Title: NFL 2023 Season: Play Counts Impacting Fantasy Football and Players to Watch
Word Count: 400
In the ongoing NFL 2023 season, it has become evident that play counts can significantly influence fantasy football performance. Out of the 32 teams, a mere 16 are averaging between 58-68 plays per game, marking a decline from the previous season where 30 teams fell within this range, showcasing a decrease in overall offensive efficiency.
The Los Angeles Rams, Cleveland Browns, and Houston Texans stand out as teams that have been running more than 75 plays per game, suggesting potential opportunities for fantasy points. On the other hand, the New York Jets and Las Vegas Raiders have been struggling to reach even 50 plays per game, a concerning trend for players on those teams.
The impact of play counts on fantasy performance can be attributed to the fact that players on teams with low volume games may not receive as many targets. For instance, a 20% target share on the high-volume Rams or Texans holds more value than a 30% target share on the low-volume Raiders or Jets.
Among the teams with high pass volume are the Minnesota Vikings. This can be attributed to their lackluster defense and a weak running game, prompting them to rely more heavily on their passing attack. Consequently, players like Justin Jefferson, T.J. Hockenson, Jordan Addison, and K.J. Osborn gain attention as potential fantasy standouts.
At present, Osborn seems to be the more relevant player in terms of target share and playing time compared to his counterparts. However, Addison has shown promise and potential, with the likelihood of becoming a must-start wide receiver.
Observing key statistics becomes crucial in making informed fantasy football decisions. Knowing that Kadarius Toney only ran 19 routes last week, George Pickens’ average depth of target declined in the absence of Diontae Johnson, and Nico Collins is targeted on 26% of his routes can help fantasy enthusiasts make strategic choices.
Additionally, noteworthy matchups to monitor include Mike Williams against the Minnesota Vikings, Garrett Wilson against the New England Patriots, Marquise Brown against the Dallas Cowboys, and George Pickens against the Las Vegas Raiders.
For individuals seeking potential waiver wire additions, Josh Reynolds, Nathaniel Dell, and Adam Thielen stand out as viable options. Furthermore, Quentin Johnston emerges as a potential stash candidate with his promising prospects in a high-powered offense.
In terms of daily fantasy sports (DFS) considerations, Justin Jefferson positions himself as a top play due to his consistent performance. Conversely, Courtland Sutton could be an interesting contrarian choice given his potential in a favorable matchup.
Finally, for those interested in Heath’s projections for Week 3, detailed information can be found on SportsLine, aiding fantasy football enthusiasts in making well-informed decisions.
Whether it’s analyzing play counts, targeting players, or considering matchups, staying updated with these crucial factors remains instrumental in navigating the unpredictable world of fantasy football.
