Fantasy Football Takeaways: Jacory Croskey-Merritt Leads The Utilization Report For Week 6

Let's follow the data to identify the top waiver wire options, trade targets, upgrades, and downgrades based on what we learned in Week 5.

Welcome to the Utilization Report, where Dwain McFarland highlights his top fantasy football takeaways heading into Week 6.

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1. Jacory Croskey-Merritt handled his largest workload of the year in Week 5.

The Commanders could finally be shifting their backfield over to the man known as Bill. Croskey-Merritt registered season-highs in multiple categories in Week 5.

Fantasy Points: 28
Utilization Score: 71
Attempts: 61%
Routes: 38%
Targets: 9%

Chris Rodriguez and Jeremy McNichols remained involved, which kept Bill's Utilization Score in check. McNichols played 75% of the long-down-and-distance (LDD) snaps and 100% of the two-minute offense. Rodriguez played 40% of the short-yardage snaps.

Still, Week 5 was a significant step in the right direction for Croskey-Merritt, and he provides Washington's offense with the most pop. Efficiency doesn't guarantee a larger workload moving forward, but the rookie seventh-round NFL draft pick is performing at a high level.

PFF Rush Grade: 90.1 (1 of 43 RBs with at least 30 attempts)
Yards per attempt: 6.6 (1st)
Yards after contact: 4.4 (2nd)
Yards before contact: 2.2 (2nd)
Missed tackles forced: 23% (11th)
10-plus yard attempts: 21% (2nd)
Targets per route: 17% (23rd)
Yards per route: 1.29 (13th)

It's a small sample of attempts (43), so we can't take these numbers as gospel, but it sure seems like this coaching staff should want Bill on the field more. Let's analyze a couple of scenarios.

Croskey-Merritt sustains role from Week 5

In this scenario, Bill's Utilization Score (71) comps averaged 13.8 points per game, with 75% of them managing a top-24 fantasy season.

RB1 to RB12 seasons: 20%
RB13 to RB24 seasons: 55%
RB25 to RB36 seasons: 25%

Croskey-Merritt sustains role from the last two games

In this scenario, we are using Bill's Utilization Score from Weeks 4 and 5 (61), which allows for some regression back to the role he held over the first four weeks. His comparisons averaged 11.4 fantasy points, with 28% reaching top-24 RB status.

RB1 to RB12 seasons: 20%
RB13 to RB24 seasons: 25%
RB25 to RB36 seasons: 58%
RB37 to RB48 seasons: 15%

Of course, I didn't include a scenario where Bill grows his role. However, that would obviously improve his standing compared to the first scenario. However, he had a massive fantasy-point total that is buoying his Utilization Score. So, it assumes he remains a hyper-efficient back, which is fragile in and of itself.

Blending the scenarios for a complete picture

We saw an example of how this sort of thing can work with Woody Marks (check out the Utilization Bytes below for an update on Marks), whom I also highlighted over two games in last week's Utilization Report. Our instinct is to go all-in on these situations with young players. That instinct could prove correct, but we can't ignore the full range of outcomes. Given all the data above, taking an in-between approach is optimal.

Croskey-Merritt UPGRADES to borderline RB2 territory, who will enter the RB2 conversation with similar performance in Week 6. He could progress toward RB1 status from there with an even larger workload.

2. Michael Carter was the RB1 in the new-look Cardinals backfield.

With Trey Benson out due to meniscus surgery—he could miss another three to five games—Carter delivered 18.3 fantasy points with a 90 Utilization Score. He led the team in snaps (58%), attempts (67%), and routes (49%).

Emari Demercado and Zonovan (Bam) Knight rotated for RB2 duties, relieving Carter from pass-down duties in LDD and the two-minute offense. Demercado cost his team a touchdown, and probably the game, on the 10th possession, dropping/fumbling the ball before crossing the goalline on a 72-yard run.

