Fantasy Football Takeaways: Week 11 Utilization Report

Welcome to the Utilization Report, where Dwain McFarland highlights his top fantasy football takeaways heading into Week 11.

The Top Fantasy Football Takeaways for Week 11

Let's follow the data to identify the top waiver wire options, trade targets, upgrades, and downgrades based on what we learned in Week 10.

Note: as you read through the Utilization Report, you'll notice the Utilization Score being used as a pillar of analysis. For more information on how to use the score and why it's more predictive than fantasy points per game, read here.

Upgrades, Downgrades and Emerging Trends

1. Christian McCaffrey played the Christian McCaffrey role.

It has been a brutal nine weeks for CMC managers, but if you managed to remain within striking distance in your league, you just got a major reinforcement. The 49ers wasted zero time ramping up McCaffrey's workload, feeding him 89% of the snaps.

The 28-year-old posted an 8.7 Utilization Score and registered 16.7 fantasy points, leading the backfield in rushing attempts (68%), route participation (79%), and targets (21%).

Those are elite marks across the board, and CMC is going to challenge for the RB1 overall rank for the rest of the season. Because of his diverse role, he is matchup-proof and offers 25-point-per-game upside in an offense about to find its groove.

McCaffrey UPGRADES to high-end RB1 territory.

2. Can CeeDee Lamb overcome the loss of Dak Prescott?

Cooper Rush and Trey Lance led Lamb to the slaughter in Week 10, managing only 66 yards passing. Lamb notched his lowest fantasy outing of the season at 8.4 points. Given the quarterback issues, it was a low-key impressive performance. The fifth-year veteran led the team with a 33% target share, with the team trying to scheme underneath touches—Lamb posted his lowest aDOT of the season (6.0).

Over the last two games with Prescott injured or out, Lamb has averaged 11.3 fantasy points despite a 30% target share. So, we must adjust expectations moving forward; the only question is how much. To help us with that question, we will zoom out and look at games since 2022 without Prescott in the lineup, which now total six.

With Prescott: 20.7 points per game (high-end WR1)
Without Prescott: 15.8 points per game (high-end WR2)

This data suggests that while the high-end ceiling is gone, Lamb could still offer borderline WR1 production. Here is the challenge, though: those previous Cowboys teams had a running game they could rely on to help protect Rush.

This unit ranks second to last in rushing with 84 yards per game, allowing defenses to focus all their attention on confusing the quarterbacks and limiting Lamb. Of course, the Dallas defense isn't helping matters. It gives up the seventh-most yards per game (363). Opponents average the second-most points per game (28.8) against the Cowboys.

It is a small sample, but below are the Utilization Score comps for Lamb's 7.7 over the last two games:

WR1 to 6 finishes: 0%
WR7 to 12: 26%
WR13 to 18: 35%
WR19 to 24: 30%
WR25 to 30: 9%

When you add it all up, the distribution of outcomes for Lamb has shifted significantly. All of the data points to someone more likely to finish as a WR2 than WR1, and there are outlier cases where he could fall outside of the top 24 the rest of the way.

If you can move Lamb for a WR1 price tag, get the deal done. There is a decent chance someone in your league hasn't adjusted their expectations enough—here are some favorable trades that have occurred over the last 24 hours:

Tyreek Hill and Xavier Worthy
DK Metcalf and Jayden Daniels
Drake London and J.K. Dobbins (Dobbins trending down, but with London, it is enough)
Terry McLaurin and J.K. Dobbins
Kyren Williams
Joe Mixon
Breece Hall
George Kittle (only doing this deal if Kittle is a significant upgrade at TE)

Here are a few deals where the haul wasn't worth it for Lamb:

It is worth noting that Lamb has one of the more favorable schedules the rest of the way—don't force a trade like the ones above where you are getting a WR3 value in return.

Lamb DOWNGRADES to high-end WR2 status and is a SELL-LOW candidate.

3. George Pickens has been a WR1 with Russell Wilson.

Pickens has an 8.4 Utilization Score, averaging 18 fantasy points in three games with Wilson at the helm. While his targets haven't increased (seven per game), the quality of his targets has improved dramatically. Wilson has unlocked the vertical and red zone elements of Pickens' game.

