Liam Gibney sorts through the usage patterns in every backfield and receiving corps in the NFL in his Targets and Touches Report from NFL Week 2
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Week 2 Targets and Touches Data and Notes
The notes below should give you the important takes from all the backfields and receiving groups. Below the notes, you can view the actual touch numbers and targets data for the full breakdown.
New York Giants:
Backfield Notes:
- Saquon Barkley is the top guy in this backfield but is not getting first-round ADP-type carries. He is looking like a fantasy football bust thus far. He is arguably a top-3 RB in terms of talent, but everyone knows opportunity equals production.
Receiving Notes:
- Sterling Shepard is the top yielder of targets in this erratic Giants offense. He has amassed 19 targets over the first two weeks.
- Kenny Golladay and Darius Slayton are the big play options in this offense and will likely have bigger weeks than Sterling Shepard, but their drops and inconsistency make them both far riskier options.
Washington Football Team:
Backfield Notes:
- Antonio Gibson is going to lead this backfield in carries and it might not be particularly close, but there is no doubt that J.D. McKissic is going to poach a lot of the receiving work. This is going to cap Antonio Gibson’s weekly potential.
Receiving Notes:
- Terry McLaurin has crazy upside. He already seems to be firing on all cylinders with Taylor Heinicke. However, Week 1 (4 targets), and Week 2 (14 targets) paint two different pictures. Volume = Production.
- Dyami Brown saw six targets and is thus a watch-list candidate.
Cincinnati Bengals:
Backfield Notes:
- Joe Mixon saw yet another 20 carry game. The results weren’t great, albeit the Bears’ defense is tough, and we aren’t going to see a lot of guys get this much of a workload. He is a low-end RB#1 with a massive ceiling if he gets more work in the passing game.
- While Ja’Marr Chase has the highest ceiling every week there is no doubt in my mind that Tee Higgins has the highest floor on a weekly basis.
- Tyler Boyd is still going to receive targets and is thus worthy of a WR3/Flex spot. I would just be wary of the occasional flop.
Chicago Bears :
Backfield Notes:
- Interestingly, this Bengals defense has been quite solid against the run this season. The start to look at here is not David Montgomery’s yardage but his carry total of 20 which is a very good sign for owners.
Receiving Notes:
- Now might be a good time for fantasy managers to buy-low on Allen Robinson II. He only had four targets this week, but this is the time to jump on or on an elite receiver when fantasy managers start to get frustrated with the production.
- Darnell Mooney saw eight targets which is promising I wouldn’t jump on starting him yet, but he is definitely someone to monitor and deeper leagues.
Houston Texans:
Backfield Notes:
- This backfield is an absolute mess, Mark Ingram is the one to own I suppose, but I want no shares of anyone in this backfield.
Receiving Notes:
- The target share that Brandon cooks is seeing right now is one of the best in the entire week. He saw a whopping 14 targets, and the next highest receiving total on the entire team was two. He is far too talented to be forgotten about even though he is in a horrifically bad offense, or at least we thought. Cooks can be safely plugged into your lineup on a weekly basis.
Cleveland Browns:
Backfield Notes:
- Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt look to be sharing carries for the most part, with Chubb getting the slight edge in run workload, and Hunt getting the edge in passing work. The knock on Chubb is that he is not great in the receiving game, which makes him a little bit touchdown-dependent for huge weeks. Nevertheless, Chubb is an elite runner of the football, and both are startable on any given week.
Receiving Notes:
- It is starting to look that the Browns are a much better real-life team, than a fantasy team. This holds especially true in the passing game. There is not one receiving option in this offense where I feel safe starting them on an every-week basis.
Los Angeles Rams:
Backfield Notes:
- Don’t look now Darrel Henderson Jr. owners, Sony Michel got 10 carries this week to Henderson’s 13. Michel also averaged 4.6 YPC to Henderson’s 4.1. Henderson Jr. was far more involved in the passing game, but there is no denying that Sony Michel could eat into his workload a bit.
