Wide Receiver Snap Counts and Target Trends - Week 1 Analysis

After months of research, conversation, and recommendations regarding potential usage and production for wide receivers, we can finally shift into the analysis of actual regular-season matchups. The results of Week 1 provided a collection of impressive performances, including several surprising developments. It also delivered our first opportunity to examine the massive assortment of numbers that were generated during the season openers for all 32 teams.

Those results provide the foundation for this weekly statistical breakdown of the wide receiver position, which I will be constructing for a fourth consecutive season. This will be the first installment that will examine game-specific data, including updated totals for targets, red-zone targets, snap counts, and a blend of advanced statistics. The information that is contained in this weekly report will analyze how various receivers are being utilized, and how effectively they are capitalizing on their opportunities. It is also designed to help with your roster decisions throughout the season.

This week’s article will be functioning with one week of data, which will construct the baseline from which the numbers that are generated in the upcoming weeks can be evaluated. That will bolster your efforts to determine which wide receivers should be in your lineups, and which are worthy of remaining on your rosters. Statistics from our newly designed player pages at RotoBaller were included during the compilation of data, while Pro Football Reference, NextGenStats, Rotowire, Rotoviz, PFF, and Football Outsiders were also used as resources in the creation of this report.

Week 1 Target Leaders

Exactly one year ago, Amari Cooper began the 2020 regular season by collecting 14 targets. He also registered double-digit target totals during four of his first six matchups. However, he was unable to accomplish that feat during his final 10 games. There is no mystery attached to his reduction in usage as it corresponded to Dak Prescott‘s season-ending ankle injury. But Prescott has re-emerged under which also fueled Cooper’s rise to this week’s highest target total (16).

Amari Cooper and CeeDee Lamb combined for 31 of the Cowboys' 57 total targets (54.4%) Thursday night⭐ pic.twitter.com/jqBltzawKA

— RotoUnderworld (@rotounderworld) September 10, 2021

Cooper’s teammate Lamb was also a beneficiary of Prescott‘s reemergence, as his 15 targets tied for second among all receivers. It was the third time in his career that he has reached a double-digit target total. However, he had not attained 10+ since last October, when he captured 11 targets during two consecutive matchups. The exceptional season-opening numbers for Lamb and Cooper will be examined further in the 5 Things I Noticed section.

Only @PatrickMahomes and @Cheetah... WOW.

?: #CLEvsKC on CBS
?: NFL app pic.twitter.com/gUGq3ez4xb

— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021

Tyreek Hill accumulated at least 10 targets five times during a six-game stretch last season (Weeks 9-15) while averaging a league-high 12.5 per game during that span. Hill continued to stockpile targets from Patrick Mahomes during the Chiefs’ season opener, which tied him with Lamb for the league’s second-highest weekly total (15). That was more than double the number of targets that were collected by any of his Kansas City teammates, which also propelled him to a 45.5% target share.

Chris Godwin achieved his highest weekly target total since September 2019, while his 14 targets also tied his previous career-high. Godwin had averaged 6.8 targets per game from Weeks 1-10 last season before he registered his only double-digit total throughout the entire year (10). The encouraging start to his fifth season will be discussed further in the 5 Things I Noticed section.

Stefon Diggs was one of just four receivers who averaged 10+ targets per game throughout 2020 - (Davante Adams 10.6/Keenan Allen 10.5/Diggs 10.4/DeAndre Hopkins 10.0). Diggs also collected at least 10 targets during nine different matchups last season which propelled him to the eventual league lead in that category from Weeks 1-17 (166). His extensive usage continued in Week 1, as his 14 targets tied him with Godwin for fourth overall. Diggs’ teammate Cole Beasley accrued 13 targets, which tied his career-high. The 32-year old Beasley has now eclipsed 10 targets in six of his last 10 regular-season matchups. 

How Keenan Allen reeled in this Herbert dart. #BoltUp

?: #LACvsWAS on CBS
?: NFL app pic.twitter.com/yDGgAKpBHZ

— NFL (@NFL) September 12, 2021

Allen's 13 targets tied him with Beasley while restoring the nine-year veteran's place among the unquestioned WR1s. He was averaging 11.1 targets per game from Weeks 1-14 last season while accumulating 10+ during 10 of his first 13 matchups. He would have finished ahead of Diggs as the season-long leader if he had maintained that pace during his final three games. However, he was limited to just 24 snaps from Weeks 15-17 (hamstring/COVID-19). He has re-emerged as a prime candidate to lead the NFL in targets this season if he can elude health issues.

