Running Back Red Zone Targets Value:
Frank Gore (BUF)
Despite the hype that surrounded Devin Singletary, the Buffalo Bills have opted to utilize Frank Gore at a much higher snap share than most analysts predicted. With LeSean McCoy out of the picture (the Bills cut him before the season started), Gore is receiving plenty of red zone opportunities. He is currently 12th in the league in red zone rushes with 10, resulting in 19 yards and 2 touchdowns. Unfortunately, Gore has 0 red zone targets, as he is not frequented in the Bills’ passing attack. Those targets are likely headed toward John Brown after his great performance last week.
This week, Singletary will likely be held out, opening up even more potential red zone opportunities for Gore. The Tennessee Titans have a tough defense, but in their last 3 games, they allowed over 100 rushing yards per. At 36 years old, Gore will not see even close to 100% of the snap share, which means T.J. Yeldon should be more involved. The potential for touchdowns is higher than usual this week for Gore, and he is worth consideration in season-long and daily fantasy leagues as a solid flex option.
Wide Receiver Red Zone Targets Value:
Courtland Sutton (DEN)
Courtland Sutton is a big-bodied WR at 6-foot-3, and his height adds to his overall red zone opportunities. Currently, his red zone targets share is 32%, but that drops down to 22.2% from anywhere on the field. So far this season, he has 6 targets inside the 20-yard line, which resulted in 5 receptions for 45 yards and 2 touchdowns. Inside the 10-yard line, he has 3 targets for 15 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Unfortunately, Emmanuel Sanders is outpacing Sutton with 8 red zone targets. This resulted in 5 receptions for 21 yards and 2 touchdowns for Sanders. Both WRs are going to continue to see a lion’s share of the red zone targets, as Joe Flacco has a QB Rating, or QBR, over 90 when targeting one of the two. Sutton increases his QBR from 92.7 to 107.5, and it would not be surprising to see the young WR from SMU continue to see increased red zone targets as Flacco starts trusting him more throughout the season.
This week, both Courtland Sutton and Emmanuel Sanders are worthy of consideration in season-long and daily fantasy leagues against the pitiful Los Angeles Chargers’ pass defense. Due to Sanders hot start, Sutton gets the contrarian edge.
Tight End Red Zone Targets Value:
Austin Hooper (ATL)
Austin Hooper started the season in an impressive fashion, racking up 28 receptions on 33 targets for 307 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. With only 19.3% of the team’s total target share, Hooper has plenty more upside. He is also getting 25% of the total red zone targets share, which resulted in 4 total red zone targets, 2 receptions, and 2 touchdowns.
This week, the Atlanta Falcons are road underdogs to the Houston Texans. According to Expand The Boxscore, Hooper is earning over 50% of the total team targets when the Falcons are down by at least 14 points. The Texans have a very powerful offense. If they go up big early, Hooper could be in store for a great fantasy outing. He is a must-start in season-long leagues, as well as a great, high-upside option in daily fantasy leagues.
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