Fantasy Football Takeaways From Week 4: Kyren Williams Leads Utilization Report

6. CeeDee Lamb has the No. 1 Utilization Score in 2026

Lamb has the No. 1 Utilization Score (99) four weeks into the 2026 season. He ranks No. 2 in fantasy PPG with 28, behind only Jaxon Smith-Njigba (29.2).

The 27-year-old ranks among NFL leaders in multiple key categories:

• Targets per game: 11.3 (2nd)
• Catchable targets per game: 10 (1st)
• Endzone targets per game: 1.3 (2nd)
• Air yards per game: 121 (7th)
• Catchable air yards per game: 125 (2nd)

Lamb is moving all over the formation, playing 30% of his reps from the slot. He is in motion on 13% of plays and 23% of his targets have come on play action. He is enjoying a role similar to that of Smith-Njigba and Amon-Ra St. Brown, working the underneath and intermediate zones of the field with a 9.1-yard average route depth.

The Cowboys rank 7th in passing yards per game (YPG) at 266 and 8th in passing TDs per contest at 2.0. With Dak Prescott at the helm and a terrible defense that creates shootouts, Lamb is in the perfect fantasy environment. 

He offers legit WR1 overall upside the rest of the way. His historical comparisons have averaged 21.4 PPG, with 100% securing a top-six finish. George Pickens is going to get more involved, but the environment helps shield Lamb from massive downside. 

Lamb UPGRADES to high-end WR1 status.

7. Tetairoa McMillan Posts a Season-High Utilization Score

McMillan made the buy-low section of this article last week because of his underlying talent profile and a revamped, pass-heavy offensive approach.

In Week 4 against the Lions with Jalen Coker out, McMillan stepped onto the Sunday Night stage and erupted for 45.2 points with a 98 Utilization Score.

For the season, he is averaging 18.6 PPG with an 86 Utilization Score.

While the matchup and Coker being out helped, there is suddenly room for more than one passing-game option with Bryce Young. Carolina ranks first in passing YPG (317) and 5th in passing TDs per game (2.25). 

And under Brad Idzik, they are a pass-first operation. The Panthers rank 3rd in DBOE at 8%.

We aren't just dealing with an efficient offense. We are also dealing with a high-volume unit. Carolina ranks fourth in plays per game (67). They are first in plays per minute (2.3) and ninth in seconds remaining on the play clock in neutral situations (9.74 seconds).

The result: McMillan ranks 10th in targets per game (9) and 11th in air yards per game (106). And the big-bodied wideout is fifth in endzone targets per game (1.0).

McMillan has an 86 Utilization Score. For this exercise, I brought it down to 80 based on his role in games with Coker to balance things out. His historical comps have averaged 16.0 PPG with 61% securing a top-12 campaign.

• WR1-6 Seasons: 9% (Ceiling Finish)
• WR7-12: 44% (Median Finish)
• WR13-24: 40% (Median Finish)
• WR25-36: 7% (Floor Finish)

McMillan UPGRADES to high-end WR2 status and offers mid-range WR1 upside.

8. Utilization Score Underperformers

The Utilization Score is made up of the fantasy data points that have historically correlated the most strongly with future fantasy success. It is a similar but different concept compared to expected fantasy points. How it differs:

• Accounts for snaps and routes in addition to attempts and targets.
• Accounts for catchable targets and catchable air yards.
• The underlying role accounts for ~75% of a player's Utilization Score.
• Uses fantasy points per game (PPG) as a proxy for talent (i.e., has the player done something with their opportunities). Fantasy PPG is worth ~25% of a player's Utilization Score.

Carnell Tate | WR | Titans

Pulling off a buy-low heist on Tate will be tough after a 21.5-point performance. Still, he belongs in the underperforming section because he is averaging 11.7 PPG, which is lower than historical WRs with a similar Utilization Score of 75. 

Tate doesn't play in a great offense, but the offensive line has improved of late, giving Cam Ward more time to throw. The Titans rank fifth-best in pressure allowed (30%).

And Tate is not stuck playing only outside in a field-stretching role. He has a healthy 8.9 average route depth (the same as Amon-Ra St. Brown) and is playing from the slot on 27% of plays. He isn't getting much motion (10%) or play-action work (13%), but he gets a steady diet of in-breaking routes (37%), where the likelihood of a target improves.

• Crossing Routes: 4%
• Slant Routes: 15%
• In Routes: 10%
• Post Routes: 8%

Tate ranks 13th in targets per game (13) and 19th in air yards per contest (90.8). And while Ward isn't a great accuracy QB, Tate ranks 14th in catchable targets per game (6.3) and ties Michael Wilson at 19th in catchable air yards per game (57.8).

The big challenge here is TDs. Tennessee ranks third-worst in passing TDs per game (0.75). Tate only averages 0.25 end zone and 0.25 red zone targets per game.

The No. 4 pick from the NFL Draft's historical Utilization Score (75) comps averaged 14.8 PPG. But I have hedged that lower due to the low-ceiling TD concerns, using a score of 71. In that cohort, similar WRs averaged 13.8 PPG.

• WR1-12 Seasons: 5% (Outlier Ceiling Finish)
• WR13-18: 22% (Ceiling Finish)
• WR19-30: 46% (Median Finish)
• WR31-42: 25% (Floor Finish)
• WR43+: 2% (Outlier Floor Finish)

Tate Upgrades to mid-range WR3 status and offers realistic low-end WR2 upside.

Schedule Notes: The Titans face a theoretically tough Texans defense in Week 5, but WRs have torched them so far (+7.2 boost). If Houston holds Tate down, the better buy-low window could start next week.

9. Utilization Score Overperformers

Kyle Monangai | RB | Bears

D'Andre Swift made the sell-high list earlier this season in the Utilization Report after a huge game, due to Monangai's presence. Now I'm issuing the same recommendation for Monangai, who is coming off a 28-point performance.

