Isaiah Likely

Opportunity Knocks: NFL Shares to Watch – Week 9

Dynasty / By

Opportunity is king in fantasy football. Tracking player volume and snaps each season helps managers get ahead of coaching trends while making advanced moves on the trade market and waiver wires. In this recurring weekly series, we will look at all 32 teams’ most notable market shares (percentage of team output) in targets, opportunities, and rushing/receiving production. With Week 8 in the rearview, let’s dive into some exciting usage data around the NFL as we prepare for the upcoming slate of games.

Arizona Cardinals

  • DeAndre Hopkins has not missed a beat since his return from suspension. The Cardinals’ leading wideout is averaging 27.1 PPG in his first two games with a league-leading target share of 37.5% (27 TGT). Hopkins should continue to dominate the Cardinals’ target share until Marquise Brown returns.
  • Rondale Moore played a season-high 77 snaps (99.0%), running 45 routes (93.8%) with eight targets (18.2%). Moore caught seven passes for 92 yards and one touchdown. The second-year wideout totaled only ten air yards on his targets. Moore has incredible weekly upside if the Cardinals continue to utilize him as a low-depth target in open space.
  • Eno Benjamin played 74.0% of the offensive snaps, earning a 15.9% target share (7 TGT) and 64.3% rushing share (9 RSH). Benjamin will maintain the lead role for as long as James Conner is absent.

Atlanta Falcons

  • The Falcons trailed by seven or more points for 100.0% of their offensive snaps against the Bengals but attempted only 13 passes.
  • Damiere Byrd caught the Falcons’ lone receiving touchdown in Week 7, taking his first target of the season to the house for 75 yards. Byrd took his second target of the season to the house in Week 8 on a 47-yard bomb. He finished with six targets (21.4%) with three receptions for 67 yards on a 51.0% snap share (34).
  • Drake London received five targets (17.9%), catching four passes for 31 yards. London played 85.0% of the offensive snaps (59).
  • Kyle Pitts topped the team with five targets (32.1%), playing 75.0% of the offensive snaps (50). The second-year tight end caught all five of his opportunities for 80 yards and one touchdown.
  • Tyler Allgeier has recorded double-digit touches in 6/7 games this season. He is averaging 3.9 yards per carry and 8.1 PPG.

Baltimore Ravens

  • Mark Andrews exited early with a shoulder injury, playing just 13.0% of the offensive snaps (10) with five targets (13.2%).
  • Rookie tight end Isaiah Likely took over the lead duties, catching six of his seven targets (18.4%) for 77 yards and one touchdown. He played 67.0% of the offensive snaps (51).
  • Gus Edwards, Justice Hill, and Kenyan Drake formed a three-headed committee in the Ravens backfield. Hill earned the majority of carries (11 RSH) with Drake leading the trio with a 58.0% snap share (44) and four targets (10.5%).
  • Rashod Bateman suited up but was ultimately held out for most of the contest with a nagging foot injury. He is expected to be sidelined for multiple weeks.
  • Devin Duvernay (50 Snaps), James Proche (48 Snaps), and Demarcus Robinson (48 Snaps) all saw increased work with Andrews and Bateman sidelined. Robinson led the Ravens with eight targets (21.1%).

Buffalo Bills

  • Josh Allen did not play like he had an extra week to prepare, completing 13/25 attempts for 218 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.
  • Stefon Diggs led the Bills with eight targets (32.0%), catching six for 108 yards and one touchdown.
  • Gabriel Davis led the wide receivers with an 88.0% snap count (52). Davis recorded a 28.0% target share (7 TGT), marking his highest total of the 2022 season. He managed just two receptions for 35 yards despite a season-high opportunity share.
  • Devin Singletary dominated the Bills backfield with a 75.0% snap share (44) and a 73.7% rushing share (14 RSH).
  • Dawson Knox played 88.0% of the offensive snaps, catching two of his three targets (12.0%) for 10 yards and one touchdown.
  • The Bills traded for Nyheim Hines during the final hours of the November 1st trade deadline.