We don't know how that play will impact Demercado's playing time moving forward, but Carter already led the team with a 56% snap share and 64% attempt share before that play.

This wasn't our first time seeing Carter in an expanded role under Jonathan Gannon. Last season, he was forced into action over the final two games due to injuries. He earned a 77 Utilization Score with 13 fantasy points per game.

Carter's average Utilization Score is 81, with 14.8 points over his last three games as the starter. While that is a small sample, it is better than nothing. His Utilization Score comps averaged 15.7 points per game.

My gut says that is a tad high for Carter, who overcame a lack of pass downs to secure a 17% target share last weekend. However, his 21% career TPRR tells us he shouldn't be a zero in that department. Carter averaged 2.7 yards per carry in Week 5, but his career average is 4.1. His career explosive rush rate (10-plus yard carries) is 8.1%, below the NFL average of 9.5%.

Carter UPGRADES to borderline RB2 territory while Benson is out. He is a high-priority waiver wire target if you need RB help over the next month. Carter is available in 61% of Yahoo leagues.

3. Ashton Jeanty: Playing a near-every-down role?

The Raiders got their wheels shot off against the Colts, resulting in a blowout game script where Jeanty didn't play in the fourth quarter. Prior to that, he monopolized 90% of the snaps, 82% of attempts, and notched a 74% route participation rate. The rookie first-round draft pick garnered a whopping 33% target share with Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer out of the lineup.

Jeanty finished Week 5 with a solid 15.9 fantasy points, but it would have been closer to 18 or 20 in a non-blowout game. That makes two consecutive games of Jeanty in a monster role.

In Week 4, he had an 85% snap share with an 85 Utilization Score.

Jeanty has been a quality running back despite bad offensive line play, with 88% of his yards coming after contact.

Yards after contact: 3.8 (6th)
Missed tackles forced: 27% (7th)
10-plus yard attempts: 15% (6th)

Given how strongly Jeanty profiled as a collegiate prospect, this efficiency data—and most importantly, the significant draft capital the Raiders have invested—I am willing to lean into his Utilization trend over the last two games.

Jeanty's 48 historical comps have averaged 16.2 points per game, with 61% reaching top-12 territory.

RB1 to RB6 seasons: 21%
RB7 to RB12 seasons: 40%
RB14 to RB18 seasons: 31%
RB19 to RB24 seasons: 8%

Jeanty receives his second UPGRADE in as many weeks in the Utilization Report—he is a low-end RB1.

4. Mason Taylor is the No. 2 pass-game option for the Jets.

The No. 42 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft started the season slowly after a high-ankle sprain that caused him to miss much of camp. He re-injured the ankle in Week 1, but has worked his way back to health, exploding with Utilization Scores of 82 and 90 over the last two games. He has scored 11.5 and 17.7 fantasy points in those contests.

Taylor ranks 10th in target share for TEs at 18%, a number that has ballooned to 25% over the last two games, which ranks No. 1. Over that span, he ranks fifth in yards per route run (YPRR) at 1.57.

It's challenging to select a sample for Taylor's Utilization Score. The last two games make sense given his injury issues, but it's a small sample. So, we will include the last three games, which gives us a Utilization Score of 79.

His 18 historical comps have averaged 12.3 points per game with 61% reaching top-six status.

TE1 to TE3 finishes: 17%
TE4 to TE6 finishes: 44%
TE7 to TE9 finishes: 28%
TE10 to TE12 finishes: 11%

We may be a bit high on his Utilization Score given the small sample, but even if we play it conservatively, Taylor carries considerable fantasy appeal. He has looked great over the last two games, and the Jets' WR corps is complete dust behind Garrett Wilson.

Taylor UPGRADES to low-end TE1 territory and offers mid-range TE1 upside. He is available in 87% of Yahoo leagues, making him a primary target if you need TE help.