In Week 4, the second-year back seized the backfield thanks to a hot-hand approach after Swift fumbled. That led to 30 attempts, 146 yards, and 2 TDs. 

But we have seen this movie before. It happened two weeks ago in New England when Rhamondre Stevenson fumbled, and TreVeyon Henderson took over the lead role. Since that game, Stevenson has reclaimed the lead role in a committee.

The Bears are a much better offense than the Patriots, so getting this right matters more. Chicago ranks 9th in points per game (28). And Ben Johnson has shown a willingness to lean into the ground game, ranking 30th in DBOE (-7%). 

But the Bears paid Swift this offseason. That doesn't point to a plan to eliminate him from the equation in 2026. Sure, Monongai could tighten the rotation further and even lead the way in some games, but those won't be easy to pinpoint. And Monangai isn't a high-end factor in the passing game, with a 28% route share and a 12% TPRR.

Additionally, Swift has been highly active in short-yardage scenarios, handling 66% of the short-down-and-distance snaps. Prior to Week 4, Monangai didn't have a carry inside the five-yard line. He seems like a natural fit there, but Swift has also been good.

When you look at the top RB PPG scorers this season next to their Utilization Score, one name sticks out like a sore thumb: Kyle Monangai. 

His Utilization Score (55) historical comparisons have averaged 10.7 PPG, well below his 14.8 for the season. Only 18% secured an RB2 finish.

• RB1-12 Seasons: 2% (Outlier Ceiling Finish)
• RB12-24 Seasons: 18% (Ceiling Finish)
• RB25-36 Seasons: 47% (Median Finish)
• RB37-48 Seasons: 27% (Floor Finish)
• RB49+: 12% (Outlier Floor Finish)

If one of your leaguemates thinks that Monangai has arrived, I would SELL HIGH in a heartbeat at an RB2 price tag. Sure, if Swift goes down, you will regret it. But in healthy runouts, that is a profit most of the time.

10. Waiver Wire Roundup

QB WAIVER WIRE OPTIONS FOR WEEK 5 IN FANTASY

• Kirk Cousins | Raiders: Cousins is averaging 257 YPG (11th) with 2.75 passing TDs per contest (1st). His 20.7 PPG ranks 8th. He is vibing in Klint Kubiak's scheme despite limited weapons outside of Brock Bowers. Cousins' schedule is the ninth-hardest over the next five games, with only one easy matchup. Cousins UPGRADES to mid-range QB2 territory and offers low-end QB1 upside. He is available in 77% of leagues.
   
• Deshaun Watson | Browns: Watson is the QB13 with 17.2 PPG. He ranks second in designed rush rate (13%) and third in scramble rate among QBs with at least 75 snaps. He hasn't been great as a passer, but it hasn't been a complete disaster, with 214 YPG (17th) and 1.5 TDs per game (15th). Watson has a rough schedule over the next five games, but many of the teams rank well against QBs because they trail often (i.e., Jets and Titans). Watson UPGRADES to mid-range QB2 status thanks to his dual-threat profile and is available in 91% of leagues.
   
• Aaron Rodgers | Steelers: Rodgers is averaging 16.3 PPG as the QB19. He ranks 14th in YPG (250) and 12th in passing TDs (1.75). Rodgers faces the fourth-hardest schedule over the next five games, which includes a bye in Week 9. But he gets a soft tilt against the Colts in Week 5. Rodgers is HOLDING STEADY as a low-end QB2 but is a streaming option in Week 5. He is available in 90% of leagues.
   
• Tyler Huntley | Ravens: Huntley offers some dual-threat upside and could be called upon in Week 4 to start if Lamar Jackson (ankle) can't go. Huntley is available in all leagues. 
   
• Longview Players Your Leaguemates Could Cut: Kyler Murray (33%), Bo Nix (27%).

RB WAIVER WIRE OPTIONS FOR WEEK 5 IN FANTASY

• Emanuel Wilson | Seahawks: With Jadarian Price on IR, Wilson led the Seahawks backfield with a 59% snap share and 70% rush share in Week 4 against the Chargers. He notched a 90 Utilization Score with 27 points. Wilson offers short-term streaming viability, but Zach Charbonnet could return as soon as Week 6. Joe Mixon's addition further complicates things. Wilson is a borderline RB2 until Charbonnet returns. He is available in 51% of leagues.
   
• Will Shipley | Eagles: With Tank Bigsby headed to IR due to core muscle surgery and Saquon Barkley listed as week-to-week, Shipley is the top remaining option on the depth chart. Shipley was a solid dual-threat option for Clemson and has handled passing-down work at times this year. The Eagles will elevate another RB such as Dameon Pierce, Jaydon Blue, or Carson Steele. But Shipley would be the favorite to lead the backfield. Shipley is available in 99% of leagues and is a viable short-term streaming option who would be a high-end RB3 if Barkley is out.
   
• Tyjae Spears | Titans: Tony Pollard is reportedly on the trade block. If the Titans move him, Spears would battle Nicholas Singleton. The Titans offense doesn't move the needle much, but Spears offers pass-game chops that could make him a surprise asset if he beats out Singleton for more early-down work. Spears would be a high-end RB3 with RB2 upside without Pollard. He is available in 72% of leagues.
   
• Philadelphia RBs | Eagles: Carson Steele, Dameon Pierce, and Jaydon Blue are the other options for the Eagles to elevate. Steele and Pierce make the most sense as potential early-down help for Shipley. Blue's profile overlaps significantly as a pass-catching option. They are available in 100% of leagues, but we will need to monitor the news. The team could also sign a veteran. Think short-term RB4 option for whoever gets the nod if Barkley is out.
   
