When it comes to fantasy football, understanding player utilization within their respective offenses is crucial. After all, opportunity is the key driver of fantasy production. While talent is undeniably important, it can only take a player so far. If a player is relegated to a secondary role, their ability to rack up fantasy points diminishes significantly. This is a simple yet often overlooked truth in the world of fantasy sports.
For many NFL fans and fantasy players, diving deep into player usage data can feel overwhelming and time-consuming. But fear not! We’re here to simplify that process for you. With the Sporting News Usage Report, we’ll dissect some of the most significant trends in player usage and how these trends can impact their fantasy values.
Week 12 fantasy football rankings
QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | D/ST | Kickers
Biggest running back utilization trends in Week 11
Denver Broncos running backs
| Denver Broncos: Week 11 Utilization | ||||||||
| Name | Team | Snap Share | Rush Attempt Share | Route Participation | Target Share | Goal Line Rush Share | 3rd Down Snap Share | 2 Minute Drill Snap Share |
| Javonte Williams | DEN | 57% | 35% | 31% | 15% | 0% | 55% | 63% |
| Audric Estime | DEN | 20% | 23% | 11% | 9% | 0% | 18% | 0% |
| Jaleel McLaughlin | DEN | 13% | 15% | 6% | 0% | 0% | 0% | 13% |
Sean Payton is back at it, creating confusion around the usage of his running backs. After naming Audric Estime the lead back in Week 10, Payton hinted that the rookie would continue to get significant reps. However, the reality was that Javonte Williams dominated the backfield in all relevant metrics. This inconsistency makes it challenging for fantasy managers to rely on any of the Denver backs moving forward. Until their roles stabilize, it might be best to keep them on your bench or even consider the waiver wire.
Aaron Jones, Minnesota Vikings
| Minnesota Vikings: Week 11 Utilization | ||||||||
| Name | Team | Snap Share | Rush Attempt Share | Route Participation | Target Share | Goal Line Rush Share | 3rd Down Snap Share | 2 Minute Drill Snap Share |
| Aaron Jones | MIN | 55% | 46% | 35% | 3% | 50% | 43% | 57% |
| Cam Akers | MIN | 37% | 30% | 27% | 6% | 0% | 21% | 43% |
Aaron Jones has been a workhorse for the Vikings, playing over 70 percent of snaps until Week 11, when he dropped below 60 percent for the first time since Week 2. This change raises eyebrows, especially since the coaching staff had previously indicated they would utilize multiple backs. With Cam Akers now in the mix, Jones remains an RB2 in fantasy, but managers are hoping for a return to his efficient self as the season progresses.
Brian Robinson Jr., Washington Commanders
| Washington Commanders: Week 11 Utilization | ||||||||
| Name | Team | Snap Share | Rush Attempt Share | Route Participation | Target Share | Goal Line Rush Share | 3rd Down Snap Share | 2 Minute Drill Snap Share |
| Brian Robinson | WAS | 54% | 57% | 26% | 3% | 100% | 25% | 10% |
| Austin Ekeler | WAS | 52% | 7% | 56% | 28% | 0% | 67% | 30% |
With Austin Ekeler performing at an elite level, it’s tough for Brian Robinson to command a larger share of the workload. Robinson’s value hinges on his goal-line role, and he’ll need favorable game scripts to push for more snaps. For now, he’s more of an RB2 option for fantasy managers.
James Cook, Buffalo Bills
| Buffalo Bills: Week 11 Utilization | ||||||||
| Name | Team | Snap Share | Rush Attempt Share | Route Participation | Target Share | Goal Line Rush Share | 3rd Down Snap Share | 2 Minute Drill Snap Share |
| James Cook | BUF | 38% | 29% | 27% | 15% | 100% | 7% | 0% |
| Ray Davis | BUF | 23% | 16% | 13% | 0% | 0% | 13% | 17% |
| Ty Johnson | BUF | 42% | 16% | 29% | 3% | 0% | 80% | 83% |
James Cook has struggled to maintain his snap share, dropping below 45 percent for the first time this season. While this might raise concerns, he remains a solid RB2 option. Fantasy managers should keep an eye on his usage trends to see if this is a sign of things to come or just a one-off situation.
