So much for the death of the running back in 2016! Week 6 gave us several rushing performances worthy of applause. Not since Week 3 have we had 8 backs over 100 yards for the day and that includes a 200+ yard performance from Jay Ajayi. Not only were the totals there, but so was the efficiency. Perhaps the rebirth of the RB is upon us.

Here’s the Snap Count Recap for Week 6:

RUNNING BACKS

Before the 2016 season kicked off, I predicted David Johnson would be the No. 1 overall RB at the end of the season in The Fantasy Black Book, and so far it’s looking that way. DJ led all backs in snaps last week with 67 and continues to be the season long leader with 354. He turned in a brilliant 111 yards rushing, 3 TD’s and 3 receptions for 27 yards against the Jets Monday night. In terms of “all-purpose backs” he’s ahead of Le’Veon Bell right now considering the injury to Ben Roethlisberger. If we’re talking about throwback bell-cow backs, then DeMarco Murray (59 snaps) and Ezekiel Elliott (58) continue to carry the torch old school style.

Jonathan Stewart returned to action for 54 snaps where he rushed 19 times for 85 yards and 2 TD’s. With the Panthers protecting Cam Newton the rest of 2016, you can rest assured Stewart will continue to receive more goal line work than we’ve seen from him in recent years. Jay Ajayi torched the weak Steelers defense for 204 yards on 25 carries over 48 snaps. Whatever fire has been lit under Ajayi, it’s time to start buying in considering the soft underbelly that exists in the RB2 field.  Jamaal Charles played just 15 snaps, but did find the end zone and carried the ball 9 times for 33 yards. Expect that total double this week. Yes, double! I know Spencer Ware (40 snaps for 24/131/1 TD) has been very strong this season, but the Chiefs have used multiple backs effectively in the past when Knile Davis was still in town. Stars like Charles will demand more time and tend to get what they demand.

The biggest situation to keep an eye on is in Denver, where C.J. Anderson played a whopping 57 snaps, but carried the ball just 10 times for 37 yards. Anderson apologists will argue that a few holding calls limited his production, but when last I checked doesn’t holding allow for a back to get free? Ugh. Devontae Booker played just 15 snaps after seeing a big uptick the previous week. However, he had 46 yards on 5 carries and will see more in Week 7. My prediction is by Week 8 these two will be in a 50/50 split. Add Booker now if he’s available.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Owners of Alshon Jeffery have felt let down this season. However, last week he led all receivers with 74 snaps and was targeted 13 times for a 7/93 line. Unfortunately, no TD came his way and Cameron Meredith (68 snaps, 15 targets, 11 catches for 113 yards) continues to be Brian Hoyer’s favorite target. Regardless, Week 6 was a step in the right direction for Jeffrey. DeAndre Hopkins has also been a bit of a disappointment, but it’s not from lack of trying on the part of the Texans’ offense. Hopkins played 69 snaps and had 15 targets, but his 9/71 line with no TD’s again is frustrating.

Mike Wallace was number two on the snap leader board with 71 in Week 6. His 97 yards on 4 catches is a good omen this week as the Ravens take on the dreadful Jets secondary. Wallace is almost a lock for a big TD. We all mocked Cody Kessler when he took the reins of the Browns offense, but truth be told, Terrelle Pryor has not skipped a beat. Playing 64 snaps, Pryor received 13 targets, caught 9 for 75 yards and 2 TD’s. Look for Pryor to continue his “must start” status until further notice. 

Ty Montgomery played just 36 snaps last week, but with Eddie Lacy out for a few weeks, that total could double Thursday night. He caught 10 of his 12 targets and with Randall Cobb to see more time in the backfield, Montgomery is the natural beneficiary in terms of volume. Now, whether or not he can convert that volume into production on a consistent basis remains to be seen. Allen Hurns (49 snaps) should also see an uptick in time on the field in Week 7, as the Jaguars attack the 32nd ranked Raiders pass defense.

TIGHT ENDS

Greg Olsen continues to be the most reliable tight end, playing 81 snaps and catching 6 of 7 targets for 94 yards. Despite his great yardage totals, Olsen has missed the end zone for a second straight week. Rob Gronkowski is officially 100%, playing 57 snaps and ran amuck for 162 yards and a score versus the Bengals. Teammate Martellus Bennett saw his count drop to 36 from 55 the week prior. The biggest comeback at the position this season is Jimmy Graham, who continues to show why the Seahawks dealt for him last off-season.  Graham played 63 snaps, was targeted 9 times and ended up with 6 catches for 89 yards. He has a tough matchup versus the Cardinals this week, but he’s reestablished himself as a must start no matter what the matchup. Hunter Henry may have Antonio Gates back in the fold, but he’s still making the most of his time. In Week 6, Henry played 45 snaps and caught 6 of his 8 targets for 83 yards and a TD. He’s a sneaky good route runner for a TE and has excellent footwork. Don’t let Gates’ presence effect your feelings on Henry, he’ll be an integral part of the Chargers offense moving forward.

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Joe Pisapia (@JoePisapia17) is the eight-time best-selling author of the Fantasy Black Book Series for baseball and football. He hosts The Fantasy Black Book Show Tues/Turs 8-10pm est & Sunday Game Day 8-11am on FNTSY Network Radio.