Carolina Panthers

  • D’Onta Foreman rushed for exactly 118 yards for his second consecutive contest. Foreman had the backfield to himself with Chuba Hubbard on the injured list. The veteran back earned a 68.0% snap share (54) and 76.5% rushing share (26 RSH) with three touchdowns.
  • The Panthers’ new starting quarterback P.J. Walker completed 19/36 attempts for 317 yards with one touchdown and one interception while adding 20 yards on the ground.
  • D.J. Moore had his best game of the 2022 season, posting six receptions for 152 yards and one touchdown. Moore led the Panthers with 11 targets (30.6%) and a 96.0% snap share (77).
  • Terrace Marshall Jr. has catapulted up the depth chart as the Panthers’ secondary receiving threat alongside Moore. Marshall played 92.0% of the team’s snaps (74), catching four of his nine targets for 87 yards (25.0%).

Chicago Bears

  • Justin Fields showcased his game-altering athleticism against an intimidating Cowboys defense. The Bears’ second-year quarterback rushed eight times for 60 yards and one touchdown. Fields continues to up his volume as a passer, completing 17/23 attempts for 151 yards with two touchdowns and zero interceptions. 
  • Let this be your weekly reminder that Khalil Herbert is better than David Montgomery but the Bears do not seem to care. Herbert recorded 99 rushing yards on 16 attempts with one touchdown. The Bears afforded the second-year back a laughably low snap share of just 28.0% (22).
  • Montgomery was given a 70.0% snap share (55) and 45.5% rushing share (15 RSH). The Bears starting back recorded 53 rushing yards and 22 receiving yards.
  • Darnell Mooney led the Bears wide receivers in snap percentage (86.0%) and target share (20.8%).
  • Cole Kmet led all members of the offense with a 95.0% snap share (75). He earned two targets (8.3%), catching both for 11 yards and his first touchdown of the 2022 season.
  • The Bears traded for Steelers wideout Chase Claypool in an attempt to bolster their receiving depth.

Cincinnati Bengals

  • Ja’Marr Chase was held out of the contest with a hip injury and will miss 4-6 weeks.
  • Burrow missed his top target in the Bengals’ loss. He completed 25/35 passes for 232 yards with two touchdowns and one interception
  • Tee Higgins and Tyler Boyd played 52 snaps each (98.0%).
  • Higgins edged Boyd with six targets (17.1%), catching three for 49 yards and one touchdown.
  • Boyd caught three passes on five targets (14.3%) for 38 yards and Burrow’s second touchdown.
  • Joe Mixon led the Bengals with nine targets (25.7%) on a 72.0% snap share (38). Mixon saw an 88.9% rushing share on only eight carries as the Bengals abandoned the run early in a negative game script.

Cleveland Browns

  • Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are once again locked into a near-identical snap share after it appeared to be Chubb’s backfield to lose in the early parts of the season
  • Chubb recorded 37 snaps (51.0%) to Hunt’s 34 (46.0%) but dominated the backfield opportunities with a 64.8% opportunity share. Chubb recorded 101 rushing yards with two touchdowns.
  • Hunt reprised his role as the pass-catcher, earning four targets (17.4%). He tallied 72 scrimmage yards (42 RSH YDS/30 REC YDS) on 15 touches (11 RSH/4 REC).
  • Amari Cooper led the team with seven targets (30.4%) despite conceding the lead in snaps to Donovan Peoples-Jones.
  • Peoples-Jones saw a 96.0% snap share (69), earning four targets (17.4%).
  • Harrison Bryant started at tight end in the stead of an injured David Njoku. Bryant received a 74.0% snap share (53) but earned no targets.

Dallas Cowboys

  • Tony Pollard received his first start at running back of the 2022 season, replacing Ezekiel Elliot as the leader of the Cowboys backfield. Pollard tallied three touchdowns, rushing for 131 yards on 14 carries. He played 53.0% of the offensive snaps (31).
  • Pollard conceded some work to Malik Davis who earned a 33.0% snap share (19) and 36.4% rushing share (8 RSH).
  • CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup matched each other with 49 snaps (84.0%). Lamb saw seven targets (25.9%) to Gallup’s six targets (22.2%). It is worth noting that Gallup’s sudden increase in snaps and targets coincided with the absence of Noah Brown.
  • Dalton Schultz is finding a rhythm with Dak Prescott under center. Schultz played 71.0% of the team’s snaps (41), tying Lamb with a team-leading seven targets (25.9%).

