Know Where Teams Go When In Goal To Go

Unfortunately, coaches and offensive coordinators don’t ask for fantasy owners’ input when calling their plays. (The nerve, right?)

MORE FANTASY FOOTBALL: Top 50 | Experts mock draft | RB preview podcast

All fantasy owners can do is arm themselves with information so they know which teams’ backs (or receivers) might have a little extra edge when it comes to getting the ball in the end zone. Here’s a look at some important goal-to-go play-calling trends from last season.

Goal-to-go stats (sorted by run TD %)

*New head coaches

Analysis: Teams like the Bills, Jags and Jets don’t score a lot in goal-to-go situations, but when they do, it’s often on the ground, giving their RBs a little more value. (Though it is worrisome that the Jags passed on more than half of their first-and-goal situations last year.) The Vikings might have a new coach, but it only makes sense for them to keep giving it to Adrian Peterson in goal-to-go situations, which will help him maintain top-tier value even if he loses rushing yards. The Giants’ reliance on goal-to-go running is great news for both Andre Williams and Rashad Jennings, and might actually give both a little more value.

It’s a little worrisome for Zac Stacy that the Rams don’t like to run much in goal-to-go situations, and when they do, they’re not very successful. It’s tough to know what to expect from the Texans, Browns and Bucs this year with new coaches, but the Falcons probably won’t change much, which puts a slight damper on the Devonta Freeman hype train. However, it’s good news to Julio Jones and Roddy White, especially with Tony Gonzalez gone this year.