• Joe Mixon | Seahawks: Mixon signed with Seattle (practice squad) on Monday and provides insurance until Charbonnet is ready and Price returns from IR. Mixon is available in 97% of leagues and is a short-term RB4-5. His season-long appeal is limited unless Charbonnet suffers a setback.
   
• NFL Trade Candidates: The NFL Trade Deadline is November 10th (Tuesday after Week 9).
  • James Conner (94%): Could have his IR practice window open soon.
  • Tyrone Tracy Jr. (95%)
     
• Tier 1 Handcuffs: Emmett Johnson (69%), Kaelon Black (58%), Brian Robinson (70%), Mike Washington Jr. (65%)
   
• Tier 2 Handcuffs: Ray Davis (92%), Tyler Goodson (98%), Seth McGowan (99%), Jaylen Wright (69%)
   
• SICKO STASHES: Nicholas Singleton (98%), with Tony Pollard reportedly available for trade.
   
• Longview Players Your Leaguemates Could Cut: Chris Rodriguez Jr. (63%)

WR WAIVER WIRE OPTIONS FOR WEEK 5 IN FANTASY

• Jordyn Tyson | Saints: The Round 1 NFL pick could return between Weeks 7-9. He should eventually replace Devaughn Vele as the WR2 in New Orleans' high-volume passing attack. Tyson offers WR2 upside once back to full strength and is available in 49% of leagues.
   
• Keon Coleman | Bills: DJ Moore is day-to-day after getting knocked out of his second contest in three games with an AC joint issue. Moore was knocked out in the second quarter. Coleman registered a 94% route share with a 33% target share in the second half of Week 4, scoring 23.6 points. The former Round 2 pick might get one more chance to revive his career if Moore misses time. But the Bills are notorious for using a massive rotation, and they are willing to use heavy TE groupings. Coleman is available in 96% of leagues and offers short-term starting viability as a WR4 with WR2 upside. He also carries contingent rest-of-season upside if Moore continues to suffer re-injury.
   
• Tre Harris | Chargers: Ladd McConkey re-aggravated a foot injury that popped up in practice last week and was unable to finish the game. His status for Week 5 is highly questionable and could extend beyond that—the team is awaiting test results. Harris notched a season-high 91% route share in Week 4, ahead of Quentin Johnston. Harris hasn't been a high-end target earner at 19% for the season, but could be the No. 1 option in the offense until McConkey returns. Harris is a WR4 option with WR3 upside until McConkey returns. The 2025 Round 2 NFL pick is available in 91% of leagues.
   
• Tyreek Hill | FA: Available 78%. Hill is targeting a November return to action (left knee dislocation, a torn ACL, a torn LCL, and extensive ligament damage). He is visiting with the Chiefs and negotiating with multiple teams, per his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. It is hard to know what we will have in Hill at 32. He could have a significant ramp-up period, and his trademark speed could be gone. Hill is a tricky player. Hill UPGRADES to WR5-6 status but offers WR2 upside if we get lucky with the landing spot and his recovery. My gut is that his name value will push him out of the 3-5% FAAB I am willing to spend as a speculative add that will clog my roster for a month (and bye weeks are coming).
   
• NFL Trade Candidates: The NFL Trade Deadline is November 10th (Tuesday after Week 9). Multiple teams have good QBs who could look to bolster their WR corps, like the Chiefs. The names below are widely available on waivers and could offer more season-long upside if traded than the options listed after them, depending on the landing spot.
  • Jerry Jeudy | Browns: 95% available
  • Calvin Ridley | Titans: 98% available
     
• Dohnte Meyers | Bengals: With Ja'Marr Chase knocked out of Week 4 with a concussion, Meyers stepped into a 93% route share. He notched a 17% target share and scored 15.2 points on a day when Joe Burrow passed for 428 yards. Meyers is the low-to-medium aDOT option with some YAC ability, which makes him the technical handcuff to Chase. Meyers is a WR5 option in games without Chase. But if Tee Higgins (adductor) also misses time, Meyers could enter WR4 territory and offer WR3 upside. He is available in 99% of leagues as a short-term fill-in.
   
• Candidates to return from IR:
  • Tank Dell | Texans: Week 5-7 (21-day practice window opened)
  • Christian Kirk | 49ers: Week 6-7
  • Ja'Kobi Lane | Ravens: Week 6-7
  • Omar Cooper Jr. | Jets: Week 6-8
     
• SICKO STASHES: Antonio Williams (94%), Cyrus Allen (98%), Jalen Royals (99%)
   
• Longview Players Your Leaguemates Could Cut: KC Concepcion (39%), Makai Lemon (51%), Dontayvion Wicks (40%)

TE WAIVER WIRE OPTIONS FOR WEEK 5 IN FANTASY

• Brenton Strange | Jaguars: Strange led the team with a 35% target share against a Bengals defense that continues to support TE production. I wasn't even going to list Strange as an option, because I don't trust this performance in a crowded offense. But with Brian Thomas Jr. reportedly on the trade block, Strange could be the No. 2 or No. 3 target the rest of the season in an offense we like. He will be hard to trust as a mid-range TE2 with all the pass catchers intact, but if things thin out, Strange could move into low-end TE1 territory. He is available in 73% of leagues.
   
• T.J. Hockenson | Vikings: Hockenson enjoyed a 41% target share against the Dolphins in a game without Justin Jefferson. The veteran TE scored 24.9 points with a 98 Utilization Score. In two full games with Kyler Murray, Hockenson has boomed and busted (3.1 points in Week 3 despite Jefferson exiting early). Hockenson is a mid-range TE2 with low-end TE1 upside and is available in 70% of Yahoo leagues. Don't go big in FAAB.
   
