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Edward DeLauter

Fantasy Football Analyst
@FF_Litigator

Ed DeLauter is a fantasy football analyst who has played fantasy football for just shy of 20 years. He joined PlayerProfiler as a writer in 2017 and has written on a multitude of subjects. Ed’s exposure to fantasy is thoroughly diversified as he enjoys both writing about, and playing in DFS, dynasty, IDP, and redraft formats. This experience allows Ed to write about a plethora of topics and provide insight and advice on a multitude of subjects. It is this experience that makes Ed an fantasy football expert.

Always looking to learn through his analysis, Ed’s goal with every article is to present PlayerProfiler’s analytical data and metrics in an easy-to-understand format so that you can excel in your fantasy league. Ed has also appeared frequently on the Writer’s Roundtable to share his love of Gabe Davis much to the chagrin of the hosts, Matt Babich and Seth Diewold. They invite Ed back anyway to share his experience as a fantasy football expert with the PlayerProfiler community of fantasy gamers. Ed also shares his thoughts on Twitter in addition to the articles he writes at PlayerProfiler. You can find Ed on Twitter @FF_Litigator to gain all on his fantasy football insights and expertise!

Articles

Air Yards Value Index - An Introduction | Fantasy Football 2023

by Edward DeLauter
The Air Yards Value Index will return for its fourth season. While we eagerly await week one data, this article will serve as a bit of an explainer for those that are new to this weekly series. First, we'll discuss Air Yards and Why They Matter. Next, we'll discuss how we create the Air Yards Value Score. Finally, we'll discuss why not all Air Yards should be treated the same way.
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Post-Combine Rookie Rankings Update!

by Edward DeLauter
PlayerProfiler's dynasty rookie rankings are updated, and they account for the results of the 2023 NFL Combine. The dynasty rookie rankings feature the top dynasty assets of the 2023 rookie class and assigns each player with a lifetime value rating, generated by PlayerProfiler's proprietary lifetime value engine, which estimates future fantasy output based on age, near-term player projections, and long-term positional production trends for dynasty league football.
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Dynasty Rookie Redraft: 2018

by Edward DeLauter
As dynasty players move closer to the 2023 rookie draft in their leagues, it's important to remember the results of prior rookie drafts. This helps maintain reasonable expectations among rookie hype.  It also provides a valuable history lesson for those new to dynasty leagues. This article focuses on redrafting the 2018 rookie class. How does the 2018 rookie class compare with the 2023 rookie class?
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Dynasty Offseason: Part One | Laying the Foundation

by Edward DeLauter
Welcome to February, but as we all know dynasty football has no offseason. What exactly are dynasty gamers supposed to do during the months leading up to the NFL combine? How should dynasty gamers maximize a team's potential, and how should we be thinking about roster construction?
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Wild Card Showdown: Dolphins vs. Bills

by Edward DeLauter
The point spread is heavily impacted by Skylar Thompson making the start. The Dolphins have scored 16, and 11, points in Thompson's prior two starts and have scored only 21 points in games in which he has thrown more than five times. Will it be different this time around? Or will the Bills advance to the next round of the NFL Playoffs?
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Air Yards DFS Value Index Week 18

by Edward DeLauter
With the regular season almost in the books, how can fantasy gamers capitalize on a beatable DFS market? Which players provide the most value according to the DFS Value Index in Week 18?
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Air Yards DFS Value Index Week 17

by Edward DeLauter
This is the Air Yards DFS Value Index for Week 17! The goal of the Air Yards DFS Value Index is to determine the best “bang for your buck” in daily fantasy. Which players provide the most value this week in DFS?
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Air Yards DFS Value Index Week 16

by Edward DeLauter
When entering DFS tournaments knowing which players are receiving the most Air Yards is a crucial metric. Which players could command the most volume on the slate this week and turn your DFS entries into cash?!
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Air Yards DFS Value Index Week 15

by Edward DeLauter
The notion that the highest priced player on the slate is a value sounds absurd on the surface. However, Davante Adams has crested 119 Air Yards in five out of his past six games and is averaging almost 150 Air Yards during this same time frame. Additionally, he has seen double digit targets in every game since week nine. This has resulted in four finishes as the WR6 or better. Adams is coming off a game in which he "disappointed" with only 10.1 fantasy points.  This week he can very easily do what Justin Jefferson did to the Patriots in week 12 and finish as the WR1 in fantasy on the week. Like a phoenix Drake London rises from the... ok I'll pump the brakes on this one because the the Falcons are still projected to be a uber run heavy offense even with newly installed rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder. However it is exciting to get excited about London! He last saw 12 targets and 196 Air Yards in week 13. It's fun to think that this was a preview of what his post bye week rookie bump is going to look like. While Arthur Smith has destroyed the souls of fantasy gamers all season, I would be interested in having lots of exposure to London in DFS this week in the hopes his rookie season rises from the ashes of Arthur Smith's prior play calling.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index Week 14

by Edward DeLauter
Amari Cooper disappointed last week despite the highly anticipated return of Deshaun Watson. He posted only eight fantasy points on nine targets. However he led the Browns with 96 Air Yards.  He is clearly Watson's primary pass catcher in this offense.  Look for Amari to bounce back this week against the Bengals. He can be rostered confidently in all formats. D.J. Moore returns from bye as the Air Yards value play of the week! Perhaps the fourth time is a charm as Moore scored a season high 20.3 with the Panthers utilizing, Sam Darnold, their fourth quarterback this season. Since the trade of Christian McCaffrey, Moore is the focal point of the Panthers offense and sports a league leading 44.6-percent Air Yards share. Play him in all lineups this week.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index Week 13

by Edward DeLauter
Amari Cooper is this week's Air Yards value play! Cooper has exceeded expectations this season finishing as a weekly WR1 almost 50-percent of the weeks in which he plays. He has seen 573 Air Yards through his past four games after seeing 245 Air Yards last week. While Deshaun Watson will be taking over for Jacoby Brissett as quarterback after returning from his suspension, Cooper's stranglehold on the Browns' receiving game should not be affected. Fire up Cooper without hesitation in DFS this week.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index Week 12

by Edward DeLauter
Gabriel Davis has averaged over 100 Air Yards and 7 targets the past four weeks. How a wide receiver ranked inside the top 25 scorers at the position in fantasy points per game is priced below $5,500 is unknown to me. He is also playing in a game with the highest projected point total not just on the Thanksgiving slate but on the entire week. If you loved Will Fuller on Thanksgiving two years ago against the Lions when he scored 35 plus fantasy points in Detroit, you are going to love Gabe Davis like your favorite pie. Get him in every lineup on Thanksgiving!
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Air Yards DFS Value Index Week 11

