Are you ready for some football ... in 30-minute increments?
With NFL training camps already buzzing and the full slate of preseason games just days away, it's time to take things up a notch with the annual PPR Spectacular, the all-encompassing, targets-driven guide to dominating Points Per Reception drafts.
Our only requirement: It's up to you, the fantasy connoisseur and NFL sycophant, to DVR the first half of EVERY preseason game for Weeks 1-3 (NFL Network), as a means of scouting out potential sleepers for the latter rounds.
But please, we're begging you, don't put much stock in the second-half action from each game. There's a reason why NFL teams drop 30-plus players during camp. The clubs are merely scouting out warm bodies ... on the hope of getting through the preseason, injury-free.
Later in the week, we'll also create the quarterback version of the PPR Spectacular.
FUN FACT #1
Texans wideout DeAndre Hopkins (96 catches, 1,378 yards, 13 TDs last year) has posted double-digit targets and/or one touchdown in 16 consecutive outings.
This feat holds even greater value, when considering another factoid:
During that period, Hopkins caught balls from four different Houston quarterbacks (Brock Osweiler, Deshaun Watson, Tom Savage, T.J. Yates)—and only one of substance.
FUN FACT #2
Antonio Brown likely boasts the greatest four-year track record in NFL history, among receivers, averaging 118 catches, 173 targets, 1,587 yards and 11 touchdowns since 2014.
Putting this into perspective, league history only has 14 recorded instances of 118-plus single-season receptions.
In case you're wondering ... Jerry Rice's most prolific four-year stretch occurred from 1993-96, when the Hall of Famer/G.O.A.T. enjoyed annual averages of 110 receptions, 158 targets, 1,526 yards and 13 touchdowns.
FUN FACT #3
Food for thought: Charting his last 21 games (including the playoffs), Saints wideout Michael Thomas (two-year average: 98 catches, 1,191 yards, 7 TDs) has drawn eight or targets a staggering 20 times.
TOP 75 PPR WIDEOUTS
1-25
1. Antonio Brown, Steelers
2. DeAndre Hopkins, Texans
3. Odell Beckham Jr., Giants
4. Michael Thomas, Saints
5. Mike Evans, Buccaneers
6. Julio Jones, Falcons
7. Keenan Allen, Chargers
8. A.J. Green, Bengals
9. Davante Adams, Packers
10. Larry Fitzgerald, Cardinals
11. Adam Thielen, Vikings
12. Jarvis Landry, Browns
13. T.Y. Hilton, Colts
14. Tyreek Hill, Chiefs
15. Golden Tate, Lions
16. Brandin Cooks, Rams
17. Amari Cooper, Raiders
18. Alshon Jeffery, Eagles
19. Stefon Diggs, Vikings
20. Corey Davis, Titans
21. Allen Robinson, Bears
22. Devin Funchess, Panthers
23. Demaryius Thomas, Broncos
24. JuJu Smith-Schuster, Steelers
25. Michael Crabtree, Ravens
26-50
26. Doug Baldwin, Seahawks
27. Marvin Jones, Lions
28. Pierre Garcon, 49ers
29. Sterling Shepard, Giants
30. Marqise Lee, Jaguars
31. Robert Woods, Rams
32. Jamison Crowder, Redskins
33. Will Fuller, Texans
34. Cooper Kupp, Rams
35. Kelvin Benjamin, Bills
36. Sammy Watkins, Chiefs
37. Jordy Nelson, Raiders
38. Robby Anderson, Jets
39. Chris Hogan, Patriots
40. Mike Williams, Chargers
41. Marquise Goodwin, 49ers
42. DeVante Parker, Dolphins
43. Mohamed Sanu, Falcons
44. Allen Hurns, Cowboys
45. Rishard Matthews, Titans
46. Deonte Thompson, Cowboys
47. Torrey Smith, Panthers
48. Kenny Stills, Dolphins
49. Randall Cobb, Packers
50. Kenny Golladay, Lions
51-75
51. Julian Edelman, Patriots
52. Calvin Ridley, Falcons
53. Emmanuel Sanders, Broncos
54. Tyler Lockett, Seahawks
55. Josh Doctson, Redskins
56. Danny Amendola, Dolphins
57. Cameron Meredith, Saints
58. Paul Richardson, Redskins
59. Martavis Bryant, Raiders
60. D.J. Moore, Panthers
61. Jermaine Kearse, Jets
62. Nelson Agholor, Eagles
63. Chris Godwin, Buccaneers
64. Dede Westbrook, Jaguars
65. Paul Richardson, Redskins
66. Corey Coleman, Bills
67. Josh Gordon, Browns
68. Donte Moncrief, Jaguars
69. Kevin White, Bears
70. Kenny Britt, Patriots
71. Chris Conley, Chiefs
72. Demarcus Robinson, Chiefs
73. Christian Kirk, Cardinals
74. Geronimo Allison, Packers
75. Albert Wilson, Dolphins
FUN FACT #4
Giants wunderkind Odell Beckham Jr., the only wideout in NFL history to amass 1,300 receiving yards/double-digit touchdowns in his inaugural three campaigns, has averaged 6.4 catches, 11 targets and 0.7 touchdowns in his last 19 regular-season games.
