Wide Receiver Snap Counts and Target Trends Risers And Fallers: 2021 Season Review

Congratulations to all managers whose tireless dedication toward winning league titles resulted in the fulfillment of your championship aspirations. You successfully navigated continual challenges that extended far beyond the normal obstacles that emerged during the season.  For those of you who were unsuccessful in achieving the ultimate goal of capturing your leagues, your efforts should also be commended. Regardless of whether your teams were negatively impacted by injuries, inadequate performances, or a weekly barrage of points allowed to opposing rosters, this does not diminish your non-stop flexibility that remained part of your ongoing commitment throughout the year.

Your wide receivers also remained essential components toward your goal of capturing fantasy championships. This column has been dedicated to assisting your efforts, by providing an extensive weekly collection of game-specific data, including updated totals for targets, first downs, red-zone targets, snap counts, and a compilation of advanced statistics. The information that has been contained in these weekly reports also analyzed how various receivers were being utilized, and how effectively they were capitalizing on their opportunities.

Now that a full regular season of matchups has been completed, we are in possession of all 2021 statistics that encompass each of the categories once again. That has supplied the foundation for this season review, which can be essential in your planning for 2022. Pro Football Reference, PFF, NextGenStats, Rotowire, Rotoviz, and Football Outsiders were all used as resources in compiling this data for this season-long statistical breakdown of wide receivers during 2021.

Overall Target Leaders 

You can always count on Coop!

? @NFLonFOX | @CooperKupp pic.twitter.com/ZeHckU4hJD

— xz - Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 9, 2022

Cooper Kupp accumulated more targets than any other wide receiver during the regular season (191) and rarely relinquished the league lead throughout the year. He captured 10+ targets during 14 of his matchups, and also eclipsed 12+ in nine different outings. He also attained a 32.6% target share, while stockpiling 57 more targets than his previous career high.

Davante Adams finished second overall (169), after averaging 11.1 per game from Weeks 9-17. He also collected 11+ in five of his last eight matchups during that span. Diontae Johnson finished in a tie with Adams after he averaged 11.0 per game from Week 6-18. Johnson also attained 10+ in 12 different contests, including nine of his final 12 games. Justin Jefferson finished fourth overall (167), which was fueled by the 115 (10.5 per game) that he accrued from Weeks 6-17. The second-year receiver’s 29% target share also placed him fourth overall.

2020 target leader Stefon Diggs finished fifth (164), after garnering a league-best 56 from Weeks 14-18 (11.2 per game). Diggs also assembled 13+ in three of those five contests. D.J. Moore was next (163) after he eclipsed 10+ during five of his final six games. He also averaged 9.6 per game during that sequence. Tyreek Hill accumulated 159 targets even though he failed to exceed five during four of his last six matchups. He also averaged 6.2 per game during that sequence after averaging 11.1 per game from Weeks 1- 12.

Keenan Allen completed the list of eight receivers who surpassed 150 targets during the season (157), as the nine-year veteran was third overall from Weeks 1-11 while averaging 10.5 per game. However, he dropped to 15th from Weeks 12-18 while averaging 8.5 per game. Marquise Brown was fifth overall with 78 targets from Weeks 7-15 and was second with an 11.1 per game average during those contests. That propelled him to his season total of 145. Jaylen Waddle led all rookies with 141 targets while averaging 9.5 per game from Weeks 3- 16. He also collected 10+ in seven of his 12 games during that sequence. Waddle also capitalized on his usage by establishing a new rookie record for receptions (104).

Darnell Mooney was third overall with 81 targets from Weeks 11-18 (10.1 per game) which boosted his season-long total to 140. He also stockpiled 16 targets in two different matchups during that span. Brandin Cooks was next (134) after he averaged 10.7 per game from Weeks 14-17. He also attained 10+ in each of those contests. Terry McLaurin captured 130 targets even though he failed to register a double-digit target total from Weeks 8-18. He also averaged 6.1 per game during that sequence.

Primetime players make primetime plays.

? FOX/NFLN/Prime

pic.twitter.com/VCRPTfgf5C

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) November 5, 2021

Michael Pittman assembled 129 targets which included two double-digit totals from Weeks 12-16. He also secured a 25.9% target share during the season. D.K. Metcalf was tied with Pittman after he averaged 9.3 per game from Weeks 15-18. He had averaged just 6.7 per game from Weeks 3-12. Mike Williams soared into a tie with Metcalf and Pittman in the aftermath of his 17-target performance during the Chargers' regular-season finale at Las Vegas. He had been averaging just 6.1 per game from Weeks 6-17 prior to his career-best target total in Week 18.

