1. Trey Benson is a mid-range RB2 after the loss of James Conner.
Football is a brutal sport, and the Week 3 rash of injuries is a harsh reminder. Unfortunately, Conner suffered a season-ending ankle injury against the 49ers. Hopefully, Conner can recover for next season.
With Conner sidelined, Benson steps into a massive opportunity in Arizona. The No. 66 NFL Draft pick was the No. 2 prospect in the 2024 class in the Rookie Super Model with a 72 rating. Since 2014, his historical comps reached a top 36 RB finish 70% of the time by their third season, with 45% becoming top-24 backs.
I am more bullish than the model for 2025, given the impact Benson was already making before the Conner injury. The second-year back took over the two-minute offense in Week 2 and led the team with a 55% route participation. He has an 11% target share on the season.
After the Conner injury in Week 3, Benson handled 87% of the snaps, 71% of the rushing attempts, and posted a 50% route participation. Emari Demercado will likely mix in some on pass downs with Bam Knight and Michael Carter splitting RB3 duties.
He ranks 13th in yards after contact (4.1) and eighth in runs of 10-plus yards (14%) for backs with at least 20 attempts. That is a tiny sample, but it is all we have this early in the year.
Benson is likely headed for 60 to 70% of the snaps moving forward and could make noise as a rusher and a receiver. That could make him a 20-opportunities-per-game player.
Benson UPGRADES to mid-range RB2 status and is available in 48% of Yahoo leagues. If you are in one of those leagues, he is worth a massive FAAB bid.
2. Omarion Hampton upgrades to borderline RB1 status with Najee Harris out.
Hopefully, Harris can recover fully for the 2026 campaign. We wish the best to Najee.
As for the 2025 season, Hampton is firmly in the driver's seat. The rookie first-round NFL pick posted the No. 2 Utilization Score (96) for an RB on his way to the second-most fantasy points (24.9) in Week 3.
We can't completely dismiss Hampton's duds in the first two weeks. The Chargers rank No. 2 in dropback rate over expected (DBOE) at 6%. This is a pass-first offense. We also can't expect many more 15% target share games, given the three quality downfield receiving options Justin Herbert will prefer. Still, Hampton should see plenty of pass-down work moving forward, and that puts receiving spikes like Week 3 in the range of outcomes.
The Chargers could add a veteran back, but there aren't any options available that are the same caliber as Harris. Hassan Haskins will likely serve as the No. 2 option on the ground, and the team could promote Kimani Vidal to take on some of the pass-down work.
Hampton has averaged only 3.4 yards per carry to this point, with 2.9 coming after contact. He has taken 9.5% of his attempts for 10-plus yards, right at the NFL average. That leaves the door open for larger roles for other backs, similar to what we have seen with Ashton Jeanty, but Hampton controls his own destiny. He has the upside to take on a 70% snap share.
Hampton is a high-end RB2 option and offers mid-range RB1 upside if he can cement his status as the bell cow option over the next few games.
3. Quinshon Judkins is the Browns' primary rushing option.
Well, that didn't take very long. After leading the team with a 46% rush share in Week 2 despite having much time with the team, Judkins bogarted 95% in Week 3 against the Packers.
The second-round NFL Draft pick still conceded most of the pass-down work to Jerome Ford, who handled 80% of the long-down-and-distance (LDD) work and 75% of the two-minute offense.
Judkins' 37% route participation and 3% target share are the two things holding down his Utilization Score. Those two things will make his performances more volatile in trailing game scripts. On one hand, the Browns' offense isn't very good, which could lead to those scenarios. On the other hand, they have one of the best defenses in the NFL, which can offset the offensive woes.
Judkins is averaging 5.5 yards per carry, with 5.1 coming after contact on his 28 attempts. The Browns' best chance to win games is likely via less passing, and Judkins could be the catalyst for change. The Browns DBOE by Week:
Week 1: 6%
Week 2: -3%
Week 3: 1%
Look for Kevin Stefanski to *try* and deploy a run-balanced attack moving forward.
Judkins UPGRADES to low-end RB2 territory and offers RB1 upside in close and leading game scripts.
4. Cam Skattebo has the skillset to thrive in fantasy football.
The injury hits keep coming—Tyrone Tracy left the Sunday night game against the Chiefs with a dislocated shoulder that could keep him out for several weeks.