Of equal importance, during this stretch, Beckham collected nine or more targets 17 times.
FUN FACT #5
I'm done factoring in Larry Fitzgerald's age (he'll turn 35 this month) when creating preseason rankings.
Covering each of the last three seasons, the future Hall of Famer has notched double-digit targets at least seven times; and during this span, Fitzgerald produced 100-plus catches every time.
For his final 11 games last year, Fitzgerald averaged seven catches, 10 targets, 75 yards and 0.4 touchdowns ... and this included two clunkers of fewer than 30 receiving yards.
TARGETS ACQUIRED
Here's one way of quantifying consistency with PPR and daily fantasy leagues. These 16 wideouts posted at least eight games of eight-plus targets during the regular season:
14 games—Michael Thomas
13 games—DeAndre Hopkins, Antonio Brown, Keenan Allen, Demaryius Thomas
12—Larry Fitzgerald, Jarvis Landry, Mike Evans
11—Julio Jones, A.J. Green, Adam Thielen
10—None
9—Dez Bryant (2018 free agent)
8—Alshon Jeffery, Golden Tate, Davante Adams, DeVante Parker
On the curious side ... 21 different receivers hit the eight-game benchmark in 2016.
FUN FACT #6
Keenan Allen has suited up for only 25 games over the last three seasons.
During that span, however, the University of Cal product absurdly amassed double-digit targets 14 times.
THE CREAM ALWAYS RISES
During the 2017 regular season, 24 wideouts crossed the PPR-elite threshold of seven catches, 95 yards and/or one touchdown at least seven times:
15 games—DeAndre Hopkins
14 games—None
13—None
12—None
11—Jarvis Landry
10—Davante Adams
9—Antonio Brown, Michael Thomas, Golden Tate, Nelson Agholor
8—Larry Fitzgerald, Keenan Allen, Adam Thielen, Dez Bryant, Alshon Jeffery, Doug Baldwin, Marvin Jones, JuJu Smith-Schuster
7—Julio Jones, A.J. Green, Demaryius Thomas, Mike Evans, Robby Anderson, Devin Funchess, Tyreek Hill, Mohamed Sanu, Stefon Diggs
Soaking up the above stats, one could make a strong case for drafting Hopkins over Antonio Brown. It wouldn't be a foolish move.
BALTIMORE, HUH?
Raise your hand if you forgot Michael Crabtree no longer plays for the Raiders.
(Thursday's Hall of Fame Game DNP didn't help matters, either.)
Which brings us to this: Can you name the last Ravens wide receiver to collect 80 or more receptions in a given season?
(Pause for effect)
Try Derrick Mason ... from wayyyyyy back in 2008.
Hence, my ultra-conservative ranking for Crabtree, who signed with Baltimore during the offseason.
FUN FACT #7
See if you can spot the 'X' factor involving Texans wideout Will Fuller and his 2017 splits.
