Welcome to the 11th Red Zone Report of 2024, where I dive into the important stats and information you need to know from 20 yards and in. In most leagues, the playoffs begin in only three weeks. Red zone data can help you indicate which players will help you bring the boom as you fight through your last few matchups.

Check out the Red Zone Report tool as part of the Ultimate Draft Kit to look at every player’s usage in the red zone, 10-zone, and five-zone.

Let’s begin by taking a look at efficiency in and out of the red zone.

The Lions trampled the Jaguars in an offensive performance that boosted their efficiency numbers both in and out of the red zone. They’ll meet the Bills (who are right next to them in this graph) in a Week 15 matchup that will have major impacts on fantasy playoffs. The Bengals also improved their offensive efficiency Sunday night with the return of Tee Higgins, who helped Cincinnati nearly pull off an enormous comeback victory.

Rushers

The graph below shows the relationship between rusher EPA per play and success rate in the red zone over the course of the season.

Both Lions rushers remain at the top of the pack in our red zone efficiency metrics. Even with an enhanced workload, Chase Brown continues to be efficient in the red zone. Let’s take a look at some specific rushers of interest in the red zone.

Brian Robinson Jr.

After missing the previous two weeks due to injury, Brian Robinson Jr. finally made his way back to the gridiron and back into fantasy lineups on Thursday night against the Eagles. In a solid returning performance, Robinson scored a rushing touchdown on his team’s only carry from inside the 10-yard line. He has now scored a touchdown in six of his eight starts this year. While his relatively low point totals may suggest he is touchdown-dependent, this isn’t a major worry due to his offense’s consistency.

Roschon Johnson

Despite another tough loss, there were plenty of bright spots for the Bears’ offense on Sunday. One of these bright spots was the ground game, where D’Andre Swift found himself in the end zone after a long 39-yard run. However, I’d like to highlight a more under-the-radar player in this ground game—Roschon Johnson. After Khalil Herbert was traded to the Bengals shortly before the recent trade deadline, Johnson found himself as the sole RB2 behind Swift. While he may be second in line on the depth chart, Johnson got the opportunities of a starter in the red zone; he had four of the Bears’ five red zone carries and took a goal-line carry in for a touchdown.

In what looks to be a much-improved offense since the firing of former play-caller, Shane Waldron, Roschon Johnson could very soon find himself in control of a lot more red zone opportunities. I’d love to advocate for Johnson to be started down the stretch, however, he has one of the roughest remaining running back schedules for the remainder of the season, including two games against the dreaded Detroit Lions. Regardless of how the remainder of the fantasy season turns out, the Chicago Bears‘ offense is on the rise.

Lions Rushers

Sonic and Knuckles stat-padded in a massive victory over the Jaguars. Of the Lions’ seven red zone carries, David Montgomery took five—two for touchdowns. Jahmyr Gibbs took the other two carries—one for a goal-line touchdown. Over the course of the season, it definitely has seemed that the Lions love to spread the ball around to both of their talented rushers, however, over the last few games, David Montgomery has been getting the majority of the red zone work. This balances nicely with the receiving priority that Gibbs gets over his teammate. Regardless of which Lions rusher you have at this point in the season, you can’t be anything but happy with the fantasy performances they’ve given you. The Lions have a relatively strong schedule for running backs over the next six weeks, though it doesn’t really matter with Detroit’s stellar offensive line.

James Cook

In the matchup of the week between the Bills and Chiefs, James Cook made the most of his opportunities in front of a national audience. Cook took both of his team’s carries inside the 10-yard line for touchdowns. Against one of the best run defenses in the league, James Cook’s touchdowns turned a poor performance into a week-winner. He’ll look to rebound in the yards column after this week’s bye when he plays in Week 13 against the 49ers.

Receivers

Similarly to the previous graph, this will show receiver EPA per play against success rate in the red zone.

Ja’Marr Chase raised his stock last night with two red zone touchdowns. Earlier in the day, Amon-Ra St. Brown continued his hot streak with another red zone touchdown. Let’s now consider a situation of growing interest.

Dolphins Receivers

Jonnu Smith and Tyreek Hill both secured red zone touchdowns in a big win over the Raiders. The larger takeaway from these last few games should be that, with Tua Tagovailoa back from injury, the Dolphins’ offense is back. More drives are being sustained and brought further down the field, which is creating more red-zone passing plays like the 11 generated on Sunday. This is opening up opportunities for all Dolphins weapons, such as Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, De’Von Achane, etc. These players should be streamlined into lineups with full confidence. Additionally, Miami’s offensive resurgence is opening up opportunities for some players that may be available on waivers such as the previously mentioned Jonnu Smith as well as a deep sleeper in Virginia rookie Malik Washington, who scored his first NFL touchdown last week in Los Angeles. The fantasy football world is a better place when Tua Tagovailoa is healthy and slinging the ball around to his incredible weapons.

Conclusion

We’re nearing the end of another great fantasy football season. While much of the beautiful game we love is unpredictable, staying updated on red zone stats and trends can help you put your teams in the best position possible to win championships. Check back next week for another Red Zone Report!

For more insights and a full breakdown of red zone rush and target data, try using the Red Zone Report tool as part of the Ultimate Draft Kit.