is next (89.4), followed by Gallup (89.0), Slayton (87.6), Moore (87.3), Robinson (86.6), and Allen (86.0). Hill is next (85.9), followed by Will Fuller (85.6), Brandin Cooks 84.7, and Brandon Aiyuk 84.5. Kupp, Travis Fulgham, and A.J. Brown are among the 16 additional receivers that have performed on at least 80% of their teams’ offensive snaps.

McLaurin led all wide receivers with 86 offensive snaps during his Week 10 matchup. His teammate Cam Sims was second overall with 83. Thielen and Godwin were tied with 72, followed by Hopkins (70), Diggs (69), Richie James (69), Aiyuk (68). Fitzgerald (66), and both Evans and Metcalf with 64. Diontae Johnson was next with 63, while Marquise Brown and K.J. Hamler were tied with 62. Hamler’s teammate Jerry Jeudy joined Justin Jefferson and JuJu Smith-Schuster in a three-way tie at 61, while Marquez Valdes-Scantling (60) was the only other receiver to perform on 60+ offensive snaps in Week 10.

Thielen led the position in offensive snap count percentage during Week 10 (98.6), followed by Jakobi Meyers (98.3), McLaurin (97.7), James (97.2), and Houston teammates Fuller and Cooks with 96.5. Hopkins was next (95.9), followed by Aiyuk (95.8), Metcalf (95.5), Diggs (94.5), Cam Sims (94.3), Brown (93.9), and Valdes-Scantling (92.3). Darnell Mooney (92.0), DeVante Parker (91.40), Fitzgerald (90.4), Godwin (90.0), and Robinson (90.0) completed the list of 18 wide receivers that were involved in at least 90% of their teams’ offensive snaps in Week 10.

Five Things I Noticed

1. Only Kansas City is generating more yards through the air on a per-game basis than Atlanta, as the Falcons' second-ranked passing attack is averaging 290.0 yards per game. Atlanta is also ranked 18th in pass play percentage 58.8%, which underscores Matt Ryan’s proficiency in guiding the team's aerial efforts. Ryan was leading the NFL in passing yardage (2,746), passing attempts (351), and completions (236) as the Falcons entered their Week 10 bye. He had also connected on 36 passes of 20+ yards which placed the 13-year veteran at third overall.

Textbook post-corner by @juliojones_11 pic.twitter.com/hh03OWI3KY

— Receiver School (@ReceiverSchool) November 8, 2020

Ryan benefits greatly from having a healthy Julio Jones among his arsenal of receiving weaponry, as Jones remains embedded inside the NFL's select tier of elite receivers. Jones is currently 16th in targets per game (8) and has accumulated 56 targets despite a lingering hamstring injury that sidelined him in Weeks 3 and 5, and impacted his performances in Weeks 2 and 4. His importance to Ryan remains evident as Atlanta’s veteran signal-caller averaged 232 yards and only manufactured a touchdown to interception ratio of 1:2 during Jones’ two-game absence. When Jones is in the lineup, Ryan is averaging 326 yards, while constructing a touchdown to interception ratio of 14:3. Jones is 16th in targets per game (8.0), and receptions (43), and 13th in receiving yards (638). He was also seventh in yards before catch (445) prior to Atlanta's bye and was also fifth in red zone targets (10).

Calvin Ridley is also assembling highly favorable numbers while delivering the breakout season that was anticipated by many within the fantasy community. He initiated that process quickly, by stockpiling 50 targets during Atlanta’s first five matchups. That placed him fifth among all receivers, while he was also fifth in receiving yards (485) and ninth in receptions (29) entering Week 6. Ridley was also tied for 12th in targets (68/8.5 per game) entering Atlanta's bye, despite being sidelined in Week 9 with a foot injury.

Calvin Ridley in 2020:

-81.5 receiving grade (11th among all WR)
-43 receptions, 657 yards, 6 TDs
-114.3 passer rating when targeted pic.twitter.com/E5tdbEtN8O

— PFF ATL Falcons (@PFF_Falcons) November 16, 2020

The third-year receiver was also eighth in receiving yards (657), fourth in yards before catch (548), sixth in first down receptions (34), and second in red zone targets (12) prior to the Falcons' bye.

