Week 1 NFL Advanced Analytics Superstars
Running Back: Spencer Ware
Spencer Ware, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
11 Rushes, 70 Yards, 1 Touchdown
7 Receptions, 129 Yards, 8 Targets
Performance: 100, NEP: +13.38
In one of this week's most exciting games, the Kansas City Chiefs were able to come back from a 27-10 deficit and win the game in overtime. Many of us had expected Ware to be a pivotal piece in this matchup with an abundance of rushing attempts, but the game script didn't quite go as expected. Still, Ware was able to produce in other ways at an effective rate, rushing 11 times for 70 yards and a score. He also chipped in 7 receptions for 129 yards on 8 targets.
Ware showed us a penchant for making plays downfield as a receiver. After having limited opportunities as a receiver last year (just six receptions), Ware thrived during the preseason showing his versatility. It translated to the gridiron this week with Ware leading all running backs in targets, receptions, receiving yards, and average depth of target (aDOT) per ProFootballFocus.
Despite splitting snaps with Charcandrick West (34 apiece), Ware dominated the touches (18 to 9). Among running backs, only DeAngelo Williams had more PPR fantasy points than Ware. With recent news stating Jamaal Charles may be sitting another week, Ware could be in for another voluminous outing against the Houston Texans.
Best of the Rest:
| Running Back | Rush | Rush Yards | Rush TDs | Rec | Rec Yards | Tgts | Rec TDs | Performance | Total NEP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| C.J. Anderson | 20 | 92 | 1 | 4 | 47 | 5 | 1 | 98 | +8.47 |
| Theo Riddick | 7 | 45 | 1 | 5 | 63 | 5 | 1 | 98 | +8.06 |
| Ameer Abdullah | 12 | 63 | 0 | 5 | 57 | 5 | 1 | 95 | +8.60 |
| DeAngelo Williams | 26 | 143 | 2 | 6 | 28 | 9 | 0 | 95 | +7.75 |
| David Johnson | 16 | 89 | 1 | 4 | 43 | 6 | 0 | 92 | +5.44 |
