Fantasy Football Takeaways: Parker Washington Leads Week 3 Utilization Report

Fantasy Football Takeaways: Parker Washington Leads Week 3 Utilization Report

Welcome to the Utilization Report, where Dwain McFarland highlights his top fantasy football takeaways heading into Week 3, including Parker Washington's ascension, the Bears disappointments, and more.

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Welcome to the Utilization Report, where Dwain McFarland highlights his top fantasy football takeaways heading into Week 3.

The Top Fantasy Football Takeaways for Week 3

Let's follow the data to identify the top waiver wire options, trade targets, upgrades, and downgrades based on what we learned in Week 2.

If you love the sweet Utilization data below, you can access it all for yourself!

  • Comparison tool
  • Team-based views with game logs
  • League-wide views for NFL leaders
  • Customizable time periods and sample sizes
  • Seasons: 2020 to 2026

Use the Utilization Report suite of tools to dominate your league, y'all!


JAC_jaguars-logo.svg1. Parker Washington Climbs To Low-End WR1 Territory

Through two games, Washington ranks as the WR11 with 18.1 PPG. Over that span, he ranks second in the NFL with a 38% target share, trailing only Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He ranks one spot ahead of Amon-Ra St. Brown.

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Those two players get elite utilization by playing all over the formation, which is what we are seeing from Washington to start the 2026 campaign. Washington has aligned from the slot on 54% of snaps and been in motion at the snap 14% of pass plays.

And Washington isn't your typical slot WR. He is pushing downfield and gobbling up air yards. He leads the team with 134 air yards per game (50%). He ranks third in the NFL in air yards per game.

We also saw a big bump in route participation in Week 2, with Washington climbing to an elite 90%.

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We can't guarantee the 90% will hold every week, but it is within his range of outcomes. Brian Thomas (shoulder) and Jakobi Meyers (thumb) were dealing with injuries in Week 2. They had route shares of 74% and 88%, respectively.

The Jaguars want to use their two-TE sets this year. They rank third in 12 personnel (32%), and Washington has an 83% route share in that grouping. That is a positive development given we were uncertain if he would rotate off in heavy sets.

Washington's historical Utilization Score comparisons have averaged 16.6 PPG, with 70% securing a top-12 season.

  • WR1 to WR6 season: 19%
  • WR7 to WR12 season: 51%
  • WR13 to WR18 season: 17%
  • WR19 to WR25 season: 9%

Washington UPGRADES to low-end WR1 status and will climb inside the top six if we consistently get a route share in the 88-92% range.


CAR_panthers-logo.svg2. Jalen Coker Plays Well Again, Jumping To WR3 Status

Coker has collected 33.8 and 14.6 fantasy points over his first two outings of 2026. He is the WR6 in PPG (24.2) and owns the No. 4 Utilization Score at 94. Small early-season samples can fade over time, but Coker's underlying Utilization is strong.

  • Route Share: 90% (18th)
  • Routes Per Game: 37 (12th)
  • Target Share: 29% (8th)
  • Targets Per Game: 9.0 (5th)
  • Air Yards Share: 28% (22nd)
  • Air Yards Per Game: 89.5 (22nd)
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The Panthers might be going through an identity change. Historically, they've deployed a run-balanced attack that leaned away from the passing game under Dave Canales. But that has changed so far in 2026, with Canales handing over play-calling duties to Brad Idzik.

Dropback Rate Over Expected by Year:

  • 2024: -1% DBOE (18th)
  • 2025: -4% DBOE (25th)
  • 2026: 11% DBOE (1st)

What if the emergence of Coker, along with Tetairoa McMillan, created this shift? It is certainly possible, and Bryce Young has responded with 361 yards and 287 yards with three TDs in each of his first two games.

The team is also dialing up other cheat codes for their young passing attack. The Panthers are mixing up their personnel groupings and using play action on 28% of dropbacks. The Panthers rank sixth in motion at 61%.

Young is the trickiest part of this equation. We can't ignore three years of struggling to provide passing yardage totals that can support two pass catchers. But I am giving the passing offense a small upgrade in the rest-of-season projections. We will see where it goes from there.

