Week 1 Fantasy Football Market Share Report: Joe Mixon Is a Workhorse Back
Receiving Market Shares
1. Emmanuel Sanders Is the Top Receiver in Case Keenum’s Eyes
Hampered by nagging injuries last season, Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders couldn’t take flight. But given a clean bill of health in 2018 and the gift of Case Keenum as his new quarterback, Sanders and the Broncos saw immediate results.
Against the Seattle Seahawks, Sanders caught 10 passes for 135 yards and one touchdown, nearly hauling in all 11 of his targets.
Sanders was truly fantastic, firmly staking his case as the number-one receiver in Denver. His receiving partner, Demaryius Thomas, finished with 6 receptions for 64 yards and a touchdown while being targeted by Keenum 10 times.
But it was Sanders who got more downfield looks and did more with those chances. Per airyards.com, Sanders had 28% share of the Broncos' air yards while Thomas had a 19% share. Sanders was down the field often, averaging 13.5 yards per reception, compared to 10.0 for Thomas.
The Denver offense is showing signs of life, and Sanders should benefit all season long. They have a juicy Week 2 home date with the Oakland Raiders.
2. Quincy Enunwa a PPR Monster?
Quincy Enunwa had a staggering 36% share of the Jets’ air yards, according to airyards.com, and caught 60 percent of the passes thrown his direction.
Against the Lions on Monday night, things got out of hand quickly, and the Jets' skill position players shined on several levels. But figuring out how the receiving targets might be spread around for the Jets, with new quarterback Sam Darnold, was essential.
Enunwa dominated New York’s target share and receiving duties, netting 6 receptions for 63 yards and 1 touchdown on 10 targets. Terrelle Pryor and Neil Sterling were tied for second with 3 targets each while deep-ball maven Robby Anderson saw 1 target.
Drawing the attention of a rookie quarterback was a nice week one takeaway and should send those looking to add some receiving depth to their roster right to Enunwa’s name.
3. Randall Cobb Shows Signs of Life
It was hard to unpack much of the Sunday night excitement of the Packers' 24-23 comeback against the Bears. But one player who stood out early, late, and often was Randall Cobb.
Cobb, who has been hampered with one injury after another, which included a foot issue this preseason, showed what happens if your quarterback needs to get the ball out quickly, which Rodgers did against a nasty Bears pass rush.
Operating as the Packers' primary slot receiver, Cobb finished with the seventh-most yards in Week 1 with 142, totaling 9 receptions and the game-winning touchdown late in the fourth. Cobb caught 9 of his 10 targets.
As we learn more of Rodgers knee injury and the outlook going forward, one thing is for certain: Cobb is a player we should covet when Rodgers is healthy.