5. Rachaad White dominated touches with Bucky Irving out.

Irving is considered week-to-week due to a foot sprain and a partial shoulder disclocation and is unlikely to play in Week 6. Given Todd Bowles' history of misleading journalists on injury timelines, we should brace ourselves for a situation that could linger more than one game.

While that isn't ideal for Irving managers, White managers are sitting great in the short term. White governed over 81% of the snaps, 72% of rushing attempts, and a 13% target share in Week 5. He collected 23.1 fantasy points with an 88 Utilization Score.

White operated with a 55% or better snap share in nine games last season, averaging 13.4 points per game. If we include Week 5 from this year, the average is 14.4.

The veteran isn't a hyper-efficient back with a 3.8 career yards per carry and a 7.7% explosive rush rate (10-plus yard attempts). However, he offers a three-down skillset in a good offense, and Sean Tucker has been buried since the Bucs' playoff run last year. White has a 19% career TPRR.

White is a mid-range RB2 until Irving returns.

6. The Saints' backfield is evolving.

Kendre Miller's snap share has improved every game this season. He doesn't offer standalone value yet, but he could handle a monster workload should Alvin Kamara suffer an injury or get traded.

On the other hand, Kamara's role has diminished throughout the season. In Week 5, he hit a season-low in snap share (53%) and Utilization Score (64), collecting 9.5 fantasy points.

Beyond the growth of Miller's role, Taysom Hill returned to handle 21% of the designed rushing attempts. That led to a lowly 28% rush share for Kamara.

Kamara DOWNGRADES to low-end RB2 territory but could rebound if traded to a better offense like Kansas City.

Miller UPGRADES to borderline RB3 status and should be rostered in most leagues. He is a PRIORITY WAIVER WIRE TARGET who would become an RB2 should Kamara get traded. Miller is available in 69% of Yahoo leagues.

Taysom Hill UPGRADES to TE stash status. His role could expand over the coming weeks and would also receive a boost if Kamara is traded.

7. Utilization Score Underperformers

The Utilization Score is made up of the fantasy data points that have historically correlated the most strongly with future fantasy success. It is a similar but different concept compared to expected fantasy points. How it differs:

Accounts for snaps and routes in addition to attempts and targets.
Accounts for catchable targets and catchable air yards.
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.

Davante Adams | WR | Rams

Adams boasts the No. 9 WR Utilization Score at 82 and ranks 16th in fantasy points per game with 15.1.

The veteran WR ranks third in targets per game (9.0), but he and Matthew Stafford are still working out the kinks. Adams ranks 25th in catchable targets per game (5.4). We see a similar story with air yards, where Adams ranks second with 119 per contest, but ranks 11th in uncatchable air yards at 45 per game.

First, if those issues are resolved, Adams offers additional upside compared to his current Utilization Score. Second, even without those things improving, his 48 historical comps averaged 16.4 points per game. That is 1.3 better than his current number of 15.1. His historical comparisons have reached top-12 territory 65% of the time.

WR1 to WR6 seasons: 15%
WR7 to WR12 seasons: 50%
WR13 to WR18 seasons: 19%
WR19 to WR24 seasons: 13%
WR25 to WR36 seasons: 4%

Adams is a low-end WR1 with mid-range WR1 upside, making him a solid trade target.

Tetairoa McMillan | WR | Panthers

Bryce Young isn't a good quarterback. It is what it is at this point. However, McMillan still grades out well after we account for the deficiencies of Carolina's signal caller.

Catchable targets per game: 5.8 (15th)
Catchable air yards per game: 59.6 (16th)

His Utilization Score also takes these factors into account. His score of 75 ranks 19th at the WR position, while his fantasy points per game of 11.8 rank 33rd. His 77 Utilization Score comparisons since 2020 have notched a top-24 season 75% of the time, y'all!

WR1 to WR12 seasons: 19%
WR13 to WR24 seasons: 56%
WR25 to WR36 seasons: 22%
WR37 to WR48 seasons: 3%

McMillan is a low-end WR2 with high-end WR2 upside. He is a nice buy-low option.

