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

Welcome to the Utilization Report, where Dwain McFarland highlights his top fantasy football takeaways heading into Week 5.

The Top Fantasy Football Takeaways for Week 4

Let's follow the data to identify the top waiver wire options, trade targets, upgrades, and downgrades based on what we learned in Week 4.

If you love the sweet Utilization data below, you can access it all for yourself!

• Comparison tool
• Team-based views with game logs
• League-wide views for NFL leaders
• Customizable time periods and sample sizes
• Seasons: 2020 to 2026

Use the Utilization Report suite of tools to dominate your league, y'all!

1. Kyren Williams: back in a high-end RB1 role?

Over the last two games, Williams has a 76% snap share, 73% rush share, and 20% target share, with a 56% route participation rate. In those two contests, he has a 95 Utilization Score with 29.3 points per game (PPG).

Could the Rams be thrusting Williams back into a similar role that made him a league-winner in 2024 and 2025? There is a lot of context to consider.

First, the last two games have been against tough defensive matchups in the Broncos and Eagles. And both games have been one-score victories. The Rams may want to prioritize Williams in games like these, which can be hard to pinpoint. Williams is the two-minute back and has handled 100% of those snaps this year. Williams has picked up 29 snaps in the two-minute offense over the last two weeks.

Second, Terrance Ferguson is on IR, and Colby Parkinson hasn't played in either game. While Williams hasn't been a high-end receiving option in the NFL, he was a pass-catching dynamo at Notre Dame. Historically, there is a trade-off between TE and RB targets in the NFL.

Finally, Sean McVay has mentioned a "hot hand" approach when asked about the change in the rotation. He has pushed back on the notion that Blake Corum is now a backup, but in the same breath said he wants Williams to be a focal point. That makes the situation murkier from a rest-of-season perspective. But one thing is certain: Williams has a newfound ceiling because he can dominate opportunities when he has the hot hand. 

Both backs have been productive on the ground behind a Rams offensive line that ranks second in yards before contact per RB attempt (2.14). I have included each player's rank for each stat among 35 RBs with at least 30 carries in 2026.

• Kyren Williams: 5.4 YPC (5th), 3.8 average yards after contact (5th), 9.3% 10+ yard attempts (18th), 30% missed tackles forced (4th)
   
• Blake Corum: 4.9 YPC (9th), 1.9 average yards after contact (35th), 15.1% 10+ yard attempts (4th), 14% missed tackles forced (21st)

But Williams has a considerable leg up in the receiving department, with 1.73 yards per route run (YPRR) on 25% targets per route run (TPRR). Williams ranks 5th in both categories. Corum has a 0.69 YPRR and 24% TPRR.

With a four-game sample including two split-backfield games and two with Williams as the clear RB1, we get a good view of how his season could play out even if things shift back and forth throughout the season. Based on the data, I think Corum still has a role in games where the Rams are leading and don't need the two-minute offense as much.

Williams' 91 Utilization Score ranks 5th. For this activity, I have brought the score down slightly, as his recent uptick in targets is fragile given the health of the TEs and the amount of two-minute offense snaps. If we take his target share down from 16% to the 10-12% range, his Utilization Score would be an 87. His historical comps averaged 17.1 PPG, with 71% finishing in the top five. 

• RB1-RB6 Seasons: 33% (Ceiling Finish)
• RB7-RB12 Seasons: 38% (Median Finish)
• RB13-RB18 Seasons: 24% (Floor Finish)
• RB19-RB24 Seasons: 5% (Outlier Floor Finish)

Nerd Note: I provide these ranges to help you guys decide how much you are willing to buy or sell a player for. We can sell and (probabilistically) lock in a profit at the high end of the ranges. We can also lock in a profit by buying at the low or second-lowest potential finish. Or we can hold at the medians. Every fantasy asset is movable depending on what your leaguemates are willing to do.

Williams UPGRADES to low-end RB1 status and offers high-end RB1 upside should the Rams continue to play in shootouts. 