Allen's teammate Mike Williams was targeted 12 times by Charger signal-caller Justin Herbert. That enabled Williams to attain a double-digit total for just the fourth time in 57 career contests. The former -first-round draft pick (2017) attained the second-highest weekly total of his career and the largest number since Week 5 of 2019.

There were divergent opinions throughout the offseason surrounding the eventual target distribution among Jaguar wide receivers, as D.J. Chark, Laviska Shenault Jr., and Marvin Jones were all destined to compete for opportunities. That trio combined for 30 targets during Jacksonville’s season opener, with Chark assembling a team-high 12. He had only reached a double-digit total twice during 2020 and had averaged 6.7 per game from Weeks 10-17.

79-YARD TOUCHDOWN ?@JimmyG_10 x @19problemz

? #SFvsDET on FOX pic.twitter.com/9D9Js4mArl

— San Francisco 49ers (@49ers) September 12, 2021

Deebo Samuel collected 12 of the 16 targets that were distributed to San Francisco’s wide receivers, which was his highest weekly total since Week 12 of last season. That also vaulted to the league lead with a 52.2% target share during Week 1. Allen Robinson unsurprisingly led Chicago with 11 targets and has now captured 11+ during four of his last seven regular-season games.

Diontae Johnson was among the select group of three receivers who were targeted 10+ times in 10 different matchups throughout the 2020 regular season. He has now reached double-digits in 9 of his last 12 games after Ben Roethlisberger targeted him 10 times during Pittsburgh’s Week 1 journey to Buffalo. He was joined by Cooper Kupp, whose 10 targets propelled him to a team-high 38.5 target share during the Rams’ season opener. Adam Thielen also captured 10 targets during his Week 1 matchup in Cincinnati, which was one more than teammate Justin Jefferson.

Week 1 Air Yards

Tyreek Hill finished fourth overall in air yards during 2020 (1,708) and completed Week 1 with the league’s highest total (231). D.J. Chark was second, after narrowly missing 200 yards during his season opener (199). CeeDee Lamb was next (159), followed by Marquez Valdes- Scantling (156), Stefon Diggs (150), Emmanuel Sanders (149), Antonio Brown (144), Brandin Cooks (132), and Amari Cooper with 127. Rookie Anthony Schwartz was next (126), followed by Justin Jefferson (124), Corey Davis (118), Mike Williams (118), Ja’Marr Chase (114), and Keenan Allen (112). Chris Godwin accumulated 111 air yards, followed by Tyler Lockett (108), Marvin Jones (104), and Quintez Cepheus (102). Deebo Samuel completed the list of 20 wide receivers who reached 100 air yards during the season openers.

Two rookies are contained in the top five of this week's leaders in percentage share of air yards. Hill was the only receiver who eclipsed 70 percent (72.4), followed by Deebo Samuel (60.2), and DeVonta Smith (52.3).

LOCKETT'S GOT IT! ?????@DangeRussWilson fires away to @TDLockett12 for six more!

?: #SEAvsIND on FOX pic.twitter.com/k0w73tFqhh

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) September 12, 2021

Tyler Lockett (51.9) was next, followed by Ja’Marr Chase (51.8), Calvin Ridley (49.4), D.J. Chark (47.5), Marquez Valdes-Scantling (47.1), and newcomer Anthony Schwartz (46.2), Deonte Harris (45.2), Brandon Cooks (44.4), and CeeDee Lamb (43.1) completing the list of 12 additional receivers with a percentage of 40+. Justin Jefferson was next (39.5), followed by Sammy Watkins (78.8), Van Jefferson (38.2), Antonio Brown (38.0), and D.K. Metcalf (37.0), Terry McLaurin is next (36.4), followed by D.J. Moore (34.4), Amari Cooper (34.4), DeAndre Hopkins (34.3), Nelson Agholor (33.9), and Robby Anderson (33.7). Corey Davis, Cooper Kupp, and Chase Claypool were among the 12 additional receivers with a percentage of 30+.

