So you've just finished dominating your draft. Congratulations, you have completed Step 1 on your journey to a fantasy football championship. But you and I both know there's a long road ahead.
Come Sept. 5, the 2024 season will kick off, and much of what we thought we knew will be in question. This is where the real game begins, and throughout the season we must make crucial decisions. Should we hold on to what we have, or do we need to adjust?
- Why did my starting RB score only six points? Do I need a replacement?
- Who is Puka Nacua, and should I drop Skyy Moore to grab him?
- My backup WR outscored my starter last week. Now who should I start?
If you've ever found yourself unable to fall asleep as you wrestle with these life-altering questions, you need help. No, not that kind of help.
You need the Utilization Report.
At Fantasy Life, we have developed a suite of tools designed to help you answer these questions and more. After all, we want you well-rested and in peak form for your playoff march to a fantasy title this December.
Below are a few examples from the 2023 season that demonstrate how the Utilization Report tools can help.
Sack your Start/Sit Decisions
Scenario: You've been patiently waiting for Colts RB Jonathan Taylor to return from injury, but smartly rostered Zack Moss. Now it's Week 9 and you must choose between them. Taylor scored more points in Week 7, but Moss led the way in Week 8. Moss is also on the injury report due to a heel injury.
Ugh, what should you do?!
Utilization says: Start Taylor. He's trending up, and his transition to a full-time role is nearly complete. The previous week, he led the tandem in snaps, attempts, routes and targets.
Result: Taylor continued his upward utilization trajectory, bogarting 62% of the rushing attempts and dominating route participation at 75% in Week 9. He outscored Moss by 15 points.
Win the Waiver Wire
Scenario: It's Week 8. You ignored TE in your fantasy draft, and your late-round darts missed the mark (welcome to the club). You also don't have a high waiver wire position, so you can't wait for the next breakout of the season — one of your pesky leaguemates will claim them ahead of you, even if it's just out of spite. It is time for a preemptive strike.
Who could help you level the playing field if things break their way?
Utilization Says: Stash Trey McBride on your bench. His route participation has been on the rise over the last two games. His 22% targets per route run (TPRR) rate ranks in the top 10 for TEs on the season and second behind Marquise Brown for the Cardinals. If his utilization continues to expand, he offers top-six upside.
Result: McBride averaged 15.8 points over the final eight contests of the fantasy season, registering five top-eight finishes.
Tackle the Trade Market
Scenario: It's Week 10. Your league trade deadline looms, and injuries have decimated your WR depth. You want to target an upside WR3 who has yet to peak. Because rookie WRs often see an increase in playing time later in the season, you narrow your search. You seek rookies with a strong target-earning profile and a path to playing time.
Who should you try to trade for?
Utilization Says: Rashee Rice is your priority target. Rice still isn't a full-time receiver, but his route participation has climbed from a 36% average to 61% over the last three games. Furthermore, his targets per route run of 24% are miles ahead of the teammates currently getting more playing time through Week 9.
Result: Rice continued to expand his route participation, ultimately earning a full-time role by Week 14. He averaged 17.2 fantasy points per contest over his final six games — a WR1-worthy mark.
Of course, the Utilization Report tools don't come with a crystal ball that guarantees 100% accuracy. We hand-picked those 2023 examples for a reason. But our goal is clear: Provide the data and insights that help fantasy players identify over/underperformers ahead of their league mates more often than not over the long haul.