Per-game averages with Deshaun Watson at quarterback (four outings): 3.3 catches, 70 yards, 1.8 TDs
Per-game averages with any other Houston QB (six outings): 2.5 catches, 24 yards, 0 TDs
TOP 35 PPR TIGHT ENDS
1. Rob Gronkowski, Patriots
2. Travis Kelce, Chiefs
3. Zach Ertz, Eagles
4. Evan Engram, Giants
5. Greg Olsen, Panthers
6. Jimmy Graham, Packers
7. Delanie Walker, Titans
8. Kyle Rudolph, Vikings
9. Trey Burton, Bears
10. Cameron Brate, Buccaneers
11. Jack Doyle Colts
12. George Kittle, 49ers
13. Hayden Hurst, Ravens
14. Charles Clay, Bills
15. Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Jaguars
16. David Njoku, Browns
17. Benjamin Watson, Saints
18. Jordan Reed, Redskins
19. Eric Ebron, Colts
20. Luke Willson, Lions
21. Tyler Eifert/Tyler Kroft, Bengals
22. O.J. Howard, Buccaneers
23. Austin Hooper, Falcons
24. Jake Butt, Broncos
25. Mike Gesicki, Dolphins
26. Jared Cook, Raiders
27. Vance McDonald, Steelers
28. Geoff Swaim/Blake Jarwin, Cowboys
29. Ryan Griffin, Texans
30. Ricky Seals-Jones, Cardinals
31. Tyler Higbee/Gerald Everett, Rams
32. Adam Shaheen, Bears
33. Mark Andrews, Ravens
34. Nick Vannett/Ed Dickson, Seahawks
35. Darren Fells, Browns
35a. Michael Roberts, Lions
FUN FACT #8
Counting only regular-season action, Rob Gronkowski has scored a touchdown in three straight games 21 different times.
Here's another stat to behold:
Of the six seasons in which Gronkowski logged at least 10 games, he's a perfect 6 for 6 in collecting 1,000 receiving yards and/or double-digit touchdowns; and for those healthy campaigns (2010-12, 2014-15, 2017), Gronk owns supreme averages of 68.3 catches, 1,008 yards and 11.5 touchdowns.
FUN FACT #9
Zach Ertz could have another scintillating year, to the eminently doable tune of 85 catches, 950-plus yards and double-digit touchdowns.
He's the No. 1 passing option for Carson Wentz and Nick Foles. Plus, Ertz should be a virtual lock for strong numbers against divisional competition.
Check this out: Of his last nine complete outings versus the NFC East (Cowboys, Giants, Redskins), Ertz averaged seven catches, 76 yards and 0.6 touchdowns ... and this includes two clunkers of two or fewer receptions.
TARGETS ACQUIRED, PART II
These 10 tight ends tallied at least seven games of six-plus targets last season.
By comparison, 14 tight ends crossed the same threshold in 2016.
12 games—Travis Kelce, Evan Engram
11 games—Rob Gronkowski
10—Jimmy Graham
9—Delanie Walker, Zach Ertz, Jack Doyle
8—None
7—Jared Cook, Eric Ebron, Kyle Rudolph,
FUN FACT #10
Charting his last 25 complete games (including the playoffs), Steelers tailback Le'Veon Bell has reached the elite-level threshold of 100 total yards and/or one touchdown 22 times.
The three so-called clunkers can be easily rationalized:
a) Bell needed the first two games last year to get in football shape, after missing all of training camp (contract dispute).
b) For last October's loss to the Jaguars, Bell accounted for 93 total yards and 10 receptions—or the equivalent of 19.3 PPR points.
For that Week 5, a touchdown-free Bell still finished fifth among PPR backs.
FUN FACT #11
There are two ways to view David Johnson's fantasy candidacy for the upcoming season:
a) The optimist might say, From Thanksgiving weekend 2015 to Week 16 of the 2016 campaign, spanning 21 regular-season outings ... Johnson notched 100 total yards and/or one touchdown 20 times.
b) The negative person would counter: Johnson has suffered a significant injury in each of his last two games.
FUN FACT #12
Since 2015, LeSean McCoy has averaged 1,465 total yards and nine touchdowns. Of equal importance, Shady owns strong annual averages of 47 receptions, 61 targets and 365 receiving yards with Buffalo.
Now for the bad news: I was high on McCoy this time last year, citing his partnership with then-offensive coordinator Rick Dennison, who has a reputation of utilizing tailbacks in the passing game.
But with Brian Daboll now running the Bills offense, I'm worried McCoy will regress to the days of 30-plus catches and 50-plus targets.
There's also the little matter of McCoy's possible involvement with that Atlanta-area home invasion/robbery from June.
Put it all together, and McCoy might be part of a self-inflicted depressed market on Draft Night, falling to Round 4 or 5 in standard and PPR leagues.
