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Target share can help give fantasy football managers an indication of potential breakout players or worrisome usage that could help make the right moves on waivers and in roster construction moving forward. Here are the target numbers from each NFL game so far of Week 8.
Falcons vs Panthers
Atlanta Falcons | Carolina Panthers |
---|---|
Atlanta Falcons | Carolina Panthers |
10 - Julio Jones (33%) | 8 - Robby Anderson (29%) |
7 - Hayden Hurst (23%) | 6 - D.J. Moore (22%) |
4 - Calvin Ridley (13%) | 5 - Curtis Samuel (18%) |
3 - Russell Gage (10%) | 3 - Ian Thomas (11%) |
3 - Brian Hill (10%) | 2 - Mike Davis (7%) |
2 - Christian Blake (6%) | 1 - Chris Manhertz (3%) |
1 - Keith Smith (3%) |
Calvin Ridley left the Thursday night game early with an ankle injury so that helps explains he’s low target share. Hayden Hurst continues to be a focal point of the Falcons passing game with back-to-back seven target games. While it was Curtis Samuel who had the big fantasy performance, it’s important to note that Robby Anderson and D.J. Moore still led the Panthers in targets which is comforting for fantasy managers.
Steelers vs Ravens
Pittsburgh Steelers | Baltimore Ravens |
---|---|
Pittsburgh Steelers | Baltimore Ravens |
9 - Chase Claypool (28%) | 7 - Willie Snead (25%) |
8 - JuJu Smith-Schuster (25%) | 6 - Mark Andrews (21%) |
5 - Eric Ebron (15%) | 3 - Myles Boykins (10%) |
3 - James Conner (9%) | 3 - Devin Duvernay (10%) |
3 - Diontae Johnson (9%) | 2 - Marquise Brown (7%) |
2 - Jaylen Samuels (6%) | 2 - J.K. Dobbins (7%) |
1 - Ray-Ray McCloud (3%) | 1 - Gus Edwards (3%) |
1 - James Washington (3%) |
Diontae Johnson yet again left this game with an injury and that opened the door for a Chase Claypool day, leading the Steelers in targets. This marks two games in a row for JuJu Smith-Schuster with at least eight targets. That’s good news for fantasy managers. Willie Snead coming out of nowhere to lead the Ravens in targets is something to monitor as the Ravens passing game continues to figure itself out. Marquise Brown needs more work.
Patriots vs Bills
New England Patriots | Buffalo Bills |
---|---|
New England Patriots | Buffalo Bills |
10 - Jakobi Meyers (40%) | 9 - Stefon Diggs (50%) |
4 - James White (16%) | 2 - Cole Beasley (11%) |
4 - Damiere Byrd (16%) | 2 - John Brown (11%) |
3 - Ryan Izzo (12%) | 2 - Gabriel Davis (11%) |
1 - Rex Burkhead (4%) | 1 - Zack Moss (5%) |
1 - Isaiah Zuber (4%) | 1 - Devin Singletary (5%) |
1 -Tyler Kroft (5%) |
With Julian Edelman and N’Keal Harry out, it was the Jakobi Meyers show for the Patriots’ passing game. He is 100% worth rostering. And for the Bills, it was all Stefon Diggs as Josh Allen only threw 18 times against the Patriots.
Titans vs Bengals
Tennessee Titans | Cincinnati Bengals |
---|---|
Tennessee Titans | Cincinnati Bengals |
10 - Corey Davis (33%) | 9 - Tee Higgins (24%) |
7 - A.J. Brown (23%) | 7 - Tyler Boyd (18%) |
2 - Adam Humphries (6%) | 7 - Auden Tate (18%) |
2 - Anthony Firkser (6%) | 5 - A.J. Green (13%) |
2 - Jonnu Smith (6%) | 4 - Giovani Bernard (10%) |
1 - Derrick Henry (3%) | 1 - Samaje Perine (2%) |
1 - Jeremy McNichols (3%) | 1 - Cethan Carter (2%) |
1 - Khari Blasingame (3%) | 1 - Drew Sample (2%) |
1 - Kalif Raymond (3%) | |
1 - Mycole Pruitt (3%) |
For the second week in a row Corey Davis saw 10 targets in the Titans passing game. He’s a must add if he’s not already on your fantasy team. Jonnu Smith seeing only two targets while healthy and on the field is concerning, especially with Anthony Firkser seeing the same amount of work and putting up better numbers. Tyler Boyd and Tee Higgins are firmly the Bengals top two wide receivers with Auden Tate making a surprise appearance this week. Do the Bengals move on from Joe Mixon? Giovani Bernard has looked terrific for them last two weeks.