by Edward DeLauter
After melting faces and averaging over 23 fantasy points per game in weeks seven, and eight, D.J. Moore has crashed down to earth unable to eclipse seven fantasy points per game the past two weeks. The return of Baker Mayfield under center for the Panthers only adds to the gloom and doom of D.J. Moore's fantasy prospects. Once a chalky play on the slate, Moore is perhaps the most intriguing contrarian play of the week against a Ravens secondary that has been exploitable at times this season. I would consider some tournament exposure. Mack Hollins took on a greater role in the Raiders offense last week with Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller placed on injured reserve. Hollins saw 140 Air Yards and six targets. However he only scored 3.8 fantasy points. The average depth of target remains high a 15.4 yards (no. 5). However, the increase in targets adds a bit more sturdiness to his fantasy floor. He is a recommended play in all formats.
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Week 10 Air Yards DFS Value Index

by Edward DeLauter
Amari Cooper returns from a bye week as the undisputed target hog on the Browns. He has topped 100 Air Yards in three of his past four games including a 126 Air Yards showing in Week 8 in which he finished as the WR7. Look for Cooper to continue his fantasy dominance against an exploitable Dolphins secondary this week.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index Week 9

by Edward DeLauter
D.J. Moore has graduated to the paying up section after two consecutive face melting performances as the Panthers primary offensive weapon. He has seen double digit targets in back-to-back weeks and saw 250 Air Yards last week which included this dope pass from P.J. Walker. Look for D.J. Moore to continue on this trend against Eli Apple and the Bengals in week nine. This is likely the last time he is priced below $6,000, get him in your cash lineup while you can, although he may be too chalky for tournaments. For the second consecutive week Darnell Moony is the top Air Yards Value play. He finished last week with 12 fantasy points securing five receptions for 70 yards. Mooney posted these numbers despite seeing a season low 28 Air Yards, a figure that will likely increase to his season average of 70.9 this week. He remains an intriguing play in all formats heading into a potential barnburner against the Dolphins.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index Week 8

by Edward DeLauter
Chris Olave, the Air Yards king, returns to the main slate this week. He impressively is the Air Yards triple crown leader currently ranked first in all major Air Yards related categories. He is a must play in all formats regardless of who is starting at quarterback for the Saints this week and whether Michael Thomas and/or Jarvis Landry are active. Darnell Mooney's fantasy's relevance has been inextricably tied to Justin Fields passing attempts. With Fields passing the football at least 20 times a game from week four onward, Mooney has averaged 99 Air Yards per game, and seen at least five targets in each outing. He is an absolute cash game value this week against the Cowboys and has the chance to go off for over 100 Yards and a touchdown. Mooney needs to be roster in all formats. 
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Air Yards DFS Value Index Week 7

by Edward DeLauter
Tyler Lockett returns to the Paying Up section again this week after posting a dud performance last week scoring only 3.7 fantasy points against the Arizona Cardinals. Despite his poor performance Lockett saw 79 Air Yards and is essentially seeing the same opportunities in the Seahawks' passing game as D.K. Metcalf. Lockett has five more Air Yards than Metcalf on the season despite seeing five fewer targets. Priced at $800 less than Metcalf, Lockett is the preferred value play in a game against the Chargers that has the potential of being the highest-scoring game on the slate.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 6

by Edward DeLauter
After a Week 4 dud in which Amari Cooper saw only four targets and scoured 1.9 fantasy points, Cooper reasserted himself as THE passing attack for the Browns in Week 5. Cooper saw 12 targets and 137 Air Yards in Week 5 and finished as the WR11 on the week. Cooper is in line to again be the focal point of the Brown passing offense. However, he is set to face a stout Patriots secondary. With this matchup unlikely to shoot out, Cooper is likely best viewed as a value-based cash game option.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 5

by Edward DeLauter
Chris Olave saw over 100 Air Yards for the third consecutive week and continues to break the value index. Olave was the Saints leading receiver with with Michael Thomas hobbled by a toe injury seeing seven targets. Olave leads the league in both Air Yards and Unrealized Air Yards meaning that no matter who is throwing him the football, be it Jameis Winston, or Andy Dalton, he is going to have slate breaking potential. Olave has not reached his ceiling and is in a great spot to finally do so this week against a Seahawks secondary that was recently lit up the Detroit Lions. Olave is a must play wide receiver in all formats at his cost. George Pickens led the Steelers with 157 Air Yards last week and is only three Air Yards behind Dionte Johnson for the season leader in Air Yards among Steelers. Pickens will likely soon be the leader among Steelers wide receivers in Air Yards with Kenny Pickett now at quarterback. Pickett had more Deep Ball Attempts in his 13 pass attempts (4) than Mitch Trubisky had all season (1). Pickens has massive blow up potential entering week five and is a great play in all formats.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 4

by Edward DeLauter
Amari Cooper is looking like his old self again. After being out targeted by Donovan Peoples-Jones 11 to 6 in week one, Cooper has regained his anticipated stranglehold on the Browns passing attack. Cooper has seen double digit targets, and over 120 Air Yards each of the past two weeks.  Look for Cooper to continue his dominance this week against Falcons. Marvin Jones continues to pace the Jaguars in Air Yards. While he has been outscored in fantasy points by both Christian Kirk and Zay Jones, Marvin Jones remains the Jaguars preferred downfield target with an average target distance of 14.3 yards. If Trevor Lawrence is forced to air it out with the Jaguars going against an explosive Eagles offense, look for him to try to find Marvin Jones for a long touchdown.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 3

by Edward DeLauter
Stefon Diggs melted faces on Monday night torching a Titans secondary for 148 Yards on 14 targets finishing as WR1 in week 2 with 44.8 fantasy points. Diggs is the WR1 in all of fantasy and priced $2,200 less than Cooper Kupp, and has only the fifth highest salary on DraftKings.  That just does not make sense. Even if Gabriel Davis' ankle is well enough for him to return, Diggs will see plenty of opportunity to post another potential WR1 overall week against a Dolphins defense that was recently roasted by the Ravens. Chris Olave has broken the Air Yards DFS Value List! The difference between Olave's Air Yards Value Score when compared to the player second on the list is the greatest I have charted in the past three seasons I have written this article. Olave's week two Air Yards totals are gobsmackingly absurd as he amassed 278 Air Yards and has seen the most Air Yards in the NFL this year. He is a recommended play in all formats after overtaking Jarvis Landry on the Saints depth chart.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 2

by Edward DeLauter
The perpetually under valued Brandin Cooks resides on the top of the value play list, a place he may as well call home. While some fantasy prognosticators were scared off of Cooks because of a perceived poor Texans offense and the potential emergence of sleeper candidate Nico Collins, both of those narratives were laid to rest week one. Davis Mills was sufficiently average throwing the football posting a 95.2 True Passer Rating (no. 12 among quarterbacks), and Cooks handedly out-targeted Collins 12 to 3.  Cooks is a strong play in all formats. Corey Davis remained the Jets primary wide receiver target despite the off-season hype of second-year wide receiver Elijah Moore and rookie first round pick Garrett Wilson. Davis out targeted both of his teammates and was the Jets' leader in Air Yards. With Joe Flacco as his quarterback, and Davis likely seeing coverage from all-pro Denzel Ward this week, I'd shy away from exposure but if forced to play him I would reserve him as a cash play only. 
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 17

