Trey McBride

Opportunity Knocks: NFL Shares to Watch – Week 17 FF Finals

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. One game remains in the fantasy football season, so let’s dive into some exciting usage data around the NFL as we prepare for the final slate of games.

Arizona Cardinals

  • The Cardinals’ quarterback woes have drastic effects on every member of the offense, reducing their ceiling and lowering their floor of fantasy production.
  • DeAndre Hopkins had one of the worst outings of his career with Trace McSorley under center. Hopkins has always risen above the play of replacement quarterbacks with consistent production. That was not the case for the Cardinals veteran in Week 16. He recorded an unfathomable catch less outing against the Buccaneers, earning ten targets (21.7%) on 71 snaps (93.0%) with zero receptions.
  • Marquise Brown played 66.0% of the team’s snaps as they favored short-yardage specialist Greg Dortch in the passing game. Brown earned six targets (13.0%) with three receptions for 57 yards.
  • Dortch was the lone positive in the Cardinals’ passing offense. The Cardinals slot receiver tallied a 76.0% snap share (58), catching 10 of 11 targets (23.9%) for 98 yards.
  • Trey McBride continues to disappoint as his rookie peers excel around the league. McBride played 84.0% of the Cardinals’ snaps, recording three receptions for 17 yards on four targets (8.7%).

Atlanta Falcons

  • The Falcons named rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder as the starter for the remainder of the season, placing Marcus Mariota on injured reserve.
  • Ridder looked entirely incompetent during his first outing, completing 13/26 pass attempts for 97 yards with zero touchdowns. The 3rd-round rookie quarterback added 38 rushing yards on six rush attempts in the Falcons’ loss in Week 15.
  • Ridder was much more comfortable the following week despite frigid temperatures in the Ravens’ home stadium. The first-year quarterback completed 22/33 pass attempts for 218 yards in Week 16. Ridder has yet to throw for a touchdown in the NFL.
  • Although Ridder did not look the part, two other rookies on the Falcons rose to the occasion with stellar performances.
  • Tyler Allgeier amassed 74 rushing yards on 18 attempts (62.1 RSH%), adding a season-high 43 receiving yards on four receptions and five targets (15.2%). 
  • The Falcons’ 5th-round rookie running back received 16 more snaps than Cordarelle Patterson (42:26) who gained 17 yards on 8 carries (27.6 RSH%) while catching his only target for 14 yards.
  • Desmond Ridder has been hyper-targeting Drake London in his two starts. London earned a team-high nine targets (27.3%) despite playing behind Olamide Zaccheaus with a 77.0% snap share (55). The rookie wideout collected seven receptions for 96 yards, leading the Falcons in all receiving categories.
  • London is commanding a 29.3.% target share (WR6) this season, proving to be an elite earner of opportunities even in the Falcons’ dreaded passing system.
  • Zacchaeus led the Falcons’ wideouts with 65 snaps (92.0%), earning seven targets (21.2%). He managed four receptions for a lowly 18 yards.

Baltimore Ravens

  • Tyler Huntley received another start for the injured Lamar Jackson, completing 9/17 pass attempts for 115 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions.
  • Three separate players recorded double-digit rushing attempts for the Ravens in Week 16 (Gus Edwards, J.K. Dobbins, Tyler Huntley. Those three players were also the only members of the Ravens’ offense to record a rushing attempt.
  • Dobbins hobbled his way to 59 rushing yards on 12 carries (52.2 RSH%) despite playing just 22 snaps (42.0%). Dobbins appears to have lost a step as he labors through his running strides on a surgically repaired knee. His production is incredibly encouraging despite injury concerns and should give managers confidence in a full recovery for the 2023 season.
  • Edwards led the team in rushing yards, carrying the ball 11 times (47.8 RSH%) for 99 yards. He played one fewer snap than Dobbins.
  • Mark Andrews and John Oliver led the Ravens with 42 snaps each (81.0%).
  • Andrews recorded a team-high five targets (23.3%), finishing with three receptions for 45 yards as the team’s most productive receiver.
  • The Ravens receiving corps is horrendously barren of meaningful talent. Sammy Watkins (1 REC/40 REC YDS) and DeSean Jackson (1 REC/10 YDS) was the number two and three leading receivers behind Andrews.