Raiders vs Browns
Las Vegas Raiders | Cleveland Browns |
---|---|
Las Vegas Raiders | Cleveland Browns |
6 - Darren Waller (25%) | 11 - Jarvis Landry (44%) |
4 - Hunter Renfrow (16%) | 3 - Rashard Higgins (12%) |
4 - Henry Ruggs (16%) | 3 - David Njoku (12%) |
2 - Nelson Agholor (8%) | 3 - Harrison Bryant (12%) |
2 - Jason Witten (8%) | 3 - Kareem Hunt (12%) |
1 - Josh Jacobs (4%) | 1 - D'Ernest Johnson (4%) |
1 - Devontae Booker (4%) | 1 - Andy Janovich (4%) |
1 - Jalen Richard (4%) | |
1 - Foster Moreau (4%) |
The crazy weather in Cleveland for this game certainly played a part as neither the Raiders nor the Browns pushed the ball down the field. It’s encouraging to see Henry Ruggs continue to become more involved in the Raiders passing game. As we expected, without Odell Beckham Jr., Jarvis Landry is the Browns clear number one receiver. Harrison Bryant also continues to be a factor, especially with Austin Hooper out.
Colts vs Lions
Indianapolis Colts | Detroit Lions |
---|---|
Indianapolis Colts | Detroit Lions |
6 - Zach Pascal (18%) | 10 - T.J. Hockenson (23%) |
5 - Nyheim Hines (15%) | 7 - Marvin Jones Jr (16%) |
4 - Marcus Johnson (12%) | 7 - Marvin Hall (16%) |
4 - Trey Burton (12%) | 4 - Danny Amendola (9%) |
4 - Mo Alie-Cox (12%) | 4 - Kenny Golladay (9%) |
3 - Jonathan Taylor (9%) | 4 - D'Andre Swift (9%) |
3 - Jack Doyle (9%) | 2 - Kerryon Johnson (4%) |
2 - T.Y. Hilton (6%) | 1 - Adrian Peterson (2%) |
1 - Jordan Wilkins (3%) | 1 - Jesse James (2%) |
1 - Michael Pittman (3%) | |
1 - Ashton Dulin (3%) |
Both Kenny Golladay and T.Y. Hilton left this game with injuries. Nyheim Hines had a big day scoring two touchdowns and the reliable target share is promising but the results aren’t super reliable yet. Things seem to be clicking for T.J. Hockenson, who’s now seen over six targets in back-to-back games for the Lions. If Golladay misses time, Marvin Hall and Marvin Jones Jr. are both names to target on waivers as they are the big play men for the Lions’ passing game. I like seeing four targets for D’Andre Swift even in a touch matchup.
Vikings vs Packers
Minnesota Vikings | Green Bay Packers |
---|---|
Minnesota Vikings | Green Bay Packers |
4 - Adam Thielen (22%) | 12 - Davante Adams (29%) |
4 - Justin Jefferson (22%) | 7 - Robert Tonyan (17%) |
3 - Dalvin Cook (16%) | 6 - Jamaal Williams (14%) |
1 - Chad Beebe (5%) | 4 - Jace Sternberger (9%) |
1 - Irv Smith Jr (5%) | 3 - Equanimeous St. Brown (7%) |
1 - Kyle Rudolph (5%) | 3 - Tyler Ervin (7%) |
1 - A.J. Dillion (2%) | |
1 - Malik Taylor (2%) | |
1 - Marquez Valdes-Scantling (2%) | |
1 - Darrius Shepherd (2%) |
Kirk Cousins only threw the ball 14 times which capped Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson’s ceiling but the target share is obviously expected and encouraging. The Packers offense is still the Davante Adams show with other players sprinkled in. Robert Tonyan is a weekly starter now and Jace Sternberger seems to be emerging at the tight end position. Marquez Valdes-Scantling is droppable in my opinion.