Chris Olave | WR | Saints

Prior to the 2025 season, Olave was snake-bitten by near-miss long touchdowns, where he was often open. In 2023 and 2024, his average depth of target (aDOT) numbers were 13.9 and 10.6. A number that has dipped to 8.8 in Kellen Moore's quick-hitting offense this year.

The former first-round NFL draft pick ranks second in targets per game at 10.2, but ranks 39th in receiving yards per game at 54.4. That disparity has pushed some to label Olave as a PPR scam.

On one hand, it's a fair description; more of his points are coming from his receptions than his yards. On the other hand, that description discounts Olave's historical standing as a quality player. Olave's underlying career data points are very healthy.

TPRR: 26% (WR1 territory)
YPRR: 2.09 (WR2 territory)

This is not Wan'Dale Robinson. Yes, his role has changed, and the quarterback play is suspect. Those things matter for his rest-of-season outlook, but we shouldn't dismiss a talent profile like this.

Last season, Keenan Allen was stuck in a poor offense with QB challenges and received the PPR Scam moniker. Do you hear that now that he plays with Justin Herbert? Of course, not. I know what you are thinking: Dwain, you moron, Herbert isn't coming to save the day for Olave. You are 100% correct!

But here is the thing no one remembers about Allen with Chicago last year: he averaged 18.9 points from Week 15 to Week 17 in the fantasy playoffs.

If you had told anyone that was going to happen in Week 5 last season, you would have been laughed off of social media. Fantasy is a game of variance. Olave has already demonstrated a fine floor. Spike games, or an Allen-esque hot streak, are in the range of outcomes.

The cool thing is that the Utilization Score already accounts for Olave's new role, lack of high-end production, as well as the challenges of the offensive environment. His score of 77 ranks No. 12, while his points per game (12.5) rank 31st.

His 72 historical comps have averaged 15.2 points per game, with 83% collecting a top-24 season.

WR1 to WR12 seasons: 31%
WR13 to WR24 seasons: 53%
WR25 to WR36 seasons: 16%
WR37 to WR38 seasons: 1%

Olave would be a bit of an outlier if he finished the season as the WR31 in fantasy.

For reference, the Utilization Score for Wan'Dale Robinson is 63. His comps averaged 12.1 points, with 11% reaching top-24 status—that isn't a strong comparison.

Olave is a high-end WR3 with mid-range WR2 upside and could get hot for a WR1 stretch at some point in 2025.

8. Waiver Wire Roundup

QB

Sam Darnold | Seahawks: The Seahawks are a run-centric team, ranking 29th in dropback rate over expected (29th), which can limit Darnold's opportunities. However, Darnold has been highly efficient, leading the NFL with 9.3 yards per attempt. He ranks third in touchdown passes per attempt at 6.7%. Darnold averages 16.9 points and has reached 16 or higher every game except Week 1. He erupted for 28.6 in Week 5 in a shootout against the Bucs. Darnold is a mid-range QB2 with borderline QB1 upside and is available in 69% of Yahoo leagues.

RB

Rico Dowdle | Panthers: Dowdle took over the Carolina backfield in Week 5 with Chuba Hubbard (week to week) hobbled by a calf injury. Dowdle led all RBs with 32.4 points on 22 rushing attempts and three targets. When asked about the backfield with Hubbard's return, Dave Canales said they have two good backs, which could open the door for a more split. Dowdle is a mid-range RB2, while Hubbard is out and an RB4 upon his return, which could morph into an RB3. He is available in 42% of leagues.
Los Angeles | Chargers: Omarion Hampton suffered an ankle injury in Week 5 and was placed on IR. He will miss at least the next four games. Kimani Vidal and Hassan Haskins split the workload after Hampton left the game, with each handling 50% of the attempts on two drives. Vidal held the edge in snaps (60% versus 40%) and is considered the superior passing-downs option.