Historically, WRs with Coker's Utilization Score have been locks for WR1 status. I am taking a more measured approach to my push up the ranks. Still, things are looking good!

Coker UPGRADES to mid-range WR3 status and offers strong WR2 upside.


CHI_bears-logo.svg3. BEAR(S) DOWN: Colston Loveland & Luther Burden III

I want to have the highest-scoring offense ever.

– Ben Johnson

I am going to play Kalif Raymond more than Colston Loveland and Luther Burden III.

— Also Ben Johnson (actions > words)

What in the absolute f@#% is happening here? We have Round 1 and Round 2 NFL picks ceding playing time and schemed targets to a budget-bin free agent. This isn't meant to disrespect Raymond. I have often written about him as a decent player based on underlying data.

Loveland's route participation rate fell from 89% to 69% in Week 2. He was targeted only 8% of the time. The man is averaging 0.7 PPG with a 40 Utilization Score.

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We even saw Sam Roush run a route on the final play of the game while Loveland was asked to stay in and block (unsuccessfully). This must be a dream.

Burden saw his route share hold steady at 71% and led the team with a 24% target share in Week 2, but Raymond led the team with a 76% route share.

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My instinct is that Ben Johnson is trying to be too cute. He is a master of deception and runs an amazing scheme. He dials up all the cheat codes that unlock fantasy goodness. But he might be a victim of his own success. Some of the most successful coaches can go through a period where they think their scheme matters more than the talent on the field.

The alternative is that Loveland and Burden just aren't as good as we thought. Or that plus Raymond is better than we thought.

After just two games, I don't want to disregard Loveland's No. 4 rating in the Rookie Super Model all-time and his great closeout to his rookie campaign. That remains important and will win out over time. But the downturn in routes plus an injury to Caleb Williams (hamstring) means that I can't ignore the early-season woes.

Loveland DOWNGRADES to low-end TE1 territory, but I am HOLDING or BUYING. I am not SELLING.

With Burden, it is a little trickier because Raymond is competing directly with him for playing time. And while I liked Burden coming out of college, his Rookie Super Model rating was not elite. Plus, he never fully capitalized on his role expansion late last season in terms of fantasy production.

But the underlying data on Burden's route tree is still strong, with 44% of his routes falling in the in-breaking category. However, he also leads the team in go routes at 19%, with Raymond patrolling shallower areas of the field. Raymond's average route depth is 8.4 versus 9.7 for Burden.

The Bears rank third-worst in pressure rate allowed at 44%. 

Nutshell: That could be skewing targets to Raymond right now, who is rarely running deep route concepts.

For what it is worth, Ozzie Trapilo (Ruptured Patellar Tendon) could return in Week 3, and Darnell Wright was dealing with a knee injury last week. The Bears gave up a pressure rate of 35% last year. But they also lost center Drew Dalman, who retired.

Ultimately, Burden's 71% route participation rate is too low. It must improve before we can trust him as an every-week option in fantasy football. We also need Williams back.

Burden DOWNGRADES to high-end WR4 status for now. But I am HOLDING or BUYING rather than SELLING with the long view in mind.


BUF_bills-logo.svg4. Dalton Kincaid GOES BOOM AGAIN in Week 2

Kincaid is the TE2 in fantasy after two games with 20.3 PPG, and his Utilization Score of 92 also ranks second. His 69% route share is low for a high-end TE1, which will likely hurt him at some point, but it could also climb after two great performances.

When Kincaid has been on the field, he has been highly targeted, with a 29% targets-per-route run (TPRR). That mark ranks second behind only Trey McBride (37%), and Kincaid leads all TEs in air yards per game with 90.5 (32%).

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DJ Moore is day-to-day with an AC joint sprain, which could boost Kincaid's involvement even further if Moore is limited. Behind Kincaid and Moore, the Bills lack big-time playmakers in the passing game, with Khalil Shakir as an underneath chain mover who plays a part-time role as well.

While we want Kincaid's route share to increase, the Bills are passing more this season with a 3% DBOE. That is up from -4% last year. With Joe Brady taking over as head coach, we could see the trend stick if Sean McDermott was the primary driver of Buffalo's run-leaning ways. 

Kincaid UPGRADES to top-five status the rest of the way in fantasy football.