Russell Gage is third among Atlanta wide receivers in targets (52/5.8 per game), receptions (35), and receiving yards (379 ), although 21 of those targets were absorbed in Weeks 1 and 2. Olamide Zacchaeus is a distant fourth among Falcon wide receivers (28 targets/18 receptions/253 yards). Zacchaeus collected 13 of those targets during Jones’s two-game absence, along with a season-high 9 in Week 4 - when Jones was active but only performed on 21% of Atlanta’s offensive snaps. The bye week should have been beneficial to both Jones and Ridley and they should function as WR1s for managers if they can achieve sustained health during the upcoming weeks.

2. Pittsburgh’s passing attack does not rank among the league leaders as the Steelers are 18th overall (243.2 yards per game), and are also 17th in pass play percentage (59.4%). But Ben Roethlisberger is fifth with 22 touchdowns, and has thrown at least two in eight of his nine games. He assembled a season-high four touchdowns during Pittsburgh’s Week 10 matchup as JuJu Smith-Schuster, Diontae Johnson, and Chase Claypool combining to capture all four scores.

#Steelers Week 10 WR Usage

- Diontae Johnson: 11 targets, 6 rec, 116 yards, TD, 23.6 fantasy pts
- JuJu Smith-Schuster: 13 targets, 9 rec, 77 yards, TD, 22.7 fantasy pts
- Chase Claypool: 10 targets, 4 catches, 56 yards, 2 TD, 21.3 fantasy pts

All 3 are currently Top 10 WR

— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) November 16, 2020

34 of Roethlisberger’s targets were also distributed to the trio of receivers  - Smith-Schuster (13), Johnson (11), and Claypool (10) - along with 19 of Roethlisberger’s 27 completions - Smith-Schuster (9), Johnson (6), and Claypool (4). All three receivers are currently contained within the top 30 in targets, as Smith Schuster is 14th overall (70), Johnson is 23rd (65) and Claypool is 30th (57). Johnson is also 15th in targets per game (8.1), while Smith-Schuster is 19th (7.8).

All three receivers also remain within the top 11 in targets since Week 7, as Smith Schuster is tied for third overall (42/10.5 per game), Johnson is sixth (39/9.8 per game), and Claypool is tied for 11^th (33/8.3 per game). Smith-Schuster and Claypool have both collected 10+ targets during two games within that four-week span, while Johnson has exceeded 10 targets three times.

Smith-Schuster and Johnson are also among the top 13 in receptions as Smith-Schuster is tied for second overall (31), and Johnson is 13th (22). Both receivers are also contained within the top 15 receiving yards, as Smith Schuster is sixth overall (322) while Johnson is 15th (279). Smith Schuster also leads the Steelers in target share during that sequence (24.4), while Johnson is second (22.7), and Claypool is third (19.2).

However, Claypool leads the Steelers in percentage share of air yards during those four contests (32.0) and is sixth among all receivers in air yards during that span (392). Johnson is second in both categories during that sequence (327/26.7), while Smith-Schuster is third (283/23.1). Claypool also paces the team in air yards (733) from Weeks 1-10 and leads in aDOT (average depth of target-12.9). Johnson is second in each category (578/8.9) followed by Smith-Schuster (417/6.0). Johnson leads the Steelers in target share from Weeks 1-10 (21.0) while Johnson is a close second (20.5) and Claypool is third (17.2). Smith-Schuster also leads in yards after catch (257) but only by 11 yards over Johnson (246).

Big Ben and Diontae Johnson connect on the 46-yard deep ball. #HereWeGo

?: #CINvsPIT on FOX
?: NFL app // Yahoo Sports app: https://t.co/p1akRoFoep pic.twitter.com/211KLtGgr8

— NFL (@NFL) November 15, 2020

The primary takeaway from that barrage of numbers is that all three receivers can provide a scoring boost for fantasy GMs during the critical weeks that remain. Smith-Schuster can function as a low-end WR2/high-end WR3. Johnson enters WR2 territory if he can avoid the type of injuries that impacted his availability earlier this season (toe/back/concussion). Claypool is a high-end WR3 with potential for WR2 status if Smith-Schuster or Johnson would be sidelined for any reason.

