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
Mike Davis (59) was on the field for a new season high snap total after Carson left the game early with a hip injury. After Carson exited the game, Davis slid into the featured back role and had a monster game (in PPR formats). He finished with 15 carries for 62 yards (4.1 YPC) and hauled in seven receptions for 45 yards. If Carson is unable to suit up against the Rams in Week 10 you can expect another big workload for Davis and he will be worth plugging into your lineup.
TJ Jones (36) played a new season high snap total in the first game post-Tate. His previous high was 17, but he now operates as the number three receiver for Detroit and should continue to see decent playing time going forward. He did not do very much with the increase in playing time though, finishing with just two receptions for 13 yards on two targets. The Lions had a rough game on offense and Stafford only threw for 199 passing yards, so there is solid chance that Jones should have better games ahead, but he can be avoided in fantasy for now.
Fallers
Austin Ekeler (9) had a season low snap total in the Chargers win over the Seahawks. While it’s far from surprising that he didn’t play the 42 snaps that he did in the Chargers previous game – Melvin Gordon was out – this was big dip. He was only on the field for 18% of the Chargers snaps and his previous season low was 18, prior to this one. He finished with three carries for 21 yards and caught one pass for 13 yards. He doesn’t have much value with Gordon back on the field.
Derrick Henry played just 14 snaps in the Titans 28-14 over the Cowboys. The game flow was in Henry’s favor and he still was barely used as Dion Lewis has completely taken over the Tennessee backfield.
Henry finished with six carries for 27 yards and a touchdown while also hauling in two receptions for a measly five yards. In comparison, Lewis finished with 23 touches to Henry’s eight. Henry owners can move on and look for some upside on the waivers.
Josh Reynolds (2), as expected, returned to the bench with Kupp making his return from injury this week. Reynolds had a nice game in Week 8 with three receptions for 42 yards and two touchdowns, but with the return of Kupp there was simply no room for Reynolds in the Rams offensive attack. He makes for an interesting DFS punt play in any game that one of the Rams big three receivers are out, but he doesn’t have much value outside of that.
Notable Snap Counts
Amari Cooper (50) led all Cowboys receivers in snaps in his debut for the team. He had a nice game too, finishing with five receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown. He was targeted eight times in this game and it looks like the move to Dallas will be a beneficial one for his fantasy owners. Cooper’s arrival was a big hit to Hurns as he played a season low 13 snaps in the Cowboys loss. He slid down to the number four role behind Cooper, Gallup, and Beasley.
Terrelle Pryor (75) played the second most snaps of any Bills receiver in his debut or the team. He was on the field for 82% of the snaps, but finished with just two receptions for 17 yards on five targets. He also carried the ball once, but that resulted in a one yard loss. Pryor has some talent, but it’s very unlikely he does much of anything as a member of the Bills. Buffalo is averaging a league low 151 passing yards per game and are currently rolling with Nathan Peterman at quarterback (Easily the worst QB I have ever seen play in the NFL).
Elijah McGuire (36) made his season debut for the Jets this week and led their backfield in snaps. “Starter” Isaiah Crowell only played 23 snaps in comparison and McGuire was the more effective player between the two. He finished with seven carries for 30 yards (4.3 YPC) and hauled in three passes for 37 yards on five targets. This game was a very good sign for McGuire going forward. He should be heavily involved in the Jets offensive attack this Sunday against the Bills.
Dalvin Cook (28) made his return from injury and led the Vikings backfield in snaps. It was his first game since Week 4 and he looked ready to go, finishing with 10 carries for 89 yards and catching four passes for 20 yards. The large chunk of his rushing yards came on one play when he ripped off a 70 yard run. Cook owners have to be pleased after this game and there is finally reason for optimism again in what has been a huge disappointment of a season by a second round pick in fantasy this year.