NHL Best Bets for Tuesday (11/19)
Kenneth Le
Welcome to the Week 7 Usage Report. This piece is designed to give you a glimpse of both rushing shares and usage rates for running backs, wide receivers, and occasionally tight ends. It will help you understand how often a player is involved in his team’s game plan and if those players are susceptible to being faded or emphasized during various game scripts.
Links will be provided at the end of each section if you wish to dive deeper into the information provided.
Definitions:
tgt_big_lead — Target share when team is leading by 14+ points
tgt_leading — Target share when team is leading by 9-13 points
tgt_one_score — Target share when team is in a one score game
tgt_down — Target share when team is down by 9-13 points
tgt_down_big — Target share when team is down by 14+ points
Arizona Cardinals
Weekly Rushing Share
The Cardinals continue to deploy one of the more balanced rushing attacks in the league. Neither Chase Edmonds nor James Conner has topped a 50% rushing share in a given week. Conner has been the more effective goal line back (five touchdowns in his last four games) but Edmonds is the preferred pass-catching option, seeing at least four targets each week.
Usage by Situation
As the lone undefeated team, the Cardinals have not experienced much in the way of negative gamescripts. Even so, DeAndre Hopkins continues to play the alpha-role in neutral and positive game scripts. Christian Kirk and budding phenom Rondale Moore jockey for consistent production out of the WR2 spot and A.J. Green is quietly averaging over five targets/game.
For more information, check out the Usage by Situation.
Atlanta Falcons
Weekly Rushing Share
As the Falcons come off their bye week, Cordarrelle Patterson remains a certified league-winner at the position. His usage and production don’t match, which does leave cause for concern, but fantasy managers have to like what they’ve gotten so far. Mike Davis continues to lead the backfield in rushing opportunities, but it hasn’t meant much in the way of fantasy production.
Usage by Situation
As much as Patterson has been a league-winner, Calvin Ridley has been a disappointment thus far. The volume is there — he’s averaging over 10 targets/game — and he’s topped double-digit fantasy points each week, but the elite production hasn’t come yet. Rookie phenom Kyle Pitts is also working his way into consistent usage and is set up for a strong second half of the season.
Baltimore Ravens
Weekly Rushing Share
The Ravens are certainly turning back the clock with their current running back group. Devonta Freeman looks set to lead a tandem that also features Le’Veon Bell. Freeman racked up 53 yards on nine carries and scored in Week 6. Bell also found the endzone. Latavius Murray injured his ankle, and his status will need to be monitored. Early-season favorite Ty’Son Williams has been inactive for two of his last three games and only has nine total carries since Week 3.
Usage by Situation
Marquise Brown has been on an absolute tear dating back to last season. He’s averaging 17.4 points/game over his last 12 contests and has 11 touchdowns in that span. However, it’s worth noting that he posted his lowest target (5) and receiving yards (35) day in Week 6 which is when rookie Rashod Bateman made his debut. Bateman tied Mark Andrews for the team lead in targets (6) and should get more involved as he gets up to speed.
Buffalo Bills
Weekly Rushing Share
After a surprise inactive in Week 1 for Zack Moss, he and teammate Devin Singletary have been about as equally split as possible. Moss (54 attempts, 10 receptions) has had more success through the air and scoring touchdowns compared to Singletary (60 attempts, 13 receptions) and Moss has commanded a much higher rushing share over the last two weeks.
For more information, check out the Weekly Rushing Share.
Usage by Situation
Josh Allen and the Bills continue to deploy three- and four-receiver sets at one of the highest rates in the league. This has led both Cole Beasley and Emmanuel Sanders to be quietly productive this season. Sanders has been much more consistent with at least six targets in all but one game and is a low-end WR in PPR formats. Stefon Diggs still controls the target share in all gamescripts but has not been as prolific as fantasy managers have hoped for.
