Targets - From Week 1-  09/11/12

TARGETS WEEK 1

Week 1 of the 2012 NFL season is a thing of the past. In this weekly piece we take a look at who got fed the ball and who was starved out of opportunity this weekend…

We’ve added a twist to the PYRO Targets Report.  You see in the RB and QB charts, I’ve included a new column – LOOKS.  For RB’s, LOOKS = Carries + Targets.  For QB’s, LOOKS = Pass Attempts + Carries.  The purpose of the report is to show overall involvement in the offense, and we agreed at PYRO HQ to add this wrinkle in, as it is a better indicator of the data we’re after.   

If you’re a first timer just checking in for this weekly report, here’s how we break it down…

The Gravy Train…

The Gravy Train showcase is to “target” the guys who will be regulars at the top of the list throughout the season.  Rain or shine, this crew will find a way to be here most weeks.  These are your work horses that you can ride to your league’s playoff door.

Eating with the Big Dogs…

This section showcases guys who had a great feeding by their offensive coordinators this week but who will see the top of the list infrequently.  Or, a fresh face on the rise that has shown he just may belong with the Big Dogs.

Dude, Where’s my Pizza…

Here’s where we highlight this week’s batch of players that normally should be fed but we’re starved out over the weekend.

Quarterbacks (Pass Attempts + Carries):

The Gravy Train… Mike Vick had 4 interceptions, but he led all passers with "looks"... I see his rushes going up even more than 7 in the coming weeks. He needs to run to win, everyone knows it.   

Eating with the Big Dogs…  RGIII should get more looks in future weeks, they were up for the whole game, so no reason to throw too much and even though his 10 carries led all QBs, that number should increase in closer games.

Dude, Where’s my Pizza?...  Tom Brady will be passing the ball like crazy in the coming weeks. Don't expect to many weeks where he is ranked 23rd in looks at the QB position for the week.

Running Backs (Rushing Carries + Receiving Targets):

The Gravy Train… DMAC was targeted on 18 passes and caught 13 of them. Add 15 carries and McFadden earned his paycheck in Monday's loss to the Chargers. I expect DMAC to be in the #1 slot many times this season, if he can stay healthy - watch out!     

Eating with the Big Dogs…  Is Stevan Ridley going to get this many carries all season? I hope so, I have him in all my leagues!

Dude, Where’s my Pizza?...  Ray Rice had a super low target week, he only had 3 catches. I don't expect that to happen to often.

Wide Receivers (Receiving Targets):

The Gravy Train… Brandon Marshall + Jay Cutler = Target Superstore!   

Eating with the Big Dogs…  Kevin Ogletree may be Laurent Robinson 2.0, or he may be a one week wonder. Only time will tell.

Dude, Where’s my Pizza?...  Roddy White only had 8 targets... he usually has 8 catches. He's numbers will go down with a Julio Jones taking over as the #1 target, but not 8 targets low.

Tight Ends (Receiving Targets):

The Gravy Train… Jimmy Graham should lead tight ends in targets for the season, and started out with a servicable 10 targets in week 1.   

Eating with the Big Dogs…  You want som hummus for that Pitta? Ed Dickson is going to eat into Pitta's production in many games, but Pitta seems to be Flacco's more beloved target at TE.

Dude, Where’s my Pizza?...  Gronk had 6 catches on 6 targets... I hope for fantasy owners all over the world that took #87 early in the second round that he gets more targets in future games or else that guy will be a huge bust this season.

by $wags & d-Rx®

- 09/11/12