X
Lost password?

Don't have an account?
Gain Access Now

X

Receive free daily analysis

NFL
NBA
NHL
NASCAR
CFB
MLB
MMA
PGA
ESPORTS
BETTING

Already have an account? Log In

X

Forgot Password


POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

Wide Receiver Snap Counts and Target Trends - Week 8 Analysis

Phil Clark looks back at Week 8 targets, snaps, receptions trends for fantasy football WRs to find risers and fallers who are possible buy-lows or sell-highs.

Wide receivers are essential components toward your ultimate goal of securing league championships. As the season unfolds, an expanding collection of tools are available that can provide you with an extensive level of knowledge. Those results provide the foundation for this weekly statistical breakdown of the wide receiver position, which is designed to help you fulfill your championship aspirations.

This will be the eighth installment that examines game-specific data, including updated totals for targets, 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 week’s article will be functioning with eight weeks of data, which bolsters 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 are worthy of remaining on your rosters. Pro Football Reference, NextGenStats, Rotowire, and Football Outsiders were all used as resources in compiling this data.

Be sure to check all of our fantasy football rankings for 2025:

 

Week 8 Target Leaders  

Wide Receivers Total Targets  Targets-Per-Game Yards-Per-Target
Michael Thomas 89 11.1 9.8
Cooper Kupp 87 10.9 9.1
Tyler Boyd 83 10.4 6.5
DeAndre Hopkins 81 10.1 7.6
Keenan Allen 80 10 7.7
Julian Edelman 79 9.9 7.3
Julio Jones 74 9.3 9.6
Mike Evans 67 9.6 9.9
Allen Robinson 66 9.4 8
Chris Godwin 63 9 11.2
Odell Beckham Jr. 61 8.7 8
D.J. Chark 61 7.6 10.8
Courtland Sutton 60 7.5 10.6
Robert Woods 60 7.5 7.9
Larry Fitzgerald 59 7.4 7.6
D.J. Moore 58 8.3 8
Dede Westbrook 55 6.9 7
Kenny Golladay 55 7.9 9.2
Tyler Lockett 54 6.8 11.4
Jarvis Landry 54 7.7 9.3
Curtis Samuel 54 7.7 6,4
Auden Tate 54 7.7 7.2
Cole Beasley 53 7.6 6.1
John Brown 53 7.6 9.9
Calvin Ridley 51 6.4 8.7
Preston Williams 51 7 7.1
Amari Cooper 50 7.1 12.4
Jamison Crowder 50 7.1 6.4
Mike Williams 50 7.1 8.4
Will Fuller 49 7 9.2
Emmanuel Sanders 49 6.1 8
Stefon Diggs 49 6.1 14.4
Christian Kirk 48 9.6 6.7
Mohamed Sanu 47 5.9 7.1
Marvin Jones 47 6.7 8.7
Alshon Jeffery 47 6.7 6.7
Nelson Agholor 46 5.8 5.7
T.Y. Hilton 46 7.7 7.8
Terry McLaurin 46 6.6 10
JuJu Smith-Schuster 46 6.6 9.6
Devante Parker 46 6.6 7.5
Sammy Watkins 46 7.7 8.9
Brandin Cooks 45 5.6 8.9
D.K. Metcalf 45 5.6 8.9
Robby Anderson 43 6.1 7.2
Michael Gallup 40 8 10.5
Adam Thielen 40 5.7 9.8
Marquise Brown 39 7.8 8.4
Marquez Valdes-Scantling 39 4.9 10.8
Chris Conley 39 4.9 11
Danny Amendola 38 6.5 8.9

Michael Thomas has re-defined the term reliable, by consistently accumulating favorable numbers across every category regardless of matchup, game script, and all other factors that would normally influence a wide receiver's usage and output. He also remains the league leader in targets following Week 8 game action (89).

Thomas is followed closely by Cooper Kupp (87), while Tyler Boyd (83), DeAndre Hopkins (81), and Keenan Allen (80) are the only other wide receivers that have collected 80+ targets through eight weeks. Julian Edelman (79), Julio Jones (74), Mike Evans (67), Allen Robinson (66), and Chris Godwin (63) also reside among the top 10. Odell Beckham (61), D.J. Chark (61), Courtland Sutton (60), and Robert Woods (60) are the only other receivers that have attained 60+.

Thomas has now captured a double-digit target total in four consecutive games (13/12/11/11) and has accomplished it during six of his eight matchups this season. Kupp, Allen, Boyd, and Edelman have now collected 10+ targets in five different contests, while Hopkins has reached double-digits in four separate games. Auden Tate has now joined Beckham, Julio Jones, and D.J. Moore in securing a double-digit target total three times during the season.

Since Week 5, five different receivers have collected at least 40 targets led by Thomas and Edelman (47). Hopkins (45). Boyd (44), and Kupp (41) are next, followed by Jones (37), and both Auden and Golden Tate (36). Golden Tate has also averaged 9.0 targets-per-game since returning to the Giants in Week 5, which ties him with Godwin and Davante Adams for 11th overall in that category. His usage and production have been impressive since his reemergence and will be examined further in the 5 Things I Noticed section.

Stefon Diggs’ season-long 6.1 target-per-game average conceals the sizable increase in his usage since Week 6. After receiving 23 targets during his first five games (4.6 per game), Kirk Cousins has located him 26 times during his last three matchups (8.6 per-game). Josh Reynolds entered Week 8 with 10 targets for the season. But he collected eight during the Rams’ Week 8 matchup, which was the second-highest total of his career.