Carolina Panthers
Weekly Rushing Share
The biggest issue for this backfield has been the unavailability of Christian McCaffrey. After missing two games with a hamstring injury, he was just placed on injured reserve, ensuring at least three more absences (including last Sunday’s, so two more). For those who spent up for Chuba Hubbard a few weeks back, it looks like you made the right move. Hubbard has looked great over his last two games by racking up 46 touches, 199 scrimmage yards, and a score. The backfield appears to be entirely his for next few weeks.
Usage by Situation
DJ Moore has seen his lowest target and receiving yard totals of the season in his last two games but has 21 targets during that time. He has cooled off after his torrid start through Week 4 but still remains the alpha on this team. Robby Anderson was historically bad in Week 6 (three receptions, 11 targets, 11 yards) and rookie Terrace Marshall has been a non-factor. Moore and Hubbard are the only offensive pieces I trust moving forward.
Chicago Bears
Weekly Rushing Share
David Montgomery was the RB2 in Weeks 12-17 last season and started this season strong through Week 4. He totaled 69 carries, 309 yards and three scores before going down with a knee injury that landed him on injured reserve. Damien Williams looked good in his Week 5 debut as the starter but has since been on the reserve/Covid-19 list Rookie Khalil Herbert now has the reins and topped 100 yards from scrimmage and a score in Week 6. He remains the starter until further notice.
Usage by Situation
Inept quarterback play has devastated the receiving options for the Bears. Seemingly now settled on rookie Justin Fields, the Bears receiving core of Allen Robinson and Darnell Mooney have disappointed for fantasy purposes, especially Robinson. It’s worth mentioning that trendy breakout candidate and sophomore wideout Mooney does have more targets, receptions, and yards than his veteran teammate Robinson. Even so, it hasn’t meant enough for fantasy production. To highlight just how bad it’s been, Robinson has one game with more than 55 receiving yards, something he did 11 times last season.
Cincinnati Bengals
Weekly Rushing Share
Fantasy managers are finally getting everything they’ve wanted out of Joe Mixon. He’s healthy, he’s seeing strong volume, and he’s involved in the passing game. All of this has led to him being a backend RB1 as of this writing. Samaje Perine and Chris Evans have filled in admirably when called upon, but this backfield belongs to Mixon.
Usage by Situation
Joe Burrow has one of the more talented wide receiver groups in the league and he’s spreading the ball around to his playmakers. Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd are all averaging over six targets per game, but it’s been Chase who has been stealing the headlines and highlight reels. This coaching staff has historically leaned on the passing game so don’t be surprised to see Burrow air it out more as he works his way back from his knee injury.
For more information, check out the Usage by Situation.
Cleveland Browns
Weekly Rushing Share
This backfield has gone from arguably the best to one of the worst in one week. Nick Chubb missed Week 6 and Kareem Hunt had a pedestrian performance and they are both still top 15 RBs. Chubb has already been ruled out for Week 7’s Thursday game, and Hunt wound up on injured reserve with a calf injury. This leaves D’Ernest Johnson and his three total carries this season to lead the way, with teammate Demetric Felton backing him up.
Usage by Situation
The passing outlook for the Browns doesn’t get much better. Quarterback Baker Mayfield will miss Week 7, Jarvis Landry could return from injured reserve, but his status remains unclear, and Odell Beckham is reportedly dealing with a Grade 3 AC joint sprain and could miss this week as well. This could leave the tight end position very busy with backup Case Keenum under center.
Dallas Cowboys
Weekly Rushing Share
Despite finishing as an RB1 last season, it felt like a disappointing season for Ezekiel Elliott. Much of that can likely be attributed to Dak Prescott missing much of 2020, but regardless, Elliott looks like himself through six weeks. He’s averaging the highest yards-per-carry mark (5.11) of his career and continues to see involvement in the passing game. As for Tony Pollard, the explosive potential is there and he’s seeing more regular work alongside Elliott. His ceiling will remain capped as long as Elliott is on the field, barring a big, breakaway play.
