Week 9 is in the books, and while we didn’t see the same number of high-scoring players as last week, we saw one who probably won’t be matched for a long time. Joe Mixon scored a whopping 54 fantasy points (PPR), which included 153 yards and four TDs on the ground. He also “chipped in” with four receptions, on five targets, for 58 yards and another TD. Mixon owners everywhere feel vindicated after riding through far too many sub-par weeks. Unfortunately, we’ll have to wait another week to see how he follows this one up, as the Bengals are on bye in Week 10. Target Trends Week 10.Â
Ten players had double-digit targets in Week 9, led by Davante Adams and Travis Kelce with 17. Besides Kelce, all others in this elite company were WRs, including a few names from last week’s “Target Trends” article: Mike Evans (11), Chris Godwin (10) and Rondale Moore (10). In fact, practically every player featured in last week’s article received eight or more targets in week 9.
Here’s a little secret…the credit for that success doesn’t go to me. It goes to Razzball. The Razzball suite of WR and DEF tools are simply the best and help us fantasy owners make critical waiver wire, start/sit or DFS decisions each week. Check them out under the “Fantasy Football Data” tab on our NFL page.Â
The way I look at it, the success in identifying players to help your fantasy team last week just sets the bar even higher for me this week, and I’m up for the challenge. Read on to see who I’m targeting this week:Â Â Â Â Â
Week 9 Target Monsters/Week 10 Outlook:Â
Terrace Marshall Jr., Panthers: I wrote about Terrace Marshall Jr. twice last week. Once in the Razzball Week 9 Waiver Wire article and again in the Week 9 Target Trends article. If you missed out on adding him to your roster, then you’d better move fast. Chances are, someone in your league has already considered adding him this week prior to Thursday Night Football. Marshall draws a choice matchup against an Atlanta defense that is ranked 31st in the league in total PPG allowed. Over 63% of those points go to the wideouts, a position where Marshall works out of over 75% of his snaps. Don’t make me beat the drum any further here. Just go pick him up.Â
Christian Kirk, Jaguars: After a dip in targets in Weeks 5 and 6, Christian Kirk is back into the upper tier of WRs with 26 total targets over the past three games. Last week versus the Raiders, Kirk hauled in eight receptions (nine targets) for 76 yards and a TD. The Jags travel to Kansas City this weekend, where the Chiefs are 25th in the league versus WRs and give up almost 14 PPG to slot receivers like Kirk. Looking beyond this week and the bye week (Week 11), the Jags match up with the Ravens (27th vs. WRs), Lions (29th vs. WRs) and Titans (30thvs. WRs). So do yourself a favor and offer the Kirk owner a trade before your deadline. You’ll thank me later.   Â
Darnell Mooney, Bears: If you haven’t noticed, the arrow is currently pointing straight up on the Bears’ offense. After a brutal start to the season, Justin Fields is now looking like an NFL QB. His rushing abilities make defenses play honestly, and the other skilled players are beginning to reap the benefits. Darnell Mooney has yet to break 100 yards in a game, but that day is coming soon, mark my words. Prior to Week 9, his target share took a hit against the Patriots and Cowboys. Now with his new mate, Claypool, in the mix, defenses will have a harder time taking him out of the game flow. His seven receptions (eight targets) and a TD versus the Dolphins are just a teaser of better days to come. The next two games on the schedule, Lions (29th vs. WRs) and Falcons (31st vs. WRs) give me added confidence that those better days are right over the horizon.Â
Cole Kmet, Bears: Just cut and paste the last paragraph and plug it in here. I’ll add one nugget, though: Kmet is becoming a red zone magnet for Fields, with multiple targets near the goal line in each of the past two games. Just like with WRs, both the Lions and Falcons are generous to TEs as well (29th and 27th, respectively). I’ll admit, it’s kinda strange to be pushing Bears players so strongly here. I’d better get off my soapbox before things get even stranger…
Gerald Everett, Chargers: Staying at the TE position, Gerald Everett is still getting a large share of targets – he’s just not doing much with them right now. The injuries amongst the Chargers’ receiving corp is well documented, so there’s no reason to pour salt in the wounds here. Everett is healthy and should remain a favorite target for Justin Herbert in Week 10 versus the new-look 49ers. Looking beyond week 10, Everett matches up with six teams in a row that rank in the bottom third against TEs. That should also coincide with other players getting healthy, opening up the middle of the field for Everett. What I’m getting at here is…the future is looking bright for Mr. Everett.    Â
That’s the end of my featured players. Like last week’s article, I’ll move on to my version of the two-minute drill and fire off some additional matchups that are trending for me in week 10. Â
Marquez Callaway, Saints: The Steelers give up over 30 PPG to wideouts. You’re already playing Chris Olave. Consider plugging in Marquez Callaway in deeper leagues or DFS too.
Greg Dulcich, Broncos: Greg Dulcich has only played three games so far this season, and all have resulted in double-digit fantasy scoring (PPR). The Broncos come back off a bye week against a Titans team giving up over 37 PPG to receivers. Do you think the Broncos put in a few more plays for Dulcich? I certainly do! Â
Joshua Palmer & DeAndre Carter, Chargers: The 49ers give up a league-worst 19.3 PPG to slot receivers like Palmer and Carter. With Deebo Samuel back in the fold and another week for CMC to integrate into the offense, I expect plenty of garbage points will be up for grabs for Chargers WRs.    Â
Nyheim Hines, Bills:Â I admit, this one is a stretch but hear me out. Josh Allen has a bum wing, but the Vikings (28+ PPG to wideouts) can’t take the chance of getting beat by Stefon Diggs or Gabe Davis. Hines is a target magnet out of the backfield. What better way to ensure Allen doesn’t aggravate his elbow than looking for Hines close by? Target Trends Week 10 Target Trends Week 10 Target Trends Week 10.
Agree/Disagree? Let me know what you think in the comments below. Also, feel free to send any trade questions or roster decisions. I’m always happy to provide some fantasy advice to our loyal followers. Good luck with all your teams…unless you’re competing against me!    Â