• Michael Mayer | Raiders: Mayer is battling Tre Tucker for the No. 2 passing-game work behind Brock Bowers. The former Round 2 NFL pick has a 17% target share and averages 10.7 PPG. In two games with Bowers, he has been even better, averaging 14.2 PPG with a 75 Utilization Score. Given the lack of high-end WR options and the Raiders' willingness to use 12 and 13 personnel on 62% of plays with Bowers and Mayer available, this trend could hold. Mayer is a low-end TE2 who could ascend to borderline TE1 territory. He is available in 93% of Yahoo leagues.
   
• Mike Gesicki | Bengals: Contingent on Chase and Higgins injury news. Gesicki is a high-end TE2 with one out. He is a low-end TE1 with both out. The veteran TE is available in 93% of leagues.
   
• Tyler Higbee | Rams: Higbee has taken on a larger role over the last two games with Ferguson on IR and Parkinson out. In Week 4, with Puka Nacua back, he had a 12% target share and scored 11.7 points. Higbee is available in 98% of leagues and is a mid-range TE2 if Parkinson is out again. He is a short-term streaming solution.
   
• Longview Players Your Leaguemates Could Cut: Kenyon Sadiq was the second-most-cut TE in early waiver wire moves and is now available in 44% of leagues. That number will grow after scoring 0 points. He would be my No. 1 target among available TEs because of his higher ceiling.

Utilization Bytes For Week 5 Fantasy Football

Quarterback

• Kyler Murray | Vikings: Murray has scored 11.4 and 11.5 points in two full games in Kevin O'Connell's offense. He didn't have Jefferson in Week 4, but the Vikings have a stifling defense. So far, O'Connell has been content to let his defense win and avoid putting the ball in harm's way in the passing game. Minnesota ranks 28th in DBOE (-5%) and ranks 25th in seconds remaining on the clock in neutral situations (7.50). Plus, Murray has only a 4% designed-run rate (20th) and a 7% scramble rate (14th). Murray DOWNGRADES to mid-range QB2 territory until we see a change.

Running Back

• Aaron Jones | Vikings: In three games without Jordan Mason, Jones has an 88 Utilization Score and averages 13.8 PPG. He has a 78% snap share, 81% rush share, and 17% target share. He has averaged a sizzling 24.3 opportunities per game. Jones gets at least one more game with the backfield to himself before Mason is eligible to return from IR after the Vikings' Week 6 bye. Jones is a mid-range RB2 until Mason returns, and might have earned a larger long-term role in Mason's absence. 
   
• Ashton Jeanty | Raiders: Jeanty saw his lowest rush share of the season in Week 3, handling 58% of the attempts. He has not been an explosive back, averaging only 3.4 YPC vs. 5.0 for Mike Washington. Jeanty ranks 34th out of 39 RBs with at least 30 attempts in YPC. We will see if the downturn in attempts is the start of a trend, but Jeanty has been great in the passing game with a 1.70 YPRR (10th) and 18% target share (4th). Still, Jeanty has a 97 Utilization Score. His comps were top-12 backs 100% of the time, averaging 20.2 PPG—above his current mark of 18.5. Jeanty is HOLDING STEADY is a low-end RB1 but offers high-end RB1 upside.    
   
• Bhayshul Tuten | Jaguars: Tuten saw his largest snap share (57%) and rush share (68%) of the season. In a competitive game with the Bengals, the team scaled down Ameer Abdullah's role as the No. 4 RB in the rotation. That led to his season-high Utilization Score (66). If this is the beginning of a trend, it would be a plus for Tuten. Historical comps with a score in his Week 4 range have averaged 12.4 PPG, with some outliers (10%) securing RB1 campaigns. Most comparisons (55%) were low-end RB2s to high-end RB3s. Tuten is a borderline RB2, but still needs more work to realistically contend for a difference-making fantasy season.
   
• Braelon Allen | Jets: Allen dominated the Jets backfield in Week 4 with Breece Hall (quad) out. Allen hogged a 94% snap share, 100% of the attempts, and notched a 14% target share on a 72% route participation rate. He only scored 8.7 points, but that will be hard to repeat with this sort of workload. With Hall targeting a Week 6-7 return, we could see Allen in a massive role against the Browns (-3.9 RB boost) and Patriots (+0.6). Hall is a mid-range RB2 with RB1 upside while Hall is out.
   
• Bucky Irving | Buccaneers: Well, F@&%. We not only lost Baker Mayfield for a significant amount of time in Week 3. But Tampa Bay activated Sean Tucker for Week 4. You know where this is headed: Tucker got the lone opportunity inside the five-yard line. Tucker also handled 33% of the short-yardage snaps, with Irving dropping to a season-low 14%. Last week, we learned that Kenneth Gainwell is the two-minute back, which held at 100% in Week 4. This puts Irving in a tricky spot, where he could return to an in-between-the-20s role. Irving's Utilization Score now sits at 73 for the season. His historical comparisons averaged 14.1 PPG, with 26% reaching top-12 finishes. Most of his cohort (58%) were RB2s. Irving DOWNGRADES to low-end RB2 status.
   
• Cam Skattebo | Giants: After handing over a larger route share to Skattebo in Week 3 (65%), the team reversed course in Week 4 (52%). Skattebo's attempt share remained intact at 64% in the NFL's second-most run-heavy offense (-8% DBOE). With the short-yardage role in his back pocket, Skattebo still has value. But the Giants rank 25th in red-zone drives per game (2.5). And they rank 28th in plays per game inside the five-yard line (1.3). Skatteboo's Utilization Score is 69. His comparisons averaged 13.6 PPG, with 21% securing top-12 seasons. The majority (51%) were RB2s, with 28% finishing as RB3s. Skattebo DOWNGRADES to low-end RB2 status.   
   