Jets vs Chiefs
New York Jets | Kansas City Chiefs |
---|---|
New York Jets | Kansas City Chiefs |
11 - Braxton Berrios (36%) | 12 - Travis Kelce (28%) |
8 - Jeff Smith (26%) | 9 - Mecole Hardman (21%) |
3 - Denzel Mims (10%) | 6 - Tyreek Hill (14%) |
2 - La'Mical Perine (6%) | 5 - DeMarcus Robinson (11%) |
2 - Chris Herndon (6%) | 4 - Byron Pringle (9%) |
1 - Ty Johnson (3%) | 3 - Clyde Edwards-Helaire (7%) |
1 - Vyncint Smith (3%) | 3 - Le'Veon Bell (7%) |
2 - Nick Keizer (4%) | |
1 - Darrel Williams (2%) | |
1 - Darwin Thompson (2%) | |
1 - Deon Yelder (2%) |
I don’t want to have a single Jets player on my fantasy roster. If you insist on having someone, make it whichever slot receiver is healthy. Mecole Hardman only behind Travis Kelce in targets is highly encouraging for the young speedster. He is totally worth adding on waivers as his role in the Chiefs offense has continued to grow. I also like seeing Le’Veon Bell getting passing work already. Hopefully those targets continue to grow.
Rams vs Dolphins
Los Angeles Rams | Miami Dolphins |
---|---|
Los Angeles Rams | Miami Dolphins |
21 - Cooper Kupp (34%) | 6 - Myles Gaskin (27%) |
9 - Josh Reynolds (14%) | 5 - Preston Williams (22%) |
9 - Gerald Everett (14%) | 2 - Jakeem Grant (9%) |
8 - Robert Woods (13%) | 2 - DeVante Parker (9%) |
4 - Tyler Higbee (6%) | 2 - Durham Smythe (9%) |
2 - Malcolm Brown (3%) | 2 - Mike Gesicki (9%) |
2 - Darrell Henderson (3%) | 1 - Isaiah Ford (4%) |
2 - Van Jefferson (3%) | 1 - Malcolm Perry (4%) |
1 - Cam Akers (1%) | 1 - Adam Shaheen (4%) |
Jared Goff threw the ball 61 TIMES and 21 of those were Cooper Kupp’s way. Tyler Higbee hypetrain is officially off the rails as it is clear he’s no longer the Rams number one tight end. Josh Reynolds has had three good weeks now and is certainly worth rostering. Myles Gaskin leading the Dolphins in targets isn’t a surprise with Tua Tagovailoa making his first NFL start. Preston Williams’ five targets is the second most he’s seen this season and possible a good sign moving forward. Don’t panic about DeVante Parker just yet.
Chargers vs Broncos
Los Angeles Chargers | Denver Broncos |
---|---|
Los Angeles Chargers | Denver Broncos |
11 - Keenan Allen (25%) | 10 - Jerry Jeudy (24%) |
8 - Mike Williams (18%) | 9 - Noah Fant (21%) |
7 - Troymaine Pope (16%) | 7 - Melvin Gordon (17%) |
5 - Justin Jackson (11%) | 5 - DaeSean Hamilton (12%) |
4 - Jalen Guyton (9%) | 3 - Phillip Lindsay (7%) |
4 - Hunter Henry (9%) | 3 - K.J. Hamler (7%) |
1 - Gabe Nabers (2%) | 1 - Albert Okwuegbunam (2%) |
1 - Joshua Kelley (2%) |
You love seeing Keenan Allen and Mike Williams leading the Chargers in targets as a fantasy manager. Troymaine Pope came out of nowhere to have a solid game and might be a factor in the Chargers’ backfield as long as Austin Ekeler is out. 10 targets is the most for Jerry Jeudy this season and a great sign that he and Drew Lock are starting to connect which means more fantasy work coming his way. Great to see Noah Fant heavily involved when healthy.