Haskins might take the early-down work, but Vidal offers more upside thanks to a potential three-down skillset in a pass-first offense. This one is a tough one to decipher, but we are likely in for a committee approach—neither of these backs is the caliber of Hampton. Both backs UPGRADE to low-end RB3 territory. Vidal has high-end RB2 upside if he runs pure, while Haskins is probably capped as a low-end RB2. They are available in almost 100% of leagues.
Kendre Miller | Saints: See No. 6 above.
Tyler Allgeier | Falcons: Allgeier was dropped by fantasy managers for Atlanta's bye in Week 5. He is one of the premier handcuffs in fantasy football—he would assume a massive workload if Bijan Robinson missed any time. He also averages 10.8 attempts, giving him some standalone value in deeper formats during heavy bye weeks. Allgeier is a mid-range RB4 with RB1 contingent upside who is only rostered in 31% of Yahoo leagues.
Brian Robinson Jr. | 49ers: Christian McCaffrey averages a whopping 25.8 touches per game. That is an intense pace even for younger backs. Robinson has a premier handcuff who would become an immediate RB2 with RB1 upside if McCaffrey missed any time. Robinson is available in 61% of leagues.
Isaiah Davis | Jets: With Braelon Allen on IR, and could be out until mid-December. That makes Davis the RB2 behind Breece Hall. In Week 5, Davis played 44% of the snaps, including 100% of the two-minute offense, which boosted his playing time in a trailing script to Dallas. Davis is a mid-range RB4 but would offer RB2 upside if Hall missed any time. He is available in 95% of leagues.
Emanuel Wilson | Packers: Wilson overtook Chris Brooks for the primary RB2 duties in Weeks 3 and 4 before the Packers' bye week. He garnered snap shares of 23% and 29%. However, Matt LaFleur has flip-flopped on these trends in the past, and MarShawn Lloyd is eligible to return in Week 6. Don't go crazy here, but Wilson is available in 99% of leagues and is an RB6 stash candidate in large leagues.
Keaton Mitchell | Ravens: Mitchell saw his first action of the season in Week 5 and might be the top-gainer should Derrick Henry go down. Mitchell is available in 99% of leagues and is an RB6 bench-stash option in deep leagues.

WR

Ryan Flournoy | Cowboys: With Kavontae Turpin (foot sprain) out in Week 5, Flournoy stepped forward to tie Jake Ferguson with a 31% target share and a 77 Utilization Score. He finished the day with 18.4 fantasy points. The sixth-round pick from the 2024 NFL Draft played behind Jalen Tolbert as the WR3 with a 64% route participation. However, Tolbert hasn't taken advantage of his opportunities, leaving the door open for a takeover by Flournoy. Flournoy moves into boom-bust WR5 territory and is available in almost 100% of leagues.
Tory Horton | Seahawks: Horton has carved out a respectable 17% TPRR despite playing with JSN and Cooper Kupp, averaging 8.9 points per game. He is a WR5 with contingent WR3 upside should either starter miss any time. Horton is available in 95% of leagues.
Christian Watson | Packers: Watson was designated for return from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) on Monday. That opens a 21-day window for activation. The Packers WR room is always tough to navigate, but Watson isn't the worst stash in deep leagues. He offers explosive play-making ability when healthy. Watson is available in 95% of leagues.
Jalen Coker | Panthers: Coker could enter his 21-day practice window this week. He notched a WR3-worthy 1.73 YPRR as a rookie. The Panthers don't have any significant target earners behind McMillan, making Coker worthy of a WR5 stash option in deep leagues. He is available in 90% of formats.
Jack Bech | Raiders: The Raiders' Round 2 NFL draft pick saw his most extensive action of the season in Week 5 with a 46% route participation. We don't know if this was due to his ability to help replace the routes of Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer or because the team is cooling on Dont'e Thornton Jr.. Thornton has a lowly 12% TPRR and 0.73 YPRR on the season. Bech is a WR6 stash option in deep leagues and is available in 99% of leagues.