TOP 60 PPR TAILBACKS
1-30
1. Todd Gurley, Rams
2. Le'Veon Bell, Steelers
3. David Johnson, Cardinals
4. Ezekiel Elliott, Cowboys
5. Alvin Kamara, Saints
6. Kareem Hunt, Chiefs
7. Melvin Gordon, Chargers
8. Leonard Fournette, Jaguars
9. Devonta Freeman, Falcons
10. Christian McCaffrey, Panthers
11. Saquon Barkley, Giants
12. Dalvin Cook, Vikings
13. LeSean McCoy, Bills
14. Jerick McKinnon, 49ers
15. Kenyan Drake, Dolphins
16. Jordan Howard, Bears
17. Derrick Henry, Titans
18. Alex Collins, Ravens
19. Joe Mixon, Bengals
20. Lamar Miller, Texans
21. Jay Ajayi, Eagles
22. Jamaal Williams, Packers
23. Tevin Coleman, Falcons
24. Carlos Hyde, Browns
25. Marshawn Lynch, Raiders
26. Kerryon Johnson, Lions
27. Nick Chubb, Browns
28. Derrius Guice, Redskins
29. Rashaad Penny, Seahawks
30. James White, Patriots
31-60
31. Sony Michel, Patriots
32. Marlon Mack, Colts
33. Dion Lewis, Titans
34. Mark Ingram, Saints
35. Chris Thompson, Redskins
36. Royce Freeman, Broncos
37. Bilal Powell, Jets
38. Ronald Jones, Buccaneers
39. Theo Riddick, Lions
40. Duke Johnson, Browns
41. Isaiah Crowell, Jets
42. Corey Clement, Eagles
43. Tarik Cohen, Bears
44. Gio Bernard, Bengals
45. Ty Montgomery, Packers
46. D'Onta Foreman, Texans
47. Devontae Booker, Broncos
48. LeGarrette Blount, Lions
49. Chris Carson, Seahawks
50. Rex Burkhead, Patriots
51. Latavius Murray, Vikings
52. Frank Gore, Dolphins
53. Doug Martin, Raiders
54. C.J. Anderson, Panthers
55. C.J. Prosise, Seahawks
56. Matt Breida, 49ers
57. Peyton Barber, Buccaneers
58. Aaron Jones, Packers
59. Mark Walton, Bengals
60. Kenneth Dixon/Javorius Allen, Ravens
60b. Ameer Abdullah, Lions
FUN FACT #13
With receiver Jarvis Landry gone from the Miami lineup, tailback Kenyan Drake assumes the mantle of the Dolphins' best playmaker.
For his final six games last year, Drake stealthily averaged 107 total yards and 0.5 touchdowns; and for Weeks 9-15, immediately after Jay Ajayi was traded to Philadelphia, Drake caught 26 of 36 balls—for an impressive catch-to-target rate of 72 percent.
Bonus: In Drake's case, he's perhaps the NFL's fastest tailback (see above Tweet).
FUN FACT #14
It's difficult to shed a tear over Mark Ingram's four-game suspension to start the season, thus enabling Alvin Kamara to dominate the PPR world for roughly 4-5 weeks—if not longer.
In his final 11 regular-season outings, the rookie Kamara averaged five catches, six targets, 113 yards and one touchdown ... without collecting 20-plus touches in a single game.
50-AND-OVER CLUB
Here's a look at the 19 running backs who collected a minimum of 50 receiving targets last season:
1. Christian McCaffrey — 113 targets
2. Le'Veon Bell — 106
3. Alvin Kamara — 101
4. Duke Johnson — 93
5. Carlos Hyde — 88
6. Todd Gurley — 87
7. Melvin Gordon — 79
8. LeSean McCoy — 77
9. James White — 72
10. Tarik Cohen — 71
11. Mark Ingram — 71
12. Theo Riddick — 71
13. Jerick McKinnon — 68
14. Kareem Hunt — 63
15. Javorius Allen — 60
16. Gio Bernard — 60
17. Andre Ellington — 59 (only 11 games)
18. Chris Thompson — 54 (only 10 games)
19. Shane Vereen — 53
FUN FACT #15
For the final 10 games of the 2016 campaign (including the playoffs), Falcons tailback Tevin Coleman racked up 100 total yards and/or one touchdown eight times.
And for Weeks 4-12 last season, spanning eight games, Coleman stealthily accounted for 100 total yards and/or one TD seven times.
Not bad for someone who will be available in Round 8 of PPR drafts.
The final lesson here: Poor draft preparation makes fantasy cowards of us all ... so get to work!
Jay Clemons, the 2008 Fantasy Football Writer of the Year and 2015 Cynopsis Media award winner for "Sports Blog Of The Year," has previously served as the lead fantasy analyst for Sports Illustrated, FOX Sports South, Bleacher Report and Fanball.com.
