At this stage in the season, we’ve officially come to terms with acceptance. Acceptance that DeAndre Hopkins and Todd Gurley, although outstanding talents, are fantasy busts in 2016. Acceptance that the “sleeper darlings” of the draft season like Sterling Shepard and Tajae Sharpe are basically irrelevant. As we approach Week 10, your season has either sunk or floated along based on your ability to acknowledge facts such as these sooner rather than later. For those season-long teams on the bubble there is still time to finish strong and work our way into the playoffs. For DFS players, there is plenty of football left and a strong finish starts now!

Here’s the Snap Count Recap for Week 9:

RUNNING BACKS

It’s time to panic if you’re a Le'Veon Bell owner. Not only did you possibly put your team in a hole to start the year, but the very plausible downside after his return is in full effect. I was concerned heading into drafts that Bell could face another disciplinary action, another injury or, even more possible, an injury to Ben Roethlisberger that could impact his value. With so many variables, Bell was a significant risk heading into this season. This weekend Bell played 65 snaps but rushed for only 32 yards on 14 carries. He also caught six balls, but for just 38 yards. Bell will have to overcome a drop off in QB play the rest of the season whether it’s a hobbled Big Ben or eventually a lesser Landry Jones.

Melvin Gordon continues to roll. He posted 196 rushing yards with a touchdown on 65 snaps Sunday and continues to show that, although his efficiency has been erratic at times, he can be RB1 material, especially in the current climate. Jay Ajayi has also continued his 40-plus snap trend with excellent returns as he’s taken over the reins in the Dolphins backfield.  This week’s surprise was Oakland’s Latavius Murray who rushed for 114 yards on 20 carries over 43 snaps. Will that trend continue? Considering the Raiders attack is pass heavy, I wouldn’t bet on it. In fact, this may have been his best game of the year. 

Devonta Freeman (46 snaps) was good, but not great with his 17/77 line. Basically, he’s done nothing to make a second entity in the Atlanta backfield a distant memory when Tevin Coleman returns. C.J. Prosise saw an increase in snaps (26), while teammate Christine Michael saw a decrease (18). With a healthy Thomas Rawls potentially on the horizon, this Seahawks backfield is getting messier every week. Darren Sproles’ 60 snaps dwarfed Ryan Mathews’ eight. Unfortunately, Sproles’ productivity was mediocre at best (57 rushing yards, 14 receiving). Going forward, Sproles may indeed be the Eagles’ lead back, but in fantasy terms he’s still more of a flex option than an RB2.

WIDE RECEIVERS

Eli Rogers was on the field for 46 snaps and caught 6-of-10 targets for 103 yards. The aforementioned quarterback limitations of the Steelers going forward may actually play into the increased value of the young slot receiver. Dontrelle Inman continues to see plenty of action for the Chargers (a Week 9 high, 76 snaps for receivers), but still lacks appeal outside of deep PPR leagues. Allen Robinson’s first game with a new OC was better (73 snaps, seven catches on 11 targets for 76 yards and a touchdown), but it may be too little too late. It’s also still WR2-type production from a guy drafted as a clear No. 1. Michael Thomas has emerged as the go-to in New Orleans. In terms of ADP, you can argue he’s been the best buy of 2016. If he continues to play 70 snaps a game, you’re looking at another quick riser in 2017’s draft.

There’s been plenty of reason to dismiss Robert Woods, but perhaps it’s time to reconsider. Although the Bills passing attack may be a second-class citizen to its running game, his upcoming matchups versus the Raiders, Steelers and Browns may indeed make him relevant into the fantasy playoffs. Stefon Diggs (57 snaps) caught 13 of his 14 targets for 80 yards, but in standard leagues, his lack of touchdown upside has crushed his overall value. Golden Tate, on the other hand, has rewarded owners’ patience. He played 53 snaps against the strong Vikings secondary and caught 11 of 12 targets for 79 yards and a touchdown. Marvin Jones seems like a distant memory as we approach mid-November.

TIGHT ENDS

All season, the knock on Jason Witten has been “he’s all catches and no scoring”. Well, in Week 9 he finally got that touchdown along with 134 yards on eight catches. Antonio Gates has found his way back into fantasy relevance (66 snaps, five catches, 75 yards, and a touchdown). As long as Hunter Henry is ailing, Gates will be a great tight end in all formats. In PPR leagues, Lance Kendricks’ seven catches for 90 yards keeps him in the conversation. Eric Ebron has returned with a vengeance and showed against the Vikings he should be match up proof the rest of the year. Ebron played 52 snaps and caught 7-of-8 targets for 90 yards. Expect the touchdowns to come pouring in down the stretch as he and Matthew Stafford look like they’re working in lockstep. I know Kyle Rudolph scored a touchdown, but the one catch on three targets, despite 64 snaps, is simply not going to get it done. This is what happens when you overrate coaching changes and start writing your own narrative regardless of the personnel.

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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 On Target Fantasy weekdays at 12 noon est, The Fantasy Black Book Show Tues/Turs 8-10pm est & Sunday Game Day 8-11am on FNTSY Network Radio.