Denver Broncos

  • Russell Wilson returned after a one-game absence only to make managers wish he stayed on the sidelines. Wilson completed 18/30 attempts for 252 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
  • Latavius Murray led the Broncos backfield with 14 rushing attempts for 46 yards and one touchdown on 44,0% of the offensive snaps.
  • Melvin Gordon played 56.0% of the offensive snaps with nine carries and four targets (13.3%).
  • Jerry Jeudy topped the team with seven targets (23.3%) catching six for 63 yards and one touchdown.
  • Cortland Sutton led the Broncos with a 95.0% snap share (58), catching one of his four targets (13.3%) for 13 yards.
  • Rookie tight end Greg Dulcich played a season-high 80.0% of the offensive snaps, earning five targets (16.7%) and leading the team with 87 receiving yards on four catches.

Detroit Lions

  • D’Andre Swift returned from his multi-game stint on the injury report. Swift rushed five times for six yards while catching all five of his targets (13.5%) for 27 yards and one touchdown. He played 55.0% of the offensive snaps (33).
  • Jamaal Williams led the duo in opportunity share despite playing just 37.0% of the offensive snaps. Williams recorded a 58.8% rushing share (10 RSH) with three targets (8.1%).
  • Amon-Ra St. Brown recorded ten targets (27.0%) on 95.0% of the offensive snaps (57).
  • The Lions traded tight end T.J. Hockenson to the Vikings.

Green Bay Packers

  • Aaron Rodgers and the Packers lost another crucial game, dropping to 3-5 on the season after they were toppled by the Bills.
  • A.J. Dillon saw his lowest snap total of the season in Week 7, playing a mere 16 snaps (27.0%) with four carries for 15 yards. Dillon increased his snaps in Week 8 with a 42.0% share (28) with ten carries for 54 yards.
  • Aaron Jones took the role of the Packers’ leading rusher. Jones saw a 67.0% snap share (44) and a 66.7% rushing share (20 RSH). Jones managed 143 yards on the ground adding four receptions on five targets (16.7%) for 14 yards.
  • Romeo Doubs led the Packers receivers in snaps (54) and target share (23.3%). Doubs caught four passes for 62 yards and one touchdown.

Houston Texans

  • Davis Mills completed 17/29 pass attempts for 152 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Mills has just one game over 300 yards this season and has yet to convert more than two touchdowns in a single game in 2022.
  • Dameon Pierce recorded minimal rushing output, amassing 35 yards on 15 carries. Pierce found the endzone on one of his three receptions, totaling 16 yards. Pierce played 78.0% of the offensive snaps, tallying a 100.0% rushing opportunity share.
  • Phillip Dorsett led the team in snap percentage (83.0%) while Nico Collins was sidelined with an injury.
  • Brandin Cooks earned a team-high six targets (20.0%), playing 81.0% of the offensive snaps (6).

Indianapolis Colts

  • Sam Ehlinger recorded his first official start as a pro quarterback in Week 8. Ehlinger completed 17/23 pass attempts for 201 yards with zero touchdowns.
  • Alec Pierce led the Colts in receiving yards, catching three of five targets (21.7%) for 65 yards. Pierce played 57.0% of the offensive snaps (33).
  • Michael Pittman led the Colts in target share (39.1%) and snap percentage (95.0%). The second-year wideout caught seven of his nine targets for 53 yards.
  • Parris Campbell ended a two-game streak of double-digit targets. Campbell earned two targets (8.7%), catching both for 43 yards.
  • Jonathan Taylor rushed 16 times for 76 yards on a 69.0% snap share (40) but reaggravated the ankle injury that held him out of two contests earlier this season. Taylor is questionable for the Colts’ Week 9 matchup.
  • Nyheim Hines was traded to the Buffalo Bills for Zack Moss and a conditional sixth-round draft pick.
  • Deon Jackson becomes a high-upside handcuff to Jonathan Taylor.