Hill also leads his position in targeted air yards (73.5), followed by Smith (72.1), Samuel (59.2), Lockett (53.2), and Ridley (50.6). Chase was next (89.6), followed by Chark (46.0), Valdes-Scantling (45.2), Brandin Cooks (43.5), and Anthony Schwartz (43.4). Lamb was next (43) while completing the list of 11 receivers who attained 40+.

Week 1 First Downs

Amari Cooper and Tyreek Hill lead all receivers in first down receptions entering Week 2 (8). Keenan Allen and Chris Godwin are tied for third (7) while Deebo Samuel, Sterling Shepard, and Mike Williams each collected six catches that resulted in first downs. Adam Thielen, CeeDee Lamb, and D.J. Moore were next with five receptions.

The top two wide receivers in first down receptions during 2020 - DeAndre Hopkins and Stefon Diggs - were among the mammoth list of 17 wide receivers who accrued four receptions during their season openers.

Week 1 Red Zone Targets

Adam Thielen puts the Vikings on the board! #SKOL pic.twitter.com/QXvvg9t4wi

— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) September 12, 2021

Keenan Allen and Chris Godwin were targeted four times in the red zone during their Week 1 matchups. That elevated both receivers into the overall lead in that category. Amari Cooper and Sammy Watkins accumulated three red zone targets, while Stefon Diggs, Tee Higgins, Diontae Johnson, and Robert Woods were among the 17 receivers who were targeted twice in the red zone.

Woods joined Marvin Jones in capturing a league-best two targets inside the 10-yard line, while they were also the only receivers to capture two targets inside the 5.

Davante Adams (28), Calvin Ridley (20), Adam Thielen (19). Allen Robinson (18), and Mike Evans (18) finished as the top five in red zone targets during 2020, while assembling 103 during the year. However, they combined for a total of three during Week 1.

Week 1 Snap Counts

Teammates Stefon Diggs and Emmanuel Sanders performed on 79 offensive snaps during Buffalo's matchup with Pittsburgh. That has elevated the tandem into the overall lead in this category. Diggs' former teammate Adam Thielen was next (78), followed by his current teammate Cole Beasley (77), and Justin Jefferson (76). Michael Pittman, Jakobi Meyers, and Amari Cooper were all involved on 74 snaps, while Zach Pascal, Darnell Mooney, and Kalif Raymond were tied with 69. Marvin Jones, K.J. Osborne, and Keenan Allen all played on 67 snaps, followed by Nelson Agholor (64), Chris Godwin (63), and Allen Robinson (63). Rookies Ja’Marr Chase and DeVonta Smith were among the nine additional receivers they performed on 60+ offensive snaps during their Week 1 matchups.

Terry McLaurin led all wide receivers in snap count percentage during 2020 (93.4) and is currently tied for the league lead entering Week 2. McLaurin and Mooney were both involved in 100% of their teams' offensive snaps, followed by Meyers (98.7), Godwin (98.5), Michael Pittman (97.4), Cooper Kupp (94.3), and Thielen (94.0). Mike Evans was next (93.9), followed by Sanders (92.9), Diggs (92.9), Dyami Brown (92.7), D.K. Metcalf (92.6), Jefferson (91.6), JuJu Smith-Schuster (91.4), and Robinson (91.3). Pascal (90.8), Beasley (90.6), and Jones (90.6) completed the list of 19 wide receivers who were involved on at least 90% of their teams' offensive snaps in Week 1.

Five Things I Noticed

1. If either Amari Cooper or CeeDee Lamb were contained on your 2020 rosters, you are already painfully aware that the excellent usage and output that they attained with Dak Prescott under center came to an abrupt conclusion after Prescott’s season ended in Week 5. Cooper soared to WR1 in scoring from Weeks 1-4 while collecting a league-high 51 targets (12.8 per game). He was also second in receptions (37/9.3 per game) and had already reached 400 receiving yards (100.3 per game). But Prescott’s ankle injury triggered a massive statistical decline, as Cooper dropped to WR29 in scoring during his final 12 matchups. His per-game averages also plunged to 6.6 targets, 4.6 receptions, and 59.4 yards during that span.

