Jaylen Warren

Opportunity Knocks: NFL Shares to Watch – Week 6

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 5 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

  • Kyler Murray recorded his highest rushing output of the 2022 season, taking four carries for 42 yards.
  • The Cardinals lead the league in pass attempts per game (43.0) but rank 15th in total passing yards (1241).
  • Marquise Brown led the team with ten targets (23.8%) with 97.0% snap participation (67). Brown has earned ten or more targets in four consecutive weeks.
  • Rondale Moore played 91.0% of the offensive snaps (63), second behind Brown, recording eight targets (19.0%).
  • Greg Dortch played just two snaps. He did not see a target in Week 5.
  • Veteran wideout A.J. Green played 72.0% of the Cardinals’ offensive snaps (50), earning five targets (11.9%). DeAndre Hopkins will bury Green on the depth chart upon his return.
  • James Conner played 35.0% of the team’s snaps (24) with 45.0% of the backfield rushing opportunities (9 RSH) before leaving the game with a rib injury. 
  • Eno Benjamin led the Cardinals backfield in Conner’s stead, recording a 54.0% snap share (37) with eight carries and four targets (9.5%). The third-year back had 53 scrimmage yards on 11 touches with one touchdown.
  • Trey McBride upped his playing time in Week 4 but that reduced significantly in Week 5. The rookie played 17 snaps (25.0%) and was not targeted in the passing game.
  • Zach Ertz remains the lead at the tight end position, playing 93.0% of the team’s snaps (64), tying Brown’s team-leading ten targets (23.8%).

Atlanta Falcons

  • The Falcons were without Kyle Pitts in Week 5, allowing head coach Arthur Smith to turn his attention towards ruining the fantasy output of Drake London instead.
  • London ran just 20 routes with a season-low 67.7% snap share (44).
  • Olamide Zaccheaus played identical snaps to London (44) but was afforded more routes from his coach. Zaccheaus saw four targets (16.0%) on 23 routes.
  • Nevertheless, London managed to lead the team in targets for the fifth consecutive week, recording seven looks for a 28.0% share despite the preposterous head coaching decisions to keep him off the field.
  • Rookie running back Tyler Allgeier and the undrafted sophomore Caleb Huntley formed a committee backfield in the Falcons’ Week 5 loss to the Buccaneers.
  • Allgeier dominated the snap share, playing 39 snaps (59.0%) to Huntley’s 16 (24.0%) but split carries with his teammate. The rookie handled 13 rushing attempts for 45 yards with Huntley recording 34 yards on eight carries.
  • Avery Williams was the recipient of the Falcons’ only rushing touchdown of the day. Williams played 26.0% of the offensive snaps (17) and was the only member of the Falcons backfield to be used as a pass-catcher, earning two targets (8.0%).

Baltimore Ravens

  • Lamar Jackson had bad miscues in Week 5, including two wide-open touchdown passes to Devin Duvernay and Demarcus Robinson. Jackson completed 19/32 attempts for just 174 yards and one touchdown. The Ravens quarterback led the team in rushing for the fourth straight contest, recording 58 yards on 12 carries.
  • The absence of Rashod Bateman allowed Robinson to lead the receiver group with 49 snaps (75.0%). Robinson had only two targets (6.2%).
  • Devin Duvernay managed a season-high seven targets (21.9%), playing 47 snaps (72.0%).
  • J.K. Dobbins saw one fewer snap than Kenyan Drake (26:27) but garnered a 61.5% backfield opportunity share (8 RSH).
  • Drake received four carries (30.8 RSH%) and one target (3.1%).
  • Mark Andrews led the Ravens’ skill players with a 95.0% snap share (62) and ten targets (31.2%). Andrews has a league-leading 30.8% target share through the first five weeks, making his start to the 2022 season a historic mark for the tight end position.

Buffalo Bills

  • Josh Allen threw for 424 yards on just 20 completions and 31 attempts. Allen netted four touchdowns with one interception in the Bills’ blowout of the Steelers.
  • Gabriel Davis exploded with a 98-yard touchdown reception on the Bills opening drive. He followed it up with a 62-yard bomb over the middle on a one-handed grab in the face of All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick.
  • The negative narrative is that Davis earned a mere six targets (16.7%), tying fifth-string receiver Isaiah Hodgins who happened to play just 13 snaps (23.0%).
  • Stefon Diggs played 77.0% of the team’s snaps (43), earning 30.6% of the pass attempts (11 TGT).
  • Rookie wideout Khalil Shakir saw 70.0% of the team’s offensive snaps (39), recording five targets (13.9%). 
  • Devin Singletary was phased out of the game plan in Week 5 as the Bills took an early and insurmountable lead. Singletary played 54.0% of the team’s offensive snaps (30) with six carries and two targets (5.6%).
  • The Bills rested their starters to close out the game, leaving rookie running back James Cook to take garbage time snaps. Cook saw four carries after the game was out of hand but was not utilized prior. 
  • Quintin Morris substituted for the injured Dawson Knox, recording a 68.0% snap share (38) with five targets (13.9%).

