Dwain McFarland, a contributor at Fantasy Life, joins to unravel the latest in fantasy football. They delve into the surprising insights from the Utilization Report, highlighting trends among running backs and tight ends. Will Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews rebound? Is investing in the Panthers' offense wise? Plus, they discuss buy-low and sell-high trade targets that could shift your season. The duo wraps up with rapid-fire questions, including Anthony Richardson's future in fantasy leagues.
The trend of teams relying heavily on a single running back significantly influences fantasy productivity, impacting player value and utilization scores.
Travis Kelce and Mark Andrews are struggling this season, raising concerns about their fantasy viability amidst inconsistent performances and target shares.
Deep dives
Key Trade Targets for Week Four
Jaden Reed of the Packers is highlighted as a top trade target after showing promise in the early season despite quieter games recently. His stats indicate he is the team's top receiver, ranking fourth in the league for yards per route run, and he is expected to benefit from Jordan Love's return to the lineup. Another target is Jordan Addison from the Vikings, whose peripheral metrics suggest significant upside potential upon his return from an ankle injury, especially in a productive passing offense. Lastly, Jonathan Brooks of the Panthers is mentioned as a rookie running back likely to be activated soon, with the potential to emerge as a strong fantasy RB2 as he recovers from injury.
Surprised by Running Back Utilization
The discussion reveals a trend where several NFL teams are heavily relying on a single running back, with notable examples yielding high utilization scores, which predict future fantasy success. Players like Breece Hall, Saquon Barkley, and Alvin Kamara are all showcasing high percentages of snaps and an expansive share of offensive plays, which can lead to increased fantasy productivity. This trend contrasts with the traditional approach of running back committees and shows a shift in coaching strategies toward leaning on a primary ball-carrier. This approach can be beneficial for fantasy managers looking to assess which running backs are likely to deliver consistent scoring.
Tight End Struggles
The tight end position is particularly challenging this season, with traditionally strong performers like Travis Kelsey and Mark Andrews facing significant struggles. Both players have encountered numerous statistical hurdles, such as low yardage outputs and inconsistent target shares, raising concerns about their fantasy viability. Kelsey, for example, hasn’t had a yardage breakout yet but continues to maintain high route participation, suggesting potential for future improvement. In contrast, Andrews has seen a dramatic decline in his involvement and route participation, prompting worries about his role in the offense moving forward.
Panthers' Offensive Revival
A notable discussion surrounds the Carolina Panthers, whose offensive production drastically improved with Andy Dalton stepping in as quarterback. After starting the season poorly with Bryce Young, Dalton's presence has provided new hope for players like Chuba Hubbard and Jonathan Brooks, suggesting they could be more fantasy-relevant moving forward. The conversation highlights Deontay Johnson's emergence as a key target with increased route share, alongside potential breakout opportunities for other receivers in the offense. Despite Dalton's past performance being subpar, any improvement over Young presents a valuable opportunity for fantasy managers to capitalize on the Panthers' evolving game plan.