Receiving Notes:
- During draft season this year, I was back and forth between Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp as the guy for the Rams, but it has very clearly been decided who Matt Stafford’s favorite target is. Kupp has amassed 21 targets over the first two weeks. He is going to have a monster year. Robert Woods is still a very formidable WR#2/WR#3.
Indianapolis Colts:
Backfield Notes:
- Jonathan Taylor is very much the guy here. I wouldn’t look too much into this backfield even with Nyheim Hines there.
Receiving Notes:
- Michael Pittman Jr. was the clear top target in week two, but this offense can be a bit erratic and we don’t know where the ball is going to go on a weekly basis. The only wide receiver on this team that I would feel comfortable starting would be Pitman Jr., and only in a flex spot for now.
Buffalo Bills:
Backfield Notes:
- Devin Singletary has looked pretty good over the first two weeks of the season. In my opinion, now is the time to sell high on him, especially given the fact that the Bills are a pass-first offense, and Singletary was not particularly great over the last few seasons.
Receiving Notes:
- Stefon Diggs is the safest option, and also has the highest ceiling of the Bills WRs, this is a given. I am comfortable starting Beasley or Sanders in a flex spot in most matchups as well.
Miami Dolphins:
Backfield Notes:
- Remember when everyone was saying that Myles Gaskin was going to be a three-down back this season? I don’t think his workload will be big enough on a weekly basis to warrant starting him in anything other than a flex spot.
Receiving Notes:
- Jalen Waddle’s target totals over the first two weeks have been encouraging. Devante Parker will also factor command his fair share of targets, and once Will Fuller V finally suits up this season, this Dolphins offense becomes a bit more spread out and harder to predict on a weekly basis.
San Francisco 49ers:
Backfield Notes:
- This backfield is an absolute mess right now. Elijah Mitchell was supposed to be the guy in Week 2, and he received the most carries with 17. However, he averaged an abysmal 2.5 yards per carry. With JaMychal Hasty now expected to miss a few weeks, it will be up to Mitchell and Sermon to pick up the workload. But it is hard to be excited about either of them right now.
Receiving Notes:
- Deebo Samuel once again leads the way for the 49ers passing attack. He is the wide receiver one in this offense. On the flip side, fantasy managers have to start getting worried about George Kittle, and the fact that Brandon Aiyuk has completely disappeared from this offense.
Philadelphia Eagles:
Backfield Notes:
- The frustrating thing is that Miles Sanders is extremely talented. However, in this Eagles offense, he simply is just not going to get the bell-cow workload that could make him an RB1. Kenneth Gainwell is there, but he will not steal the job anytime soon, as he is simply a change of pace back at the moment.
Receiving Notes:
- I cannot stress this enough, but now is the time to acquire DeVonta Smith. On film, he looks explosive and has an elite knack for creating space. His route running is phenomenal, and the targets are there and they will turn into results before you know it.
Oakland Raiders:
Backfield Notes:
- Even with Josh Jacobs out and week two they did not give the full workload to Kenyan Drake, in fact he was out carried by Peyton Barber. Josh Jacobs is the top guy in this offense, carry-on.
Receiving Notes:
- I am starting to think that this Raiders offense is for real. While I think Darren Waller is far and away the top receiving option, it looks like Hunter Renfrow will be the next most consistent option. Henry Ruggs III and Bryan Edwards are the higher ceiling options, and they will have the monster weeks. But those monster weeks are going to be a throw of a dart.
- I am becoming a big fan of Hunter Renfrow as he reminds me a lot of a Cole Beasley type guy where he will receive a very consistent workload. It is also very clear that Derek Carr trusts him.
Pittsburgh Steelers:
Backfield Notes:
- Najee Harris is becoming very hard to predict, he is an excellent running back with a great knack for the receiving end of the game. However, the Steelers’ offense of line is terrible and we are yet to see a lot of big plays out of Harris. While you should absolutely start him every week, you should temper your expectations of what his true potential is behind this offensive line.
Receiving Notes:
- I think it’s clear that given targets alone Deonte Johnson has the most potential in this receiving corps. However, all three Steelers wide receivers are usable on a weekly basis.