• Chase Brown | Bengals: Brown was a buy-low candidate in last week's Utilization Report. He delivered 19.1 points and a 91 Utilization Score in Week 4 against the Jaguars. He was much more involved in the passing game with a 21% target share, thanks in part to Chase's injury. But Brown has been highly active in the passing game over the last two seasons, which was missing from his 2026 portfolio. Brown has an 86 Utilization Score for the season. His comps have averaged 16.7 PPG, still above his current 14.5. Most of his comps were low-end RB1s (40%), with 27% reaching top-six status. Brown is HOLDING STEADY as a low-end RB1.
   
• Chuba Hubbard | Panthers: In two games without Jonathon Brooks—who is currently projected to return in Week 9—Hubbard has an 86 Utilization Score with 20.5 PPG. He rarely leaves the field with an 84% snap share and dominates the rushing workload with an 81% share, including 92% of the short-yardage opportunities. He also has an elite 70% route share, but isn't highly active with a 7% target share. But in a revamped Panthers attack that averages the fourth-most points per game (30.3), the scoring opportunities are plentiful. Hubbard UPGRADES to low-end RB1 territory while Brooks is out, and he is a mid-range RB2 once Brooks returns, and we can adjust from there.
   
• Christian McCaffrey | 49ers: McCaffrey has posted 82% and 75% snap shares over the last two games. In Week 2, he was on a similar pace before San Francisco built a 22-point lead over the Dolphins. Over the last two games, he has averaged 19.5 opportunities per game, 18.8 PPG, and a 91 Utilization Score. His historical comparisons have averaged 18.3 PPG, with 53% reaching top-six status. Another 35% finished between RB7-RB12. McCaffrey DOWNGRADES to mid-range RB1 territory.
   
• David Montgomery | Texans: Montgomery is averaging 13.6 opportunities per contest, with Houston forced to pass more often in shootouts. Eventually, we should see their defense stabilize against lesser opponents. That should boost his rushing attempts per game, considering he is handling 57% of the totes. But there are still concerns. First, the Texans rank last in average yards before contact (0.47). Second, Woody Marks is trending up in short-yardage snaps (57%). Montgomery has a 60 Utilization Score with 11.1 PPG. His historical comparisons have averaged 11.4 PPG, with 47% finishing as RB3s. Montgomery DOWNGRADES to high-end RB3 status.  
   
• Jacory Croskey-Merritt | Commanders: Despite Rachaad White missing Week 4, JCM was unable to uncork a big workload. Washington instead deployed a four-way committee. Merritt played only 44% of snaps and accounted for 45% of attempts. He now has a Utilization Score of 50 behind an offensive line that ranks 26th in yards before contact (0.75). The team should get Sam Cosmi back in Week 5, but it seems Croskey-Merritt may have lost his chance to assert himself as the top option. He has a 50 Utilization Score. His comparisons averaged 9.1 PPG, with most finishing as borderline RB3s. Croskey-Merritt DOWNGRADES to borderline RB3 territory. 
   
• Jaylen Warren | Steelers: Warren has averaged 18.1 PPG with a 91 Utilization Score in two games without Rico Dowdle. The dual-threat RB has an 87% rush share and 16% target share. But Dowdle is trending toward a return, and Mike McCarthy stated it will return to a 1-2 punch. Warren is a low-end RB1 without Dowdle, but returns to low-end RB2 status once Dowdle returns.
   
• Jeremiyah Love | Cardinals: A week after emerging as the Cardinals' RB1, Love battled an in-game injury to the opposite ankle he injured in the preseason. That led to workload management. Love said he told coaches Tyler Allgeier was the better option in certain situations. We should still eventually see a healthy Love become Arizona's RB1, but last week looks like a false start. Love DOWNGRADES back to low-end RB2 status until we see him lead the backfield again.
   
• Kenneth Walker | Chiefs: Walker is averaging 27.5 PPG with a 91 Utilization Score. He has accounted for 83% of the rushing attempts and has a 14% target share. His historical comps have averaged 18.3 PPG, with 53% finishing as top-six options. Walker is a high-end RB1 the rest of the way.
   
• Quinshon Judkins | Browns: Judkins finally got going with 21.6 points in Week 4. He is the Browns' undisputed RB1 on the ground, but he notched a 21% target share. He now has two spike target games, including a 17% target share in Week 2. While his route share (37%) isn't ideal, Todd Monken is making a concerted effort to get Judkins the ball with an elite 31% TPRR. The Browns offense remains a work in progress, but it was good to see a spike game from Judkins behind an offensive line that ranks 30th in average yards before contact (0.72). The second-year back is averaging 12.1 PPG with a 75 Utilization Score. His historical comps averaged 14.4 PPG. The majority of his cohort were RB2s (61%). Judkins is HOLDING STEADY as a low-end RB2.
   
• Rhamondre Stevenson | Patriots: Stevenson has operated as the lead back in two of three contests with TreVeyon Henderson. But the snaps are trending up for Stevenson: 36%, 53%, 64%. He is the preferred pass-game option (50% routes) and gets more of the short-yardage work (73%). Stevenson is averaging 9.6 PPG with a 59 Utilization Score in games with Henderson. Stevenson's historical comps have averaged 11.1, with 57% finishing as RB3s. Stevenson is HOLDING STEADY as a mid-range RB3.
   
• Tony Pollard | Titans: Pollard is a trade candidate per Adam Schefter. He doesn't hold much value in Tennessee, but a better landing spot could improve his rest-of-season outlook. Pollard is HOLDING STEADY as a low-end RB3 but could move into RB2 territory with a trade. He is a speculative buy-low option, but don't overpay.

Wide Receiver

• Antonio Williams | Commanders: Terry McLaurin (hamstring) is week-to-week after missing Week 4. Williams stepped into the No. 2 WR role opposite of Stefon Diggs against the Colts. While cast as an underneath slot option, Williams played a broader role with McLaurin out. He upped his average route depth to 9.9 and aligned outside of the slot on 54% of plays. He finished second on the team in targets (22%) and air yards (91). The rookie had an 87-yard TD called back due to a penalty. Williams UPGRADES to borderline WR3 status in games without McLaurin and carries contingent upside the rest of the way behind two aging veterans. Williams is available in 94% of Yahoo leagues.
   