Per game with Justin Fields: 88 air yards (12.6 aDOT), 0.5 endzone targets
Per game with Russell Wilson: 116 air yards (16.6 aDOT), 1.7 endzone targets

Pickens' fantasy points per game have skyrocketed by 7.9 points per game with Wilson. This number would be EVEN HIGHER if not for a nullified 11-yard TD and a second TD catch where he couldn't quite get his second foot down in Week 8.

Utilization Score with Wilson (8.4) historical comps:

WR1 to 6: 14%
WR7 to 12: 64%
WR13 to 18: 21%

It would be preferable for Pickens to be in the 9 to 10 target per game range, but that probably won't happen, given the Steelers' run-first orientation. Even with Wilson at the helm, the team has been staunch supporters of running the damn ball with a -12% dropback rate over expectation (DBOE).

That makes his rest-of-season runout extremely dependent on his connection with Wilson remaining red-hot. However, the data tells us we are likely getting a mid-range WR2 at worst, which is a big positive.

Pickens UPGRADES to high-end WR2 status and offers mid-range WR1 upside.

4. Gus Edwards: Draining J.K. Dobbins' fantasy charge?

Okay, it might not be that dire, but I couldn't resist a dad-esque headline for a Charger. Let's break down the good and the bad regarding Dobbins' role, which produced his second-lowest fantasy outing of the year (8.4 points) with Edwards' return.

The Good:

Dobbins snap share only fell slightly compared to the previous four games without Edwards (74% vs. 67%). That was primarily due to his role as the primary passing-down back, with Kimani Vidal as a healthy inactive. Dobbins' route participation without Edwards was 51%, a mark that improved to 71% in Week 10. The fifth-year veteran tied his season-high in target share at 18%.

The Bad:

Dobbins registered his lowest rush share (45%) since Week 2 and ceded half of the carries inside the five-yard line. The 25-year-old averaged 17.5 attempts per game in four contests without Edwards, which fell to 15 in Week 10. It is worth noting that the Chargers registered their most-run-heavy game of the season with a -13% DBOE, leading to 33 rushing attempts, which padded Dobbins' raw attempts. He would have registered between 9 and 11 attempts with that rush share in the previous three games.

Rest-of-Season Outlook:

For the season, Dobbins has averaged 52% of the attempts in five games with Edwards and finished under 50% three times (40%, 40%, and 45%). That means we must adjust our expectations in the attempts department.

Still, if Dobbins holds onto the primary passing-down duties, he has multiple outs. He could offset *some* of the loss of attempts with targets in pass-heavy scripts, and in run-heavy scripts, a 50% share could still be enough. Dobbins would have a shot at 15 to 18 opportunities in each scenario.

Dobbins has a 7.0 Utilization Score in games with Edwards—a significant downgrade from his 8.3 without. That changes the calculus on his comps.

RB1 to 12: 0%
RB13 to 18: 31%
RB19 to 24: 27%
RB25 to 30: 19%
RB31 to 36: 8%
RB37 to 42: 8%
RB43 to 48: 8%

Dobbins is likely still an RB2, but it is hard to say if he will be a high-end RB2 versus a low-end RB2. An RB3 or worse runout is also in the range of outcomes.

Based on data from fantasycalc.com, Dobbins is valued similarly to Chase Brown, whom I have ahead of Dobbins the rest of the way. In the last 24 hours, these players have been acquired for Dobbins:

Dobbins DOWNGRADES to mid-range RB2 territory and is a SELL-HIGH candidate. Gus Edwards UPGRADES to low-end RB3 status and is available in 83% of leagues.

5. Jauan Jennings is the WR2 in San Francisco.

In his first healthy game since the Brandon Aiyuk injury, Jennings notched an 8.6 Utilization Score and delivered 16.3 fantasy points. He led the WRs in route participation (95%), target share (32%), and air yards (34%).

Jennings has eclipsed the 85% route participation threshold in two games (Weeks 3 and 10). He has a 9.3 Utilization Score and 31.4 points per game in those games. Given his career numbers and what we know about the crowded nature of the San Francisco attack, those marks aren't sustainable. However, we must open our eyes to the fact that Jennings has a career-high 25% targets per route run (TPRR).