3. It is hardly a secret that the Titans are heavily reliant on their ground game. But Tannehill has performed proficiently throughout most of the season despite guiding an attack that is 27th in attempts per game (31.3), while also ranking 27th in pass play percentage (51.5%). Tannehill has built an impressive 20:3 touchdown to interception ratio while averaging 20.2 completions, and 236.4 yards per game. However, he has only averaged 24 attempts,  12.5 completions, and 162.5 yards during his last two contests. 

Tannehill's passing percentage during each of his last two matchups has also been the lowest of the season. He only completed 55.6 of his passes against Indianapolis in Week 10, while his percentage was even lower against the Bears in Week 9 (47.6%). The torn ACL that was suffered by left tackle Taylor Lewan has been impactful to Tennessee's attack, which includes the 15 hits that have been absorbed by Tannehill during the Titans' last two games. Tennessee was also matched up against two defensive units that currently reside among the top four in Football Outsiders' DVOA (defense adjusted value over average) - Indianapolis, and Chicago.

Colts were REALLY lucky here. What a throw by Tannehill under pressure. But.... Check out the pass rush move from Buckner. Takes Saffold to school right here. Wow. pic.twitter.com/FcIKpbKXuH

— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) November 13, 2020

A.J. Brown has collected just five of his 13 targets during that two-game sequence while generating 122 yards (61 per game). Brown had been averaging 7.8 targets, 5.4 receptions, and 71.2 yards per game from Weeks 1-8, including 8.0 targets, 6.0 receptions, and 97.7 yards per game from Weeks 5-7. Corey Davis has caught five of his nine targets since Week 9 while generating 67 yards (33.5 per game). But he had been averaging 10 targets, 7 receptions, and 81.5 yards per game from Week 7-8, following his return from the reserve/COVID 19 list. During Tennessee's last tw0 matchups, Brown leads the team in target share (27.1) while Davis is second (18.8). Brown also leads in percentage share of air yards (45.2), followed by Davis with 29.1.

Brown leads the Titans in target share from Weeks 1-10 (19.0), while Davis is second (17.5), and Jonnu Smith is third (15.7). Brown also leads the team in percentage share of air yards (24.3), while Davis is a close second (23.6) and Adam Humphries is a distant third (13.1).  Brown has also accumulated 555 air yards while Davis has attained 536.

Managers with Brown or Davis on their rosters should maintain optimism that the Titans will use their 10 days between games to make modifications to the offense. Determining how to reduce the pressure on Tannehill so that he can locate Brown and Davis with greater frequency should top the list of adjustments.

4. A collection of receivers from the 2020 draft class have been the recipients of favorable usage throughout the season. In most cases, these rookies have also capitalized on their opportunities. That process continued in Week 10, as seven rookies finished among the top 18 in targets for the week. The newcomers were led by Brandon Aiyuk, whose league-high 14 targets were mentioned earlier. Chase Claypool, Justin Jefferson, and KJ Hamler all garnered 10 targets, which tied all three receivers for ninth overall. They were joined inside the top 18 by Tee Higgins (9), Jerry Jeudy (8), and Michael Pittman (8).

Huge silver lining from today, Brandon Aiyuk is going to be a star in this league ? | #49ers pic.twitter.com/tw2nZtmTZT

— OurSF49ers (@OurSf49ers) November 16, 2020

Aiyuk has now collected 31 targets during his last three games. He has also assembled 21 receptions, 281 yards, and two touchdowns since Week 7 - even though he was unavailable during San Francisco’s Week 9 matchup due to placement on the reserve/COVID 19 list. Aiyuk has now averaged 10.3 targets, 7.0 receptions, and 93.7 yards per game during his last three matchups and is seventh overall in percentage share of air yards during that span.

Hamler only registered six targets from Weeks 4-8. He also entered Week 9 with averages of  3.6 targets, 2.2 receptions, and 23 yards per game. However, he has been targeted 20 times during his last two matchups while averaging five receptions, and 62.5 yards per game. Hamler is also second on the Broncos in target share (21.7) and also in percentage share of air yards (24.1) since Week 9, while his teammate and fellow first-year receiver Jeudy leads Denver in both categories during that sequence (41.1/30.4).