by Edward DeLauter
The Terry McLaurin contrarian play narrative continues after an underwhelming 7 fantasy point performance last week in a blow out against the Cowboys. McLaurin has still seen at least 65 Air Yards the past four games despite averaging 4.8 fantasy points per game during this time span. Something has to give. Perhaps it does this week against the Eagles. Marvin Jones and the Jaguars have an implied team point total of 13 points against a stout Patriots defense this week. He is perhaps a bit too contrarian of a play despite finishing as the WR20 last week seeing 157 Air Yards. However, at only $4,400 he makes for a low cost tournament dart though that has the peripheral stats to greatly outperform that price.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 16

by Edward DeLauter
Ladies and gentleman, through 15 weeks of the NFL season I present to you your Air Yards leader, Justin Jefferson. He also leads the league in Air Yards Share as he has been THE Vikings passing game sans Adam Thielen. He is also only 79 Unrealized Air Yards away from leading the league in this category. Jefferson is an elite triple crown contender in all things Air Yards. Even with Thielen looking like he will return this week, the Jefferson airplane is already at Mach 5 and gaining speed. Emmanuel Sanders appears to be the last man standing after both Cole Beasley and the intriguing Gabriel Davis were ruled out of this week's game against the Patriots with COVID-19. Assuming Sanders is back at full health, he should have no issue seeing boom-or-bust downfield targets from Josh Allen. He should be someone you want exposure to in tournaments.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 15

by Edward DeLauter
D.J. Moore has averaged almost 15.0 Fantasy Points Per Game since Cam Newton's return as starter. He is the primary option for Carolina to move the ball in the passing game and has not yet hit his ceiling as he is seeing at least seven targets per game and is averaging over 100 Air Yards the past three weeks. Moore, even against a tough Buffalo secondary should find himself on your roster regardless of format. Michael Gallup squeezes onto the list again this week in favor of an uninspiring Tim Patrick (DK: $4,500). He simply has more upside and needs to be mentioned. Gallup was a big play away last week from a huge fantasy day, and is averaging 109 Air Yards over the past four games. His floor during this time has been a respectable 12.65 fantasy points. The boom week is coming. You have been placed on notice.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 14

by Edward DeLauter
Terry McLaurin has now made the Paying Up section for two consecutive weeks. He has failed to score double digit fantasy points the past two weeks but should be able to rebound against an all or nothing Cowboys secondary. This game has shootout potential and McLaurin should be rostered everywhere, especially in tournament play. Courtland Sutton showed some signs of life last week, cresting 100 Air Yards for the first time since Jerry Jeudy's return to the lineup. However, he translated this opportunity into only 3.5 fantasy points, his worst weekly fantasy finish of the season. Sutton remains a full blown dart throw heading into Week 14, even with the Broncos facing an exploitable Lions secondary.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 13

by Edward DeLauter
Terry McLaurin makes his season debut on the Air Yards Value Index. He is coming off a game where he failed to crest double digit fantasy points against a exploitable Seattle secondary. While his matchup this week against the Raiders is less appealing, McLaurin should continue to see copious volume in Washington's offense. He is averaging 111 Air Yards on the season and is tops in the league in Air Yards Share. Marvin Jones hasn't posted more than double digits fantasy points since Week 6 when he finished as the WR9 posting 23 fantasy points. However he has averaged over 6 targets per game and seen at least 50 Air Yards per game since this time. With the Jaguars likely playing catchup against a high powered Ram offense, Jones makes for a great run-back option in Week 13 if you are stacking Rams in your tournament lineup.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 12

by Edward DeLauter
Devonta Smith cooled off last week posting only 10.1 fantasy points against Marshon Lattimore and the Saints. However, Smith has averaged 14.5 Fantasy Points Per Game over the past four weeks. Up against another top corner in James Bradberry, Smith may find it difficult to post more the 20 FPPG like he did in Weeks 9 and 10, however his floor remains high based on his share of Air Yards in the Eagles offense. He is a recommended play in all formats. Courtland Sutton's vanishing act since Jerry Jeudy's return is outright alarming. In games that Jeudy has not played in this season, Sutton has averaged 146 Air Yards. In the games that Jeudy has played, that average plummets to 43 Air Yards. He has been outgained in Air Yards the past two games by both Tim Patrick and Jeudy. Sutton is a tournament dart throw this week.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 12 - Thanksgiving Edition

by Edward DeLauter
Darnell Mooney took full advantage of the injury related absence of Allen Robinson (DK: $5,100) in Week 11. Mooney saw a team-high 16 targets, which was one less target that everyone else on the team combined. He also saw 219 Air Yards and was able to capitalize on this immense opportunity despite only catching five passes. Mooney finished as the WR4 on the week with 23.1 fantasy points. At only $5,700, he would enter chalk play territory if Robinson is force to miss the game against Detroit and their exploitable secondary. Emmanuel Sanders posted another dud last week against the Colts scoring only 5.6 fantasy points. Considering his performance so far this season, its best to chalk up his Week 11 opportunities as a fluke. Sanders has seen 100 Air Yards or more in half of the games he played this season, and setting last weeks performance aside on the cooling rack, Sanders has seen at least 78 Air Yards per game. His 17.4 Average Target Distance will make him volatile however he should a mainstay in tournament lineups.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 11

by Edward DeLauter
Unfortunately, D.J. Moore has failed to record a double digit finish in fantasy points since this time and his red hot start to the season where he averaged over 22 fantasy points per game is looking like a mirage. But wait, that mirage in the desert may actually be the waterhole that you have been searching for. Moore is still averaging over 70 Air Yards the past four weeks and has the chance to play with potentially his most productive quarterback this season in Cam Newton. Emmanuel Sanders has underwhelmed since Buffalo's Week 7 bye averaging only 5.7 Fantasy Points Per Game in the three games after the bye. However, he is averaging almost 100 Air Yards per game since the bye and is tops in the league with a 18.3 Average Target Distance. Look for Sanders to haul in a long touchdown at some point. When he does you will want him in your tournament lineup.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 10

by Edward DeLauter
The Elijah Moore breakout is here! Moore finished as the WR1 in week nine posting seven receptions for 84 yards and two touchdowns scoring 27.4 fantasy points. Moore also led the Jets with 93 Air Yards in week nine. While the rookie's breakout may be stymied by the return of Corey Davis to the lineup, Moore remains a viable play in all formats with the hopes that he will continue to see the field and continue to see a similar Hog Rate as the aforementioned Davis. Jakobi Meyers has posted three consecutive games under double digit fantasy points and hasn't finished as a top 24 wide receiver on the week since week four. However, he continues to see significant target volume in the Patriots offense averaging 8 targets per game. Still without a touchdown on the season and an unlikely bet to score this week, Meyers remains a salary saving cash game play. 
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 9

