This is the Air Yards Report Week 8! Find out which players led the week in Air Yards and how YOU should use Air Yards when determining your fantasy lineups.
What are Air Yards?
Air Yards measure how many yards the football travels past the line of scrimmage on a passing play. Some Air Yards have completed passes, and some are incomplete passes. They are not a perfect measurement of future fantasy success but a tool that we can utilize to help us make lineup decisions.
In 2022, the Air Yards receiving leaders were Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, Justin Jefferson, A.J. Brown, and Stefon Diggs. All five players finished within the top six scorers at the WR position. The only top-six WR not in the top five in Air Yards was CeeDee Lamb: he finished No. 9.
Air Yards Standouts Who Shined in Week 7
Jordan Addison | Minnesota Vikings – 99 Air Yards (14th Overall)
Jordon Addison roasted the 49ers defense this past Monday scoring 31.3 fantasy points. His best play was an interception saving reception which he turned into a 60-yard touchdown. With Justin Jefferson on injured reserved, and Addison establishing trust with Kirk Cousins, the rookie wide receiver is a solid WR2 until Jeffersons return.
George Pickens | Pittsburgh Steelers – 131 Air Yards (6th Overall)
We previously discussed how Diontae Johnson‘s return would have little effect on George Pickens and Week 7 proved that theory correct. Pickens out targeted Johnson eight to six. He also saw 72 Air Yards more than the more established veteran. Pickens emergence should continue moving forward. He is a reliable WR2/3 play.
Jakobi Meyers | Las Vegas Raiders – 135 Air Yards (5th Overall)
Jakobi Meyers saw more Air Yards than teammate Davante Adams this past week.
While Adams still has 15 more targets and 160 more Air Yards than Meyers on the season, Meyers remains a solid fantasy play. He is the clear number two behind Adams, but with Adams and Meyers soaking up most of the Air Yards on the Raiders, Meyers should be viewed as a high end WR3.
Players Who Disappointed but will Bounce Back
Jalin Hyatt | New York Giants – 168 Air Yards (2nd Overall)
Rookie Jalin Hyatt has been seeing an increase in snaps with the Giants offense. He has now seen at least four targets in the past two games. Last week, he saw his first game with over 100 Air Yards. Look for a Giants team desperate for offensive production continue to look for Hyatt deep. He remains a player to stash that could developed into a late season league winner.
Amari Cooper | Cleveland Browns – 123 Air Yards (8th Overall)
Amari Cooper got lost in Deshaun Watson‘s shoulder shenanigans last week.
Despite seeing eight targets, he was only able to muster two receptions for 22 yards. Cooper has seen 100 Air Yards in P.J. Walker‘s two games. This trend should continue, and Cooper should be trusted as a WR2.
Jameson Williams | Detroit Lions – 143 Air Yards (4th Overall)
Jameson Williams posted a dreaded doughnut, scoring zero fantasy points last week. He failed to corral any of his six targets. Regardless, as a former first round pick, the Lions will likely continue to give Williams a chance to make plays. It is too early in his NFL career to determine if his Air Yards are Prayer Yards. However, even if they are, he is bound to catch a deep pass, similar to Week 6, soon.