New Orleans Saints:
Backfield Notes:
- This one is a little concerning on the surface for Alvin Kamara. However, the game script went away from him early and the stats don’t truly reflect how good he is on a weekly basis. I don’t think there’s anything to worry about here.
Receiving Notes:
- I think short of Michael Thomas upon his return, there is not really anyone in this receiving corps that I am confident starting on a weekly basis. It is also very clear how overhyped Marquez Callaway was out of the gate.
Carolina Panthers:
Backfield Notes:
- Christian McCaffrey is one of the true bell-cow running backs in this league. He is giving fantasy manager is exactly what they thought they were when they were getting when they were drafting him.
Receiving Notes:
- D.J. Moore is the clear-cut wide receiver one in this offense. While Robbie Anderson and Terrace, Marshall Jr. are both great wide receivers, they are hard to trust on a weekly basis.
Denver Broncos:
Backfield Notes:
- This backfield looks to be a complete split between Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon III. I am OK starting both of them on a weekly basis, but neither of them is going to get a crazy big workload.
Receiving Notes:
- I said this in last weeks article, but with Jerry Jeudy out Courtland Sutton is the true top guy in this offense as evidenced by his 12 targets in Week 2.
Jacksonville Jaguars:
Backfield Notes:
- James Robinson is a formidable RB2/RB3, but it is very unlikely that he will repeat the success he had in 2020.
Receiving Notes:
- I have a feeling that these Jaguars receivers are going to have a different leader in targets on a weekly basis. Marvin Jones Jr. seems to have a safe floor and thus is the easiest to trust going forward.
Minnesota Vikings:
Backfield Notes:
- Dalvin Cook is the guy in this offense, and there is no need to question plugging him into your lineup in any match up.
Receiving Notes:
- K.J. Osborn seems to have carved out a significant role for himself in Minnesota. You can likely get away with safety starting any of Jefferson, Thielen, or Osborn going forward.
Arizona Cardinals:
Backfield Notes:
- Chase Edmonds is a better play in PPR leagues but this backfield is more of a committee than I think people originally expected.
Receiving Notes:
- Rondale Moore has the potential to light up the scoreboard on any given week. He is a major big-play threat. I think both Moore and Hopkins are every week plays.
Atlanta Falcons:
Backfield Notes:
- Mike Davis is likely to get more work on the ground, but with Cordarelle Patterson the clear favorite pass-catching back, they both limit each other’s ceilings.
Receiving Notes:
- Kyle Pitts has had a very promising target share over the first two weeks. I think he only gets better from here on out. Him and Ridley will be the two target leaders at the end of the year, and I don’t think it will be particular close.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers:
Backfield Notes:
- It looks as if Leonard Fournette is the top running back in this offense. Neither he, nor Jones will likely command 20 carries in any week, but at this point, Fournette is the better start.
Receiving Notes:
- Mike Evans will almost always have the highest touchdown ceiling in this offense. But this entire Bucs passing group warrants a weekly play until further notice.
Dallas Cowboys:
Backfield Notes:
- I said this before and I will say it again, Tony Pollard is a real problem for Zeke owners. He looks far more explosive, and is the superior catching back.
Receiving Notes:
- Don’t overthink this one, both Lamb and Cooper are going to be top-24 WRs this year. Start them every single week.
Los Angeles Chargers:
Backfield Notes:
- I think people keep trying to find the guy that is going to either steal work from Austin Ekeler or be his primary backup. Do not get this confused, this is his backfield and will be all season.
Receiving Notes:
- Keenan Allen is as consistent as ever. It is also finally looking like Mike Williams may breakout this season. But as someone who has followed him closely, I think the safest thing to do is to sell-high immediately
Tennessee Titans:
Backfield Notes:
- Derrick Henry just got 35 carries in Week 2. That is all I am going to say
Receiving Notes:
- I am becoming increasingly worried that Julio Jones and A.J. Brown are both going to be busts at their ADPs but it’s too early to panic. Both should be an every-week start at this point.