by Edward DeLauter
D.J. Moore's fantasy season has been a a wild roller coaster. Through his first four games, Moore averaged 22.4 Fantasy Points Per Game and averaged 110.5 Air Yards per game. However, in his last four games Moore has averaged only 10.7 Fantasy Points Per Game despite averaging roughly the same, 103.5 Air Yards, on a per game basis. This recent lack of production has driven down Moore's price and he is without a doubt a buy low.  DeVonta Smith is setting up again as the contrarian play of the week. He scored only 2.5 fantasy points last week against the hapless Lions in a game where his team scored over 40 points. With key injuries to the Chargers secondary this week, Smith should be able to rebound in a game that the Eagles may be forced to throw a lot to keep up with the Chargers.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 8

by Edward DeLauter
Courtland Sutton reclaims the top spot of the Air Yards Value List after a WR31 finish against the Browns in an island game where he saw only 56 Air Yards. Now priced $200 more than when he was last on the main slate, Sutton remains a recommended play in all formats. He is set to remain the Broncos focal point on offense with Jerry Jeudy yet to practice and squares off against a exploitable Washington secondary. For the second consecutive week, Devonta Smith tops the Air Yards Value List for players priced $5,500 and under. Last week, Smith didn't live up to the hype with the Eagles offense imploding against the Raiders. He posted only 11.1 fantasy points despite seeing 108 Air Yards. This week, he has what appears to be a much easier matchup against the Lions secondary. However, the risk remains of a offensive implosion a kneecap-biting Lions squad. I'd be more apt to play Smith in cash as opposed to tournaments, but some limited exposure in GPP's may pay off nicely.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 7

by Edward DeLauter
Brandin Cooks remains the top value play of the week, a title he has held since week four. Cooks bounced back last week finishing as the WR18 on the week posting nine receptions for 89  yards on 13 targets. He saw 147 Air Yards last week and regained the league lead in Air Yards Share. At $6,000 on DraftKings, Cooks remains a value and is a recommended play in all formats. Devonta Smith disappointed in an island game last week, posting only 5.1 fantasy points in what was perceived to be a smash spot against Tampa Bay. Regardless, he still led the Eagles in Air Yards on the week and is the only Eagles receiver to post over 100 Air Yards in a week on the season. Recency bias and matchup makes Smith a great contrarian play this week against a Raiders secondary that has limited fantasy points for receivers. He is the top value play on the week and a must-start in tournament lineups.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 6

by Edward DeLauter
Brandin Cooks continues to occupy the top spot in the paying up section. Despite his season-low output in Air Yards last week, and his first instance of not leading the Texans in Air Yards on the week, Cooks remains a focal point of the offense. Squaring off against a Colts secondary that just got toasted by the similarly statured Marquise Brown, look for Cooks to bounce back big. He remains a preferred play in all formats. Henry Ruggs is quietly progressing in his second season. He averages 11.7 (No. 42) Fantasy Points Per Game and has been efficient on his opportunities, posting a +8.5 (No. 46) Production Premium. He remains the Raiders' field-stretcher, evidenced by his 18.3 (No. 3) Average Target Distance. Ruggs is THE preferred contrarian play this week in the hopes that he can get behind the Broncos secondary like he did in Week 2, where he finished as the WR9 on the week.
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Air Yards DFS Index - Week 5

by Edward DeLauter
After last week's dud performance, Brandin Cooks is now $300 cheaper on DraftKings, but still number one on the Air Yards Value List. As THE passing game on a poor Texans offense, last week's five-reception, 47-yard scoreless performance can be expected on occasion. However, he still saw 83 Air Yards on a day where Davis Mills threw only 191 Air Yards. While J.C. Jackson, and the Patriots secondary presents another tough matchup, he should be confidently inserted into lineups across all formats again this week. Courtland Sutton leads the league with 10 Deep Targets, and is currently seeing a 17.7 (No. 5 among qualified wide receivers) Average Target Distance. He also is near the league lead in Unrealized Air Yards. Regardless of whether Teddy Bridgewater or Drew Lock is throwing him the ball this week, he should be a lock for tournament lineups. He makes for a perfect contrarian play facing off against the Steelers defense.
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Air Yards DFS Index - Week 4

by Edward DeLauter
There are three certain things in life: death, taxes, and Brandin Cooks being undervalued in fantasy football. Cooks is THE passing game for the Texans amassing a league leading 57.8-percent Air Yards Share. It doesn't matter if it is Tyrod Taylor or Davis Mills throwing him the football, Cooks is seeing the volume to confidently be deployed in all DFS formats. He is currently the WR6 on the season but only priced as 16th highest receiver on DraftKings. Marquez Valdes-Scantling finally boomed in week three finishing as a top 24 WR on the week after hauling in three receptions for 59 yards and a touchdown. He may have had a bigger week if he was not forced to leave the game with a hamstring injury. Unfortunately, Valdes-Scantling's hamstring has sidelined him at practice thus far this week. Assuming he is able to go on Sunday he should still be considered a boom bust DFS option as the hamstring may hobble him
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Air Yards DFS Index - Week 3

by Edward DeLauter
Courtland Sutton exploded in Week 2, posting nine receptions for a 159 yards and finishing as the WR4 on the week. He saw 261 Air Yards, which is more than five times the amount he saw in Week 1 with Jerry Jeudy on the verge of a breakout. With Jeudy out of the lineup for the foreseeable future, Sutton is locked in as the Broncos go-to alpha receiver. At $6,00,0 he should be locked into cash lineups. However, with the Broncos and Jets unlikely to shoot out, he is best left out of your tournament lineups. Emmanuel Sanders continued to have problems connecting with Josh Allen in Week 2, catching two of his six targets for 48 scoreless yards. Regardless, Sanders remains the downfield target of choice for Allen, remaining behind only Stefon Diggs in Air Yards on the Bills. He has a tough matchup against a Washington secondary, and for that reason, he is best suited as a tournament dart-throw this week. 
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 2

by Edward DeLauter
After missing the majority of the preseason with a hand injury, D.J. Chark appeared to be the Jaguars primary passing target in Week 1, seeing 12 targets. Unfortunately, he caught three of these targets for 86 receiving yards, leaving most of his Air Yards unrealized. As Chark and rookie Trevor Lawrence are likely working through some chemistry issues, Chark remains a intriguing DFS play as he is only $100 in price away from making the value list. Anthony Schwartz split snaps with Donovan Peoples-Jones in his rookie debut, but the burner rookie out scored Peoples-Jones, amassing 11.6 fantasy points. Schwartz and his 4.32 Pro Day-adjusted 40-Yard Dash time, was the clear downfield downfield threat for the Browns last week posting a 25.2 Average Target Distance. With Odell Beckham out again this week, and Cleveland set to square off against an exploitable Houston Texans secondary, Schwartz makes for an ideal cost saving play in tournaments.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 1