Carolina Panthers

  • The Panthers are down bad. Baker Mayfield left the contest late with a high-ankle sprain that will keep him sidelined for at least one game.
  • P.J. Walker will be the expected starter until Mayfield is healthy. 
  • The Panthers promptly fired head coach Matt Rhule after their Week 5 loss.
  • Christian McCaffrey remains the lone bright spot on this Panthers offense. McCaffrey recorded 14 rush attempts (87.5 RSH%) for 54 yards with one touchdown while leading the team with 12 targets (28.6%).
  • D.J. Moore played a team-high 93.0% of the offensive snaps (64) with eight targets (19.0%).
  • Moore and McCaffrey are at the height of trade rumors following Rhule’s departure.
  • Robbie Anderson and Shi Smith earned five targets each (11.9%). Anderson played 77.0% of the offensive snaps (53).
  • Terrace Marshall made an appearance, playing 38.0% of the Panthers’ snaps and recording four targets (9.5%).
  • The Panthers’ tight ends are merely offensive tackles in disguise.

Chicago Bears

  • Justin Fields had the best game of his young, yet disastrous, career. The second-year quarterback completed 15/21 pass attempts for 208 yards and one touchdown with no interceptions. Fields fumbled twice but the Bears recovered both.
  • Fields led the team in rushing yards, recording 47 on eight attempts.
  • Khalil Herbert yielded his lead-back duties to David Montgomery upon the veteran’s return to action.
  • Montgomery played 72.0% of the offensive snaps (36), earning 93.0% of the team’s backfield opportunities (12 RSH/4 TGT).
  • Herbert played 14 snaps (28.0%) and handled four carries for 11 yards.
  • Darnell Mooney led the offense with a 94.0% snap share (47) and a team-high five targets (23.8%).
  • Rookie wideout Velus Jones Jr. scored his first touchdown as a pro.
  • Cole Kmet played 90.0% of the offensive snaps (45) in Week 5, earning a 19.0% target share (4 TGT).

Cincinnati Bengals

  • Tee Higgins suited up despite a reported ankle injury and played only 10 snaps (16.0%) with zero targets.
  • Ja’Marr Chase played 100.0% of the offensive snaps with 100.0% route participation (36) and a team-leading 12 targets (34.3%).
  • Chase is not performing up to his 2021 norm, catching seven targets for 50 yards without a score in Week 5.
  • Tyler Boyd increased his snap participation to 97.0% (61) in Higgins’ stead, earning four targets (11.4%).
  • Hayden Hurst led the Bengals in receiving yards (53), catching Joe Burrow’s only touchdown pass. Hurst saw a season-high seven targets (20.0%) while playing 81.0% of the offensive snaps (51).
  • Joe Mixon played 70.0% of the offensive snaps (44) earning a rushing share of 82.4% (14 RSH) with three targets (8.6%). Mixon has regressed in efficiency from last season but remains locked in as one of the league’s top workhorse running backs.

Cleveland Browns

  • Nick Chubb was slowly turning the Browns backfield into a one-man show before Kareem Hunt reminded all of his worth in Week 5.
  • Chubb and Hunt played 35 and 33 snaps, respectively with the bruising rusher handling 17 carries for a thunderous 134 yards and two touchdowns. Chubb failed to catch his only target. 
  • Hunt found the endzone on one of his 11 attempts, totaling 47 yards. Hunt added 10 receiving yards, catching all three of his targets (8.8%).
  • David Njoku led the team in receiving yards (88). The uber-athletic tight end caught six passes on six targets (17.6%).
  • Amari Cooper received a team-high 12 targets (35.3%), playing 90.0% of the Browns’ snaps (60). Cooper scored the team’s only receiving touchdown, catching seven passes for 76 yards.
  • Donovan Peoples-Jones played one fewer snap than Cooper (59), earning seven targets (20.6%). Peoples-Jones caught four passes for 50 yards.
  • David Bell is slowly working his way into the fold, recording 29 snaps (43.0%). Unfortunately, the rookie receiver regressed from his target total last week with just one opportunity in Week 5.

Dallas Cowboys

  • Cooper Rush made his fourth start of the season for the Cowboys, filling in for an injured Dak Prescott. Rush remains undefeated as a starting quarterback in the NFL and will attempt to continue that streak in Week 6 when facing the Eagles in a divisional matchup. 
  • Only three members of the Cowboys offense recorded receiving stats: CeeDee Lamb, Noah Brown, and Michael Gallup.
  • Lamb is earning targets at a career-high rate this season. The third-year star saw eight of Rush’s 16 pass attempts for an unfathomable 50.0% target share. He now leads all players in the NFL with a target share of 35.0% through five weeks of the 2022 season.
  • Brown stays in his place as the secondary option alongside Lamb while Gallup ramps up his playing time. Brown played 76.0% of the team’s snaps (42) but only received two targets (12.5%).
  • Gallup played 55.0% of the offensive snaps (30), commanding five targets (31.2%) in his limited playing time.
  • Tony Pollard only needed eight carries to finish with more rushing yards (86) than Elliott. Pollard found the end zone on an impressive 57-yard run. 
  • Dalton Schultz re-aggravated the knee injury that kept him sidelined for one game this season. Schultz saw one target on ten snaps before exiting the contest. He would return as a blocker late in the game but did not run any routes after his injury.
  • Peyton Hendershot and Jake Ferguson split time at tight end. Neither player recorded a target.  