TE

Mason Taylor | Jets: See No. 4 above.
Theo Johnson | Giants: With Malik Nabers out for the season, the Giants are looking for pass catchers to step forward. In Week 5, Johnson answered the call with an 18% target share and an 88 Utilization Score on his way to 21.3 fantasy points. Johnson is a size-speed freak whom New York selected with a Round 4 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Johnson UPGRADES to mid-range TE2 territory and offers low-end TE1 upside. He is available in 89% of leagues.

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."

Xavier Hutchinson | Texans: Hutchinson scored 16.8 fantasy points in Week 5 thanks to two touchdown receptions. However, he still only managed a 10% target share, which aligns with his historical low-end target-earning profile. Don't bite on Hutchinson.
AJ Barner | Seahawks: Barner boomed in the Week 5 fantasy boxscore with 24.3 fantasy points and a 22% target share. However, his route participation remained low at 62%. His career TPRR of 18% is in mid-range TE2 territory, which is about the highest he can move in the ranks while sharing time with Elijah Arroyo.

Utilization Bytes

Team Trends

We now have five weeks of data for most teams, making it a good time to visit some team-level trends that impact fantasy production. For the data across all 32 NFL teams, you can find them in the Team Styles tab of the Utilization Report tools.

Dropback Over Expected (DBOE): Teams that pass the ball more than the NFL average based on game script:
- Chiefs: 7%
- Cardinals: 7%
- Chargers: 6%
- Dolphins: 5%
- Patriots: 3%
- Notable trend: The Eagles ranked 31st in DBOE over the first three games at -9% but now sit at 1% for the season after a league-leading 12% mark over the last two games.
Neutral Playclock: Teams that are leaving more time on the playclock when the score is within three points (neutral situations), indicating upside for play volume:
- Rams: 10.5 seconds remaining at the snap of the ball
- Cowboys: 10.2
- Seahawks: 9.6
- Jets: 9.5
- 49ers: 9.5
- Giants: 9.4
- Broncos: 9.4
Play action pass rate: Teams that are utilizing play action the most, which adds value to WRs and TEs on a per-route basis in fantasy:
- Colts: 34% of dropbacks involved play action
- Lions: 32%
- Broncos: 30%
- Bears: 30%
- Packers: 30%
- Cowboys: 30%
- Patriots: 29%
- Rams: 29%

