When evaluating the performance of football players, it is important to consider various statistics and metrics. Two commonly used metrics are targets and touches, which provide insights into how involved a player is in their team’s offense. However, while these metrics are valuable, they should not be the sole focus when assessing a player’s impact. Market share, which takes into account the player’s targets or touches divided by the team’s overall pass attempts or plays from scrimmage, respectively, provides a more comprehensive picture of their contribution.
For pass-catchers, market share is calculated by dividing the player’s targets by the team’s pass attempts. This metric gives us a sense of how often the player is targeted in relation to the team’s passing game. On the other hand, for running backs, market share is determined by dividing the player’s touches by the team’s plays from scrimmage. This metric takes into account the player’s involvement in both rushing and receiving plays.
While snap counts, depth of target, and type of touch (such as running back receptions being more valuable than carries) are also relevant factors, this article will focus solely on market share as a primary tool for assessing waivers and trades. By analyzing market share, fantasy football players can quickly identify players who are heavily involved in their team’s offense and are therefore more likely to have a significant impact in fantasy leagues.
Looking at the current week’s market share, we can see some interesting trends. Jaleel McLaughlin, despite his lack of size, has a remarkable 21% market share, making him a potential valuable acquisition. However, Samaje Perine may also see increased snaps after an injury to another player. David Montgomery, despite not having a near 50% market share, can still be a top-performing running back if he consistently gets 25% of the team’s touches.
There are also players like Alexander Mattison, Alvin Kamara, and Kyren Williams who may not have exceptional market shares but are still highly involved in their team’s offense. These players may have lost a step or face competition, but their consistent usage makes up for any perceived limitations.
When evaluating running backs like Bijan Robinson, Gus Edwards, and Breece Hall, it is important to consider factors such as their role in the offense and their recovery from injuries. While these players may not have bell-cow market shares, they still have the potential to perform at a high level.
Shifting focus to targets, we see that Christian McCaffrey stands out with an impressive 38% of targets. This level of involvement makes him a record-breaking player in terms of targets for a running back. Christian Kirk has also bounced back with a notable 40% of targets, while Calvin Ridley has underperformed with only two targets despite averaging seven per game.
Understanding a player’s target market share can help fantasy football players identify potential trade opportunities. Players like Romeo Doubs and Garrett Wilson, who may not have been highly regarded during draft time, have emerged as valuable assets with notable target shares. Additionally, monitoring players like Joshua Palmer, Nico Collins, and Tank Dell can help identify rising stars or potential drops in performance.
Lastly, evaluating tight ends’ target shares can provide valuable insights. Tyler Higbee’s strong performance suggests he may have a significant impact for the rest of the season. Marquise Brown benefits from a stable quarterback situation, making him a reliable starter in PPR formats. Meanwhile, Drake London struggles due to a below-average passing environment and may not live up to expectations.
In conclusion, while targets and touches are important metrics, market share provides a more comprehensive understanding of a player’s impact on their team’s offense. By considering market share, fantasy football players can make informed decisions when assessing waivers and trades, increasing their chances of success in their leagues.