Lamb had ascended to WR10 in scoring before Prescott’s departure became a debilitating factor. He was also seventh overall in receiving yards (497/82.8 per game), targets (51/8.5 per game), and receptions (36/6 per game) entering Week 7. But his per-game averages also descended significantly from Weeks 7-17 (6.0 targets/3.8 receptions/43.8 yards).

We love to see it! ?#DALvsTB | ? Watch now on NBC pic.twitter.com/zphRcxPmjO

— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) September 10, 2021

However, Prescott’s Week 1 reunion with Cooper and Lamb presented both receivers with the opportunity to accumulate sizable target totals, while the tandem also delivered highly productive outings for their managers. Prescott distributed 31 of his 58 targets to his top two receiving weapons, while the tandem captured a 54.5% target share while combining for 20 receptions (Cooper 13/Lamb 7), 243 receiving yards (Cooper 143/Lamb 104), and 286 air yards (Lamb 159/Cooper 127). Cooper’s team-high target total tied his season-best total from 2020, while also tying for the second-highest weekly total of his career.

First TD of the 2021 season for @_CeeDeeThree. #OUDNA

?#DALvsTB on NBC

pic.twitter.com/PrTlL6zSrP

— Oklahoma Football (@OU_Football) September 10, 2021

Lamb accumulated 15 targets, which easily established a new career-high. The second-year receiver had eclipsed 10+ targets twice during his 2020 rookie season. But he had accrued 11 in both matchups.

Dallas offensive coordinator Kellen Moore largely avoided Tampa Bay’s formidable run defense by limiting Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard to 14 rushing attempts. That run/pass ratio will not be sustained. But Moore will rely heavily on Prescott and the Cowboys’ potent aerial attack regardless of the competition. Michael Gallup’s unfortunate calf issue has cemented Cooper and Lamb as Prescott’s primary options. This should sustain both receivers among the league leaders in every major category while rewarding anyone who invested in the talented duo during their draft process. 

2. Robby Anderson and D.J. Moore combined for a 50.1% target share during 2020 while accumulating 254 targets, and 2,289 yards. Anderson soared to fifth among all wide receivers in targets (136 targets/8.5 per game), while finishing eighth overall receptions (95 receptions/5.9 per game), and 13th receiving yards (1,096 yards/68.5 per game). Moore garnered 118 targets (7.9 per game) while finishing ninth overall during 2020 (1,193 (79.5 per game).

However, several factors reshaped the structure of Carolina's offense during the offseason which threatened to alter the usage and output for both receivers. This included the arrival of rookie Terrace Marshall Jr., who became the prospective WR3 within the reconstructed attack. Christian McCaffrey was also primed to recapture his massive role after being limited to just three matchups last season. The transition from Teddy Bridgewater to Sam Darnold added another layer of uncertainty that would impact the receiving weaponry.   

Darnold launched targets to his wide receivers on just 51.5% of his passes during the Panthers' season opener, which ranked 24th overall. This was a decline from last season when Bridgewater and P.J. Walker had targeted the position with 70.5% of their passes. The Panthers also vaulted to third in targets to running backs (33.3%), which was a rise of nearly 12% from 2020 (21.7%). This was an unsurprising byproduct of McCaffrey’s return. Anderson had averaged 10,3 targets per game with McCaffrey in the lineup last season, followed by Moore (8.3) and McCaffrey (6.3).

But in Week 1, McCaffrey led Carolina in targets (9) while capturing a 27.3% share. Moore finished second (8/24.4%), followed by newcomer Marshall (6/18.2%). Anderson dropped to fourth with just three targets (9.1%), which was his lowest weekly target total since Week 10 of 2019.

Moore's yards per target average (10), was essentially unchanged from the career-high 10.1 that he attained during 2020. His yards per reception average (13.3) declined from the 18.1 that he averaged last season. However, that was comparable to the 13.9 that he averaged during 2018-2019. Anderson’s averages were distorted by the blend of his minimal target total, and the 57-yard touchdown that he delivered on his only reception.

It is wise to avoid an overreaction to Anderson’s Week 1 numbers as Darnold should locate him with greater frequency during the upcoming weeks. However, the infusion of McCaffrey and Marshall into the equation has intensified the competition for targets. This could lead to intermittent frustration for managers with Anderson and Moore on their rosters.

