Fantasy football has long been a game of statistics, but the latest edge comes from understanding the playbooks that generate those numbers. As teams increasingly lean on sophisticated passing concepts, the decisions made by offensive coordinators are no longer background noise — they are the engine that powers fantasy point production.
One of the most talked‑about lineages in recent years is the McShanahan coaching tree. Quarterbacks who have spent time under its tutelage, such as late‑round picks who blossomed into reliable starters, illustrate how a well‑designed scheme can elevate a player’s fantasy ceiling beyond what his raw talent might suggest.
The McShanahan Legacy
Play‑action remains a cornerstone of high‑efficiency offenses. By forcing defenses to respect the run, play‑action opens up routes that translate into disproportionate yardage and touchdown opportunities for receivers and tight ends. In 2025, the metric of points per route run for WRs and TEs showed a clear uptick when play‑action was employed, underscoring its value for fantasy managers.
Motion and Play‑Action as Efficiency Drivers
During‑snap motion has emerged as a subtle yet powerful lever. Top playcallers this season rank at the forefront of motion usage, and the resulting efficiency gains are reflected in higher EPA per play and better fantasy outputs. The ability to shift formations on the fly not only creates mismatches but also keeps defenses guessing, a dynamic that fantasy analysts are beginning to quantify.
Personnel groupings further fine‑tune a team’s fantasy profile. Whether a coach opts for a heavy two‑tight‑end set or spreads the field with multiple wide receivers, the decision shapes the workload and target distribution for skill players. The Jets’ recent experiments under Mike LaFleur, for instance, yielded 305.5 passing yards per game with backup quarterbacks, illustrating how scheme can mask talent gaps.
2026 Playcalling Outlook
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, several new playcallers are poised to reshape fantasy expectations. Kevin O'Connell’s work with Kyler Murray suggests a high‑upside late‑round quarterback narrative, while Liam Coen’s potential arrival in Jacksonville could mirror the Packers’ committee‑based receiving corps approach. Both coordinators rank highly in EPA per play and points per game, indicating that their offenses may be fertile ground for fantasy value.
Individual player outlooks also shift with scheme changes. Tee Higgins has shown greater productivity on under‑center play‑action compared with Ja'Marr Chase, and the Saints’ evolving usage of Travis Etienne may reduce his screen‑target volume. Meanwhile, A.J. Brown could see his most productive fantasy season yet with the Patriots, whose new offensive philosophy emphasizes deep routes and vertical stretch.
Player Spotlight
For fantasy managers, the takeaway is clear: success hinges on aligning draft picks and lineup decisions with the underlying playbook. By tracking motion rates, play‑action frequency, and the historical performance of coaching trees, owners can predict which players are likely to exceed baseline expectations and secure a competitive edge.