The Utilization Report. Everything You Need For Fantasy Football In Week 7.

Volume is king in fantasy football, and this report will help you understand which players are due more or less according to their roles. Based on historical data tied to metrics we know drive volume, it is a great way to understand who is over-performing (sell high) and underperforming (buy low).

• Overall offense: Which teams are enabling winning volume and efficiency across game scripts
• Quarterbacks: How involved is each QB in the running game, and who is unlocking upside for their weapons
• Running backs: Which backs are handling early downs, short yardage, and passing downs
• Tight ends: Who is running enough routes and meeting critical targets per route run (TPRR) thresholds
• Receivers: Which receivers are in the most routes and operating broadly within the offense

1. Adam Thielen is a WR1 and there is reason to believe that sticks.

The 33-year-old averages 20.8 fantasy points per game and is the No. 3 WR in fantasy football. He is thriving, playing 72% of his routes from the slot, ranking 11th in target share (28%) and fourth in overall targets (59).

Forgive me if you have heard this from me before, but it bears repeating one last time: This isn’t the first time we have seen former high-end target earners produce big fantasy numbers after moving into the slot later in their careers.

While Thielen might not be able to keep the 20-plus points per game pace going, he has a real shot at finishing inside the top 12. Age and offensive environments are legitimate risks that keep him in the SELL-HIGH conversation, but you definitely shouldn’t settle.

Outlook: Thielen UPGRADES to low-end WR1 status.

2. Michael Mayer’s role is growing and he looks fantastic.

Mayer is the all-time leader for receptions, receiving yards and TDs by a TE for Notre Dame. He broke out early in his collegiate career with a 24% target share as a sophomore, and as a junior he improved that to a whopping 36%.

Early in the draft process, Mayer was thought to be the No. 1 option in the 2023 class, but he ended up falling into the early second round where the Raiders took him as the third TE off the board after Sam LaPorta and Dalton Kincaid. While Kincaid and LaPorta offered more athleticism, neither had the target-earning profile Mayer boasted. Mayer’s career yards per team passing attempt (an important data point) was No. 1 in the class at 2.66.

Mayer’s rookie season got off to a slow start, with Austin Hooper serving as the starter over the first five games. However, in Week 5 we saw Mayer begin an upward trend in route participation (44%), and in Week 6 the rookie catapulted the veteran with a 67% mark.

Mayer finished Week 6 as the second-most targeted Raider and delivered 13 fantasy points to finish as the TE5. Targets will be tough to come by with Davante Adams and Jakobi Meyers both demanding significant looks, but Mayer has the type of upside profile we want to buy into. He is available in most leagues.

FAAB Recommendation: 5-10% (higher in deep leagues or TE-premium formats)

Outlook: Mayer UPGRADES to a high-end TE2 with UPSIDE.

3. Drake London is who we thought he was.

The second-year WR got off to a rough start with two dud performances of WR87 and WR64 over the first three games. However, he now has three top-24 finishes on the season and is the WR29 overall.

We knew the Falcons offense would be challenging due to the run-heavy nature and QB questions, but we also know that London was a high-end target earner based on his data from college and his rookie season. Ultimately, that is now shining through to help London’s fantasy managers regain confidence.

London averages 7.2 targets per game this season, and historically that number lines up with his low-end WR3 fantasy production. Since 2011, WRs to average between six and eight targets have finished as the WR31 with 12.8 fantasy points per game.

Outlook: London UPGRADES to low-end WR3 status.

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4. The Broncos are using a DREADED three-way RB committee.

Javonte Williams returned from injury to lead the Broncos with a 50% rush share in Week 6. However, the emergence of Jaleel McLaughlin is a big problem for fantasy managers trying to squeeze value out of the Denver backfield. 

In two healthy games (Weeks 3 and 6) since McLaughlin’s role expanded, Williams has 11 and 10 attempts. McLaughlin has seven each game. Samaje Perine has three and zero.

Using the attempts and targets from those two games for each back, we can see how similar RBs have done since 2011.

