Fantasy Football: Week 8 Target and Snap Report

Looking at the trends behind the numbers that can help uncover fantasy value.

Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports

Each week to write this column, I use an offensive data tool that pools the previous week's most involved players, combining fantasy scoring and efficiency metrics. Without any bias, the below players all ranked in the top 40 in terms of opportunities and fantasy production in Week 7. This week I'll provide the data standouts according to the numbers and then add my two cents to help inform fantasy owners of the current NFL flow. You will see some new names and surprising stats by some emerging players.

And for more comprehensive snap data on every player for every game this season, check out this breakdown at FullTime Fantasy.

The following players are potential trade targets and or FAAB priorities:

Key: Snap % / Target % / Touch %

Packers WR Marquez Valdes- Scantling: 33.1 snap percentage / 15 target percentage / 10 touch percentage.

Colts WR Zach Pascal: 47.4% / 19.4% / 19.4%

Patriots RB Sony Michel: 37.8% / 6.5% / 64.5%

Cardinals RB Chase Edmonds: 93.8% / 6.6% / 47.5%

Chargers RB Austin Ekeler: 59.4% / 21.1% / 31.6%

Lions WR Marvin Jones: 96.1% / 17.8% / 13.7%

Saints RB Latavius Murray: 83.3% / 9.2% / 49.2%

Colts TE Eric Ebron: 42.1% / 15.6% / 12.5%

Packers TE Jimmy Graham: 55% / 12.1% / 12.1%

Packers RB Jamaal Williams: 40% / 20.8% / 29.2%

Eagles TE Dallas Goedert: 59% / 11.1% / 11.1%

Chiefs WR Mecole Hardman: 47.5% / 10.3% / 6.9%

Broncos RB Royce Freeman: 62.7% / 11.9% / 32.3%

Bears WR Javon Wims: 33.8% / 4.5/% / 4.5%

Titans WR Corey Davis: 75% / 14.6% / 12.5%

Chiefs RB LeSean McCoy: 42.6% / 7.7% / 52.8%

Bills WR John Brown: 94.6% / 11.3% 9.4%

Packers WR Jake Kumerow: 71.7% / 4.7% / 4.7%

Raiders TE Foster Moreau: 48.5% / 9.4% / 6.2%

Bills WR Cole Beasley: 55.4% / 19.4% / 9.7%

Now here are some of my conclusions:

Packer nation is on the rise, according to the Week 7 data and list. With an improved defense and a more innovative offense under new head coach Matt LaFleur, the Packer offense is back. In Week 1, there was a theme in the fantasy industry, which was to acquire as many Chiefs as possible. The Packers are the new Chiefs. Jake Kumerow and Jamaal Williams are cheap trade targets and FABB candidates. Veteran Jimmy Graham is also worth a trade offer to bolster your tight end depth. Not to mention, Graham has some potential upside at Lambeau Field in the Winter.

Chase Edmonds should be a regular flex starter in your lineups. The youngster has emerged as an integral piece of the new and improved Cardinal offense. We said Edmonds was ready to shine last week and Edmonds did not disappoint, totaling 150 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns. The second-year prodigy will continue to advocate for more usage, especially if David Johnson is banged up.

Austin Ekeler will continue to be the most relevant running back in the Chargers’ offense because of his ability to run routes and catch wobblers from veteran Phillip Rivers. Want to experience a fantasy high? Click on Ekeler’s fantasy scores: double-digit PPR points in all but one game thus far, and 20-plus points in five-of-seven games. Even with Melvin Gordon back in the fold, ride the Ekeler train until the wheels fall off.

Zach Pascal is a FABB target according to the Week 7 data. Pascal was the Colts leader in TDs and receiving yards, and was second in targets with six. Was Pascal’s breakout game due to a leaky Texans’ secondary or has he established himself as the Colts WR2? This is worth some time to research further. The Colts team is moving forward and nobody talks about Andrew Luck anymore.

Latavius Murray was more than impressive in Week 7, running all over a very stingy Bears’ defensive unit. Murray should absolutely be a trade target for Alvin Kamara owners and those seeking RB help. The hush, hush job on Kamara continues to be a mystery. With the way Murray played, the Saints likely won’t rush their superstar back from injury. Remember, New Orleans is in a “Super Bowl or bust” mode. Anticipate the Saints waiting until after the Week 9 bye to bring Kamara back into the fold.

Mecole Hardman was lucky to get his numbers in Week 7 while Patrick Mahomes was in the game. Moving forward, look for Hardman’s usage to increase because of his ability to create mismatches and jet sweeps. The Chiefs will have to be more innovative, while also scaling down the playbook with Matt Moore under center. I also wouldn't be surprised to see Kansas City give LeSean McCoy an opportunity to become the workhorse back. This is potentially Shady’s last rodeo, and he is the kind of player who could easily finish the season strong.

Two Bills WRs, John Brown and Cole Beasley, appear on the list this week and still remain under the radar for the most part in the fantasy community. Did you know Brown has produced double-digit PPR scores in five-of-seven games? Beasley has double-digit points in four-of-six games played. In a year of underperforming and overrated receivers, the Bills receiving tandem should not be overlooked.

Corey Davis, the former fifth overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, showed up and demonstrated signs of life heading into Week 8. Ryan Tannehill was able to work with both Davis and A.J. Brown. Each receiver had six receptions on a combined 15 targets. Most fantasy players had Davis on the bench, as he only had one double-digit PPR performance before this past week. Put some time into investigating the Titans’ passing game this week. Perhaps Tannehill makes Tennessee better than Marcus Mariota does.

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