Ja'Marr Chase accumulated 128 targets, after assembling 9+ during seven different matchups. His outstanding rookie season will be discussed in greater detail as part of the Five Things I Noticed section. That tied Chase with Hunter Renfrow, whose 9.2 per game average from Week 9-14 was integral in expanding his overall total. Chris Godwin finished with 127 targets, even though his season concluded abruptly in Week 15 (MCL). He had averaged 16 per game in Weeks 13-14 prior to his season-ending injury. Jakobi Meyers finished 11th overall in targets from Weeks 15-18 (36/6.8 per game) while collecting 8+ in each of those four matchups. That late-season usage expanded his overall total to 126.

Deebo Samuel was seventh overall with 63 targets while averaging 10.5 per game from Weeks 1-7. His average dropped to 5.0 per game from Weeks 10-18, although he still completed the year with 121. CeeDee Lamb assembled 120 targets, which included the 32 that he collected from Weeks 13–15 (10.7 per game). That average diminished to 4.5 per game in Weeks 16-17. Lamb was also tied with Marvin Jones, whose 120 targets led Jacksonville. The 10-year veteran’s season total also established a new career-high.

.@amonra_stbrown ???#GBvsDET | ? FOX pic.twitter.com/Y1uLiO8VvM

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) January 9, 2022

Amon-Ra St. Brown finished third among all rookies with 119 targets as his overall total was boosted significantly by his extensive usage from Weeks 13-18. St. Brown accumulated 67 targets during that sequence which was second only to Justin Jefferson. He also averaged 11.2 per game during those six contests. Mike Evans was next (114), even though he averaged 5.3 per game from Weeks 14-18. Cole Beasley completed his 10th season with a total of 112 targets, which included five games of 11+.

Tee Higgins was next (110), during a year in which three games with 13+ targets were interspersed with four games in which he failed to exceed five. That tied Higgins with Robby Anderson whose disappointing season included his drop from 8.5 targets per game during 2020 to 6.5 in 2021. Tyler Lockett assembled 107 targets, although he averaged just 4.0 in Weeks 16-17.

A.J. Brown finished the season with 105 targets, which were accrued in 13 games. He also collected a career-best total of 16, in Week 16, which occurred at an opportune time for fantasy managers.  That tied Brown with Chase Claypool, whose 7.0 per game average improved slightly from the 6.8 that he attained during his 2020 rookie season.

DeVonta Smith finished with 104 targets, after leading all rookies with 40 (8.0 per game) entering Week 6. However, he only accumulated 51 targets (5.2 per game) from Weeks 8-17 as Philadelphia transitioned to a run-heavy offensive strategy. That tied him with Amari Cooper, who led all receivers with 17 targets in Week 1 then averaged 6.2 per game from Weeks 2-17. Christian Kirk assembled 103 targets, after averaging 10 per game from Weeks 15-17. Laviska Shenault Jr. completed the list of 35 wide receivers who accumulated 100+ targets during the regular season.

Kupp (11.2), Adams (10.6), and Johnson (10.6) were the only three receivers who finished the season with a per-game average in excess of 10 targets per game. Kupp also accumulated 10+ targets in 14 different matchups, while Johnson accomplished it 12 times. Jefferson, Hill, and Moore reached double-digits in 10 games, while Allen accrued 10+ nine times. Adams attained double digits in eight different matchups, while Cooks, Waddle, and Marquise Brown reached that total in seven different games.

Largest Increases And Decreases 

The majority of fantasy managers were not involved in leagues that determine their champion in Week 18. That allowed most of you to avoid the numerous factors that can converge to deplete roster options during your quest to capture a title. This unique blend of developments that frequently emerge during the final week of each regular season automatically impacts the numbers that are accumulated by all players, due to their absence, or through restrictions in their workload. That provides the incentive for combining a breakdown of targets that were accrued during the final four weeks of the season, with a review of target leaders during Week 18.

BUZZERS ARE NO MATCH FOR Justin Herbert

?: NBC pic.twitter.com/FFPmjCWuJ3

— Los Angeles Chargers (@chargers) January 10, 2022

Mike Williams attained a double-digit target total during three of the Chargers’ first five matchups while averaging 10.2 per game. He failed to surpass six targets in seven of 10 matchups from Weeks 6-17 before he captured a career-high 17 during LA’s season finale on Las Vegas. That was the highest total of the week. Darnell Mooney tied his career-high when he was targeted 16 times in Week 18. That was his third game with 10+ this season, while he also assembled a league-high 29 during his final two matchups.

Stefon Diggs collected 10+ targets in eight different matchups this season, including the 14 that he captured during Buffalo’s AFC East showdown with the Jets. That also established a season-high for Diggs, who attained his highest total since Week 14 of 2020.  Diggs’ teammate Gabriel Davis also assembled 14 targets against New York, which was the first time that he has eclipsed 10+ during his career. Russell Gage collected 12+ targets in three of his final six matchups, including the season-high 13 that he secured during Atlanta's visit to New Orleans.