 

Largest Weekly Changes 

Wide Receivers Total Targets  Week 7 Targets Week 8 Targets Weekly Changes
D.J. Chark 61 4 12 8
Auden Tate 54 6 13 7
Josh Reynolds 18 1 8 7
Russell Gage 17 2 9 7
Kenny Golladay 55 2 8 6
Curtis Samuel 54 6 11 5
Terry McLaurin 46 2 6 4
Tyreek Hill 26 5 9 4
Julio Jones 74 9 12 3
Mohamed Sanu 47 2 5 3
Cooper Kupp 87 8 10 2
John Brown 53 6 8 2
DeAndre Hopkins 81 12 13 1
Larry Fitzgerald 59 3 4 1
Cole Beasley 53 6 7 1
Calvin Ridley 51 6 7 1
Alshon Jeffery 47 5 6 1
Nelson Agholor 46 3 4 1
Keenan Allen 80 11 10 -1
Julian Edelman 79 12 11 -1
Tyler Lockett 54 7 6 -1
Emmanuel Sanders 49 6 5 -1
Stefon Diggs 49 8 7 -1
Marquez Valdes-Scantling 39 3 2 -1
Golden Tate 36 11 10 -1
DeVante Parker 46 10 8 -2
Courtland Sutton 60 8 6 -2
Robby Anderson 43 8 6 -2
Danny Amendola 38 11 8 -3
Demaryius Thomas 29 9 5 -4
D.K. Metcalf 45 9 5 -4
Tyler Boyd 83 14 9 -5
T.Y. Hilton 46 11 6 -5
Robert Woods 60 7 2 -5
A.J. Brown 34 8 3 -5
Zach Pascal 21 7 2 -5
T.Y. Hilton 46 11 6 -5
Olabisi Johnson 19 8 2 -6
Alex Erickson 36 14 7 -7
Marvin Jones 47 13 5 -8
Allen Robinson 66 16 7 -9

The largest weekly target totals were registered by Hopkins and Auden Tate (13). Chark, Evans, and Jones all collected 12 targets, while Edelman, Thomas, Curtis Samuel, and Christian Kirk captured 11. Kupp, Allen, Jarvis Landry, and Golden Tate were all targeted 10 times during their matchups in Week 8.

Four different receivers collected nine targets, as three players whose names are not surprising - Boyd, Tyreek Hill, and D.J. Moore – were joined by second-year receiver Russell Gage of the Falcons. The former sixth-round pick entered Week 8 with eight targets during the season and just 18 targets since entering the league in 2018. But he could become fantasy relevant as a consistent weapon in three-receiver sets following the departure of Mohamed Sanu.

Chark established a career-high in targets for the second time in four weeks by capturing 12 during Jacksonville‘s matchup with the Jets. That also represented a surge of +8 targets from Week 7, which was the highest increase for the week. Auden Tate’s 13 targets also improved his week-to-week total by +7 (13/6). That increase was matched by both Gage, and Reynolds, whose eight targets also represented a rise of +7 (1/8). The weekly total for Golladay surged by +6, while Samuel registered an increase of +5.

It proved to be difficult for Allen Robinson to replicate the career-best 16 targets that he attained in Week 7, as his seven targets resulted in a weekly drop of -9. Marvin Jones also experienced a similar decline of -8, while Alex Erickson (-7), A.J. Brown, D.K. Metcalf, Robert Woods, and Colt teammates T.Y. Hilton and Zach Pascal all experienced reduction of -5. Woods owners are enduring a collection of unwanted numbers that will be addressed further in the 5 Things I Noticed section.

 

Week 8 Yards-Per-Target Leaders

Stefon Diggs continues to lead all receivers in yards-per-target (14.4), followed by Kenny Stills (13.1), Amari Cooper (12.4), Mecole Hardman (11.7), Zach Pascal (11.7), Tyler Lockett (11.4), Chris Godwin (11.2), Chris Conley (11), Marcus Valdes-Scantling (10.8), D.J. Chark (10.8), and Courtland Sutton (10.6). Eight other receivers are averaging 10+

After attaining a 20.4 yard-per-target average in Week 8, Diggs has now averaged 17.8 during his last three contests. Kupp’s average rose from 7.2 to 9.1, after he averaged a mammoth 22 yards-per-target in Week 8 against Cincinnati. Evans’ average increased from 8.4 to 9.6 after he averaged a season-best 16.5 at Tennessee. Chris Conley averaged just 4.3 per-target from Weeks 4-6. But he has averaged 13.3 since Week 7, including a season-high 14.7 against the Jets in Week 8.

Kenny Golladay was averaging 6.6 yards-per-target as the Lions entered Week 4. But he has averaged 13,1 during his last three contests, including the season-high 15.4 that he attained in Week 8. Anthony Miller was averaging an anemic 2,67 yards-per-target from Weeks 1-4, and that average rose to 7.25 in Weeks 5-6. But that number soared to 22.5 in Week 8, after he collected all three of his targets - including two of 24+ yards. Both Golladay and Miller will be discussed more extensively in the 5 Things I Noticed section.

Larry Fitzgerald has averaged just 3.0 per-target since Week 7, after registering an 8.1 average from Weeks 1-6. Emmanuel Sanders averaged 5.0 per-target during his debut with San Francisco. That matches his season-long average, which is the lowest of his career.

 

Week 8 Targeted Air Yards Leaders 

Darius Slayton leads all wide receivers in targeted air yards 17.1. He is followed by James Washington (16.8), Kenny Golladay (16.5), Mike Evans (15.7), Devante Parker (15.4), Chris Conley (15.4), Mike Williams (15.1), and a trio of receivers that are averaging an even 15 - Samuel, Tyrell Williams, and Demarcus Robinson. Stefon Diggs and Tyreek Hill are next at 14.9 while spearheading a collection of nine receivers that are averaging 14+.

