After five straight games of scoring double-digit fantasy points from Weeks 10-14 – and offering some consistency following a stretch of games from Weeks 5-9 where he scored <10 fantasy points in four out of five – Davante Adams bottomed out in the fantasy football playoff semifinals in Week 16, scoring just one fantasy point on a day where QB Aidan O’Connell threw for just 62 yards. Things were looking bleak for Adams ahead of a championship matchup against the Colts – but Adams was able to turn back the clock for an absolutely vintage performance that reminded fantasy owners that he’s still that guy despite the rough QB situation he’s been dealing with in 2023.
In the fantasy football championship in Week 17, Davante Adams went nuclear. His 47% target share was his second-highest of the season, but his raw total targets (21) on the afternoon tied a career-high set all the way back in 2015 during his Aaron Rodgers & Packers days. That came with a 60% air yards share, as well - also the second highest he earned all season - and Adams was able to turn that utilization into 13 catches, 126 yards, and two touchdowns to leave fantasy managers with a sweet, not sour taste in their mouths to cap off his up-and-down 2023.
Looking ahead beyond this year and into 2024, the Raiders QB situation is likely to experience a significant shakeup this offseason - barring a commitment by the front office to O’Connell for another season. Even in an up-and-down season that featured just four weekly top-10 finishes, Adams proved that he’s still got it and can be a top fantasy option given serviceable QB play. He’s unlikely to find himself inside the top 24 picks of fantasy drafts come next summer, but he’ll still be a perfectly viable part of many a fantasy team by next season.