Buffalo Bills

  • Josh Allen regressed with questionable decision-making against the Bears in Week 16, completing 15/26 attempts for 172 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Allen added 41 yards and one touchdown on six carries.
  • Allen completed passes to ten different receivers despite managing just 15 total completions.
  • Devin Singletary and James Cook carried (pun intended) the Bills to victory with incredible rushing production.
  • Singletary played 37 snaps (58.0%), tallying 106 yards and one touchdown on 12 rushing attempts (50.0 RSH%). The veteran running back also caught two of his three targets (11.5%) for 19 yards.
  • James Cook recorded the best outing of his young career, totaling 99 rushing yards on 11 attempts (45.8 RSH%) with one touchdown. The Bills rookie received two targets (7.7%), catching one for nine yards.
  • Dawson Knox and Gabe Davis led the Bills with three receptions apiece.
  • Davis topped the team with 45 receiving yards, leading all members of the offense with six targets (23.1%) on a team-high 89% snap share (57).
  • Knox managed 38 receiving yards, earning five targets (19.2%) while playing 48 snaps (75.0%).
  • Both Knox and Davis found the end zone in Week 16.
  • Stefon Diggs was a major disappointment in the fantasy semi-finals, earning just two targets (7.7%) and catching both for a mere 26 yards.

Carolina Panthers

  • D’Onta Foreman and Chuba Hubbard have been splitting work as of late, with both running backs seeing a sizable market share of the offensive snaps.
  • The duo ran rampant on the Lions’ defense, tallying 290 combined rushing yards.
  • Foreman led the pair with 21 carries (58.3 RSH%) and 165 yards while adding one touchdown. The veteran back recorded a 44.0% snap share (30).
  • Hubbard played one more offensive snap (31), recording 125 rushing yards and needing just 12 carries (33.3 RSH%) to accomplish the feat.
  • Sam Darnold looked surprisingly competent, completing 15/22 pass attempts for 250 yards and one touchdown with 19 rushing yards and another touchdown on the ground.
  • D.J Moore led the Panthers in all receiving categories, topping the team with a 96.0% snap share (65) and seven targets (31.8%). Moore set a personal single-season high in receiving touchdowns, catching his fifth of the year against the Steelers in Week 15. He continues to separate himself from his yearly trend of four touchdowns, adding his sixth on the season in Week 16.
  • Terrace Marshall is carving out a succinct role for himself as the Panthers’ WR2. Marshall recorded a 93.0% snap share (63) with three targets (13.6%). The second-year wideout caught two passes for 55 yards.

Chicago Bears

  • Justin Fields is a bonafide fantasy superstar stuck on a roster filled with practice squad-level talent. Fields was unable to overcome the Bills with a patented QB1 outing. He completed 15/23 attempts for 119 yards and one touchdown but managed just 11 rushing yards on seven attempts.
  • The Bears receiving corps is arguably the worst in the NFL. The loss of Darnell Mooney for the season and the absence of Chase Claypool in Week 16 made their ineptitudes vastly more apparent. 
  • Byron Pringle (54 Snaps/2 TGT), Dante Pettis (46 Snaps/5 TGT), Velus Jones Jr. (29 Snaps/4 TGT), and N’Keal Harry (28 Snaps/0 TGT) formed a Frankenstein committee of mediocre talent.
  • Velus Jones topped the team with 52 receiving yards, catching two of his four targets (14.3%)
  • Cole Kmet is the only reliable pass-catcher on the Bears’ offense but even he has incredible inconsistencies. Kmet played 94.0% of the team’s snaps (59), recording a team-high five receptions on six targets (21.4%) for a mere 27 yards.
  • David Montgomery’s laughably inefficient running style is upholding decent fantasy scoring due to his incredible volume and role as the unquestioned lead back in the Bears’ offense. Montgomery played 42 snaps (67.0%), taking 16 carries (72.7 RSH%) and four targets (14.3%) for 84 scrimmage yards (62 RSH YDS/22 REC YDS).
  • Khalil Herbert returned after a long stint on injured reserve. Herbert saw limited playing time with just 26 snaps (41.0%). The Bears’ secondary running back secured a net total of three yards on eight touches (6 RSH/2 REC), gaining seven yards on the ground but losing four yards on two receptions.