Three other rookies join league leader Slayton with averages that place them among the top 25. Terry McLaurin's 14.8 is currently 14th, Preston Williams is 18th (14.3), and Marquise Brown is for 22nd at 13.5.

Mike Evans continues to pace all receivers in air yards (1,011), followed by Julio Jones (955), Keenan Allen (941), Kenny Golladay (848), DeAndre Hopkins (846), Curtis Samuel (796), Stefon Diggs (772), Mike Williams (768), John Brown (735), and D.J. Chark (723), completing the top 10.

 

% Share Of Team’s Air Yards Leaders

Stefon Diggs leads all receivers in percentage share of teams air yards (45.48). Courtland Sutton is second (42.9), followed by Terry McLaurin (44.17). Allen Robinson (41.3), Robby Anderson (40.8), Curtis Samuel (40.26), Michael Thomas (39.76) D.J. Chark (38.26), Mike Evans (38.18) and John Brown (36.80) are all currently among the top 10.

Keenan Allen is next (35.9), followed by DeAndre Hopkins (35.1), Julio Jones (34.6), Odell Beckham Jr. (34.1), Kenny Golladay (33.0), Preston Williams (32.2), Adam Thielen (31.6), Julian Edelman (31.1), Jarvis Landry (31.1), Devante Parker (31.0), and Tyrell Williams completing the top 20 (31.0). Tyler Boyd (29.1) and D.J. Moore (29.1) lead a collection of 19 receivers that are averaging over 25%.

Courtland Sutton's share of 43.9 is almost 16% higher than his 2018 rookie season (28). John Brown's percentage of 36.80 is exactly 5% higher than his percentage in 2018 (31.80). Phillip Dorsett's share of 19.1 is 8.5% higher than one year ago  (10.6). Julio Jones' share is exactly 12% below last season's average (46.6/34.6).

 

Week 8 Red Zone Target Leaders 

Wide Receiver Total Red Zone Targets  Week 7 Red Zone Targets Week 8 Red Zone Targets Largest Weekly Changes Targets Inside 10 
Julian Edelman 14 3 5 5 6
Michael Thomas 13 2 2 0 5
Auden Tate 13 1 4 3 7
Mike Evans 13 BYE 3 BYE 6
Courtland Sutton 11 0 1 1 4
D.K. Metcalf 11 2 2 0 3
Keenan Allen 10 2 0 -2 4
Cooper Kupp 10 2 0 -2 4
Emmanuel Sanders 10 0 1 1 6
Marvin Jones 10 5 1 -4 5
Mike Williams 10 1 2 1 5
Tyler Lockett 9 3 0 -3 3
Kenny Golladay 9 0 1 1 8
Chris Godwin 9 BYE 1 BYE 6
Allen Robinson 9 3 1 -2 5
D.J. Chark 9 1 3 2 4
T.Y. Hilton 8 1 1 6
Larry Fitzgerald 8 0 1 1 7
DeAndre Hopkins 8 2 1 -1 3
Terry McLaurin 8 0 2 2 6
DeAndre Hopkins 8 2 -1 3
Jarvis Landry 7 BYE 0 BYE 5
Alshon Jeffery 7 1 0 0 4
Preston Williams 7 2 0 2 1
Geronimo Allison 7 1 1 0 3
Deebo Samuel 7 2 2 0 3

Just one week ago, Michael Thomas was the only wide receiver that had accumulated more than 10 targets, while four other players had collected 10. However, the landscape has changed considerably after Week 8 game action as a total of six receivers have now accrued 11+ red zone targets while a total of 11 have reached double digits. The change in Julian Edelman’s numbers was more significant than any other receiver, as he now leads the league with 14 red zone targets.

Thomas, Mike Evans and Auden Tate have all attained 13, while Courtland Sutton and D.K. Metcalf have accrued 11. Cooper Kupp, Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Marvin Jones, and Emmanuel Sanders have all captured 10, while Chris Godwin, D.J. Chark, Tyler Lockett, Allen Robinson, and Kenny Golladay have all been targeted nine times inside the 20.

Edelman commandeered a league-high five targets in Week 8 and has now accumulated eight since Week 7. Tate was targeted four times and has now collected 12 targets since Week 4. Evans and Chark both received three targets in Week 8, while eight different receivers were targeted twice.

Golladay now leads the league with eight targets inside the 10, followed by Tate and Larry Fitzgerald with seven. Fitzgerald had maintained a stranglehold on league leadership in this category, after accumulating five targets inside the 10 during the Cardinals’ first two matchups. But he has only been targeted three times during the last six contests, and only twice since Week 3. Evans, Sanders, Godwin, Edelman, T.Y. Hilton, and Terry McLaurin have all received six targets inside the 10, while five other players have collected five.