Skattebo seized his moment, piling up 24.1 fantasy points with 60 yards rushing and a touchdown on 10 attempts and six receptions for 61 yards on eight targets. After Tracy's departure, he handled 70% of the snaps and accounted for 57% of the rushing attempts. He led the team with a 27% target share on a 66% route participation.
Skattebo's hard running style will make him a favorite around the goal line, and his ability as a pass catcher out of the backfield helped him shine in the Rookie Super Model. Those two qualities can unlock massive fantasy upside. It's not a common combination.
Since 2011, there have been 28 instances of an RB handling 50% or more rushing attempts with a 15% or higher target share. They averaged 21.7 fantasy points per game. While we can't be sure Skattebo will see a role that large, he has the skillset to make it happen.
Skattebo UPGRADES to low-end RB2 territory and offers RB1 upside until Tracy returns. With strong performances while Tracy is out, Skattebo could establish himself as the lead option the rest of the way.
5. Matthew Golden saw his most extensive action of the year.
No other Packers' receiver saw more motion at the snap (21%), and 25% of Golden's targets came on screen passes. We need to see Golden push his target share higher, but the Packers could make their new shiny toy a centerpiece of their passing attack moving forward.
Golden UPGRADES to boom-bust WR4 territory.
6. Utilization Score Leaderboard
Running backs who are dominating their team's opportunities.
Christian McCaffrey | 49ers: CMC is the DraftKings' Utilization King through three games with a 98 score out of 100. His 30% target share ranks No. 10 across all RBs, WRs, and TEs. McCaffrey is averaging 17.3 attempts and 10.3 targets per game with 23.3 fantasy points per contest.
Bijan Robinson | Falcons: Robinson hasn't scored a rushing touchdown yet this season, yet he has the No. 2 Utilization Score (93) thanks to a healthy 18% target share. Robinson averages 15.7 attempts and six targets per contest with 20.1 fantasy points.
De'Von Achane | Dolphins: Achane has taken his game to another level in Year 3. He ranks second behind CMC in targets per game at eight. The guy everyone claimed was too small is averaging 19.6 fantasy points with a 90 Utilization Score.
Bucky Irving | Buccaneers: More fantasy points should flow if the Bucs can get their offensive line right. See No. 8 below (underperformers).
Jonathan Taylor | Colts: The Colts offense has soared to new heights with competent quarterback play from Daniel Jones, which has unlocked Taylor's fantasy potential. He rarely leaves the field, ranking fifth in snap share (81%) and has a 10% target share, playing 70% of the LDD snaps and 100% of the two-minute offense. Taylor is the RB1 with 25 points per game, and you love to see it. Taylor is a top-three option the rest of the way.
Wide receivers who are in full-on ALPHA mode.
Puka Nacua | Rams: Nacua leads all WRs with a Utilization Score of 90 and 24.5 fantasy points per game. He ranks second in target share (39%) and first in targets per route run (TPRR) at 43%. He operates from the slot 48% of the time, ranks first in motion-at-the-snap routes (28%), and sixth in percentage of targets from play action (34%)—cheat code, cheat code, cheat code. Nacua is a fantastic player in a fantastic scheme—he is your WR1 the rest of the way.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba | Seahawks: JSN ranks second in Utilzation Score with a sizzling 89. He has the highest target share (41%) and air yards share (56%) in the NFL. The Year 3 former first-round pick is on an absolute tear as the No. 4 scoring WR in fantasy with 19.4 points per game. His historical Utilization comps have averaged 18.9 points. JSN UPGRADES to mid-range WR1 status.
Rome Odunze | Bears: The 2024 No. 9 overall pick in the NFL Draft ranks third in Utilization Score (89) and No. 3 in fantasy points per game at 20.9. He is dominating the Bears' passing attack with a 28% target share and 40% air yards share. His 60% endzone target share ranks eighth in the NFL. Odunze UPGRADES to low-end WR1 status and offers top-six upside.