5. Backfields Evolving Due To Injury: RB Upgrades

MIN_vikings-logo.svgAaron Jones | Vikings

With Jordan Mason on IR, Jones stepped to the forefront in Minnesota. The veteran RB scored only 10.5 fantasy points in a messy weather game with Carson Wentz under center, but he dominated the backfield with an 80% snap share. Jones bogarted 85% of the rushing attempts, including most of the short-yardage work.

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Jones wasn't targeted in Week 2, but he remains a decent receiving option out of the backfield—and is the Vikings' passing-down RB when the backfield is healthy. Still, Jones totaled 23 rushing attempts in Week 2, which could be in the cards again in coming weeks thanks to a strong defense.

So far, the Vikings have run a slow offense with Wentz as the primary QB, but things could loosen up with Kyler Murray back under center.

  • Average play clock remaining at the snap: 6.62 seconds (26th)
  • Plays per minute: 1.9 (26th)
  • Regulation plays per game: 56.0 (26th) 

Jones has a solid schedule over the next three games, including a smash spot against the Dolphins.

Jones UPGRADES to mid-range RB2 status while Mason is out.

CAR_panthers-logo.svgChuba Hubbard | Panthers

Jonathon Brooks exited the Week 2 matchup after his pre-season groin injury flared up. The injury isn't considered long-term, but Hubbard could see a boost over the next 1-2 games. This also gives him the chance to establish a stronger grip on the backfield.

Despite the presence of Brooks, Hubbard has handled 66% of the snaps with a 56% rush share and 67% route participation rate over the first two weeks. He has averaged 19.1 PPG with a 76 Utilization Score.

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We could see Hubbard edge toward an 80% snap share if Brooks misses time. But even if his role remains close to static, his historical Utilization Score (76) comparisons have averaged 14.7 PPG, with 64% of comparisons operating as RB2s.

And the Panthers have been a good run-blocking unit through two games. Their backfield has averaged 2.32 yards before contact—the fourth-best mark in the NFL.

Hubbard has a solid schedule over the next few games based on fantasy boost to opposing RB rooms.

  • Week 3: Browns (-2.0)
  • Week 4: Lions (+5.9)
  • Week 5: Eagles (+1.8)

The Browns have been decent through two games, but the Panthers are 3-point favorites right now. Hubbard gets a potential smash matchup against the Lions, but a trailing script could hurt.

Hubbard UPGRADES to mid-range RB2 status and offers RB1 upside while Brooks is out.

PIT_steelers-logo.svgJaylen Warren | Steelers

Rico Dowdle left the Week 2 matchup due to a toe injury. He tried to return in the third quarter but only handled four touches. His status is uncertain, but should he miss time, Warren will benefit.

Last week, Warren handled a 72% snap share and took on 52% of the rushing attempts. His route share jumped from 31% in Week 1 to 59% in Week 2. For the season, he has an elite 23% TPRR and a 13% target share. Those marks match his historical profile as a strong receiving option out of the backfield.

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The depth chart behind Dowdle is thin. Eli Heidenreich was a Rookie Super Model darling, but isn't a strong bet for a large role at this point. Travis Homer could help provide relief, but Warren is the superior player.

The Steelers offensive line has not cleared the tarmac for their RBs to take off. They rank 31st in yards before contact. They average 0.23 yards (for more cool stats like this, be sure to check out Team Trends at the bottom of this article).

The schedule for Warren is the least favorable of the backs in this section, but his prowess as a receiver out of the backfield is the best.

  • Week 3: Bengals (-3.9)
  • Week 4: Browns (-2.0)
  • Week 5: Colts (+1.1)

Warren UPGRADES to low-end RB2 territory and offers mid-range RB2 upside if Dowdle misses time.


NE_patriots-logo.svg6. TreVeyon Henderson Says "I'm The Captain Now"

Rhamondre Stevenson started the game in Week 2, but fumbled on the first drive. On the next drive, Henderson ripped off a 45-yard TD run and remained in the driver's seat. 

The Year 2 RB registered a 60% snap share and took 67% of the rushing totes. He rotated with Stevenson on passing downs, but secured 67% of the short-yardage attempts.

