Curtis Samuel

Curtis Samuel

28-Year-Old Wide ReceiverWR
Buffalo Bills
2024 Fantasy Outlook
Samuel joined the Bills’ high-powered offense as a free agent after three years in Washington. With both Samuel and Khalil Shakir having mostly played the slot, it’s unclear which receiver will spend more time there this season. Samuel might fit best in the slot, but it'll be hard to maintain fantasy value if he's not on the field in two-wide formations, as the Bills figure to use a lot of multi-TE packages with Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox. Meanwhile, rookie second-round pick Keon Coleman figures to get a lot of the perimeter WR snaps and could end up being the top deep threat for QB Josh Allen. Other than an injury-marred 2021 season, Samuel has topped 600 receiving yards every year since 2019 and scored 5-7 TDs in each season since 2018. He's never been more than a WR3 type for fantasy, and even that's been more miss than hit since he moved from Carolina to Washington after the 2020 campaign. Read Past Outlooks
RANKS
#132.67
ADP
$Signed a three-year, $24 million contract with the Bills in March of 2024.
Cleared to play Sunday
WRBuffalo Bills
November 3, 2024
Samuel (pectoral) is active for Sunday's game against the Dolphins.
ANALYSIS
Samuel had been listed as questionable after he was a limited participant in practices throughout the week while nursing the pec injury, which kept him out for last Sunday's win over the Seahawks. The Bills will be without top wideout Amari Cooper (wrist) in Week 9, potentially opening the door for Samuel to take on more snaps. However, while Cooper was out of the picture from Weeks 1 through 6 before arriving in a trade with Cleveland, Samuel wasn't a noteworthy fantasy producer, as he averaged 16.3 yards from scrimmage per contest and failed to find the end zone during that six-game stretch.
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NFL Stats
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Fantasy/Red Zone Stats
See red zone opportunities inside the 20, 10 and 5-yard lines along with the percentage of time they converted the opportunity into a touchdown.
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Advanced NFL Stats
How do Curtis Samuel's 2024 advanced stats compare to other wide receivers?
This section compares his advanced stats with players at the same position. The bar represents the player's percentile rank. For example, if the bar is halfway across, then the player falls into the 50th percentile for that metric and it would be considered average. The longer the bar, the better it is for the player.
  • Air Yards Per Game
    The number of air yards he is averaging per game. Air yards measure how far the ball was thrown downfield for both complete and incomplete passes. Air yards are recorded as a negative value when the pass is targeted behind the line of scrimmage. All air yards data is from Sports Info Solutions and does not include throwaways as targeted passes.
  • Air Yards Per Snap
    The number of air yards he is averaging per offensive snap.
  • % Team Air Yards
    The percentage of the team's total air yards he accounts for.
  • % Team Targets
    The percentage of the team's total targets he accounts for.
  • Avg Depth of Target
    Also known as aDOT, this stat measures the average distance down field he is being targeted at.
  • Catch Rate
    The number of catches made divided by the number of times he was targeted by the quarterback.
  • Drop Rate
    The number of passes he dropped divided by the number of times he was targeted by the quarterback.
  • Avg Yds After Catch
    The number of yards he gains after the catch on his receptions.
  • % Targeted On Route
    Targets divided by total routes run. Also known as TPRR.
  • Avg Yds Per Route Run
    Receiving yards divided by total routes run. Also known as YPRR.
Air Yards Per Game
15.1
 
Air Yards Per Snap
0.76
 
% Team Air Yards
6.0%
 
% Team Targets
8.4%
 
Avg Depth of Target
5.9 Yds
 
Catch Rate
63.2%
 
Drop Rate
0.0%
 
Avg Yds After Catch
4.1
 
% Targeted On Route
22.4%
 
Avg Yds Per Route Run
1.08
 
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2024
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Snap Distribution / Depth Chart
Snap Counts
Snap %
Buffalo BillsBills 2024 WR Snap Distribution See more data like this | See last season's snap counts
#% of Team Snaps

36570%
18376%
33164%
15363%
25449%
12752%
13927%
4017%
12724%
187%
5310%
5322%
163%
00%
143%
146%
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Receiving Alignment Breakdown
See where Curtis Samuel lined up on the field and how he performed at each spot.
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This Week's Opposing Pass Defense
How does the Colts pass defense compare to other NFL teams this season?
The bars represents the team's percentile rank (based on QB Rating Against). The longer the bar, the better their pass defense is. The team and position group ratings only include players that are currently on the roster and not on injured reserve. The list of players in the table only includes defenders with at least 3 attempts against them.
IND
@ Colts
Sunday, Nov 10th at 1:00PM
Overall QB Rating Against
81.4
 