Cincinnati Bengals

  • Joe Burrow completed 40/52 pass attempts for 375 yards with three touchdowns and two interceptions, connecting with nine different pass-catchers.
  • Tee Higgins is a dominant mammoth threat that has no issues coinciding with another prototypical alpha receiver opposite him. Higgins led the Bengals with 128 receiving yards and one touchdown, matching Ja’marr Chase with a team-high eight receptions. Higgins played 73 snaps (88.0%), earning nine targets (17.3%).
  • Chase saw a team-high 98.0% snap share (81) and 11 targets (21.2%). The second-year star caught eight balls for 79 yards.
  • Trenton Irwin found the endzone twice, hauling in three of four targets (7.7%) for 45 yards and two touchdowns.
  • Tyler Boyd caught three of four targets (7.7%) for 21 yards and one touchdown while playing 51.0% of the offensive snaps (42).
  • Joe Mixon’s monstrous opportunity share has regressed to his league-leading norm.
  • In Week 16, Mixon tallied 16 carries (80.0 RSH%) and nine targets (17.3%) on a 59.0% snap share (49). The Bengals’ lead back managed 108 scrimmage yards (65 RSH YDS/43 REC YDS) on 23 touches (16 RSH/7 REC).
  • Mitchell Wilcox started at tight end for the injured Hayden Hurst and continues to be a sneaky provider of fantasy points from the tight end position. Wilcox played 91.0% of the Bengals’ snaps, earning six targets (%) and catching all six for 35 yards.

Cleveland Browns 

  • Deshaun Watson is still finding his rhythm after nearly two years without playing football. The rampant weather conditions in Week 16 did nothing to help. Watson completed 15/31 attempts for 135 yards, adding 24 yards and one touchdown on three rushing attempts.
  • Amari Cooper earned a team-leading ten targets (32.3%), playing 89.0% of the snaps (62). Cooper tallied six receptions for 72 yards, leading the Browns in all receiving categories.
  • Rookie wideout David Bell was surprisingly the most productive receiver behind Cooper. Unfortunately, Bell needed a mere one reception for 18 yards as no other member of the Browns’ offense topped 20 yards receiving in Week 16.
  • Bell played 73.0% of the team’s snaps (51) with two targets (6.5%).
  • Donovan Peoples-Jones outpaced Cooper with 97.0% of the snaps (68), catching one of his five targets (16.1%) for two yards.
  • Nick Chubb (37 Snaps/24 RSH/1 TGT) and Kareem Hunt (33 Snaps/7 RSH/3 TGT) are no longer the dual-headed powerhouses they used to be. The Browns have heavily favored Chubb as the lead back this season.
  • David Njoku played 97.0% of the offensive snaps (68) with a 16.1% target share (5 TGT). He registered two receptions for 14 yards.

Dallas Cowboys

  • Tony Pollard recorded more snaps than Ezekiel Elliott, marking the fifth time in six games in which that has occurred. Pollard was on the field for 39 offensive plays (53.0%), registering 9 carries (36.0 RSH%) and eight targets (22.9%).
  • Elliott played 34 snaps (47.0%) with 16 carries (45.7% RSH%) and one target (2.9%). 
  • As per usual, Pollard was a much more effective receiver than his veteran counterpart, garnering 61 yards on six receptions. The shifty back managed just 19 yards on his nine rushing attempts.
  • Elliott managed 61 scrimmage yards (55 RSH YDS/6 REC YDS) and one touchdown on 17 touches (16 RSH/1 REC).
  • CeeDee Lamb led the Cowboys in all receiving categories in Week 16, catching ten of 11 targets (31.4%) for 120 yards and two touchdowns on an 85.0% snap share (62).
  • Michael Gallup found paydirt once again, catching four of his seven targets (20.0%) for 36 yards and one touchdown. Gallup played one fewer snap than Lamb (61:62).
  • T.Y. Hilton suited up for his first game as a Cowboy, catching his only target for 52 yards.

Denver Broncos

  • Russell Wilson has lost eight of his last nine starts, most recently losing to the injury-riddled Rams led by Baker Mayfield. 
  • Wilson threw three interceptions before his first completion, finishing with 214 yards, one touchdown, and three picks while completing 15/27 pass attempts.
  • The entire Broncos offense suffered amidst Wilson’s poor outing, save for third-year star wideout Jerry Jeudy.
  • Jeudy earned a team-high ten targets (28.6), hauling in six receptions for 117 yards as the Broncos’ top receiver in all columns. He played 90.0% of the Broncos’ snaps (60).
  • Courtland Sutton caught five of seven targets (20.0%) for 64 yards while playing 79% of the team’s snaps (53).
  • Greg Dulcich was the recipient of Wilson’s lone passing touchdown. The Broncos’ rookie tight end played 45 snaps (67.0%) with eight targets (22.9%), catching four for 39 yards.
  • Latavius Murray led the team with 34 rushing yards on eight attempts (44.4 RSH%) while playing 46.0% of the offensive snaps (31). The veteran thumper also topped all members of the backfield with three targets (8.6%) but recorded just one reception for six yards.
  • Chase Edmonds was close behind Murray with 31 rushing yards on six attempts (33.3%), catching both of his targets (5.7%) for 22 yards. 
  • Marlon Mack mixed his way into the rotation with a 15.0% snap share (10). Mack handled four carries (22.2 RSH%) for 22 yards but failed to catch his only target.