D.K. Metcalf secured 11+ targets for the third time this season when he was targeted 11 times by Russell Wilson in Week 17. He also amassed 11+ during two of his final four games  Mecole Hardman captured a team-high 11 targets when Kansas City traveled to Denver. He had failed to attain a double-digit target total during his first two seasons but accomplished it twice during 2021. Amon-Ra St. Brown accumulated at least 10 targets in each of his final six matchups after he was targeted 10 times during Detroit's season finale. The rapidly emerging rookie attained a 42.7% targets share during that sequence, which was the league's second-highest.

Diontae Johnson accumulated at least 10 targets in 12 of his 16 matchups during the season, which was culminated by the 10 that he collected during Pittsburgh’s Week 17 visit to Baltimore. D.J. Moore accrued 10+ targets in five of his final six games after he assembled 10 during Carolina’s season finale at Tampa Bay. Tim Patrick reached double digits for the first time since his 2018 rookie season when he collected 10 during the Broncos’ matchup with the Chiefs.

Adams led all wide receivers in total targets during the matchups of Weeks 16-17 (27). Johnson was second overall (24), followed by Jefferson (23), and four receivers that were tied with 22 targets (Chase/St. Brown/ Mooney/Diggs) A.J. Brown was next (21), while Kupp Moore and Antonio Brown collected 20. Waddle and Marvin Jones accrued 19 while six receivers assembled 18 targets: Higgins, Cooper, Kirk, Zay Jones, Ray-Ray McCloud, and Braxton Berrios.

Samuel, Jarvis Landry, and Marquise Brown all accumulated 17 targets, followed by Meyers (16). Five receivers were targeted 15 times (Allen/Claypool/Odell Beckham/Marquez Callaway/Rashad Bateman), while three receivers were tied with 14: Metcalf, McLaurin, and Isaiah McKenzie.

1k for 11. ? @Darnell_M1 | #CHIvsMIN pic.twitter.com/jOXtmB5GCy

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 9, 2022

Mooney led all wide receivers with 45 targets from Weeks 15-18, while St. Brown and Diggs were tied for second with 43. Adams and Moore both collected 41 targets, while Kupp and Justin Jefferson captured 40. Johnson and Marquise Brown captured 39 targets, followed by Metcalf (37), Meyers (36), and two receivers that were tied with at 35: Russell Gage and Zay Jones. Allen and Christian Kirk were tied with 33 targets, while Marvin Jones accrued 31.

Five different receivers amassed 30 targets during that four-game sequence (Williams/Cooper/ Chase/Pittman/Ray-Ray McCloud). Robby Anderson was next 29, followed by Samuel and Hill in a tie at 28. AJ Brown assembled 47 receptions, while Waddle and A.J. Green accumulated 26. Five different receivers were targeted 25 times from Weeks 15-18: Cooks, Parker, Marquez Callaway, Jarvis Landry, and Laquon Treadwell.

Air Yards Leaders

Throw it up there and @JJettas2 is going to come down with it.

?: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/Gg9JRgQBfY

— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) January 9, 2022

Justin Jefferson accumulated more air yards than any other wide receiver during the season (1,981). Stefon Diggs was second overall (1,845), followed by Tyreek Hill (1,703), Terry McLaurin (1,626), Ja’Marr Chase (1,579), Marquise Brown (1,578), Tyler Lockett (1,552), Darnell Mooney (1,506), Davante Adams (1,501), Mike Williams (1,480), and Mike Evans with 1,471. Courtland Sutton was next (1,466), followed by Cooper Kupp (1,464), D.J. Moore (1,452), D.K. Metcalf (1,441), Dontae Johnson (1,431), Brandin Cooks (1,427), DeVonta Smith (1,392), and Marvin Jones (1,368).

Keenan Allen accrued 1,326 air yards, followed by Tee Higgins (1,310), CeeDee Lamb (1,267), Michael Pittman (1,229), A.J. Brown (1,196), Christian Kirk (1,162), Chase Claypool (1,160), Van Jefferson (1,153), and Amari Cooper with 1,126. Jakobi Meyers was next (1,118), followed by A.J. Green (1,091), and two receivers that were tied at 1,047: Marquez Callaway and Robby Anderson. Emmanuel Sanders (1,041), and Kenny Golladay (1,029) completed the list of 33 receivers who eclipsed 1,000 air yards during the year.

Jefferson also led his position by attaining a 46.6% share of air yards. McLaurin was next (42.7%), followed by AJ Brown (41.1%), Moore (39.9%), Brandin Cooks (39.8%), Lockett (38.8%), Smith (38.8%), Parker (38.0%), Mooney (37.6%), Hill (37.0%), and two receivers who were tied with 36.8%: Adams and Chase.