Denver Broncos

  • Russell Wilson is an inept cook and needs to hire a chef to handle his pre-game meals. Wilson could not lead a single touchdown drive against the Colts, completing 21/39 pass attempts for 274 yards and two interceptions.
  • Melvin Gordon took over as the unquestioned backfield leader after Javonte Williams suffered a season-ending injury the week prior.
  • Gordon played 56.0% of the team’s snaps, earning three targets (7.7%) and a 65.2% backfield rushing share (15 RSH).
  • Mike Boone served as the change-of-pace option, playing 41.0% of the offensive snaps, with a 30.4% rushing share (7 RSH). Boone matched Gordon with three targets (7.7%)
  • Courtland Sutton topped the team in snap percentage (93.0%) and target share (28.2%), catching five passes for 74 yards.
  • Jerry Jeudy recorded 84.0% of the Broncos’ offensive snaps, collecting three of eight targets (20.5%) for 53 yards.
  • Albert Okweugbunam is firmly behind every member of the Broncos depth chart with Eric Saubert (41 Snaps/7 TGT), Eric Tomlinson (35 Snaps/1 TGT), and Andrew Beck (19 Snaps/1 TGT) all receiving significantly more playing time than the third-year fan favorite.
  • Albert O played 15 snaps (21.0%) and saw just one target (2.6%).

Detroit Lions

  • The Lions’ league-best scoring offense was halted in Week 5 against the Patriots in a shutout loss.
  • Jared Goff completed 19/35 pass attempts for 229 yards and one interception.
  • Jamaal Williams continued his role as the workhorse back with D’Andre Swift stuck on the injury report. Williams recorded 62.5% of the team’s rushing opportunities (15 RSH) but had zero targets and played fewer snaps than Craig Reynolds.
  • Reynolds recorded 47.0% of the Lions’ offensive snaps (31), earning three targets (8.6%) and six carries (25.0 RSH%).
  • Williams led the pair with 56 rushing yards.
  • Amon-Ra St.Brown played through the injury that kept him out of the Lions’ Week 4 matchup but was utilized primarily as a decoy in Week 5. St.Brown played 32.0% of the offensive snaps (21), ranking third on the team with six targets (17.1%).
  • T.J. Hockenson returned to his mediocre role as a blocking expert after going berserk for 179 yards and two touchdowns in Week 4. Hockenson saw four targets (11.4%), catching one pass for six yards. Hockenson played 85.0% of the team’s snaps (56).
  • Josh Reynolds has looked surprisingly impressive over the last two weeks. In Week 4 the castaway veteran played a season-high 84.0% of the team’s snaps (62), earning eight targets (20.0%) with seven receptions for 81 yards and one touchdown. In Week 5, Reynolds continued his run as the Lions’ top wideout, catching six passes on ten targets (28.6%) while leading the team in receiving yards (92). He led all positions with a 91.0% snap share (60).

Green Bay Packers

  • Aaron Rodgers is playing like a ghost of his former MVP self. Rodgers suffered an unsuspecting loss to the Giants in London with a run-of-the-mill performance. The future Hall of Famer completed 25/39 attempts for 222 yards and two touchdowns. 
  • Aaron Jones and AJ Dillon usually share opportunities and snaps in the backfield but Week 5 looked much different than previous games.
  • Jones played 73.0% of the Packers’ offensive snaps (46), recording a season-high 68.4% rushing share (13 RSH) and three targets (7.7%).
  • Dillon played 20 snaps (30.%) with one target and six carries.
  • Jones led the duo with 63 rushing yards, adding 17 yards on two receptions.
  • Allen Lazard played a team-high 94.0% of the offensive snaps (59), recording eight targets (20.5%). Lazard caught four passes for 35 yards and one touchdown.
  • Veteran wideout Randall Cobb led the team in targets (13), earning a 33.3% share. 
  • Cobb topped the Packers with receptions (7) and receiving yards (99). The 32-year-old wide receiver played 63.0% of the team’s snaps (40).
  • Romeo Doubs recorded five targets (12.8%), catching three for 29 yards on an 86.0% snap share (54).
  • Fellow rookie wideout Christian Watson saw the field on 18 snaps (29.0%), earning one target (2.6%).
  • Robert Tonyan played fewer snaps than Marcedes Lewis (28:32). Tonyan recorded four targets (10.3%) to Lewis’ one (2.6%).
  • Four separate tight ends on the Packers roster saw action in Week 5. Josiah Degura and Tyler Davis tallied two targets (5.1%) each.