• Nine to 12 attempts and one to two targets (Williams): RB47, 8.6 PPG
• Six to eight attempts and one to two targets (McLaughlin): RB56, 6.2 PPG
• One to two attempts and two to three targets (Perine): RB67, 4.7 PPG

It is possible that Williams and McLaughlin continue to slightly outpace expectations. Both are younger players who could come through on efficiency. Williams offers upside as the season progresses and he gets healthier, and McLaughlin has contingent value should Williams suffer a setback. Perine can be dropped in most formats — his only path to value right now is via injury to a teammate.

Outlook: Williams DOWNGRADES to borderline RB3 status while McLaughlin UPGRADES to a low-end RB4. Perine DOWNGRADES to RB6 territory.

5. The SUN GOD looks healthy again.

Amon-Ra St. Brown has been solid for fantasy managers while battling through injuries, but the ceiling performances haven’t been there. That changed in Week 6 as the third-year WR exploded with 30 fantasy points on a 35% target share.

With David Montgomery injured and facing a stout run defense in Tampa Bay, the offense shifted to a pass-heavy attack. Detroit registered its highest DBOE of the season at +13%.

Jahmyr Gibbs missed Week 6 due to a hamstring injury, and Zonovan Knight is out for the season, leaving the RB depth chart up in the air heading into Week 7. Until this unit is back to health, we could see the offense depend more on the passing attack.

Outlook: St. Brown rejoins the mid-range WR1 tier heading into Week 7 and offers top-three upside if the Lions decide to pass more in the coming weeks.

6. A shakeup in the Texans backfield?

I have recommended Pierce as a BUY-LOW candidate over the last few weeks due to the Texans' offensive line returning to health and the overall quality of the offense under C.J. Stroud. However, things took a turn for the worse in Week 6, with Devin Singletary taking on a large role.

Pierce retained a slight lead in rushing attempts with 43%, but Singletary bested him in snaps 52% to 35%. Singletary also registered a 50% route participation, which more than doubled Pierce (23%). Pierce was averaging 19.2 opportunities (attempts plus targets) through five games, but that fell to 13 in Week 6.

This is only one data point, so we don’t want to overreact. But we don’t get many data points in a football season, so we don’t want to underreact, either. There is a chance Pierce returns to his lead role after the Week 7 bye, so we should hold onto him in most formats. However, if you have a roster spot for Singletary, he is worth a stash in case he is the new No. 1 in Houston.

Outlook: Pierce downgrades to mid-range RB3 stats and Singletary upgrades to mid-range RB3 status.

7. Chris Olave is a BUY-LOW candidate.

After two down games with Derek Carr struggling due to a shoulder injury, Olave got back on track with a top-15 finish in Week 6. The second-year WR is the WR20 on the season, but his underlying profile suggests there is more coming. 

Olave ranks 10th in targets (54) and averages nine opportunities per game. If we remove the two injured games from Carr, that number jumps to 10.8. How have WRs since 2011 with those numbers faired?

• Eight to 10 targets per game: WR15, 16.0 PPG
• Ten to 12 targets per game: WR4, 20.5 PPG

Regardless of which numbers we go with, Olave has plenty of room to improve, and his upside is higher than most fantasy managers realize. That makes him a great BUY-LOW candidate despite his current WR20 standing.

Outlook: Olave is a mid-range WR2 with WR1 upside.

8. Jordan Addison isn’t leaving the field.

Addison delivered a WR27 finish in Week 6 against the Bears thanks to a TD reception. However, we could be in store for much more, considering our first data point in a game without Justin Jefferson points to a full-time role.

Addison has been meh in the target-earning department with only a 16% TPRR on the season, but he was a high-end target player in college. The Vikings don’t have much competition for looks in the passing game after T.J. Hockenson, so if Addison can get things going, we could see some big performances in the coming weeks.

Outlook: Addison is mid-range WR3 with upside while Jefferson is out.

9. Jaylen Waddle’s blowup game is coming.

Waddle battled injuries early in the season but has WR19 and WR11 finishes in the last two outings. However, his utilization is even more impressive, with 36% and 33% target shares in those games.

We haven’t seen the big plays yet, but Waddle leads the team in end zone targets (33%), and 34% of his looks come on play-action. Over the last three seasons, play action targets are worth 20% more than non-play action looks.

It’s only a matter of time before Waddle posts a huge fantasy performance in the No. 1 passing attack in the NFL. It isn’t a bad time to consider making a trade offer for the healthy speedster.