Garrett Wilson | Jets: Wilson owns the No. 4 Utilization Score (87) and is tied for the second-highest target share in the NFL (41%). Despite the ups and downs of the Jets' passing attack, Wilson has been able to overcome those deficiencies with the third-most catchable targets per game (7.7). We expected the talented young WR to get targets, but his catchable rate of 85% is well above the competition rate for Justin Fields (58%) and Tyrod Taylor (70%). I expect some regression when Fields is back under center, but Wilson UPGRADES to mid-range WR2 status. Yes, I am still willing to sell high, y'all, but outliers do happen, and Wilson could defy the odds.
Tight ends with the best fantasy roles through three weeks.
Juwan Johnson | Saints: Johnson is one of the biggest surprises in fantasy football through three games, leading all tight ends with a 90 Utilization Score. While the Saints' passing game has massive questions, Johnson is averaging the second-most fantasy points (14.2) and sees the second-most catchable targets per contest (eight) thanks to a low aDOT and trailing game scripts. Johnson is a mid-range TE1 the rest of the way.
Hunter Henry | Patriots: Henry's No. 2 Utilization Score (89) is trickier than Johnson's due to the lack of consistency. Most of his score is coming from a massive Week 3 outing where he posted a 100 Utilization Score with a 29% target share and 29 fantasy points. Given the Patriots' sad receiving corps and the emergence of Drake Maye, Henry could surprise the rest of the way, but I am betting on some regression. Henry sees 5.3 catchable targets per game. Henry is a borderline TE1.
Jake Ferguson | Cowboys: Ferguson ranks No. 3 in Utilization Score (86) and could keep things rolling if CeeDee Lamb's ankle sprain hampers his playing time or production. The inability of the Cowboys' defense to stop anyone should keep the pass attempts flowing in plenty of shootout game scripts. Ferguson averaged nine catchable targets over the first two games with Lamb healthy—he is a low-end TE1 who offers mid-range TE1 upside while Lamb is out.
Trey McBride | Cardinals: McBride owns the No. 4 tight end Utilization Score (87) and leads the position with a 27% target share. His 13.7 fantasy points rank fourth, but McBride remains a strong bet to finish inside the top three and distance himself from the other names on this list as the season progresses—he is a proven high-end talent. McBride is a top-three option and could easily be the TE1 the rest of the way.
Accounts for snaps and routes across multiple situations in addition to attempts and targets.
Accounts for catchable targets.
The underlying role accounts for ~75% of a player's Utilization Score.
Uses fantasy points per game (PPG) as a proxy for talent (i.e., has the player done something with their opportunities). Fantasy PPG is worth ~25% of a player's Utilization Score.
Travis Etienne | RB | Jaguars
Etienne has been a pleasant surprise with the ninth-most fantasy points per game (15.7), but his Utilization Score ranks 18th (72). On one hand, Etienne could continue to play well and overcome a snap share (61%) and route participation (43%). On the other hand, his historical Utilization Score comps have averaged 13.7 points per game—below his current mark of 15.7. It's important to note that fantasy points are already accounted for in the Utilization Score as a proxy for talent, which is boosting Etienne's standing. Etienne remains a mid-range RB2, but it's worth monitoring his weekly Utilization. Especially his 7% target share and 0% snap share inside the five-yard line. Those are massive drivers to fantasy performance, making Etienne big-play dependent for now.
Tre Tucker | WR | Raiders
Tucker is averaging 19.7 points per game after a massive 40.9-point Week 3 performance, where he caught three touchdowns on a 36% target share. He is a third-year player, so he may be taking a step forward, but his career TPRR is 14%. That is a WR5 number, and his 18% TPRR this year is WR4-worthy. While the Raiders have thrown the ball often this year, much of it has been game-script induced—they rank 20th in DBOE (-2%). Tucker is available in 95% of leagues and is on the waiver wire menu, just don't overdo it—he is likely the No.3 in this offense behind Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers.
Michael Pittman | WR | Colts
Okay, this is going to get weird. I need to upgrade Pittman, but we can't take it too far based on his current production (15.8 points per game) and his 66 Utilization Score. The Colts offense is a vibrant environment for fantasy points, and Pittman is second on the team in target share at 22%. So, he has to move up from WR4 territory. However, his historical comps Utilization Score comparisons have averaged 12.8 points per game going back to 2020. Going back to 2011, the WR30 has averaged 12.7 points. That feels just right—Pittman UPGRADES to mid-range WR3 territory. He is a sell-high candidate if someone in your league believes he will keep up his standing as the WR14 the rest of the way. Only 11% of his comps pulled that off, with 75% finishing as the WR25 or lower. It's a numbers game, y'all!