by Edward DeLauter
The Air Yards leader of 2020 appears posed to repeat as the Air Yards king in 2021. Calvin Ridley enters his first NFL season without Julio Jones as his teammate, and last seasons time without Julio on the field foretells a huge fantasy season incoming. Ridley averaged 160 Air Yards in the contests the Julio did not play in 2020 and averaged over 20 fantasy points per game. Ridley should feast on Arizona's injury riddle secondary and is THE wide receiver to spend big on at Draftkings. Marvin Jones is the only wide receiver on this list to have changed teams. Moving from the top receiver on the depth chart after Kenny Golladay's injury in Detroit, to competing for targets with D.J. Chark, and Laviska Shenualt, Jones will look to establish himself in the target pecking order in Week 1. It should shock no one if Jones is the preferred downfield target of Trevor Lawrence as opposed to the more expensive D.J. Chark (DK: $5,800).
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Underworld Rookie Mock Draft #11

by Edward DeLauter
Zach Wilson is an NFL starter from day one on an ascending Jets offense supported by a revamped supporting cast featuring former first round pick Corey Davis and rookie Elijah Moore. Mac Jones has already narrowed the gap between himself and Cam Newton such that the two are reportedly in a full-blown QB competition to start training camp. It should not surprise anyone if the 2021 season ends and either Wilson or Jones are the highest valued player taken in the first round of this mock. Jacob Harris has received some buzz lately, converting from wide receiver to tight end. He makes for an intriguing dynasty practice squad stash in the event he is able to make the conversion. Another player's positional development that will be interesting to see is Demetric Felton. Cleveland's rookie running back played in both the slot and behind the line of scrimmage in college. He may have a quicker path to fantasy relevance if he converts to wide receiver.
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Meet the Metric - Opportunity Share

by Edward DeLauter
Last season, both Ronald Jones and Leonard Fournette saw roughly the same amount of snaps in the Buccaneers offense. However, Jones was the preferred fantasy option, averaging over two points more per game. His production was largely driven by seeing more than 15-percent more opportunities than Fournette. This Opportunity Share was the reason to be "on him" in 2020. What many seem to be overlooking about Joe Mixon is his opportunity monopoly on an ascending Bengals offense. Last season, he saw an 81.5-percent (No. 2 among qualified running backs) Opportunity Share during his six active games. Additionally, when he last played a full season in 2019, he saw a 77.1-percent (No. 6) Opportunity Share.
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Studs and Duds 2020 - Volume 2 - Will Fuller and Miles Sanders

by Edward DeLauter
If I were to take a lesson away from the process of drafting Will Fuller, it would be to target players in drafts where the ADP skews closer towards the bottom percentile outcome of a player. Especially when the ADP is driven down by narratives not based on numbers. Fuller's injury proneness was and continues to be overrated in fantasy. Further, his Weekly Volatility had a strong chance of changing with De'Andre Hopkins no longer in Texas. When drafting outside of round three, it is beneficial to target the players with the highest ceilings and ignore their floors. Where things went wrong was not in projecting Miles Sanders' usage and skill, but in projecting the effectiveness of the Eagles offense. Philadelphia's inability to generate offense as a result of Carson Wentz's regression as a passer, and an oft-injured offensive, line stifled any hopes of Sanders reaching his RB1 ceiling. Unable to generate consistent offense, the team zapped Sanders' upside. Facing negative Game Scripts, he scored only six (No. 25 among qualified running backs) Total Touchdowns all season.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index – Week 17

by Edward DeLauter
Calvin Ridley continues his reign as the Air Yards play if you are looking to pay up at the position. This is Ridley's sixth consecutive appearance in this article dating back to Week 12. Since then, he has failed to finish outside of the top 25 receivers in fantasy points scored each week. He has also flashed WR1 overall upside. He remains a strong play again this week. Jerry Jeudy's usage in the Broncos offense saw a huge boon last week. His Air Yards had taken a hit after the rookie wide receiver suffered an ankle injury in Week 12. He made up for his lost opportunities in Week 16, seeing 15 targets and 180 Air Yards. Unfortunately, despite this monster usage, he only finished with 12.1 (No. 35 among qualified wide receivers) fantasy points. Assuming he is fed again, look for him to straighten out the drop issues and perhaps be a week winner in DFS.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index – Week 16

by Edward DeLauter
Calvin Ridley has transformed into the Air Yards Value king over the course of the past two weeks. During this time, he has seen over 200 Air Yards and at least 12 targets in each game. He finished as the WR3 in Week 14 and the WR1 in Week 15. Somehow, despite this production, Ridley is not the highest priced receiver on the slate. Exploit this error by DraftKings and make Ridley a mainstay across all formats. Jerry Jeudy doesn't seem to be the same after suffering an ankle injury in Week 12. Since then, he has averaged under 50 Air Yards per game. Prior to week 12, he averaged over 100 Air Yards per game. On the off chance that he just needed some additional time for the ankle to get fully healthy he is worth a tournament dart throw. However, beware that his recent usage suggests a different trend for his fantasy potential.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 15

by Edward DeLauter
Last week, Calvin Ridley dispelled the notion that he lacks upside without Julio Jones in the lineup. Without Jones in Week 14, Ridley morphed into the passing game for the Falcons, seeing 12 targets and 209 Air Yards. He took this opportunity and turned it into eight receptions, 124 yards and a touchdown, good for 26.4 fantasy points, the WR3 finish on the week. He is set to face a Buccaneers secondary that has been exploitable in recent weeks. Michael Gallup garners similar opportunity to both CeeDee Lamb and Amari Cooper. However, last week Gallup led all Cowboys receivers with 81 Air Yards, more than both Lamb and Cooper combined. Despite this opportunity, he was outscored by both in fantasy points. Hopefully, he can avoid Richard Sherman in Week 15 and realize some of those Air Yards. Priced at only $3,500, he doesn't have to do much to return value.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index – Week 14

by Edward DeLauter
Calvin Ridley again appears in the Paying Up section, making it three weeks in a row. Last week against a tough Saints defense, Ridley finished as the WR24 on the week with five receptions for 108 yards. He out-gained Julio Jones in both yards and Air Yards, posting 186 Air Yards to Jones' 109 Air Yards. With Jones ruled out for Week 14's matchup against the Chargers, Ridley will look to dominate the targets and Air Yards in the Falcons passing attack. However, his ceiling is lowered without Jones on the field. A.J. Green has been left off the value list for a while now despite scoring high in the model. However, after 14 weeks, Green is finally priced at the stone cold minimum on DraftKings. While he appears to be dust at this point, he is still seeing plenty of snaps and routes in the Bengals offense. For a minimum price, he is a masochistic play if you are looking to pay up elsewhere.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index – Week 13

