On Target: Week 1

(Photo by Gavin Baker/Icon Sportswire)

Every season we think we know which teams will shine, and then the first game begins. Expectations are thrown out the window in some cases, and we try to adapt as quickly as possible to the new information. Luckily, I’m here to help. Each week, we will be taking a look at how many targets players received in the week’s games, and how much we should read into those numbers. For instance, Julio Jones led the way in week 1 with 19 targets. While I don’t expect such a monstrous number to continue, it is nice to see Julio involved early and often. We will also analyze who is rising, who is falling, and what the outlook is moving forward. Without further ado, let’s dig right into the week 1 numbers.

Rising

Player	Team	Targets	Catches	Yards
Corey Davis	Tennessee	13	6	62
Jared Cook	Oakland	12	9	180
Kenny Golladay	Detroit	12	7	114
Emmanuel Sanders	Denver	11	10	135
Jalen Richard	Oakland	11	9	55
Quincy Enunwa	NY Jets	10	6	63
Ryan Grant	Indianapolis	10	8	59
Randall Cobb	Green Bay	10	9	142
Jack Doyle	Indianapolis	10	7	60
James White	New England	9	4	38
Nyheim Hines	Indianapolis	9	7	33

Corey Davis: It was nice to see Corey Davis peppered with targets in the opening week. Sure, Rishard Matthews wasn’t up to speed yet and basically was a decoy. However, with Delanie Walker out, I consider Davis to be the Titans best weapon, and I expect his targets to stay high—giving him a safe floor to go along with his high ceiling.

Jared Cook: I’m going to need more information here before I jump to a firm conclusion. Nevertheless, Jared Cook has to be one of the biggest week 1 adds right now. He was targeted early, often, and he looked good running with the ball. Don’t expect 10+ targets next week, but I think you could safely start him in Denver next week.

Kenny Golladay: The question with the Lions receivers all summer was if you wanted Golden Tate or Marvin Jones Jr. Well, there might just be a third candidate in Kenny Golladay. Matthew Stafford looked to Golladay early and often to the tune of 12 targets, 7 catches, and 114 yards. I would definitely add Golladay if I was thin at receiver, and he would have huge upside if either Marvin Jones or Golden Tate missed time.

Jalen Richard: Oakland came on strong and actually held an early 13-10 lead over the Rams. However, then the Rams turned it on and blew the doors off. I was surprised, though, at how much play Jalen Richard saw. He was looked to frequently once the Raiders fell behind, and I imagine he will be game script dependent moving forward. Jalen Richard could have PPR value, but I don’t trust him with Marshawn Lynch ahead of him on the depth chart.

Quincy Enunwa: The Jets looked good in week one. The defense was fierce, they made Matthew Stafford uncomfortable all game long, and Sam Darnold stepped up and shined in his first NFL game. The Jets leading receiver was Quincy Enunwa with 10 targets, 6 catches, and 63 yards. I wouldn’t call the Jets a high-powered offense, but it’s nice to know who the leading receiver is. I would add Enunwa if he isn’t owned and see how week 2 plays out. If he leads the way in targets again, I’d be happy to flex him moving forward.

Randall Cobb: Apparently the offseason rumors of Randall Cobb’s demise have been greatly exaggerated. Cobb had ankle surgery. He was on the trading block. He was on the roster bubble. Every bad thing that could be said about Cobb was at some point. He took it all in stride, posting a beastly line of 9 catches for 142 yards. I was certainly impressed, and I would add Cobb immediately if he is available. A healthy Aaron Rodgers wide receiver is always worth the roster spot. For what it’s worth, I feel the same way about Geronimo Allison right now.

Falling

Player	Team	Targets	Catches	Yards
Trey Burton	Chicago	6	1	15
Duke Johnson Jr.	Cleveland	6	1	8
Travis Kelce	Kansas City	6	1	6
Evan Engram	NY Giants	5	2	18
Chris Hogan	New England	5	1	11
Tarik Cohen	Chicago	4	3	16
Josh Gordon	Cleveland	3	1	17
Amari Cooper	Oakland	3	1	9
Calvin Ridley	Atlanta	2	0	0
John Ross	Cincinnati	2	1	3
Kyle Rudolph	Minnesota	2	1	11
Cameron Brate	Tampa Bay	2	0	0
Giovani Bernard	Cincinnati	1	1	11
Robby Anderson	NY Jets	1	1	41
Marquise Goodwin	San Francisco	1	0	0
Rishard Matthews	Tennessee	0	0	0

Calvin Ridley: We didn’t get to see much from the rookie wide receiver this week as he was targeted twice, but failed to register a catch. Julio Jones was targeted early and often, and Calvin Ridley seemed an after thought in his first contest. Hold tightly to Ridley, but maybe stash him on the bench for now…until he gets going.

Tarik Cohen: This first Bears game was a good reminder that Tarik Cohen will be boom/ bust this year. Cohen was targeted 4 times which is hardly anything to get upset about. However, he failed to do much with the targets and didn’t have one of his signature game-breaking plays. I think Cohen’s fortunes will improve, despite the week 1 dud.

Trey Burton: Trey Burton saw enough targets to be relevant in theory. However, many of them were bad looks from his young QB, and he only pulled in one for 15 yards. What was more troubling to me was that the offense did not seem to run through Burton like we had been promised all offseason. Maybe this was a fluke, but I would be worried if the same happens next week against Seattle. Hold tight for now, but be ready to move on after week 2 if this continues.

Duke Johnson Jr.: Duke Johnson saw 6 targets resulting in just 1 catch. Cleveland put up points (21) and moved the offense well enough. However, everything flowed through Jarvis Landry. It seemed like Landry vultured some of Duke’s typical value. I’m curious to see if this repeats in week 2, but I am willing to stand firm for now. If Duke if held in check again next week, though, be ready to move on.

Rishard Matthews: Rishard Matthews played 30+ snaps in week 1, but he might as well have not been there at all. Matthews was a non-factor as he is still learning the offense after missing most of training camp. This is troublesome for Matthews’ stock as it will give Davis plenty of time to gel with Marcus Mariota. There is an open role with the Delanie Walker injury, so there is still hope for this to rebound. Still, proceed with caution until we know Matthews is ready.

Chris Hogan: Chris Hogan was my second biggest disappointment of week 1. I was all over drafting him due to the Julian Edelman suspension, as well as every other player seemingly being dropped from the receiving corps. However, Rob Gronkowski and Philip Dorsett did enough to hold off Hogan, resulting in a stat line of 1 catch for 11 yards. I am hoping this was a fluke and I am still rolling with Hogan in week 2. That wasn’t pretty though.

Amari Cooper: Amari Cooper looked ready for a monster season. Sure, he was inconsistent last year. Sure, two games accounted for most of his accrued stats. Things would be different though: Michael Crabtree was gone. Martavis Bryant was dropped. Jordy Nelson is old and decrepit. Despite a beautiful situation, Cooper finished with 3 targets, 1 catch, and 9 yards. That is not going to cut it for a guy drafted like a high end WR2. I have to imagine this turns around next week, but part of me is a little terrified right now. Cooper is my biggest disappointment of week 1.