Detroit Lions

  • Week 16 brought on more disappointing usage for rookie wideout Jameson Williams as the team slow-plays his development. The first-year speedster played 11 snaps (17.0%) with one target (2.4%).
  • Amon-Ra St. Brown led the Lions with a 31.0% target share (13 TGT), catching seven passes for 76 yards.
  • D.J. Chark bounced back in a big way after falling flat the week prior. Chark saw five targets (11.9%), catching four for 108 yards while playing 74.0% of the offensive snaps (52).
  • Shane Zylstra came out of nowhere to catch all three of Jared Goff’s passing touchdowns. Zylstra played snaps with six targets (), catching five for 26 yards.
  • Jamaal Williams handled a team-high seven carries (58.3 RSH%) but managed just 11 rushing yards on 16 snaps (24.0%).
  • Justin Jackson surprisingly saw equal snaps to Williams (16), touting one carry (8.3 RSH%) and one target (2.4%). 
  • D’Andre Swift led the committee with 37 snaps (56.0%) tallying four carries (33.3 RSH%) and five targets (11.9%). Swift totaled just 25 scrimmage yards (12 RSH YDS/13 REC YDS) on five touches (4 RSH/1 REC).
  • Jared Goff was the team’s leading rusher with a mere 15 yards on three carries.

Green Bay Packers

  • Christian Watson was unable to add another touchdown to his incredible recent totals. Watson played 38.0% of the offensive snaps (25), catching six passes on eight targets (21.1%) for 49 yards.
  • Allen Lazard led the Packers with five receptions and 61 receiving yards, earning a team-high 11 targets (28.9%) on an 89.0% snap share (59)
  • A.J. Dillon recorded his fourth consecutive performance over 13.0 PPR fantasy points, marking the fifth time he has surpassed the threshold this season. Dillon received 38 snaps (58.0%), tallying one touchdown with 36 rushing yards on 11 carries (64.7 TSH%). The third-year back caught two of his three targets (7.9%) for 12 yards.
  • Aaron Jones was unable to match his counterpart, totaling 34 scrimmage yards (25 RSH YDS/9 REC YDS) on eight touches (6 RSH/2 REC). He played 25 snaps (38.0%)

Houston Texans

  • Dameon Pierce will finish his rookie season on injured reserve after suffering a notable ankle injury in the Texans’ Week 14 loss to the Cowboys.
  • In Week 14 the rookie running back saw 55.0% of the team’s snaps (36), recording 22 rush attempts (78.6 RSH%) for 78 yards and his first touchdown since Week 8, ending his season on a high note.
  • Royce Freeman got the start as the Texans’ lead running back in Pierce’s absence. Freeman played 55.0% of the team’s snaps (37), leading the backfield with 16 carries (66.7 RSH%) and 32 rushing yards.

Indianapolis Colts

  • Matt Ryan was benched for Nick Foles as the quarterback carousel continues for the Colts franchise. Foles completed 17/29 pass attempts for 143 yards with no touchdowns and three interceptions while absorbing seven total sacks.
  • Michael Pittman earned a team-high seven targets (24.1%), catching four for 39 yards with a 100.0% snap and route participation (52).
  • Rookie tight end Jelani Woods topped the team in receiving production, tallying 43 yards on three receptions and five targets (17.2%). Woods played 63.0% of the team’s snaps (33) in the loss.
  • Parris Campbell (46 Snaps/5 TGT) and Alex Pierce (38 Snaps/4 TGT) saw similar playing time with neither player making much of an impact.
  • Jonathan Taylor will likely spend the remainder of his season on the sidelines with a high-ankle sprain.
  • Zack Moss took over for Taylor, playing 69.0% of the offensive snaps (36) with 12 carries (92.3 RSH%) and one target (3.4%). Moss managed 65 rushing yards with his increased opportunity share.