Running Back

Breece Hall | Jets: Hall notched a season-high 78% rush attempt share in Week 5 with Allen out of the lineup. Davis jumped in on the two-minute offense, which is somewhat amusing considering how well Hall performs in the passing game, but we will take what we can get. This is now a two-person backfield instead of three. Over the last two games, Hall has an 86 Utilization Score, averaging 16.8 points per game. Hall UPGRADES to borderline RB1 status.
Derrick Henry | Ravens: The Ravens should continue to be one of the top scoring offenses once Lamar Jackson returns, but their lack of defense is creating instability in Henry's weekly range of outcomes. Henry has always been allergic to trailing game scripts, and the Ravens have trailed by four-plus points on 27% of plays—the eighth most in the NFL. Henry is averaging 11.9 points per game, which will surely improve; however, he is no longer the same fantasy asset as he was in 2024. Henry still offers RB1 overall upside in any given week, but he DOWNGRADES to high-end RB2 status.
Javonte Williams | Cowboys: Williams ranks sixth in RB Utilization Score with an 87, averaging the fourth-most fantasy points per game. He is a key every-down player in a high-scoring offense. His 27 historical Utilzation Score comps have averaged 17.1 points per game with 71% notching a top-12 finish. An impressive 33% recorded a top-six fantasy season. Williams UPGRADES to mid-range RB1 status.
Quinshon Judkins | Browns: The Browns' second-round pick has a 76 Utilization Score with 17.3 points per game since taking over the lead role in Week 3. He has accounted for 82% of the rushing attempts. He still presents some risk in trailing game scripts with Jerome Ford playing on obvious passing downs, but Judkins is playing well. He ranks fourth in yards after contact (4.2) and 18th in explosive rush rate (11.1%). His historical Utilzation Score comps say Judkins is slightly overperforming—they averaged 14.7 points. Still, 94% delivered a top-24 finish and 29% pushed their way into RB1 territory. Judkins is HOLDING STEADY as a mid-range RB2 with weekly RB1 upside.
TreVeyon Henderson | Patriots: Let's be honest, Henderson hasn't done a damn thing with his limited opportunities. He ranks 34th out of 43 backs with at least 30 attempts in yards after contact (2.4), 27th in explosive rush rate (9.4%) and 36th in missed tackles forced (12.5%). There is a chance he just isn't ready for the NFL and needs more time to develop—rookies have a history of coming on late—especially second-rounders. Since 2014, Round 2 rookie RBs have enjoyed a 34% increase in fantasy production over the rest of the season versus their first five games. On an additional positive note, his 22% TPRR ranks 12th. With the loss of Antonio Gibson for the season (ACL), this backfield should evolve into a two-person show. Henderson is a mid-range RB3.
Tyjae Spears | Titans: Spears returned from a high-ankle sprain in Week 5. He didn't do much, with a 26% snap share. However, he should ramp up in the coming weeks. Spears is an RB4 that is available in 70% of leagues.
Woody Marks | Texans: The Texans have indicated they will utilize a game-script and matchup-dependent rotation with Marks and Nick Chubb. Prior to Dameon Pierce entering the blowout in the fourth quarter, Marks was leading the team with a 52% snap share and trailed Chubb in rushing attempts 35% to 50%. Marks remained the leader on passing downs with a 46% route participation. Marks has a Utilization Score of 57 over the last three games since forming a rotation with Chubb. He could continue to grow his role as the season progresses, but for now, it isn't ideal. His 49 Utilization Score comps have averaged 10.6 points per game. Marks DOWNGRADES to mid-range RB3 territory but shouldn't be dropped from rosters. Round 4 RBs have enjoyed a 27% uptick in fantasy performance over the rest of the season versus Weeks 1 to 5 since 2014.