by Edward DeLauter
D.K. Metcalf makes his first appearance on the Air Yards Value Index after balling out in an island game on Monday night to the tune of 10 receptions for 177 yards. Metcalf saw over 207 Air Yards last week. His ascension in the Seahawks passing game is happening. However, he faces a tough projected matchup in Week 13 against the Giants and James Bradberry. It will be interesting to see if he continues to be fed the rock despite this tough matchup, or if Russell Wilson focuses his attention toward Tyler Lockett. Darius Slayton's demise post Sterling Shepard's return reached the lowest of lows last week. Slayton, despite 63 Air Yards, finished the week with zero fantasy points. With Giants backup quarterback Colt McCoy expected to start, things may not be looking up for Slayton anytime soon despite his Air Yards totals. However, with the Giants likely facing a negative Game Script against the heavily favored Seahawks, he may find himself some garbage time Air Yards and fantasy points.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 12

by Edward DeLauter
Now entering Week 12 as the league leader in Air Yards, Calvin Ridley is set to smash against the Raiders. Some DFS players may be shy to play him with Julio Jones expected to rejoin him in two-wide receiver sets. However, Ridley has exhibited a higher ceiling with Jones active, and has outscored the future Hall of Fame wide receiver in fantasy points 121.5 to 114.3 when both players are active. Jerry Jeudy finds himself at the top spot on the value list for the second consecutive week. He disappointed greatly in Week 11, posting only 6.7 fantasy points against Miami's tough secondary. More concerning though is that he only played 65.1-percent of the snaps as a result of an ankle injury. He has seen more than enough Air Yards to score plenty of fantasy points in any tough matchup, however his injury concerns add additional volatility.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 11

by Edward DeLauter
Adam Thielen is the official Air Yards value king! His presence in this section should be no surprise, having appeared here four times before. He is solidly within the top 10 at his position in both Air Yards and Air Yards Share. Coming off a week where he scored over 20 fantasy points, Thielen has a great matchup against a highly exploitable Cowboys secondary. Look for another 20-fantasy point game this week. After a breakout performance in Week 9, and a top 35 finish at the position in Week 10, Jerry Jeudy's $5,300 price on DraftKings has to be a glitch. Seeing almost 500 Air Yards over the past three games, Jeudy is the alpha wide receiver some predicted he would be around NFL Draft time. Despite a tough matchup against Miami, he can be deployed across all formats with confidence.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 10

by Edward DeLauter
Despite an Air Yards Share that is tops in the league by more than two percent, Terry McLaurin is habitually underpriced on DraftKings. While it may be his abysmal quarterback situation that is driving the price down, DFS players should continue to insert him into daily lineups regardless of who is under center for Washington. Squaring off against Detroit's horrendous passing defensive in Week 10, McLaurin is set to boom for possibly his best game all season. Since Sterling Shepard's return from injury, Darius Slayton's usage in the Giant's passing game has cratered. It reached an all-time low last week when he saw only six Air Yards. However, he maintains a high Air Yards Share as a result of being the only Giants wide receivers who can appropriately stretch the filed, evidenced by a 12.9 (No. 28 among qualified wide receivers) Average Target Distance mark. With Shepard back, Slayton is solely a tournament play who may or may not catch a deep ball.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 9

by Edward DeLauter
D.J. Moore is coming off a disappointing Week 8 performance against a highly exploitable Falcons secondary where he failed to crest double digits fantasy points. However, those disappointed with him this season need to keep the faith. The last time he appeared on this list, he exploded for 25.3 fantasy points, finishing as the WR6 in Week 7. Moore should see penalty of opportunity in a negative Game Script against the Kansas City Chiefs. Darius Slayton appears to have taken a back seat to Sterling Shepard in the Giants passing game. However, he still led the Giants with 122 Air Yards last week. Slayton previously scored 11.8 fantasy points against Washington in Week 6. With Shepard back to divert the attention of Washington's defense, he should be able to realize some more Air Yards this week.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 8

by Edward DeLauter
Marquise Brown last appeared in this article series entering Week 5. He proceeded to post his best game of the season, catching six passes for 77 yards and a touchdown. Hollywood's success is highly contingent on Lamar Jackson connecting with him on the deep ball. He's a boom and bust wide receiver that will look to catch a couple of deep balls against a Steelers defense that just got shredded by A.J. Brown. Someone get Darnell Mooney a quarterback! The precocious rookie wide receiver is No. 7 among all qualified wide receiver in Unrealized Air Yards. He has just missed several big plays in the receiving game, including a would-be 96 yard touchdown last week. With Allen Robinson looking unlikely to play, Mooney will be the de facto WR1 for Chicago in Week 8 against the Saints. With even more opportunity likely headed his way, Mooney should finally realize some Air Yards.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 7

by Edward DeLauter
Despite a pretty solid game against James Bradberry and the Giants, DraftKings added only $100 to Terry McLaurin's salary. He remains modestly priced heading into a matchup against a terrible Cowboys defense. McLaurin is the only wide receiver of relevance in Washington's passing game, amassing a 44.2-percent (No. 2 among qualified wide receivers) Air Yards Share. While he has yet to convert this opportunity into consistent WR1 production, he is set to explode in Week 7. Marquez Valdes-Scantling is the clear number two option in the Packers passing game behind Davante Adams. However, he has seen more Air Yards in the two full games the receivers have played together thus far this season. With an 18.9 (No. 2) Average Target Distance mark and 12 (No. 5) Deep Targets, Valdes-Scantling is the go-to receiver for the bulk of Aaron Rodgers' downfield bombs. He is bound to find the ball in his hands at some point, and he will win someone a GPP when he does.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 6

by Edward DeLauter
A familiar face tops the list as this week's Air Yards ultimate value. We've discussed Adam Thielen twice before in this series. He remains the passing game in Minnesota despite the Justin Jefferson's emergence. Thielen has cleared 100 Air Yards each week this season, finishing with over 25 fantasy points in each of the past two weeks. Facing the Falcons in Week 6, Thielen has a great matchup to exploit and has the opportunity to finish as the WR1 on the week. With D.J. Chark trending towards being out, Chris Conley will look to take over as the field-stretching target for the Jaguars in Week 6. The last time Chark missed time, Conley saw over 160 Air Yards. However, he failed to realize any of the opportunity, posting only 6.4 (No. 66) fantasy points in Week 3 against the Dolphins. In a potential shootout with the Lions in Week 6, Conley has a chance to be on the lucky side of variance and finally realize some Air Yards.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 5