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On the one hand, I can't say for sure that this wasn't a short-term discipline thing or a hot-hand approach after the long run. On the other hand, we can't rule out Henderson ascending to the top of the Patriots depth chart.

At a minimum, this backfield should be viewed as a close split heading into Week 3. And if we don't know what will happen, I prefer the back with league-winning upside. Henderson demonstrated that in 2026. In the seven games where he handled at least 50% of the rushing attempts, Henderson finished as the RB15, RB4, RB3, RB22, RB3, RB30, and RB11. 

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In an offense DESPERATE for a playmaker to step up, it would make sense for Henderson to see more opportunities moving forward. But hey, I said that last year and it was short-lived. I am not in charge here.

Henderson UPGRADES to the low-end RB2 tier but offers mid-range RB1 upside if he retains his Week 2 snap share.


KC_chiefs-logo.svg7. Report: Rashee Rice Scam BUSTED?!?

Rice has been a WR1 in fantasy over the last two years when healthy—thanks to target spamming on underneath targets. But after another offseason of off-field troubles and the addition of Kenneth Walker, the Chiefs offense has not relied on Rice through two games.

Rice has a lowly 11% target share through two games, while Walker is at 21%.

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While I don't think Rice will finish the year with an 11% target share, Walker's rise as an underneath option directly conflicts with Rice's role. Rice is operating slightly deeper in his routes, but still running the same route tree as in 2025, when he had a 29% target share. But the screens have shifted.

  • Average route depth: 5.3 → 8.2 yards
  • Screen Routes: 10% → 3%
  • Crossing Routes: 15% → 10%
  • Slant Routes: 8% → 9%
  • In Routes: 8% → 10%
  • Hitch Routes: 28% → 20%
  • Corner Routes: 1% → 11%
  • Post Routes: 4% → 4%
  • Go Routes: 12%  → 13%

So far in 2026, Worthy is getting the screen routes with 11%. And Walker has accounted for 3%.

Interestingly, Rice's 85% route share would be a career high if it holds. 

Also, the Chiefs have played against two man-heavy defenses in Denver and Indianapolis. They rank 7th (30%) and 10th (29%), respectively. Historically, Rice has been better against zone than man. Last year, he had a 31% TPRR against zone and 21% versus man.

Travis Kelce is playing well to start the season with a 25% target share, which doesn't feel sustainable at the age of 36. If Kelce fades, that would also open up opportunities for Rice underneath.

The truth probably lies somewhere between the start of this year and his 29% target share last season. He'll still have his games, but the week-in-and-week-out high target shares are in jeopardy.

Rice DOWNGRADES to low-end WR2 territory. The start isn't great, but there is room to turn things around.


8. 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.

TB_buccaneers-logo.svgBucky Irving | RB | Buccaneers

Irving has a 90 Utilization Score through two games—the sixth-highest score for an RB. He is dominating the backfield with a 70% snap share, 69% attempt share, 60% route share, and an 18% target share.

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Despite the arrival of receiving specialist Kenneth Gainwell, Irving has been the clear passing-down option. Even, outdoing Gainwell in the two-minute offense.

And with Sean Tucker as a non-factor, Irving is getting the short-down-and-distance snaps (70%), which correlates highly with opportunities inside the five-yard line.

That is the magic formula in fantasy: receiving and TD opportunities from close.

While Irving won't be easy to pry away from your leaguemate thanks to 16.7 points per game, his ceiling is much higher if the role holds. Historically, RBs with a 90 Utilization Score have averaged 18.7 PPG, with 85% notching top-12 RB campaigns.

  • RB1 to RB6 seasons: 47%
  • RB7 to RB12 seasons: 38%
  • RB13 to RB18 seasons: 15%

Irving UPGRADES to high-end RB2 territory and offers high-end RB1 upside—he is a BUY-HIGH candidate.

DAL_cowboys-logo.svgGeorge Pickens | WR | Cowboys

Pickens has averaged only 7.9 PPG over the first two weeks. This one is really straightforward: He is still in a full-time role in one of the best passing offenses in the NFL. He has an 85% route share and a 23% target share. 