Outlook: Waddle is a mid-range WR2 with WR1 upside.

10. The Cardinals backfield or minefield? Am I right?

In the first game without James Conner, the Arizona coaching staff decided to deploy a three-headed rotation.

Emari Demercado led the way in snaps as the primary passing-down back, but that was likely due to the game script with the Cardinals trailing by four-plus points most of the second half. Keaontay Ingram led the team in rushing attempts, but recent addition Damien Williams was also involved.

Week 6 was Ingram’s first game back from a neck injury, so there is a chance he relegates Williams to backup status moving forward. However, it isn’t a situation we can trust until it actually happens.

Outlook: The Cardinals backfield is one to avoid until we gain more clarity. Demercado and Ingram are RB4 material heading into Week 7.

QB Utilization Bytes:

• Desmond Ridder: Ridder has three top-12 finishes in five games now. On one hand, the Falcons have enough quality weapons to help Ridder keep this going. On the other hand, Ridder ranks fourth-worst in completion rate over expected (-2.6), and the Falcons rank last in dropback rate over expectation (-5%). Ultimately, Arthur Smith & Co. want the path to relevance for Ridder to flow through efficiency, not game scripts that force high-volume passing. Ridder remains a low-end QB2.
   
• Joshua Dobbs: We have seen regression in Dobbs’ performances over the last two games, with his completion rates plummeting to 47% and 51%. Those numbers are much more in line with his 59% career mark heading into 2023. The well-traveled veteran ranks fourth in designed rush share at 16%, which provides him with stand-alone spike potential, but that isn’t helping his receiving corps. Dobbs DOWNGRADES to low-end QB2 status.

RB Utilization Bytes:

• Bijan Robinson: Robinson has only eclipsed 50% of the team’s rushing attempts in one game this season. Tyler Allgeier continues to steal touches despite the large delta in performance. Robinson ranks fifth in rushing yards over expected at 1.2 yards per carry, while Allgeier ranks 31st (-0.44). The Falcons coaching staff wants to keep Robinson fresh, but they can do that without giving almost half the carries to Allgeier. Bijan hasn’t had a top-10 finish since Week 2, which makes it a good time to inquire about his services. Even if the rushing attempts don’t come, he ranks second in route participation (74%) and is tied with Christian McCaffrey for first in target share (17%). Robinson is a BUY-LOW candidate.
   
• Breece Hall: Hall took over the lead rushing role in Week 5 and followed that up in Week 6 by registering a team-high 60% route participation. Hall was a great receiving option during his rookie season and has a 21% TPRR this season, which is already RB1-worthy. Hall has RB3 and RB4 performance over the last two games, and the utilization backs it up. Hall is one of the most explosive backs in the NFL and now has an every-down role. Hall UPGRADES to low-end RB1 status and has high-end RB1 upside.
   
• Chuba Hubbard: Hubbard delivered 16 points for a top-12 finish with Miles Sanders out in Week 6. He handled 76% of rushing attempts and posted a 64% route participation. The Panthers are on bye in Week 7, but if Hubbard fills in again for Sanders at some point this season, we can consider him a low-end RB2.
   
• Craig Reynolds: David Montgomery is likely to miss time with a rib injury, and Jahmyr Gibbs is still recovering from a hamstring injury that forced him to miss Week 6. With Zonvan Knight out for the season, Reynolds could be in for a feature role in Week 7. Reynolds UPGRADES to RB2 status if Montgomery and Gibbs are out.
   
• D’Onta Foreman: With Khalil Herbert on IR and Roschon Johnson still recovering from a concussion, Foreman handled 60% of the snaps, 45% of rushing attempts and registered a 38% route participation. Early in the game, things were close between Foreman and Darrynton Evans, but the Bears leaned into the veteran late in the game. Foreman is a high-end RB3 if Johnson misses more time but falls to low-end RB3 territory if Johnson plays.
   
• Elijah Mitchell and Jordan Mason: Christian McCaffrey suffered an oblique injury against the Browns. We don’t know if CMC will miss time, but Mitchell and Mason would see expanded roles in that scenario. Last week Mason handled 62% of snaps and 57% of the attempts after CMC left the game. However, it was Mitchell’s first game back from injury, and the coaching staff loves his big-play ability. Mitchell and Mason are upside RB3 options in Week 7 if CMC doesn’t play. Mitchell is the preferred waiver wire option, but both are worthy of a pickup.
   