Seattle Seahawks:
Backfield Notes:
- Chris Carson might be the most underrated running back in all of football. He got 13 carries and the next highest was Alex Collins with 1. Carson is a safe RB2.
Receiving Notes:
- D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are every-week starts with massive ceilings.
Kansas City Chiefs:
Backfield Notes:
- Clyde Edwards-Helaire is looking like a bust. The good news is that there isn’t a whole lot of competition behind him, but I am definitely worried about him long term.
Receiving Notes:
- Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce are about as safe as it gets, but outside of those two, I do not trust any other receivers in this offense on a weekly basis.
Baltimore Ravens:
Backfield Notes:
- Ty’Son Williams looks good thus far. It is looking like this is his backfield to lose.
Receiving Notes:
- Marquise Brown might end up being one of the biggest draft day steals this season. Over his last 8 games, he has been incredible and the combination of his big-play ability with this target share makes him elite.
Detroit Lions:
Backfield Notes:
- D’Andre Swift is so talented. Problem is that he is splitting carries with Jamaal Williams, and the Lions are likely to be playing from behind a lot, thus capping his touches potential.
Receiving Notes:
- T.J. Hockenson is a top-3 TE in this league right now. The volume and talent are both there. He is Goff’s favorite target early on.
Green Bay Packers:
Backfield Notes:
- Aaron Jones had himself a night on Monday. If he stays on the field he is a safe RB1 every single week.
Receiving Notes:
- Outside of Davante Adams, this receiving room is going to be a roll of the dice on any given week.
Week 2 Carries
Go to the Week 2 Targets Data
Week 2 Targets Data
Back to the Week 2 Touches Data
| Team | Player | Targets |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona Cardinals | 34 | |
| A.J. Green | 6 | |
| Chase Edmonds | 5 | |
| Christian Kirk | 4 | |
| DeAndre Hopkins | 4 | |
| Maxx Williams | 7 | |
| Rondale Moore | 8 | |
| Atlanta Falcons | 45 | |
| Calvin Ridley | 10 | |
| Christian Blake | 1 | |
| Cordarrelle Patterson | 6 | |
| Hayden Hurst | 1 | |
| Kyle Pitts | 6 | |
| Lee Smith | 1 | |
| Mike Davis | 7 | |
| Olamide Zaccheaus | 4 | |
| Russell Gage | 7 | |
| Tajae Sharpe | 2 | |
| Baltimore Ravens | 25 | |
| Josh Oliver | 1 | |
| Mark Andrews | 5 | |
| Marquise Brown | 10 | |
| Sammy Watkins | 7 | |
| Ty'Son Williams | 2 | |
| Buffalo Bills | 28 | |
| Cole Beasley | 4 | |
| Dawson Knox | 3 | |
| Devin Singletary | 3 | |
| Emmanuel Sanders | 6 | |
| Isaiah McKenzie | 2 | |
| Stefon Diggs | 8 | |
| Zack Moss | 2 | |
| Carolina Panthers | 35 | |
| Brandon Zylstra | 3 | |
| Christian McCaffrey | 6 | |
| D.J. Moore | 11 | |
| Dan Arnold | 4 | |
| Ian Thomas | 2 | |
| Robby Anderson | 6 | |
| Terrace Marshall Jr. | 3 | |