8. Utilization Score Underperformers
Bucky Irving | RB | Buccaneers
Irving has the No. 4 Utilization Score (90) in fantasy football. However, the Bucs' offensive line woes have likely suppressed his fantasy scoring. He still ranks 10th in scoring with 15.5 points per game, but his 30 historical comps have averaged 18 points with 53% notching top-six campaigns. Tampa Bay could get Tristan Wirfs back in Week 4, which is sorely needed after losing starting guard Cody Mauch for the season and starting tackle Luke Goedeke out until at least another three games. Irving ranks second in rush share (74%), eighth in route participation rate (63%), and sixth in target share (15%). It's worth kicking the tires on a trade offer for Irving, only 17% of his comps failed to finish inside the top-12.
Chase Brown | RB | Bengals
Brown has dominated the Bengals' backfield with a 67% snap share, 79% attempt share, and a healthy 12% target share. However, the fantasy points haven't followed to this point (9.2 per game), driving his Utilization Score down to 72. Brown ranks 25th out of 25 in yards per carry for backs with at least 30 attempts this season, averaging only 2.0 yards. Only 2% of his attempts have gone for 10-plus yards. This is still a tiny sample, and efficiency can be a fickle thing, so we don't want to overreact too much, but those are alarming numbers. Brown's value is falling, but he is still the RB13 on FantasyCalc. His historical comps have averaged 13.7 points per game, which is the average for the RB20 since 2011. Brown DOWNGRADES to mid-range RB2 territory.
Tetairoa McMillan | WR | Panthers
McMillan ranks No. 19 in Utilization Score (74) but is the WR33 in fantasy points per game (11.9). He leads the Panthers with a 23% target share, including six catchable looks per game. The rookie's 58 historical comps have averaged 14.6 points per contest with 72% notching a top-24 season.
Below is a breakdown of how his historical comps have performed over the course of a full season:
WR1 to WR6 finishes: 2%
WR7 to WR12: 14%
WR13 to WR18: 28%
WR19 to WR24: 29%
WR25 to WR30: 22%
WR31 or worse: 5%
McMillan is a low-end WR2 with low-end WR1 upside.
Geno Smith | Raiders: Smith is averaging 16.9 points per game as the QB15 in fantasy. He has thrown for 277 yards and 1.3 touchdowns per game with a 7.8 yards per attempt. Smith UPGRADES to mid-range QB2 status and is rostered in 28% of Yahoo leagues.
RB
Blake Corum | Rams: This weekend is a big reminder regarding how quickly a backup running back's value can soar when a starter goes down. Corum is locked into the RB2 role after three games. Jarquez Hunter has yet to play, while Corum has handled 22% and 26% of the Rams' attempts over the last two games. Corum is available in over 80% of leagues if you need an upside bench stash.
Woody Marks | Texans: Marks has expanded his role in every game. In Week 3, he hit season-highs in rushing attempts (40%), route participation (44%), and target share (6%). The backfield was a two-way split between Marks and Nick Chubb. Joe Mixon could still return at some point, but for now, Marks is the RB2 in Houston. Marks UPGRADES to RB5 stash territory and is available in 90% of leagues.
Ollie Gordon | Dolphins: Gordon notched his highest attempt share of the season in Week 3, accounting for 43% of the Dolphins' totes. Notably, Jaylen Wright was active, but did not play a snap on offense. Gordon is rostered in 20% of leagues and looks like the No. 2 in Miami.
Tahj Brooks | Bengals: Brooks saw his first playing time of the season late in the blowout loss to the Vikings. With Chase Brown's efficiency woes, we could see the coaching staff begin to mix in more of Brooks and Samaje Perine in the coming weeks. Brooks is available in 99% of leagues and is an RB6 stash option.