by Edward DeLauter
Calvin Ridley leads the entire league with 640 Air Yards, over 120 more than than the receiver who is second on the list. Additionally, Ridley is also near the top of the league with 362 (No. 2 among qualified wide receivers) Unrealized Air Yards, meaning that he should have even more production. Coming off a Week 4 goose egg, recency bias may contribute to fewer rostering him across the DraftKings platform. Don't fall for this trap. Damiere Byrd saw 150 Air Yards last week from likes of Brian Hoyer and Jared Stidham. His Snap Share in the Patriots offense has continued to grow each week, seeing 100-percent of the snaps in Week 4 against the Chiefs. Byrd has also posted at least 13.0 fantasy points in the weeks that he has drawn more than 10 Air Yards. While that stat may be somewhat deceiving, his role in the Patriots offense is not. He makes for an intriguing stone cold minimum Week 5 dart throw.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index – Week 4

by Edward DeLauter
Is it really paying up when D.J. Moore is priced at $5,600 or is it just outright theft? The Air Yards Value Score leader entering Week 4, Moore has thus far failed to meet expectations this year, posting only one fantasy WR1 week. With 139 (No. 19 among qualified wide receivers) Unrealized Air Yards, a WR1 week is coming soon. Look for Moore to get back on track this week against the Cardinals. John Brown has formed a formidable one-two punch with new teammate Stefon Diggs as part of a revamped Buffalo passing attack. While Diggs has averaged 20.6 (No. 6) Fantasy Points per Game to Brown's 12.4 (No. 37) mark, it's Smokey who leads the Bills in Air Yards through three weeks. With 171 (No. 11) Unrealized Air Yards, this may finally be the week where Brown outscores Diggs in fantasy points.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 3

by Edward DeLauter
A.J. Green enters Week 3 of his age-32 season leading the league in Air Yards. Unfortunately, the veteran wide receiver has translated this opportunity to only 8.0 (No. 69 among qualified wide receivers) Fantasy Points per Game. Leading the league in Unrealized Air Yards and ranking No. 1 on this week's Air Yards Value model, the former Pro Bowler is at a inflection point. Is he still one of the game's top wide receivers or is he a sell low candidate? A devastating season-ending injury to Saquon Barkley may result in the Giants airing it out a bit more in the passing game. If they do, Darius Slayton is the clear beneficiary. He continues to lead the Giants in Air Yards and has remained efficient with his opportunities, posting a +29.3 (No. 17) Production Premium, with only 44 Unrealized Air Yards. Still priced below $5,000, Slayton will look to continue his excellent efficiency against a banged up 49ers defense.
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Air Yards DFS Value Index - Week 2

by Edward DeLauter
DeSean Jackson was peppered downfield with targets from Carson Wentz in Week 1, amassing 214 Air Yards, the most on the week. Unfortunately, Weintz was sacked eight times and seldom had time in the pocket to allow for downfield routes to fully develop. With right tackle Lane Johnson expected back in Week 2, look for Wentz to finally hook up with Jackson this week. Fifth-round rookie Quintez Cephus saw a surprising ten targets with Kenny Golladay out of the lineup in Week 1. Seeing 24.4-percent of Matthew Stafford's passes, Cephus finished No. 9 in the league in Air Yards for Week 1. He also failed to capitalize on the bulk of these targets, finishing with only 7.3 fantasy points. There's a chance that he was plain unlucky. Priced near the minimum on DraftKings, he's a worthy gamble to bounce back in Week 2.
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Don't Leave the Fourth Round Without Drafting D.J. Chark

by Edward DeLauter
D.J. Chark entered the league profiling as a field-stretching wide receiver. This was the role he played in college, averaging 21.9 (97th-percentile among qualified wide receivers) yards per reception. At 6-3 and 199-pounds, Chark ran a 4.34 (98th-percentile) 40-Yard Dash. This equates to an elite 115.3 (96th-percentile) Speed Score. Further, his 132.5 (93rd-percentile) Burst Score adds additional evidence that he is an elite-level athlete: a Tyreek Hill-type, in a typical X-receiver body. In the 14 games Gardner Minshew started last season, D.J. Chark averaged 14.2 Fantasy Points per Game. This helped placed him among the top 24 wide receivers in FPPG by season's end. His success with Minshew was largely predicated by the rookie quarterback's uncanny ability to connect on deep passes, evidenced by a 45.1-percent (No. 5) Deep Ball Completion Percentage. Assuming he is able to maintain this level of deep ball efficiency, Chark is an unquestioned WR2 with week-winning ability.
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Zack Moss Rookie Profile and Fantasy Football Outlook

by Edward DeLauter
Zack Moss entered the predraft the process as the tape grinder’s darling. He broke out at age 19.7 when he amassed over 1,400 yards from scrimmage. Moss has the sixth-highest College Dominator Rating in the 2020 rookie running back class at 35.7-percent, 82nd-percentile among qualified running backs. He also is more than adequate in the passing game with a 9.0-percent (68th-percentile) College Target Share. Unfortunately, excitement around Moss dissipated after an atrocious Combine performance. He posted a sluggish 4.65 (31st-percentile) 40-Yard Dash. Further, his lateral agility and explosiveness are legitimate questions after failing to perform the drills required to register a Burst Score, and Agility Score. Tape grinders may pound the table to draft him in the latter half of the first round. However, he looks eerily similar to Montee Ball, a player that lasted only two years in the NFL.
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Chase Claypool Rookie Profile and Fantasy Football Outlook

by Edward DeLauter
Chase Claypool emerged from the 2020 NFL Combine a surprise performer. At 6-4 and weighing 238-pounds, he ran an impressive 4.42 (89th-percentile among qualified wide receivers) 40-Yard dash, good for an otherworldly 129.8 (99th-percentile) Speed Score. He also impressed in the Broad Jump and Vertical Jump, resulting in a 131.9 (92nd-percentile) Burst Score. Simply put, he is a size-speed freak athlete. The advanced metrics and data clearly indicate that Claypool’s NFL success is contingent on transferring to the tight end position. Unfortunately, he doesn't seem interested in making the change. For this reason, he is a fade in upcoming dynasty rookie drafts unless a team decides to transfer him over the tight end position. If a team does select him as a tight end, he becomes the TE1 of the 2020 rookie class and should be drafted accordingly.
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K.J. Hamler Rookie Profile and Fantasy Football Outlook

by Edward DeLauter
K.J. Hamler enters the NFL draft as a black-box prospect. He tweaked his hamstring before the Combine and failed to partake in all but one of the drills. His plan to test at his Pro Day was also shelved because of the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, the only athletic testing number we have for him is 15: the amount of times he lifted 225 pounds on the bench press. Much of his success at the NFL level is dependent upon elite-level speed. The only thing clear about Hamler’s profile is his elite 19.2 (87th-percentile among qualified wide receivers) Breakout Age and big play ability, including his special teams prowess. His 16.1 (71st-percentile) college yards per reception gives credence to his perceived elite speed. Though he's a risky rookie pick, his age-adjusted college production makes him a worthy gamble towards the back half of the second round in rookie drafts in the event he has elite speed.
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Eno Benjamin Rookie Profile and Fantasy Football Outlook

