Another week, another running back circus. 2016 feels like being stuck on a carnival ride that won’t stop spinning and every rider is getting sick eventually. The running back triage has been massive and at this point warm bodies, with two legs who are upright have value. But it’s not just injuries killing the position. In New Orleans, Mark Ingram seems to have fumbled the starting role away to Tim Hightower in the immediate future. Ingram played just 6 snaps, while Hightower played 47 and rushed for 100 yards Sunday. This week against the dreadful 49ers’ run defense, you want a Saints running back in your lineup and it’s looking like Hightower may be the guy for now.

Here’s the Snap Count Recap for Week 8:

RUNNING BACKS

So much for the “hot hand” in Chicago. The Bears’ Jordan Howard played 50 snaps compared to Ka’Deem Carey’s paltry six. This figures to be the knockout blow for that notion the rest of the season as Howard rushed for 153 yards and a TD while catching four balls for 49 yards. As one running back by committee closes a few more opened this weekend. The Eagles seem to be moving on from Ryan Mathews (8 snaps) and turning to Darren Sproles (62 snaps) at least for the short term. Sproles saw seven targets and 15 carries Sunday night and figures to repeat those number against the Giants this weekend. The goal line work with the Eagles however remains in question. In Washington, Robert Kelley (43 snaps) and Chris Thompson (48 snaps) saw almost identical field time, but it was Kelley’s 21 carries for 87 yards and a TD that was the fantasy relevant side of the tandem.

Devontae Booker’s snap total rose with C.J. Anderson on the shelf (54 snaps), but fumbles held back his otherwise productive first opportunity as the starter in Denver. Devonta Freeman was also untethered, as his handcuff Tevin Coleman was unavailable. However, over 46 snaps Freeman didn’t completely take advantage of the moment. Freeman carried the ball just 11 times for 35 yards and caught four balls for 24. He did reach the end zone twice, but when Coleman returns he should fall back into a time share. 

As I mentioned last week, Matt Forte was the key to Jet wins. Sunday, Forte played 43 snaps with a 25/82/2 TD line and guess what? The Jets won. With Spencer Ware out, figure Charcandrick West’s snap count to approach 50 in Week 9. Antone Smith of Tampa should also see about 40 snaps this week as part of a committee replacing Jacquizz Rodgers who replaced, Charles Sims, who replaced Doug Martin. Let’s just say, it’s been a long year on Tampa for the running game.

WIDE RECEIVERS

It was a triumphant return for Dez Bryant who played 69 snaps and caught four balls for 113 yards and a TD. He was targeted a whopping 14 times which is a positive. But, Bryant and Dak Prescott still have some work to do to get completely in sync. Amari Cooper continues to be a fantasy game changer. His 173 yards receiving and a TD on a WR Week 8 high 90 snaps were quite impressive. Despite the tough matchup ahead of him this week versus Denver, I’m cautiously optimistic about his ability to have another strong performance along with the steadfast Michael Crabtree (Week 8: 72 snaps, 17 targets, 9 catches, 107 yards).

If you want to talk about volume, then A.J. Green was as good as it gets last week. He played 81 snaps and scored 18 targets of which he caught 9. How he didn’t find the end zone with that volume is beyond comprehension, but Green is certainly having a terrific season. Jordan Matthews received 14 targets for the Eagles, catching 11 over 69 snaps with a TD. With the Eagles running game in flux, Mathews will continue to see steady volume this Sunday against the Giants.

Two guys on the rise are the Redskins’ Jamison Crowder and the Cardinals’ J.J. Nelson. Crowder played 64 snaps, was targeted 13 times for nine catches 107 yards and a score. He figures to be the No. 1 wide receiver for Washington by year’s end if he continues this pace. Nelson has been officially ordained a starter by Bruce Arians after last week’s 65 snaps, eight catches on 12 targets, 79 yards and two TD’s. Both are unfortunately on byes this week. Should they be on your waiver wire, you’d be insane not to spend significant FAAB on both even if it means waiting a week to reap the rewards.

TIGHT ENDS

Don’t lose faith Greg Olsen owners! Last week his 67 snaps resulted in just one catch and, no doubt, you’re frustrated. Olsen will be force fed the ball this week, making him a great DFS investment. Gary Barnidge (69 snaps) failed to reach expectations with Josh McCown back under center. Jordan Reed on the other hand, did have a nice comeback playing 72 snaps, getting 13 targets, nine catches, 99 yards and a TD. When Reed is healthy, he’s always an elite TE option and should be active in your lineups. Eric Ebron played 49 snaps and worked his way back into the good graces of fantasy owners with 10 targets, seven catches and 70 yards. As I called it, Jimmy Graham was a HUGE disappointment in his return to New Orleans with just three catches over 49 snaps. Russell Wilson is not even close to 100%. C.J. Fiedorowicz paid some dividends after his 48 snaps resulted in five catches for 43 yards and a TD. Clearly, he’s carving a role out for himself in the Texans’ offense. I guess someone has to, right?

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.