Jacksonville Jaguars

  • Trevor Lawrence has officially arrived as one of the league’s best young quarterbacks. Lawrence completed 20/39 pass attempts for 229 yards, adding a season-high 51 rushing yards and one touchdown on seven carries. Lawrence’s low passing numbers seem unimpressive until you’re reminded that he played in the middle of a cyclone.
  • Travis Etienne bounced back in a big way after several lackluster showings in recent games. The second-year running back recorded 112 scrimmage yards on 22 carries ( 81.5 RSH%), catching all three of his targets (9.7 %) for 29 yards.
  • Evan Engram had another massive outing as the star tight end enjoys a career resurgence on the Jaguars offense. Engram led the team in receptions (7), targets (8), and receiving yards (113) against a top-tier Jets secondary.
  • No other member of the Jaguars’ offense had more than 30 receiving yards or three receptions.

Kansas City Chiefs

  • Jerick McKinnon is on a league-winning stretch like no other running back in fantasy, scoring 23.4 PPG over his last four outings.
  • McKinnon tied teammate Isiah Pacheco with 26 snaps (49.0%) taking five carries (25.0 RSH%) for a mere seven yards but supplemented that production with three receptions on three targets (10.7%) for 31 yards and one touchdown.
  • Isiah Pacheco topped the Chiefs with 58 rushing yards on 14 attempts (70.0 RSH%), tallying one reception for 32 yards on one of his two targets (7.1 %).
  • Travis Kelce was afforded the league’s best matchup for tight end production against the Seahawks in Week 16. The veteran tight end certainly did not disappoint. Kelce led the Chiefs with six receptions, eight targets (28.6%), and 113 receiving yards on an 81.0% snap share (43).
  • JuJu Smith-Schuster was second on the team with four targets (14.3%) but managed just three receptions for 27 yards on an 83.0% snap share (44).

Las Vegas Raiders 

  • Josh McDaniels and the Raiders organization have elected to bench Derek Carr for the remaining two games of the 2022 season. Carr has reportedly stepped away from the franchise to avoid being a distraction to the team. 
  • In what may be his last outing as a member of the Raiders, Carr completed 16/30 pass attempts for 174 yards and one touchdown with three interceptions. 
  • Josh Jacobs handled 15 rush attempts (93.8 RSH%) for 44 yards. The Raiders’ workhorse led the backfield with an 81.0% snap share (43).
  • Davante Adams received a team-high nine targets (30.0%), registering a disappointing two receptions for 15 yards with a 96.0% snap share (51).
  • Hunter Renfrow (4 REC/7 TGT/42 YDS/1 TD) and Darren Waller (4 REC/5 TGT/58 YDS/1 TD) were the team’s top fantasy producers.

Los Angeles Chargers

  • Justin Herbert completed 24/31 pass attempts for 235 yards but failed to throw for a touchdown in his second consecutive contest. Herbert did, however, punch his ticket to the postseason for the first time in his young career with the Chargers’ 20-3 victory over the Colts.
  • Keenan Allen continued his underrated run as a high-end producer, catching 11 of 14 targets (45.2 %) for 104 yards.
  • Mike Williams had a pedestrian outing, catching four of four (12.9%) for 74 yards while matching Allen with 58 offensive snaps (85.0%).
  • Josh Palmer is merely a tertiary receiver when the other two options are healthy. Palmer tallied two receptions on three targets (9.7%) for 16 yards.
  • Austin Ekeler received 18 carries (66.7 RSH%) with four targets (12.9%) on a 60.0% snap share (41). Ekeler totaled 89 scrimmage yards (67 RSH YDS/12 REC YDS) with two rushing touchdowns.
  • Josh Kelley managed a measly 3.7 YPC, handling nine rushing attempts (33.3 RSH%) for 33 yards. Kelley played 23 snaps (34.0%) and served as Ekeler’s primary backup.

Los Angeles Rams

  • Baker Mayfield took over the leading role as the Rams quarterback in Week 14, flashing the gutsy heroics that got him drafted first overall.
  • Week 16 was a near-flawless showing the journeyman signal-caller completed 24/28 attempts for 230 yards with two touchdowns, no interceptions, and no sacks against a league-leading Broncos secondary.
  • Cam Akers has found new life as the Rams lead back, recording a 74.2% rush share (23 RSH) on 75.0% of the offensive snaps (49) with two targets (7.1%) in Week 16. Akers had a career-best outing, totaling 118 rushing yards and 29 receiving yards on 25 touches (23 RSH/2 REC) with three rushing touchdowns.
  • Tyler Higbee hauled in both of Mayfield’s touchdown passes, collecting nine receptions for 94 yards on 11 targets (39.3%).