by Edward DeLauter
The most impressive part of Eno Benjamin’ profile is his college production. He was a bellcow as a true sophomore, breaking out for over 1,900 yards from scrimmage and 18 touchdowns. While he failed to meet that production in 2019, he remained a focal point of the offense. He amassed a 37.4-percent (85th-percentile among qualified running backs) College Dominator, including a 14.4-percent (92nd-percentile) College Target Share. With a bellcow resume on his profile, Benjamin is a satellite back-plus fantasy running back that can provide sneaky fantasy value. Add in his freshman season special teams contributions, and we have a versatile college producer who has proven that he can do it all on the field. With comparable players such as Duke Johnson and Aaron Jones, he will just need opportunity to see the field. Once he gets that chance, he will excel as a pass-catching threat out of the backfield.
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It's Still Too Early To Drop O.J. Howard

by Edward DeLauter
After O.J. Howard's extremely disappointing start to the season, frustrated owners who had to spend a fourth or fifth round pick on him in fantasy drafts are ready to bail. With an impeccable athletic profile and a history of past production, no tight end on anyone's waiver wire should offer the potential that Howard has. While Howard has only seen twelve (tied for No. 27 among qualified tight ends) targets, he has continued to remain on the field. More importantly, he has remained an active participate in the Buccaneers passing game. Howard is ninth among all tight ends in both Snap Share and Route Participation.
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Just how bad are the RB prospects in the NFL Draft?

by Edward DeLauter
2019 running back rookie class has been panned pretty much all off-season. Being a numbers focused fantasy football player, I'm assuming much like yourself if your reading this, I tried to think of a way to either confirm or dispel this narrative. Overall, this running back class does not compare favorably with running backs who finished as fantasy starters in previous seasons. Only six running backs in the 2019 class display advanced metrics similar to the average of the historical top 24 running backs in the PlayerProfiler database. More importantly there are clearly no elite level prospects. The narrative on draft twitter is confirmed.
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These 2 sleeper running backs have monster NFL workhorse potential

by Edward DeLauter
Royce Freeman has a long way to go to be considered an elite workhorse back, but he has the athletic profile and past college production to make it happen. Freeman delivers excellent size-adjusted speed and quickness. Couple this with above average college production, and Freeman has all the makings of a bell cow running back. Chris Carson was the back to own in fantasy last season, but his success was largely volume driven. A closer look at some of the advanced efficiency statistics at PlayerProfiler indicate that the two running backs performed similarly on a per-touch basis.
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It's not too late for these "truther" wide receivers to break out in fantasy football

by Edward DeLauter
Being a truther requires a certain amount of valor.  Being a truther shouldn't just mean that you like a player, or you think that a certain player is going to be value in drafts this coming season.  Rather, being a truther means that you believe, in your heart of hearts, that a player is destined for fantasy football greatness.  Keelan Cole’s advanced stats and metrics profile suggests that he should have little difficulty finding himself at the top of the Jaguars' target totem pole.  His production towards the end of 2017 shows that he has the ability to take over as the lead target monster.
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Jacksonville Fantasy Team Outlook: Run and Hide

by Edward DeLauter
This off-season the Jaguars made moves foreshadowing a run-heavy approach to their offense in 2017. With a sub-par offensive line and below average quarterback play a run heavy scheme will be the death knell to all fantasy players on the Jaguars. While players like Leonard Fournette, Allen Robinson, and Marqise Lee certainly have intriguing athletic metrics suggestive of elite fantasy ceilings, their offensive scheme and quarterback play will result in capped production in 2017.
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New Orleans Fantasy Team Outlook: Uptempo Beat on Bourbon Street

by Edward DeLauter
The Saints inability to field a competent defense has been a boon to fantasy players, resulting in a multitude of negative game scripts for Drew Brees and Co. to propel fantasy owners to championships. The Saints did little to address their defensive deficiencies and will enjoy numerous negative game scripts again this season. Now tethered to one of the most efficient and best deep ball passing quarterbacks in the league in Drew Brees, Ted Gin should capitalize on the opportunity. He is an intriguing late round flyer at his fantasy football ADP of WR60 and should be a mainstay in your DFS lineups in 2017.
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Detroit Fantasy Football Team Outlook: The Lions Sleep Tonight

by Edward DeLauter
With few off season additions to the team's skill position core, the Detroit Lions know who their playmakers are. Both Ameer Abdullah and Theo Riddick are solid zero RB targets who both have the ability to finish as top 24 running backs. Golden Tate is a consistent WR 2 going later in drafts that can help teams win in 2017. Marvin Jones presents intriguing late round upside, and Eric Ebron is ready to ascend as a top 10 tight end.
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Washington Fantasy Football Team Outlook: Chaos, Turmoil, and Opportunity

by Edward DeLauter
The offseason moves by Washington present unique opportunity in fantasy because of the uncertainty surrounding how new additions to the offense will produce. Advanced stats and metrics point to Kirk Cousins, Terrelle Pryor, Jamison Crowder, Josh Doctson, and Samaje Perine as the players to target in fantasy football drafts. Jamison Crowder finished last season as the No. 38 fantasy wide receiver but is currently going off the board as WR28. Unlike Terrelle Pryor, Crowder has the law of conservation of targets baked into his current ADP.
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Who Will Be This Season's Ty Montgomery For Fantasy Football?

by Edward DeLauter
NFL passing volume and efficiency is at an all-time high. Ty Montgomery is the poster child running back in a pass-heavy league as more NFL teams deploy RBs as receivers and are less concerned about the RB's ability to generate yards between the tackles. Ty Montgomery's transition to RB mirror's the NFL's passing game focus. Who is poised to capitalize on this trend based on advance stats & metrics profiles?
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Free Agent Terrelle Pryor Signing with the Tennessee Titans Needs to Happen

by Edward DeLauter
Terrelle Pryor may or may not sign with the Titans this offense but if he does he would no doubt see an exponential increase in efficiency due to Marcus Mariota and he would be in a prime position to replicate his target opportunity and become a top-5 wide receiver in fantasy football. The only downside to a Marcus Mariota-Terrelle Pryor pairing is volume. The Titans threw only 533 times (No. 29) last season compared to the Browns' 634 pass attempts (No. 7).
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These Wide Receivers Appear Ready to Step Up in Fantasy Football

by Edward DeLauter
If Kenny Stills, Alshon Jeffrey, and Terrelle Pryor leave in free agency intriguing fantasy options remain to take over targets and target shares. Devante Parker, Leonte Carroo, Cameron Meredith, Marquess Wilson, Ricardo Louis, and Rashard Higgins have the opportunity to set up and be great in fantasy. Cameron Meredith has assumed the role of Bears No. 1 wide receiver. Already out targeting Alshon Jeffery, over the course of the season and on a per game basis, Meredith, and his 10.32 Catch Radius (95th-percentile), is set to inherit a potential monster workload which could allow him to see over 25-percent of the Bears targets in 2017.
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