The number of players in Week 11 with double-digit targets is low. In addition, many of the players with double-digit targets in Week 10 did not reach double-digit targets in Week 11. Between injuries and match-ups, the list is comprised of non-WR1s as we analyze the Week 11 targets.

Typically it is important to look at targets and trends. However, with lack of trends this week to look at, it’s important to analyze which players had a big target game because the No. 1 on their team was in coverage. These players aren’t worth chasing on the waiver wire as their stats will come back down to normal in Week 12.

Also, in a week that was marred by injury, be sure to look at some players who were given an opportunity because another key player was hurt. If the injured player  will miss more time, these guys will continue to have value, based on the number of targets they received.

Note that if a player has an asterisk next to his name in the double-digit target box, it indicates that they also had double-digit targets in the week they last played (taking into account bye weeks).

As always, none of the charts below show total receptions, total fantasy points or touchdowns. The sole purpose of this analysis is to look at targets.

Week 11 Target Watch

Each week I will be reviewing the targets from the past week, the season and even digging deeper by running back and tight end. I will also be analyzing any trends I find along the way.

Week 11 Only Double-Digit Targets

The number of double-digit targets has been dropping. It went from 17 players in Week 9, 20 in Week 10 and now 15 in Week 11. Four teams were on a bye again, but with a few games having weather issues, it’s no wonder teams were shying away from throwing the ball.

One of the more interesting things about this list this week is the number of players with consecutive double-digit target weeks: one. Only Antonio Brown had double-digit targets in the last game he played. The rest of the list is comprised of players who are stepping up for their teams, which Fantasy owners should keep an eye on. Mike Wallace has actually had double-digit targets in four games this season. He’s quietly shaping up to be a WR3 for fantasy owners this year.

Sterling Shepard made this list (Odell Beckham Jr. did not) and DeVante Parker made the list (Jarvis Landry did not). These No. 2 receivers on their respective teams were targeted more than the big-name guys. This is often the result of coverage and match-ups, but it’s also worth keeping an eye on for Fantasy owners as both are available in about 20 percent of leagues.

Top 12 Target Leaders This Season

Two players with a bye were able to keep their spot on the Top 12 list, while Brandon Marshall did just miss the Top 12. DeAndre Hopkins, with his mediocre six targets on Monday night took over the last spot. However, with the injury to A.J. Green, Marshall (or Amari Cooper, who is just behind him) will likely take over that spot in the coming weeks. What is surprising is how few targets some of these top guys saw in Week 11.

Both Larry Fitzgerald and Jordy Nelson went from getting a season-high 18 targets to single-digit targets on Sunday. Again, this was likely the result of coverage (Nelson did see a lot of Josh Norman). Fitzgerald has another tough matchup in Week 12, facing Desmond Trufant and the Atlanta Falcons. His targets may be down, but he is still a solid WR2.

Top Tight End Targets In Week 11

Some new faces have made their way onto this list as well. Jared Cook matched his season total in receptions with six on 11 targets on Sunday night. The Packers needed someone to step up in Week 11, and Cook was that guy. Fantasy owners should not chase this performance, however. The Packers face the Eagles in Week 12 on Thanksgiving Day.

Charles Clay, however, may be worth picking up (he’s owned in 13 percent of Fantasy leagues). With Robert Woods (knee) most likely out for Week 12, the player who should see the most targets is Clay. The rest of the receiving corps is mediocre, and even if Sammy Watkins does make his return, he won’t be in the game enough to take targets away from Clay. The Bills play Jacksonville in Week 12.

Top Running Back Targets In Week 11

With Carson Palmer struggling, David Johnson stepped up. In both the running game and the passing game, Johnson had a great Week 11 game. Theo Riddick stepped up as the running back with the second most targets this week. He caught eight of those 10 targets, and appears to be healthy after missing time with an ankle injury. He is a RB2 in PPR leagues as Detroit has virtually no running game, and Riddick will handle the passing downs.

Tim Hightower stepped up for Mark Ingram when he was knocked out with a concussion. It’s unclear if Ingram will be cleared for Week 12, but if he misses time, Hightower steps in as a RB2 with upside in PPR formats. Even if Ingram plays, Hightower still has earned a role as a flex option.

Unfortunately for Fantasy owners, Bernard is out for the rest of the season with a torn ACL. Jeremy Hill will take over as the lead back, but he is rarely used in the passing downs.

• Author
• Recent Posts

Follow Me

Sarah Lewis

Editor at socalledfantasyexperts.com

Sarah Lewis (formerly Sarah Bojarski) once spent an entire cocktail hour at a wedding reception answering Fantasy Football start/sit questions on Twitter. She has been writing about Fantasy Football for five seasons now, and is always willing to talk draft strategy with anyone looking to win their league. Follow her on Twitter @Sarah_Lewis32

Follow Me

Latest posts by Sarah Lewis (see all)

• Week 16 Target Watch: Larry Fitzgerald Is Ageless - December 30, 2017
• Week 15 Target Watch: Greg Olsen Is Back - December 24, 2017
• Week 14 Target Watch: 18 more targets for Antonio Brown - December 16, 2017