Welcome into the Week 1 edition of Redzone Risers for the 2021 season. This is a brand new article for our site, and uses the redzone touches information that is freely available on our site. The reason for adding this tool, and making it available is its importance in helping you make better decisions when it comes to your roster.
The idea is that if a player is starting to be used in the redzone more, then the opportunity to score is increased and you want to add them to your roster. If the opposite happens, you might look to sell that asset.
Now, in this series, we aren’t going to look at big-name players on the whole. That is to say, Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara are expected to be used in and around the redzone.
Week 1 Redzone Risers
Leonard Fournette (RB, TB) 40% RZ Touches
Lombardi Lenny seems a frustrating player to have on your roster. The Tampa Bay offense is great, but they don’t always give the ball to their backfield. In the opening game of the season, however, Fournette led the team in rushing attempts. That might increase further given the team took Roanld Jones off the field again.
Either way, Fournette was given 3 rushing attempts in the redzone, and possibly more important a target. On an offense that will make frequent trips, Fournette could see more stability for your lineup soon.
James Conner (RB, ARI) 31% RZ Touches
It might be Chase Edmonds that led the team in touches and fantasy performance, but he isn’t the guy that is leading in RZ touches. Conner was used in the redzone heavily with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and has continued being used in a similar role with the Cardinals.
Moving forwards there are some nice matchups for Conner to use this redzone skillset. Being used heavily in a high-powered offense makes him a great buy-low target at the moment.
Terrace Marshall (WR, CAR) 20% RZ Touches
There were just three players for Carolina that had targets in the season opener. Christian McCaffrey (expected), Ian Thomas and Marshall. Marshall really looked comfortable on the field, which should lead to more opportunities moving forward for the rookie. Maybe wait another week to see if this usage continues and make a move.
There is an expectation that Robby Anderson and D.J. Moore will get involved, but for the time being, embrace it the situation!
So, that’s the opening edition of Redzone Risers for the 2021 season, taking into account the action from Week 1.You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, or jump into our Discord server
Image Credit: Kim Klement – USA TODAY Sports