Metcalf was next (36.1%), followed by Johnson (36.0%), Diggs (35.8%), Higgins (35.0%), Sutton (34.5%), Kupp’s (33.5%), Kirk (32.8%), and two receivers that were tied with 32.1% (Marquise Brown/Michael Pittman). Williams was next (31.9%), followed by Claypool (31.0%), Marvin Jones (30.9%), Green (30.3%), and three receivers who were tied with 30.1%: Russell Gage, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Kenny Golladay.

First Down Leaders 

If you throw it up there, odds are Cooper Kupp will go get it pic.twitter.com/QG9r8EFS7r

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) December 22, 2021

Cooper Kupp also finished as the league leader in first down receptions with 89. Davante Adams was second (84), while Justin Jefferson and Tyreek Hill were tied with 75. Stefon Diggs and Keenan Allen collected 66 receptions, followed by D.J. Moore with 60. Diontae Johnson and Jaylen Waddle accrued 59 catches, while Ja’Marr Chase and Mike Evans assembled 56. Chris Godwin was next 55, while CeeDee Lamb and Michael Pittman were tied at 54. Tee Higgins captured 53 receptions, while three receivers were tied at 51 (Hunter Renfrow/Deebo Samuel/Mike Williams).

Darnell Mooney was next (49), followed by Amon-Ra St. Brown and D.K. Metcalf with 48. Terry McLaurin accrued 47 receptions, while three receivers were tied with 45: A.J. Brown, Brandin Cooks, and Amari Cooper. Christian Kirk was next (44) followed by DeVonta Smith (43), Jakobi Meyers 42, Marvin Jones (42,), and two receivers who were tied at 41 (Tyler Lockett/Marquise Brown). Tim Patrick was next (39) followed by four receivers who garnered 37 first down receptions during the season: Brandon Aiyuk, A.J, Green, Adam Thielen, and Russell Gage.

Red Zone Target Leaders  

The 9️⃣➡️? connection gives us the lead!

? @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/7roeX9Pp0V

— xz - Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 9, 2022

Cooper Kupp led all wide receivers in red zone targets during the season (38), while  Stefon Diggs finished second overall with 32. Davante Adams was next (28), while Tyreek Hill and Chris Godwin completed the season tied with 26. Hunter Renfrow accumulated 25 targets, while Diontae Johnson and Mike Williams accrued 23. Justin Jefferson collected 22 targets, while D.K. Metcalf assembled 20.

Mike Evans and Amari Cooper were tied at 19, followed by Gabriel Davis (18), and four receivers who were tied at 17: Michael Pittman, A.J. Green, Marvin Jones, and Mecole Hardman. Three receivers accrued 16 targets: Marquise Brown, Van Jefferson, and Robert Woods, while four additional receivers finished the season with 15 targets inside the 20 (Jaylen Waddle, Amon-Ra St. Brown/Adam Thielen/Allen Lazard).

Kupp also accumulated the most targets inside the 10-yard line (18). Adams and Diggs were next (14). followed by Renfrow (13), Allen (12), and Allen’s teammate Mike Williams. Four receivers were tied with 11 targets (Johnson/Evans/Green/Cobb), while Jones captured 10 targets. Five different receivers assembled nine targets inside the 10: Hill, Jefferson, Davis, Michael Pittman, and Zach Pascal.

Kupp also paced his position with 11 targets inside the 5-yard line. Williams and Jones were tied for second (8), while Adams and Mike Evans were next with seven. Five receivers were targeted six times: Diontae Johnson, Justin Jefferson, DeAndre Hopkins, Keenan Allen, and Randall Cobb, while five additional receivers accrued five targets inside the 5  (Hill/Diggs/Gabriel Davis/Marquise Brown/ A.J. Green).

Snap Counts Leaders

Cooper Kupp’s name resides atop yet another leader list as he also accumulated the most offensive snaps among all wide receivers (991). Justin Jefferson was second overall (965), followed by Terry McLaurin (958), D.J. Moore (954), Darnell Mooney (944), Robby Anderson (940), Diontae Johnson (936), and two receivers who were tied at 929: Stefon Diggs, and Marvin Jones. Michael Pittman was next (921), followed by Keenan Allen (913), Ja’Marr Chase (893), and two receivers who played on 884 snaps: Marquise Brown, and Jakobi Meyers.

Courtland Sutton was next (882), followed by Mike Evans (879), DeVonta Smith (877), Brandon Aiyuk (868), Jaylen Waddle (854), Christian Kirk (853), Mike Williams (849), Van Jefferson (847), DeVante Adams (846), and A.J. Green with 845 snaps. CeeDee Lamb and Zach Pascal were tied at 822, followed by Tyreek Hill (818), Tim Patrick (815), Chris Godwin (802), and Marquez  Callaway (801), completing the list of 30 wide receivers who performed on at least 800 of their teams’ offensive snaps during the season.