• Gus Edwards: The veteran RB continues to lead this backfield and ranks 16th in the percentage of rushing attempts to go for more yards than expected. He saw a season-high 16 carries in Week 6. He averages 12.6 totes and 0.6 targets per game since the loss of J.K. Dobbins. His 6.5 points per game is a tad lower than the 8.8 average we have seen from backs with a similar workload since 2012. Edwards is a borderline RB3.
   
• Isiah Pacheco: The third-year RB has accounted for 65% or more of the team’s rushing attempts in each of the last three games. Over that span, he has RB6, RB15 and RB12 finishes. Jerick McKinnon still mixes in on passing downs, but Pacheco’s 19% TPRR is a major improvement over his 9% in 2022. The Chiefs are targeting him on early downs with their WR room struggling. Pacheco is a mid-range RB2.
   
• Jerome Ford: Ford saw a season-high 17 rushing attempts against the 49ers in Week 6. Coming out of the bye week, the backfield morphed from a three-way rotation with Kareem Hunt and Pierre Strong Jr. into a two-way operation with only Ford and Hunt. Unfortunately, Ford saw his lowest route participation (35%) since Nick Chubb went down, with Hunt in an expanded role (32%). Ford remains a low-end RB2 with upside in better matchups.
   
• Joe Mixon: The veteran back has accounted for 83% or more of the Bengals rushing attempts every game except Week 1. Unfortunately, his efficiency woes have returned with a 3.8 yards per carry. While the competition is low on this depth chart, and the Bengals have an offense we want to partake in over the stretch run, Mixon’s RB19 rank aligns with his profile. He averages 16 attempts and 3.3 targets per game. Since 2012, backs in that range, averaging 3.9 yards or less, finished as the RB19, scoring 13.1 points per game. Mixon DOWNGRADES to mid-range RB2 status.
   
• Jonathan Taylor: Taylor led the Colts with 53% of the rushing attempts in Week 6, but his 43% snap share and 37% route participation were still behind Zack Moss, who also bested him in the fantasy box score with 18 fantasy points versus 12. We might not see Taylor unleashed in an every-down role with Moss playing well, but this was another step in the right direction. Taylor remains a low-end RB2 that should steadily climb back toward RB1 status — he is a BUY-LOW if your local manager is losing their nerve.
   
• Latavius Murray: After Damien Harris left the game with a neck injury, James Cook’s role remained unchanged. It was Murray who took over the vacated opportunities. Murray saw season-highs in snaps (47%), attempts (44%) and route participation (41%). Murray becomes a low-end RB3 if Harris misses time.
   
• Rachaad White: White continued his domination of snaps and passing downs coming out of the bye week. However, Ke’Shawn Vaughn saw a season-high 46% of the rushing attempts. White averaged 19 opportunities (attempts plus targets) over the first four games, but that plummeted to 11 in Week 6. White hasn’t been efficient on the ground — ranking fourth-worst in rushing yards over expectation (-1.04), and Tampa Bay could continue to give other backs opportunities as a result. White DOWNGRADES to high-end RB3 status.
   
• Rhamondre Stevenson: Stevenson posted season-low utilization numbers in Week 5 but was back to his usual role in Week 6. He also registered a season-high 18 fantasy points thanks to a season-high 20% target share that led to five receptions. If the third-year back can get back to his 2022 form in the passing attack, he could eventually rejoin the RB1 conversation. Stevenson UPGRADES back to low-end RB2 status.
   
• Saquon Barkley: Barkley returned to action in Week 6 and played 82% of the snaps. He handled 71% of the rushing attempts and delivered 14 fantasy points. His role in the passing game was slightly reduced, with a 59% route participation, but we should see that come back over time. Barkley is a low-end RB1.
   
