Slot Rankings - How Wide Receivers Score More Touchdowns in the Slot

Slot machines function the same way for every spin, so you won't find any secret hacks to beat them. There are a few tricks you can follow to increase your chances of winning.

First, you should check a game's RTP. This number will tell you how many players are likely to win over the long term.

Slot Efficiency

Slot efficiency is the aim of maximising the amount of slot switches that can be used while avoiding the violation of the constraints that are predefined. These constraints usually comprise the minimum allowed operational delay (usually expressed in terms of scheduling delays), fairness and equity access and competition, environmental objectives and many more. The process of distributing slots is a complex one, and optimizing it to reach the desired performance metrics requires careful analysis of all factors involved.

In general, the process starts by identifying the kinds of requests that need to be prioritized based on precedents. Once the type of request has been determined the slot allocation model is employed to minimize the required delay the criterion. However, numerous research gaps have been identified related to the optimization of slot scheduling models, particularly when it comes to the balance between fairness and efficiency is being maintained.

ABC (assigned according to velocity) is a well-known method of prioritizing slot assignments. This method collects the item's history and determines an appropriate grouping based on the velocity. Items with the highest speed are assigned the fastest slots in the warehouse, whereas those with lower speeds are placed further back.

Another important aspect of slot effectiveness is the distance factor, which determines the amount of space that must be allotted to support the pick-to-ship process. The calculation considers the speed of the group, racking placements, and equipment handling characteristics of the items.

It is important to also be aware of the costs associated with a slot change to improve slot efficiency. A quick review of the typical slot changes can help managers understand the costs associated with the change, as well as the effects it may have on other elements of slot efficiency, including velocity.

After spending a few months reviewing the data, and re-evaluating the recommendations, the casino started using the software more frequently. The gaming operations team estimates that they will save between 10-12 hours a month by using their traditional analysis. This is not including the time spent reviewing data from customers or preparing new, actionable strategy.

The team was able using the new recommendations provided by SRE to make dozens game changes that resulted in more the amount of money players earn. Dancing Drums Explosion, and Twinstar Wave XL from Scientific Games saw significant gains in the top lease rankings and WAP rankings. The casino also was able to shift its budget from marketing to other costs and improve floor performance.

Perimeter Efficiency

We all know that wide receivers score more touchdowns when they're capable of hitting perimeter targets rather than slot targets. This is because they are generally focused downfield and typically are in one-on-one coverage. But what might surprise people is the different between the top five slot receivers and the rest of them when it comes to scoring on those targets that are located in the perimeter.

Of the wide receivers that have had at least 40 targets in each of the last two seasons the top five slot scorers on the perimeter routes were all speed receivers: Mike Evans, Amari Cooper, Tyler Lockett and Michael Gallup. The bottom half of this list is dominated by receivers who are more possession-based, like Chris Godwin and Diontae Johnston. The Bucs are likely to shift the latter two players into the slot more often this season, which will increase their targets. However, they'll need to improve their scoring on the perimeter in order to maintain their high standard.

Speedy wideouts are the biggest benefit of moving into the slot, since they have an easier time getting open in the field when their route isn't covered by a cornerback or linebacker. Corey Coleman is the only wide receiver who isn't a speedy wideout but would benefit from more slot work. He's a reliable target for intermediate and short routes.

Jerry Jeudy, KJ Hamler and other receivers who are based on possession are at the bottom of the list. They're more effective on short and intermediate routes rather than deep zones. Jeudy is a great option to be a sleeper for this season as the Rams' primary slot receiver for the Rams while Courtland Sutton and Amari Cooper are likely to play on more downfield targets. Hamler is likely to perform well in short-to-mid routes, as that's what he did well in 2021 while playing for the Bills. Hamler could be a great replacement for the former wideout Jordan Matthews.

Percentage of Snaps In Slot

The proportion of snaps that a receiver makes in the slot is a good indicator of their ability to run deep routes. It is not always an accurate reflection of a receiver's abilities because some receivers are better in the slot and can't play further.

Alshon Jeffrey, for instance, leads the league in targets received per game (4.8) However, he's only 6th in slot receiving scores (58.5). This is because the majority of his targets are from outside and it's hard to get a first down in a wide-open, deep and wide-open route.

On the other hand, some receivers excel inside and aren't able to do much on the perimeter. Robby Anderson, for instance, was given 978 snaps by the Panthers this season. He completed 74% of his route in the slot, as opposed to only 26% on boundaries routes. That's a huge difference, and illustrates how much more efficient the player is when positioned in the slot.

Chris Godwin, a Buccaneers player, lines up inside most of his passes and is among the top five slot receiving scores (58.5). He also ran 51% of his perimeter routes and is a pro in one-on-one coverage.

Speed receivers are more efficient when they line up inside, because they can get targeted way down the field and often find themselves with one-on-one coverage. This is why you'll find names like Julio Jones, Mike Evans, and Amari Cooper in the top five on our list.

McDuffie, Moore and other slot cornerbacks are also part of this group. Both have been able create pressures in the passing game, with McDuffie leading the NFL with seven forced fumbles. Moore being the most effective tackle stop efficiency on this list (-3.5). Spagnuolo increased McDuffie's capabilities by putting his slot symbols to play nickel and dime packages, and then moving him to the outside when playing base defense. Additionally, Moore's ability to stop big run plays has been a huge advantage when playing in the slot.

Percentage of Snaps Outside

While top NFL receivers like Golden Tate, Larry Fitzgerald, and Baldwin excel on the perimeter, their slot counterparts are equally good. Wide receivers who have an excellent slot grade score touchdowns in the same way as those on the perimeter. This is mostly because quarterbacks have a more stable target distribution when throwing to slot and outside receivers compared to other inside options, such as tight ends and backfield pass-catchers.

It's interesting to see a player such as CeeDee lamb on this list for 2022. He plays the slot in 3 WR sets, and flanker in 2 of the sets. In fact the slot receiver is running a higher number of slot routes than most of the players listed on this list. This is an excellent opportunity to create matchup benefits for your team. It also helps clarify why Lamb ranks as the highest-graded slot receiver in our system this season.

Of course, he also plays the X position and makes big plays on the perimeter too. Lamb isn't as explosive as some of the other players on this list however he's still an elite wide receiver that is a good fit in the Cowboys scheme.

Mecole Hardman is another example of a player who's capable of putting up big numbers on both targets. He has a high slot receiving rating and is among the league's best at catching back-shoulder throws, but he's also a great opponent for contested catch.

Another player on this list who's a true slot specialist is Baltimore's Jalen Hilton who has been positioned in the slot on 85.7 percent of his defensive snaps this season. He's allowed the third-lowest target EPA and the fifth-best run stop EPA among cornerbacks aligned in the slot, which makes him an important player in the defense of his team. He's struggled to stop passes from outside, and his EPA against this type of target is negative. This is a result of playing with unsafe linebackers who don't have the same size and speed, as well as his route-running abilities.