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 His seven targets per game rank 22nd, and his 93 air yards per game rank 19th. In a high-powered offense, those are high enough, and we haven't seen an endzone target yet. Pickens ranked No. 4 last year with one per game.

CeeDee Lamb gets the more favorable deployment, with more slot reps (24% vs 4%) and motion at the snap (17% vs 2%), but Pickens overcame those obstacles last season. He averaged 16.7 PPG in 11 healthy contests with Lamb in 2025.

Pickens is HOLDING STEADY as a borderline WR1 and is a BUY-LOW option.

GB_packers-logo.svgTucker Kraft | TE | Packers

Kraft saw his target share drop from 15% to 11% from Week 1 to Week 2, but his route participation rate surged from 48% to 91%.

That may have been partially driven by the injury to Jayden Reed (back), who could miss time in the coming weeks.

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But it also could be tied to Kraft getting healthy after a midseason ACL injury in 2025. The Packers alluded to a snap count early in the season for Kraft, but training camp reports were excellent. 

Jonnu Smith, who is the TE2, actually saw a reduction in route share in Week 2, dropping from 37% to 9%. The Packers used 12 personnel on 31% of plays in Week 1 and 30% in Week 2. While it is a small sample, those two data points don't align with more routes due to the Reed injury.

If there is a route concern with Kraft, it ties to the Packers' porous offensive line. They have allowed the fifth-highest pressure rate (44%) and lost starting tackle Zach Bako-Bewele to a knee injury that will likely end his season. Starting guard Aaron Banks also left the game with a toe injury.

Kraft is HOLDING STEADY as a mid-range TE1 with high-end TE1 upside. He is a BUY-LOW or HOLD candidate. Don't SELL LOW.


9. Utilization Score Overperformers

WAS_commanders-logo.svgStefon Diggs | WR | Commanders

Stefon Diggs | WR | Commanders

Diggs has scored 15.5 and 21.7 points over the first two games. He is playing a favorable role from the slot (64%) with an 8.7 average route depth. But his route participation rate is a concern, which dropped from 66% to 52% from Week 1 to Week 2.

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And it wasn't due to the last drive, where many of the Commanders' starting WRs did not play—Diggs' route share was 52% before that as well. Antonio Williams saw his role grow in Week 2 with his route participation climbing from 29% to 55%.

This isn't to say that Diggs won't have value the rest of the way, but it will be very hard for him to sustain his PPG. Historically, WRs with a similar Utilization Score have averaged 14.7 PPG with only 18% finishing as top-12 WRs.

  • WR1-6 seasons: 0%
  • WR7-12 seasons: 18%
  • WR13-WR24 seasons: 56%
  • WR25-36 seasons: 24%

And I am not even as bullish as the Utilization Score on Diggs. While I like him, he is not in my top-24 WRs the rest of the way. The route share is far too low in a questionable offense with Jayden Daniels (elbow) now out for Week 3 and possibly longer.

I would be willing to sell Diggs to anyone willing to pay like he is a WR2 or better. But I am holding at a WR3 price tag.


10. Waiver Wire Roundup

Alex Cupps writes a comprehensive breakdown of the best Waiver Wire Pickups & FAAB Advice for Week 3; be sure to check it out.

QB WAIVER WIRE OPTIONS FOR WEEK 3 IN FANTASY

  • Bryce Young | Panthers: Young has thrown for 361 and 287 yards over the first two games with three TDs in each. The Panthers have the highest DBOE in the NFL at 11% and could be shifting their offensive identity under Brad Idzik. Still, I can't shake the fact that Young has averaged just 202 yards per game from 2024 to 2026, with only three 300-plus yard games. Young UPGRADES to mid-range QB2 status and offers QB1 upside if we get lucky. He is available in 67% of Yahoo leagues.
     
  • Longview Players Your Leaguemates Could Cut: Kyler Murray (42%)

RB WAIVER WIRE OPTIONS FOR WEEK 3 IN FANTASY

  • Jonah Coleman | Broncos: With RJ Harvey out and J.K. Dobbins forced from Week 2 action with a hamstring injury, Coleman scored 14.8 points. He posted an elite 43% TPRR with an 11% target share. Early reports indicate Dobbins' injury isn't serious, but we have heard that before—when players leave games with an injury, their next week is often more in doubt than the coachspeak suggests. Coleman would likely split the backfield. The Round 4 NFL pick UPGRADES to RB3 territory if Dobbins is out. If Dobbins and Harvey are out, he would be in the RB2 mix. Coleman is available in 73% of Yahoo leagues.
     