Usage by Situation
As mentioned, Prescott is back after missing much of the 2020 season, and his pass-catchers are reaping the rewards. CeeDee Lamb looks the part of a dynasty WR1 and slots ahead of teammate Amari Cooper in every meaningful category. The surprise addition to the star-studded rotation has been Dalton Schultz, who performed well in the absence of Blake Jarwin a year ago. Schultz is a mainstay in this offense and has at least six targets in all but one game.
Denver Broncos
Weekly Rushing Share
The Cardinals’ backfield might be frustrating, but at least both running backs have been productive as the offense is lighting it up each week. The same cannot be said of the Broncos. Melvin Gordon and rookie Javonte Williams are locked in an almost-even timeshare and neither has proved valuable for fantasy this season. Williams is the obvious dynasty preference and should be a trade target for dynasty managers before he gets a sizable workload.
Usage by Situation
The Broncos are a quarterback away from having one of the most prolific offenses in all of football. Fortunately, Jerry Jeudy is working his way back from injured reserve, but Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick and Noah Fant have been left to work with veteran Teddy Bridgwater. In fairness, Bridgewater has performed well this season, but this offense remains capped.
Detroit Lions
Weekly Rushing Share
Committee approaches to the running back position are slowly becoming the new normal in the fantasy landscape. As tough as that can be for fantasy managers, there are still advantages to be had if you know where to look. D’Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams form a formidable 1-2 punch for the Lions and Swift is one of the premier pass-catching backs in the league. Like the Broncos, the Lions are limited by quarterback play, but they are also lacking true weapons as the wide receiver position.
Usage by Situation
Amon-Ra St. Brown and T.J. Hockenson are the only worthwhile names at the pass-catching position in this offense. Now that Quintez Cephus is set to miss the remainder of the season, St. Brown has an opportunity to step up and claim the alpha role. The rookie out of USC has 23 targets over his last three games and looks to be getting more comfortable each week.
Green Bay Packers
Weekly Rushing Share
Aaron Jones remains a borderline workhorse back and continues to be efficient with his opportunities. An offseason shakeup in the backfield has led to an increased role for AJ Dillon, especially in recent weeks. The Packers funnel their offense through their playmakers and rarely afford meaningful touches to ancillary pieces.
Usage by Situation
Arguably the best quarterback/wide receiver tandem in the league, Aaron Rodgers continues to feed Davante Adams an absurd number of targets. Adams leads the team in every meaningful metric for a receiver and it isn’t even close. No other option outside of Jones and Adams is worth a weekly start but every option has the potential to find the endzone each week.
Houston Texans
Weekly Rushing Share
It’s unfortunate the Texans aren’t any better because Mark Ingram is getting a healthy dose of volume each week, hitting the 50% on four occasions. While volume is king in fantasy football, you (or your team) still have to be talented enough to make something of it. David Johnson, despite seeing the lowest volume among Ingram and Phillip Lindsay, does have deep-league value in the passing game.
For more information, check out the Weekly Rushing Share.
Usage by Situation
Similar to Davante Adams, Brandin Cooks is seeing an incredibly impressive market share of passing volume. We know he’s talented and has shown to be quarterback-proof throughout his interesting career, but the usage and production are still encouraging. Outside of Cooks, and Johnson at the running back position, there are no appealing options on the offense.
Indianapolis Colts
Weekly Rushing Share
Fantasy managers are praying for the day that Jonathan Taylor gets elite usage out of the backfield. As impressive as he’s been on “limited” work, it’s exciting to think about what he could do with even more. Nyheim Hines continues to be a standalone flex option in PPR formats and Marlon Mack, now back from injury, has been a rumored trade target in recent weeks. Taylor is in contention for the overall RB1 un dynasty formats.
