NFL Target Stats

I think one of the best stats when looking at WRs and TEs outside of the regular stats ( yards, receptions, and TDs) is Targets. The Target stats have gained in popularity because of more and more leagues going to point per reception (PPR) scoring. For WRs and TEs justing looking at their  stat line doesn't always give the whole story of what went on in the game. So here are the target stats after the first week of the season.  


NFL Targets after Week 1

• As you can see Roddy White led all players with 23 Targets for the week. Roddy White won't lead every week since the Falcons went up against a tough rush D in the Steelers. But it shows that Matt Ryan is locked in to White when the Falcons decide to air it out.
• If you had Larry Fitzgerald on your team you had to be a little disappointed when in only put up 3-43-1 against the Rams. But if you notice Derek Anderson went Larry Fitzgerald's way a total of 15 times. Anderson is known for his inaccurate arm but if him and Fitzgerald can start to hook up more on those targets Fitzgerald's stat lines should climb back near his normal production levels.
• Looking at the Chargers WR situation Legedu Naanee surprised fantasy owners by outperforming most peoples sleeper WR of the year Malcom Floyd. But looking  at the Target stats Malcom Floyd was thrown to 12 times while Naanee saw 8 passes come his way. Naanee just happened to do better with his targets. In my opinion Floyd is still the WR to own and start in San Diego but this situation is one to monitor over the next several weeks.
• Perennial top tight end candidate Dallas Clark leads the TEs with 13, followed by Vernon Davis with 12. Surprising with the 3rd most for TEs is the walking injury report Todd Heap. 
• Darren McFadden and Steven Jackson lead the RBs in targets after week one with 8. If McFadden can stay healthy and finally harness the potential he showed coming out of college he could become a potential RB2/Flex starter in PPR formats.