• Brian Thomas Jr. | Jaguars: BTJ is a legit trade candidate. Jonathan Jones of The Athletic noted Thomas is a name to keep an eye on as inquiries pick up. Thomas has fallen into a part-time role as the No. 3 option in Jacksonville. But the former Round 1 draft pick could become a key contributor for a WR-needy team. BTJ is a boom-bust WR5 on the Jaguars, but could ascend to WR2 territory with the right landing spot. He is available in 27% of Yahoo leagues.
   
• Christian Watson | Packers: Watson is averaging 19.3 PPG with a 79 Utilization Score. He continues to operate in a different role than in previous seasons, with an average route depth of 8.6 yards. He moves around the formation, playing from the slot on 27% of snaps. But he has fallen behind Matthew Golden in routes (83% vs. 87%) and targets (21% vs. 25%). Watson's historical comparisons have averaged a healthy 15.7 PPG, but that is well below his 19.3, suggesting regression is possible. Most of his comps were low-end WR1s or high-end WR2s (66%). Watson DOWNGRADES to borderline WR1  territory.
   
• Davante Adams | Rams: Adams averaged 30.1 PPG in two contests without Puka Nacua. In two games with him, he has 6.4 PPG. His target share without Nacua: 30%; with Nacua: 20%. Adams still had an elite 141 air yards in Week 4 plus an end zone target. So he'll still have his games, but he is not the offensive centerpiece when Nacua is active. Adams is HOLDING STEADY as a borderline WR2 when Nacua is playing, but offers high-end WR1 contingent upside when Nacua is out.
   
• Deebo Samuel | 49ers: Samuel moved into a full-time role in Week 2. Since then, he has averaged 13.3 PPG. While he is active on the ground with a 7% rush share, Samuel's targets haven't been there (13%). He has a Utilization Score of 42 over that span. His historical comps have averaged 7.4 PPG. While I think Samuel outperforms that thanks to an elite offense, he is a SELL-HIGH option if one of your league-mates buys his WR20 ranking over the last three games. Samuel is HOLDING STEADY as a WR3 while the 49ers are banged up, but his season-long appeal is in WR4 territory. 
   
• Denzel Boston | Browns: Boston is averaging 13.9 PPG with a 67 Utilization Score. He has a 20% target share and averages 99 air yards per game. But averaging 3.8 catchable targets per game (48th) isn't ideal. His historical comps have averaged 12.9 PPG with 46% finishing as WR3s. Boston is HOLDING STEADY as a low-end WR3.  
   
• Elijah Sarratt | Ravens: Sarratt saw his first playing time in Week 4. Rashod Bateman missed some time due to injury, and Chris Moore was inactive. There isn't a big takeaway here, but Sarratt was a highly productive collegiate prospect, making him a name worth monitoring in deep formats.
   
• Emeka Egbuka | Buccaneers: Egbuka is averaging 9.0 PPG with a 55 Utilization Score. The 2025 Round 1 pick still has time to get things going, but with Mayfield out at least until Week 6, the short-term outlook isn't good. His air yards plummeted to 25 yards in Week 4 with Jalon Daniels under center. Egbuka also may not be 100% healthy after dealing with turf toe in the preseason. Egbuka is HOLDING STEADY as a low-end WR3, but is a mid-range WR4 until we get Mayfield back.
   
• George Pickens | Cowboys: Pickens is averaging 6.8 targets (27th) and 5.0 catchable targets per game (26th). He also ranks 26th in air yards per game (85.5). Lamb is getting the choice routes and alignments in the scheme while playing at an extremely high level. Pickens may get boxed into more of a Jameson Williams role as Dallas' deep threat. His average route depth is 10.9, much higher than Lamb's 9.1. And Pickens never benefits from motion (2%). But 29% of his targets have come on play action, which is a point-per-route booster. Pickens Utilization Score sits at 64. That matches Williams exactly. While I think that will improve as a talented player in an elite offense, with only one other high-end target earner, he DOWNGRADES to mid-range WR2 territory. 
   
• Jameson Williams | Lions: Williams has a 64 Utilization Score with 9.7 PPG. He has a 16% target share. Williams is averaging 87 air yards per game with 5.0 catchable looks per contest. His historical comparisons have averaged 11.9 PPG, with most (40%) finishing as WR3s. Unlike Pickens, Williams has two stronger target earners to contend with: Amon-Ra St. Brown (30%) and Sam LaPorta (18%). Williams is HOLDING STEADY as a boom-bust WR3 who offers contingent WR1 upside should ARSB miss any time.
   
• Josh Downs | Colts: In three games without Alec Pierce, Downs has a 68 Utilization Score with 10.5 PPG. Over that span, he ties the team lead in targets (24%) with 7.3 per game. Downs continues to operate from the slot often and ranks ninth in motion-at-the-snap routes (20%). Downs dudded in a great matchup in Week 3 against the Commanders with Keenan Allen out. His historical comparisons have averaged 13.1 PPG, with most finishing as low-end WR2s or high-end WR3s (43%). Downs is a borderline WR3 until Pierce returns. When Pierce is back, he is a low-end WR3.
   
• KC Concepcion | Browns: Concepcion continues to grow his route share: 65%, 74%, 95%, 100%. He is officially one of the top-two options on the team with a 23% target share this year. The first-round NFL pick also contributes in the run game with a 5% attempt share. In the last two games in a full-time role, Concepcion has a Utilization Score of 54. One big factor holding down his score is his 54 air yards per game. But he is getting a ton of motion work (24%) and play action targets (28%). The QB play isn't ideal, but the scheme is strong, and Concepcion's 8.6 average route depth suggests there is more meat on the bone—he isn't just a gadget player. Concepcion is HOLDING STEADY as a high-end WR4 with upside.  
   