  • Tank Bigsby | Eagles: Saquon Barkley left the game with a stinger and was unable to remain in the game after trying to return. The injury isn't believed to be serious, but there is a chance Barkley misses time or re-aggravates the injury. Bigsby accounted for 43% of the rushing attempts in a trailing game script against the Titans, scoring 11.8 fantasy points. Will Shipley played more due to the situation, with a 53% snap share and 57% route participation rate. This is likely a two-way committee if Barkley is out, but my bet is on Bigsby to score TDs and lead the team in rushing. Bigsby UPGRADES to high-end RB3 territory if Barkley misses time. Bigsby is available in 71% of Yahoo leagues.
     
  • Kaleb Johnson | Packers: MarShawn Lloyd fumbled in Week 2, opening the door to more playing time for Johnson, who led the team with 44% of the rushing attempts, averaging 4.0 YPC. Chris Brooks also remained involved, so Johnson shouldn't be near starting lineups, but he is a worthy RB5/6 stash option. He is available in 96% of leagues.
     
  • Alvin Kamara | Saints: Kamara played 30% of the snaps and handled 38% of the rushing attempts in his first game back. He didn't run many routes (21%) but had an elite 75% TPRR. Kamara UPGRADES to RB5 territory and is available in 71% of Yahoo leagues.
     
  • Emanuel Wilson | Seahawks: Wilson operated as the RB2 over George Holani in Week 2. Before Jadarian Price (chest) left the game, Wilson handled 37% of the rushing attempts, with Holani handling more of the routes (41% vs 9%). Price isn't expected to miss extended time, but we will need to monitor his status for Week 3. Wilson is available in 99% of Yahoo leagues and would be an RB3 if Price is out. 
     
  • Tier 1 Handcuffs: Emmett Johnson (73%), Mike Washington (57%); Ashton Jeanty briefly left the game due to the same ankle from preseason; most–cut RB in early waiver wire data.
     
  • Tier 2 Handcuffs: Keaton Mitchell (66%), Braelon Allen (84%), Brian Robinson (77%), Seth McGowan (98%)
     
  • SICKO STASHES: Nicholas Singleton (99%), Demond Claiborne (99%), Emari Demercado (98%), Will Shipley (99%)
     
  • Longview Players Your Leaguemates Could Cut: Chris Rodriguez (50%), Kaelon Black (45%) 

WR WAIVER WIRE OPTIONS FOR WEEK 3 IN FANTASY

  • Rashod Bateman | Ravens: Bateman scored 21.8 fantasy points on a 95% route share and 33% target share in Week 2 with Zay Flowers (hamstring) out. The veteran WR moved all over the formation, matching reports for him from training camp. Additionally, no one else made a splash on the depth chart, and Elijah Sarratt didn't get on the field. So, the challengers are weak until Ja'Kobi Lane (wrist) returns, which is at least three more games. Bateman UPGRADES to WR3 status in games without Flowers and is a WR5 when he returns. Available in 83% of Yahoo leagues.
     
  • Adonai Mitchell | Jets: Mitchell played a ton in Week 1, but the targets didn't come his way. In Week 2, that changed. The Year 3 WR led the team in target share (32%) and air yards (154) with a 77 Utilization Score on his way to 12.3 fantasy points. Mitchell is locked in as a top-two WR option while Omar Cooper (IR) is out. Mitchell UPGRADES to boom-bust WR4 territory and is available in 84% of Yahoo leagues.
     
  • Denzel Boston | Browns: Boston scored 20.5 points in Week 2, and his route tree diversified. He now has an 85 Utilization Score, a 22% target share, averaging 17.2 PPG. The Browns' passing game is likely to be a roller coaster, so negative regression is coming, but he might be the No. 1 option. Boston UPGRADES to borderline WR4 status and is available in 68% of Yahoo leagues.
     