Jacksonville Jaguars

  • Trevor Lawrence has looked shaky as of late, completing just 8/31 pass attempts for 133 yards and one touchdown with two interceptions in Week 8.
  • Travis Etienne is a bonafide superstar. Etienne surpassed 100 scrimmage yards for the fourth consecutive contest. He earned a 79.0% snap share (57), 85.7% rushing share (24 RSH), and 9.7% target share (3 TGT). Etienne totaled 162 scrimmage yards (156 RSH YDS/6 REC YDS) on 27 touches (24 RSH/3 REC) with one touchdown.
  • Christian Kirk led the Jaguars with seven targets (22.6%) despite playing 15 fewer snaps than Zay Jones.
  • Jones had a 99.0% snap share (71) but earned just three targets (9.7%).
  • Evan Engram had a team-high four receptions for 55 yards and one touchdown. Engram played 93.0% of the offensive snaps, earning six targets (19.4%).

Kansas City Chiefs (BYE WEEK)

Las Vegas Raiders 

  • Josh Jacobs earned 100.0% of the Raiders’ backfield rushing opportunities (10 RSH) with four targets (10.3%) on a 55.0% snap share.
  • Mack Hollins inexplicably led the Raiders receivers in snap percentage (91%) and target share (20.5%).
  • Davante Adams played fewer snaps than Mack Hollins and Hunter Renfrow, recording a 72.0% snap share (42) with just five targets (12.8%).
  • Somehow even Keelan Cole saw five targets despite playing only 18 snaps (31.0%).
  • Foster Moreau filled in for an absent Darren Waller, recording 100.0% of the offensive snaps with a team-high nine targets (23.1%).
  • The Raiders were shut out by the Saints in Week 8 as they failed to score a single point.

Los Angeles Chargers (BYE WEEK)

Los Angeles Rams

  • The Rams’ backfield is a mess of dysfunctional and incompetent talent. Darrel Henderson (24 Snaps/4 RSH/2 TGT), Ronnie Rivers (21 Snaps/8 RSH/4 TGT), and Malcolm Brown (13 Snaps/5 RSH/0 TGT) split work at running back with neither option carrying much relevance.
  • Cooper Kupp is unstoppable on his quest for earning targets. Kupp recorded 12 targets (36.4%) on 95.0% of the offensive snaps (55).
  • Allen Robinson is being utilized more frequently as a serviceable pass-catcher. Robinson played 93.0% of the team’s snaps (54), catching five of seven targets (21.2%) for 54 yards.
  • Tyler Higbee played 60.0% of the offensive snaps, earning six targets for an 18.2% share.

Miami Dolphins

  • Tua Tagovailoa completed 29/36 pass attempts for 382 yards and three touchdowns in a trouncing of the Lions.
  • Tyreek Hill led the team with 14 targets (38.9%) on a 72.0% snap share (49), catching 12 passes for 188 yards.
  • Jaylen Waddle led the Dolphins receivers with a 76.0% snap share (52), catching eight of his nine targets (25.0%) for 106 yards and two touchdowns.
  • Durham Smythe played the same amount of snaps as Mike Gesicki (44) but earned zero targets.
  • Gesicki saw four targets (11.4%) with his minimal snap share.
  • The Dolphins traded Chase Edmonds and a future first-round draft pick to the Broncos for star edge rusher Bradley Chubb.

Minnesota Vikings

  • The Vikings had three separate members of the offense score rushing touchdowns in Week 8: Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook, and Alexander Mattison.
  • Cook rushed for 111 yards on a 76.0% snap share (54) and 80.0% rushing share (20 RSH). He added five receptions on six targets (16.7%) for 30 yards.
  • Mattison totaled 40 rushing yards on five carries.
  • Justin Jefferson played a team-high 99.0% of the offensive snaps (70), topping all members of the offense with eight targets (22.2%).
  • Adam Thielen was close behind with seven targets (19.4%) on an 87.0% snap share (62).
  • Irv Smith Jr. will be sidelined indefinitely with a severe high ankle sprain.
  • The Vikings added tight end T.J. Hockenson to replace Smith and add to their array of talented weapons.

New England Patriots

  • Jakobi Meyers was the only wide receiver on the Patriots’ offense to see more than two pass attempts in his vicinity. Meyers recorded a season-high 12 targets (34.3%) on 81.0% of the offensive snaps.
  • Rookie wideout Tyquan Thornton played 78.0% of the team’s snaps but received only two targets (5.7%).
  • Rhamondre Stevenson served as the Patriots leading back and number two wide receiver. Stevenson played 63.0% of the snaps (49), earning a 59.3% rushing share (16 RSH) and 22.9% target share (8 TGT). The second-year running back tallied 143 scrimmage yards (71 RSH YDS/72 REC YDS) on 23 touches (16 RSH/7 REC).
  • It is worth mentioning that Stevenson maintained his workhorse role despite Damien Harris being active in the contest.

