Week 16 Fantasy Football Market Share Report: Ronald Jones Is Going to Be a League-Winner
Closing out the fantasy season is always a bittersweet time; the fun is almost over. But as we head into the championship round for most leagues, relying on recent trends and your studs is the process to follow.
Has a player been on a tear the last few weeks? Has his only competition been knocked out? Is the player you've trusted most of the season trending down? No way I play a Saquon Barkley or Russell Wilson right now if I can avoid it. Names don't win fantasy titles.
Rushing Market Shares
Ronald Jones, Bucs
Ronald Jones proved he can be a league crusher for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers without Leonard Fournette and Giovani Bernard.
Last Sunday, Jones played 35 of 64 snaps and handled 20 of 29 running-back carries -- and those numbers could've been a little higher if the Bucs were in a competitive game. Unfortunately, they may not be in a competitive situation this week against the New York Jets, but the positive game script and matchup should give RoJo a good chance to find the end zone.
Ke'Shawn Vaughn had a long rushing touchdown and but didn't do much other than that with his seven carries, so this should be Jones' backfield while the game is competitive.
Jones is an auto-start in your championship clash.
Rashaad Penny, Seahawks
Rashaad Penny continues to wow us when he’s given work by the Seattle Seahawks, and as long as he stays healthy, he’s a must start.
On Sunday, Penny rushed 17 times for 135 yards and one touchdown. It was a huge step forward after Week 15, when Penny was out-rushed by DeeJay Dallas (41 yards to 39) on fewer carries (8 to 11).
In Week 16, Penny handled 80.9% of the running-back carries, and with Seattle looking like they want to lean on the run -- per usual -- Penny could smash against the Detroit Lions in Week 17.
Receiving Market Shares
Tee Higgins, Bengals
The Tee Higgins' explosion game came perfectly timed during the semifinals of most fantasy playoffs.
His 13 targets and 28.2% target share led the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. Higgins posted 12 receptions for 194 yards and 2 touchdowns, while teammate Ja'Marr Chase was also impressive with 7 catches for 125 on 10 targets.
Higgins has been targeted at least seven times in four of the last five games, and he could be in line for another big day in a shootout with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Amon-Ra St. Brown, Lions
Amon-Ra St. Brown continued his awesome run with 9 receptions for 91 yards and a touchdown for the Lions last week.
He handled a 31% target share in Week 16 and has accounted for a 30% target share and 26% air yards share across the last five weeks. Yes, please!
The rookie has been immense of late, and you'd have to have really great alternatives to sit him in Week 17. He's our WR21 for the week.
Red-Zone Market Shares
Damien Harris, Patriots
Despite some pushback from Rhamondre Stevenson throughout the year, Damien Williams has leveled into a red-zone monster you can count on in your fantasy championship.
With 36 red-zone rushing attempts in 2021, Harris owns a 45.6% red-zone rushing share, and he's scored 10 red-zone rushing touchdowns.
He’s an elite option around the goal line and sits behind only Jonathan Taylor, Dalvin Cook, Austin Ekeler, Leonard Fournette, James Conner and Antonio Gibson in red-zone carries. Taking on the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 17, Harris should continue to eat in the scoring area.
Hunter Renfrow, Raiders
Hunter Renfrow is almost single-handedly carrying the Las Vegas Raiders in the receiving department.
He's been great in every area, including near the end zone. On his 19 red-zone receiving targets, Renfrow has totaled 6 touchdowns while accounting for 29.7% of Vegas' red-zone targets.
Regardless of Darren Waller's status, Renfrow has become the top receiving threat in the Raiders' offense. But if Waller remains out, Renfrow is the only trustable (in fantasy) receiving option for Vegas and should keep getting fed in the red zone.