  • Tre Tucker | Raiders: Tucker scored 22.9 points in Week 2, bringing his season average to 13.8 PPG. He is in a new role in 2026, shedding his downfield duds for a 9.5 average route depth (despite his misleading 16.7 aDOT) with 29% of reps coming from the slot. He will take a backseat when Brock Bowers returns, but he's the Raiders WR with the best role and could survive if they keep playing well. Tucker UPGRADES to WR5 status and is available in 71% of Yahoo leagues.
     
  • Dontayvion Wicks | Eagles: Wicks has scored 13.9 PPG over the first two games with a 64 Utilization Score. His target share of 17% isn't elite, and his route participation dipped from 91% to 65% from Week 1 to Week 2. He also has intense pressure for playing time from a Round 1 pick in Makai Lemon. Wicks is a boom-bust WR5 that is available in 72% of Yahoo leagues.
     
  • Rashid Shaheed | Seahawks: Shaheed's route participation jumped from 74% to 81% in Week 2. Cooper Kupp's fell from 78% to 52%. There is a chance Shaheed, who notched a 23% target share in Week 2, is distancing as the WR2. Shaheed is a boom-bust WR5 in a run-first offense. He is available in 60% of Yahoo leagues.
     
  • Antonio Williams | Commanders: Williams was one of the most-dropped WRs in early waiver wire data after his fantasy points dropped from 16.4 to 5.4. However, his route share grew from 29% to 55%. Williams played slightly more than Stefon Diggs. Williams is HOLDING STEADY as a WR5-6 stash option and is available in 86% of Yahoo leagues
     
  • Kalif Raymond | Bears: Raymond is benefiting from a shallow route tree behind a bad offensive line. It is hard to imagine his role continuing, with intense pressure from the Bears' early draft picks in 2025. But here we are with Raymond notching a 76% route share in Week 2, which was up from 58% in Week 1. He has a 25% target share for the season. Raymond is a WR5 option and is available in 91% of Yahoo leagues
     
  • SICKO STASHES: Tre Harris, Germie Bernard
     
  • Longview Players Your Leaguemates Could Cut: Makai Lemon (40%), KC Concepcion (31%), Jordyn Tyson (47%)

TE WAIVER WIRE OPTIONS FOR WEEK 3 IN FANTASY

  • Oronde Gadsden | Chargers: David Njoku and Charlie Kolar are on injured reserve, leaving Gadsden as the last man standing. I expect the Chargers to add help, but this development could push them to play less heavy-TE personnel and unlock more playing time for Gadsden in those sets. As a rookie, Gadsden flashed mid-range TE1 upside and might be the second-best receiving option on the team behind Ladd McConkey, who is battling a rib injury. Gadsden is available in 94% of Yahoo leagues and is a PRIORITY WAIVER WIRE TARGET if you need TE help.
     
  • Kenyon Sadiq | Jets: Role didn't expand even with Omar Cooper placed on IR. The team opted to use Isaiah Williams as the WR3 instead. Mason Taylor left the game with a thumb injury in the fourth quarter. Available in 82% of leagues.

Team Trends

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

Redzone Drive Rate vs. Touchdowns Drive Rate: Percentage of drives that reach the red zone versus how often the team is scoring a touchdown per drive. Large deltas indicate room for positive or negative regression.

  • Texans: 21% (38% vs. 17%)
  • Buccaneers: 20% (35% vs. 15%)

Dropback Over Expected (DBOE): How often teams pass the ball compared to their peers when considering the score differential. This is year-to-date data until Week 5, when we flip to the last five.

  • Panthers: 11%
  • Saints: 7%
  • Texans: 7%
  • Cowboys: 7%
  • Packers: 6%
    ___
  • Colts: -6%
  • Raiders: -6%
  • Seahawks: -10%
  • Vikings: -13%
  • Falcons: -13%

Neutral Playclock: Teams that are leaving more or less time on the play clock when the score is within three points (neutral situations). This is year-to-date data until Week 5, when we flip to the last five. The NFL average is 8.3 seconds.