| Chicago Bears | 23 | |
| Allen Robinson | 4 | |
| Cole Kmet | 1 | |
| Damien Williams | 3 | |
| Darnell Mooney | 8 | |
| David Montgomery | 4 | |
| Marquise Goodwin | 3 | |
| Cincinatti Bengals | 28 | |
| C.J. Uzomah | 2 | |
| Chris Evans | 1 | |
| Ja'Marr Chase | 4 | |
| Joe Mixon | 2 | |
| Tee Higgins | 10 | |
| Tyler Boyd | 9 | |
| Cleveland Browns | 20 | |
| Austin Hooper | 5 | |
| David Njoku | 3 | |
| Demetric Felton | 2 | |
| Donovan Peoples-Jones | 1 | |
| Harrison Bryant | 4 | |
| Jarvis Landry | 1 | |
| Kareem Hunt | 1 | |
| Nick Chubb | 1 | |
| Rashard Higgins | 2 | |
| Dallas Cowboys | 27 | |
| Amari Cooper | 5 | |
| Blake Jarwin | 4 | |
| Cedrick Wilson Jr. | 2 | |
| CeeDee Lamb | 9 | |
| Dalton Schultz | 2 | |
| Ezekiel Elliott | 2 | |
| Tony Pollard | 3 | |
| Denver Broncos | 34 | |
| Albert Okwuegbunam | 4 | |
| Courtland Sutton | 12 | |
| Eric Saubert | 1 | |
| Javonte Williams | 1 | |
| Kendall Hinton | 1 | |
| KJ Hamler | 3 | |
| Melvin Gordon | 2 | |
| Noah Fant | 6 | |
| Tim Patrick | 4 | |
| Detroit Lions | 35 | |
| Amon-Ra St. Brown | 5 | |
| D'Andre Swift | 5 | |
| Jamaal Williams | 3 | |
| Jason Cabinda | 1 | |
| Kalif Raymond | 2 | |
| Quintez Cephus | 7 | |
| T.J. Hockenson | 9 | |
| Trinity Benson | 3 | |
| Green Bay Packers | 23 | |
| Aaron Jones | 6 | |
| AJ Dillon | 1 | |
| Davante Adams | 9 | |
| Equanimeous St. Brown | 1 | |
| Randall Cobb | 3 | |
| Robert Tonyan | 3 | |
| Houston Texans | 27 | |
| Andre Roberts | 2 | |
| Brandin Cooks | 14 | |
| Chris Conley | 2 | |
| Danny Amendola | 1 | |
| David Johnson | 2 | |
| Jordan Akins | 2 | |
| Mark Ingram | 2 | |
| Nico Collins | 1 | |
| Phillip Lindsay | 1 | |
| Indianapolis Colts | 32 | |
| Ashton Dulin | 1 | |
| Jack Doyle | 8 | |
| Jonathan Taylor | 1 | |
| Michael Pittman Jr. | 12 | |
| Mo Alie-Cox | 2 | |
| Nyheim Hines | 2 | |
| Zach Pascal | 6 | |
| Jacksonville Jaguars | 28 | |
| DJ Chark | 4 | |
| James O'Shaughnessy | 1 | |
| James Robinson | 3 | |
| Laviska Shenault Jr. | 7 | |
| Luke Farrell | 2 | |
| Marvin Jones | 11 | |
| Kansas City Chiefs | 30 | |
| Blake Bell | 1 | |
| Byron Pringle | 2 | |
| Demarcus Robinson | 4 | |
| Jerick McKinnon | 1 | |
| Joe Fortson | 1 | |
| Mecole Hardman | 8 | |
| Michael Burton | 1 | |
| Travis Kelce | 8 | |
| Tyreek Hill | 4 | |
| Los Angeles Chargers | 40 | |
| Austin Ekeler | 9 | |
| Jalen Guyton | 2 | |
| Jared Cook | 5 | |
| Josh Palmer | 2 | |
| Justin Jackson | 1 | |
| Keenan Allen | 8 | |
| Larry Rountree | 1 | |
| Mike Williams | 10 | |
| Stephen Anderson | 2 | |
| Los Angeles Rams | 29 | |
| Cooper Kupp | 11 | |
| Darrell Henderson | 5 | |
| Robert Woods | 9 | |
| Tyler Higbee | 1 | |
| Van Jefferson | 3 | |
| Las Vegas Raiders | 36 | |
| Bryan Edwards | 3 | |
| Darren Waller | 7 | |
| Derek Carrier | 2 | |
| Foster Moreau | 3 | |
| Henry Ruggs III | 7 | |