Kupp also paced the position in snap count percentage 93.8%, followed by Johnson (90.4%), Jones (89.9%), McLaurin (89.5%), Justin Jefferson (89.2%), Mooney (87.7%), Pittman (87.6%), Lockett (87.0%), and Allen (86.4%). Chase was next (85.4%), followed by Sutton (85.1%), Anderson (85.1%), Godwin (84.8%), Adams (84.6%), Meyers (84.0%), and Thielen (83.6%). Tim Patrick was next (83.2%), followed by Pascal (83.1%), Aiyuk (83.0%), Cooks (83.0%), Waddle (82.8%), Metcalf (82.4%), Smith (81.6%), Evans (81.6%), and Diggs (81.4%). Claypool was next (80.3%), while Van Jefferson (80.2%), Parker (80.1%), Robinson (80.1%), and Green (80.0%) completed the top 30 in snap count percentage.

Five Things I Noticed 

1. Prior to 2021, Kupp had finished at WR26, WR25, and WR4 during three years in which he played in at least 15 games. That includes his previous career-best season (2019) when Kupp finished second in touchdowns (10), 11th in targets (134/8.4 per game), seventh in receptions (94/5.9 per game), 11th in receiving yards (1,169/72.6 per game), and fourth in yards after catch (538).

His Round 4 ADP appeared reasonable during the 2021 draft season based upon his history, although it became a source of increasing consternation for many managers who bypassed Kupp, then observed the monstrous numbers that he stockpiled for their opponents as the weeks advanced. He completed his most prolific season as the league leader in a plethora of categories while easily finishing at WR1.

.@CooperKupp is the gift that keeps on giving.

? @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/FTPEz8Xbn1

— x - Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) January 2, 2022

Kupp accumulated a league-best 191 targets (33.1% share) during the season, which were 22 more than any other wide receiver. He also attained the most double-digits target totals at his position, while being targeted at least 10 times by Matthew Stafford in 14 of the Rams’ matchups. Kupp’s 11.2 per game average was also the league’s highest.

Kupp also generated the highest number of receptions (145/8.5 per game), which surpassed the previous franchise record. He also collected 10+ in five different contests and attained 9+ in a total of nine games. 30 of those catches also accrued 20+ yards, which resulted in yet another league-high.

He also produced 331 more yards than any other receiver, after surpassing 1,000 in Week 9 and ultimately accumulating a league-best 1,947 (114.5 per game) - which also established a new franchise record. He also eclipsed 100 yards in a league-high 11 games, while also surpassing 150-yards twice. His total was also just 17 yards short of Calvin Johnson’s single-season record (1,964).

Kupp also became the league leader in touchdowns during the Rams’ Week 6 matchup versus the Giants and never relinquished it. That propelled him to a league-best 16, as he scored in 11 contests and generated multiple touchdowns in five different games. Kupp was also second in yards before catch (1,097), and first in yards after catch (650). He also finished as the league leader in red zone targets 38 targets inside the 10-yard line (18), and targets inside the 5-yard line (11), while also capturing the most receptions for first downs 89.

Kupp’s final totals in targets, receptions, receiving yards, touchdowns, 100-yard performances, 20-yard receptions, 40-yard receptions were all career-highs. His mammoth production remained consistent throughout his prolific season, as he averaged 11.4 targets, 8.2 receptions, and 113.2 yards per game before Robert Woods suffered his torn ACL, and 11.0 targets, 8.9 receptions, and 116 yards per game after Woods’ season-ending injury. Kupp’s stellar season has presented fantasy managers with enormous rationale for targeting him as the first wide receiver to be selected during 2022 drafts.

 2. Kupp’s season was clearly exceptional. However, he was not the only wide receiver who rose to a more prestigious region of the fantasy landscape. Several other receivers also ascended into higher tiers during the 2022 draft process, after accumulating career-best numbers during 2021.

BUILT DIFFERENT. @19problemz FOR THE TD!#HOUvsSF on CBS/49ers App pic.twitter.com/g7NHN2YT2r

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) January 2, 2022

Deebo Samuel was the 38th wide receiver to be selected during 2021 drafts, as the extensive list of players who preceded him included Allen Robinson, Robby Anderson, Julio Jones, Laviska Shenault, Corey Davis, and Courtland Sutton. Samuel had contended with lingering health issues during 2020 (hamstring/foot) which had conspired to sideline him during nine games. His condensed schedule also constrained his usage and production (44 targets/33 receptions/391 receiving yards), while he also averaged 6.3 targets, 4.7 receptions, and 55.9 yards per game during that abbreviated season.