• Luther Burden | Bears: Burden has a 72% route participation rate this season, which hurts in an offense that currently runs first. The Bears rank 30th in DBOE (-7%). He leads the team with 7.3 targets per game, and his 9.0 average route depth is in the sweet spot. Burden aligns from the slot 50% of the time and is in motion on 19% of the snaps. He is averaging 11.7 PPG with a 65 Utilization Score. His historical comps averaged 12.6 PPG with 0% reaching top-12 status. Most comps were borderline WR3s (49%). We need more playing time. Burden is HOLDING STEADY as a low-end WR3.
   
• Jaylen Waddle | Broncos: Waddle has a 60 Utilization Score with 11 PPG. He has a solid target share (22%) and air yards share (35%) but has yet to get an endzone target. Waddle is playing a favorable role, but his 78% route share isn't strong enough for every-week WR2 production. Waddle's historical comps have averaged 11.3 PPG. I am not pushing him that low in my ranks based on his historical talent profile, but we need a bump in routes to unlock a larger ceiling. Waddle DOWNGRADES to borderline WR2 status.
   
• Matthew Golden | Packers: Golden leads the Packers with an 87% route share and 25% target share. He is averaging 14.5 PPG with a 78 Utilization Score. He doesn't get the same schematic protection as Watson, with only 2% of plays in motion, but their average route depths are identical at 8.6. Golden isn't just working downfield despite the discrepancy in average depth of target (10.8 for Watson and 13.7 for Golden). Golden's historical comps have averaged 15.5 PPG, with 37% securing top-12 campaigns. Another 31% finished as high-end WR2s. Golden UPGRADES to mid-range WR2 territory. 
   
• Marvin Harrison Jr. | Cardinals: Harrison is stuck in a terrible role with the Cardinals, making it hard to assess his talent. He operates primarily from the boundary, working downfield. But he is reportedly on the trade block with teams doing their due diligence, per Adam Schefuter. Harrison is available in 25% of Yahoo leagues and could jump up the ranks with a strong landing spot.
   
• Mitchell Tinsley | Bengals: While Meyers is the handcuff to Chase, Tinsley might be the next man up behind Tee Higgins. He works more vertically and can win in contested situations. He is a potential late-week add in deep leagues if Higgins (groin) can't play.
   
• Nico Collins | Texans: Collins is averaging 26 PPG with a 94 Utilization Score in two games. He has a 27% target share and 36% air yards share. Collins is a mid-range WR1. 
   
• Parker Washington | Jaguars: Washington dudded in Week 4 with just 2.0 points. But he still leads the Jaguars with a 26% target share. He averages 12.8 PPG but continues to operate as a centerpiece in the scheme. His 69 Utilization Score creates some concern, with his comps averaging 13.4 PPG. Most were low-end WR2s or high-end WR3s (45%). I am still in on Washington, but he gets a small DOWNGRADE to high-end WR2 status. 
   
• Romeo Doubs | Patriots: Doubs finally got going in Week 4, scoring 23.8 points. He had a 27% target share with 117 air yards. For the season, he is averaging 11.1 PPG with a 59 Utilization Score. His comparisons averaged 11 PPG with a wide range of outcomes, with most finishing as WR4s (42%). Mack Hollins (calf) is week-to-week after exiting the Week 4 contest. Doubs offers WR3 potential in games without Hollins and A.J. Brown. He is a WR4-5 when Brown returns. Doubs is available in 43% of leagues.
   
• Tee Higgins | Bengals: Higgins erupted for 26.7 points after Chase (concussion) exited early in Week 4. He saw 16 targets and accumulated a juicy 220 air yards. But Higgins is dealing with a groin injury that raises questions about his Week 5 availability and he has a bye in Week 6. Higgins is a WR1 in contests without Chase.
   
• Zay Flowers | Ravens: Flowers scored 25.8 points in Week 3 in his first full game of the year (91% routes). The third-year WR boasts an elite 38% TPRR, playing in a premium role with 60% of routes coming from the slot and a 27% motion-at-the-snap rate. That ranks third behind Puka Nacua. Flowers is HOLDING STEADY as a borderline WR1.

Tight End

• Brock Bowers | Raiders: Bowers boasts a perfect 100% Utilization Score with 24.1 PPG after two outings. He owns an elite target share (30%) and rarely takes a passing play off with a 93% route participation rate. He has quickly become Cousins' favorite endzone target with three looks. And he is averaging a massive 125.5 air yards per game—a significant differentiator for TEs when forecasting future production. Bowers' historical comps have averaged 18.1 PPG, with 100% finishing as top-three options. He is the TE1 the rest of the way.
   
• Dalton Kincaid | Bills: Kincaid saw fewer routes in Week 4. After averaging 68% over the first three games, he finished with 56%. Kincaid still has a strong 21% TPRR, but can't afford to fall back into a rotation. He is averaging 11.5 PPG with a 72 Utilization Score. His historical comparisons have averaged 10.6 PPG with 66% finishing in the TE6-TE12 range. Kincaid DOWNGRADES to mid-range TE1 territory. He needs more routes.
   
• Colston Loveland | Bears: Loveland scored 11.7 points in Week 4 and garnered his highest target share of the season (30%). He finished with an 86 Utilization Score, which was also a season high. But Loveland continues to hover around the 70% route share mark, which isn't ideal—especially on a run-heavy team. Loveland is HOLDING STEADY as a low-end TE1 but offers high-end TE1 upside with more playing time.
   
