Tracking snap counts is a good way to get an indication of how much a player is on the field, and what their future usage outlook could look like. Next to each player’s name you will see a number inside of parenthesis, for example John Smith (2), that 2 would represent how many snaps he played this week. We are going to dive into some of the more interesting situations around the league regarding snap count numbers. This week we will add snap count risers and fallers; which is also a useful tool for valuing a player’s fantasy stock.

Seahawks RB

Despite Thomas Rawls (16) rejoining the Seahawks this week, it was Chris Carson (50) who by far led the backfield in snaps and in touches. He was also the most effective at carrying the rock, finishing with 93 yards on 20 carries, compared to Thomas Rawls’ 4 yards on 5 carries. It appears that this job is Chris Carson’s to lose and he will certainly be a hot waiver wire add in leagues he is available in. As for Rawls, he can be dropped outside of deep leagues. C.J. Prosise (17) continues to handle the pass catching duties but managed to haul in just 3-of-6 targets this week; including dropping a key pass near the goal-line that easily could have been 6 points.

Patriots RB

This backfield snap count broke down in a similar way that it did in week one. James White (30) and Mike Gillislee (30) easily led the way, followed by Dion Lewis (14) and Rex Burkhead (8). As expected, Gillislee got the goal-line work (which included a TD plunge) and was the workhorse back once the Patriots got out to a sizeable lead. White operated as the pass catcher, finishing with 8 receptions on 8 targets for 85 yards. Both backs were effective and made for nice starts in PPR leagues, with Gillislee being a strong standard league start. This type of usage should be expected each and every week with the two backs operating in these roles, with Lewis and Burkhead seeing limited workloads. 

Cardinals RB

In the first week post-David Johnson the Cardinals used three running backs. Andre Ellington (30) led the way in snaps followed by Kerwynn Williams (18) and Chris Johnson (17). Despite leading in snaps, Ellington actually received the lightest workload.  Johnson had the strongest showing on the ground rushing for 44 yards on 11 carries. Williams finished with just 22 yards on 9 carries. It is likely that the Cardinals will continue to use all three backs, which means none of them will have much value in the fantasy game. It is a situation worth monitoring.

Risers

Laquon Treadwell played 36 snaps in week one, but saw that number jump to 51 in week two. He also finished with a career-high in targets, receptions, and yards with 6, 3, and 33 respectively. Treadwell is athletically gifted, but to this point in his brief career has found a hard time getting involved within the Vikings offense. Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen are the clear cut one and two receivers, so it may take an injury for Treadwell to really become fantasy relevant. That being said, the snap increase and career highs across the board make him a person to monitor going forward. He may be worth an add in dynasty leagues following Sunday’s showing.

Javorius Allen appears to be taking over a featured back role for the Ravens. His surprisingly high snap total of 33 in week one rose to an even higher 42 in week two. Allen is averaging less than 4.0 YPC to begin the year, but so is fellow running back and teammate Terrance West. Allen’s ability to catch the football in the pass game has allowed him to stay on the field in a heavy dosage. Allen was a hot waiver wire add this past week, and for now, that is looking like a good move by his new owners. 

Le’Veon Bell used his 43 snaps in week one as somewhat of his preseason warm-up following his holdout. In week two he fully got back into the swing of things with 68 snaps. However, he once again struggled to get things going, as he finished with 87 yards on 27 carries for a poor YPC of just 3.2. For a guy as talented as Bell is, it is only a matter of time before he explodes for a monster fantasy game. If there is any kind of buy low window for him in your league, now is the time to pounce.

Fallers

LeGarrette Blount had a low snap count of 24 in week one and it dropped to an extremely low number of 6 in week two. The Eagles were trailing in the game, which is part of the reason for the decreased snap count. The fact that he finished with zero carries is extremely alarming, and it appears his role within the offense will be minimal at best. This backfield is a mess; as fellow runner Wendell Smallwood finished with just 3 carries for 4 yards. Darren Sproles appears to be the back to own after he carried the rock 10 times for 48 yards in Sunday’s 27-20 loss to the Chiefs. 

Terrance West seems to be falling out of favor to Javorius Allen and it could continue. West saw a surprisingly low 27 snaps in week one, and it was worse in week two as he finished with just 15 snaps. If West is relegated to strictly backup duties, he will no longer be worth owning as anything more than a stash/handcuff. This week’s game against the Jaguars will be an important game to monitor for West owners. Allen’s versatility as a pass catcher is giving him more opportunities than that of West.  For the time being, it appears West will have both a low ceiling and low floor going forward.

Lamar Miller saw his week one snap count of 64 drop to 49 in week two. The Texans wanted to get rookie running back D’Onta Foreman more involved within the offense, and they did. Foreman had his rushing attempt total jump from 1 in week one to 12 in week two. Neither back was very effective against the Bengals, but if the plan is for Freeman to be more involved, it will almost certainly hurt the value of Miller. Miller has just 126 rushing yards on 35 carries (3.6 YPC) to begin the year, and will need to get it going quickly to keep getting high volume. Miller owners should be worried.