FSH NOTEBOOK: THE WEDNESDAY WATERCOOLER

October 18th, 2023

David’s Daily Digest

Wednesday Evening Edition

The Wednesday Watercooler

Targets Equal Opportunities

The formula for success never changes. Fantasy gold for managers starts with chances and opportunities and in week six there were plenty players who found opportunity and cashed in. Players like the Bills receiver Stefon Diggs (66 targets this season) continued his high rate of usage, while in Kansas City tight end Travis Kelce (46 targets this season) proves even in his 11th season he’s still among the best at his position, and out of the backfield it’s the new kid on the block, Falcons rookie running back Bijan Robinson (32 targets this season) who is showing off his hands skills.

There are a lot of familiar faces on the lists this week and a couple of new ones. Take note because success starts here.

Here are the weekly leaders for Receiving Targets;

Week 6

Top 10 WR

1. Stefon Diggs - 16

2. Amon-Ra St. Brown - 15

3. Michael Pittman Jr - 14

4. Adam Thielen - 13

5. Ja'Marr Chase - 13

6. Drake London - 12

7. Garrett Wilson - 12

8. Keenan Allen - 11

9. Kendrick Bourne - 11

10. Terry McLaurin – 11

The Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase is currently one of the highest targeted pass catchers in the league this season, especially over the last three weeks. Since Week 4, Chase is commanding a 36.9% target share and has turned his 41 targets into 28 receptions, 345 yards receiving, and three touchdowns. Currently on a bye this week, Chase will get a chance to continue his hot hand with the Bengals face the 49ers in Week 8.

Top 10 TE

1. Sam Laporta - 11

2. Travis Kelce - 9

3. TJ Hockenson - 8

4. Dallas Goedert - 8

5. Dalton Schultz - 7

6. Darren Waller - 7

7. Evan Engram - 7

8. Kyle Pitts - 6

9. Michael Mayer - 6

10. Mark Andrews - 6

Over the past three weeks only Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has been targeted more than the Jaguars Evan Engram. The Jags pass receiving tight end has been targeted 23 times and recorded 18 receptions for 128 yards. While the production is a bit on the low side, his scoring has him as the fantasy TE9-tied over the past three weeks and still No.6 for the season. Even with a tough matchup this Thursday, Engram needs to be in lineups.

Top 10 RB

1. D'Andre Swift - 10

2. Alvin Kamara - 8

3. Bijan Robinson - 8

4. Zack Moss - 7

5. Tony Pollard - 7

6. Alexander Mattison - 7

7. Rhamondre Stevenson - 6

8. Isiah Pacheco - 6

9. Jonathan Taylor - 6

10. Austin Ekeler – 6

The Eagles running back D’Andre Swift has been a busy part of the passing game out of the backfield. Swift has been targeted (21 targets) the 3rd most of all running backs over the past three weeks collecting 18 passes for 101 receiving yards and a score. His pass receiving skills has him cracking the Top-15 (14th) fantasy scoring per game among running backs over the last three weeks. And while his rushing numbers have cooled, it’s his ppr scoring that has been carrying him recently. He’ll have a shot at improving both in a classic Sunday night showdown with the Dolphins this week.

Touches Are Fantasy Gold

Just like a receiver needs to be targeted, a running backs success leans heavily on how many times they touch (carries + catches) the rock.

Here are the weekly Touch leaders;

Week 6

Top 10 RB

1. Saquon Barkley - 28

2. Josh Jacobs - 27

3. Alvin Kamara - 26

4. Kenneth Walker - 22

5. Isiah Pacheco - 22

6. Alexander Mattison - 22

7. Travis Etienne Jr - 21

8. Tony Pollard - 21

9. Chuba Hubbard - 20

10. Raheem Mostert – 20

With 28 touches on Sunday night against the Bills, could Saquon Barkley be back? After missing several games due to an ankle injury, Barkley made his return. After a slow start in the first half, he looked pretty good on a couple of late runs. If the Giants can continue to feed him, he could be in for a big Sunday against the Commanders.

That's my take!

~David G. Ortega