• Zach Evans: Kyren Williams could miss Week 7 due to an ankle sprain, and Ronnie Rivers is likely out three to five games with a PCL strain. That opens the door for rookie Zach Evans, who had an 81st-percentile explosive rush rate over his collegiate career. He hasn’t been very involved to this point, but Evans could get a spot start next week, and if he performs well he could surpass Rivers to take over the RB2 spot. The Rams have been open about their desire to find someone to compliment Williams. Evans is available in 99% of leagues and is a PRIORITY WAIVER WIRE option if you need RB help.

WR Utilization Bytes:

• Branon Aiyuk: Deebo Samuel suffered a shoulder injury that could force him to miss time. Aiyuk delivered a 43% target share against the Browns, with Samuel and CMC missing time. Aiyuk UPGRADES to high-end WR2 status if Samuel misses time.
   
• Darius Slayton: The Giants made changes to their WR rotation in Week 6, and Slayton was the biggest beneficiary. He posted a season-high 93% route participation and a 19% target share. While Slayton isn’t likely to suddenly turn into a high-end target earner, this route participation gives him a shot at delivering WR3 outings like we saw in 2022 and his Week 6 WR30 finish. Slayton UPGRADES to mid-range WR4 status.
   
• D.J. Moore: Moore registered his fourth consecutive 30% or better target share day. Unfortunately, Justin Fields injured his thumb and was replaced by Tyson Bagent. Fields won’t return to the field until he can grip the ball and is doubtful to play this week. Bagent dropped back to pass 15 times and looked for Moore six times, so the target share might not be an issue. However, the Bears could opt to lean on the ground game more heavily without Fields. Chicago registered their lowest DBOE of the season in Week 6 at -15%. Moore DOWNGRADES to high-end WR3 status until Fields returns.
   
• Elijah Moore: The Browns were without Deshaun Watson in Week 6, but Moore continued to operate as the clear-cut No. 2 option with a 22% target share. The third-year WR has hit that mark or better in four of five contests. The early-season runout hasn’t been kind to Moore, but he is doing his part, and there could be better days ahead if the passing attack can ever gel. Moore is a mid-range WR4 with upside.
   
• Jalin Hyatt: Hyatt has a strong route participation trend over the last four games (36%, 59%, 60% and 80%) as the Giants look to get more out of the WR corps. Isaiah Hodgins, Parris Campbell and Sterling Shepard have all seen their roles drastically reduced. Hyatt wasn’t a high-end target earner in college, but he was an impressive big-play weapon in his final season at Tennessee. He offers the game-breaking speed that could help differentiate the Giants' offense. Hyatt is available in most leagues and is a great WR6 stash option.
   
• Jameson Williams: The second-year WR was only on the field for 19% of pass plays but came through with a big TD catch on three targets (33% TPRR). Williams can’t be in fantasy lineups right now, but the former first-rounder could start pushing for more playing time soon. He is primarily battling Marvin Jones Jr. and Kalif Raymond for reps.  Williams is a UPSIDE stash WR6.
   
• Jaxon Smith-Njigba: The Seahawks rotated JSN, Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf in Week 6, with all three WRs posting an 81% route participation. Metcalf missed a few plays due to injury, but the trend was alive before that point. We often see teams make changes like this during their bye week, so this could be a trend that sticks. Smith-Njigba is available in half of leagues and is worth stashing in all formats if you can make room. JSN UPGRADES to a low-end WR4 with upside.
   
• Kendrick Bourne: Bourne delivered 19 points on a 33% target share, operating primarily from the slot (58%) with JuJu Smith-Schuster out of the lineup. Bourne has flashed in the past, but consistency has always been a challenge with his career 16% TPRR. Bourne UPGRADES to low-end WR4 territory but could push for WR3 status if he takes over the starting slot role. He is available in 80% of leagues.
   
• Mike Evans: Evans has cooled off over the last two games with WR46 and WR35 finishes. In Week 4, he battled through a hamstring and only had three targets, but last weekend against the Lions he bounced back with 10 targets. Unfortunately, only five of them were catchable in a rough game for Mayfield. Evans is a mid-range WR2 with WR1 spike potential and is a BUY-LOW candidate.
   
• Nelson Agholor: We can’t really use the veteran WR, but his status is worth mentioning because Odell Beckham Jr. and Rashod Bateman are losing playing time. Agholor’s route participation is at 60% and 62% over the last two games, with OBJ and Bateman back in the fold. The only viable passing options in the Ravens attack are Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews.
   