 

Week 8 Snap Count Leaders

Wide Receivers Week 8 Snaps Week 8 Snap % Total Snaps Total Snap %
DeAndre Hopkins 80 96.30% 559 97.22
Robert Woods 61 98.30% 540 94.08
Tyler Lockett 56 91.80% 535 94.02
Julian Edelman 66 95.60% 518 87.06
Michael Thomas 68 89.40% 513 93.27
Tyler Boyd 75 90.40% 508 90.55
Nelson Agholor 55 75.30% 498 88.77
Courtland Sutton 68 93.10% 493 91.81
Cooper Kupp 60 96.70% 492 85.71
Chris Godwin 82 98.80% 486 95.67
Mike Evans 76 91.50% 460 90.55
Larry Fitzgerald 39 79.60% 459 83.91
Odell Beckham 68 100% 458 97.65
Keenan Allen 31 68.90% 458 89.11
Brandin Cooks 3 4.84% 446 77.7
D.K. Metcalf 56 91.80% 442 77.68
Jarvis Landry 62 91.20% 441 94.03
Allen Robinson 73 89.00% 441 92.45
Demarcus Robinson 38 64.40% 433 82.79
Chris Conley 56 73.70% 432 76.46
D.J. Moore 64 92.80% 431 90.36
Marvin Jones 55 87.30% 430 88.11
John Brown 57 91.90% 429 87.73
Mohamed Sanu 37 53.60% 427 36.87
D.J. Chark 56 73.70% 425 75.22
Kenny Golladay 52 82.50% 423 86.68
Julio Jones 62 77.50% 422 74.96
Curtis Samuel 61 88.40% 421 88.26
Marquez Valdes-Scantling 43 62.30% 417 75.82
Emmanuel Sanders 55 82% 413 39.67
Corey Davis 39 61.90% 411 78.44
Auden Tate 81 97.60% 411 73.26
Calvin Ridley 64 80% 411 73
Will Fuller INJ INJ 407 70.78
Robby Anderson 55 90.10% 400 92.17
Stefon Diggs 57 79.10% 400 75.47
Dede Westbrook 31 40.80% 391 69.2
Terry McLaurin 40 93.00% 388 82.91
DeVante Parker 47 78.30% 383 86.07
Mike Williams 43 95.60% 374 72.76
Paul Richardson 33 76.70% 373 79.7
JuJu Smith-Schuster 57 74.00% 368 84.6
Ted Ginn 43 96.60% 364 66.18
Preston Williams 53 88.30% 361 81.12
Amari Cooper BYE BYE 355 72.15
T.Y. Hilton 50 93.80% 355 70.3
Adam Thielen INJ INJ 353 66.6
Willie Snead BYE BYE 352 66.54
Jamison Crowder 44 72.10% 351 80.88

DeAndre Hopkins retains his lead in total snaps among all wide receivers (559), followed by Robert Woods (540), Tyler Lockett (535), Julian Edelman (518), Michael Thomas (513), and Tyler Boyd (508). No other receivers have surpassed 500 offensive snaps. Nelson Agholor (498), Courtland Sutton (493), Cooper Kupp (492), Chris Godwin (486), Mike Evans (460), Larry Fitzgerald (459), Odell Beckham (458), Keenan Allen (458), Brandin Cooks (446), D.K. Metcalf (442), Jarvis Landry (441), Allen Robinson (441), Demarcus Robinson (433), and Chris Conley (430) complete the top 20.

Beckham now holds a slight lead in offensive snap percentage (97.6), followed by Hopkins (97.2), Godwin (95.7), Woods (94.2), Landry (94), Lockett (94), Thomas (93.3), Robinson (92.4), Robby Anderson (92.2), Sutton (91.8), Boyd (90.6), Evans (90.6), and Moore (90.4) are the only receivers that have played on over 90% of their teams' offensive snaps. Allen (89.1), Agholor (88.8), and Samuel (88.3) lead a group of 15 receivers that have performed on over 80% of their team snaps.

Beckham led all receivers in snap count percentage during Week 8 and was the only receiver to perform on 100% of his team's snaps. Godwin was next (98.8), followed by Woods (98.4), Auden Tate (97.6), Kupp (97.7), Hopkins (96.4), Kenny Stills (96.4), Edelman (95.6), Mike Williams (95.6), Hilton (93.8), Golden Tate (93.2), Sutton (93.2), McLaurin (93.02), Phillip Dorsett (92.8), Moore (92.8), Zach Pascal (92.2), John Brown (91.2), Metcalf (91.8), Lockett (91.8), and Evans (91.6) complete the top 20 for Week 8.

Fred Brown had only played on 27 snaps since being promoted from Denver's practice squad. But he was involved in 36/63% of the Broncos' snaps in Week 8. That surpassed the count for Daesean Hamilton, who performed on 45/61.66% snaps. Dante Pettis had played on 77% of the 49ers' offensive snaps in Weeks 6-7. But he was only involved in 30% of the snaps in Week 8.

 

Five Things I Noticed 

1. There are currently multiple reasons for concern if you own Brandin Cooks or Robert Woods.

Cooks experienced his second concussion of the season in Week 8 and uncertainty surrounding his health only compounds the disappointment regarding his numbers. His current 8.9 yards-per-target average is his lowest since 2015 when he was collecting receptions from Drew Brees. His 50.3 yards-per-game average is also the lowest of his career and represents a drop of 25 yards from 2018 (75.3). After averaging 7+ touchdowns from 2015 to 2018, he has only scored once. Cooks has also manufactured just six receptions of 20+ yards after stockpiling 22 of those catches during 2018. Woods’ output has also been unsettling for his owners, although he is on pace for 120 targets, 76 receptions, and 942 yards. But those numbers are predicated on his current averages of 7.5 targets, 4.75 receptions, and 59 yards-per-game. Based upon Woods’ recent downturn in usage, those averages might be difficult to attain.

The issue for Woods and Cooks has been the extensive targeting of Cooper Kupp, and the emergence of third-year tight end Gerald Everett. Since Week 3, Kupp has averaged 11.3 targets-per-game, while Everett has averaged 7.4 per game since Week 4. Woods has been relegated to just 4.3 per game since Week 6. Jared Goff is averaging 39.25 attempts per game, which is four attempts-per-game higher than his 2018 average (35.1). The distribution of opportunities has not shifted favorably for Woods and Cooks, and owners will need to adjust expectations once the Rams return from their bye.

