Last week’s leaders in red zone targets were a collection of misfit toys, many of whom were wasting away on waiver wires or benches. The trick is deciding which of these new performers have long term value, and which ones are best left right where they were. Just figuring out the Packers’ alone is a conundrum in and of itself. So, let’s get to work!

Here’s the Red Zone recap:

TARGET MONSTERS:

In Thursday’s game, there were more RZ targets between three Packers than most entire teams combined. Ty Montgomery led the way with 8 (6 of which he caught, but 0 TD’s). Randall Cobb was 3 for 4 in the red zone with a TD, while Davante Adams was 2 for 3 with TD’s to cap off his huge night. The usual team leader in that are, Jordy Nelson, was a non-factor all game. However, he’s still second overall in RZ targets for all players with 13 (5 TD’s). Expect a big rebound for Nelson this weekend in Atlanta.

Jack Doyle has certainly had quite a journey this season. He’s gone from undrafted entity, to waiver wire speculation (that no one believed in), to viable starter in seven weeks. Doyle caught 4 of his 5 red zone targets and one for a TD this weekend as Andrew Luck continues to build a rapport with his tight end. Golden Tate had 4 red zone looks himself last weekend after a breakout Week 6. Unfortunately, he was 0-4 but it’s encouraging that Matthew Stafford is finding confidence again in Tate going forward. It should be safe to have Tate active from here on out in 2016.

MOST EFFICIENCT:

If you somehow were playing Darrius Heyward-Bey in your league by a matter of desperation, you were rewarded with 2 TD’s on 2 of his 3 red zone catches. Heyward-Bey occasionally will show up in a box score, but don’t ever count on him for production. Matt Forte was finally back in the Jets’ game plan and the shock of no one, they actually won a game. Besides his 30 carries, Forte was also 1 for 1 with a TD in the red zone. Hopefully, they Jets have learned their lesson, though if you follow the team it’s reasonable to consider otherwise.

The one man you have been able to rely on without fail in 2016 is Mike Evans. He’s had a TD in every game but one this year and last Sunday he caught 2 more TD’s on both of his red zone looks. Evans is shaping up to be a top 5 pick in 2017 right now. Demaryius Thomas was also 2 for 2 and added a TD in the red zone himself. He should continue to have good, not great, performances all year with Trevor Siemian. Michael Crabtree, Anquan Boldin and Mark Ingram were all a perfect 2 for 2 in the red zone with a TD as well. Boldin has been able to find a niche in the pass heavy Detroit attack, while Crabtree has been a pillar of consistency for Derek Carr. Ingram, on the other hand, has been a bit up and down. His is mostly due to the fact that Drew Brees ends up in plenty of shootouts with that Saints defense unable to stop anyone. Ingram’s disappointing first half is based more on game scripts not going his way than performance or talent. Stick with him.

ONES TO WATCH:

Mike Evans’ teammate, Russell Shepard, also got in the act with 1 TD on 2 red zone targets. Versus Oakland this coming week, Shepard may see another useful afternoon, but that’s more based on opponent than a significant new role in the Bucs offense. Devonta Freeman will be a one man show versus the Packers this week, so expect his red zone opportunities to improve with Tevin Coleman out. The same goes for his teammate Jacob Tamme. If Hunter Henry clears concussion protocol, he immediately shoots ahead of Antonio Gates. The Eagles may be beginning to capitalize on Dorial Green-Beckham’s size in the red zone. With a matchup against the Cowboys this week, he may be a viable FLEX play in deeper leagues. After a down week, expect Vikings’ tight end Kyle Rudolph to get back in action against the Bears and in the end zone.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Joe Pisapia (@JoePisapia17) is the eight-time best-selling author of the Fantasy Black Book Series for baseball and football. He hosts The Fantasy Black Book Tues and Thurs 8-10pm est and Sunday Game Day 8-11am on FNTSY Network Radio.