Purdy ranks second in the NFL with 273 passing yards per game and has a significant connection with Jennings. While the attack is crowded, there are more yards to go around than in recent years, making Jennings an intriguing option the rest of the way.

Jennings UPGRADES to mid-range WR3 status and could be in the WR2 mix with another strong outing.

6. T.J. Hockenson rejoins the mid-range TE1 tier.

It has only taken two games for Hockenson to reclaim his role as one of the top two options in the Vikings' passing attack. In Week 10, he upped his route participation from 60% to 71% and tied Justin Jefferson for the team lead in targets at 26%.

The former first-round NFL Draft pick averaged 15 fantasy points per game with a 9.2 Utilization Score in 14 healthy games in 2023. While those are lofty numbers to reach coming off of an ACL injury, Hockenson flashed that sort of upside in Week 10 with a 9.1 Utilization Score and 15.2 points.

Hockenson UPGRADES to mid-range TE1 status and could join the high-end TE1 options (George Kittle, Travis Kelce, and Brock Bowers) with a route participation in the 80s.

7. Utilization Score Risers

This section will highlight some of the biggest Utilization Score movers over the last four games each week.

Note: Sometimes, the players are the same as the previous week, and in those cases, I might highlight a different player to cover more players. Be sure to check out last week's risers and fallers.

Running Backs

Chase Brown | Bengals (+1.8): Brown's transformation into an RB1 option is now complete. In Week 10, he got business done via the air with the Ravens stifling the ground game. Brown notched a season-high 75% route participation and 19% target share. He has a sterling 9.9 Utilization Score in two games without Zack Moss, averaging 25.1 points per game. Brown UPGRADES to low-end RB1 status and offers high-end RB1 upside.
Jaylen Warren | Steelers (+0.9): Warren has a 5.5 Utilization Score in three games with Russell Wilson, which puts him back in the RB3 conversation. The third-year back was one yard away from a TD that would have transformed his 10.5 points into 16.5, but a scrum fumble cost him that chance. Warren is a mid-range RB3 who offers RB1 upside if Najee Harris (ankle) misses time.

Wide Receivers

Calvin Ridley | Titans (+1.8): Ridley made this section last week but was labeled a sell-high candidate due to QB concerns. While those concerns haven't completely subsided, Ridley demonstrated that he could post a big fantasy outing (25.4 points) despite a low-yardage game from Will Levis (175 yards). In three games without DeAndre Hopkins, Ridley has a 9.3 Utilization Score with 20.4 points per game. Ridley UPGRADES to high-end WR3 status and offers WR1-boom upside.

Tight Ends

Cade Otton | Buccaneers (+1.9): In three games without Chris Godwin, Otton has a 9.7 Utilization Score, averaging 19.8 points per game. His fantasy production came back to early in Week 10 (8.5 points), but his route participation (97%) and targets (29%) remained elite. Mike Evans should return after the Week 11 bye, which will take a few targets from Otton, but the big man is here to stay as a top-two option in a good passing attack. Otton is a borderline high-end TE1 the rest of the way.
Will Dissly | Chargers (+1.9): Dissly has parlayed his two games as the starter in Weeks 7 and 8 with Hayden Hurst out into a long-term starting role. Over the last two games with Hurst back, Dissly led the way with a 67% route participation and 21% target share. Still, on a team willing to run the ball often, we need a route participation north of 80% to consider Dissly a reliable fantasy option. Dissly is a mid-range TE2.

8. Utilization Score Fallers

Running Backs

Jordan Mason | 49ers (-1.4): Mason has battled a shoulder injury in recent weeks, and in Week 10, the return of CMC dusted his role. Mason only played 5% of the snaps and posted a 0.3 Utilization Score. Mason DOWNGRADES to priority RB5 handcuff status.
Antonio Gibson | Patriots (-1.1): The emergence of Drake Maye as a viable starting QB has helped Rhamondre Stevenson while plummeting Gibson's stock. With the ability to keep games tight, the Patriots haven't needed Gibson's services, and when they have, New England has split the work with JaMycal Hasty. Gibson has a 1.4 Utilization Score over the last four contests and is merely a Stevenson handcuff option.