Samuel encountered other health issues in 2021 (calf/groin), but that did not prevent him from finishing at WR3, as he generated career-high numbers in multiple categories. He finished fifth among all wide receivers in yardage (1,405), while only three receivers exceeded his 87.8 yards per game average - which increased by 31.9 yards when contrasted with his average from 2020. Samuel was also second overall in yards after catch (768), while he also accumulated 121 targets (7.6 per game), and 77 receptions (4.8 per game).

Samuel led the league in yards per reception (18.2), which easily surpassed the 11.8 that he attained in 2020. His league-high 11.6 yards per target also improved from last year’s 8.9. while he also established a new career-high in receiving touchdowns (6) and was credited with 13 broken tackles.

Samuel also accrued yardage and fantasy points as a rusher, as Kyle Shanahan entrusted him with 59 attempts (3.7 per game). His responsibilities as a runner emerged in Week 10, which impacted his usage as a receiver. Samuel had been included in a select group of six receivers who were averaging 10+ targets per game from Weeks 1-9, while his 81 targets placed him seventh overall. He was also second in receiving yards (882) and yards per game (110.3) during that sequence, while he was also second with four games of 100+ yards.

His targets per game diminished to 5.0 per game from Weeks 10-18. However, Samuel remained productive with fewer opportunities in the aerial attack. He also capitalized on his role as a rusher by assembling 343 (43 per game), and seven touchdowns during that sequence.  That placed him third in touchdowns regardless of position, while he also tied with Jonathan Taylor for fourth overall in runs of 20+ (5) from Weeks 11-18.

Samuel’s immense talent enables him to operate as a valuable resource for the 49ers, and also for fantasy managers. Shanahan has no hesitation in utilizing Samuel in multiple capacities, and his ability to thrive as a receiver and rusher has infused additional incentive toward targeting him as a WR1 during your draft process.

Who else?

13 plays. 83 yards. 1 @renfrowhunter TD.#RaiderNation | NBC | #LACvsLV pic.twitter.com/SyYxtCiWMV

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) January 10, 2022

3. Fantasy managers were largely apathetic regarding the opportunity to select Hunter Renfrow during the 2021 draft process, which was underscored by his ADP (289/WR88). Darren Waller was the Raider pass-catcher who was eliciting interest within the fantasy community, while optimism was also building for second-year receivers Bryan Edwards and Henry Ruggs.

However, Renfrow began his rise within the fantasy landscape during Weeks 1-8, as he led Las Vegas wide receivers in targets (51/7.3 per game), and receptions (36/5.4 per game), while garnering 8+ targets and 6+ receptions in four of his first seven games. He was also averaging 57 yards per game during those contests.

His usage and production ignited from Weeks 9-17, as he collected 9+ targets in six of those nine games while capturing a team-high 25.8% target share. That propelled him to eighth in targets during those contests (72/8.0 per game), while he was also third in receptions (61/6.8 per game), eighth in receiving yards (626/69.6 per game), and fifth in touchdowns (5). He also vaulted to second in red zone targets from Weeks 9-18 (18), and third in red zone percentage (38.3%).

Just disgusting, @renfrowhunter ?

10-0 in LV | #LACvsLV | NBC pic.twitter.com/FosvBiPOMg

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) January 10, 2022

Renfrow also finished at WR7 during that sequence, which followed the release of Ruggs’ on November 3. His departure had forced a restructure of the Raider’s wide receiving unit while elevating Renfrow into responsibilities as the team’s WR1. His usage and production after Week 9 propelled Renfrow to his initial 100-catch season, while he also eclipsed 1,000 yards for the first time in his career.

His increased role also fueled his finish as the team leader in targets (128/7.5 per game), receptions (103/6.4 per game), and red zone targets (21), while he paced Las Vegas wide receivers in receiving yardage (1,038/61.1 per game). He also finished 18th among all receivers in targets, eighth in receptions, and 19th in receiving yardage. He also vaulted to second in touchdowns (7), second in red zone targets (18), and third with nine targets inside the 10-yard line from Weeks 9-18, as the result of his increased usage near the goal line.

Even if Las Vegas inserts another receiver into the equation during the offseason, Renfrow’s integral role within the Raiders’ aerial attack remains secure. His acumen as a receiver includes his effectiveness as a route runner and his reliability (80.5% catch rate). All of which should sustain Renfrow's viability as a resource for managers.

What a grab by @Darnell_M1 for 6. ?#NYGvsCHI | #DaBears pic.twitter.com/ikIFExTDDM

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) January 2, 2022

Darnell Mooney averaged 6.1 targets, 3.8 receptions, and 39.4 yards per game during his 2020 rookie season while operating behind Allen Robinson on Chicago’s depth chart. However, he catapulted beyond Robinson to function as the Bears’ team leader in multiple receiving categories during 2021.