Houston Texans

  • Nico Collins played more snaps than Brandin Cooks for the first time while sharing the field with the veteran. The second-year wideout played 81.0% of the offensive snaps (47), matching Cooks’ target total of six (25.0%). Collins led the Texans with four receptions for 65 yards.
  • Cooks played 45 snaps (78.0%), catching four passes for 20 yards. 
  • Damien Pierce is smashing through defenders on the football field while changing the disposition of his detractors. 
  • Pierce recorded 26 rush attempts (89.7 RSH%) with a season-high five targets (20.8%). The rookie running back tallied 99 yards and one touchdown on the ground with three receptions for 14 yards through the air.
  • Rex Burkhead continues to see his role reduced as the veteran back saw 21.0% of the team’s snaps (12) with three targets (12.5%) and three carries (10.3 RSH%).
  • O.J. Howard led the Texans in snap percentage with 79.0% (46). Howard one target (4.2%).

Indianapolis Colts

  • Matt Ryan failed to lead his team to the end zone in Week 5 but managed to lead them to a 12-9 overtime victory over the Broncos.
  • Jonathan Taylor missed the contest with an ankle sprain.
  • Nyheim Hines recorded three snaps (4.0%) as the starter on Taylor’s behalf before being knocked out of the contest and into concussion protocol.
  • Deon Jackson and Philip Lindsay took over running back duties. The pair earned four targets apiece (9.8%), with Jackson catching four passes for 29 yards. Lindsay totaled three receptions for 19 yards.
  • Jackson also led the duo in rushing production, tallying 13 carries (52.0 RSH%) for 62 yards. Lindsay followed with 11 carries (44.0 RSH%) for 40 yards.
  • Rookie wide receiver Alex Pierce led the Colts with nine targets (22.05) despite ranking third on the wide receiver depth chart with 47 snaps (59.0%). He also led the team in receptions (8) and receiving yards (81)
  • Michael Pittman Jr. topped the team with 78 snaps (99.0%), earning eight targets (19.5%). Pittman Jr. fell behind Pierce, totaling five receptions for 59 yards.
  • Parris Campbell continuously ranks second on the team in snap percentage, doing so again in Week 5 with 92.0% (73). However, the oft-injured veteran is nothing more than a decoy at this juncture in his career, posting three targets (7.3%) in Week 5.
  • Mo Alie-Cox exploded with two touchdowns, catching all six of his targets (16.2%) for 85 yards in Week 4. Alie-Cox fell back to earth in Week 5, recording one target (2.4%) on 44.0% of the team’s snaps (35).
  • Kylen Granson saw more playing time than his veteran teammate, recording 48.0% of the Colts’ offensive snaps with three targets for a 7.3% team share.

Jacksonville Jaguars

  • Trevor Lawrence was met with a rude awakening in Weeks 4 and 5 after a dreamy start to the second-year quarterback’s 2022 season.
  • Lawrence has thrown three interceptions with only two touchdowns in his last two contests after a scoreless showing against the Texans.
  • James Robinson seemed like he was running away with the lead role in the backfield, making Travis Etienne a volatile handcuff at best. Just when managers were ready to give up on Etienne, the Jaguars elected to give the former Clemson Tiger a 53.0% snap share (40) and a 7.6% rushing share (10 RSH) to match Robinson.
  • Etienne accumulated 71 yards to Robinson’s 27 on the ground. Etienne earned five targets (10.6%), catching three for 43 yards whereas Robinson saw two targets (4.3%), hauling in both for 12 yards.
  • Christian Kirk led the Jaguars with a 96.0% snap share (72) but saw only three targets (6.4%).
  • Marvin Jones led the team with 11 targets (23.4%), seven receptions, and 104 receiving yards.
  • Zay Jones returned after a one-game stint on the injured list, playing 80.0% of the offensive snaps (60) and recording eight targets (17.0%).
  • Evan Engram was second on the offense in receptions (6) and yards (69), playing 75.0% of the team’s snaps (56) with a season-high ten targets (21.3%).

Kansas City Chiefs

  • Patrick Mahomes completed 29/43 attempts for 292 yards and four touchdowns with 100.0% of his touchdown production being allocated to a single target.
  • Travis Kelce recorded an irrational receiving slash of 7 REC/8 TGT/25 YDS/4 TD. Kelce is in the NFL record books as the only player in history with four touchdowns and less than 90 yards in a single game.
  • Kelce’s eight targets (18.6%) matched Marquez Valdes-Scantling and JuJu Smith-Schuster for a three-way tie as team leader.
  • Rookie wide receiver Skyy Moore played a season-high 25 snaps (35.0%), earning no targets despite his increased playing time.
  • Nothing Mecole Hardman does is noteworthy.
  • Clyde Edwards-Helaire played fewer snaps than Jerrick McKinnon (31:38).
  • The duo split work fairly evenly with Edwards-Helaire garnering nine carries to McKinnon’s eight with a target share of 9.3% (4) and 7.0% (3), respectively. 
  • Rookie running back Isaih Pacheco played just two snaps and recorded no stats.