Biggest wide receiver and tight end utilization trends in Week 11
Jaylen Waddle, Miami Dolphins
| Miami Dolphins: Week 11 Utilization | |||||||||||
| Name | Team | Position | Route Participation | Target Share | Targets per Route Run | aDOT | Air Yards Share | Endzone Targets | Wide Rate | Slot Rate | Inline Rate |
| Tyreek Hill | MIA | WR | 74% | 22% | 0.29 | 8.6 | 34% | 2 | 61% | 39% | 0% |
| Jaylen Waddle | MIA | WR | 74% | 8% | 0.11 | 9.3 | 14% | 0 | 64% | 36% | 0% |
| Odell Beckham | MIA | WR | 37% | 11% | 0.29 | 9 | 18% | 1 | 64% | 36% | 0% |
| Jonnu Smith | MIA | TE | 87% | 19% | 0.21 | 8.1 | 28% | 2 | 27% | 49% | 18% |
What’s going on with Jaylen Waddle? This season has been a struggle for him, as he has found himself fourth in the target hierarchy for the Dolphins. With a target share of just 14.8 percent, fantasy managers are left scratching their heads. The emergence of Jonnu Smith has further diminished Waddle’s value, as tight ends have seen a significant increase in target share this season. Until Smith cools off, Waddle’s fantasy outlook remains bleak.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Seattle Seahawks
| Seattle Seahawks: Week 11 Utilization | |||||||||||
| Name | Team | Position | Route Participation | Target Share | Targets per Route Run | aDOT | Air Yards Share | Endzone Targets | Wide Rate | Slot Rate | Inline Rate |
| DK Metcalf | SEA | WR | 92% | 28% | 0.26 | 12.1 | 42% | 0 | 97% | 3% | 0% |
| Jaxon Smith-Njigba | SEA | WR | 87% | 34% | 0.33 | 8.5 | 36% | 0 | 21% | 79% | 0% |
| Tyler Lockett | SEA | WR | 87% | 9% | 0.09 | 13.7 | 16% | 0 | 70% | 30% | 0% |
| AJ Barner | SEA | TE | 82% | 13% | 0.13 | 7.3 | 11% | 0 | 7% | 48% | 45% |
After an explosive Week 10, Jaxon Smith-Njigba faced questions about his role with DK Metcalf back in the lineup. Although he returned to a more familiar role with an 8.5-yard aDOT, he was still targeted on a remarkable 33 percent of his routes. This suggests he’s becoming a more integral part of the offense, making him a valuable asset in PPR leagues moving forward.
DeAndre Hopkins, Kansas City Chiefs
| Kansas City Chiefs: Week 11 Utilization | |||||||||||
| Name | Team | Position | Route Participation | Target Share | Targets per Route Run | aDOT | Air Yards Share | Endzone Targets | Wide Rate | Slot Rate | Inline Rate |
| DeAndre Hopkins | KC | WR | 51% | 12% | 0.22 | 12.5 | 23% | 0 | 78% | 22% | 0% |
| Xavier Worthy | KC | WR | 71% | 15% | 0.2 | 14.2 | 32% | 0 | 68% | 28% | 0% |
| Justin Watson | KC | WR | 43% | 6% | 0.13 | 13 | 12% | 0 | 47% | 47% | 7% |
| JuJu Smith-Schuster | KC | WR | 29% | 3% | 0.1 | -5 | -2% | 0 | 70% | 30% | 0% |
| Travis Kelce | KC | TE | 69% | 12% | 0.17 | 10.5 | 19% | 0 | 33% | 42% | 25% |
In his fourth game with the Chiefs, DeAndre Hopkins has yet to meet the lofty expectations set by fantasy managers. His route participation dipped to just 51 percent with JuJu Smith-Schuster back in the mix. With such limited involvement, it’s tough to see how Hopkins can produce meaningful fantasy points. Unless his role changes, he may only serve as a touchdown lottery ticket moving forward.
Green Bay Packers wide receivers
| Green Bay Packers: Week 11 Utilization | |||||||||||
| Name | Team | Position | Route Participation | Target Share | Targets per Route Run | aDOT | Air Yards Share | Endzone Targets | Wide Rate | Slot Rate | Inline Rate |
| Jayden Reed | GB | WR | 60% | 12% | 0.17 | 6.5 | 9% | 1 | 8% | 92% | 0% |
| Romeo Doubs | GB | WR | 80% | 12% | 0.13 | 11.5 | 16% | 0 | 94% | 6% | 0% |
| Christian Watson | GB | WR | 70% | 24% | 0.29 | 27 | 76% | 0 | 71% | 29% | 0% |
| Dontayvion Wicks | GB | WR | 30% | 6% | 0.17 | 4 | 3% | 0 | 83% | 17% | 0% |
| Tucker Kraft | GB | TE | 85% | 6% | 0.06 | 6 | 4% | 0 | 6% | 29% | 65% |
The Green Bay Packers have been rotating their receivers heavily, but we’re starting to see some stability among a few key players. Christian Watson’s route participation finally crested 70 percent, and he made the most of his opportunity with a stellar 150-yard performance. If he can maintain this role, he could be a high-upside Flex play for the rest of the season. Meanwhile, Dontayvion Wicks has struggled, which could solidify Watson’s position as the primary WR3.
Understanding player utilization is vital in fantasy football. By keeping an eye on these trends, you can make informed decisions that can lead your team to victory. So, stay engaged, monitor the usage reports, and make those strategic moves to boost your fantasy roster!
