Few players find success in the red zone quite like these three NFL stars, who have proven over the past few years that they can find the endzone endlessly.
It would seem as if NFL teams would clamor over the game's most efficient red zone weapons, but in actuality, league leaders find varying appreciation.
Any adept fantasy football player will be quick to rattle off statistics illustrating Austin Ekeler's luck from the 20-yard line, yet the Los Angeles Chargers boldly chose not to extend his contract. Perhaps that's only the case for the rare running back hybrid who ranks among the league's best red zone scorers because the tight ends and wide receivers seem to get their well-deserved accolades. Fans of the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings could debate over which team wields the most impressive red zone threat, but there's also a case to be made for a certain Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver who's been a consistent performer each season.
For various reasons, here are three different red zone weapons that are likely to light up the end zone in 2023.
Best NFL red-zone weapons for 2023 season: 3. Austin Ekeler, Los Angeles Chargers
If Austin Ekeler truly is the de facto leader of a running back-led revolt in the NFL, he has earned the right to lead a rebellion. According to Fantasy Pros, "no player has scored more touchdowns over the past two seasons than Austin Ekeler."
In 2022, Ekeler caught 18 of 23 targets inside the 20-yard line, resulting in 65 yards and five touchdowns. Because of this, Ekeler commanded 24 percent of targets within that range. His numbers were even more astounding beyond the 10-yard line: Ekeler caught 12 of 13 targets for three touchdowns, nabbing a 28.3 percent target share within that range.
Ekeler's 78.26 percent catch rate inside the 20 and his 92.31 percent catch rate inside the 10 is the best in the NFL, considering the number of targets he received. Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Mecole Hardman caught 8 of 10 inside the 20-yard line, which puts Ekeler's 18-of-23 into perspective. No one saw the amount of volume and offered the same amount of ball security as Ekeler in 2022. Despite this, the Chargers have made it abundantly clear that Ekeler does not merit a significant financial reward or job security for his immeasurable contributions to the Chargers.
The undrafted underdog has been battling for his position for years, and his red zone numbers should be enough to garner substantial demand across the NFL. Somehow, there were no takers on an Ekeler trade, but there surely will be if anyone decides to trade him as a fantasy football asset this season.
Best NFL red-zone weapons for 2023 season: 2. Mike Evans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
While Austin Ekeler tied with Stefon Diggs for the fifth-most red zone targets inside the 20-yard line, Mike Evans came in significantly lower on that list. In 2022, Evans caught seven of 14 targets for 40 yards and three touchdowns. Inside the 10-yard line, Evans caught two of seven targets for two touchdowns. Those numbers may not be impressive relative to other receivers last season, but Evans is no rookie: he's the only player in NFL history to record nine consecutive 1,000-yard seasons since the start of his career, which is three more seasons than Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss. A look back at previous seasons proves that Evans is a frequent red-zone target for good reason.
Inside the 20-yard line, Evans caught 14 of 23 targets for 89 yards and nine touchdowns in 2021, which was 17.7 percent of the target share. Evans was a sure thing inside the 10-yard line, catching nine of 13 targets for eight touchdowns that season. The Buccaneers' Super Bowl-winning season resulted in similar numbers, with nine touchdowns within the 20-yard line and nine additional touchdowns within the 10-yard line.
Evans has remained a favorite despite quarterback changes, and it's fair to assume that Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield will insist on targeting Evans in the red zone given his consistent ability to find separation — and the end zone. It's still unknown how the 2023 season will look for the Buccaneers, but it's reasonable to assume that Evans will return as a fantasy football favorite once he builds a connection with Mayfield.
Best NFL red-zone weapons for 2023 season: 1. Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs
When it comes to red zone weapons, there is no one quite like Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce.
Kelce led the NFL in targets, receptions and scores inside the 20-yard line in 2022, catching 19 of 30 targets for 102 yards and 10 touchdowns. Securing 63.33 percent of targets inside the 20-yard line, Kelce commanded 28 percent of the target share within that range.
Inside the 10-yard line, Kelce led the league in targets (19), receptions (13) and touchdowns (8), taking up 29.7 percent of all targets in that range. Effectively, sending it to Kelce within the red zone all but guaranteed a score, a factor that contributed to the Chiefs' Super Bowl-winning season.
In the absence of Tyreek Hill, Kelce saw one of his best seasons to date, ranking second in the league in receiving touchdowns with a career-best 12 touchdowns. Kelce also saw his second-best season in receiving yards and a career-high in receptions with 110 catches for 1338 yards. By several metrics, the 33-year-old Kelce surpasses the top wide receivers in the league, and he's expected to remain on pace in Year 11. Additionally, Kelce only needs 596 more receiving yards to trump Tony Gonzalez's franchise record, which only adds to this year's motivation.