| Hunter Renfrow | 7 | |
| Kenyan Drake | 6 | |
| Willie Snead | 1 | |
| Miami Dolphins | 39 | |
| Albert Wilson | 6 | |
| Cethan Carter | 1 | |
| DeVante Parker | 9 | |
| Jakeem Grant | 1 | |
| Jaylen Waddle | 8 | |
| Mike Gesicki | 6 | |
| Myles Gaskin | 5 | |
| Preston Williams | 3 | |
| Minnesota Vikings | 31 | |
| Adam Thielen | 7 | |
| Alexander Mattison | 1 | |
| Dalvin Cook | 3 | |
| Justin Jefferson | 10 | |
| K.J. Osborn | 6 | |
| Tyler Conklin | 4 | |
| New Orleans Saints | 21 | |
| Alvin Kamara | 6 | |
| Chris Hogan | 3 | |
| Deonte Harris | 2 | |
| Juwan Johnson | 3 | |
| Lil'Jordan Humphrey | 2 | |
| Marquez Callaway | 4 | |
| Ty Montgomery | 1 | |
| New England Patriots | 28 | |
| Damien Harris | 1 | |
| Hunter Henry | 4 | |
| Jakobi Meyers | 6 | |
| James White | 6 | |
| Jonnu Smith | 5 | |
| Kendrick Bourne | 3 | |
| Nelson Agholor | 3 | |
| New York Giants | 32 | |
| Darius Slayton | 6 | |
| Devontae Booker | 1 | |
| Kaden Smith | 2 | |
| Kenny Golladay | 8 | |
| Kyle Rudolph | 2 | |
| Saquon Barkley | 3 | |
| Sterling Shepard | 10 | |
| New York Jets | 33 | |
| Braxton Berrios | 11 | |
| Corey Davis | 5 | |
| Elijah Moore | 8 | |
| Jeff Smith | 2 | |
| Michael Carter | 3 | |
| Ryan Griffin | 2 | |
| Tyler Kroft | 2 | |
| Philadelphia Eagles | 23 | |
| Dallas Goedert | 2 | |
| DeVonta Smith | 7 | |
| Jalen Reagor | 5 | |
| Kenneth Gainwell | 3 | |
| Miles Sanders | 2 | |
| Quez Watkins | 2 | |
| Zach Ertz | 2 | |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | 37 | |
| Chase Claypool | 9 | |
| Diontae Johnson | 12 | |
| JuJu Smith-Schuster | 7 | |
| Najee Harris | 5 | |
| Pat Freiermuth | 4 | |
| Seattle Seahawks | 31 | |
| D.K. Metcalf | 11 | |
| Freddie Swain | 5 | |
| Gerald Everett | 2 | |
| Travis Homer | 2 | |
| Tyler Lockett | 11 | |
| San Francisco 49ers | 29 | |
| Brandon Aiyuk | 2 | |
| Deebo Samuel | 8 | |
| Elijah Mitchell | 2 | |
| George Kittle | 4 | |
| Jamycal Hasty | 5 | |
| Jauan Jennings | 2 | |
| Kyle Juszczyk | 3 | |
| Trent Sherfield | 3 | |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 35 | |
| Antonio Brown | 3 | |
| Cameron Brate | 1 | |
| Chris Godwin | 5 | |
| Giovani Bernard | 2 | |
| Leonard Fournette | 4 | |
| Mike Evans | 9 | |
| O.J. Howard | 1 | |
| Rob Gronkowski | 5 | |
| Ronald Jones II | 3 | |
| Tyler Johnson | 2 | |
| Tennessee Titans | 39 | |
| A.J. Brown | 9 | |
| Chester Rogers | 5 | |
| Derrick Henry | 6 | |
| Geoff Swaim | 2 | |
| Jeremy McNichols | 3 | |
| Julio Jones | 8 | |
| MyCole Pruitt | 3 | |
| Nick Westbrook-Ikhine | 1 | |
| Tommy Hudson | 2 | |
| Washington Football Team | 44 | |
| Adam Humphries | 8 | |
| Antonio Gibson | 2 | |
| Dyami Brown | 6 | |
| J.D. McKissic | 6 | |
| Logan Thomas | 7 | |
| Ricky Seals-Jones | 1 | |
| Terry McLaurin | 14 | |
| Grand Total | 1001 |
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