New Orleans Saints

  • Andy Dalton received his fifth start as a member of the Saints, throwing for 229 yards on 22/30 attempts with two touchdowns.
  • Dalton will reportedly continue his reign as the starting quarterback despite Jameis Winston clearing the injury report. 
  • Taysom Hill saw snaps under center, at running back, slot receiver, out wide, and tight end against the Raiders. Hill attempted one pass, completing it for 2 yards. He rushed a season-high ten times for 61 yards. Hill caught his only target for 11 yards.
  • Alvin Kamara played 72.0% of the offensive snaps (46), earning ten targets (32.3%). Kamara rushed 18 times for 62 yards and one touchdown, adding 96 yards on nine receptions with two more touchdowns.
  • Chris Olave earned seven targets (22.6%) despite a season-low 58.0% snap share (37).
  • Michael Thomas and Jarvis Landry both remained sidelined without timetables for return.

New York Giants

  • Saquon Barkley is the only weapon the Giants need to tear down the league’s top-ranked defenses. Barkley stuffed his fifth touchdown of the season down the throats of the Seahawks’ defense.
  • Daniel Jones was second on the team in rushing production, needing only six attempts and 20 yards to accomplish the feat. Jones completed 17/31 pass attempts for 176 yards with no touchdowns.
  • Rookie wideout Wan’Dale Robinson played 69.0% of the offensive snaps, behind both Darius Slayton (74.0%) and Marcus Johnson (86.0%). Robinson earned three targets (9.7%) with his playing time.
  • Slaton and Johnson tied for the team lead with six targets (19.4%) each.

New York Jets

  • The Jets would rather punish Elijah Moore in captivity than utilize their talented second-year wideout as a part of the offense. Moore played just 10 snaps (17.0%) and saw only one target (2.4%).
  • Garrett Wilson led the Jets wide receivers in snap percentage (88.0%) and target share (17.1%), catching six passes for 115 yards.
  • Tyler Conklin saw a season-high ten targets (24.4%), catching six for 79 yards and two touchdowns. 
  • James Robinson got his first start in a Jets uniform in Week 8. Robinson played 22.0% of the offensive snaps, earning five carries and one target (2.4%).
  • Michael Carter and Robinson will form a committee once the former Jaguars running back is acclimated with the playbook.

Philadelphia Eagles

  • Jalen Hurts threw for a career-high four touchdown passes, completing 19/28 attempts for 285 yards.
  • A.J. Brown was the recipient of three touchdowns, catching six of his 11 targets (36.7%) for 156 yards.
  • Miles Sanders recorded 78 rushing yards and one touchdown, needing only nine carries to do so.
  • Devonta Smith caught five of his eight targets (26.7%) for a lowly 23 yards.
  • Dallas Goedert led the offense with a 74.0% snap share (42), earning six targets (20.0%). Goedert tallied six receptions for 64 yards.
  • The Eagles rested their starters during the 4th quarter, skewing snap percentage data for the entire roster.

Pittsburgh Steelers

  • The Steelers were dominated in the battle of Pennsylvania, losing to their state rivals mentioned above.
  • Kenny Pickett has just two touchdowns to go alongside eight interceptions in his first five games as an NFL quarterback. He’s completed 67.9% of his pass attempts (165 PA) for 962 yards, leading the league with 21 interceptable passes. So much for pro-ready prospects.
  • George Pickens finally surpassed Chase Claypool in snap percentage in Week 8, recording 86.0% of the offensive snaps (65). This slight increase in playing time was the foreshadowing of things to come as the Steelers shipped Claypool to the Bears following the Steelers’ loss.
  • Diontae Johnson remains locked as the leading receiver on the offense. Johnson played 95.0% of the team’s snaps with a 22.5% target share, catching five of his nine targets for 35 yards.
  • Najee Harris is a dying asset in dynasty that will hold little to no value in the near future. Harris recorded eight rushing attempts for 32 yards with six receptions on six targets (15.0%) for 26 yards. Harris was vastly out-produced by undrafted rookie running back Jaylen Warren.
  • Warren posted 50 yards on six rushing attempts, catching all three of his targets for 25 yards.

