If you want the best chance of a successful NFL SuperCoach or Fantasy team this season, start with the players most likely to lead their team in targets.
Here are my top target picks for every team, listed in order. Some teams have just one standout option, while others have as many as three:
Arizona Cardinals
Trey McBride (TE)
Michael Wilson (WR)
Marvin Harrison Jr (WR)
The Cardinals have a new coach, so their offence is a little harder to project right now. However, if trends continue, Trey McBride should remain a focal point of this passing attack, with Marvin Harrison Jr. and Michael Wilson providing plenty of support. Any of the three could explode on a given week, but McBride should command a healthy share of targets on a week-to-week basis.
Atlanta Falcons
Drake London (WR)
Bijan Robinson (RB)
Kyle Pitts Sr. (TE)
All three of Pitts, London and Robinson finished last season with more than 100 targets, with daylight between them and the Falcons' next most-targeted options. There's little reason to expect that to change, although Drake London looks poised to flourish under new head coach Kevin Stefanski. Even if Bijan Robinson's target share dips slightly, he'll remain one of the focal points of Atlanta's offence.
Baltimore Ravens
Zay Flowers (WR)
Mark Andrews (TE)
Baltimore's passing game has traditionally taken a back seat to its powerful rushing attack. However, with a new head coach and a highly regarded offensive coordinator in charge, Lamar Jackson could be encouraged to take yardage through the air. That would create more opportunities for Zay Flowers to take the next step, while also helping Mark Andrews return to the high target share we've seen in the past.
Buffalo Bills
DJ Moore (WR)
Dalton Kincaid (TE)
Josh Allen has always favoured players who can do damage after the catch. DJ Moore and Dalton Kincaid both fit that profile, making them two of Buffalo's safest bets for targets.
Carolina Panthers
Tetairoa McMillan (WR)
The Panthers are still a difficult team to project with so many young players and unknowns, but Tetairoa McMillan showed enough during his rookie season to suggest he'll remain one of Bryce Young's most trusted targets.
Chicago Bears
Colston Loveland (TE)
Rome Odunze (WR)
Luther Burden (WR)
Rome Odunze will be the popular pick following DJ Moore's departure to Buffalo, but Colston Loveland's strong finish to last season has him narrowly ahead in my rankings. Everything coming out of Chicago suggests they want to make him a bigger part of the offence. Luther Burden should also command a healthy share of targets, making him a dangerous option in his own right.
Cincinnati Bengals
Ja’Marr Chase (WR)
Tee Higgins (WR)
Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins remain the engines of Cincinnati's passing attack, and there's no reason to expect that to change this season.
Cleveland Browns
Jerry Jeudy (WR)
Harold Fannin Jr. (TE)
Jerry Jeudy and Harold Fannin Jr. should lead the Browns in targets, but beyond those two, the picture isn't particularly clear. Keep an eye on rookies Denzel Boston and KC Concepcion though, with both capable of forcing their way up the target pecking order as the season progresses. Until we see how Todd Monken wants to shape this offence, there's still plenty of uncertainty around Cleveland's target hierarchy.
Dallas Cowboys
CeeDee Lamb (WR)
George Pickens (WR)
Jake Ferguson (TE)
"Prescott to Lamb" is a phrase we'll hear plenty this season. George Pickens and Jake Ferguson should also command a healthy share of targets, but CeeDee Lamb remains the number one option in Dallas.
Denver Broncos
Jaylen Waddle (WR)
Courtland Sutton (WR)
The Broncos didn't trade for Jaylen Waddle just to use him as a complementary piece. While Sutton remains a reliable option, I'd back the younger Waddle to emerge as Denver's leading target.
Detroit Lions
Amon-Ra St Brown (WR)
Jameson Williams (WR)
Jahmyr Gibbs (RB)
Amon-Ra St. Brown is one of the safest target picks in the league. There isn't another Lions receiver with a realistic chance of matching his target share. Jameson Williams will continue to rack up big yardage thanks to his ability to stretch the field, while Jahmyr Gibbs should continue to see plenty of opportunities out of the backfield.