 

2. Golden Tate has now accumulated 36 targets since returning to the Giants in Week 5 (6/9/11/10).

That target total easily leads the Giants during that span, as Darius Slayton is a distant second among New York’s wide receivers with 20. Since Week 6, the 31-year old Tate has captured 30 targets, which tied him for fourth among all wide receivers. He is also sixth at his position with 20 receptions during that three-game sequence and eighth overall with 267 yards. Tate’s 12.2 yard-per-reception average is his highest since 2014, while his 8.1 average depth of target represents an improvement over 2018 when he averaged 6.45. 48% of his yards have been generated after the catch, as Tate has been deployed in the slot during 86% of his plays.

Whenever Sterling Shepard returns from his second concussion of the season, the receiving alignment could conceivably be altered. Both Tate and Shepard have operated inside during the majority of routes in their careers, although they are both capable of playing in the slot or on the perimeter. They will both work in coordination with Slayton, whose responsibilities outside should remain unchanged. He currently leads the league in targeted air yards (17,1), as the rookie is establishing his presence as an explosive downfield threat. However, Tate should maintain a sizable role as an integral component in the Giant offense while presenting a reliable target for rookie signal-caller Daniel Jones.

 

3, After averaging just 2.6 targets per game during Weeks 1-4, Anthony Miller has been targeted 19 times during Chicago’s last three outings.

The majority of those opportunities occurred in Weeks 5 and 7, and the increase in usage has enabled Miller to collect 12 receptions while accumulating over 87% of his overall yardage total during his last three games (183 of his 211 yards). Miller has averaged at least 12.8 yards-per-reception in four of his last five contacts, including a season-high 22.3 against the Chargers in Week 8. His 13.2 average leads the Bears, while his 7.8 yards-per-target average is a close second to Allen Robinson (8.0), and is also just behind Robinson in average depth/of-target (aDOT) - (10.7/10.5).

While trepidation concerning the proficiency of Mitchell Trubisky is justifiable. But Miller has emerged as Chicago’s WR2, within an offense that is currently eighth in passing play percentage (62.7%). He is now second among all Bears in receiving yards (211) and is third behind Robinson and Tarik Cohen in targets (27). Miller is also second in receptions of 20+ yards (4) and will be provided with more opportunities to operate as a downfield threat. He is available in the vast majority of leagues and can be utilized as an upside (but inconsistent) WR3 as the season continues.

 

4. From Weeks 1-3, Christian Kirk collected 20 of his 32 targets, while accumulating 205 yards. He also led the Cardinals in reception and receiving yards twice during that span.

But a high ankle sprain interrupted his statistical momentum in Week 4 and ultimately forced him from the lineup (Weeks 5-7). However, he returned to the lineup in Week 8, played on 86% of the Cardinals’ offensive snaps, and led the team in targets (11), and receptions (8). He also infused a level of explosiveness that was desperately needed in Kliff Kingsbury‘s aerial attack. If you extract his Week 4 matchup with Seattle that concluded prematurely due to his injury, Kirk has now captured a double-digit target total in three of the other four contests. That has propelled him to a 9.6 target-per-game average, which ties him for seventh overall.

Kirk is already an integral component within Arizona’s evolving offense. But his importance will be enhanced while the Cardinals contend with multiple injuries that have decimated what had been a dynamic backfield. 31 of Larry Fitzgerald’s 59 targets were distributed during Weeks 1-3, and he has received a total of seven since Week 7. Kirk should continue his ascension into responsibilities as his team’s top receiving weapon during the remaining weeks, while his average depth of target (9.3) and team-high air yards per snap (1.4) should only expand.

 

5. Detroit's 22nd ranked ground game devolved into an unsightly and ineffective committee (2,23 yards-per-carry) during the team’s first matchup without Kerryon Johnson. However, the Lions should be compelled to utilize Matthew Stafford and the team’s passing attack more extensively during their remaining matchups.

This presents anyone who has invested in the team's receiving weaponry with a legitimate reason to believe that highly productive outings are looming. Stafford generated 342 yards and three touchdowns in Week 8 against the Giants while averaging a season-best 10.7 yards-per-attempt – which was over two yards higher than his previous season-high. This expanded Stafford’s career-best season average to 8.4. The Lions’ also passed the ball during every third down situation in Week 8 (13), which is news that owners of Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones can embrace. Golladay also averaged a season-best 15.4 yards per target against the Giants, and his average depth of target has now improved by 3.9 yards in comparison to 2018 (15.8/11.9). He is also third overall in targeted air yards (16.5) and is 13th in percentage share of team’s air yards (35.22). He also remains a preferred weapon of choice near the goal line, as he has accrued a league-leading eight targets inside the 10.

The increased emphasis on passing also supplies potential for greater consistency in the targeting and production for Jones. He has been deployed almost evenly in the slot (50.2%) and outside (46.5%), and has retained a top 25 snap count at his position (430/88%). The post-Johnson modifications could also open a pathway of sustained relevance for Danny Amendola as the season advances, with the prospects of raising his 6.5 target-per-game average.

