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.
Risers
D.J. Moore (46) was on the field for 19 more snaps than last week and played more than 50% of the Panthers snaps for the first this year (71%). He had a big game too, hauling in 5-of-6 targets for 90 yards while also rushing twice for an additional 39 yards. The rookie wide out is a player on the rise and one that should be added if available. The trade window (for a low price) may have already closed. Funchess is not a number one receiver talent, so there is room for even further growth for Moore in the Panthers offense.
Chris Carson (42) played more than 35 snaps for the first time since Week 3 and he was on the field for 67% of the Seahawks snaps (played 42% in Week 7). Carson is “the guy” in Seattle and he finished this week with 25 carries for 105 yards and a score. He also caught two passes for 19 yards. Carson has topped the 100 yard mark in three of his last four games and giving fantasy owners a big boost after being a mid-round pick in drafts.
Lamar Jackson (14) played double-digit snaps for the first time since Week 1. The Ravens were getting blown out by the Panthers, so the Ravens let the rookie get some run near the end of the game. He looked fantastic too, completing 4-of-5 passes for 46 yards and his first career touchdown. He also ran the ball three times for an additional 26 yards. Flacco (unfortunately) is still the Ravens quarterback and a change does not appear to be happening anytime soon, but Flacco simply is not very good. The moment Jackson is named the starting quarterback, you should pick him up. He will be a fantasy star immediately.
DeVante Parker (66) played 100% of the Dolphins snaps this week. It was only the third game this season that Parker has played in and he hadn’t topped 33 snaps in either of his prior two. The Dolphins needed someone to fill the voids after losing Kenny Stills and Albert Wilson to injuries and Parker did just that. He finished with six receptions for 134 yards on nine targets. He is not someone you want to put your full trust in, but he is worth a pickup after this showing.
Tim Patrick (19) played a season high snap total and also caught his first career touchdown in the Broncos 30-23 loss against the Chiefs. He has been operating as the Broncos number four receiver and only has three receptions this season, but with Demaryius Thomas being traded Patrick will slide up to third on the depth chart and have a much bigger role in the offense. Very deep leagues should give him a look, while shallower leagues should add him to their watch list and be ready to pounce if he gets a decent target share in Week 9.
Fallers
Eric Ebron only played 17 snaps this week with Doyle making his return. He was only on the field for 22% of the Colts plays, his lowest percentage of the season, and was targeted just three times (also his lowest of the season). He still had a solid game with three receptions for 37 yards and a touchdown, but if someone is willing to buy him still, now is the time to sell. The snap count and target share are very concerning to his value moving forward.
Keelan Cole (15) played by far his lowest snap count of the season this week and was seemingly benched after losing a fumble. Cole had played at least 45 snaps in every game prior to this one. This offense is a mess as a whole and Cole hasn’t done himself any favors with two fumbles lost over the last three weeks. If you hadn’t already dropped him, you can safely do so after this clunker.
Raheem Mostert (12). Howard said it best in his hot takes piece “We can kick things off by reminding everyone that teams, coaches, players and injury reports cannot be trusted… We’ve seen it repeatedly over the years and the most recent bombshell dropped in our laps was by the 49ers who stated that Breida would play Sunday but on a limited snap count. What was the limit? A billion?” Mostert was expected to have a role in the offense after receiving 23 and 22 snaps in the two weeks prior, but he finished with just the 12 snaps and two touches.
Notable Snap Counts
Carlos Hyde (28) was on the field for 44% of the Jaguars snaps in his debut with the team. He had a horrible game and I feel sorry for anyone who started him in fantasy or DFS this week. He finished with six carries for 11 yards and was not targeted in the passing game. After this abysmal showing and with Leonard Fournette expected to return to the team following their Week 9 bye, it is hard to have any kind of expectations for Hyde going forward.
Rishard Matthews (19) made his Jets debut this week and finished with one catch for three yards. There is no reason to own him in fantasy. He failed to produce with both Robby Anderson and Quincy Enunwa out this week, so there is little reason to believe he will produce (or even play) when they return.
Doug Martin (28) took over lead back duties this week with Marshawn Lynch being placed on IR. Martin, unsurprisingly, played a season high snap total and was on the field for 56% of the Raiders snaps. He finished with 13 carries for 72 yards and also caught two passes for 17 yards. However, he did lose a fumble, but overall it was a pretty strong showing by the “Muscle Hamster” and he should be added if he is somehow still available in your league.