Las Vegas Raiders

  • Josh Jacobs is thriving in his newly-founded workhorse role. Jacobs played 81.0% of the Raiders snaps (52) in Week 5, taking 21 carries (95.5 RSH%) for 154 yards and one touchdown while earning an impressive 16.7% target share (5 TGT). Jacobs added 39 yards on five receptions.
  • Davante Adams played 100.0% of the offensive snaps (64), recording seven targets (23.3%). Adams hauled in three passes for 124 yards and two touchdowns.
  • Mack Hollins played 95.0% of the offensive snaps (61), earning four targets (13.3%).
  • Hunter Renfrow returned after missing three games in the league’s concussion protocol. Renfrow matched Hollins with four targets (13.3%), catching all four for a measly 25 yards.
  • Darren Waller is not producing at the elite rate he is familiar with and is now dealing with a hamstring injury that could keep him sidelined for several weeks.
  • Foster Moreau would likely relieve Waller but is dealing with injuries as well.
  • Jesper Horsted filled in as the Raiders leading tight end, playing 58.0% of the team’s snaps (37) with three targets (10.0%).

Los Angeles Chargers

  • Keenan Allen missed his fourth consecutive contest with a hamstring injury.
  • Mike Williams continued his reign as the Chargers WR1, catching seven of his team-high 13 targets (38.2%) for 173 yards and one touchdown in Week 5. Williams played 85.0% of the snaps (60).
  • Austin Ekeler totaled 59.0% of the Chargers’ snaps (42), earning four targets (11.8%) and a 55.2% rushing share (16 RSH).
  • Ekeler scored once on the ground and once through the air, totaling 199 scrimmage yards (173 RSH YDS/26 REC YDS) on 19 touches (16 RSH/4 REC).
  • Josh Palmer earned a 17.6% target share (6 TGT) on 73.0% of the team’s snaps (52). Palmer recorded three receptions for 24 yards.
  • Gerald Everett regressed from his heightened target share in Week 5, earning three targets (8.8%) on 65.0% of the offensive snaps (46).

Los Angeles Rams

  • Cam Akers and Darell Henderson continue to plod their way to meaningless yardage. Akers recorded 33 yards on 13 carries (100.0 RSH%). Henderson managed 30 yards with four receptions on five targets (11.4%) with no rushing attempts.
  • Henderson played 57.0% of the team’s snaps (37) compared to Akers’ low total of 31.0% (22).
  • The Rams’ passing attack is funneled through two players primarily. Cooper Kupp and Tyler Higbee combined for 20 of Matthew Stafford’s 42 pass attempts.
  • Kupp and Higbee both earned ten targets (22.7%). Kupp led the team in receiving production, tallying seven receptions for 125 yards and one touchdown.
  • Higbee collected seven receptions, recording 46 yards.
  • Allen Robinson has been a non-factor this season. He earned five targets (11.4%) but could only levy three receptions for 12 yards with his opportunities.
  • Ben Skowronek has overtaken Robinson as the Rams’ WR2. Skowronek received 88.0% of the team’s snaps (57), earning eight targets (18.2%).

Miami Dolphins

  • Tua Tagovailoa remains sidelined for the foreseeable future as he recovers from a brutal concussion.
  • Teddy Bridgewater stepped up as the starter in Week 4, completing 14/23 attempts for 193 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Bridgewater was then knocked out of the Dolphins’ Week 5 contest on the first play of the game after taking a big hit from rookie cornerback Ahmed ‘Sauce’ Gardner.
  • 7th-round rookie quarterback and third-string backup Skylar Thompson stepped in as the Dolphins’ leader under center, completing 19/33 attempts for 166 yards with one interception and no touchdowns.
  • Thompson has been named the starter for Week 6.
  • Raheem Mostert is thriving as the Dolphins lead back with his familiarity in head coach Mike McDaniel’s rushing system. Mostert recorded 69.0% of the offensive snaps (46), garnering a 78.3% rushing share (18 RSH) with 113 yards and one touchdown.
  • Chase Edmonds received only one carry and played fewer snaps than Myles Gaskin.
  • Gaskin saw his first action of the 2022 season, recording 19.0% of the team’s snaps (13) with four carries (17.4 RSH%) and five targets (14.7%). Gaskin was likely given additional playing time as a familiar target for Thompson.
  • Jaylen Waddle led the receiving corps with a 76.0% snap share (51) but earned just three targets (8.8%).
  • Tyreek Hill topped the team with seven targets (20.6%) on 64.0% of the offensive snaps (43).
  • Trent Sherfield saw more snaps (44) than Hill, recording two targets (5.9%).
  • Cedrick Wilson was a go-to target for the third-string Thompson. Wilson saw 24.0% of the offensive snaps (16) but managed four targets (11.8%) on 13 routes.
  • Mike Gesicki and Durham Smythe played similar snaps, with Gesicki edging his teammate 36 to 33. Smythe found the end zone on a one-yard goal line carry.