WR
Elic Ayomanor | Titans: The Titans' offense is pretty awful right now, but Ayomanor is the No. 2 target behind Calvin Ridley. The rookie fourth-round NFL Draft pick has a 21% target share, averaging 10.9 points per game. His historical Utilization Score (60) comps have averaged 11.2 points, and should Cam Ward turn a corner, Ayomanor has more to offer. Ayomanor is a low-end WR4 and is available in 80% of leagues.
Troy Franklin | Broncos: Franklin was the most-dropped WR in early-market action on Yahoo after bombing with 2.8 fantasy points in Week 3. However, his underlying Utilization was positive, hitting a season-high 94% route participation. Franklin is the No. 2 target on the Broncos with a 21% target share. He operates primarily from the slot (61%) and ranks first in targets off of screens at 37%. We would prefer a higher target share given the screen looks, but the Broncos are prioritizing Franklin as a mismatch player early in the season—that is a positive! Franklin is available in 55% of Yahoo leagues and remains a boom-bust WR4 option whose role could grow.
Tre Tucker | Raiders: See the overperformers section above. Tucker is available in 95% of leagues. He is a boom-bust WR5 who will move into WR4 territory with another strong performance.
Tyquan Thornton | Chiefs: It's hard to know if Thornton's role will be long-lived when Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice are both back in the lineup. However, he has emerged as their best playmaker over the last two games. The former second-round pick has notched 13.9 and 18.1 PPG with 19% and 27% target shares over the last two games. He also leads the team in air yards for the season at 53%. Thornton UPGRADES to boom-bust WR4 status and is available in 97% of leagues.
Tory Horton | Seahawks: The fifth-round rookie notched season highs in routes (76%) and targets (22%) on his way to 12.2 fantasy points in Week 3 against the Saints. Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp remain the top two options in a run-balanced offense, which could make Horton a volatile asset, but Sam Darnold is playing well. Horton UPGRADES to WR5 territory and might offer WR3 contingency upside should JSN or Kupp miss time. Horton is available in 98% of leagues.
Luther Burden | Bears: Burden scored 19.8 fantasy points in Week 3 on a season-high 31% route participation. The second-round NFL pick could see his role expand as the season progresses. He has an impressive 25% TPRR. Burden is a WR6 stash option who could offer WR3 upside if he takes over the WR3 role for Chicago; he is available in 90% of leagues.
TE
Cole Kmet | Bears: Kmet has operated as the TE1 so far this season for the Bears with a 75% route participation. He hasn't been heavily targeted (8%), but Kmet has produced as a low-end TE1 before in his career, and Colston Loveland is dealing with a hip injury. Kmet UPGRADES to mid-range TE2 status while Loveland is out and is available in 98% of leagues if you are hurting for help in a SICKO league.
Utilization Bytes Ahead of Week 4
Quarterback
Bo Nix | Broncos: Nix ranks sixth in designed rush attempts (13%) and averages 23.7 rushing yards per game. That will likely lead to some fantasy goodness, but the Broncos' passing game is struggling with only 178 passing yards per game (28th). Nix is the QB26 right now with 14.5 points per game—he DOWNGRADES to mid-range QB2 status.
Caleb Williams | Bears: Williams is the No. 3 QB in fantasy with 23.8 points per game. He ranks 11th in QB passing and rushing yards with 238 and 32 yards per game, respectively. Williams is a top-10 option moving forward.
Drake Maye | Patriots: Maye is the QB7 with 21.1 fantasy points per game. Similar to Williams, he is getting it done via the air (262) and the ground (29). That is the type of profile that can push for a top-six campaign. Maye is a top-12 fantasy QB.
Running Back
Dylan Sampson | Browns: Sampson's snap share fell to 7% with Judkins taking over a massive role. He still leads the backfield with a 39% TPRR and could provide value again at some point this season, but for now, Sampson DOWNGRADES to RB6 stash status.
Jaylen Warren | Steelers: Arthur Smith isn't a trustworthy man when it comes to Utilization, but Warren has handled 70% and 81% of the rushing attempts over the last two games. The dual-threat is the No. 7 target share back in the NFL at 15%. If those numbers hold, his historical Utilization Score (78) comps have averaged 14.8 points per game. Warren UPGRADES to borderline RB2 territory.
