In the never ending quest for stats, let us not forget the almighty touchdown. Targets are wonderful, volume is magnificent, but that 6 spot is the difference maker at the end of the day and so are the players who exhibit the ability to cross the goal line. Every week we’ll recap the red zone targets and trends you’ll need to know to prepare your season long and daily rosters.

TARGET MONSTERS:

This week’s red zone target monster was DeMarco Murray of the Tennessee Titans. Murray hauled in 3 of his 5 targets for two TD’s Sunday. The Vikings defense they faced in Week 1 is much tougher than Week 2’s Lions matchup, so another strong outing is possible. Tajae Sharpe will eventually increase his looks there as well as he and Marcus Mariota continue to build trust.

With Keenan Allen out, Travis Benjamin’s 4 red zone targets were an encouraging sign. The Chargers biggest beneficiary of Allen’s absence will be Danny Woodhead, not Benjamin. Still, it’s a good omen for Benjamin owners. Brandon Marshall caught just 1 of his 4 red zone looks which was a disappointment. However, Marshall is almost a lock for double digit TD’s again in 2016 and should see plenty of opportunities Thursday night in Buffalo once again. 

MOST EFFICIENT:

Brandin Cooks, Larry Fitzgerald and Jordy Nelson caught all three of their targets in the red zone. Nelson and Cooks both caught a TD a piece, while Fitzgerald hauled in two scores. In early 2015, Larry Fitzgerald started very strong as well, only to fade a bit down the stretch. That’s a trend you’d expect to continue for the aging WR again in 2016. Jordy Nelson will be the opposite, getting stronger and more confident in that repaired knee as time passes. Donte Moncrief and Theo Riddick were also 2 for 2 with a TD each. If they continue a strong red zone trend their value will skyrocket in DFS.

Then there was Colts TE Jack Doyle. Much to the chagrin of Dwayne Allen owners, Doyle was a perfect 2 for 2 in targets within the 20 and scored twice. Will he repeat this effort? Not likely, barring an Allen injury. Doyle is one of those weekly outliers, but because it happened in Week 1, he’s received undue attention.

ONES TO WATCH:

Jamison Crowder of the Redskins had a nice preseason and despite only catching 1 of his 3 red zone targets Monday night, the fact he’s receiving looks there is positive. Jordan Mathews and Carson Wentz showed nice chemistry early on and they have another tasty matchup against the Bears this week. Jason Whitten was rookie QB Dak Prescott’s favorite target and three of his 12 looks came in the red zone. With Dez Bryant expected to have a long day against Josh Norman and company after an embarrassing loss to Pittsburgh, Whitten is a very strong daily TE play this week.

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Joe Pisapia (@JoePisapia17) is the eight-time best-selling author of the Fantasy Black Book Series for baseball and football. He hosts Fantasy Sports Tonight on Sirius/XM Fantasy Sports Radio and The Fantasy Black Book/Sunday GameDay on FNTSY Network Radio.