Does a dropped pass still count as a target?
Yes. A target is counted as long as the pass was intended for the player, even if it is dropped or falls incomplete.
Target (Fantasy Football)
A target is a thrown pass intended for a specific receiver, whether or not the pass is caught.
In fantasy football, a target is counted every time a quarterback throws a pass toward a certain player. The pass does not have to be completed for the target to count. If a receiver has eight passes thrown his way and catches five of them, he has eight targets and five receptions.
Targets matter because they show how involved a player is in the passing game. A wide receiver who gets ten targets per week has more chances to produce fantasy points than one who gets three, even if they catch a similar share of the balls thrown to them. For fantasy managers, a high target share is one of the best signs that a pass catcher will be reliable week to week.
Most fantasy leagues do not award points for targets directly, except in point-per-reception (PPR) formats where the reception itself earns points. Targets are mainly used as a way to judge opportunity and predict future production, especially for wide receivers, tight ends, and pass-catching running backs.
Common questions
Do targets score fantasy points?
In standard leagues, no. Points come from receptions, yards, and touchdowns, but targets are a useful way to measure a player's role in the offense.
Why do fantasy managers care about targets?
Targets show opportunity. Players who see a lot of targets have more chances to catch passes, gain yards, and score, which makes them more dependable fantasy options.
Related terms
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