Wide Receivers

DeVonta Smith | Eagles (-1.0): Smith has a 5.6 Utilization Score and averages only 11.1 points per contest in games with a healthy A.J. Brown this season. Philadelphia's rushing attack is vibing with 176 yards per game (2nd) while managing only 198 passing yards (20th). The Eagles' run-first mentality (-6.3% DBOE) makes a 22% target share in games with Brown problematic for Smith. Smith is a high-end WR3.
Ja'Lynn Polk | Patriots (-0.9): Polk's route participation crescendoed in Week 5 at 97%, but he has fallen out of favor. Over the last month, that number has dropped to 31%, and Polk has a Utilization Score of 2.4. Polk shouldn't be rostered in any formats outside of dynasty.

Tight Ends

Cole Kmet | Bears (-1.1): The Bears passing attack isn't good enough to support one passing game weapon, much less four. Caleb Williams has averaged 198 yards per game and has failed to reach 175 in five of nine games. Kmet's route participation is fine over the last four games (77%), but his Utilization Score is 5.0 due to a lack of targets (10%). Kmet DOWNGRADES to mid-range TE2 status is dropable if you have a better option.

9. It's a Fugazi!!!

A few players pop up weekly in the fantasy boxscore but lack the underlying goods to back them up. They are best left for the next fantasy manager to worry about.

Donnie Brasco: "You should give it to somebody who doesn't know any better because that's a fugazi."

Marquez Valdes-Scantling | WR | Saints: Valdes-Scantling delivered 25.9 fantasy points on three catches and two TDs. However, it was a classic MVS boom game. It was a game where he only managed a 15% target share with a 67% route participation. Don't fall for the old MVS boom game on your waiver wire—even if he is all the Saints have, he is unlikely to keep this up given the number of times he has let us down in offenses with better QBs than Derek Carr that needed a WR to step up. MVS is a boom-bust WR5 at best.
Tylan Wallace | WR | Ravens: The fourth-year veteran managed one of the coolest sideline tightropes for a long TD you will ever see, leading to 20.5 fantasy points. However, he would need a MASSIVE boost in playing time (10% route participation this season) to become fantasy-relevant. We don't often see fourth-year breakouts from Round 4 NFL prospects, so don't get your hopes up for Wallace. Wallace shouldn't be rostered, even in the deepest of leagues.
Mack Hollins | WR | Bills: Hollins saw expanded playing time (90% route participation) with Amari Cooper and Keon Coleman sidelined, leading to 12.6 points. Unfortunately for Hollins, he should return to a reserve role as the Bills get healthy, and his 11% TPRR for the season is still in dreadful territory. Hollins is a WR6 in fantasy.
Tanner Hudson | Bengals: Hudson has been a high-end target earner over his short career. He has a 28% TPRR this season. The challenge is his route participation, which is only up slightly since the loss of Erick All (29%). Hudson is a Mike Gesicki injury away from having fantasy value.

Waiver Wire Recommendations

10. Waiver options that are available in most leagues.

Audric Estime | RB | Broncos (97% available)

Estime took over the primary rushing role with a 64% attempt share in Week 10. He also led the team in snaps, but it wasn't as dominating (45%) due to a limited role in the passing game (21% route participation.

While Estime's 5.3 fantasy points aren't that inspirational, it is worth noting that Sean Payton told us he wanted the rookie to handle a more significant workload, and that came to fruition. Historically, Payton has rotated backs, but we could see Estime carve out more work in the passing game as we move forward, so don't assume this is a static situation.

Estime UPGRADES to high-end RB3 territory and could climb further with a more prominent passing-game role next weekend.

Noah Brown | WR | Commanders (87% available)

Brown's route participation has edged higher over the last month and reached a season-high of 97% in Week 10. Over the last three games, he has a 6.2 Utilization Score with 11.2 points per game. Over that stretch, he tied for the team lead in target share (23%) with Zach Ertz and one percentage point ahead of Terry McLaurin (22%).

While McLaurin is still clearly the Commander to own in fantasy, Brown's 6.2 Utilization Score opens up new possibilities. Below is how his comps have fared over the last four seasons:

WR13 to 24: 8%
WR25 to 36: 50%
WR37 to 48: 34%
WR49 to 60: 8%

If this role sticks, Brown will likely provide WR3 or WR4 production the rest of the way.

Brown UPGRADES to high-end WR4 status.

