On Target: More Than Just The Looks

While the rest of the fantasy world is scrounging for running backs on the waiver wire this week, it's time to once again turn your focus towards the receiving game. Receivers and tight ends seem to be the best place to try and maximize your points for the upcoming week.

Though the total number of passes thrown was down this week form last, for the third straight season total passing is on the rise overall. Of the top 30 non-quarterback point-scorers, half of them are wide receivers and tight ends. Granted, the receiver position is a much deeper and throwing in tight end options increases the field even more. However, with the rash of injuries at the running back position and the lack of sufficient replacement players leading to more backfield committees, your focus should be on the passing game if you're looking to make improvements to your team.

Top Targets from Week 5

This may be the first time we've seen Broncos tight end Jacob Tamme, but his 11 targets this week actually adds him to the TPL below for the first time too. Though his yardage could stand for some improvement, the fact that he has seen double-digit targets in two of the last three weeks as well as a handful of red zone look bodes well. Tamme is being incorporated into the passing game a little more lately and should continue down this path.

You'd like to think that Devery Henderson is here to stay. His level of production is in direct correlation to Lance Moore's health. When Moore has been in the lineup, Henderson has been an afterthought. If you're thinking about adding him to your roster, just make sure that Moore is out before you start him. Maybe after this week things will change, but so far it does not look like Moore and Henderson can coexist.

When Santonio Holmes went down for the year, someone had to step in as the top target for Mark Sanchez. Jeremy Kerley appears to be that player. He will likely be one of the premier targets for the team, though he comes with some issues. Aside from the fact that he has suspect QBs throwing him the ball, there is also Stephen Hill and Dustin Keller to watch out for once they are both healthy.

We all know that Victor Cruz is Eli Manning's number one guy, and when Hakeem Nicks is in the lineup, he is up there too. But with Nicks banged up, it looks like there is going to be a rather unpredictable distribution of targets between Reuben Randle and Domenik Hixon. Not to mention Ramses Barden will be in the mix when he is healthy. Randle and Hixon have outstanding potential, but they cannot be relied upon for consistent production just yet.

Jordan Norwood is a guy we could see climb up the charts and could be an option if you are looking for a potential third wideout to start. We already know that Greg Little has unreliable hands. Now, with Mohammed Massaquoi and Travis Benjamin hurt, Norwood is getting the chance to shine. He's got 19 targets over the last two games and a 68.4-percent catch rate. Norwood should be on your radar now with Brandon Weeden seemingly becoming more comfortable with him.

And finally, T.Y. Hilton may have seen a decent number of targets this week, but Andrew Luck is still more comfortable with the likes of Reggie Wayne and Donnie Avery. Hilton had a great game against the Jags two weeks ago, but with just a 44.4-percent catch rate, he may be a suspect choice for your roster.

Now let's see what's new on the TPL this week…

Target Percentage Leaderboard

Having removed Santonio Holmes from the TPL due to his placement onto season-ending Injured Reserve, I was tempted to pull Danny Amendola as well given the fact that he is expected to miss six-to-seven weeks with his shoulder injury. However, since Amendola should be back in time for your playoffs, you don't want to forget about him. Keep an eye on which Rams receiver, Brandon Ginson or Chris Givens, could step up into his place.

While Michael Crabtree's target percentage remains relatively unchanged, it's interesting to see Mario Manningham make his first appearance of the season here. You could that to quarterback Alex Smith facing a porous Bills pass defense and throwing for 303 yards. However, Smith only threw the ball 24 times on Sunday, his second lowest number of attempts this season. The secret to their success has been Smith and Manningham working harder at practice to improve their on-field chemistry. So far, it looks like it's working.

Not only did Percy Harvin have a breakout game this past week, but he actually improved on his catch rate as well. Hopefully you stuck with him after focusing on that and his target percentage rather than his lack of yardage or touchdowns. It would be a shame to have lost out on such a big day. With match-ups against Washington, Arizona and Tampa coming up, you're going to want to make sure he is active each week.

Justin Blackmon saw his target percentage increase this week, which is always an encouraging sign. However, be wary as Blaine Gabbert might revert away from him again with such an atrocious catch rate. Not that there are many targets on that team to begin with, but he'll certainly look to Marcedes Lewis and Cecil Shorts more if Blackmon can't come down with the ball on a consistent basis.

While Roddy White and Julio Jones are starting to see an equal number of targets, Tony Gonzalez is seeing a significant increase in looks from Matt Ryan. By year end, all three might be sitting with roughly the same target percentage. That's not too shabby for a 36 year old tight end.

I'm going to wait another week before casting judgment on Marques Colston and figuring out just how much his 131-yard, three touchdown performance will skew the numbers here. He remains a must-start, especially with Lance Moore out, but I'm wary of any player dealing with plantar fasciitis. If his health is up and down, obviously his numbers will be, too.

If Buffalo is going to continue to give up points and yardage like this, then Steve Johnson and Donald Jones are going to see a significant increase in targets as Ryan Fitzpatrick continues to air it out and play catch-up.

TPL Risers to Monitor: Fred Davis, Andrew Hawkins, Scott Chandler
TPL Fallers to Monitor: Brandon LaFell, Jordy Nelson, Jimmy Graham (ankle injury)

Week 6 Match-Up to Watch: New York Giants at San Francisco 49ers – We've got a real grudge-match brewing here as these teams face each other for the first time since last years NFC Championship game. The Niners pass defense ranks fourth in the NFL but they haven't been tested in the last two weeks. The Giants are a pass-heavy team and the emergence of three (maybe four if Martellus Bennett's knee is ok) viable options in addition to Victor Cruz and Hakeem Nicks is going to put the Niners' secondary to the test. Meanwhile, the emergence of Mario Manningham is well-timed and the San Francisco passing attack led by Michael Crabtree and Vernon Davis is enough to make any secondary crazy.

Week 6 Potential Breakouts: Golden Tate, Brandon Gibson, Mike Wallace, Mike Williams (TB)

Week 6 Potential Busts: Victor Cruz, Brian Hartline, Torrey Smith, Brandon Lloyd

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Have a question or need some advice from Howard Bender? Follow @rotobuzzguy on Twitter, or feel free to e-mail him at [email protected]