• Puka Nacua: Nacua only scored seven fantasy points in Week 6, while Cooper Kupp went off for 28. That will give some the impression that Kupp is taking over, but in reality Nacua still registered a solid 25% target share. Sometimes these things happen. Nacua and Kupp have combined to account for 72% of the Rams targets in their two games together. Nacua is a low-end WR1.
   
• Rashee Rice: Rice saw a 50% route participation after Justin Watson suffered a dislocated elbow. While the rookie hasn’t been able to earn a full-time role, he has been impressive when given a chance. His 30% TPRR is great, and the Chiefs need a secondary weapon after Travis Kelce. Rice is a PRIORITY WR6 stash who is available in over half of leagues.
   
• Tank Dell: Dell (concussion) was inactive in Week 6 and now gets a bye week to recover. However, Noah Brown returned from IR and registered a 73% route participation. In Week 1, with Brown active, Dell had a 46% route participation. Dell remains a WR3 but could slip into the WR5 range if Brown limits his snaps.
   
• Tee Higgins: Higgins (ribs) returned to action but was limited to 56% route participation and only four fantasy points. The Bengals have a bye in Week 7, so we should see the young WR return form in Week 8. He is a solid BUY-LOW target if your local Higgins manager is hurting at WR with six teams on bye.
   
• Tre Tucker: Tucker registered a season-high 55% route participation in Week 6, and rumors have surfaced around Hunter Renfrow as a potential trade candidate. The Raiders appear to be making a move toward their youth, with Tucker and Mayer both playing larger roles. Tucker is a stash WR6 option in deep leagues.
   
• Tyquan Thornton: Thornton returned from IR and posted a 49% route participation. He wasn’t able to earn many targets but could see more routes in the coming weeks with the Patriots struggling so badly at WR. Thornton is a WR6 stash option in deep leagues.

TE Utilization Bytes:

• Greg Dulcich: Returned from his IR stint due to a hamstring injury and promptly re-injured it. It was a small sample, but Dulcich was off to a hot start with a 25% TPRR. We will have to wait and see what the new timetable looks like, but as my good buddy Ian Hartitz likes to say… Sheesh. Dulcich belongs on waivers for now.
   
• Jonnu Smith: Only Arthur Smith could orchestrate the rise of a forgotten TE like Jonnu Smith. The veteran TE averages 5.3 targets per game despite subpar route participation (63%) and now has three consecutive top-10 fantasy finishes. It is hard to imagine the fourth target on a run-first team with QB challenges finishing in the top 12, but Smith could come in handy during bye weeks. Smith UPGRADES to high-end TE2 status.
   
• Kyle Pitts: It’s funny how fantasy football works. The last two games have been Pitts’ best fantasy performances of the season, with TE7 and TE3 finishes. At the same time, they have been his worst route participation outings (64% and 65%). For the season, Pitts has a 19% TPRR, averages six targets per game and is the TE12. Since 2012, TEs with five and seven targets per game finished as the TE12 with 10.3 fantasy points per game. Pitts is a low-end TE1.
   
• Taysom Hill: Hill actually played TE for once in his life, registering a 62% route participation with Juwan Johnson sidelined. He played ahead of Foster Moreau and Jimmy Graham and tied for second on the team with eight targets on his way to 12.3 fantasy points. It is hard to imagine this role continuing once Johnson returns BUT Hill offers very unique value if his role sticks, given his ability to contribute in the run game. Hill is a mid-range TE2 with upside.
   
• Trey McBride: The second-year TE garnered a season-high 46% route participation in Week 6. Zach Ertz hit a season-low of 52%. Over the last two games, McBride has played well with 33% and 24% TPRRs. There is a chance his play and the fact that the team is 1-5 have the coaching staff reconsidering their pecking order. Why not get a look at the future? McBride is a sneaky waiver-wire stash in TE premium formats.
   
• Tyler Higbee: With Kupp and Nacua combining for 72% of the targets over the past two games, there isn’t much left for Higbee. His 87% route participation is great, but the veteran TE’s 14% TPRR is too low. The average finish for a TE with Higbee’s profile is TE33 at 5.3 points per game. Higbee DOWNGRADES to low-end TE2 status.