Fantasy WRs on the rise, decline

The last time we examined yards per route run (YpRR) -- a measure of wide receiver productivity -- we focused on players at the top of the rankings to illustrate the statistic's relevance.

But the true fantasy value of YpRR comes not by measuring the value of the big guns but rather analyzing more obscure receivers who are playing well -- and pass-catchers who are underperforming.

While our full list includes 92 eligible players with a minimum of 40 snaps in route, we've gone inside the numbers to identify rising stars and fading starters who may have a fantasy impact.

Rising stars

Domenik Hixon, New York Giants (7th, YpRR of 2.78)

Make no mistake, the Giants love Hixon. He was always the guy they wanted to be the third wide receiver behind Hakeem Nicks and Victor Cruz; regardless of how well Ramses Barden played against the Panthers, Hixon was always their first choice. Returning last week after a concussion suffered in Week 2, he was targeted 11 times for 114 yards against the Eagles, showing that Eli Manning was glad to have him back, too. When Nicks returns, Hixon will be demoted, but with the Giants playing 51 percent of their snaps in "11" personnel -- and passing on 81 percent of those -- he'll still see plenty of action.

To read more about which fantasy WRs you should target and avoid, plus access to all of Insider's NFL coverage, sign up today.

• Recommend0
• Tweet0
• Email
• Subscribe