Miami Dolphins

  • Tua Tagovailoa has suffered yet another concussion that went undiagnosed during the Dolphins’ Week 16 loss to the Packers. Tua started the game red hot, averaging 26.0 yards per completion through the first two quarters before suffering a game-altering hit late in the second quarter. The young star quarterback would then go on to throw three interceptions in the second half, finishing with 310 yards and one touchdown on 16/25 attempts.
  • The Dolphins’ duo of deep threats was dominant in the first half. Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill each earned six targets (24.0%).
  • Waddle led the Dolphins with 143 receiving yards and one touchdown, catching five of six targets (24.0%) on a 74.0% snap share (37).
  • Hill caught four of six targets (24.0%) for 103 yards while leading 80.0% of the team’s snaps.
  • Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson returned as a dual-headed committee in Week 16. Mostert received eight rushing attempts (47.1 RSH%) and three targets (12.0%), tallying 45 rushing yards and four receiving yards.
  • Wilson found the endzone, recording the team’s only rushing touchdown. He tallied 37 rushing yards on nine carries (52.9 RSH%), adding one reception for three yards on two targets (8.0%).

Minnesota Vikings

  • Justin Jefferson is an unstoppable machine of elite target-earning production. Jefferson led the Vikings with a 100.0% snap share (72), earning 16 targets (33.3%) with 12 receptions for 133 yards and one touchdown.
  • Jefferson surpassed Hall of Fame receiver Randy Moss as the Vikings’ single-season receiving yards leader.
  • T.J. Hockenson surprisingly matched Jefferson with 16 targets (33.3%). Hockenson caught 13 passes for 109 yards and two touchdowns.
  • No other member of the Vikings’ offense had more than 20 receiving yards in the win.
  • Dalvin Cook led the Vikings with 14 rushing attempts (77.8 RSH%) and 64 rushing yards but managed just three receptions for 13 yards on four targets (8.3%).

New England Patriots

  • Rhamondre Stevenson had a rare and uncharacteristic outing in the Patriots’ Week 15 clash with the Raiders. Stevenson rushed for 30 yards on 13 attempts (92.9 RSH%), netting a mere three yards on two receptions with five targets (15.2%). Stevenson led the Patriots’ backfield with a 92.0% snap share (51)
  • Jakobi Meyers caught his fourth touchdown of the 2022 season on a wild tip drill play in the end zone. Meyers finished with six receptions for 83 yards and one score on a 21.2% target share (7 TGT) and 100.0% snap share (56).
  • Kendrick Bourne led the Patriots in receiving production, matching Meyers with six receptions and one touchdown while topping the team with 100 receiving yards. Bourne received a season-high nine targets (27.3%).

New Orleans Saints

  • In Week 14, Rashid Shaheed led the team with 75 receiving yards, catching four passes on four targets (13.8%). 
  • Week 15 yielded more positive results for the Saints gadget man as Shaheed once again led the team in receiving yards (95), catching four of four targets (21.1%) with one touchdown on 71.0% of the offensive snaps (39).
  • Shaheed continued his reign as the team’s top producer in Week 16 with Chris Olave on the sidelines. Shaheed recorded four receptions for 41 yards on five targets (33.3%) despite the Saints playing in disastrous weather conditions. 
  • Alvin Kamara continues to get the bulk of the Saints’ backfield opportunities but has been largely mediocre with his touches. Kamara saw 70.0% of the offensive snaps (38) in Week 16, taking 20 carries (74.1 RSH%) and four targets (26.7%) for 110 scrimmage yards (76 RSH YDS/34 REC YDS) with one touchdown. 

New York Giants

  • Daniel Jones completed 30/42 pass attempts for a season-high 334 passing yards with one touchdown and one interception while adding 34 rushing yards on four carries.
  • Jones completed passes to only five different receivers (James, Hodgins, Slayton, Barkley, Bellinger).
  • Saquon Barkley amassed 84 rushing yards on 14 carries (82.4 RSH%) with one touchdown, adding eight receptions for 49 yards on ten targets (23.8%).
  • Richie James led the Giants with 12 targets (28.6%), catching eight for 90 yards while playing 83.0%% of the team’s snaps (57).
  • Isaiah Hodgins recorded eight receptions for 89 yards with one touchdown on a season-high 11 targets (26.2%).
  • Darius Slayton managed 79 yards on four receptions with six targets (14.3%) but led the Giants with a 99.0% snap participation (68).
  • Lastly, rookie tight end Daniel Bellinger played 99.0% of the offensive snaps (68), catching both of his targets for 27 yards.

