In recent weeks, the New York Jets' Joe Flacco has been consistently delivering solid passing performances, with at least 300 yards in three consecutive games. However, one player who has yet to fully capitalize on the increased passing volume is wide receiver Elijah Moore. Despite this, Moore's growing role in the offense is worth acknowledging, as he has been seeing a significant number of targets, particularly downfield.

Since Flacco took over as the team's starting quarterback in Week 13, Moore has received an impressive 410 air yards of targets. This places him ninth in the NFL for the past four weeks, indicating that his involvement in the passing game has not gone unnoticed. Although his production may not match the increased opportunities just yet, Moore's statistics are bound to improve as he continues to establish himself in the offense.

One factor that may have hindered Moore's recent performances is his two drops within this period. However, it is important to note that drop issues have been uncommon for Moore throughout his career, having only recorded five drops in two-plus years leading up to Week 13. It is reasonable to expect that his 13% drop rate will decrease in the upcoming games.

Notably, Moore possesses underrated route-running abilities, making him a promising asset for the Jets' offense. It is particularly encouraging to see him receiving more downfield targets, with an average depth of target of 16.4 yards, since Flacco's takeover. Unlike a traditional slot receiver, Moore has the ability to excel downfield, potentially showcasing Tyler Lockett-like upside if the team continues to utilize him in this manner.

While the Jets' formidable secondary may not present ideal conditions for consistent targeting, Moore is expected to line up in the slot 30-40% of the time during tonight's game. This strategic move will allow him to avoid direct coverage from the Jets' standout defenders, Sauce Gardner and D.J. Reed. Notably, from the slot position, the Jets have allowed an average of 13.0 yards per attempt on targets 15+ yards downfield, closely resembling league averages. This opens up possibilities for Moore to make significant gains in tonight's game.

Moreover, Moore's performance holds added significance with the narrative of a "revenge game," considering his start with the Jets and his less-than-ideal departure. Flacco, who has a shared history with Moore as former teammates in New York, may display a similar motivation to prove a point against their former team. This dynamic duo could pose a challenge for the Jets' defense.

An additional reason to have confidence in Moore's potential is the uncertainty surrounding fellow receiver Amari Cooper's status. Cooper is currently dealing with a heel injury, and while it is expected that he will play tonight, there is a small chance (around 5%) that he may be ruled out. Alternatively, if Cooper is on the field, he may not be operating at full capacity, potentially assuming a decoy role (with a probability of 10%). These scenarios provide a window of opportunity for Moore to assume a larger role and garner additional targets that might have gone to a healthy Cooper.

Considering the aforementioned factors, it appears prudent to invest in Moore's potential early on, as his yardage total is likely at its lowest point. Even if Cooper is deemed active, it is unlikely that Moore's performance will be hindered significantly. However, in the event that Cooper is ruled out, we may see Moore's prop reach the low 40s.

Considering current projections, Moore's median yardage total is expected to be closer to 38.5, highlighting the upside associated with his expanded role and increased downfield opportunities. He represents an ideal candidate for buying low and potentially reaping the rewards as he continues to develop within the Jets' offense.

In conclusion, while Elijah Moore has yet to fully capitalize on the increased target volume resulting from Joe Flacco's strong passing performances, his growing role and downfield looks hold promise for future production. As he continues to improve and build chemistry with Flacco, there is a great opportunity for Moore to emerge as a standout receiver for the Jets. With the added motivation of a "revenge game" narrative and the uncertainty surrounding Amari Cooper's status, investing in Moore's potential now seems like a wise move.