Mooney finished 11th among all wide receivers in targets (140), while his per-game average rose to 8.2. He also finished 18th in receptions (81/4.8 per game) and was 17th in receiving yards (1,055/62.1. per game). Mooney was also ninth in air yards (1,560) and eighth in percentage share of air yards (37.6%) during his second season.

His overall numbers were boosted dramatically by his usage and output from Weeks 11-18 when Mooney finished at WR13 in scoring. He finished third overall with 81 targets and was one of just eight receivers to eclipse 10 targets per game (10.1)  during those matchups. He also collected 13+ during three different games in that span and stockpiled 16 in Weeks 11 and 18.

Mooney also exceeded 120 yards three times and was seventh overall with 605 (75.7 per game) during that sequence. Mooney was also second overall in air yards from Weeks 11-18 (836) and was also sixth with a 41.9% share of air yards.

The Bears have just initiated an offseason transformation, which will include changes in the front office, within the coaching staff, and also throughout the roster. This should include the departure of Robinson, although Mooney has already captured responsibilities as Chicago’s WR1. His growing chemistry with Justin Fields should only be enhanced as they train together during the offseason.

4. The excellent seasons that were constructed by the most productive members of this year’s rookie class cemented their place among the enticing options to target during your 2022 drafts. The numbers that they assembled also proved beneficial to fantasy managers as the year progressed.

Ja'Marr Chase is UNREAL ‼️

6 CATCHES. 180 YARDS. 3 TDS.

(via @NFL)pic.twitter.com/JxHB5VftQJ

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 2, 2022

The outstanding numbers that were assembled by Ja'Marr Chase were discussed here, as was the record-setting statistical explosion that he delivered in Week 17. Chase finished 13th overall in targets (124/7.8 per game) from Weeks 1-17 and was also 19th in receptions (79/4.9 per game), fourth in receptions of 20+ yards (21), fourth in catches of 40+ (8), and fourth in receiving yards (1,455/89.3 per game). He was also fifth in air yards from Weeks 1-18 (1,597) third in yards after catch (651), second in yards per target (11.4), second in yards per reception (18.0), and third in touchdowns (13). Chase also finished sixth overall in Football Outsiders' DYAR (Defense-Adjusted Yards Above Replacement).

The @JoeyB to @Real10jayy__ highlight reel you’ve been waiting for. ⤵️

?: #CINvsCLE - 1/9 on CBS pic.twitter.com/pAHI1KVzFz

— xz - Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) January 3, 2022

He also soared to WR1 in Week 17 while stockpiling 55.6 fantasy points. The 266 receiving yards that he produced during that matchup established a record for rookie receivers, while also expanding his overall yardage total to 1,455 – which created yet another record for first-year receivers during the Super Bowl era. The statistical eruption that he provided in Week 17 also propelled many grateful managers to coveted fantasy championships, and Chase should remain embedded among the tier 1 wide receivers for the foreseeable future.

.@Tua ? @D1__JW

?: Watch #MIAvsTEN on @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/lHWhSCpEWm

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) January 2, 2022

Jaylen Waddle was the second wide receiver to be selected during the 2021 NFL Draft, and his ability to seize an ongoing role as Miami’s undisputed WR1 (24.6% target share) enabled him to provide managers with a valuable resource as the season progressed. Waddle finished at WR14 in scoring and was also WR9 from Weeks 6-17.

Waddle also finished 10th overall in targets (141/8.8 per game), after averaging 9.5 targets per game from Weeks 6-18 and eclipsing  10+ targets in seven different matchups. He also finished seventh overall in receptions (104/6.5 per game), after securing 7+ catches in eight different matchups and collecting 9+ in three straight contests from Weeks 12-15. His reception total also established a new rookie record.

Waddle also finished eighth overall in first down receptions (59) and should continue to function as the Dolphins' primary receiving weapon in 2022. That makes him a viable choice to target as your WR2.

.@amonra_stbrown: the only rookie EVER to have 8+ receptions in 5 straight games.

Fresh off his first career 100 yard receiving game, too. The breakout is upon us. ? #OnePride pic.twitter.com/BF8b4M4F1j

— NFL (@NFL) January 5, 2022

Amon-Ra St. Brown was just the 17th wide receiver to be selected during the 2021 NFL draft (112th overall) and his statistical impact did not develop during the early weeks of the season. However, St. Brown’s per-game averages improved from 5.2 targets, 3.8 receptions, and 35.6 yards per game during Weeks 1-5, to 7.8 targets/5.9 receptions/61.2 yards per game from Weeks 6-18. His usage increased significantly from Weeks 13-18 as he confiscated a 33.3% target share while collecting 10+ targets in all six matchups during that span.

That vaulted him to second overall during that sequence (67/11.2 per game), and his escalating usage fueled his rise to second in receptions (51/8.5 per game) third in receiving yards 560/93.3 per game), third in touchdowns (5), and fifth in red zone targets (10). The absence of T.J. Hockenson from Weeks 14-17 (hand) opened the path for St. Brown to commandeer additional targets. However, his role as the Lions’ WR1 should remain fully intact entering the 2022 regular season.

