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. You will also see risers and fallers; which is a useful tool for valuing a player’s fantasy stock. This week we also add a notable snap counts section which is based around injuries sustained in the previous week.
Bengals RB
In the first game under new offensive coordinator Bill Lazor, Joe Mixon (34) easily led the way, followed by Jeremy Hill (14), and Gio Bernard (13). A GREAT sign for Mixon owners as it appears Lazor is willing to let the rookie running back take over a featured role. Mixon looked good, finishing with 101 yards on 21 total touches. Fantasy owners will be hoping for a repeat showing in week four; as volume is always one of the biggest factors to RB success. The rookie is somewhat of a combination between Hill and Bernard and deserves to be the most heavily used.
Eagles RB
With Darren Sproles going down with season-ending injuries early in the game, the Eagles had to alter their game plan a bit in week 3. Wendell Smallwood (43) finished with the most playing time; followed by LeGarrette Blount (22) and Corey Clement (7). Smallwood and Blount will both see increased playing time going forward and a split carry total can be expected. Smallwood should get the biggest bump as he is expected to handle pass catching duties in place on Sproles. He makes for a must add in PPR leagues, if available.
Saints RB
The Saints continue to frustrate fantasy owners with a rotation of three backs that is making none of them playable. Mark Ingram (29) led the way in snaps and in touches, but rookie Alvin Kamara (17) finished with the most fantasy points. Adrian Peterson (14) was still heavily involved, but continues to be very ineffective as he finished with just 33 rushing yards on 9 carries. All three of the running backs had 2+ receptions and it is clear that none of these guys have any kind of actual role. If the Saints wanted to improve their team, they would release Peterson. For now, Ingram is the back to play, Kamara is worth owning, and Peterson should be left on the wire.
Risers
Todd Gurley averaged 46 snaps the first two weeks of the season, but that number jumped to a near league-high 63 in week 3. This was due to game flow and a back and forth barrage of points between the Rams and 49ers. What is more notable about his outing is the fact that Gurley was the only RB in the Rams offense to touch the football. The volume will continue to be there for Gurley and he can be counted on each and every week as he looks to continue his bounce back from a very weak 2016 campaign. The Rams passing offense looks much improved and that will only continue to open up more holes for Gurley who has the ability to burst through them.
Frank Gore has seen his snap counts rise each week from 19 to 32 and then 41 in week 3. The Colts continue to use Gore in heavy dosage, despite his prime being well behind him. Gore is averaging just 3.0 yards per carry and will need to continue to see heavy volume to continue to be fantasy relevant. Eventually the team will want to get rookie RB Marlon Mack more involved, but until that time comes, Gore should see enough action to warrant a spot in starting lineups.
Ryan Griffin returned from a concussion that kept him out of action in week two to play 61 snaps against the Patriots. He quickly found a groove with DeShaun Watson in their first starts together. Griffin finished with 5 receptions for 61 yards and a TD. The snap count and involvement are nice signs for Griffin and it is very possible that he could be the number two option in the passing game behind DeAndre Hopkins. Given the lack of talent at the TE position, Griffin is worth adding to see if he can repeat with another strong performance in week 4.
Fallers
Jay Ajayi saw his snap count decrease from 64 to 33 this week, and was completely bottled up by the Jets on Sunday. He managed to rush for just 16 yards on 11 carries. The low snap count was a mix of game flow, ineffectiveness on the ground, and soreness. The Dolphins got blown out in this one and had to abandon the run game in the early going. Things should be better this week as Ajayi and the Dolphins have a home meeting with the Saints. Look for a bounce back performance and high volume for Ajayi this week.
Braxton Miller played 63 snaps in both week 1 and week 2. That number dropped to 37 this week, and any hope for a breakout campaign from Miller has almost certainly been squashed. Miller did not impress in his early opportunities and has done nothing to spark any interest in any fantasy format. He has just three receptions on eight targets to begin the year and has slid behind Bruce Ellington in the pecking order. Ellington finished with four receptions for 59 yards and a TD this past week and should be on deep league fantasy radars.
Notable Snap Counts
Following Corey Coleman’s broken hand the Browns snap counts at WR broke down as followed: Ricardo Louis (57), Kenny Britt (52), Rashard Higgins (52), Jordan Leslie (21), and Kasen Williams (20). Despite playing the most snaps, Louis is not the player to own here. Britt and Higgins were the most heavily targeted, and Britt had the most successful day; coming down with three receptions for 54 yards and a TD. Kizer was spreading the ball around Sunday and he connected with 11 different receivers, with RB/slot receiver Duke Johnson doing the most damage to the tune of six grabs for 81 yards. More of the same can be expected going forward. Duke Johnson should be in starting lineups, while Britt and Higgins are fringe playable with low floors and mediocre ceilings.
Greg Olsen went down last week with a fractured foot and it was Ed Dickson who was the Panthers number one TE this week. He played all 59 snaps, but managed to do very little in the passing game as he hauled in just one pass for eight yards. He was the only TE to catch a pass but until he sees increased volume in the passing game he isn’t worth a look. This pass game as a whole is struggling and is one to avoid if possible.