Minnesota Vikings

  • Justin Jefferson recorded 100.0% of the team’s offensive snaps (79), earning 13 targets (31.0%). Jefferson amassed 154 yards on 12 receptions.
  • Adam Thielen was closely behind Jefferson with 76 snaps (96.0%). The veteran wideout caught four of his seven targets (16.7%) for 27 yards.
  • Irv Smith Jr. was the second receiving option for the Vikings in Week 5, totaling four receptions on five targets (11.9%) for 42 yards while playing 63.0% of the snaps (50).
  • Dalvin Cook bounced back in a big way, rushing for 94 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries (66.7 RSH%). Cook caught his two targets for 27 yards while playing 45 snaps (57.0%).
  • Alexander Mattison recorded 43.0% of the team’s snaps (34), handling nine carries (33.3 RSH%) and four targets (9.5%). Mattison is making his case for a committee backfield on the Vikings’ offense haerd. Mattison’s efficiency could eat into Cook’s production throughout the season.
  • Jalen Reagor did something that shocked the entire football world in Week 5. He caught a pass for a touchdown. Ironically, that pass was a short forward dump-off from Kirk Cousins on a trick play at the one-yard line for Reagor’s only target of the game. He played just three snaps.
  • K.J. Osborn played 65 snaps (82.0%) earning five targets (11.9%), a lowly accomplishment for some, but one that Reagor could only dream of achieving. 

New England Patriots

  • Bailey Zappe made the first official start of his NFL career, completing 17/21 attempts for 188 yards and one touchdown, yielding one interception.
  • Jakobi Meyers led the team with seven receptions on eight targets (38.1%) and was the only member of the receiving corps to play more than 60.0% of the offensive snaps (48).
  • Rookie receiver Tyquan Thornton made his NFL debut, running second behind Meyers with a 14.3% target share (3 TGT).
  • The ensemble of Kendrick Bourne (34 Snaps/1 TGT), Davante Parker (31 Snaps/0 TGT), Tyquan Thornton (25 Snaps/3 TGT), Lil’ Jordan Humphrey (14 Snaps/0 TGT), Nelson Agholor (7 Snaps/1 TGT), and Matthew Slater (2 Snaps/0 TGT) combined for a grand total of three receptions for eight yards.
  • Hunter Henry played a team-high 98.0% of the offensive snaps, earning five targets (23.8%). Henry recorded four receptions for 54 yards.
  • The big story of the day was second-year running back Rhamondre Stevenson and his decimation of the Lions’ defense. Stevenson earned a season-high opportunity and snap share, touting 25 carries (86.2 RSH%) and two targets (9.5%) on 90.0% of the offensive snaps (54). Stevenson set a new career-high with 175 scrimmage yards (161 RSH YDS/14 REC YDS).
  • Damien Harris was forced to exit the contest with a hamstring injury that could keep him sidelined for several weeks, further opening the door for Stevenson to take over this backfield.

New Orleans Saints

  • Andy Dalton received his second start as a member of the Saints, throwing for 187 yards on 16/24 attempts with one touchdown and one interception. 
  • Taysom Hill stole the thunder as the Saints’ top performer, playing snaps at every position on offense. Hill completed his only pass for 22 yards and one touchdown while taking nine rushing attempts for 112 yards and three touchdowns as a running back. The one thing Hill did not receive was a target or a reception despite being designated as a tight end across all fantasy platforms.
  • Alvin Kamara was shockingly listed as a last-minute inactive player despite traveling with the team to London in Week 4. Kamara suited up in Week 5, receiving a full workload during the Saints’ win over the Seahawks. Kamara took 23 carries (71.9 RSH%) for 103 yards. The veteran running back led the team with six receptions on six targets (24.0%) for 91 yards.
  • Chris Olave tied Kamara with six targets, catching four passes for 54 yards and one touchdown. Olave was forced to leave the contest after suffering a head injury. The rookie led all Saints’ receivers in opportunity and production despite playing just 40.0% of the offensive snaps (31).
  • Adam Trautman made a surprise but welcomed appearance in the scoring column, catching his first touchdown of the season. The third-year tight end played 65.0% of the team’s snaps, earning three targets (12.0%).

New York Giants

  • Saquon Barkley is the only weapon the Giants need to tear down the league’s top-ranked teams. Barkley stuffed 106 scrimmage yards (70 RSH YDS/36 REC YDS) down the Packers’ throat on foreign turf. The generational running back added his third touchdown of the season in Week 5.
  • Daniel Jones was second on the team in rushing production with 37 yards. Jones was quiet in the passing department, completing 21/27 attempts for 217 yards and no touchdowns or interceptions.
  • Darius Slayton led the Giants with seven targets (25.9%), catching six for 79 yards.
  • Marcus Johnson topped the team with a 77.0% snap share (47), earning three targets (11.1%) in his increased playing time.
  • Rookie tight end Daniel Bellinger continues to be a focal point of the passing offense, playing 74.0% of the team’s snaps (45) with an 11.1% target share (3 TGT) in Week 5.