Some receivers that I would love to see get a QB upgrade this offseason:

Allen Robinson
Terry McLaurin
Jerry Jeudy
Kararious Toney

— Michael F. Florio (@MichaelFFlorio) December 29, 2021

5. We have examined the exceptional seasons that were constructed by Cooper Kupp and Deebo Samuel, reviewed the most impressive rookies, and also discussed the numbers that were assembled by several other veterans whose value rose significantly during the season. Unfortunately, the results that were manufactured by several other receivers were disappointing.

Arguably nobody embodied this unwanted development to the degree that was delivered by Allen Robinson, after there had appeared to be justification for targeting him as a low-end WR1 during 2021 drafts. He had finished among the top nine in scoring during both the 2019 and 2020 regular seasons while averaging 152.5 targets, 100 receptions, and 1,199 yards during that two-year sequence.

He had also finished third in targets (151/9.4 per game). fourth in receptions (102/6.4 per game) eighth in receiving yards (1,250/78.1 per game), and fourth in red zone targets (19). However, the eight-year veteran’s numbers plummeted (66/38 receptions/410 yards/1 touchdown) as he averaged 5.1 per game from Weeks 2-18, while only surpassing six targets once during that sequence.

He also averaged just 2.9 receptions and 34.1 yards per game during that span, while only manufacturing one touchdown. The Bears’ collection of deficiencies on the sidelines and on the field contributed to his statistical plunge, but Robinson is also accountable for the massive decline.       

Only seven receivers accrued more targets than the career-high 136 (8.5 per game) that were garnered byRobby Anderson during 2020. He was also eighth overall in receptions (95/5.9 per game), 13th in receiving yards 1,096/68.5 per game), and appeared primed to remain productive through his reunion with former Jet teammate Sam Darnold – with whom he had combined for 164 targets, 88 receptions, and 1,354 yards in 2018-2019.

What actually occurred was a diminished target total and a distinct downturn in Anderson’s production. Carolina’s offense steadily disintegrated as the year advanced as Darnold and Cam Newton were ineffective in their attempts to spearhead the attack. Anderson’s targets per game average diminished to 6.3, while he also averaged three fewer receptions (5.9/3.1 per game), and his yardage plunged by nearly 40 yards per game (68.5/30.5 per game). His catch rate was also an abysmal 48.2%, while his 4.7 yards per target and 9.8 yards per reception established career lows. All of which has vaporized Anderson’s viability as a reliable fantasy option.

There were divergent opinions surrounding  Courtland Sutton‘s health entering Week 1, following his lengthy recovery from the torn ACL that he suffered in September of 2020. Anyone who invested an eighth-round selection on the fourth-year receiver was rewarded initially as he entered Week 9 as the league leader in air yards (1,006) and was fifth among all wide receivers with 50 targets (10 per game/28% share) from Weeks 2-6. He was also fourth in receiving yards (457/91.4 per game) and percentage share of air yards (48.1%), and eighth in receptions (32/6.4 per game) during that sequence.

Drew Lock hits Courtland Sutton on a slant on 3rd and 5.

Incomplete. pic.twitter.com/hg7eeJ94WQ

— Joe Rowles (@JoRo_NFL) January 8, 2022

Unfortunately, Sutton’s usage and output plummeted from Weeks 8-18, as he only averaged 4.0 targets per game, along with an anemic 2.0 receptions and 23.72 yards per game during that 10-game span. He also plunged from 1st to 18th in air yards (542/60.2 per game). Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick provided competition for targets. However, shortcomings under center and the questionable deployment of personnel combined to squelch Sutton’s chances of sustaining the promising results that he supplied early in the year. If those issues are addressed effectively during the offseason, then Sutton’s value will be resuscitated.

the jerry jeudy-Drew Lock connection ??? pic.twitter.com/568u958Oei

— Austin Gayle (@PFF_AustinGayle) January 8, 2022

Jeudy’s numbers also failed to reach the expectations that developed when his ADP rose to 55 (WR24) during the draft process. Any categorization of his numbers as "disappointing" include an asterisk due to the ankle injury that forced his six-game absence. However, the same inadequacies that impacted Sutton were also instrumental in Jeudy’s underwhelming numbers during the 10 games when he was available (5.6 targets/46.7 yards). Those failed to match his averages as a rookie (7.1 targets/53.5 yards), while his yards per reception (16.5/12.3), and aDOT (13.5/10.5) also decreased.  Jeudy also failed to generate a touchdown. However, his outlook will improve if the Broncos upgrade at quarterback and adopt a strategic approach that maximizes Jeudy's abilities.

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