11. Not available in my league, pal!

These players aren't available in sicko leagues (I feel ya), but believe it or not, most of the Milky Way galaxy doesn't play in a sicko league. If available, please allow us sicko-leaguers to live vicariously through you and prioritize these options off the waiver wire.

Tyjae Spears | RB | Titans (54% available)

Spears returned to the lineup after a three-game absence and notched a 47% snap share. Tony Pollard was dealing with an injury coming into the game and left briefly, so it is hard to say how much of this workload was dictated by Pollard's health.

Still, the coaching staff envisioned more of a two-headed monster to begin the year and have hinted at wanting to reduce Pollard's workload. Spears finished the day with 39% of the rushing attempts and a 13% target share on a 39% route participation rate. That led to a 5.5 Utilization Score with 8.1 fantasy points.

Spears UPGRADES to low-end RB3 territory and offers high-end RB2 upside if Pollard misses time.

12. Stash plays: patience and foresight are required.

If you play in a sicko league, here are some names that are more likely to be available. They should not be sitting on the wire due to potential value in the future, but they likely won't be helping your fantasy squad next weekend.

Cam Akers | RB | Vikings (86% available)

Akers has been the RB2 behind Aaron Jones over the last two games. In week 10, with Jones battling a rib injury, Akers bested Ty Chandler in the primary utilization categories.

Akers: 29% snaps, 33% attempts, 21% routes, 3% targets
Chandler: 15% snaps, 10% attempts, 14% routes, 0% targets

If Jones misses time, we would likely see a split, but the latest data suggests that Akers would be in the pole position.

Akers UPGRADES to high-end RB5 handcuff territory and would rank as a low-end RB2 if Jones misses time.

Kenneth Gainwell | RB | Eagles (99% available)

Over the last four games, we have gained clarity on the RB2 situation in Philadelphia, with Gainwell operating well ahead of Will Shipley. Over that stretch, Gainwell has led Shipley by healthy margins in all utilization categories.

This trend pushes Gainwell up as a priority handcuff option in deeper leagues.

Gainwell UPGRADES to RB6 handcuff territory, offering RB2 potential if Barkley ever missed time.

John Metchie III | WR | Texans (99% available)

No Texans' role has grown more than Metchie's since the loss of Stefon Diggs in Week 8. Over the last two games, Metchie has tallied a 69% route participation and has taken over the primary slot duties, with 51% of his snaps coming inside. In Week 10, he delivered 18.4 fantasy points and a 7.0 Utilization Score on a 19% target share.

Nico Collins and Tank Dell should serve as the team's primary wide receivers the rest of the way, but Metchie could hang onto the slot role left behind by Diggs. That would open up playing time for Metchie when the team uses three WRs.

Metchie UPGRADES to WR5 status.

Adonai Mitchell | WR | Colts (94% available)

Mitchell ranks second on the Colts in TPRR at 28%, behind Josh Downs at 31%. However, Mitchell has not found steady playing time, with a 39% route participation. In Week 10, with Michael Pittman out, the second-round NFL Draft selection registered a 95% route participation, opening the door for 12.1 fantasy points and a 6.3 Utilization Score.

Mitchell is one of my favorite WR stash plays and would offer WR2 upside in extended playing time with Joe Flacco. With Anthony Richardson, he would fall into boom-bust WR4 territory.

Calvin Austin III | WR | Steelers (99% available)

Austin didn't boom in the box score, with only four fantasy points in Week 10, but he posted his most robust target share (24%) of the season. In three games with Wilson at QB, Austin has a 22% TPRR and 18% target share. The small but speedy WR operates mainly from the slot and is a similar archetype to Tyler Lockett, which could be drawing Wilson's attention.

In a run-first offense that recently added Mike Williams, we shouldn't get carried away with Austin, but he has a path to fantasy relevance.

Austin UPGRADES to boom-bust WR5 territory.

Note: Read the Utilization Bytes section at the bottom of this column for more waiver wire options. It is loaded with nuggets from every team, including waiver wire tidbits.

P.S. Remember to revisit last week's stash plays for additional options that could still be on your waiver wire.

