Definition
Target share is the percentage of a team pass attempts directed to one receiver, tight end, or running back. It is a volume metric, not an efficiency metric, and is most useful when paired with route participation, air yards, and team pass rate.
Methodology
- Count every pass attempt for the team in the sample, including incompletions and intercepted targets.
- Count the player targets in that same sample.
- Divide player targets by team pass attempts, then multiply by 100.
- Use rolling windows carefully because one blowout, injury, or quarterback change can move the number quickly.
Example Target Share Snapshot
Illustrative receiving volume for a single team over a three-game sample.
| Player | Targets | Team Attempts | Target Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| WR A | 31 | 108 | 28.7% |
| WR B | 21 | 108 | 19.4% |
| TE A | 16 | 108 | 14.8% |
Common Uses
- Identify players earning stable first-read or designed usage.
- Compare teammates in the same passing environment.
- Separate low-volume touchdown production from repeatable opportunity.
Caveats
- High target share on a low-pass-volume offense can still produce modest raw volume.
- Targets are not equal in value; depth, location, and game situation matter.
- Small samples can overstate role changes after one unusual game script.
FAQ
Is target share better than raw targets?
Target share is often better for comparing roles because it adjusts for team pass volume. Raw targets still matter for projecting fantasy points.
What is a strong target share?
Context matters, but lead receivers often live above 25 percent over meaningful samples. Tight ends and running backs can be valuable at lower shares depending on route and red-zone usage.
Should target share be used alone?
No. Pair it with air yards, routes, quarterback quality, pass rate, and scoring environment to avoid overrating empty volume.