New York Jets

  • Head Coach Robert Saleh was able to control the clock in the Jets’ dominant victory over the Dolphins, thus allowing him to minimize Zach Willson’s passing attempts and in turn, his mistakes. 
  • Wilson completed 14/21 attempts for 210 yards with no interceptions but failed to find the endzone in Week 5.
  • Breece Hall far surpassed Michael Carter as the lead back for the Jets but is still losing valuable carries to his teammate. Hall marched the Jets up to the one-yard line on two separate occasions after breaking off a big play.
  • Carter earned the first touch on the goal line in both instances, scoring two touchdowns. The second-year back tallied 10 carries (35.7 RSH%) for 21 yards.
  • Hall played 69.0% of the offensive snaps (41) to Carter’s 42% participation (25).
  • The rookie eventually found the endzone himself, finishing with 18 carries (64.3 RSH%) for 97 yards and one touchdown with two receptions for 100 yards through the air. 

Philadelphia Eagles

  • Jalen Hurts rushed 15 times for 61 yards and two touchdowns while completing 26/36 attempts for 239 yards.
  • DeVonta Smith led the Eagles with 11 targets (30.6%) on a 99.0% snap share (72). Smith caught 10 passes for 87 yards.
  • Dallas Goedert topped the offense with 95 receiving yards on eight receptions. Goedert played 96.0% of the offensive snaps (70), earning a 25.0% target share (9 TGT).
  • A.J. Brown received 74.0% of the offensive snaps (54), recording seven targets (19.4%).
  • Miles Sanders is one of the few running backs left in the NFL with a workhorse role. Sanders played 74.0% of the team’s snaps (54), allotting an 83.3% rushing share (15 RSH) and three targets (8.3%).

Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Kenny Pickett replaced Mitchell Trubisky midway through the Steelers’ loss to the Jets in Week 4. Pickett started his first full game against the Bills in Week 5, completing 34/52 attempts for 327 yards and one interception.
  • Rookie sensation George Pickens led the steelers in receiving yards (102), and receptions (6), playing 76.0% of the offensive snaps (57) with eight targets (15.4%).
  • Diontae Johnson returned to his high-volume role, accumulating 12 targets (23.1%) on 93.0% of the team’s snaps (70). Johnson caught five passes for 60 yards.
  • Chase Claypool saw nine targets (17.3%), catching five for 50 yards on 91.0% of the offensive snaps (68). Pickens is hot on his heels for the number-two receiver role but Claypool is not ready to relinquish it just yet.
  • Second-year star tight end Pat Freiermuth remains in concussion protocol after a nasty collision forced him out of the Steelers’ Week 5 loss to the Bills.
  • Zach Gentry substituted for Freiermuth, playing 64.0% of the offensive snaps (48) with six targets (11.5%).
  • Najee Harris is leaking value like a sieve trying to hold back a waterfall. Harris’ opportunity share decreased to 68.8% in Week 5 as the second-year back relinquished snaps and goal line duties to Jaylen Warren.
  • Warren played 51.0% of the offensive snaps (38), earning a 31.2% rushing share (5 RSH) and 9.6% target share (5 TGT).

San Francisco 49ers

  • The 49ers’ defense snuffed out the Panthers in Week 5, allowing smooth sailing for Jimmy Garoppolo en route to a 37-15 win. Jimmy G completed 18/30 attempts for 253 yards and two touchdowns.
  • Jeff Wilson recorded 17 of the team’s 25 backfield carries, securing 120 rushing yards and one touchdown. Wilson played 58.0% of the offensive snaps (39) and will continue to serve as the team’s top rusher until Elijah Mitchell returns from injured reserve.
  • Deebo Samuel recorded two receptions for 20 yards on nine targets (30.0%) with one touchdown
  • Brandon Aiyuk led the 49ers in snap participation but managed just four targets (13.3%). Aiyuk caught all four of his opportunities for 58 yards.
  • George Kittle saw a season-high six targets (20.0%) on 88.0% of the offensive snaps (59).