More Fantasy Football Usage Takeaways For Week 11

Quarterback Utilization Bytes

Brock Purdy: Purdy is averaging the second-most yards passing per game (273) and notched a 353-yard outing in Week 10 with McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, and Jennings in the lineup. Purdy UPGRADES to mid-range QB1 status.
Justin Herbert: After posting a 5% DBOE from Week 7 to Week 9, the Chargers fell back to their run-heavy ways in Week 10. Jim Harbaugh & Co. called their most run-centric game of the year with a -13% DBOE, limiting Herbert to 164 yards and 1 TD passing. Herbert collected 32 yards and a TD on the ground to save his fantasy box score with 19.8 points. Herbert is HOLDING STEADY as a high-end QB2 but carries major downside in games where the Chargers decide to pound the rock.

Running Back Utilization Bytes

Austin Ekeler: Figuring out how the Commanders will divide the workload in games without Brian Robinson is challenging. In two out of three games, Ekeler was the clear-cut RB1, but in the other, it was a three-way committee. In Week 10, It was the former, with Ekeler notching 18.1 fantasy points and a 7.3 Utilization Score. He led the team with a 69% snap share and 59% rush share. Ekeler is HOLDING STEADY as a mid-range RB3 and offers mid-range RB2 upside in games without Robinson.
Bijan Robinson: Robinson boasts the fifth-largest Utilization Score increase over the last four games (0.9). Over that stretch, he has a 9.5 Utilization Score, averaging 24.4 points. Robinson has a 73% snap share and has accounted for 60% of the attempts and a 19% target share since Week 7. Robinson UPGRADES to high-end RB1 status.
James Conner: Conner delivered his best fantasy output of the season with 22.3 points but notched his lowest rush share (38%) in a non-injury game. Trey Benson served as the closer. Conner is HOLDING STEADY as a mid-range RB2, but Benson could cap his upside.
Javonte Williams: Williams plummeted to a 29% snap share and only handled 5% of the rushing attempts, with Estime taking over the lead role. Williams notched a season-low 2.4 Utilization Score. Williams DOWNGRADES to RB4 territory.
Rachaad White: With Godwin and Mike Evans out, White has been the No. 2 target behind Cade Otton. Over the last three games, White has a 15% target share, averaging 16.1 points per game. Once Evans returns, there is a chance his 7.2 Utilization Score sticks, despite Bucky Irving handling more of the rushing workload, thanks to the lack of quality target earners behind Otton. White UPGRADES to high-end RB3 territory.
Rico Dowdle: DOWNGRADE. Still in a committee, and now the offense looks terrible.
Rhamondre Stevenson: Drake Maye has stabilized the Patriots' offense, keeping games within reach. That has been a game-changer for Stevenson, who has a 70% snap share and 7.7 Utilization Score over the last four games. Stevenson UPGRADES to mid-range RB2 territory.
Tank Bigsby: Bigsby suffered an injury early in the game that might have limited his workload, but Travis Etienne bested Bigsby in snaps 67% to 23%. Until we get this sorted out, Bigsby will be hard to trust in fantasy, especially with Trevor Lawrence's status in question. Bigsby DOWNGRADES to low-end RB3 status.
Tony Pollard: Pollard briefly left with an injury, which could have contributed to his downturn in playing time, but the return of Spears was a factor. Pollard tallied his lowest rush share (50%) of the season and his lowest route participation rate (45%) since Week 1. Pollard DOWNGRADES to low-end RB2 status until we gain clarity.
Travis Etienne: Bigsby suffered an injury early that might have contributed to Etienne's Week 10 Utilization, but he posted his largest snap share (67%) since Week 4. The former first-round pick only managed five fantasy points but handled 69% of the attempts. Etienne UPGRADES to the mid-range RB3 tier and could climb higher if this uptick wasn't a symptom of a Bigsby injury.