Usage by Situation
Carson Wentz has an assortment of weapons at his disposal, but only one has started to set himself apart from the pack: Michael Pittman. Pittman has the size and speed to be a complete wide receiver and has played well in recent weeks. Wentz has also historically leaned on his tight ends and is doing the same with the Colts. Besides Pittman, no other pass-catcher is trustworthy enough to play with confidence, but all have realistic paths to production in the weeks and months ahead.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Weekly Rushing Share
Prior to the season, this backfield looked like it was on its way to becoming a committee with the arrival of Travis Etienne. Unfortunately, the rookie running back was lost for the season and we are seeing a replay of last year: James Robinson getting essentially all the work. He’s talented, seeing volume, and making the most of it. However, he could be at peak value right now for those of you in dynasty leagues. Potential coaching changes and the return of Etienne could muddy this backfield once again.
Usage by Situation
This receiver room has both impressed and disappointed relative to expectations. D.J. Chark was lost for the season after an up and down start and Laviska Shenault has seen inconsistent volume and has not scored a touchdown. The bright spot has been veteran Marvin Jones, who is dominating the target share in a variety of gamescripts. Jones is a top-30 option at the position and is more than paying off his draft price. This will be a receiver room to closely watch as Trevor Lawrence continues to grow and develop.
Kansas City Chiefs
Weekly Rushing Share
The high-flying Chiefs offense has not gotten consistent production out of its ground game until recently. Incumbent Clyde Edwards-Helaire topped the century mark in Weeks 3 and 4 after not surpassing 50 yards in the opening two weeks. However, his injured knee landed him on injured reserve following Week 5. In his place, Darrel Williams had more carries (21) than Edwards-Helaire had in any game this season and is a mark that he only topped twice last season as a rookie. Williams also has four rushing touchdowns on the year which is four more than Edwards-Helaire.
Usage by Situation
Some offenses spread the ball around and others funnel targets to a handful of their best players. It’s easy to see which category the Chiefs fall into. Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce are matchup- and gamescript-proof. Mecole Hardman is trying to become the WR2 in recent memory to have value on this team but he’s tough to trust on a weekly basis.
For more information, check out the Usage by Situation.
Las Vegas Raiders
Weekly Rushing Share
The Raiders have no issue feeding one running back a lot of volume. Both Josh Jacobs and Peyton Barber have had games where they saw at least 50% of the team’s rushing volume. It’s simply been a matter of health and availability. Jacobs is the premier option (although is a bit script-dependent) out of the backfield but Kenyan Drake, as you’ll see below, continues to work his way into the passing game rotation.
Usage by Situation
One of the elite tight ends in the game, Darren Waller regularly sees a high volume of targets as the de facto No. 1 option for Derek Carr. The receivers have each seen varying usage and production. Henry Ruggs has the draft capital, Bryan Edwards has the profile, and Hunter Renfrow operates skillfully out of the slot which makes for a murky, sometimes inconsistent assortment of weapons.
Los Angeles Chargers
Weekly Rushing Share
The RB2 role for the Chargers remains fluid but thankfully it doesn’t appear to have much standalone value anyway. Austin Ekeler receives the bulk of the rushing share and Justin Jackson, Joshua Kelley and Larry Rountree have all rotated in depending on availability. It’s a pass-first option under quarterback Justin Herbert, and Ekeler excels in this area as well.
Usage by Situation
The long-awaited breakout season from Mike Williams is finally coming to fruition. He and teammate Keenan Allen see almost identical volume regardless of the gamescript. Allen has long been the PPR machine and Williams has become more than just a prototypical deep option. However, Ekeler and tight end Jared Cook do see an uptick in volume when the team is trailing, which is worth noting for potential shootouts or negative gamescripts.
Los Angeles Rams
Weekly Rushing Share
The Rams’ backfield looks a bit different than anticipated compared to the start of the season. After Cam Akers was lost for the season, the team made a move to acquire Sony Michel as a complement to Darrell Henderson. The latter has proved to be worthy of the No. 1 role and has dominated over his last few weeks. He draws an incredibly favorable matchup in Week 7. Michel has done enough to worth a look in deeper formats if you need a bye week option.