Cornerbacks
67.7
 
Safeties
98.1
 
Linebackers
90.7
 
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2024 Curtis Samuel Split Stats
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Measurables Review View College Player Page
How do Curtis Samuel's measurables compare to other wide receivers?
This section compares his draft workout metrics with players at the same position. The bar represents the player's percentile rank. For example, if the bar is halfway across, then the player falls into the 50th percentile for that metric and it would be considered average.
Height
5' 11"
 
Weight
195 lbs
 
40-Yard Dash
4.31 sec
 
Vertical Jump
37.0 in
 
Broad Jump
133 in
 
Hand Length
8.75 in
 
Arm Length
31.50 in
 
Recent RotoWire Articles Featuring Curtis Samuel See More
Box Score Breakdown: Week 9 Snaps, Routes, Personnel and Usage
Yesterday
Jaxon Smith-Njigba was the star of Week 9, leading the league in fantasy points and air yards despite taking nearly all of his snaps in the slot. RW's Jerry Donabedian has the full breakdown from Sunday.
Gameday Injuries: Week 9
2 days ago
Juan Carlos Blanco breaks down another busy injury report in Week 9 and offers Sunday morning updates on the status of key fantasy stars such as Jordan Love.
Friday Injury Report: Titans Ailing, Chargers Improving, Metcalf Out
4 days ago
The Seahawks won't have DK Metcalf or Noah Fant this weekend, while Rams WR Puka Nacua is questionable. RW's Jerry Donabedian has the full scoop following the release of Friday injury reports.
Target Breakdown: WR & TE Usage Report + Week 9 Fantasy Waivers Preview
7 days ago
WR Cedric Tillman has 180 yards on 21 targets the past two weeks, rapidly emerging as Jameis Winston's main downfield threat in a new-look Cleveland offense.
Gameday Injuries: Week 8
9 days ago
Juan Carlos Blanco dives into an extensive Week 8 injury report and offers the latest news of stars such as the Commanders' Jayden Daniels as of early Sunday morning.
Past Fantasy Outlooks
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
After his first year in Washington was essentially wiped out by groin and hamstring injuries, Samuel rebounded strong in 2022 to play all 17 games and put up 843 total yards (187) and five touchdowns. The downside, at least in fantasy terms, is that his workload shifted from the air and more toward the ground as the season went along, in part due to rookie WR Jahan Dotson's emergence as a legitimate second weapon across from Terry McLaurin. While he's a good No. 3 receiver in real-life terms, Samuel probably isn't going to be prioritized in an offense with Dotson and McLaurin, nor are the Commanders likely to put up enough points to support three fantasy-start-worthy WRs. They're counting on either 2022 fifth-round pick Sam Howell or 30-year-old Jacoby Brissett at quarterback, hoping new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy can pull things together after he helped the Chiefs win a pair of Super Bowls in recent years.
The first season of Samuel's three-year, $31.5 million contract couldn't have gone much worse, with a lingering groin injury and then a hamstring injury limiting him to five games and 84 snaps. The good news is that he'll be only 26 this season — plenty young to rebound — and is only two years removed from his career-best campaign with the Panthers. There is the not-so-small matter of poor QB play, which also was an issue in Carolina, plus Samuel's upside could take a sizable hit if he's only the No. 3 receiver behind lead dog Terry McLaurin and first-round pick Jahan Dotson. Then again, Samuel's breakout year came as the No. 3 in Carolina, and his ability to contribute on the ground (76 career carries for 489 yards and five TDs, 6.4 YPC) creates a path to fantasy viability even if Commanders OC Scott Turner keeps his receiving volume around a handful of targets per week. Samuel avoided surgery in the offseason, and the Commanders hope his 4.31 speed will be back on display in the near future.
Despite playing with a below average QB and sharing targets with two quality receivers, Samuel had a breakout of sorts last year, setting career highs in catches, yards and yards per target. He also ran for 200 yards and two touchdowns. As a result, the Football Team signed him to a three-year, $34.5 million contract, making him the complement to rising star Terry McLaurin. At 5-11, 195, Samuel has average size, but like McLaurin, he can fly - 4.31 40, and his athletic marks are similarly superlative - 37-inch vertical, 133-inch broad jump. For 2021, the Team will feature two of the more explosive outside threats in the league. Moreover, the Team signed aging gunslinger Ryan Fitzpatrick, who won't shy away from taking chances downfield, even at the risk of interceptions and sacks. McLaurin is still the No. 1 option, and tertiary targets Cam Sims and Logan Thomas will have roles, but Samuel should figure prominently in the offense once he returns from a stint in IR that will cause him to miss at least three weeks to start the coming season.