J.K. Dobbins | Broncos: Tyler Badie barely played in Week 3, and all of his work went to Dobbins. The veteran back posted a 69% snap share and boosted his route participation (55%) and targets (9%) to season highs. Dobbins profiles as a low-end RB2 will get a bump if this becomes a two-week trend.
Jordan Mason | Vikings: Mason commanded 76% of the snaps and rushing attempts over the first three quarters before heading to the bench, finishing as the RB5 in Week 3 with 23.6 points. Mason UPGRADES to high-end RB2 territory while Aaron Jones is sidelined and could lock down a larger role long-term with more strong performances.
Josh Jacobs | Packers: It was a rough Week 3 against the Browns, but Jacobs saved his day with a season-high 36% target share. He remains a buy-low candidate per last week's Utilization Report.
TreVeyon Henderson | Patriots: After two fumbles by Rhamondre Stevenson and one fumble by Antonio Gibson, Henderson handled 84% of the snaps over three drives. He also accounted for 90% of the rushing attempts with a 71% route participation. There is no way to know how the Patriots will handle this situation moving forward, but the door is open for a larger role for Henderson. Henderson remains an RB3, but will climb the ranks quickly if he is the primary back in Week 4.
Washington RBs | Commanders: We've gone from changing "BILL BILL BILL" to "GROSS GROSS GROSS". Washington split their backfield three ways in Week 3. Jacory Croskey-Merritt (39% snaps), Chris Rodriguez (39% snaps), and Jeremy McNichols (26% snaps) were all involved. Bill remains the favorite to emerge with a larger role eventually, but for now, he remains a risky RB3 option.
Wide Receiver
Brandon Aiyuk | 49ers: Just a friendly reminder that Aiyuk is available in almost 50% of leagues. We don't have a firm timeline on his return, but he is eligible to come off of IR after Week 4. Aiyuk is a WR4 with WR2 upside.
Brian Thomas Jr. | Jaguars: The Jaguars rotated their WRs in Week 3, with Thomas delivering his lowest route participation rate (82%) of the season. Thomas remains a buy-low for me, but might this be the third passing attack for Shane Waldron tank in three seasons!?!? BTJ's catchable target rate (58%) ranks the ninth-lowest. Thomas DOWNGRADES to mid-range WR2 status.
Calvin Ridley | Titans: Ridley is earning targets (24%), but the Titans' passing attack is on life support. Ridley sports the 12th-lowest catchable target rate at 60%, transforming his 6.7 targets per game into four catchable opportunities per game. Ridley DOWNGRADES to WR4 territory until Ward shows signs of life.
Chris Olave | Saints: Olave has the No. 11 WR Utilization Score (81), averaging 13.2 points per game. He leads the NFL with 12 targets per game (31%) and is tied for second in catchable targets per game at 7.7. Olave's new lower-aDOT role from the slot is paying dividends so far despite mediocre QB play. His historical comps have averaged 15.8 points. Olave UPGRADES to borderline WR2 territory.
Christian Kirk | Texans: Kirk returned to the action and finished second on the team in route participation (77%) and target share (23%) behind Nico Collins. Given the lack of another WR stepping up in his absence, Kirk could work his way up the ranks in the coming weeks—he is a WR5 for now.
Darnell Mooney | Falcons: Mooney leads the Falcons with a 24% target share since returning to the lineup in Week 2. Michael Penix Jr. hasn't looked good in the last two starts, but Mooney could offer WR4 utility if that changes. Mooney is a low-end WR4.
Drake London | Falcons: London leads Atlanta with a 26% target share, but his Utilization Score (66) is down with Penix struggling. London remains a high-end WR talent but DOWNGRADES to mid-range WR2 status.
Emeka Egbuka | Buccaneers: Tampa Bay could get Chris Godwin back in Week 4, but they will likely be without Mike Evans (hamstring). Egbuka leads the Buccaneers with a 22% target share with seven per contest. Egbuka's 17 fantasy points per game are high on the high side, given his 76 Utilization Score. His comps have averaged 14.9. Still, he is a young player showing out early in his career. Egbuka UPGRADES to low-end WR2 status and offers WR1 upside in games without Evans.
George Pickens | Cowboys: Lamb could miss three to four games with a high-ankle sprain. Pickens is tied with Davante Adams for the most endzone targets per game (2.3) and notched a season-high 21% target share in Week 3. Pickens is a low-end WR2 option while Lamb is out.