Usage by Situation
Matthew Stafford has taken this offense to unprecedented heights this season and the single biggest beneficiary has been Cooper Kupp. While Kupp and teammate Robert Woods have been as close to a 1A/1B tandem in recent years, there’s no denying Stafford’s top target is Kupp. Woods has bounced back after a slow start, but Kupp is leading (or close to leading) all wideouts in every major category.
Miami Dolphins
Weekly Rushing Share
Sometimes a split backfield allows for both two running backs to be effective, but often it means no one is effective. That’s what we’ve seen out of Miami this season. Myles Gaskin took a nice step forward over the second half of last season but seems to be misused in this offense. Malcolm Brown and Salvon Ahmed are getting consistent touches, but this three-headed backfield isn’t helping any fantasy managers this season. Gaskin’s one big performance is boosting his overall standing among running backs but he’s only topped 12.5 fantasy points once.
Usage by Situation
DeVante Parker had his infamous fifth-year breakout season back in 2019 but hasn’t come close to matching that insane level of production since. The quarterback carousel (due to injury) has not helped the receiving core for the Dolphins, but it has been encouraging to see both rookie wideout and first-round pick Jaylen Waddle and tight end Mike Gesicki step up over the last few weeks. Waddle and Gesicki are the only options I find appealing on this team, and both offer a nice blend of floor/ceiling.
Minnesota Vikings
Weekly Rushing Share
The Vikings are one of the few remaining teams that is willing to feed one running back for the majority of a game. When Dalvin Cook is on the field and healthy, he sees almost all the touches. If Cook ever misses time, which happens each year, Alexander Mattison is a plug-and-play RB1 with his own blend of talent and opportunity. It’s a one-man show as long as you know who is healthy and who isn’t.
For more information, check out the Weekly Rushing Share.
Usage by Situation
Sophomore wide receiver Justin Jefferson has come off a historic rookie campaign to lead a talented tandem alongside veteran Adam Thielen. Quarterback Kirk Cousins has been a low-key stud in recent years and always seems to end up as a backend QB1 at the end of the season. It’s an efficient, funneled offense that is not afraid to heavily-feature its playmakers. Tight end Irv Smith, a sneaky target to buy in dynasty leagues, is injured, which has allowed for the emergence of Tyler Conklin and even receiver K.J. Osborn.
New England Patriots
Weekly Rushing Share
For the longest time, this backfield was almost impossible to figure out for fantasy. Aside from James White (who is injured), you never knew who would get the volume each week. We seem to have an answer for that now: Damien Harris. He’s never received less than 46% of the weekly volume and is regularly well above that mark. A few other tailbacks have made sporadic impacts, but none is worth trusting at the moment.
Usage by Situation
On the surface, it’s a bit of an eclectic group of pass catchers. Two new additions at tight end anchor that position and a mashup of Jakobi Meyers, Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor make up the leading trio for rookie signal-caller Mac Jones. If you haven’t been paying attention, Meyers is incapable of scoring touchdowns. Seriously. He has 174 career targets and has not scored a single touchdown. (He has tossed a few on some designed plays.) Let’s hope that changes soon.
New Orleans Saints
Weekly Rushing Share
Gone are the days of this backfield supporting multiple fantasy-relevant running backs. Alvin Kamara is the last man standing on a new-look offense that doesn’t feature Drew Brees for the first time in a long time. It’s a low-volume offense through the air, which means Kamara is free to rack up all the touches. His blend of rushing and receiving make him one of the premier running backs in all of football. No other meaningful options exist here right now.
Usage by Situation
The return of a healthy Michael Thomas will be a welcome sight for this squad. Jameis Winston (with some Taysom Hill) operates a low-volume passing attack that hasn’t provided fantasy value for… anyone. Kamara is the lone option that is worth anything. Marquez Callaway and Deonte Harris can score on a deep throw at any time but a lack of consistent volume makes them hard to trust.