Green Bay Packers
Christian Watson (WR)
Tucker Kraft (TE)
Christian Watson is the prototype wide receiver for Matt LaFleur’s offence, and the Packers looked noticeably different once he returned from injury last season. Tucker Kraft also proved he could be a genuine weapon, catching six touchdowns in eight games while becoming one of Jordan Love’s most trusted targets. Behind those two, Jayden Reed, Matthew Golden and new signing Jonnu Smith will battle for the third-largest share of targets.
Houston Texans
Nico Collins (WR)
Kayshon Boutte (WR)
Dalton Schultz (TE)
There’s plenty more to like about Houston’s receiving group heading into the season. Nico Collins remains the standout option, with his ability to stretch the field and capitalise on the quarterback’s deep ball making him the favourite to lead Houston in targets. Newly acquired Kayshon Boutte gives them another explosive option, which could lessen the reliance on Collins, while veteran tight end Dalton Schultz saw more than 100 targets last season and can’t go without a mention.
Indianapolis Colts
Alec Pierce (WR)
Josh Downs (WR)
Tyler Warren (TE)
With Michael Pittman Jr. no longer in Indianapolis, there's plenty of opportunity up for grabs. Alec Pierce looks well placed to lead the team in targets after earning a contract extension during the offseason, while Josh Downs remains the WR2. The arrival of veteran Keenan Allen clouds the target share between the two, while second-year tight end Tyler Warren should also command a healthy share.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Brian Thomas Jr (WR)
Parker Washington (WR)
Brenton Strange (TE)
Parker Washington finished as Trevor Lawrence's most-targeted receiver last season, drawing 95 targets across 16 games. Brian Thomas Jr. wasn't far behind with 91 targets in just 14 games, however, giving him the edge on a per-game basis. Meanwhile, Brenton Strange emerged as a bigger part of the passing attack late in the year, with more than half of his targets coming after Week 11.
Kansas City Chiefs
Rashee Rice (WR)
Travis Kelce (TE)
Rashee Rice and Travis Kelce remain the focal points of Kansas City's passing attack. At this stage, there isn't anyone on the roster who looks likely to challenge their place at the top of the target pecking order.
Las Vegas Raiders
Brock Bowers (TE)
Brock Bowers is the undisputed number one target in Las Vegas. Everything in the Raiders' passing game should continue to revolve around getting the ball into his hands.
LA Chargers
Ladd McConkey (WR)
Quentin Johnston (WR)
Ladd McConkey won't necessarily dominate the Chargers' target share, but he's the only pass catcher I'd confidently back to see consistent volume and potentially lead the team in targets. Quentin Johnston played a nice supporting role in flashes last season, and all eyes will be on whether he can put it together for longer stretches this year.
LA Rams
Puka Nacua (WR)
Davante Adams (WR)
Puka Nacua remains a focal point of the Rams' passing attack, while Davante Adams brings experience and reliability to the receiving corps. Both should command a healthy share of targets, but I'd expect Nacua to once again lead the team.
Miami Dolphins
Greg Dulcich (TE)
Caleb Douglas (WR)
If I'm being honest, there's so much uncertainty around the Dolphins' receiving corps that it's hard to make a call. On the surface, tight end Greg Dulcich looks set to see plenty of the football, while rookie Caleb Douglas is emerging as a genuine top option despite only arriving through the draft in April.
Minnesota Vikings
Justin Jefferson (WR)
Last season was the worst of his professional career since entering the league, but with a new and capable quarterback under centre, he should once again lead the Vikings in targets.
New England Patriots
AJ Brown (WR)
Romeo Doubs (WR)
The Patriots completely revamped their receiver room after a dour Super Bowl loss. They traded for AJ Brown and signed Romeo Doubs as a free agent. Brown will be the clear number one option, while Doubs provides a genuine deep threat with red-zone upside.