Seattle Seahawks

  • Geno Smith is on an unstoppable tear to begin the 2022 season. The ninth-year journeyman is averaging 20.0 PPG, tied with Joe Burrow as the QB6 on the season, and has totaled four top-15 scoring finishes in his first five games as the Seahawks’ starter. 
  • Smith has amassed three consecutive performances as QB7 or higher, including a QB2 (31.7 PTS) and QB 4 (24.0 PTS) showing in Weeks 4 and 5. 
  • The 32-year-old veteran is playing at an otherworldly level to begin the 2022 season. He ranks 2nd in yards per attempt (YDS/ATT) for all quarterbacks with over 150 passes, tied with Josh Allen at 8.3 YDS/ATT. 
  • The Seahawks’ signal-caller leads the league with a completion percentage of 75.2% and a QB rating of 113.2, throwing for 261.0 YPG (QB12), with nine passing touchdowns (QB7). He has also added one rushing score with 77 yards on the ground, averaging 2.0 touchdowns per contest. 
  • Rashaad Penny will miss the remainder of the 2022 season with a broken tibia that requires surgery to repair.
  • Rookie running back Kenneth Walker III immediately walked into a workhorse role upon Penny’s departure, taking eight carries for 88 yards and a touchdown, including a tremendous 69-yard scamper for a score.
  • The rookie second-rounder played 58.0% of the total offensive snaps with a cumulative rushing share of 47.1% in Week 5.
  • After the veteran running back was ruled out, Walker III recorded 100.0% of the Seahawks’ rushing attempts on 88.0% snap participation. 
  • DK Metcalf led the team with a 32.0% target share (8 TGT), recording 96.0% of the offensive snaps (50)
  • Tyler Lockett matched Metcalf’s snap share at 96.0%. Lockett tallied six targets (24.0%).
  • Lockett caught five passes for 104 yards and two touchdowns, finishing with 27.4 PPR PTS (WR3).
  • Noah Fant had his best game of the 2022 season, catching three of his five targets (20.0%) for 49 yards.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

  • Tom Brady and the Buccaneers barely scraped by with a win over the Falcons in Week 5. Brady threw for 351 yards, completing 35/52 attempts for one touchdown.
  • Leonard Fournette led the Buccaneers in rushing and receiving production in Week 5, taking 14 carries (73.7 RSH%) for 56 yards and one touchdown while adding ten receptions on 11 targets (21.2%) for 83 yards and another touchdown.
  • Rookie running back Rachaad White played 39.0% of the offensive snaps (31), collecting four targets (7.7%) and five carries. White racked up 42 scrimmage yards on nine touches.
  • Mike Evans topped the receiver group with an 85.0% snap percentage, earning eight targets (15.4%). Evans caught four passes for 81 yards.
  • Chris Godwin saw six targets (11.5%) despite playing just 52.0% of the offensive snaps (41).
  • Russell Gage was second on the team in snap participation (73.0%), matching Godwin’s total of six targets (11.5%).
  • Scott Miller topped both of the aforementioned players, recording seven targets (13.5%) on 46.0% of the team’s snaps (36).
  • Rookie tight end Cade Otton had his best game to date, playing 94.0% of the offensive snaps (74) and catching six of his seven targets (13.5%) for 43 yards.

Tennessee Titans

  • Long live the King. Derrick Henry accounted for 96.6% of the Titans’ backfield rushing attempts, taking 28 carries for 102 yards and two touchdowns. Henry saw two targets (8.0%), catching both for 30 yards.
  • Nick Westbrook-Ikhine led the team in snap percentage (92.0%) but saw just three targets (12.0%). Westbrook-Ikhine made the most of his limited opportunity, catching two passes for a team-leading 72 receiving yards.
  • Robert Woods recorded a 32.0% target share (8 TGT), topping all members of the Titans’ offense. Woods secured four passes for 37 yards.
  • Rookie slot receiver Kyle Philips played 28.0% of the offensive snaps (18).
  • Geoff Swaim, Austin Hooper, and Chigoziem Okonkwo all received one target (4.0%) from the tight end position.

Washington Commanders

  • Terry McLaurin led the Commanders with a 98.0% snap share (62) but remained second in the pecking order behind Curtis Samuel for targets. McLaurin saw six targets (15.8%), catching five for 76 yards.
  • Samuel recorded six receptions on eight targets (21.1%) on 90.0% of the Commanders’ offensive snaps (57).
  • Dyami Brown exploded for the first touchdown of his two-year NFL career. He then repeated that explosion with the second touchdown of his two-year NFL Career. Brown played 32.0% of the offensive snaps (20), recording four targets (10.5%).
  • Backup tight end John Bates filled in for the injured Logan Thomas. Bates played 59.0% of the offensive snaps (37), earning three targets (7.9%).
  • Rookie tight end Cole Turner matches Bates with three targets (7.9%), playing 51.0% of the offensive snaps (32).
  • Antonio Gibson played eight six snaps fewer than J.D. McKissic (20:26) with a mere 25.0% of the team’s rushing opportunities (3 RSH).
  • McKissic recorded seven targets (18.4%) on a 41.0% snap share (26).
  • Rookie running back Brian Robinson made his debut after being shot in a tragic incident earlier this offseason. Robinson handled a major role immediately with a 75.0% rushing share (9 RSH).

SIGNOFF

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

Opportunity Knocks: Week 2, Opportunity Knocks Week 3, Opportunity Knocks: Week 4, Opportunity Knocks: Week 5.

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.

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