New York Giants
Weekly Rushing Share
After a phenomenal rookie season, a strong but subdued sophomore year, and a third year that saw him appear in just two games before injury, Saquon Barkley continues to struggle in getting back into top form. He recently went down with an ankle injury and his status remains up in the air. There’s no denying his talent, but health and availability have come into question more often than not in recent weeks. Devonte Booker has been an effective change-of-pace option and remains a valuable handcuff.
Usage by Situation
For as much as Barkley and his injuries have stolen the spotlight, there’s no ignoring the injuries to the wide receivers. Kenny Golladay, Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton and Kadarius Toney have all battled through injuries and uneven performances. It’s a tough roster to predict and invest in because of the prevalence of injuries and wariness of quarterback Daniel Jones.
For more information, check out the Usage by Situation.
New York Jets
Weekly Rushing Share
Rookie running back Michael Carter has appeared to separate himself from the pack over his last few performances. He’s averaging more than 10 carries per game in his last four games and has scored in each of his last two. The Jets offense continues to struggle under rookie quarterback Zach Wilson, but Carter is worth an add in dynasty leagues if you are confident in both him and this team moving forward into the next several seasons.
Usage by Situation
Much of the struggles of this group of pass catchers can be attributed to Wilson who has struggled mightily this year. He’s only thrown touchdowns passes in two games and has thrown an interception in every game (9 total). Still, wide receivers Corey Davis and rookie Elijah Moore are intriguing dynasty stashes in the event that Wilson can start to turn things around over the second half of this season and into next season.
Philadelphia Eagles
Weekly Rushing Share
The biggest issue for this backfield is not a lack of talent, but a lack of usage and opportunity. The presence of a rushing quarterback like Jalen Hurts does present its own set of unique challenges to the running back room but Miles Sanders is too talented to have 2, 7 and 9 carries in three of his last four contests. Kenneth Gainwell was one of the more talented pass-catching backs in this class and has flashed that ability on several occasions. The talent is there, and both could be worth pursuing in redraft and dynasty leagues.
Usage by Situation
The Eagles looked like they were going to continue striking out on early-round wide receivers. After consecutive years of drafting JJ Arcega-Whiteside and Jalen Reagor — both of whom have failed to live up to their respective expectations — they finally seem to have landed a good one in DeVonta Smith. The Heisman Winner is the clear WR1 for this team and is seeing consistent usage to warrant weekly starts. Dallas Goedert could be in line for a massive uptick in volume after team dealt Zach Ertz to the Arizona Cardinals.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Weekly Rushing Share
The Le’Veon Bell era is over, and Ben Roethlisberger is all that remains of the Big Ben, Bell, Antonio Brown years of fantasy superstardom. Enter Najee Harris. Harris operates like an old-school bell cow back and never comes off the field. He’s heavily involved in the passing game and is the perfect short-yardage outlet for Roethlisberger and his waning arm. Despite his older age for a rookie, Harris appears primed to dominate the running back scene for the next few years.
Usage by Situation
Diontae Johnson has been the target hog and Chase Claypool looks like a clone of a certain hulking Seahawk receiver. Unfortunately, JuJu Smith-Schuster is done for the season, and he might be done as a Steeler. I firmly believe Claypool will see more volume in his absence and Johnson will continue to be the PPR machine that he is. Quarterback change is coming for this team soon so capitalize on value while you still can. Also, go get Pat Freiermuth in all league formats. This kid looks awesome and is seeing increased usage in recent weeks.
San Francisco 49ers
Weekly Rushing Share
Once lauded as the holy grail offense for running backs, the 49ers scheme has been anything but this season. Health has certainly been an issue, but rookies Trey Sermon and Elijah Mitchell have bounced back and forth, and no one seems capable of maintaining control of lead duties. Whenever rookie quarterback Trey Lance takes over — later this year or next — he will be in contention for the team’s leading rusher. There is value to be had in this backfield, and I believe it is with Mitchell for now, but it’s tough to predict and trust on a weekly basis.