Ladd McConkey | Chargers: Keenan Allen (27%) and Quentin Johnston (22%) have been targeted more often than McConkey (21%) to this point. However, the Chargers are a highly concentrated pass-first offense. McConkey leads the team with a 94% route participation and is due to up his 10.4 fantasy points per game. Don't sell low on McConkey—he might not have the ceiling we thought, but he could still easily lead this high-flying passing attack. McConkey is a strong bet for mid-range WR2 production and offers massive contingency upside if Allen or Johnston misses any time.
Marvin Harrison | Cardinals: Woof. Harrison has averaged 11.3 fantasy points over his career, including early 2025. His 22% career target share isn't terrible, but the chemistry between him and Kyler Murray continues to disappoint. Harrison sports the No. 34 Utilization Score (62), slightly below his rookie mark of 67. His historical comps have averaged 13.4 PPG, so there is room for improvement, but that still isn't great for a former No. 4 overall NFL Draft pick. Harrison DOWNGRADES to low-end WR3 territory.
Ricky Pearsall | 49ers: Pearsall notched a career-high 31% target share in Week 3 against the Cardinals on his way to 19.7 fantasy points. He ranks sixth in air yards share (59%) and has a sterling 2.4 yards per route run on the season. We could see Jauan Jennings (shoulder) return to the fold, and Brandon Aiyuk and George Kittle might not be far behind. Pearsall is a short-term borderline WR2, who will have to fight to not fall to low-end WR3 status when the team is healthy. Of course, he could just ball out and establish himself as a top-two option for the 49ers the rest of the way.
Philadelphia WRs | Eagles: In a trailing game script against the Rams, the Eagles were forced to throw the ball. Good things happened. A.J. Brown scored 22.9 points and DeVonta Smith posted 20. Will this expand the horizons of the offense, or will they return to their pass-heavy ways? No one knows. But we can dream, right?
Travis Hunter | Jaguars: Hunter was the sixth-most dropped WR in Yahoo leagues in early-market action. The No. 2 overall NFL Draft pick has averaged only 5.9 fantasy points with a 41 Utilization Score. While that is awful, the season is still young, and Hunter should be on rosters. The team continues to move him around and design looks—we just need this offense to get out of its funk. Hunter DOWNGRADES to WR5 status, but I am not dropping him. Things can change quickly, y'all!
Tight End
Cade Otton | Buccaneers: Last season, Otton posted 18, 29.1, and 21.7-point outings when the Bucs' WRs were banged up. With Evans likely out and Godwin still in ramp-up mode, Otton might be the No. 2 option behind Egbuka in the near term. Otton is available in over 90% of leagues.
Dalton Kincaid | Bills: Kincaid notched a career-high 17.6 fantasy points against the Dolphins in Week 3. Over the last two games, he has posted 25% and 22% target shares despite not eclipsing a 65% route participation. The Bills are a hard team to predict when it comes to receiving weapon deployment, but the former first-round NFL Draft selection is making the most of his opportunities so far in 2025. He has the No. 8 Utilization Score (73). His 31 historical comps have averaged 10.2 points per game. Kincaid UPGRADES to borderline TE1 status and would get a big bump up the ranks with more playing time.
T.J. Hockenson | Vikings: Hockenson finally got going with Carson Wentz under center, notching 15.9 fantasy points with a 25% target share. The QB shakeup may be the start of something good—the Vikings posted their first positive DBOE of the season at 5% despite a blowout win over the Bengals. Hockenson is a borderline TE1 who could climb back to mid-range TE1 status with Wentz.
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1. Trey Benson is a mid-range RB2 after the loss of James Conner.
2. Omarion Hampton upgrades to borderline RB1 status with Najee Harris out.
3. Quinshon Judkins is the Browns' primary rushing option.
4. Cam Skattebo has the skillset to thrive in fantasy football.
5. Matthew Golden saw his most extensive action of the year.
Travis Etienne | RB | Jaguars
Tre Tucker | WR | Raiders
Michael Pittman | WR | Colts
Bucky Irving | RB | Buccaneers
Chase Brown | RB | Bengals
Tetairoa McMillan | WR | Panthers
