NFL Air Yards Tool, Week 15: Leaders of Week 15

Each week in this space, I’m going to take a trip through the FTN air yards tool to find some of the most interesting and actionable takeaways for fantasy football.

Air yards represent the distance the ball travels from the line of scrimmage to the intended target. Regardless of whether a pass was complete or incomplete, air yards measure the amount of ground covered from passer to pass-catcher. It does not account for the yards after catch on a completed pass. When calculating air yards, it’s important to keep in mind that not all air yards are created equal. An on-target throw is much more valuable than an uncatchable ball, even if the air yards are greater. Although air yards are not indicative of fantasy success, it’s a great way to calculate opportunity. The Weighted Opportunity Rating incorporates players’ share of team targets and the percentage of team air yards. Fantasy scoring is difficult to predict. However, opportunities are usually a stick stat and can translate to current and future output. Every week I will go position by position, highlighting the leaders in air yards. You can access the free air yards tool at FTN Fantasy.

Quarterback

Zach Wilson, Jets, 491 Air Yards, QB9

Zach Wilson returned to the starting lineup after Mike White was ruled out with a rib injury but was unable to lead the Jets to victory against a roaring-hot Lions team. Wilson was forced to air it out against the league’s No. 1 ranked run defense, completing 18-of-35 passes for 317 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Down 13-10 in the fourth quarter, Wilson threw his second touchdown with less than five minutes in regulation, putting the Jets up 17-13. However, Jared Goff put the road narrative to rest, hitting tight end Brock Wright for 51 yards and what ended up being the game-winning score. With White ruled out for Week 16, Wilson is set to start a second consecutive game on Thursday night against the Jaguars.

Runner Up: Derek Carr, Raiders, 483 Air Yards, QB10
Season Leader: Josh Allen, Bills, 4,508 Air Yards, QB3

Wide Receiver

A.J. Brown, Eagles, 252 Air Yards, WR4

A.J. Brown continued to dominate in the fantasy playoffs, catching nine passes on a season-high 16 targets for 181 receiving yards. Despite not finding the end zone, Brown set a personal best in receiving yards while playing in a surprisingly competitive game. Brown made a highlight grab in the fourth quarter for a 68-yard reception, ultimately leading to the game-sealing score. The play was even more impressive, considering Jalen Hurts completed the pass with a sprained AC joint. Unfortunately, Hurts has already been ruled out for Week 16, leaving Gardner Minshew as the starter. Although Brown has yet to play with Minshew, he has already shown the ability to produce with multiple signal-callers and can still be considered an elite option.

Runner Up: Mack Hollins, Raiders, 176 Air Yards, WR26
Season Leader: Davante Adams, Raiders, 1,767 Air Yards, WR3

Tight End

T.J. Hockenson, Vikings, 110 Air Yards, TE19

T.J. Hockenson had his worst game of the season since joining the Vikings, logging just 33 receiving yards and a two-point conversion. He caught just three passes in a game that saw Kirk Cousins drop back 54 times but was still targeted nine times. Better days are ahead for Hockenson, who has seen six-plus targets in all seven games with Minnesota and should continue to be viewed as one of the few top options at the tight end position. He gets a nice matchup in Week 16 against a Giants team allowing the 12th-most receiving yards (53.4) and fantasy points (12.2 PPR) per game to tight ends.

Runner Up: Dawson Knox, Bills, 86 Air Yards, TE3
Season Leader: Mark Andrews, Ravens, 999 Air Yards, TE2

Running Back

Cordarrelle Patterson, Falcons, 37 Air Yards, RB25

In his first game with Desmond Ridder, Cordarrelle Patterson handled 15 touches for 53 yards and a touchdown. Despite seeing three fewer carries than Tyler Allgeier, Patterson’s 14 rush attempts in Week 15 were the most he’s had since Week 3. He also had three targets in the game, tied for the second most on the team. Even with a change at quarterback, the Falcons’ game plan to establish the run remains the same, taking the ball out of their rookie signal-caller’s hands whenever possible. Patterson faces a tougher matchup in Week 16 against a Ravens defense allowing the fourth-fewest rushing yards (70.6) and eighth-fewest fantasy points (19.7) per game to opposing running backs.  

Runner Up: Tony Pollard, Cowboys, 26 Air Yards, RB17
Season Leader: Breece Hall, Jets, 147 Air Yards, RB36