Do targets count as touches?
No. A target only counts when the ball is thrown to a player, and it becomes a touch only if he catches it. An incomplete pass is a target but not a touch.
Touch
A touch is any time a player receives the ball on offense, counting both carries and catches, and it is a key way to measure how involved a player is in his team's game plan.
In fantasy football, a touch happens whenever a player gets the ball in his hands on an offensive play. For a running back, that means a carry or a catch. For a wide receiver or tight end, it usually means a reception, though a jet sweep or handoff counts too. Touches are different from targets, which only count times a player is thrown to, whether or not he catches the ball.
Touches matter because they are the raw chances a player has to produce fantasy points. A running back with 20 touches has far more opportunities to gain yards and score touchdowns than one with 8 touches, even if the less-used back is more talented. Fantasy managers often say that volume, meaning a high number of touches, is one of the most reliable predictors of fantasy production week to week.
When evaluating players, managers look at total touches, how touches are split among teammates, and whether a player's role is growing or shrinking. A receiver who goes from 5 touches per game to 9 is taking on a bigger role, while a running back losing touches to a teammate may be losing fantasy value even if he stays a starter.
Common questions
Why do fantasy managers care about touches?
Touches are chances to produce. Players who handle the ball a lot have more opportunities for yards and touchdowns, so heavy usage tends to lead to steady fantasy scoring.
Do passing attempts by a quarterback count as touches?
No, a pass thrown is not a touch for the quarterback. Touches track players receiving the ball, such as ball carriers and pass catchers.
Related terms
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