New York Jets

  • Zach Wilson was abruptly benched mid-game for former CFL quarterback Chris Streveler after another terrible showing.
  • Streveler completed 10/15 pass attempts for 90 yards, adding 54 yards on nine rush attempts as the team’s rushing leader. 
  • Ty Johnson (2 RSH/7 YDS) and Michael Carter (2 RSH/7 YDS) formed the saddest and most ineffective running back committee you will ever witness.
  • Carter led the team in receiving production, catching all five of five targets (15.2%) for 44 yards.
  • Garrett Wilson earned a team-high nine targets (27.3%) but was drastically affected by the poor quarterback play and mid-game transition. Wilson caught four passes for 30 yards while playing 97.0% of the Jets’ offensive snaps (57)

Philadelphia Eagles

  • MVP candidate Jalen Hurts missed the Eagles’ Week 16 contest against the Cowboys, paving way for Gardner Minshew to become the hero against division rivals.
  • Minshew completed 24/40 pass attempts for 355 yards and two touchdowns but coughed up two costly interceptions as the Eagles lost 40-33. 
  • DeVonta Smith is inarguably one of the NFL’s best receivers. The debate can even be made that he is a more complete player than teammate A.J. Brown. 
  • The smooth separator lives in the growing media shadow of his polarizing cohort but has not let it affect his on-field development. Smith posted eight receptions on a team-high 12 targets (30.0%), leading the Eagles with 113 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
  • Brown trailed Smith with eight targets (20.0%) and a 92.0% snap share (65) with one fewer snap than his teammate. The star receiver recorded six receptions for 103 yards.
  • Miles Sanders did not have his most productive outing of the season in Week 16, rushing for 65 yards on 21 carries (84.0 RSH%) while gaining just six yards on his only reception and target.
  • Dallas Goedert made his presence felt with a 25-yard catch and rumble against the Cowboys. Goedert played 67 snaps (94.0 %), earning three targets (7.5%). Goedert finished with three receptions for 67 yards.

Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett was knocked out of the game on the Steelers’ opening drive in Week 14, allowing Mitchell Trubisky to take over as the starter in Week 15 as the youngster works through concussion protocol.
  • Pickett was promptly named the starter in Week 16 after clearing the league’s requirements.
  • The Steelers rookie completed 26/39 attempts for 244 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
  • Najee Harris has reverted to his plodding mediocrity. Harris has been dealing with a myriad of injuries as of late. Nevertheless, he played 72.0% of the team’s snaps (49) with a 72.7% rushing share (16 RSH). He managed just 53 rushing yards (3.3 YPC), catching six passes for 42 yards on nine targets (23.1).
  • Diontae Johnson had a frustrating yet commonly mediocre performance in Week 16. Johnson played 88.0% of the offensive snaps (60), catching five of his seven targets (17.9%) for 64 yards. Johnson has yet to find the endzone through 15 games this season.
  • Rookie wideout George Pickens caught two of five targets (12.8%) for 53 yards on an 81.0% snap share (55).
  • Pat Freiermuth is overlooked as the team’s best receiving option despite lining up from the tight end spot. Freiermuth recorded seven receptions on eight targets (20.5%) for 66 yards while playing 81.0% of the Steelers’ offensive snaps (55).

San Francisco 49ers

  • Mr. Irrelevant, Brock Purdy continued his reign as the 49ers’ lead quarterback, beating the Commanders 37-20.
  • Purdy completed 15/22 pass attempts for 234 yards with two touchdowns and one turnover. Purdy has recorded two touchdowns in all four of his starts this season.
  • Only four members of the 49ers’ offense recorded a reception (Kittle, Aiyuk, Jennings, McCaffrey).
  • Christian McCaffrey has recorded six RB1 performances since joining the 49ers with three consecutive outings in the top-5 scorers at the position. The do-it-all running back shouldered 15 rushing attempts (62.5 RSH%) for 46 yards and one touchdown, adding two receptions for 12 yards on two targets (9.1%)
  • George Kittle had a vintage performance against the Commanders, leading the 49ers with 120 receiving yards and two touchdowns with six receptions on five targets (36.4%). Kittle played 90.0% of the team’s snaps (47).
  • Brandon Aiyuk led the 49ers receivers with a 96.0% snap share (50), catching five of seven targets (31.8%) for 81 yards.