Usage by Situation
Deebo Samuel has been one of the biggest winners this season. He’s erupted into one of the best wideouts in all of football and is dominating the market share in all aspects of the game. Second-year player Brandon Aiyuk has been equally disappointing and frustrating. We saw his talent on display last season, but for whatever reason it hasn’t translated to 2021. If you can acquire Aiyuk at a discount in dynasty leagues, I have no problem with that, but he’s tough to trust in redraft. George Kittle appears to be on track to return in Week 9 and the remaining pass-catching options don’t instill much confidence.
Seattle Seahawks
Weekly Rushing Share
Chris Carson has been a draft-day value for the last few years, but injuries appear to be catching up with him. He’s always strong volume and adequate involvement in the passing game to be productive in all formats and his usage rates reflect that. Backup Alex Collins has performed well in relief and Rashaad Penny appears ready to make yet another debut as he works back from injury.
For more information, check out the Weekly Rushing Share.
Usage by Situation
Similar to how the Rams feature a 1-2 punch at wide receiver, the Seahawks follow suit with their own talented tandem of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Unfortunately, quarterback Russell Wilson is out for a few weeks and will not be eligible to return until Week 10 because of a Week 9 bye. Metcalf and Lockett should still see enough volume to be fantasy relevant although their respective ceilings are diminished with the quarterback situation.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Weekly Rushing Share
“Playoff Lenny” Leonard Fournette has taken his incredible run through last season’s playoffs and been a league-winner at the position this year. He’s relegated Ronald Jones to backup duty in recent weeks and is even seeing involvement in the passing game. At just 26 years old, Fournette may stick with Tom Brady for as long as he can, making him an intriguing addition in dynasty leagues.
Usage by Situation
The best trio of wide receivers in all of football reside in Tampa Bay. The Brady-led Buccaneers are looking to defend their title and have the offensive firepower to keep pace with anyone. All Mike Evans has done is post 1,000-plus receiving yards in each of his seven seasons in the league. Antonio Brown is a Hall of Fame talent and Chris Godwin is the complete receiver that every team needs. The team isn’t trailing all that often and Brady spreads the ball around as well as anyone.
Tennessee Titans
Weekly Rushing Share
Derrick Henry continues to set an unattainable bar even higher. Defenses know he is going to get the ball, but it just doesn’t matter. He’s even seeing a slight uptick in passing involvement this season which has made him even more valuable. There isn’t much to be said about Henry. If you have him, you’re loving every moment of it and if you don’t, well, you likely wish that you did.
Usage by Situation
The passing attack for the Titans has been stagnant this season and its superstars have fallen short of expectations. However, A.J. Brown looks to have started his turnaround in the second half of a thrilling Week 6 matchup. Once in consideration for the overall dynasty WR1, Brown has offset a frustrating low level of volume with incredible efficiency and after-the-catch prowess. Now healthy, he could take the league by storm once again. Julio Jones continues to battle through soft tissue injuries and is back on the injury report this week. You can’t trade him but he’s tough to trust in your lineups even when he is active.
Washington Football Team
Weekly Rushing Share
Sophomore running back Antonio Gibson has struggled to generate the same level of production that he did a year ago. While he has double-digit carries in each game, he hasn’t topped 70 rushing yards since Week 1 and is losing a significant amount of receiving work to J.D. McKissic. Gibson is also dealing with an injury and his lack of explosive, efficient play could force fantasy managers to adjust their expectations over the remaining weeks and months of the season. To be fair, Gibson has been fine, but it’s not what managers were expecting when they spent significant draft capital on him.
Usage by Situation
Terry McLaurin is the one of the most talented wide receivers in the league but needs consistent, quality quarterback play to elevate his game to the next level. He’s seeing just shy of 10 targets per game but has four games of 62 receiving yards or fewer. In the two games he’s topped that mark, he’s also scored. This has made his good games even better and his dud games even more disappointing. Logan Thomas and Ricky Seals-Jones have made for a fun tandem at tight end and Dyami Brown is an intriguing downfield option in dynasty leagues.
