Welcome to the Week 16 edition of Jason Bales’s “Red Zone Targets” article. Each week, he analyzes one leader in red-zone rushes or targets that have a certain amount of untapped potential. In identifying these players, fantasy owners can delve further into their own research, bookmarking them for possible trade candidates in season-long fantasy football leagues, or tournament plays in daily fantasy football leagues.
Running Back Red Zone Targets Value:
Mike Boone (MIN)
Dalvin Cook is not expected to play this weekend for the Minnesota Vikings, and Mike Boone should see a majority of the Vikings’ offensive snaps. Last week, in 30.6% of offensive snaps, Boone rushed 13 times for 56 rushing yards and 2 touchdowns. He earned 6 red zone carries, rushing for 4.2 yards per carry. Prior to Week 15, Boone rushed once inside the 20-yard line.
Boone is the perfect streaming option in season-long fantasy football championships, and he makes sense in daily fantasy leagues as well. Dalvin Cook owners are upset, but this is Boone’s chance to shine. With an in-division game against the Green Bay Packers, the Vikings should be fired up this Monday night. Roster Boone in all leagues with Cook injured and Alexander Mattison likely out with an ankle injury.
Wide Receiver Red Zone Targets Value:
Danny Amendola (DET)
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Kenny Golladay gets a tough matchup against the Denver Broncos’ best cornerback Chris Harris. Marvin Jones is out for the season. Danny Amendola earned 88.5% of the offensive snaps in Week 15, catching 8-of-13 targets for 102 receiving yards, but he failed to record a touchdown. His air yards are starting to increase, and the Detroit Lions’ rookie quarterback David Blough frequently checks down to Amendola.
On the season, Amendola earned 9 targets, catching 6 passes for 22 receiving yards, but no touchdowns. He is targeted most frequently on first and second down (44.4% each). Blough targeted Amendola twice inside the 20-yard line in Week 14 against the Minnesota Vikings and once against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 15.
With Harris shadowing Golladay, he should be featured in the Lions’ red-zone attack this week. Amendola is worth consideration in all league types and formats, especially point-per-reception leagues. He has a chance to earn over 100 receiving yards again in Week 16, and his touchdown production should start to increase with Jones out of the picture.
Tight End Red Zone Targets Value:
Josh Hill (NO)
Josh Hill is a frequent red-zone target for the New Orleans Saints. Last week, he earned 1 target on 18 routes run. He caught that solo pass for 5 receiving yards and 1 touchdown. In the last three weeks, he has at least 1 red-zone target in each game, earning at least 1 touchdown in Week 14 and 15.
The undrafted 29-year-old out of Idaho State is a shot-in-the-dark, but worth consideration in deep season-long leagues as a Week 16 stream. The Saints get a semi-tough matchup against the Tennessee Titans this week, but if tight ends are tough to find, Hill should be available. He has touchdown potential, and in daily fantasy leagues, his price tag is so low that if he scores, he crushes value.
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