Jeudy leads all receivers in air yards since Week 8 (465). He is also tied for third among all receivers in targets (32), and fifth in receiving yards (266) during that span. Jeudy has also ascended beyond CeeDee Lamb for the overall lead in targets among rookies following his recent surge in usage and production (69). Jeudy is also third overall among rookies in receiving yards (552) trailing only Higgins (603), and Lamb (595).

Higgins is now 26th overall in targets (61/6.8 per game), and 19th in receiving yards (603). He is also 14th overall in targets per game since Week 8  (9.0) and leads Cincinnati in target share (23.7), and percentage share of air yards (31.02) during that span. Jefferson collected 10 targets for the first time since Week 6 and capitalized by capturing eight passes and eclipsing 100 yards for the fourth time this season (135). He had averaged 4 targets, 3 receptions, and 45 yards per game in Weeks 8-9. But he now leads all rookies with 762 yards, which places him sixth among all wide receivers.

The rookie Michael Pittman Jr goes 40 yards! @Colts inside the red zone. @MikePitt_Jr

?: #INDvsTEN on NFLN/FOX/PRIME VIDEO
?: https://t.co/W5bCPYgMfo pic.twitter.com/ZSny7vPgOq

— NFL (@NFL) November 13, 2020

Pittman had entered the Colts’ matchup with division rival Tennessee having registered season-long totals of 20 targets, 14 receptions, and 135 receiving yards. He had also been limited to five contests due to a calf injury. But Pittman emerged as Indianapolis’ top receiver against the Titans, while establishing new season highs in targets (8), receptions (7), and receiving yards (101). He led the Colts in each category and has now accumulated 15 targets, 11 receptions, and 157 yards during his last two outings. He should operate as the WR1 for Indianapolis moving forward, and is now a viable WR3 candidate for fantasy GMs.

5. There are several veteran receivers that have also experienced an increase in their usage and production during their recent matchups.  

Fourth-year receiver Josh Reynolds entered Week 7 averaging 3.5 targets, 2.3 receptions, and 37.7 yards per game. But he is second only to Cooper Kupp on the Rams in targets (27), receptions (16), and receiving yardage (190) since Week 7, while averaging 9 targets, 5.3 receptions, and 63.3 yards per game during that span. His weekly target totals have gradually escalated (8/9/10), while he exceeded the weekly totals for Robert Woods in each game (5/8/6). Reynolds has also attained a 79% snap share during those contests including an 80.5% share in Weeks 9-10.

Reynolds also paced LA in targets (10), receptions (8), and receiving yardage (94) during the Ram’s NFC West showdown with Seattle while establishing new career highs with his reception and yardage totals. Reynolds also led LA in target share (27.8), air yards (89), and percentage share of air yards (35.0). Sean McVay is fully capable of modifying Reynold’s involvement in the Ram offense at any time. However, he appears to have solidified an ongoing role and can be deployed as a flex by fantasy GMs.

Jakeem Grant was targeted just 19 times from Weeks 1-8. But he has collected 10 targets during the Dolphins' last two contests. which is second only to DeVante Parker among all Miami receiving weapons. Grant has now accumulated eight receptions and 78 yards since Week 9 while generating his first touchdown as a receiver since Week 3 of 2018. Grant also led the Dolphins in receptions (4) and receiving yards (43) during their Week 10 matchup with the Chargers. He delivered a blazing 4.38 in the 40 during his Pro Day back in 2016 and has been presented with the opportunity to utilize his speed as Miami's WR2 due to the foot issue that has sidelined Preston Williams. Grant can supply fantasy GMs with a flex option while Williams remains on injured reserve.

Auden Tate regressed far beyond the fantasy radar from Weeks 1-7, as the result of these infinitesimals per game averages - 1.4 targets, 0.8 receptions, and 11.2 yards. He has now been targeted 11 times during Cincinnati’s last two matchups. This is not an astronomical number, and Tate will not reach the level of involvement that has been attained by Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd. But his usage is rising, and he could be surpassing the inefficient A.J. Green as the Bengals’ third receiving option. Tate has also accumulated one more target than Green in those contests, while Tate has also easily garnered more receptions (9/2), and produced more yardage (89/19). Managers are encouraged to monitor his numbers this week when Cincinnati travels to Washington, as he could become a worthy roster addition if the subtle surge in opportunities continues.

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