Dwain McFarland Drops Knowledge on Finding the Top Fantasy RB’s, WR’s & TE’s
Aug 18, 2023
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Fantasy Life expert Dwain McFarland shares insights on finding top fantasy RBs, WRs, and TEs. Topics include target share, route participation, air yards, and offensive factors for predicting top players. They discuss Nick Chubb as RB1, D'Andre Swift's potential, Brandon Aiyuk, Jerry Jeudy, and a tight end with positional advantage.
Key metrics for evaluating running backs include explosive rush rate, PFF rushing grade, missed tackles forced per attempt, and underlying receiving metrics.
When assessing wide receivers, target share, air yard share, yards after the catch, and separation are crucial metrics.
Jonathan Taylor's fantasy outlook is impacted by limited involvement in the passing game and the presence of a mobile quarterback, but his talent and the run-first nature of the Colts' offense make him a compelling option.
Three rookie tight ends with good target earning profiles in college and potential playing time opportunities (Dalton Kincaid, Sam Laporta, and Luke Musgrave) could exceed expectations in their rookie seasons.
Deep dives
The importance of talent and volume for running backs
When evaluating running backs, key metrics to consider include explosive rush rate, PFF rushing grade, missed tackles forced per attempt, and underlying receiving metrics like targets per route run.
Determining value for wide receivers
For wide receivers, target share and air yard share are crucial metrics to assess their potential value. Talent level is also significant as it correlates with target share and overall production.
Factors affecting Jonathan Taylor's fantasy outlook
Jonathan Taylor's outlook is impacted by his limited involvement in the passing game and the presence of a mobile quarterback who may not frequently check down to him. However, his talent as a runner and the run-first nature of the Colts' offense make him a compelling fantasy option.
Metrics to consider for evaluating wide receivers
When evaluating wide receivers, metrics such as target share, air yard share, yards after the catch, and separation are important in assessing their potential value and production.
The potential of rookie tight ends as fantasy assets
Rookie tight ends often struggle to make a big impact in their rookie seasons, but there are three potential rookie tight ends (Dalton Kincaid, Sam Laporta, and Luke Musgrave) who could buck that trend. These rookies have showcased good target earning profiles in college and have the opportunity to earn significant playing time in their respective offenses. While there are no guarantees, their talent and potential for high route participation make them intriguing options for fantasy managers.
The talent and potential of Kyle Pitts as a tight end
Kyle Pitts possesses the talent and skill set to be a top-tier tight end in the league. His college metrics, such as targets per route run (27%), area share (34%), and average depth of target (13.7), are exceptional and surpass many top tight ends in the league. While concerns about the Falcons' offensive environment exist, Pitts' talent and potential warrant consideration as a high-end tight end option, with the likelihood of eventually becoming a tight end one in the future.
Factors to consider when evaluating rookie and rookie tight ends
When evaluating rookie tight ends, factors such as target earning profiles, playing time, and offensive environment are crucial. Rookies with good target earning profiles in college and significant playing time opportunities, like Dalton Kincaid, Sam Laporta, and Luke Musgrave, have the potential to succeed as fantasy tight ends. However, it's important to note that tight ends generally do not have big rookie seasons, and their success often depends on factors like talent, situation, and target opportunities.
On today's episode, we welcome on special guest Dwain McFarland of Fantasy Life for a jam-packed show where Dwain goes in-depth on how to find the cream of the crop for running backs, wide receivers and tight ends. We look at target share, route participation, air yards and offensive factors that will help us predict players who will land at the top of the rankings this season. Is this the year Nick Chubb finishes as overall RB1? Are we underestimating D'Andre Swift a bit? Plus, thoughts on Brandon Aiyuk, Jerry Jeudy and a tight end that Dwain believes could give you the positional advantage you need to win your league.
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