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. Starting next week we will add snap count risers and fallers, which will also be a useful tool for valuing a player’s fantasy stock.

Ravens RB

Alex Collins (27) started for the Ravens, but it was Javorius Allen (30) who led the team in snaps. Kenneth Dixon (22) was also right up there with Collins and Allen and he actually ended up leading the team in rush attempts with 13. The spread out usage and snap totals have led to many people hitting the panic button on Collins, but is there a reason to? Short answer: no. The Ravens led 14-0 after the first quarter and 26-0 at halftime. That lead turned into a 40-0 lead early into the 3rd quarter. The weather was also bad in Baltimore. With a huge lead and also weather concerns, why would the Ravens use their featured back? It would simply make no sense. Collins owners do not need to worry, he is still their featured back. Better weeks are ahead.

Bengals RB

We wanted to see Joe Mixon (42) be the bell-cow back for Cincinnati and that is exactly what we got. He was on the field for 76% of the teams snaps and did not disappoint; he finished with 17 carries for 95 yards and a touchdown while also adding in five receptions for an additional 54 yards. It was against the lowly Colts, but it does give us a reason to be excited about him. Gio Bernard (14) and Tra Carson (3) were the other backs to touch the field for the Bengals.

Browns RB

The Browns have a three-headed attack with Carlos Hyde (47), Duke Johnson (41), and Nick Chubb (4), but as you can see, based on week 1 it looks more like a two-headed attack. Hyde struggled to the tune of 62 yards on 22 carries (2.8 YPC) but that shouldn’t have a negative effect on his playing time going forward. For now, Chubb is irrelevant outside of dynasty formats. Johnson only managed to haul in one pass on six targets, but that should continue to be his main role. It was a bit surprising to see him out-carry Chubb 5-to-3 though.

Broncos RB

The hype train for Royce Freeman (29) spiraled out of control prior to the season starting (something I did not really understand, but that’s beside the point), but week one was a big letdown for the rookie back. Yes he led the Broncos in snaps, but Phillip Lindsay (26) and Devontae Booker (19) both played major roles as well. In the end, Freeman and Lindsay both finished with 15 carries for 71 yards, but it was Lindsay doing more in the passing game with two receptions for 31 yards and a touchdown. Lindsay makes for a hot/spicy waiver wire target, while Freeman owners cannot be overly thrilled with the week 1 usage.

Colts RB

With Marlon Mack out this week, the Colts heavily relied on their two rookie backs in Jordan Wilkins (46) and Nyheim Hines (37). Veteran Christian Michael (3) only played 4% of the snaps and had two carries for nine yards. Neither rookie was particularly impressive on the ground, but Hines did have a nice game as a pass catcher as he finished with seven receptions for 33 yards. Mack is expected to make his return this week, so it will be interesting to see how the Colts use the two rookies behind Mack.

Dolphins RB

Kenyan Drake (46) and Frank Gore (18) were listed as co-starters, but as you can see, the playing time tells a different story. Drake also out-touched Gore 17-9 and was the only one of the two to catch a pass as he finished with three receptions. Gore had the more productive day on the ground in terms of yards per carry, but Drake owners do not need to worry. This is his backfield and he is going to be “the guy” on most occasions.

Steelers RB

James Conner (77) was the starting back, as expected, with Le’Veon Bell sitting out with contract disputes. However, what was not expected was for Conner to completely dominate the backfield. He was on the field for 92% of the snaps. His backups Jaylen Samuels (0) and Steven Ridley (0) both did not even sniff the field. For however long Bell is out, Conner looks locked into being a very strong fantasy asset after his 192 total yard, two touchdown game.

Titans RB

This situation was a surprise, as Dion Lewis (49) was on the field way more than Derrick Henry (20). This should be a bit concerning for Henry owners, but not enough to go into a full on panic. It was a bit of game flow and also because Lewis was simply outplaying Henry – who was having a weak game. Lewis finished with 16 carries for 75 yards and also added in five receptions for an additional 35 yards, meanwhile Henry finished with just 26 rushing yards on 10 carries and one reception for five yards. At this point, Lewis is the preferred own in PPR.

Lions RB

Theo Riddick (41) led the way, which given the Lions blowout loss, was far from a surprise. Rookie Kerryon Johnson (16) and veteran LeGarrette Blount (13) played a similar amount and also were close in carries with Johnson getting five and Blount four. However, Johnson picked up 17 yards whereas Blount “ran” for -3 yards. It is hard to base much off this game as the Lions fell behind big and early, but it does appear that Johnson is likely gaining steam on Blount for early down duties.

Seahawks RB

Chris Carson (25) and rookie Rashaad Penny (25) played an equal amount, but the results were far from equal. Carson finished with seven carries for 51 yards and had three receptions for 28 yards; meanwhile, Penny only managed gain eight yards on seven totes, but he did catch four passes for 35 yards. This isn’t the best of news for Carson owners, even though he was the far superior back in this one. The Seahawks are showing they want to get Penny involved, which is a bit surprising to me as Pete Carroll normally just rolls with whoever is playing the best.

49ers RB

Alfred Morris (34) and Matt Breida (30) were on the field for a very similar amount, but Breida had the stronger performance. Breida finished with 11 carries for 46 yards and also caught one pass for five yards; Morris on the other hand, only managed to rush for 38 yards on 12 carries and did not catch a pass. The two should still be used in a balance approach, but I would not be surprised to see Breida be the one that is on the field slightly more this week.

Jaguars WR

Keelan Cole (47), Donte Moncrief (43), and Dede Westbrook (31) were the main three receivers for the Jags in week one. Rookie DJ Chark (13) was a non-factor in this one as he hardly saw the field and didn’t touch the football a single time. Moncrief may have been on the field a lot more than Westbrook, but it did not lead to more production, as Cole and Westbrook were Blake Bortles main targets. Cole finished with three receptions for 54 yards, while Westbrook finished with five catches for 51 yards. Moncrief has just one grab for 14 yards.

Cowboys WR

The Cowboys used five receivers and all played a decent amount. Cole Beasley (43) and Allen Hurns (38) led the way, but Deonte Thompson (30), Michael Gallup (29), and Terrance Williams (19) all played a good bit as well. The most surprising take away from this is that Thompson was on the field more than both Gallup and Williams. He was also the second most productive receiver as he finished with three receptions for 27 yards. Currently, Beasley appears to be the only fantasy relevant receiver for Dallas as he finished with seven receptions for 73 yards.