• Mark Andrews | Ravens: Andrews is averaging 9.7 PPG with a 73 Utilization Score. He has a strong 24% target share with 5.0 catchable targets per game. His historical comps have averaged 10.7 PPG with 59% finishing in the TE7-12 range. Andrews UPGRADES to low-end TE1 territory.
   
• Tucker Kraft | Packers: Kraft found his way into the fantasy box score with 16.5 points in Week 4. The young TE had his best target share of the season at 23%. But he continues to hover around a 74% route share. It will be interesting to see if that pushes up over 80% as he continues to ramp up from a 2025 ACL surgery. Kraft is HOLDING STEADY as a low-end TE1 with mid-range TE1 upside.

Team Trends To Watch Entering Week 5 Of The Fantasy Football Season

We now have four weeks of data for most teams, making it a good time to examine team-level trends that affect fantasy production. You can find the data across all 32 NFL teams in the Team Styles tab of the Utilization Report tools.

Redzone Drive Rate vs. Touchdowns Drive Rate: Percentage of drives that reach the red zone versus how often the team is scoring a touchdown per drive. Large deltas indicate room for positive or negative regression.

• Titans: 16% (32% vs 16%)
• Bears: 14% (45% vs 31%)
• Packers: 12% (30% vs 18%)
• Cardinals: 11% (32% vs 21%)
• Texans: 11% (31% vs 20%)

Dropback Over Expected (DBOE): How often teams pass the ball compared to their peers when considering the score differential. This is year-to-date data until Week 5, when we flip to the last five.

• Bengals: 9%
• Packers: 8%
• Panthers: 8%
• Steelers: 5%
• Cowboys: 4%
• Rams: 4%
• Texans: 4%
  ___
• Colts: -5%
• Seahawks: -5%
• Vikings: -5%
• Dolphins: -6%
• Bears: -7%
• Giants: -8%
• Falcons: -15% (3 games)

Neutral Playclock: Teams that are leaving more or less time on the play clock when the score is within three points (neutral situations). This is year-to-date data until Week 5, when we flip to the last five. The NFL average is 8.3 seconds.

• Browns: 11.40
• Falcons: 11.39 (3 games)
• Saints: 11.08 (3 games)
• Raiders: 11.08
• Chiefs: 10.65
• Cowboys: 10.47
• Chargers: 10.46
  ___
• Steelers: 6.98
• Lions: 6.94
• Commanders: 6.53
• Giants: 6.32
• Titans: 5.80
• Dolphins: 5.50

Play action pass rate: Teams that are utilizing play action the most per dropback, which adds value to WRs and TEs on a per-route basis in fantasy. This is year-to-date data until Week 5, when we flip to the last five.

• Bills: 39%
• Seahawks: 35%
• Chiefs: 34%
• Bears: 33%
• Colts: 32%
• Panthers: 32%
  ___
• Falcons: 21% (3 games)
• Packers: 21%
• Cardinals: 20%
• Saints: 19% (3 games)
• Bengals: 19%
• Eagles: 15%

Personnel: When teams deploy more heavy personnel with extra TEs and RBs on the field, there is less target competition for the actual pass-catchers who remain on the field. For example: WRs saw a 29% boost in PPR points per route with two WRs on the field vs. three WRs over the last three seasons. This is year-to-date data until Week 5, when we flip to the last five. Game scripts can impact this data over small samples.

21 Personnel (2 RB, 1 TE, 2 WR) – large boost

• 49ers: 41%
• Chargers: 31%
• Dolphins: 28%
• Seahawks: 18%
• Raiders: 18%
• Vikings: 16%

22 Personnel (2 RB, 2 TE, 1 WR) – large boost

• Giants: 25%
• Raiders: 18% (21 + 22 = 36%)
• Patriots: 8%
• Browns: 8%

11 Personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WR) – negative boost

• Eagles: 77%
• Buccaneers: 73%
• Titans: 72%
• Cowboys: 70%
• Saints: 70% (3 games)

12 Personnel (1 RB, 2 TE, 2 WR) – small boost

• Bengals: 42%
• Bears: 37%
• Raiders: 35% (53% last two games with Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer)
• Colts: 32%
• Chiefs: 31%
• Ravens: 31%
• Panthers: 30%
• Steelers: 28%
• Jaguars: 28% (12 + 13 = 40%)

13 Personnel (1 RB, 3 TE, 1 WR) – large boost

• Rams: 31% (45% in the first two games before Terrance Ferguson/Colby Parkinson injuries)
• Bills: 28%
• Cardinals: 20%
• Bears: 19% (12 + 13 = 61%)
• Ravens: 18% (12 + 13 = 49%)

Offensive Lines: Pressure rates are huge for QBs. Most signal callers who are constantly harassed will struggle to find consistent fantasy value. QBs partially own pressures, so it isn't all an offensive line issue. The NFL average pressure rate is 36% over the last three seasons. 

Yards before contact matters for RBs. Backs who get better blocking have a better chance to thrive in fantasy. The NFL average yards before contact on RB attempts is 1.29 over the last three years. It is important to remove QBs since scrambles often come with defenders' backs turned and can inflate these numbers.

Pressure Rate Allowed:

• Falcons: 24% (3 games)
• Cardinals: 28%
• 49ers: 29%
• Bengals: 30%
• Titans: 30%
• Jaguars: 32%
• Cowboys: 33%
• Chiefs: 33%
  ___
• Eagles: 44%
• Patriots: 44%
• Dolphins: 44%
• Panthers: 46%
• Chargers: 47%

Average Yards Before Contact Rushing

• Bills: 3.03
• Rams: 2.14
• Panthers: 1.74
• Chiefs: 1.72
• 49ers: 1.61
• Bears: 1.59
• Lions: 1.58
  ___
• Commanders: 0.75
• Raiders: 0.75
• Jaguars: 0.74
• Seahawks: 0.73
• Browns: 0.72
• Patriots: 0.64
• Texans: 0.47