Schedule Notes: The Rams get two strong offenses over the next four weeks with matchups against the Bills in Week 5 and the Raiders in Week 7. But they face the Cardinals in Weeks 6 and 10, plus the Chargers and Commanders in Weeks 8 and 9. Williams could be a massive sell-high option after the Week 5 matchup against Buffalo.

2. Michael Wilson's Role Backs Up His Fantasy Points

Wilson ranks No. 9 in Utilization Score (84), averaging 14.2 PPG. He rarely leaves the field, with an elite 96% route participation rate. The fourth-year WR ranks 9th in target share (29%), 6th in targets per game (10), and 13th in air yards per contest (102.8).

Wilson's 1.64 YPRR aligns more with WRs that historically average 10-12 points per game (WR4s). But the Utilization Score has a stronger rest-of-season signal than YPRR. And WRs with an 84 score have averaged 16.9 PPG.

There are concerns about Brissett's long-term hold on the QB situation with the Cardinals at 1-3. But in the immediate future, I am buying the Utilization Score over Wilson's YPRR. His 6.8 catchable targets per game ranks 9th, and his catchable air yards (57.8) rank 13th. And he is highly active in the red zone with 2.3 targets per contest (3rd).

While Wilson isn't Puka Nacua, he is playing that role for the Cardinals in Mike LaFluer's offense. He is attacking the intermediate area of the field with an 8.3 average route depth, while Marvin Harrison Jr. is stuck playing downfield (12.3). Of WRs with at least 50 routes, Wilson ranks 15th in motion-at-the-snap (18.8%); he leads Arizona in percentage of targets on play action (20.5%).

In short: Wilson is the No. 2 behind Trey McBride in LaFluer's offense by design.

At some point, we could see Carson Beck under center, which could hinder Wilson's season-long outlook. That's the biggest concern. But in this sort of role, there might not be a huge dropoff with Brissett averaging only 205 passing yards.

Because of the QB concerns, I dampened Wilson's Utilization Score to build out his historical comparisons, bringing his score down from an 84 to 77, primarily anticipating lower catchable-target and catchable-air-yards rates. Still, the historical comps averaged 15.2 PPG.

• WR1-6 Seasons: 3% (Outlier Ceiling Finish)
• WR7-12: 28% (Ceiling Finish)
• WR13-18: 29% (Median Finish)
• WR19-24: 24% (Median Finish)
• WR25-30: 13% (Floor Finish)
• WR31-36: 4% (Outlier Floor Finish)

Wilson is a strong bet to hold WR2 value unless Beck completely tanks when he takes over. In that scenario, we could see the outlier floor finish hit.

Wilson UPGRADES to low-end WR2 territory.

3. RJ Harvey: Passing-downs extraordinaire

Harvey has finished as the RB34, RB24, and RB9, averaging 12.7 PPG. He isn't getting much work on the ground, but he leads the team with a 23% target share. In fact, he leads all NFL RBs in target share heading into Monday night.

In Week 4, Harvey also collected his season-high rush share at 35%. It was his best Utilization Score (75) and fantasy output (19.3 points) of 2026. Harvey's 2.59 YPRR is elite, ranking only behind Bijan Robinson among backs with at least 25 routes.

If Harvey gets more work on base downs, he could offer league-winning upside. Historically, Sean Payton has preferred multi-pronged attacks (and Jonah Coleman will return from IR). So, it is hard to project a takeover for Harvey, but the door is open with J.K. Dobbins averaging only 3.5 YPC.

Some might wonder why I have been hard on Bhayshul Tuten in the Utilization Report but am now propping up Harvey. The reason is simple: elite passing-down options that move into full-time roles can win leagues. 

Both RBs probably have a similar chance of becoming their team's undisputed RB1. You might argue Tuten's chances are even higher. But when we get an archetype like Harvey right, the ceiling outcome is massive.

And to be fair, I have not been down on Tuten. My stance has simply been to sell him as a high-end RB2 if someone in your league already views him that way.

Like Tuten, Harvey's path to a fantasy-difference-making campaign is narrow if he remains in his current role. His historical Utilization Score (61) comparisons have averaged 11.4 PPG, with only 4% reaching top-12 status. Most finished as RB3s (58%).