Samuel disappointed in Year 3, despite seeing 105 targets. Part of that was due to Cam Newton being out most of the season and Kyle Allen not being an adequate replacement, but D.J. Moore's efficiency wasn't similarly affected. All told, Samuel managed 11.6 YPC and a meager 6.0 YPT, last among the league's 30 100-target receivers. As a result, the Panthers signed deep threat Robby Anderson to a twoyear deal, likely pushing Samuel to the No. 3 option, and that's not counting tailback Christian McCaffrey and his 142 targets. While newly signed Teddy Bridgewater should be an upgrade from Allen, it's hard to see him generating enough offense for four productive pass catchers. That said, Samuel could see more short, quick throws from the slot, and the offense under new coach Matt Rhule and offensive coordinator Joe Brady might be more innovative than last year's.
Injured for much of his rookie season, Samuel made strides in Year 2, though he missed the first three games of 2018 after having surgery to address an irregular heartbeat. In only 13 games, Samuel had seven TDs (five receiving, two rushing) and 578 scrimmage yards on 65 targets and eight carries. At 5-11, 195, he has average size but blazing speed (4.31 40) and top-notch athleticism - 37-inch vertical, 133-inch broad jump, i.e., he's a dangerous person with the ball in his hands. The problem for Samuel is the Panthers have two other versatile playmakers in Christian McCaffrey and last year's first-round pick D.J. Moore, a bigger, not-quite-as-fast WR who can also carry the ball. Assuming Cam Newton is healthy again after shoulder surgery, the entire Panthers passing game should be better, and the departure of Devin Funchess opens up 79 more targets. The Panthers signed Chris Hogan this offseason to be their bigger-bodied receiver, but it's a small, one-year deal, and there's no guarantee Hogan has a significant share of the offense. Bottom line, Samuel should have more opportunities Year 3, in what should be an improved passing attack. Don't forget to add some rushing stats to his totals.
Samuel was drafted in the second round last year as a utility player capable of adding devastating speed to the Panthers offense. However, injuries largely derailed his rookie campaign, leaving him in need of proving himself again this time around. With increased competition at wide receiver, Samuel may be restricted to certain packages that highlight his ability in space.
The Panthers' second round pick, Samuel finds himself in an interesting spot. While the team isn't deep at WR -- No. 1 option Kelvin Benjamin showed up to offseason activities in sub-optimal condition, and ostensible No. 2 Devin Funchess has been inconsistent -- it also drafted RB Christian McCaffrey in the first round, and the two have somewhat overlapping skill sets. At 5-11, 197, Samuel, is blazingly fast -- 4.31 40 -- and athletic -- 37-inch vertical and 133-inch broad jump. As such, he's dangerous with the ball in his hands, and a threat as a ballcarrier or receiver. Of course, much of that description could apply to McCaffery, so Samuel figures to be used mostly as a slot receiver. Don't expect much red-zone work, either -- tight end Greg Olsen and the 6-5 Benjamin are likely to dominate the targets down there.
More Fantasy News
Deemed questionable for Week 9
WRBuffalo Bills
Pectoral
November 1, 2024
Bills head coach Sean McDermott said Friday that Samuel (pectoral) will be listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Dolphins, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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Limited at practice
WRBuffalo Bills
Pectoral
October 30, 2024
Head coach Sean McDermott said that Samuel (pectoral) will be a limited participant in practice Wednesday, Chris Brown of the Bills Radio Network reports.
ANALYSIS
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Could be facing multi-week absence
WRBuffalo Bills
Pectoral
October 25, 2024
Coach Sean McDermott relayed Friday that Samuel (pectoral) may be out "more than one week," but McDermott doesn't believe Samuel will go on injured reserve, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
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Won't play Sunday
WRBuffalo Bills
Pectoral
October 25, 2024
Head coach Sean McDermott noted Friday that Samuel (pectoral) will be out for Sunday's game against the Seahawks, Maddy Glab of the Bills' official site reports.
ANALYSIS
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Absent from practice Thursday
WRBuffalo Bills
Pectoral
October 24, 2024
Samuel (pectoral) is not participating in Thursday's practice, Katherine Fitzgerald of The Buffalo News reports.
ANALYSIS
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Latest Fantasy Rumors
In line for larger role Sunday
WRBuffalo Bills
October 4, 2024
Samuel was specifically mentioned by head coach Sean McDermott as one of the likely beneficiaries of Khalil Shakir's forthcoming Week 5 absence due to an ankle injury, Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Shakir failed to practice all week after coming out of a Week 4 loss to the Ravens with ankle soreness. Upon ruling out Shakir for Sunday's game against the Texans, McDermott remarked "thankful we have Curtis" with respect to the reinforcements that will be asked to step up in the No. 1 wideout's absence. Samuel has notably been relegated to a very minor role over the first four games of the season, recording just eight receptions for 48 yards and two rushes for seven yards across a modest 65 snaps from scrimmage.
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