3. Tampa Bay’s trio of wide receivers (Chris Godwin/Mike Evans/Antonio Brown) combined for a 58.7% target share when the Buccaneers hosted Dallas. Managers with Godwin and Brown on their rosters should have been ecstatic with the output from both receivers. However, anyone who selected Evans during recent drafts was experiencing very different emotions.

Tom Brady to Chris Godwin for the 1st TD of the season ?

pic.twitter.com/5acizUScW1

— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) September 10, 2021

Godwin contended with multiple injuries last season (hamstring/finger/concussion) which also forced his absence during four matchups. His eventual numbers also dropped in each major category when contrasted with his 2019 breakout season. But Godwin collected a team-high 14 targets during the Buccaneers’ season opener, which was his highest weekly total since Week 4 of 2019. Managers should be encouraged with his double-digit total after Godwin only accrued 10+ targets once throughout all of 2020. It was also promising that he eclipsed 100 yards (105) after he also accomplished that in just one matchup last season.

Godwin also collected a team-high nine receptions, while generating 105 yards and a touchdown. However, Antonio Brown led Tampa Bay’s receivers with 121 yards, and 144 yards, while the seven-time Pro Bowler also finished the contest with a whopping aDOT ( average depth of target) of 20.6.

Antonio Brown cooked him ? pic.twitter.com/TgY5ObDeKZ

— PFF Fantasy Football (@PFF_Fantasy) September 10, 2021

Brown had averaged 7.8 targets, 5.6 receptions, 60.4 receiving yards, and 68.6 air yards per game after joining the Buccaneers in 2020. But he remains capable of surpassing those averages this year.

Mike Evans entered Week 1 with career averages of 8.8 targets, 5.0 receptions, and 77.5 yards per game. That includes eight games last season after Brown had been infused into the offense (7.9 targets/5.0 receptions/78.0 yards per game). Evans had also averaged 15.5 yards per reception, and 8.7 yards per target since entering the NFL (2014), including his averages after Brown surfaced in Tampa (15.0 yards per reception/10.0 yards per target).

But Evans registered six targets while collecting only three receptions and managing an anemic 24 yards. That represented Evans’ lowest yardage total since Week 6 of the 2020 regular season. He also averaged just 8.0 yards per reception, and 4.0 yards per target, which represented his lowest averages in both categories since that same September matchup from last season. It is wise to remain patient after Evans’ disappointing numbers, as he will deliver better results during the weeks ahead.

4. Cincinnati’s selection of Ja'Marr Chase with the fifth overall pick in last April’s NFL Draft ensured a reunion between the former Biletnikoff winner and Joe Burrow. It also ignited continuous debate surrounding the eventual target distribution between Chase – who had stockpiled 1,780 yards (127.1 per game), and 20 touchdowns with Burrow as his quarterback during 2019 –  promising second-year receiver Tee Higgins, and dependable slot weapon Tyler Boyd.  Chase also experienced multiple drops during the preseason, which fueled a plunge of nearly 20 slots in ADP between July (53/WR21), and the conclusion of draft season (72/WR28). But that excessive reaction unnecessarily dismissed Chase’s explosive playmaking ability along with an enticing collection of skills that will allow him to gain separation against overmatched defenders.

Chase’s potential to elevate an already promising Cincinnati attack was on display during the team’s season opener, which included his first career touchdown.

.@Real10jayy__ saw that ball and took it to the HOUSE.

?: #MINvsCIN on FOX pic.twitter.com/T9jt61X2w9

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 12, 2021

The Bengals’ pass play percentage ranked just 29th during Week 1 (47.1), as Burrow launched just 27 passes. But his wide receivers were targeted on 16 of those throws. Chase ultimately garnered the largest share (26.9%), while leading the team in targets (7), receptions (5), and receiving yards (101). The dynamic newcomer also paced the Bengals in air yards (114), and percentage share of air yards (51.8), yards per reception (20.1), and yards per target (14.4).