San Francisco 49ers

  • Christian McCaffrey is the first player since 2005 to record a passing, rushing and receiving touchdown in a single game. McCaffrey had 18 rushing attempts for 94 yards, eight receptions for 55 yards, and one pass completion for 34 yards en route to his trifecta of touchdowns. McCaffrey led the 49ers backfield with an 81.0% snap percentage (43), 81.8% rushing share (18 RSH), and team-high nine targets (34.6%).
  • Brandon Aiyuk earned six targets (23.1%), topping all receivers with a 98.0% snap share (52).
  • Deebo Samuel missed the contest with a hamstring injury. 
  • George Kittle played 100.0% of the 49ers’ offensive snaps, earning five targets (19.2%).

Seattle Seahawks

  • Geno Smith led the Seahawks to victory over the Giants in Week 8, completing 23/34 attempts for 212 yards and two touchdowns.
  • Kenneth Walker III made his third full start as the Seahawks lead running back after Rashaad Penny suffered a season-ending knee injury. Walker handled a 90.0% rushing share (18 RSH) for 51 yards and one touchdown. The rookie running back now has five touchdowns over his last four contests.
  • D.K. Metcalf was carted off the field with a knee injury In Week 7 but suited up in Week 8 and appeared to have no limitations. Metcalf earned a team-high ten targets (29.4%), catching six for 55 yards and one touchdown.
  • Tyler Lockett led the Seahawks with 63 receiving yards, catching five of his eight targets (23.5%).
  • Noah Fant and Will Dissly each played 48 snaps (75.0%) with two targets (5.9%) apiece. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • Tom Brady completed 26/44 pass attempts for 325 yards but failed to lead the Buccaneers to victory, succumbing to their third loss in a row.
  • Mike Evans and Chris Godwin both record six receptions on 11 targets (25.0%) and 94.0% snap share (64). Evans managed 123 yards with his opportunities whereas Godwin finished with 75 yards.
  • Leonard Fournette shouldered a 692% rushing share (9 RSH) with three targets (6.8%). The veteran running back accounted for 58 scrimmage yards (24 RSH YDS/34 REC YDS) and one touchdown on a 72.0% snap share (49).
  • Rookie running back Rachaad White saw four carries and three targets (6.8%) on a 26.0% snap share (18).
  • Fellow Buccaneers rookie Cade Otton led the tight ends with 91.0% of the offensive snaps (62) and five targets (11.4%).

Tennessee Titans

  • Long live the King. Derrick Henry touted 32 rushing attempts for 219 yards and two touchdowns on a 74.0% snap share.
  • Rookie quarterback Malik Willis received his first start in the NFL, appearing lost and confused on nearly every snap. Willis completed 6/10 attempts for a lowly 55 yards with one touchdown.
  • Every receiver on the offense faltered with drastic regression while Willis was under center.

Washington Commanders

  • Taylor Heinicke made his second start of the 2022 season, completing 23/31 pass attempts for 279 yards, one touchdown, and one interception.
  • Terry McLaurin had a horrendous performance, collecting one of his eight targets (25.8%) for a loss of seven yards.
  • Curtis Samuel caught all four of his targets (12.9%) for 19 yards.
  • Brian Robinson (15 Snaps/8 RSH/0 TGT), Antonio Gibson (22 Snaps/7 RSH/7 TGT), and J.D. McKissic (22 Snaps/2 RSH/5 TGT are stuck in a three-way committee with each player serving succinct roles for the offense.
  • Gibson appears to be the more effective running back and is finally being utilized as a premier pass-catching threat.

SIGNOFF

If you are looking to follow along throughout the weeks, check out the previous articles in this series here:

Much respect; thank you for reading. If you have any continued thoughts and would like to share, I am always available for an open conversation on Twitter: @PsychWardFF or Instagram: @psychwardff.

Check out my other works as an Author at Dynasty Football Factory.

Don’t forget to join the #DFFArmy for exclusive fantasy football content.

Related Posts