More Fantasy Football Analysis




POPULAR FANTASY TOOLS

Expert Advice
Articles & Tools
Import Your Leagues
Draft Rankings
Draft Simulator
Enter League Settings
Value Picks
Compare Any Players
News and Alerts

REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Eugenio Suárez2 hours ago

Eugenio Suarez Hits Go-Ahead Grand Slam Tuesday
A.J. Puk2 hours ago

Earns First Save Of Season Tuesday
Michael King2 hours ago

Fans 11 In Five Shutout Innings Tuesday
Christian Yelich2 hours ago

Hits First Homer Of Season, Steals Base Tuesday
Evan Engram2 hours ago

Sean Payton Excited About Evan Engram In Joker Role
Anthony Bender2 hours ago

Earns First Save Of Season Tuesday
Robert Hassell III3 hours ago

Has Three-Hit Day At Triple-A
Thomas Harrington3 hours ago

Hit Hard In MLB Debut Tuesday
Gunnar Henderson3 hours ago

Hits Solo Homer In Triple-A Rehab Game Tuesday
Marcelo Mayer3 hours ago

Hits First Home Run At Triple-A
Caleb Williams3 hours ago

To Spend More Time Working Under Center
Tom Hoge3 hours ago

Looking To Build Off Strong Performance At The PLAYERS Championship
Zebby Matthews3 hours ago

Twirls Five Shutout Innings At Triple-A
Daniel Jones3 hours ago

Anthony Richardson, Daniel Jones To Split First-Team Reps This Offseason
Terry McLaurin4 hours ago

Commanders Interested In Extending Terry McLaurin
Rashee Rice4 hours ago

Expected To Be Ready For Training Camp
Hurston Waldrep4 hours ago

Fans Seven In Win At Triple-A
Garrett Wilson4 hours ago

Jets Plan To Get Garrett Wilson The Ball "As Much As Possible"
Keaton Mitchell4 hours ago

Ravens Have High Hopes For Keaton Mitchell
Angel Genao4 hours ago

Dealing With Shoulder Injury
Derrick Henry4 hours ago

John Harbaugh Wants Ravens To Extend Derrick Henry
Christian McCaffrey4 hours ago

Is Healthy
Clarke Schmidt4 hours ago

To Return April 15 Or 16
Shane Baz5 hours ago

Strikes Out 10
Mike Tauchman5 hours ago

Begins Rehab Assignment
Wyatt Langford5 hours ago

Launches Another Homer
Nathan Eovaldi5 hours ago

Throws Complete Game Shutout
Michael Petersen6 hours ago

Traded To Atlanta
Matt Fitzpatrick6 hours ago

Looking For Consistency At Valero Texas Open
Corey Conners6 hours ago

Continues Strong Form Ahead Of Valero Texas Open
Patrick Cantlay6 hours ago

Eyeing Victory At Valero Texas Open
Reynaldo López6 hours ago

Reynaldo Lopez To Undergo Right-Shoulder Surgery
Gary Woodland6 hours ago

Showing Great Form Ahead Of Valero Texas Open
Akshay Bhatia7 hours ago

Aiming For Repeat At Valero Texas Open
Alejandro Tosti7 hours ago

A Volatile Choice At TPC San Antonio
NFL7 hours ago

Tush Push Unlikely To Be Banned For 2025 Season
Xavier Legette7 hours ago

Dave Canales Compares Xavier Legette To DK Metcalf
Brett de Geus7 hours ago

Phillies Claim Brett de Geus Off Waivers From Marlins
New York Giants7 hours ago

Ty Summers Re-Signs With New York
Nick Mears7 hours ago

Beginning Rehab Assignment At Triple-A
Sam Ehlinger8 hours ago

Signs One-Year Deal With Denver
Guerschon Yabusele8 hours ago

Out Against Knicks
Karl-Anthony Towns8 hours ago

Sits Out Tuesday's Game
Arizona Cardinals8 hours ago

Calais Campbell Returns To Arizona
Jevon Carter8 hours ago

Ruled Out Tuesday
Dalen Terry8 hours ago

Unavailable Against Raptors
Julian Phillips8 hours ago

Out On Tuesday
Jalen Smith8 hours ago

Available Against Raptors
Lonzo Ball8 hours ago

Still Out On Tuesday
Kevin Huerter8 hours ago

Cleared For Tuesday's Matchup
Josh Giddey8 hours ago

Will Play On Tuesday
Dalano Banton9 hours ago

Starting Against The Hawks
Royce O'Neale9 hours ago

Unavailable Against Bucks
Jerami Grant9 hours ago

Out Again On Tuesday
Bradley Beal9 hours ago

Out On Tuesday
Ron Holland II9 hours ago

Tagged With A One-Game Suspension Tuesday
Anfernee Simons9 hours ago

Ruled Out Versus The Hawks
Trae Young9 hours ago

Officially Available Tuesday
Marcus Sasser9 hours ago

Suspended For One Game On Tuesday
Giannis Antetokounmpo9 hours ago

Will Play On Tuesday
Jimmy Snuggerud9 hours ago

Ready For NHL Debut Tuesday
Isaiah Stewart9 hours ago

Suspended For Two Games On Tuesday
Jacob Trouba9 hours ago

Set To Rejoin Ducks Lineup Tuesday
Jonathan Kuminga9 hours ago

Ruled Out On Tuesday
Troy Terry9 hours ago

On Track To Play Tuesday
Jaylen Brown9 hours ago

Questionable Versus Miami
Jonathan Marchessault9 hours ago

Remains Out Against Blue Jackets
Alex Laferriere10 hours ago

Expected To Return On Tuesday
Luke Schenn10 hours ago

A Game-Time Decision Tuesday
Dante Fabbro10 hours ago

Returns Against Predators
Detroit Lions12 hours ago

Alim McNeill Could Miss Start Of Regular Season
Tennessee Titans12 hours ago

Justin Hardee Sr. Returning To Titans
Washington Commanders12 hours ago

Brandon Coleman Moving To Right Tackle For Commanders
Raheem Blackshear13 hours ago