Higgins was averaging 7.1 targets, 4.8 receptions, and 62.9 yards per game during his 2020 rookie season before Burrow suffered his season-ending injury (torn ACL), while Boyd was averaging 8.7 targets, 6.9 receptions, and 71 yards per game before Burrow's absence. Neither receiver matched those averages in Week 1, as Higgins collected five targets (19.2% share) while capturing four receptions, and generating 58 yards. He also led Cincinnati in red zone targets and generated his first touchdown of the season.

YOU CAN'T STOP 85! @JoeyB to @teehiggins5 for our first touchdown of the season.

?: #MINvsCIN on FOX pic.twitter.com/tPmzXSR8dO

— Cincinnati Bengals (@Bengals) September 12, 2021

Boyd's target share was the lowest among Cincinnati’s trio of receivers (15.4%), while he caught three of his four targets and manufactured 32 yards. The one-game sample size should serve as a reminder that Higgins and Boyd are proven weapons, and will remain heavily involved in the Bengals' aerial attack. But Chase should outperform the expectations of his diminished ADP and justify the confidence of anyone who selected him during the draft process.

5. Week 1 game action also provided a collection of surprising developments. Fortunately, that included productive outings from wide receivers that could be embraced by managers. 

First NFL catch, first NFL touchdown for @DeVontaSmith_6!#PHIvsATL | #FlyEaglesFly

?: FOX pic.twitter.com/shoAoC4R6L

— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) September 12, 2021

DeVonta Smith was the third wide receiver to be selected during last April’s NFL draft and joined Chase in delivering an impressive debut in Week 1. Smith performed on 87% of Philadelphia’s offense snaps while operating outside on 47 of his 62 offensive plays. He led the Eagles in target share during his first matchup (25%), while pacing the team in targets (8), receptions (6), and receiving yards (71). He also led all newcomers in targets and receptions during Week 1, while Smith also generated a touchdown on his first catch. He also finished third among all receivers in percentage share of air yards (52.3)

Deebo Samuel's 12 targets placed him inside the top 10 among all wide receivers in Week 1. He also finished third overall in receptions (9), and second only to Tyreek Hill with a career-high 189 receiving yards. Samuel also enters Week 2 as the league leader in target share (52.2), and also in yards after catch (109).

DEEBO SAMUEL CASHES THE OVER (46) ? #SFvsDET pic.twitter.com/Y0huFZZzc4

— PFF Bet (@PFF_Bet) September 12, 2021

He began the 49ers' season opener with career averages of 12.3 yards per reception, 9.4 yards per target, and a 4.9  aDOT (average depth of target) - including just 2.2 last season. But he easily surpassed those averages in Week 1 - (8.3 aDOT/21.0 yards per reception/15.8 yards per target).

D.J. Chark finished second overall in both air yards (199), and seventh in percentage share of air yards (47.5). He also paced the Jaguars in targets (12), and receiving yards (89) during their encounter with AFC South rival Houston. Chark's 28.7 yards per reception average is unsustainable. But he did lead the league in Week 1  among receivers with 4+ targets. It also represented a considerable increase over his career average of 13.2.

Cooper Kupp finished seventh among all wide receivers with 108 yards during his first game with Matthew Stafford as his signal-caller. He also tied for 12th overall in targets (10) and was also 10th in receptions (7).

GOING DEEEEEP!

Staff to @CooperKupp for six! pic.twitter.com/DJOhmksjF3

— Los Angeles Rams (@RamsNFL) September 13, 2021

Kupp entered Week 1 with career averages of 12.8 yards per reception and 9.2 yards per target. That includes the 10.6 yards per reception and 7.9 yards per target that he averaged during 2020. However, those numbers rose to 15.4 yards per reception and 10.8 yards per target during the Rams’ home opener against Chicago.

Corey Davis clearly functioned as the Jets' primary receiving weapon with Zach Wilson spearheading New York's aerial attack. Davis led the Jets in targets (7), seven receptions (5), and receiving yards (97) while finishing 13th overall in yardage. Davis also finished 11th among all receivers in yards before catch (68) while his 16.9 aDOT easily exceeded his career average (11.2). Davis also entered the contest with career averages of 13.5 yards per reception and 8.3 yards per target. But he averaged 19.4 yards per reception and 13.9 yards per target in Week 1.

Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App

Win Big With RotoBaller

More Fantasy Football Analysis