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

Kenneth Dixon (23) played a new season high snap total this week and saw his snap share jump from 21% to 32%. Dixon only played eight fewer snaps than Edwards and also was only outrushed 67 to 58 despite getting half his carries (16 carries for Edwards, 8 for Dixon). Dixon also punched in a touchdown and jumps into the fantasy football waiver spotlight with the big week. However, with the Ravens using Edwards, Montgomery, and Dixon it makes any of them hard to trust in any given game right now.

Robert Foster (73) and Isaiah McKenzie (59) both set new season highs in snap counts this week in the first game since the Bills cut bait with Benjamin and Holmes. Foster finished the game with seven receptions for 104 yards on eight targets and McKenzie hauled in four-of-seven targets for 47 yards and ran the ball four times for 22 yards and a touchdown. As you can see, both players stepped up big time in their first game with bigger roles; however, it is hard to trust anyone in this Buffalo offense.

Damien Williams (43) had a large jump in playing time this week after playing 19 snaps in the first game post-Hunt. He was actually on the field for more snaps than starting back Ware (40), but finished with eight fewer touches than Ware. Williams finished with a touchdown on the ground and through the air, but didn’t generate many yards with his touches as he finished with eight carries for 16 yards and four receptions for 16 yards. He should be owned, but not played.  

Darren Sproles (22) played 13 more snaps than he did in Week 13 and he played well; he had one carry for two yards and caught all three of his targets for 34 yards and a touchdown. Sproles has always been electric with the ball in his hands and will be an asset in the Eagles passing attack for the remainder of the season (barring he stays healthy). That being said, he doesn’t have a lot of value in the fantasy world and he can be left on the wire.

Fallers

Devin Funchess (29) played a season low snap total and was fourth on the team in snaps among wide receivers. It was his second straight week under 35 snaps and also the second straight of being fourth in snaps. It appears the Panthers have turned to their young talented duo of Moore and Samuel, but the fact that Funchess is playing less than Wright is a bit surprising. To make matters worse, he finished the game with zero receptions on three targets and now has just one reception over the last two weeks. You can cut bait with Funchess.

Marquez Valdes-Scantling (30) played his lowest snap total since Week 3 in the Packers 34-20 win over the Falcons. It was also his first game playing under 50% of the snaps since Week 3. He was hardly involved in the game plan as he finished with two receptions for 19 yards on two targets. He was both fourth on the team in snaps and in targets (among wide receivers). He can be dropped in redraft formats, even in deeper leagues.

Notable Snap Counts

Jaylen Samuels (48) started at running back for the Steelers with Conner out this week and he was the only back to see double-digit snaps. The Steelers made it seem like it would be more of a timeshare with Ridley, but that simply wasn’t the case (though Ridley did have the lone rushing touchdown). Samuels really struggled to get anything going on the ground as he finished with 11 carries for just 28 yards, but he really excelled in the passing game as he hauled in all seven of his targets for 64 yards. Samuels is only playable if Conner is out again.

Elijah McGuire (40) set a new season high snap total in the Jets 27-23 win over the Bills. Crowell left the game with an injury after playing just five snaps and he is expected to miss Week 15, which means McGuire is in line to start and see a heavy dosage of touches. He played pretty well in the expanded role this week as he carried the ball 17 times for 60 yards and a score while also hauling in three passes for 23 yards. His cheap DFS price will likely see him being heavily used this weekend.

Marquise Goodwin (24) made his return to game action after sitting out the last two games. The 24 snaps were his fewest since Week 1. He had a limited role in the offense too, hauling in both his targets for a total of 20 yards. Goodwin is a boom-of-bust type of player and this is the type of game we can get from him. He should see an increase in snaps for Week 15, but in a tough matchup with the Seahawks you probably should not play him anywhere.