  • Raiders: 11.59
  • Cowboys: 11.25
  • Saints: 10.78
  • Browns: 10.66
  • Bengals: 10.65
  • Chargers: 10.55
  • Cardinals: 10.29
    ___
  • Vikings: 6.62
  • Colts: 6.52
  • Dolphins: 5.93
  • Lions: 4.59
  • Titans: 4.52
  • Commanders: 3.36

Play action pass rate: Teams that are utilizing play action the most per dropback. This is year-to-date data until Week 5, when we flip to the last five, which adds value to WRs and TEs on a per-route basis in fantasy:

  • Bills: 47%
  • Seahawks: 35%
  • Colts: 34%
  • Lions: 33%
  • Buccaneers: 32%
  • Browns: 32%
    ___
  • Packers: 19%
  • Saints: 19%
  • Texans: 18%
  • Bengals: 16%
  • Eagles: 14%
  • Falcons: 14%

Personnel: When teams deploy more heavy personnel with extra TEs and RBs on the field, there is less target competition for the actual pass-catchers who remain on the field. For example: WRs saw a 29% boost in PPR points per route with two WRs on the field vs. three WRs over the last three seasons. This is year-to-date data until Week 5, when we flip to the last five. Game scripts can impact this data over small samples.

21 Personnel (2 RB, 1 TE, 2 WR) – large boost

  • 49ers: 41%
  • Chargers: 30%
  • Raiders: 29%
  • Seahawks: 28%
  • Dolphins: 27%

22 Personnel (2 RB, 2 TE, 1 WR) – large boost

  • Giants: 24% (1 game)
  • Raiders: 18% (21 + 22 = 47%)
  • Patriots: 13%

11 Personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WR) – negative boost

  • Buccaneers: 84%
  • Eagles: 76%
  • Texans: 73%
  • Saints: 71%

12 Personnel (1 RB, 2 TE, 2 WR) – small boost

  • Bengals: 35%
  • Bears: 35%
  • Jaguars: 32%
  • Panthers: 31%
  • Packers: 31% (Reed injury)

13 Personnel (1 RB, 3 TE, 1 WR) – large boost

  • Rams: 37% (1 game)
  • Bills: 34% (Fullback Reggie Gilliam gone)
  • Ravens: 18%
  • Bears: 18% (12 + 13 = 53%)
  • Cardinals: 15%

Offensive Lines: Pressure rates are huge for QBs. Most signal callers who are constantly harassed will struggle to find consistent fantasy value. QBs partially own pressures, so it isn't all an offensive line issue. The NFL average pressure rate is 36% over the last three seasons. Yards before contact matters for RBs. Backs who get better blocking have a better chance to thrive in fantasy.

Pressure Rate Allowed:

  • 49ers: 25%
  • Falcons: 26% (good news when they get a QB)
  • Chiefs: 29%
  • Bengals: 29%
  • Giants: 29% (1 game and played Dallas)
  • Jaguars: 30%
    ___
  • Panthers: 43%
  • Patriots: 44%
  • Ravens: 44% (lost Tyler Linderbaum)
  • Bears: 44%
  • Rams: 45% (1 game)
  • Chargers: 46% 

Average Yards Before Contact Rushing

  • Bills: 3.25
  • Bears: 2.49
  • Rams: 2.38 (1 game)
  • Panthers: 2.32
  • 49ers: 2.19
  • Giants: 2.16 (1 game)
    ___
  • Eagles: 0.89
  • Cardinals: 0.82
  • Saints: 0.73
  • Raiders: 0.52
  • Jaguars: 0.50
  • Steelers: 0.23
  • Browns: 0.18

Other O-Line Notes:

  • Packers: Zach Bako-Bewele (season-ending knee injury?), Aaron Bakns (left with a knee injury)
  • Patriots: Mike Onwenu (season-ending leg injury)

Players Mentioned in this Article

  1. Parker Washington
    ParkerWashington
    WRJACJAC
    PPG
    15.1
    Proj
    10.1
  2. Jalen Coker
    JalenCoker
    WRCARCAR
    PPG
    20.2
    Proj
    9.9
  3. ColstonLoveland
    TECHICHI
    PPG
    0.4
    Proj
    9.5
  4. Luther Burden
    LutherBurden
    WRCHICHI
    PPG
    5.9
    Proj
    9.7

Published Updated