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

Slot machines operate in the same way for each spin, which means you won't find any secret hacks to beat them. However, there are a few things you can keep in mind to maximize your winnings.

Take a look at the RTP of a particular game first. This number tells you how many players are likely to win on average over the long run.

Slot Efficiency

Slot efficiency is the goal of increasing the number of slot switches that can be made while not violating the constraints that are predefined. These constraints typically comprise the minimum allowed operational delay (usually expressed in terms of scheduling delays) fairness and equity access and competition, environmental goals, and more. The process of distributing multi-line slots can be complex, and optimizing it to meet the desired performance metrics requires a thorough analysis of the variables involved.

In general, the process starts with the identification of the types of requests that are to be prioritized according to established prioritization in the past. Once the type is identified then the slot allocation model is then employed to reduce the delay criteria. Numerous research gaps have been discovered in relation to the models for optimizing slot scheduling particularly when it comes to trying to balance fairness and efficiency.

A popular method of prioritizing slot assignments is the ABC (assigned by velocity) strategy that collects information about the history of items and then determines the velocity group. Items with the highest speed are allocated the top slots in the warehouse, whereas those with lower speed are placed further back.

The distance factor is another key element in slot efficiency. It measures the amount of space needed for the pick-to-ship process. The calculation considers the speed of the group, racking locations, and equipment handling characteristics of the products.

It is crucial to be aware of the costs of a change in the slot to improve the efficiency of the slot. A quick review of the typical slot changes can help managers determine the costs associated with the move, and the impact it could have on other aspects of slot efficiency, such as velocity.

After one or two months proving the data and back-dating recommendations, the casino started using the solution more regularly. The gaming operations team estimates that they will save between 10-12 hours per month on their usual analysis. This does not include the time spent reviewing the data of customers or developing a new, actionable strategy.

The team was able, by utilizing the new guidelines provided by SRE to implement a variety of game changes that resulted in more revenue for players. In particular, Dancing Drums Explosion and Twinstar Wave XL both by Scientific Games, saw big increases in the premium lease and WAP rankings. The casino also managed to shift their budget from marketing and other costs to enhancing the floor's performance.

Perimeter Efficiency

We all know wide receivers are more likely to score touchdowns when they're able to hit perimeter targets, rather than slot targets. This is because they are generally targeted downfield and usually face one on one coverage. What might surprise some, however, is that the top five slot players and the rest of the group score differently on targets that are outside.

Of the 66 wide receivers who have been on at least 40 targets in the past two seasons, the top five slot scorers on perimeter routes were all speed receivers: Mike Evans, Amari Cooper, Tyler Lockett and Michael Gallup. The bottom half of this list is filled with receivers who are more possession-based, such as Chris Godwin and Diontae Johnston. The Bucs are likely to move the latter two into the slot more often during this season, which should increase their targets. However, they'll need to improve their scoring from the perimeter to maintain their top-of-the-line performance.

Speedy wideouts are the main beneficiaries of moving into the slot because they generally have an easier time getting open downfield when their route isn't obstructed by a linebacker or cornerback. Corey Coleman is the only wide receiver who isn't a fast wideout, but could benefit from more slot work. He's a good target for short and intermediate routes.

The bottom of the list is populated by possession-based receivers who are better on intermediate and short routes than deep ones like Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler. Jeudy will be the Rams main slot receiver this year, is a sleeper pick. Courtland Cooper and Amari Sutton are expected to play a greater role in downfield targets. Hamler is likely to perform well on intermediate and short-to middle routes, as that's the way he performed in 2021 while playing for the Bills. He could be an excellent replacement for the former wideout Jordan Matthews.

Percentage of Snaps in the Slot

The amount of snaps receivers take in the slot can be a good indicator of their ability to run routes deep. It's not always an accurate reflection of a receiver's abilities because certain receivers are better in the slot, but they can't play deeper.

Alshon Jeffrey, for example is the league leader in the number of targets he receives per game (4.8) however, he is only 6th in slot receiving scores (58.5). This is because most of his targets been thrown from the outside and it's hard to gain a first down in a wide-open deep line in that situation.

Certain receivers are better playing inside, whereas others struggle to do so on the outside. For example, the Panthers handed Robby Anderson 978 snaps this season, and he ran an astounding 74% of his slot routes as opposed to just 26% for boundary routes. This is a huge difference and shows just how much more efficient Robby Anderson is when he's aligned with the slot.

Furthermore it is worth noting that the Buccaneers' Chris Godwin lines up inside on most of his passing downs, and has a top-five slot receiving score (58.5). He also ran 51% of his perimeter routes and is an expert in one-on-1 coverage.

Speed receivers are more efficient when they are lined up inside. They are able to be targeted further down the field, and are often swarmed by one-on-1 coverage. This is why you'll see names like Julio Jones, Mike Evans and Amari Cooper in the top five on our list.

On the flip side we have some outstanding slot cornerbacks such as McDuffie and Moore in this group. Both have been able generate pressures in the pass game and have McDuffie leading the NFL with seven forced fumbles. Moore being the most effective tackle stop rate on this list (-3.5). Spagnuolo increased McDuffie's capabilities by placing him in the slot for nickel and dime packages and then moving him to the outside when playing base defense. In addition, Moore's capability to stop big run plays has been a huge benefit when playing in the slot.

Percentage of Snaps Outside

While top NFL receivers such as Golden Tate, Larry Fitzgerald, and Baldwin excel on the perimeter, their slot counterparts are equally good. As a group, wide receivers with high slot receiving grades score touchdowns around the same amount as those who are on the outside. This is mostly because quarterbacks have a more stable target distribution when throwing to outside and slot receivers, compared to other inside options such as tight ends and backfield pass-catchers.

This is why it's fascinating to see a player like CeeDee Lamb on this list in 2022, since he plays slot in three WR sets and flanker in two of them. He's actually running more routes in the slot than a lot of the players on this chart. This is an excellent way to gain matchup advantages for your team. It also helps explain why Lamb is the highest-graded receiver in our system.

Of course, he plays the X position, and makes some big plays on the perimeter, too. Lamb isn't as fast as 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, a different player who is able to put huge numbers with targets of all kinds, is a further example. He has a high slot receiving grade and is among the league's top players at catching back-shoulder throws, but he's also a great player for contested-catch.

Jalen Hilton is another player who is a slot specialist. He has lined up in this position on 85.7 percent of his defensive snaps to date. He has the third-lowest EPA for targets and the fifth-highest EPA for run stops among cornerbacks in the slot. This makes him a key part of his team's defensive line. He's had a difficult time stopping passes from the outside, and his EPA against this kind of target is negative. This is the result of playing with poor linebackers and safeties who don't have the same size and speed. He also has a great ability to run routes.