Saints vs Bears
New Orleans Saints | Chicago Bears |
---|---|
New Orleans Saints | Chicago Bears |
13 - Alvin Kamara (31%) | 11 - Anthony Miller (26%) |
7 - Jared Cook (17%) | 7 - Allen Robinson (17%) |
7 - Tre'Quan Smith (17%) | 7 - Jimmy Graham (17%) |
3 - Latavius Murray (7%) | 6 - Darnell Mooney (14%) |
3 - Deonte Harris (7%) | 5 - David Montgomery (12%) |
3 - Juwan Johnson (7%) | 2 - Cordarrelle Patterson (4%) |
2 - Taysom Hill (4%) | 1 - Ryan Nall (2%) |
1 - Austin Carr (2%) | 1 - Javon Wims (2%) |
1 - Tommylee Lewis (2%) | 1 - Cole Kmet (2%) |
1 - Josh Hill (2%) |
The Saints passing game is Alvin Kamara, Alvin Kamara, Jared Cook, a touch of Tre’Quan Smith, and more Alvin Kamara until Michael Thomas returns (IF HE RETURNS!). I have more faith in Darnell Mooney and his fantasy future than Anthony Miller right now despite Miller leading the Bears in targets this week. Show me another strong week against the Titans Miller and you’ll have my attention.
49ers vs Seahawks
San Francisco 49ers | Seattle Seahawks |
---|---|
San Francisco 49ers | Seattle Seahawks |
11 - Brandon Aiyuk (26%) | 15 - D.K. Metcalf (40%) |
10 - Kendrick Bourne (24%) | 5 - DeeJay Dallas (13%) |
4 - Trent Taylor (9%) | 5 - Tyler Lockett (13%) |
4 - Ross Dwelley (9%) | 4 - Greg Olsen (10%) |
4 - George Kittle (9%) | 3 - David Moore (8%) |
4 - Jerick McKinnon (9%) | 2 - Jacob Hollister (5%) |
2 - Kyle Juszczyk (4%) | 1 - Will Dissly (2%) |
1 - Jamycal Hasty (2%) | 1 - Nick Bellore (2%) |
Kendrick Bourne’s 10 targets are a clear product of Deebo Samuel out and George Kittle leaving this game with an injury. As long as Samuel is out—and especially if Kittle misses time—Bourne isn’t a bad stash in deeper leagues. D.K. Metcalf’s 15 targets just goes to show that he and Tyler Lockett can never have a good game at the same time. It’s either 100% Metcalf or 100% Lockett. This week it was Metcalf.
Cowboys vs Eagles
Dallas Cowboys | Philadelphia Eagles |
---|---|
Dallas Cowboys | Philadelphia Eagles |
12 - Michael Gallup (30%) | 7 - Travis Fulgham (25%) |
8 - Dalton Schultz (20%) | 6 - Jalen Reagor (21%) |
5 - CeeDee Lamb (12%) | 5 - Greg Ward (17%) |
5 - Amari Cooper (12%) | 3 - John Hightower (10%) |
2 - Tony Pollard (5%) | 2 - Boston Scott (7%) |
2 - Ezekiell Elliott (5%) | 2 - Corey Clement (7%) |
2 - Cedrick Wilson (5%) | 1 - Dallas Goedert (3%) |
2 - Noah Brown (5%) |
Ben DiNucci looked like a hot pile of garbage but Michael Gallup managers have to hope that he sticks around as he led the team and saw his most targets on the year. CeeDee Lamb has now seen only five targets in the last two games after averaging 8.5 through the first six weeks. The Eagles were clearly trying to get the ball into Jalen Reagor’s hands in his first game back from injury and that is very encouraging to see. Dallas Goedert only getting one target is not encouraging to see.