New Orleans Saints
Chris Olave (WR)
Juwan Johnson (TE)
This is Tyler Shough's offence now, and as last season progressed it became clear that Chris Olave and Juwan Johnson were his favourite weapons in the passing game. There's no reason to expect that to change this season. Jordyn Tyson may also emerge in his rookie season and is worth mentioning.
New York Giants
Malik Nabers (WR)
Isaiah Likely (TE)
Malik Nabers is on track for Week 1 and should resume his role as the Giants' primary target. Isaiah Likely also shapes as a prominent option, particularly with new head coach John Harbaugh already familiar with what he can bring to an offence. The return of Odell Beckham Jr. adds another wrinkle, with the veteran arriving in impressive shape and showing signs he could still have plenty to offer.
New York Jets
Garrett Wilson (WR)
Mason Taylor (TE)
There isn't much proven receiving talent behind Garrett Wilson, making him the obvious focal point of the Jets passing attack. Quarterback Geno Smith should have no hesitation looking Wilson's way early and often. Mason Taylor is a chance to help take some of the defensive attention away with his ability to find dangerous positions.
Philadelphia Eagles
DeVonta Smith (WR)
The Eagles' decision to trade AJ Brown has paved the way for DeVonta Smith to become Jalen Hurts' undisputed top target. Rookie Makai Lemon and veteran tight end Dallas Goedert should jostle for second and third in the pecking order, providing the main support behind Smith.
Pittsburgh Steelers
DK Metcalf (WR)
Michael Pittman Jr (WR)
Aaron Rodgers returns for what is expected to be his final NFL season and will look to make full use of the weapons at his disposal. DK Metcalf and Michael Pittman Jr. should operate as the 1A and 1B options in Pittsburgh's passing attack, with both expected to command a healthy share of targets.
San Francisco 49ers
Mike Evans (WR)
Christian McCaffrey (RB)
George Kittle (TE)
These three will drive the 49ers offence, and Brock Purdy should have no trouble keeping all of them heavily involved. Mike Evans will be chasing another 1,000-yard receiving season, George Kittle remains one of the league's premier playmakers, and Christian McCaffrey will continue to command plenty of targets out of the backfield. It's a Kyle Shanahan offence that should keep all three productive. Deebo Samuel, although not listed here, looms as the wildcard after rejoining the team in recent weeks.
Seattle Seahawks
Jaxon Smith-Njigba (WR)
Rashid Shaheed (WR)
The reigning Super Bowl champions couldn't keep everyone together during the offseason, but Jaxon Smith-Njigba should still comfortably lead the Seahawks in targets. After a strong finish to last season, Rashid Shaheed looks well placed to emerge as the No. 2 option.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Emeka Egbuka (WR)
Chris Godwin (WR)
It’s expected that Godwin will still play an important role in Tampa Bay’s passing game, but I’m giving Emeka Egbuka the edge after an outstanding rookie season, despite battling a few injury interruptions. Both will be good options in SuperCoach, Godwin potentially too hard to ignore at his price.
Tennessee Titans
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The Titans remain one of the hardest passing attacks to get a read on. Elic Ayomanor led the team with just 89 targets last season, with nobody reaching 100 and daylight to the next best option. Ayomanor, Gunnar Helm and top rookie selection Carnell Tate look the most likely to lead the way, but there's no clear favourite among them yet.
Washington Commanders
Terry McLaurin (WR)
Chig Okonkwo (TE)
Stefon Diggs (WR)
Looking at last season's target share, Terry McLaurin should lead the Commanders in targets. Chig Okonkwo has every chance to establish himself as Jayden Daniels' second favourite option, potentially leaving a sizeable gap between the top two and the rest of Washington's receiving corps, much like we saw last season. New signing Stefon Diggs will challenge Okonkwo for second in targets.