Wide Receiver

A.J. Brown & DeVonta Smith | Eagles: AJB and Smith suddenly have life with the Eagles DBOE improving to 1% over the last two games. Philadelphia has dropped back to pass on 69% of plays over that span. While we shouldn't expect a pass-heavy attack the rest of the way, this is a significant improvement for the duo. Brown is a low-end WR2, and Smith is a mid-range WR3. Both will move up in the coming weeks if the Eagles don't revert to a run-heavy approach.
Calvin Ridley | Titans: Ridley posted a season-high 18.1 points in Week 5 against the Cardinals. He leads the Titans with a 23% target share on the season. Ridley's historical Utilization Score (60) comparisons have averaged 11.3 points per game. He needs a significant step forward from Cam Ward before we can gain confidence in upgrading him. Ridley is holding steady as a mid-range WR4.
Chris Godwin | Buccaneers: Godwin has posted back-to-back 5.6 point fantasy outings as he continues to knock off the rust from his ankle injury. He has a 20% target share over two games, with an 86% route participation rate. Godwin is a mid-range WR4 who we will move up once we see stronger fantasy production. Hold.
Deebo Samuel | Commanders: Samuel improved his Utilization Score from a 68 to 76 with a dominating 48% target share (11) in Week 5. He notched 23.6 fantasy points and averages 17.7 for the season. Terry McLaurin will challenge for targets upon his return, which likely means Samuel might be at his highest point of the season, but the scheme remains friendly to Deebo. Samuel is a mid-range WR2 who operates as a high-end WR2 in games with McLaurin. He is probably more of a low-end WR2 when both are healthy, but we will continue to monitor this situation.
Emeka Egbuka | Buccaneers: Egbuka has improved his Utilization Score by 12 points over the last four games. He now ranks No. 6 at the WR position with a score of 85. It's hard to know what things will look like once Godwin is healthy and Evans is back, but who wants to bet against a young player breaking out in their first month? Not me. Egbuka is averaging 20.5 fantasy points. He is a WR1 until proven otherwise.
Jaylen Waddle | Dolphins: In the first game without Hill, Waddle notched an 89 Utilization Score and 23 fantasy points with a nine-target outing (26%). The No. 6 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft is the clear-cut No. 1 receiving option for the Dolphins. He UPGRADES to mid-range WR2 territory.
Josh Downs | Colts: Downs registered a season-high in routes (72%), targets (25%), and fantasy points (11.4) in Week 5. The third-year WR ranks 13th in TPRR at 25% on the season. We could see occasional boom games from Downs, but we need more playing time. Ideally, he would be at an 85% route participation or higher, but the Colts haven't shown an interest in doing that. Even with Alec Pierce out and Adonai Mitchell in the doghouse in Week 5, the team turned to Ashton Dulin, who notched an 84% route participation. Downs remains one of the more talented WRs in the NFL, but is only a WR5 in fantasy unless the Colts change their ways.
Malik Washington | Dolphins: In the first game without Tyreek Hill, Washington's route participation didn't improve. His 63% was right in line with his season average of 65%. He continues to play more of a gimmick role with a 4.5 aDOT, which makes fantasy points challenging to come by. Theoretically, Washington has the yards-after-the-catch chops to make the role pay off, but he needs some downfield action and more playing time. Washington DOWNGRADES to WR6 status until he sees more action.
Rashid Shaheed | Saints: Shaheed exploded for 21.4 fantasy points in Week 5 thanks to a long TD reception. He also notched his second-highest route participation rate of the season at 91% and garnered a 17% target share. Shaheed has a 62 Utilization Score on the season. His historical comps have averaged 11.9 points. Shaheed is a boom-bust WR4.
Stefon Diggs | Bills: Diggs ranks fourth in the NFL in TPRR at 28%. Over the last two games, he has emerged from his ACL haze to average 20.4 fantasy points with a 91 Utilization Score. He has 41% and 44% target shares in those contests. Diggs continues to rotate off the field with a 71% route participation rate over that span, but the team gets him on the field when they need him. Diggs UPGRADES to low-end WR2 territory and could continue to climb with more playing time.

Tight End

Dalton Kincaid | Bills: Kincaid continues to play less than an ideal amount with a 60% route participation. However, he owns the No. 4 TPRR for TEs with at least 100 routes at 22%, behind only Jake Ferguson, Tyler Warren and Brock Bowers. While his standing feels fragile with 4.8 targets per game (17th), his historical Utilization Score (72) comps have averaged 10.6 points per game. That is lower than Kincaid's 13.3 per game, TEs to average 10.6 have finished as the TE8 on average. Kincaid is a low-end to mid-range TE1.
Darren Waller | Dolphins: Waller improved his route participation from 36% to 68% in his second game. With the Dolphins starved for target earners beyond Waddle and De'Von Achane, Waller could be the third option in the passing attack. He has a 24% TPRR so far, which historically falls in high-end TE1 territory. It's a small sample, so I don't want to take it that far, but Waller is positioned well with an 83 Utilization Score over his first two games despite limited playing time. Waller UPGRADES to low-end TE1 status and remains available in 33% of leagues.

Players Mentioned in this Article

JacoryCroskey-Merritt
RBWAS
PPG
7.73
Proj
7.69
MichaelCarter
RBARI
PPG
5.66
Proj
1.02
AshtonJeanty
RBLV
PPG
13.31
Proj
11.97
MasonTaylor
TENYJ
PPG
5.29
Proj
6.47