Returning To Carolina
Kirk Cousins13 hours ago

Not Expected To Attend Voluntary Offseason Training
NFL13 hours ago

NFL Ownership Votes To Move Kickoff Touchbacks To 35-Yard Line
Olli Määttä13 hours ago

Olli Maatta A Game-Time Call On Tuesday
Jordan Greenway13 hours ago

Remains Sidelined On Tuesday
Dallas Cowboys13 hours ago

Cowboys Willing To Make Micah Parsons The Highest-Paid Non-QB
Jordan Staal13 hours ago

Doubtful For Wednesday
Matt Roy13 hours ago

Not Traveling With Team
Josh Norris13 hours ago

Not Traveling With The Team On Tuesday
Brady Tkachuk14 hours ago

Not Playing On Tuesday
Jordan Spieth15 hours ago

Needs To Find Consistency At TPC San Antonio
Jake Knapp15 hours ago

Making First Appearance At Valero Texas Open
Michael Kim16 hours ago

Looking To Find The Magic Again In San Antonio
Tommy Fleetwood16 hours ago

Is Nearly A Must-Play At Valero Texas Open
Tony Finau16 hours ago

Hoping For Better Approach Play In San Antonio
Eric Cole16 hours ago

Trending In Right Direction Ahead Of Valero
Casey DeSmith20 hours ago

Sharp In Monday's Victory
Mason Marchment20 hours ago

Tallies Two Helpers On Monday
Adam Klapka20 hours ago

Tallies Two Points In Shootout Victory
Ivan Fedotov20 hours ago

Sharp Against Nashville
Matvei Michkov20 hours ago

Continues Hot Stretch On Monday
Luke Hughes20 hours ago

Scores Goal, Adds Assist In Victory
Sam Stevens1 day ago

Enjoys Nice Result In Houston
PGA1 day ago

J.T. Poston Seeks To Contend At Valero Texas Open
Denny McCarthy1 day ago

Keeps Making Cuts But Needs To Make More Putts
Brian Harman1 day ago

Off To A Subpar 2025 So Far
Ilya Samsonov1 day ago

Nursing An Upper-Body Injury
Tomas Hertl1 day ago

To Sit Out At Least One More Week
Ryan Preece1 day ago

Has Three Straight Top-10 Finishes For First Time In His Career
NASCAR1 day ago

Bubba Wallace After Third-Place Finish At Martinsville: "What a Great Day"
Todd Gilliland1 day ago

Has Mistake-Free Day At Martinsville, Grabs Another Top-10 Finish
Brandon Moreno1 day ago

Wins Back-To-Back Fights
Steve Erceg1 day ago

Losses Third Consecutive Fight
Drew Dober1 day ago

Gets Knocked Out At UFC Mexico City
Manuel Torres1 day ago

Gets Back In The Win Column
Harry Hall1 day ago

Bounces Back In Houston Last Week
CJ Vergara1 day ago

Gets Submitted
Ryan Fox1 day ago

Showing Improvement Heading Into The Valero Texas Open
Édgar Cháirez1 day ago

Edgar Chairez Gets Submission Win At UFC Mexico City
Vince Morales1 day ago

Drops Decision At UFC Mexico City
Raul Rosas Jr.1 day ago

Gets Decision Win At UFC Mexico City
Saimon Oliveira1 day ago

Still Winless In The UFC
David Martinez1 day ago

Wins His UFC Debut
Kevin Borjas1 day ago

Earns His First UFC Win
Ronaldo Rodríguez1 day ago

Ronaldo Rodriguez Suffers His First UFC Loss
Joel Dahmen2 days ago

Scores Top-20 Finish At Texas Children's Houston Open
Jacob Bridgeman2 days ago

Had Some Rest Heading Into The Valero
Christopher Bell2 days ago

Powers His Way To A Second-Place Finish At Martinsville
Chase Elliott2 days ago

Strong Martinsville Performance Ends With A Top-Five Finish
Kyle Larson2 days ago

Collects A Top-Five Finish At Martinsville
William Byron2 days ago

Places 22nd After Struggles At Martinsville
Joey Logano2 days ago

Claims His First 2025 Top-10 Finish After Up-And-Down Performance
Tyler Reddick2 days ago

Fails To Place In The Top 10 At Martinsville
Denny Hamlin2 days ago

Silences Doubters After Crew-Chief Change
Ty Gibbs2 days ago

Earns Best 2025 Finish At Martinsville Despite Failing Cool Suit
Ross Chastain2 days ago

Has A Great Day At Martinsville
Chase Briscoe2 days ago

Has Solid Run At Martinsville
Erik Jones2 days ago

Disqualified At Martinsville For Weight Violation
Josh Berry3 days ago

Has Top-10 Upside At Martinsville
Joey Logano3 days ago

Don't Overlook Joey Logano This Weekend
Ryan Preece3 days ago

Could Get First Three-Race Top-10 Streak Of His Career
Chase Elliott3 days ago

Looking To Continue Great Runs At Martinsville
Christopher Bell3 days ago

Wins Pole At Martinsville, But Can He Stay Up There?
Ryan Blaney3 days ago

Fast In Practice But Skeptical About Car
Denny Hamlin3 days ago

New Crew Chief Has Terrible Martinsville Record
Steve Erceg5 days ago

Looks To Get Back In The Win Column
Brandon Moreno5 days ago

A Favorite At UFC Mexico City
Manuel Torres5 days ago

Set For Co-Main Event
Drew Dober5 days ago

An Underdog At UFC Mexico City
Joe Pyfer5 days ago

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Kelvin Gastelum5 days ago

Set For Middleweight Matchup
Vince Morales5 days ago

In Dire Need Of Victory
Raul Rosas Jr.5 days ago

Looks To Extend His Win Streak
Saimon Oliveira5 days ago

Looks For His First UFC Win
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF

MORE RECENT ARTICLES

 
Tyreek Hill - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Three Aging Fantasy Football Players To Sell In Dynasty Leagues

It's hard to always know when to sell off your aging fantasy football players. Often, it's also difficult to accept that it's better to move on from a player when he's coming off a productive season and still has a lot left in the tank. But I believe it's better to be a year early […]


J.J. McCarthy - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Draft Sleepers

Five Fantasy Football Superflex Quarterback Breakouts, Draft Targets (2025)

If you’ve ever played in a Superflex fantasy football league, then you know how important quarterbacks are in this format. The ability to start multiple stud quarterbacks can carry you to a Superflex title. Unfortunately, finding two such players isn’t so easy. All the top signal-callers come off draft boards first, and that makes it […]


Omarion Hampton - College Football Rankings, NCAA CFB DFS Lineup Picks - NFL Draft

Ideal Landing Spots For The Top 12 Fantasy Football Rookies - 2025 NFL Draft

Then, the NFL Draft continues to inch closer and closer. This is a very interesting class, with a handful of players who could be stars in the NFL and reshape fantasy football leagues going forward. Here are the ideal landing spots for the top 12 fantasy football rookies. These picks exist in conversation with each […]


Jalen Coker - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, Waiver Wire Pickups

Eight Best Ball Late Round Value Fantasy Football Players To Target For 2025

Fantasy football is the most popular game in all of sports. It has gone from a paper-and-pen game to a multi-million dollar-a-year one. While redraft leagues are the most popular form of fantasy football, best ball leagues are quickly gaining steam. The best part of best ball leagues is the ability to draft thousands of […]


Abdul Carter - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2025 NFL Draft Rankings: Top 10 Fantasy Football Edge Rusher Prospects

Edge rusher is the most important, most coveted, and most highly-paid position on defense in the NFL. It stands to reason that the most important position in the entire game being quarterback, and by a wide margin, means the most important position on defense are the players that are tasked with disrupting opposing QBs as […]


Brock Purdy - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Picks

Brock Purdy Dynasty Fantasy Football Outlook and Trade Value

Despite becoming the all-time leading passer for the Iowa State Cyclones, Brock Purdy wasn't a highly touted prospect due to his perceived lack of athleticism. The 49ers picked him with the final pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, but Mr. Irrelevant quickly proved everyone wrong. In his first two years, he started in back-to-back NFC […]


Michael Florio's Football Show - Podcast RotoBaller Network

Florio's Football Show: Scouting NFL Draft Prospects!

Michael F Florio goes over some of the top prospects from this years NFL Draft. Florio talks about what he looks for when watching prospect tape and explains what traits translate best to the NFL level. Be sure to also tune into RotoBaller Radio on SiriusXM (SiriusXM channel 87) on Sundays from 6-7 am. You can […]


Najee Harris - Fantasy Football Rankings, NFL Injury News, DFS Lineup Picks

Dynasty Fantasy Football Buy or Sell: Najee Harris, Rico Dowdle, Jordan Mason

One year ago, we discussed the futures of Josh Jacobs, Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, and Aaron Jones as those free agents found new homes. This year's headliners are Najee Harris, Rico Dowdle, and Jordan Mason. Not quite the same. Still, with every transaction come implications for dynasty fantasy football rosters across the globe. Below, we […]


Romeo Doubs - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

Early 2025 Fantasy Football Sleepers: Undervalued NFC Draft Targets

While the 2025 fantasy football redraft season is still several months away, there is no such thing as being too prepared for your fantasy draft. Fantasy football is year-round, even for those who only play in redraft leagues. The landscape of fantasy football will change between today and the start of redraft season, with the […]


Detroit Lions Defense, Aidan Hutchinson - Fantasy Football DST Rankings, Streamers, IDP Sleepers

2025 Fantasy Football IDP Sleepers: Five Draft Targets

It's notably difficult to identify sleepers in fantasy football IDP leagues. The skill of the players in question is very important, but situation also plays a large factor, as does a recent history of injuries. Rather than bucketing them into groups, it's better to analyze each one individually, look at where they are in terms […]


Ashton Jeanty - College Football Rankings, NCAA CFB DFS Lineup Picks

Ashton Jeanty's Top Potential Landing Spots For 2025: Fantasy Football NFL Draft Outlook

Boise State running back Ashton Jeanty will enter the 2025 NFL Draft as one of the best prospects in the class. Jeanty just ran for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns across 14 games this past college season. Those 2,601 rush yards were the second-most of all-time in FBS history, only behind Barry Sanders's 2,628 rush yards […]


Bhaysul Tuten - NFL Draft Prospects, Rookie Rankings

2025 Fantasy Football Rookie Mock Draft: 12-Team, Single QB

The 2025 NFL Combine has now been completed, so it's worth doing another mock draft to see where everyone stands after the league's pre-draft testing event. Overall, there were a few surprises, but the order of many players will remain the same. The mental domain of the original rankings, which have been fairly set in […]


Rashid Shaheed - Fantasy Football Rankings, Draft Sleepers, NFL Injury News

2025 Fantasy Football Sleepers: Later-Career Breakout Candidates

Typically, most NFL players break out in the early parts of their careers. Between the ages of 20 and 25 is when you expect to see the majority of players have their first big season. Some waste no time and put together excellent years while they're rookies, while some need more time to develop. These […]