Seattle Seahawks

  • Geno Smith has been dealing with an injury to his right throwing shoulder that has greatly hampered his game as of late. Smith completed 25/40 attempts for 215 yards with one touchdown and one interception. 
  • D.K. Metcalf stood alone as the leading receiver sans an injured Tyler Lockett. Metcal played 91.0% of the team’s snaps (69), recording a team-high nine targets (22.5%). The big-bodied super freak caught seven passes for 81 yards, topping the team in all statistical receiving categories. 
  • Kenneth Walker III rushed for 107 yards on 26 attempts (92.9 RSH%) while catching two passes for a negative total of -2 yards.
  • Noah Fant hauled in Smith’s only passing touchdown, totaling two receptions on three targets (7.5%) for 12 yards and a score.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • A roller coaster of usage has ensued for the Buccaneers’ talented rookie running back Rachaad White. 
  • An early fumble caused White to be benched for the majority of the team’s Week 13 contest against the Saints, only for the rookie to be inserted into the lineup on the final drive to catch the game-winning touchdown. White played 41.0% of the offensive snaps (33) with nine carries (47.4 RSH%) and eight targets (14.8%).
  • In Week 14, White tallied 13 carries (76.5 RSH%) for 56 yards with five targets (9.6%) while leading the Buccaneers backfield with 53.0% of the offensive snaps.
  • Week 15 cemented White as a secondary option in the Buccaneers’ two-man committee. The rookie tallied 38 rushing yards on 11 attempts (50.0 RSH%) with one reception for five yards on two targets (4.5%). He played 39.0% of the Buccaneers’ snaps.
  • All of this culminated in Week 16 where White plated a mere 29 snaps (36.0%), earning seven carries (25.0%) and four targets (8.3%). 
  • Leonard Fournette played 60.0% of the offensive snaps (49), recording 20 rush attempts (71.4 RSH%) with ten targets (20.8%).
  • Fournette topped the Buccaneers with nine receptions for 90 yards, leading the team with 72 rushing yards as well.
  • White was the recipient of Tom Brady’s lone passing touchdown, giving the Buccaneers the go-ahead score.
  • Chris Godwin matched Fournette with ten targets (20.8%), catching eight for 63 yards on a 90.0% snap share (73).
  • Mike Evans managed just three receptions despite seeing eight targets (16.7%) and playing 93.0% of the Buccaneers’ offensive snaps (75)

Tennessee Titans

  • Long live The King. Derrick Henry touted 23 rushing attempts (100.0 RSH%) for 126 yards and one touchdown. 
  • Malik Willis took the start under center for the injured Ryan Tannehill. Willis completed 14/23 attempts for a mere 99 yards, tossing two interceptions in the Titans’ narrow defeat of the Texans.
  • No member of the Titans’ offense surpassed 30 receiving yards due to Willis’ woeful incompetence as a passer.

Washington Commanders

  • The Commanders elected to bench Taylor Heinicke mid-game, opening the doors for Carson Wentz to take over as the starter once again.
  • Wentz completed 12/16 pass attempts for 123 yards and one touchdown after entering against the 49ers.
  • Rookie running back Brian Robinson has taken hold of the Commanders’ lead backfield duties. He managed 58 rushing yards on 22 attempts (73.3 RSH%) But failed to catch his only target. The Commanders’ rookie played 44.0% of the offensive snaps (32).
  • Antonio Gibson managed just 21 snaps (29.0%) while dealing with knee/foot injuries. 
  • First-round rookie wideout Jahan Dotson dominated the 49ers’ secondary, catching six passes for 76 yards and one touchdown. Dotson topped all members of the offense with nine targets (26.5%) with 63 snaps (86.0%)
  • Terry McLaurin had a decent day himself, catching four of five targets (14.7%) for 77 yards and one touchdown. McLaurin played a team-high 93.0% of the offensive snaps (68).
  • Curtis Samuel appears to be the odd man out of the rotation as he played 66.0% of the team’s snaps (48) with five targets (14.7%). Samuel caught all five of his targets for 52 yards and one touchdown.
  • Samuel could return to early-season form in the final weeks while Wentz is under center as the pair produced a terrific rapport at the beginning of the year.

SIGNOFF

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

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