Wide Receiver Utilization Bytes

Brian Thomas: Thomas is working through a chest injury, and his numbers have been down over the last two games. He has a healthy route participation (95%), but his target share is only 12%. He has a 3.2 Utilization Score over that stretch, with 3.7 fantasy points per game. Thomas DOWNGRADES to boom-bust WR4 status until we know he is healthy. Note: his new high-end route participation could mean huge things when he is healthy.
Courtland Sutton: Sutton has a career-high 25% target share. Over the last three games, he and Bo Nix have found their rhythm, with Sutton averaging 20.1 points per game with a 9.5 Utilization Score. Sutton UPGRADES to low-end WR2 status.
DeAndre Hopkins: Over the last two games, Hopkins has a 65% route participation with an 18% target share in his new offense. The 32-year-old has yet to eclipse 70% route participation all season, so assuming he will move into a full-time role in Kansas City is tough. Still, a target from Patrick Mahomes is worth more than one from Will Levis, and Hopkins has a 7.4 Utilization Score. Hopkins is HOLDING STEADY as a low-end WR2.
Devaughn Vele: Vele posted a season-high route participation (82%) and notched 13.9 fantasy points. The pecking order behind Sutton is wide open, and Vele could be part of the new-look Broncos offense that also moved to Estime in the backfield. Vele UPGRADES to WR5 territory and is a waiver wire option in deep leagues. He is available in 99% of Yahoo leagues.
Jameson Williams: Williams returned from his two-game decision and notched a 22% target share. However, over Williams's last four games, he has a 13% target share with a 4.6 Utilization Score. The former first-round NFL Draft pick still offers big-play upside but has regressed as a target earner. Williams DOWNGRADES to mid-range WR3 territory and is a boom-bust type player.
Kayshon Boutte: Boutte hasn't done anything in the box score yet, but he played on 100% of the Patriots' pass plays in Week 10. Over the last four games, he has had a 93% mark with a 16% target share after a season-high of 29% last weekend. Boutte UPGRADES to WR5 status and is available in 99% of leagues.
Malik Nabers: Nabers has averaged 12 fantasy points per game over the last four weeks with WR35, WR26, WR22, and WR21 finishes. However, his underlying utilization remains elite, with a 34% target share and 45% air yards share. The rookie's down month and Week 11 bye could make your local Nabers manager susceptible to selling low. He has one of the best WR schedules the rest of the way. Now is the ideal time to BUY LOW on Nabers, who is HOLDING STEADY as a mid-range WR1.
Marvin Harrison: Harrison gets multiple favorable matchups to finish the season after a bye week next weekend. While his Utilization Score (6.7) isn't on the same level as Nabers, Harrison's 23% target share and 42% air yards share are high-end marks for a rookie season. It is a great time to BUY LOW on Harrison.
Xavier Legette: Legette has a 5.9 Utilization Score over the last two games. He rarely leaves the field (96% route participation) and is second on the team with a 20% target share. The Panthers have a bye in Week 11, but Legette is HOLDING STEADY as a mid-range WR3 option with WR3 upside. He is available in 64% of Yahoo leagues.
Xavier Worthy: Coming out of the bye, the Chiefs tried to feature Worthy, but it didn't work. His role has deteriorated over the last two games, with a 77% route participation and 6% target share. DeAndre Hopkins has surpassed Kansas City's first-rounder as the No. 2 option. Worthy DOWNGRADES WR5 territory.

Tight End Utilization Bytes

Evan Engram: In two games without Christian Kirk, Engram has a team-leading 36% target share. It has yet to translate to the fantasy box score, thanks to shaky quarterback play. He has averaged 9.8 points per game, but Engram still has a solid 8.1 Utilization Score. Engram is HOLDING STEADY as a mid-range TE1.
Jake Ferguson: Ferguson has a 6.1 Utilization Score and 16% target share over the last four games. The thesis behind Ferguson was an 18 to 20% target share TE could be fine in a high-end offense. However, this is a different offense without Prescott under center. Ferguson DOWNGRADES to mid-range TE2 territory.
Mike Gesicki: Gesicki posted a season-high 75% route participation in the first game without Erick All. The veteran TE has a 20% TPRR on the season, which could mean 16 to 18% with more playing time, and that could be enough for a TE1 finish with Joe Burrow sunrunning. Gesicki UPGRADES to low-end TE1 status and offers high-end TE1 upside if Tee Higgins misses another game.
Sam LaPorta: LaPorta was on his way to his best performance of the season before a shoulder injury knocked him out of the game in the second half. The second-year TE posted a 26% target share and notched an 8.4 Utilization Score despite a 61% route participation. He has three top-10 finishes in the last five games (TE9, TE34, TE8, TE25, and TE4). If LaPorta is ready to go in Week 11, he will rejoin the TE1 conversation with another strong performance.

Players Mentioned in this Article