• RB1-12 Seasons: 4% (Outlier Ceiling Finish)
• RB12-24 Seasons: 35% (Ceiling Finish)
• RB25-36 Seasons: 58% (Median Finish)
• RB37-48 Seasons: 15% (Floor Finish)

The Utilization Score data only goes back to 2020. But if we go further back, isolating on rushing attempt share and target share, two outliers notched top-12 finishes:

• Christian McCaffrey (2017): 25% attempts, 22% targets → 14.4 PPG
• James White (2014): 20% attempts, 21% targets → 17.3 PPG

It gets really interesting for the RBs with a 21%+ target share and a rush share between 35-45%. We have two Alvin Kamara seasons like that in 2018 and 2020, when he averaged 23.2 and 25.2 PPG. Harvey isn't the same player as Kamara as a runner, so that is a crazy ceiling comp, but he could push for 20 PPG with a 45% rush share.

Harvey UPGRADES to RB3 territory with RB2 upside. If his rushing workload approaches 45%, he could uncork a top-12 finish.

4. Malik Nabers boomed in his largest role of the season

Nabers registered a season-high 91% route share in Week 4 against the Cardinals. And the production followed, finishing as the WR10 of the week with 23.2 points. The third-year WR has reached a 24% target share or higher in three of four games.

Nabers is an elite talent who offers high-end WR1 upside when fully healthy. He is still recovering from a dislocated shoulder in Week 2. The injury involves a partially torn labrum, which experts say can't heal during the regular season. So, Nabers probably carries re-injury risk for the rest of 2026.

Additionally, there is the looming possibility that J.J. McCarthy eventually takes over as the starter for Jameis Winston, who threw two more interceptions in Week 3. All of this is happening within an offense that wants to be run-oriented. The Giants rank 31st in dropback rate over expected (-8%) under John Harbaugh.

Historically, profiles like Nabers offer high-end WR1 upside. The question is whether we should sell high now considering the risks. But he has a great schedule, which is an important factor to weigh.

The Giants have the sixth-best schedule for WRs (+1.1 PPG boost) for the rest of the season—including a mouth-watering Week 16 matchup against the Lions for the fantasy championship. And they get the Commanders, who provide the No. 9 boost to WRs (+2.7) next week.

Nabers UPGRADES to mid-range WR2 status and will move into WR1 territory with another full-time role in Week 5. He is a sell-high candidate due to multiple concerns, but only if someone is willing to pay a WR1 price tag. Otherwise, hold.

5. Omarion Hampton's fantasy value is tanking

First, we found out that the Chargers offense stinks. Now, we are finding out that Hampton's role within that bad offense also stinks.

The Round 1 pick from 2025 saw his role peak in Week 2 with a 65% snap share, but it has plummeted to 42% and 32% over the last two games. His passing-game role has been lackluster all year with a 26% route share, but his rushing attempts also evaporated over the last two games, hitting a season low of 36% in Week 4.

Against the Seahawks last weekend, the Chargers moved to a three-way rotation, with Kimani Vidal getting a significant boost in snaps as the two-minute back. Vidal played 73% of those snaps, which equated to 11 plays.

On a bad offense that has trailed by 4+ points on 46% of the snaps, this is a significant concern. Especially considering the Chargers face the Broncos, Chiefs, Chargers, and Rams over their next four games. That is the fifth-hardest schedule over that stretch, with a -2.4 PPG fantasy boost in half-PPR formats.

That isn't ideal for any RB. Especially one that could be without Rashawn Slater (high-ankle sprain) and Joe Alt (neck) for some of those games.

For Hampton to provide fantasy punch, we need a massive turnaround in his role. Historically, RBs with a similar Utilization Score (56) have averaged 10.3 PPG. Most have finished as RB3s or RB4s.

• RB12-24 Seasons: 13% (Outlier Ceiling Finish)
• RB25-36 Seasons: 45% (Median Finish)
• RB37-48 Seasons: 40% (Median Finish)
• RB49-60 Seasons: 2% (Outlier Floor Finish)

Hampton DOWNGRADES to high-end RB3 territory. I am clinging a little more to his Round 1 draft capital than the Utilization Score, hoping the team pivots back to their young RB.

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.

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